Lukas sat quietly in his chambers, the soft glow of candlelight flickering as the evening settled over the estate. His mind was racing, torn between his plans to root out the spies and the new possibilities the system had presented him. The constant tension between action and strategy was something he had become accustomed to, but tonight it weighed heavier than usual.
[System Alert: Shop Unlocked.]
The system's notification flashed in his mind, and Lukas leaned back in his chair, staring at the words. His recent breakthrough to Level 5 had unlocked the shop and inventory, two crucial features that he knew would be key to his future plans.
"Let's see what we're working with," he muttered, focusing on the new menu as it expanded in his mind's eye.
The shop interface was expansive, listing items ranging from simple resources like rare herbs and materials for crafting to more esoteric artifacts that glowed with hidden power. Some items were far beyond his current abilities, but others seemed within reach—tools and resources that could bolster his growing forces and secure his hold over the estate.
His eyes fell on a particular item: Ether Conduits, designed to enhance the flow of Ether within one's body, allowing faster cultivation and stronger physical enhancements.
"This could be useful," he mused, mentally marking it for later purchase. He also noticed an assortment of pills, including those for enhancing strength, improving mental focus, and even some that could aid in stealth and espionage—perfect for the spies in his network. There were also crafting tomes, which caught his attention, containing more advanced knowledge for creating pills and weapons that could elevate his forces to the next level.
His mind buzzed with possibilities, but before diving deeper, his thoughts drifted back to the formation of his information network—a critical piece in his strategy. The system had given him tools to fight, but intelligence would be just as crucial in his rise to power.
---
It had been shortly after his return to the capital, still reeling from the assassination attempt and grappling with his sudden rise in military prominence. Lukas had realized quickly that brute strength alone wasn't enough. He needed eyes and ears everywhere—information that could predict his enemies' moves before they made them.
The night was thick with the scent of rain-soaked cobblestones as Lukas made his way to one of the more notorious districts of the capital. The Underbelly, as it was known, was a labyrinth of brothels, gambling dens, and taverns frequented by the city's less reputable citizens. It was here that secrets were traded for gold, and Lukas knew that he needed to tap into that network.
At the center of it all was Selena, the owner of one of the most well-known brothels in the capital. She was a woman of striking beauty, with sharp features and an even sharper mind. Rumor had it that she knew every secret worth knowing in Valeria and had connections that stretched deep into the noble houses and even the palace itself.
Lukas had found her in her office, a dimly lit room at the back of the brothel, adorned with lavish furniture and tapestries. She sat behind a large oak desk, sipping wine as she regarded him with a cool, calculating gaze.
"What brings a nobleman to the Underbelly?" she asked, her voice smooth as silk. "And one with your reputation, no less."
Lukas had smiled faintly, unbothered by her tone. "I need information. And I've heard you're the one who can provide it."
Selena leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Information doesn't come cheap, especially for someone like you. But I'm curious. What does Lukas Veridan, the so-called disgrace of House Veridan, need from me?"
"I'm rebuilding," Lukas had said simply. "And I need someone who can gather intelligence, someone with a network already in place."
Selena's eyes flickered with interest. "And what's in it for me?"
"Protection," Lukas had replied, leaning forward. "I know you're not just in this for the money. You've made enemies—powerful ones. Align yourself with me, and I'll make sure those enemies can't touch you."
She studied him for a long moment, weighing his words carefully. "And if I refuse?"
Lukas's smile widened. "You won't. Because you know I'm the best chance you have at gaining more power. We're both looking for the same thing: control."
For a moment, Selena said nothing, her gaze piercing. Then, slowly, she smiled. "You're smarter than they say, Lukas. Fine. I'll work with you. But understand this: I don't take orders from anyone. This is a partnership."
"Agreed," Lukas had said, shaking her hand. And just like that, his network was born.
---
Lukas snapped back to the present, the memory of that meeting fresh in his mind. Selena had proven invaluable, and over the months, her network had grown to include merchants, couriers, and even members of the palace staff. Through her, Lukas had access to a constant stream of information—whispers about court politics, military movements, and, most importantly, the activities of his enemies.
As he continued exploring the system's shop, Lukas purchased a small set of Ether Conduits for his elite guards, intending to further enhance their cultivation. He also selected a few more discreet items: Shadow Veil Elixirs that could temporarily suppress one's Ether signature—perfect for spies or covert operations.
Finally, Lukas opened the inventory tab, glancing at the items stored there. The beast core from his earlier battle sat prominently among his collection, still pulsing faintly with energy. Beside it was the remaining liquid Ether from the cave, which Lukas knew he could use for future breakthroughs. He would need it soon, especially with the looming threats on the horizon.
He closed the interface, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The pieces were falling into place. His guards were growing stronger, his network was expanding, and his system was providing him with the tools he needed to rise.
But there was still much to be done.
---
That evening, Lukas summoned Darian, Zane, and a select few of his most trusted guards to the training grounds. The Ether Conduits he had purchased from the system would be their next step, designed to further enhance their ability to cultivate and strengthen their control over Ether.
"These conduits will allow you to channel Ether more efficiently," Lukas explained as he handed them out. "With these, your cultivation will progress faster, and your strength will grow beyond what ordinary training can achieve."
Darian took one of the conduits, turning it over in his hands. "And where did you get these, Lukas?"
Lukas smiled, offering no answer. "Just trust me. Use them, and you'll see the results."
As the men began using the conduits, Lukas watched closely, his mind already moving on to the next phase of his plan. He would need to meet with Selena soon—there were still spies to be uncovered, and he couldn't afford to be caught off guard again. The prime minister's hand was in this, he was sure of it.
But this time, Lukas would be ready.
This time, the web was his to control.