The celebratory mood clung to the air, carried by the aroma of the flowers that were used for the decoration. Combined with the effects of the soul ring set, the citizens of Pinespire had never felt better. The calm was akin to sinking into a hot spring after walking through ice winds. Everyone was at peace, no matter what their living conditions were.

Aenon stood at his office's window, back in his combat gear. The tranquility they earned was no doubt short lived, but no less important. After several weeks of war, this quiet period was a kind of mental reset to prepare for what came next—taking the fight to the Alliance cities.

But their approach was vastly different than their enemy's. A full-scale assault without using a monster horde was not possible, and neither could they wait for the protections to fall as the sinister woman would have direct external help when that happened. For better for worse, Aenon had to eliminate the threat within a few months.

This was, of course, in addition to finally wrapping up his Domain quest.

Aenon sighed and pulled up his gear list. Not much had changed except the addition of the ring—his second mythic rarity piece. The Suppression Ring was a temporary addition till he got used to the explosive growth spurt.

Gear

Main Hand: Void Stalker's Wrath (Unique/Growth, Soulbound)

Off Hand: Void Stalker's Gluttony (Unique Growth, Soulbound)

Head: Gaze of the Abyss (Legendary)

Chest: Abyssal Shirt (Epic)

Legs: Abyssal Pants (Epic)

Hands: Reinforced Abyssal Gloves (Ancient)

Feet: Abyssal Boots (Epic)

Cloak: Veil of the Abyss (Mythic)

Trinket: Lucky Memento (Common), Soul Ring of the Sovereign (Mythic), Suppression Ring (Uncommon)

Armor Set Effect

Shadow Meld | Mana cost: Variable | Allows the ability to enter the Shadow Realm, leaving the plane of existence. User's shadow will still appear in the real world. Can traverse freely within the parallel dimension, but the user will be forced out if the real-world shadow is attacked. Mana is consumed when traversing areas under light, and the expenditure is based on light intensity.

Armor Abilities

Abyssal Gaze | Mana cost: 200/sec | Anyone making eye contact with the wielder will have their WIL further reduced by 25% and if their WIL is below the wielder's, it inflicts fear and paralysis debuff for up to 15 seconds.

Kingdom of Darkness | Mana cost: 3000 | Create absolute darkness in a 30 meter (100-foot) radius around the caster, dispelling all light and light wisps. The effect lasts for 10 minutes under a direct light source and 30 minutes in low light conditions. No light Spell can be used while inside the area of effect (AoE).

The issue with his stagnant gear was simple—he had outgrown most of it. In his fight against the Ant Monarch, the gear had done very little to protect him. In fact, except for his mask and gloves, none of the other leather pieces had done much. Borin had explained that as he progressed in evolution levels, he would need periodic upgrades since the material wouldn't be able to withstand the forces otherwise. His gear was still considered decent because of its effects, but in terms of protection, it was sub-par at best.

The System Admin was very clear that she had selected this gear for Aenon. And looking at her methods, she had prioritized learning over safety. By exposing Aenon to void mana, reality piercing abilities, and soul-based attacks, she tried to nudge Aenon in the right direction. In other words, the gear was intended to give hints about possible spells like Shadow Meld, Kingdom of Darkness and Abyssal Gaze. He still hadn't cracked the combination for any of them, but he was getting close.

The biggest restriction on these abilities was their restricted area of effect. The mana cost for both Kingdom of Darkness and Abyssal Gaze was negligible when compared to his monstrous resource pool. But so was the range. KOD had a measly 30-meter (100-foot) radius and could only be cast for thirty minutes at a time. He could chain cast it now, but the size of the dome would still be limited. The same issue came up with Abyssal Gaze. It was a kind of soul-based attack which required eye contact. It wasn't really needed anymore since Aenon could replicate its effects using his Aura, that too with a larger reach. Finally, Shadow Meld was inherent to his pack, which implied he could learn to do it himself. He just needed to figure it out first.

