That morning, soft sunlight filtered through the small window of the inn room, casting a gentle glow on Sylvia's face as she lay asleep on the bed. In another corner of the room, Raven sat quietly, reflecting on the events of the previous night. His success in winning over Sylvia both physically and mentally was a significant step in his plan to dominate Veloria and this world.
The system in Raven's mind appeared calmly, notifying him of his progress.
[System]
Evolution Points Acquired: 50
Skills Copied: Sword Dance, Blazing Strike, Aetherial Barrier
Quest Available: Fully Integrate Sylvia into the Plan (Reward: 100 Evolution Points, Skill Fusion)
Raven read the notification with satisfaction. The evolution points he had accumulated from last night's encounter would be useful for further enhancing himself, and the new skills he had copied from Sylvia would enrich his repertoire of abilities. However, the most intriguing part was the new quest that appeared: Fully Integrate Sylvia into the Plan. This was an important step he needed to take to ensure Sylvia's complete loyalty.
Raven closed the notification and looked at Sylvia, who was beginning to stir on the bed, showing signs of waking up. Her face, which once radiated with energy and independence, now appeared calmer, almost resigned a sign that the virus he had planted the previous night had worked perfectly.
Sylvia slowly opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling with a confused expression. "Where am I...?" she murmured, before noticing Raven's presence in the corner of the room.
"Good morning, Sylvia," Raven greeted her with a tone that was both gentle and firm. "You're at the inn. You drank too much last night, so I brought you here."
Sylvia looked at Raven, trying to recall the events of the previous night, but her mind felt foggy. "I... don't remember much," she said quietly. "But... thank you for taking care of me, Ironclad."
Raven smiled slightly, approaching the bed and sitting on its edge. "No need to thank me. You're my partner, Sylvia. Of course I'll take care of you."
Sylvia gave a faint smile, but something inside her felt different. It was as if there was a strong urge to always stay by Raven's side, to follow his every command without question. However, this feeling didn't bother her instead, it gave her a strange sense of comfort.
Raven noticed the change in Sylvia's eyes, a sign that his virus had worked well. "How about we head back to the guild now? We can report our success and move on to the next adventure."
Sylvia nodded in agreement, slowly rising from the bed. "Sure... I'm ready."
After Sylvia dressed, they left the inn and headed back to the guild. Throughout the journey, Raven noticed that Sylvia remained calm and obedient, showing no signs of resistance or doubt. This was proof that the virus's integration into her mind had gone smoothly.
When they arrived at the guild, the atmosphere was still bustling with adventurers preparing for missions or returning from their journeys. Raven and Sylvia walked up to the registration desk, where the old man they had met before greeted them with a broad smile.
"Ah, you're back! How does it feel to have defeated the Goblin Lord?" he asked enthusiastically.
Raven smiled warmly. "It feels great. We're here to report that our mission is complete and the threat has been eliminated."
The old man nodded in satisfaction, making a note of their report. "Great work, both of you. You've really made this guild proud."
Sylvia, who usually liked to speak, now stood silently beside Raven, following whatever he said. This surprised the old man a bit, but he didn't think too much of it.
After finishing their business at the guild, Raven suggested they go to the nearby pub where they had celebrated their victory before. Although Sylvia didn't show much enthusiasm, she followed Raven without protest.
When they sat at the same table as the night before, Raven ordered beers for both of them. However, this time the atmosphere was calmer, and Sylvia seemed quieter than usual.
Raven decided to start a conversation, testing the extent of the influence of the virus he had implanted. "Sylvia, I want to talk about something important."
Sylvia looked at Raven attentively, as if every word he spoke was an order that had to be followed. "Of course, Ironclad. What do you want to talk about?"
Raven leaned in slightly, gazing at Sylvia seriously. "I want to make sure we're on the same page. I have big plans, and I need people I can trust to help make them a reality."
Sylvia nodded, her eyes reflecting deep sincerity. "I'm here to support you, Ironclad. Whatever you need, I'll do."
Raven smiled with satisfaction. "Good. I need your full obedience and loyalty, Sylvia. Not just as a partner in battle, but in every step I take."
Sylvia didn't hesitate for a moment. "You can count on me. I'll always be by your side."
Raven nodded, feeling that he had made the right decision in making Sylvia his pawn. However, he knew there was more to be done to ensure that Sylvia remained loyal and obedient.
"System," Raven whispered in his mind.
[System]
Available Evolution Points: 50
Available Skills for Fusion: Sword Dance, Blazing Strike, Aetherial Barrier
"Combine Sword Dance and Blazing Strike," he commanded in his mind.
[System]
Skill Fusion: Blade Inferno (Sword Dance + Blazing Strike)
Description: A deadly attack that combines speed and firepower, creating a fiery storm around the user that annihilates all enemies within range.
Raven felt the new power surging through him. Blade Inferno was the perfect combination of the two skills he had stolen from Sylvia, now becoming one of his main weapons. But Raven didn't stop there. He still had evolution points to use.
"System, enhance Aetherial Barrier," he commanded.
[System]
Aetherial Barrier Upgrade: Aetherial Fortress
Description: A much stronger energy shield, capable of withstanding attacks from various elements and drastically increasing the user's defense.
Raven smiled inwardly. With these new abilities, he was not only stronger but also more prepared for the next big challenge. However, he knew he couldn't stop here. There was still much to do, including ensuring that Sylvia was fully integrated into his plan.
"How are you feeling now, Sylvia?" Raven asked, wanting to make sure there were no issues with the integration process.
Sylvia looked at Raven with a soft smile. "I feel much better now, Ironclad. I'm ready to do whatever you need."
Raven nodded, satisfied. "Good. We'll continue with our plan, but first, I want you to rest. You've worked hard, and we need to be at full strength for what's to come."
Sylvia nodded obediently. "I'll rest as you asked."
Raven finished his drink, then stood up. "Let's head back to the inn. You need a good night's sleep to regain your energy."
They both left the pub and returned to the inn. This time, the atmosphere was much calmer, but Raven remained vigilant. He knew that even though Sylvia was now under his control, the world around them was full of unexpected threats.
When they arrived at the inn, Raven escorted Sylvia to her room. "Rest well, Sylvia. Tomorrow, we will take our next big step."
Sylvia smiled softly, her eyes showing complete trust in Raven. "I'll be ready, Ironclad. Thank you for taking care of me."
After Sylvia entered her room, Raven walked to his own. In his mind, he was already planning his next move, ensuring that every detail was carefully considered. Veloria was just the beginning, and with Sylvia by his side, he was increasingly confident that his plan to conquer the world would come to fruition.