During this time, things were not going well for me at work.
Because of an incident with a subordinate of mine, I ended up having to leave my position. With no other plans as to what I could do, I was approached by Mithridates Eriksen, one of the leading founders of the Syndicate of Supremacy. They wanted to overthrow the King, and bring back the era where there was only one ruler: the emperor. Of course I had nothing to gain from joining such a group, nor was I interested. I only had Sylia on my mind and needed to find a way to win her over. I knew things still weren't going well in her marriage to Donellan Grey, and I couldn't bare to see her suffering. Around this time, this was when her son was around two years-old, and Donellan started going on subjugations again. Sylia noticed that her boy was lacking compared to his father, and wished to turn him into a weapon that could benefit the Grey family. So she found out about treatments that were used to mold soldiers and make them into powerful warriors to mold child into perfection. When she told me about this, I knew that she had finally lost it. I was aware deep down that this obsession wasn't normal and that she wasn't healthy. That this behaviour could potentationlly ruin her child as well as herself.
But because she came to me pleading for help, telling me she didn't have anyone else who could do this for her, I could only acquiesce. I loved her so much, I was willing to do anything for her. That is why I ended up accepting the recruitment by Mithridates.
"I will only join you guys on one condition." I said sternly. Mithridates looked up at me and slowly put down the cup he had in his hand. He could see that my demeanour had changed and so he cleared his throat and urged me to go on.
"I would like to learn the cerebrum ablutio animarum technique."
Mithridates looked at me in shock. Out of all the things I could've possibly asked for, this was the one thing he didn't expect. His shock wasn't unfounded. In fact, it was quite understandable. This technique, although it wasn't forbidden, it was strongly advised to not be used. This practice was common amongst the trainees for the military and for the high ranking knights during the time when Novellus was once an Empire. It was a way for the people in charge of protecting the Emperor to not only get strong, but to ensure that they would remain loyal to him. These soldiers where essentially being manipulated. Not only was this strategy affective, but it was almost impossible to detect and couldn't be reversed easily either. Once you gained control over someone's mind, they were basically yours. It was a strong and powerful tool and couldn't be put in the wrong hands, therefore after the overthrowing of the Emperor, the records, the scrolls and all things related to the technique were sealed. But, it could be accessed if you knew the right people. Which was the main reason why I decided to join the Syndicate.
Mithridates was silent for a couple minutes and looked to be in deep thought. He then called for his chambermaid and had a message be sent over. He then turned to face me.
"This isn't a guarantee, but if we were to give you what it is you're asking for, you do know there will be a heavy price to pay for it yes?" He asked seriously.
I knew that this wasn't something I could get for free and that it wouldn't be enough for me to just join the Syndicate. I was prepared to do whatever it takes to get my hands on the technique in order to help Sylia.
"Yes, I am aware. I am willing to do anything, you have my word." Seeing how resolute I was being, Mithridates could only sigh and agree.
I was then given the task to become a mercenary and form a group that would comprise of strong, and skilled fighters as well as nobles who had connections to other nobles. This group would serve as a caveat for the Syndicate. But of course these plans wouldn't be revealed until later. From there, I started training in order to master the technique of mind control. It took exactly one year until I had become a full fledge mind master. This was such an impressive feat, I couldn't believe it myself, let alone Mithridates. When I told Sylia, she was overjoyed. She didn't waste a single second and wanted to start the treatment right away.
When I first laid eyes on the child, I felt a slight pain in my chest. He was so small and fragile. With his big grey eyes looking up at me, I felt so much guilt. Although he was Sylia's child, he had zero to no resemble to her. But he didn't quite look like Donellan either. Instead of a cold face devoid of any emotions, this child was bright and radiating with light. You could see his eyes sparkle in child-like wonder.
I knew that what I was doing was an egregious wrong. The child was innocent, and blameless. It was rather unfortunate that he turned out to have a self absorbed and obsessive mother who only cared for the love of her husband who's affection weren't nearly the same as her own. It was quite obvious he did not love her nor care for her. These thoughts rang through my head the entire time I was face with the child. But the minute I saw Sylia's bright smile and the excitement in her eyes, the feeling of regret quickly escaped my mind. I only had one thought in that moment.
Love truly is a curse.