He pulled up his Spell list next.

Order Category Spells

Emergence – None

Light – Light Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 200 + 150 /min

Life – Heal (Basic) | Cost: 500 + 300/min

Water – Water Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Earth – Earth Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Chaos Category Spells

Void – ??

Dark – Shadow Manipulation (Minor) | Cost: 200 + 150/min

Death – None

Fire – Fire Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Air – Air Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min

Neutral Category Spells

Space – Physical Barrier (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 200/min

Time – None

Gravity – Gravity Well (Intermediate) | Cost: 200 + 400/min, Feather Foot (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 500/min

Energy – Heat Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost 400 + 200/min

Arcane – Magical Barrier (Basic) | Cost: 400 + 200/min

Hybrid Spells

Blooming Earth (EM Proficiency + 1) | Overcharge + Earth Manipulation | Cost: 1500/min

Ice Manipulation (Lesser of AM and WM) | Air Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost: 600 + 400/min

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Gravity Bomb (GW Proficiency +1) | Overcharge + Gravity Well | Cost: 1400/min

Steam Manipulation (Lesser of FM and WM) | Fire Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost 600 +400/min

Touch of the Void (Lesser of Heal and ??) | Heal + ?? | Cost: 2000 + 500/min

Aenon couldn't help but smile at the first spell in the Void category—even hidden, it amused him. The hybrid spell it contributed to was just a bonus. It worked better for healing his wounds and cleansing debuffs, but he couldn't cast it on anyone but himself—and the mana cost was steep. It was more of a way to hone his body for the second body tempering than an actual healing Spell.

He dismissed his progress with a satisfied grin. He needed a gear upgrade soon, but what he had wasn't completely useless yet.

"Done admiring your status?" the Nurse piped up from his left.

"For now, yes," Aenon said with a shrug. A lot of work was being done in the background for the upcoming confrontation. He simply had to play his role—the big, scary monster in the dark that instilled fear.

"I must say, the outcome of your gamble paid off really well," the Nurse quipped with pride. "The effect of the soul ore wouldn't have been as monstrous if you used it all on yourself. By sharing it everyone, you have compounded the gains significantly."

"Not really a gamble," Aenon replied simply. "I wanted to protect them the best I could. These are just side bonuses."

The Nurse nodded in acknowledgement. "Of course. That is what you both are like."

Aenon didn't need to ask to deduce who the Nurse was referring to. The System Admin had been pretty much the same from the start. Nudging him along from the shadows without a care about the cost or risk involved.

"For what its worth, I do appreciate her favor," Aenon said respectfully.

The Nurse was taken aback but recovered with a smile "And she appreciates you too. Even though she'd deny it, I am sure she is quite fond of you now."

Aenon simply nodded because no words were needed. The silence lingered for a moment, before the Nurse gave one more piece of advice.

"Be wary of your teacher," she said seriously. "She's not as simple as she looks."

"I know," was all Aenon said. That was a bridge he would cross eventually, but for now he had more pressing matters.

There was a knock on the door, after which the Nurse disappeared into thin air. At his command, Thalindra and Henry walked in. They were followed by his full retinue except the wolves. Only Bane was in attendance.

"It is time," Thalindra said with a fierce look.

Aenon gave a tense nod before leading the way to the hidden chamber with the City Totem. Only Jenny showed any curiosity, the others were either aware of the place or simply didn't care. Like the new Lycanthrope who followed without showing any emotion.

As Aenon activated the crystal, the entire group was transported to a large conference room. It was much bigger than anything he had seen. At full capacity, perhaps thousands could be accommodated without problems. For now, it was halfway full, and the souls that registered in his Sovereign's Domain were on edge.

Aenon picked up the three distinct groups that were seated. And based on what Thalindra told him, these were the three Archduke factions. These meetings were usually held whenever a new Noble quest was registered in the system. And based on the rank, they were assimilated into the collective. A Baron would swear allegiance to a Viscount, a Viscount to an Earl, and so on. The Alliance was an anomaly that the Archdukes tolerated based on the threat they possessed.

