The silence after his Domain faded was unnerving.
Claire clung to Lucius's cloak like a lifeline, eyes wide, shaking. Lilith knelt beside her, biting her lip, face flushed red with pain… and something far more dangerous.
Desire.
Lucius turned away from them and walked toward the shattered throne.
Each step he took echoed like a bell of death.
> [New Skill Gained: Intimidation Aura LVL 1 – Passive]
[Effect: Weak-willed enemies will hesitate to attack. Allies with twisted affection may become... more obedient.]
He slumped into the throne, letting out a slow breath.
He wasn't used to power. Not like this.
It wasn't just strength—it was influence. Corruption. His mere presence was enough to shake even the strongest.
But he needed to control it.
He wasn't here to be some cartoon villain.
He was here to win. To rewrite fate.
Even if it meant becoming the very monster the world feared.
---
BOOM!
The double doors of the throne room exploded.
Claire shrieked, hiding behind Lucius.
Lilith groaned. "Oh, no. Not her."
A massive shadow stepped through the smoke.
Steel boots slammed against the stone.
A muscular, dark-skinned beastgirl marched in, her two braided tails whipping behind her. Her wild silver hair was tied up with bone clasps, and twin axes rested on her shoulders.
She grinned like a predator.
"Well, well, well. The Tyrant lives."
Lucius narrowed his eyes.
> [Enemy Approaching: General Zara Bloodfang – "The Warhound"]
[Level: 92]
[Status: ??? – Yandere Potential Detected]
She stomped forward, cracked her neck, and tossed something at Lucius's feet.
A crushed helmet—black and gold.
"Your former right hand tried to take control of the Northern Barracks. I tore his spine out."
Lilith groaned again. "Zara, we talked about first impressions."
"I brought him a gift, didn't I?"
Lucius stared at her.
"Why did you come here?" he asked.
Zara's grin widened.
"To see if the rumors were true. To see if my lord—my Alpha—is finally back."
She dropped to one knee and bowed deeply, her axes glowing faintly with blood-red light.
"You don't remember me, do you?" she whispered. "But I remember you. Every order. Every punishment. Every time you glared at me like I was your dog."
Her claws trembled.
"I want it again. I want to fight for you. Kill for you. Obey you."
Lucius said nothing.
Inside, Ryouma was losing his mind.
What is this game?!
But outwardly, he remained calm.
"Then prove it."
---
Zara rose.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked.
Lucius pointed at Lilith.
Lilith blinked. "Wait—"
"Break her wings," Lucius said coldly.
Claire gasped.
Lilith went pale.
Zara grinned wider.
"Gladly."