The small party following the duel was a mix of celebration and veiled tension. Having demonstrated his skill in the arena, Ethan was now the center of attention. However, the underlying animosity and competition among the chosen ones and their followers still lingered in the air, like a cloud charged with electricity.
Ethan maintained a calm smile and engaged in conversations, but his mind was already planning his next move. He knew that information was the most powerful weapon he could have in this environment filled with intrigue and rivalries. While laughter and toasts filled the hall, Ethan observed and analyzed every detail, preparing for the task ahead. He was clear that merely completing the mission was not enough; he also needed to ensure that Yassmin would take control to gain full command of the world the Egyptians possessed.
After withdrawing from the party, Ethan headed to his room, where he released his first undead from his pocket dimension—a small hornero that still had a body covered in feathers. Although it looked like an ordinary bird at first glance, it was a zombie devoid of pain and fatigue, which Ethan now planned to transform into an effective espionage tool.
With the bird in the palm of his hand, Ethan began the modification process. He delicately removed one of the hornero's eyes and replaced it with a tiny camera, making sure it was well integrated so as not to affect the bird's natural appearance. Then, he implanted a modified AI chip, similar to the ones he used in his skeletons, and a small mana stone under its feathers to provide energy. He knew that the small stone's duration was limited compared to the one used in his soldiers, but he trusted it would be sufficient for his short-term espionage purposes.
As he worked, Ethan couldn't help but feel a special connection with the hornero. It was his first creation in the art of necromancy, a symbol of his initial step on this dark and dangerous path.
"You will become my eyes and ears in this place," Ethan murmured to the bird as he finished adjusting the last details. "I need you to help me unravel the secrets hidden here."
Ethan knew he couldn't hide his activities from Yassmin, and though he preferred to keep some aspects of his work secret, he decided it was wiser to involve her in this mission. Yassmin had a deep knowledge of the place and its inhabitants, and her help would be invaluable in identifying the most important espionage targets.
He called Yassmin to his room and showed her the hornero, explaining its modifications and his plan to use it as a spy drone.
"It's incredible what you've achieved with this bird, Ethan," Yassmin said, her voice filled with admiration. "It will be very useful for gathering information. But tell me, what exactly do you hope to find?"
Ethan looked at her seriously, aware of the importance of his response.
"We need to know more about the intentions of the other chosen ones and their followers. It would also be good to find weaknesses in anyone who holds any power here; that way we can ensure we have everything under control when you take power. I want to identify those who could be a threat and better understand their movements and plans."
Yassmin nodded, understanding the importance of the information.
"I understand. I know some places and people who might be of interest. Let me help you plan this," she said, moving closer to the table and starting to mark a map of strategic points in the palace and its surroundings on her phone.
Together, Ethan and Yassmin planned the bird's route and the places where it should focus on spying. With the plan well-defined, Ethan released the bird, watching as it spread its wings and vanished into the darkness of the night.
The hornero flew silently, its grey feathers blending with the night. The camera in its eye began capturing images and sounds, transmitting the information to Ethan in real-time. As the bird glided through dark corridors and shadowy gardens, Ethan and Yassmin watched intently, gathering fragments of conversations and details that could reveal the secrets of their adversaries.
"Look, there's Tariq talking to one of the council's mages," Yassmin said, pointing to the screen where the image of the hornero hidden among the branches of a nearby tree appeared. "It looks like they're discussing something important."
Ethan adjusted the camera's focus, capturing every word and gesture. The conversation revealed details about a secret meeting and the strategic movements of some of the magical leaders, who apparently wanted to accelerate the resurrection ritual. This was information that would be invaluable for their plans.
"This is exactly what we need," Yassmin said, satisfied with the results. "Now we can anticipate their moves and act accordingly. Tomorrow, I'll try to find out even more."
After several hours of surveillance and data collection, Ethan decided it was time to end the night's mission. He put the hornero back in his pocket dimension, satisfied with the amount of information obtained.
Yassmin, impressed by the effectiveness of the espionage, looked at him with a mix of admiration and something more. Ethan could feel the tension between them, a mix of desire and attraction that had been building since the previous night.
"Ethan, you've proven to be more cunning and powerful than I imagined," Yassmin said, approaching him with a suggestive smile. "And I must admit that combination is... extremely attractive."
Ethan, aware of Yassmin's proximity and the seductive tone in her voice, tried to maintain his composure.
"Yassmin, you know we must stay focused on our goals," he said, though his voice betrayed an internal struggle between reason and desire.
Yassmin, however, was not willing to let Ethan retreat so easily. She moved closer, her body almost touching his, and slid a hand down his chest, her fingers playing gently with the buttons of his shirt.
"The goals can wait, Ethan. Tonight, I want you to focus on me," she said, her voice a whisper laden with promises.
Ethan looked at Yassmin, noticing the way her clothes revealed much of her skin and the way her eyes shone with a desire that was hard to ignore. Although his mind told him he should stay firm, his body responded differently.
Finally, he succumbed to temptation, and their lips met in a kiss that once again ignited the passion between them. The night was filled with whispers and caresses, and Ethan, once again, gave in to an experience that left him torn between pleasure and the confusion of his own thoughts.