But now that the Alliance's motives put them into disrepute, the three Archdukes had spared no time to consolidate whatever they could. And today's meeting was to decide the fate of Aenon's city.

"They finally made it," Archduke N'Kanza said sarcastically. The impatience in the air was palpable.

"I've no need for a minor Noble who doesn't respect the time of their superiors," Archduke Ravenscar said dismissively.

"I could take them under my wing to teach them discipline," Archduke Wenxuan said with a predatory smile.

They started discussing which Duke they would serve under, with no regard or input from Aenon. Almost like they were nothing but cattle to be bid on. For their part, Aenon's people ignored the rabble, more focused on finding the right seats.

Henry directed Aenon to a suitable location, and soon his entire retinue was staring blankly at the senseless drama. Even without an explanation from Thalindra about political maneuvers, Aenon could easily sense their intention. They feared Aenon's group—mainly Thalindra—and wanted to put them in their place.

The public bickering went on for almost five minutes, but the façade soon died when they noticed the calmly seated newcomers. They just realized that no one among Aenon's people had said a word so far.

"Decorum demands that you remain standing till your faction is decided," an angry minion screamed at them. But one look from Thalindra made the man cower behind his Archduke.

Aenon on the other hand was seated lazily, with one crossed leg over the other, and his head resting on his fist. The posture infuriated the three powerhouses, who each rested their hands on their weapons.

"That would be a terrible mistake," Aenon spoke calmly. He even made his mask invisible to show his empty expression.

"It's just a kid?" N'Kanza commented. The bewilderment in her voice was apparent. "You are serving a kid?"

"He is our Patriarch, yes," Thalindra responded simply.

The three leaders blinked and exchanged glances, before chuckling among themselves.

"I see your game," Ravenscar said. "A child emperor is indeed easy to control. I admire your tactic. Guess it is you we should be talking to. You are certainly powerful, but not powerful enough to face us all when the tutorial ends."

Aenon sensed that they had all but dismissed Aenon's presence. Something that didn't sit well with the others. But they begrudgingly held back, following Thalindra's script to the letter.

"Ah, I see the confusion," Thalindra said with an apologetic smile. "We registered Lord Fenrast as an Earl candidate to get your attention so that you would take our word seriously. Now that it is no longer needed, Lord Fenrast, if you will?"

Aenon waved his hands in a bored manner, upgrading his public Nobility Quest to the rank of an Archduke.

The silence was deafening. Aenon saw the fear that had receded rear its ugly head like a disturbed viper. Mixed with it a plethora of raw emotions like jealousy and hostility.

"You want us to believe that this brat has a Nobility Quest on par with us?" N'Kanza exploded in righteous fury.

"I am guessing they too have a vile artifact to affect our minds," Ravenscar added. The others nodded along. "That is the only explanation."

"The System only allows you to hide your true Quest rank by downgrading," Thalindra educated the disbelieving crowd. "Which I am sure you are aware of. If we were truly aiming to use illegal means, why would we stop at Archduke? Might as well fake it to be a King or an Emperor rank."

"You have a way with words, evil ghost" a man standing next to Wenxuan—the same one who had spoken about decorum—said with narrowed eyes. "And anything you say is meaningless. Just look at your group—barely human, the lot of you. You even have dogs in your ranks." The contempt was directed at Bane, no doubt.

Seven oppressive Auras descended in the arena, knocking over the entire crowd except the three Archdukes. But they too were barely hanging on by clutching onto the table. The man who had uttered the insult had it worse, blood starting to leak from his nose.

But just when everyone thought it couldn't get any worse, Aenon's Aura swept the field, inundating all other Auras like a tidal wave. The others brought their Auras in check, but their fury wasn't quenched.

