St. Monarch University — Auditorium Hall
It was supposed to be a debate.
Topic: "Power vs Legacy — Which shapes the world?"
But the moment Damon stepped to the podium, Nova Cross stood from the audience.
Eyes blazing.
Voice shaking.
"Let's talk about betrayal instead."
The room went still.
Lucien smirked in the back row. Elina leaned forward. Arielle gritted her teeth. Sasha's jaw clenched.
Damon didn't blink.
"You think I betrayed you?" he asked, calm.
Nova stepped closer. "You cut me off like I never mattered."
"No," Damon said.
"I cut you off because you stopped being on my side."
The air cracked with tension.
"System," he whispered silently, voice only in his mind.
"Activate Crown Authority."
Crown Authority Activated – Tier I
→ Your words carry dominant psychological pressure in public discourse.
→ Charisma spikes +40%. Target loses verbal confidence.
→ Passive: "Public Throne" — You now own the room.
Nova's lips parted… but no words came out.
Damon turned back to the audience.
"Power doesn't come from blood or name.
It comes from how many masks you're willing to burn to show who you really are."
Thunderous silence.
Then applause — loud, sharp, respectful.
Later — Black Tower Roof
Sasha stood at the edge, wind in her hair.
Damon joined her, silent.
"I sent my report today," she said.
"But I deleted most of it."
He waited.
"I told them you're dangerous… but I didn't say why. I told them you're not a criminal… just a king the world isn't ready for."
Damon looked out at the skyline.
"So what now?"
Sasha: "Now I wait for them to burn me… or turn me. Either way, I chose you."
System Update: Agent Sasha Maren — Loyalty Rising Rapidly
→ Romantic affection now active
→ Mission integrity failed – Target may defect permanently
Across Campus — Elina's Dorm Suite
She stood over a file.
"Project Seraphim – Subject: Damon Black – Engineered Legacy Protocol"
"You were never meant to be normal," she whispered.
She didn't smile.
Didn't cry.
But in her eyes? A flicker of something far more dangerous than love.
"They made a god…
Now I just have to find out what kind."