Aenon stood with an eerie calm, his face unreadable. As he walked towards the shivering wretch, his silent footsteps shaking their souls. The Archdukes tried to resist, but every time they attempted to move the pressure worsened. When he was in front of their seats, the three couldn't take it anymore and fell to their knees.

But Aenon only had eyes for his target—the one who had dared to insult his pack brother. The guy tried to mumble an apology, but his Aura didn't let him breathe, let alone string together words. He raised a hand to cast Gravity Well over the man, suspending him in midair. With a casual finger flick he tore off the man's clothes, leaving only his undergarments intact. Another gesture severed his ankle tendons, eliciting a gut-wrenching shriek. As his hands fell to the sides, so did the man's body like a puppet. Due to his injuries, he couldn't stand and ended up crawling on all fours.

As Aenon turned to the others, he could feel the horror in their souls. "He is to live the life of a dog for one week. He will eat from leftover scraps, sleep out in the open, and only bark to communicate. I only give warnings once, so if I find that these instructions were not followed, you will learn what happens to those I mark as my enemies."

The crowd collapsed in terrified silence as his Aura retracted. But no one dared say a word to comfort the sniveling man on the ground. The bravado of the three Archdukes melted like ice before a furnace. Thalindra had an exasperated expression—this was off-script—but she understood the need to assert dominance given the circumstances. Aenon would not tolerate anyone belittling his people, especially based on their race. The Shadow Wraiths and Lycanthropes were just the beginning. They would have many other exotic species joining them at some point. And Aenon wanted to stamp out any misguided racism before it took root.

"I do not know how to govern, or train an army, or choreograph political theatre," Aenon declared to the crowd. "I have other people who do it for me. My role is a very simple one—I am the one who enforces the rules." His Aura-infused words made everyone sweat, even the Archdukes shrinking back when he gazed at them. "As long as you keep things civil, I will sit in the backlines. Encroach upon my principles, and no shadow will hide you. For I live in them."

Aenon Shadow Melded right before everyone's eyes—a stray dark pattern on the ground sliding back to his earlier seat. He reappeared on his chair in the same exact pose as earlier. But this time his indifference put everyone on edge.

"The price of such an insult in the wider Multiverse is death," Thalindra took charge again. "Consider yourself lucky that Lord Fenrast doesn't retaliate disproportionally. You dared humiliate his companion, and thus your punishment. But any further incitement will be faced with a disproportionate response. Something the Alliance is soon going to learn."

That caught everyone's attention, especially the defectors. Aenon could clearly feel their political greed. They had joined the Alliance for their own personal benefit and quit it once the going got tough. Even the Archdukes had the same repulsive quality about them.

"They dared attack our city with an army of 20,000 mind-controlled beasts," Thalindra revealed to a shocked crowd. "The 334 losses we suffered will be avenged."

Mentioning the number of deaths wasn't necessary, but the effect was unquestionable. After all, what kind of monsters could dispel an attack against ten to one odds with such low casualty rate. For Aenon, that number was unacceptable. To them, it was simply ludicrous and induced panic.

"The choice to hide his true Nobility rank was by my design," Thalindra continued. "Introducing us as a contender would have made you go closer to the Alliance. But now, you have done half the work for us. All we need to do is erase their existence off the face of this planet."

The vicious smile that Thalindra sported made their blood boil. But they had no choice but to suffer the humiliation of being used in silence. The message was clear—Thalindra had played them like a fiddle.

"Contrary to your expectations," Thalindra spoke with finality as Aenon's group started to stand, "this meeting wasn't to discuss about hollow allegiances. It was to warn you: Back off from the crumbling Alliance. Or meet the same fate as them."

Aenon was the last to stand, marking the closing of his debut ceremony. None dare raise a question as he walked away with his entourage.

Even as they disappeared from the gathering, everyone was simply rooted in place. Unable to comprehend what just hit them.

All they knew was that the drums of war had started.

And for once, their superior numbers meant nothing.

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