"...And that is why we need you to compensate the city for all the damages. Do you understand, my lord?"
Val screamed internally. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! What?! What the fuck do I do?! I used to handle these things with ease, but now... I have zero fucking idea how to get out of this mess!"
Taking a deep breath, Val tried to regain control. "Okay, their arguments, which I totally didn't zone out from, are valid given the situation. But… if I let them have one over me, I'm completely screwed!"
"Come on, Valdris," he thought. "You've bluffed your way out of worse. Show them what you've got!"
Clearing his throat, Val rose to his feet with exaggerated confidence. "Hmph, you think such minor inconveniences affect me? I did you all a favor by allowing my vassals to... redecorate. Now Netharion is less appealing to these new pla—uh, hero candidates. This should buy us time to... bolster our economy."
The council members sat in stunned silence, eyes darting between one another. Sweat beaded at Val's brow. "Did I pull it off? They're too quiet. Damn it! Time to throw them a bone."
Val reached for the ring on his finger—a fancy-looking trinket. With a flourish, he removed it and set it down on the table. "Since you all fail to grasp my generosity, I'll gift this ring—one of my personal masterpieces. It's been in my possession for centuries."
"Total bull," Val thought, recalling the ring he'd bought from a market vendor just two weeks ago for 100 silver.
The council's eyes lit up at the sight of the ring. One of them stammered, "Th-thank you, my lord! This ring will surely bolster our economy, alongside your brilliant plan to make Netharion less desirable to the hero candidates! We will not disappoint you!"
"For real? You bought that?" Val thought, barely hiding his disbelief. "Well, I'll take it. Time for a grand exit."
Val left his chair, his voice deep and threatening as he strode toward the door. "Good. Make sure you don't waste my generosity this time... Or else…"
Before closing the door, Val glanced over his shoulder, delivering one last ominous remark. "You'll find your positions to be the most... undesirable of places."
The heavy door slammed shut behind him with dramatic finality.
The council members let out a collective sigh of relief, waiting for Val's footsteps to fade before speaking.
"By the gods, I thought we were finished," one said.
"As expected of our lord," another added. "He commands the room like no other."
"Indeed. I nearly relieved myself for a moment there."
Another councilor glanced at the ring on the table. "Such a treasure... I can feel its power from here."
"With my appraising eyes," the fourth member chimed in, "I can tell it's worth more than one platinum coin. Our lord's generosity knows no bounds."
The council members exchanged nods of agreement. "We must ensure the city flourishes under his gift."
Two weeks ago, in the marketplace:
Val was browsing the stalls in his usual confident manner, brimming with power. There were no worries on his mind. "I came here to boost the economy... what to buy?" he pondered.
His eyes fell upon a ring displayed in a glass box, separated from the rest. Without hesitation, he pointed at it and asked the shopkeeper, "I want this. How much?"
The shopkeeper was about to say "100 go–", but upon sensing Val's aura, quickly changed his tune. "Silver. 100 silver… Sir."
Val, in a rush to return to his duties, handed over the silver without question. "I'll take it."
Present day:
As Val strolled through the streets of Netharion without his usual entourage, he stumbled upon a church. He wandered inside, watching the healers attend to the wounded and the people praying.
"Well, at least the church is operational," Val thought, as he turned to leave. But something caught his eye—a confessional booth in the corner of the room.
"You know, I haven't exactly been a paragon of virtue... In fact, I'm responsible for a lot of death... maybe I should confess? Just to get some clarity. Most of them deserved it… Probably. I mean, I need to vent about my situation to someone, and it's not like I can do that with just anyone. Yeah… let's do this."
Val cautiously approached the confessional, unsure of what might come from this unexpected moment of reflection.
Val entered the confessional booth, sitting awkwardly on the tiny wooden seat. His mind raced. "Okay, this is fine. Just get it off your chest and maybe... just maybe, this will help you sort through all this insanity."
The calm voice of the confessor broke the silence. "Speak, my child. Unburden your soul."
Val took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." "So, um... I've made some questionable decisions lately. And, uh... Some people got hurt. Well, more than hurt, they... kind of died."
The confessor's tone remained steady. "Ah, death weighs heavily on the soul. We cannot always prevent it."
Val's heart raced. "I'm screwing this up." "No, no! It's not like that! It's just, you know... I have a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes people go places they shouldn't, and well... bad things happen. Over and over."
"I see," the confessor said with a heavy sigh. "We are all responsible for those in our care. You carry the burden of their safety."
Val groaned internally. "No, not the safety! It's their idiocy! But sure, go with it." "Exactly, it's tough being in charge. And lately, I've lost something really important that used to protect me... now I feel exposed, like everyone can see me for what I really am."
"Exposed?" the confessor repeated, their tone taking on a note of concern. "Are you speaking of vulnerability, my child?"
Val froze. "Oh gods, not like that!" "Uh, yeah... vulnerability. You know, it's just... I'm trying to keep up appearances. It's really important in my position, but now I feel like everyone's... looking at me... all the time. Especially the women."
The confessor paused for a long moment. "Women, you say?"
Val immediately panicked. "What?! The fuck?! Are you doing Vladris?!" "Yeah, women. They're always around me... like, a lot. And it's getting harder to keep them at bay."
Val screams internally "Are you nuts?! You aren't making things any better!"
The confessor made a small noise of understanding. "Ah... so you struggle with desires, my child. The flesh is a powerful thing, and the temptations of those around us can be overwhelming."
Val's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, what?! That's not"— "No, no! That's not what I—! Well, okay, maybe sometimes, but that's not the point!"
"I see. So you find it difficult to... restrain yourself?" the confessor asked carefully.
Val wanted to bury himself. "No, I don't mean that either! I'm just... I don't know, they keep showing up, they're always there! And they're all so... you know... interested. And I can't just... say no all the time!"
There was a brief silence before the confessor sighed deeply. "I understand. You are not the first to come here with such a struggle. To be constantly tempted by those around you, to feel overwhelmed by the attention of the opposite sex... you have fallen prey to the sins of lust, haven't you, my child?"
Val's heart practically stopped. "What?!" "NO! I mean, I haven't done anything! Well, okay, I've let them... suck my blood a few times, but that was... you know, just to satisfy them! It's not what you think!"
The confessor gasped audibly. "You... you let them... do what?"
Val slapped his forehead. "For the love of… why did I mention that?!" "It's not like that! It's... complicated! Look, I haven't done anything bad!"
"My child," the confessor said in a soft, horrified tone, "you must realize that such actions, even if done to 'satisfy' others, can lead to temptation. Letting them feed from you, allowing them such intimate access..."
Val interrupted, panicking now. "I swear, it's not intimate! I just... I'm stuck! I don't know how to stop it without them thinking I'm weak! And if they think that, I'm totally screwed! Not literally! I mean..."
The confessor sighed again. "You are struggling deeply, my child. You must repent and resist these temptations. Seek forgiveness before this lust consumes you."
Val groaned. "How in hell did this turn into a confession about lust?!" "Okay, you're not getting it. I just need to... bluff my way through all of this until I'm strong again!"
"Bluff?" the confessor repeated, sounding almost scandalized now. "You mean... deception? You're not only struggling with lust but also pride, it seems. You feel the need to hide your weaknesses behind lies."
Val slapped both hands over his face. "This is a disaster. Why won't I just kill myself here and now." "No, no! It's not like that! It's just... if people find out I've lost my power, they'll come after me, and I'll be... well, doomed!"
The confessor hesitated, clearly piecing together a very different picture of Val. "So you're afraid that if others see your... vulnerability, they will turn on you?"
Val nodded frantically. "Exactly!"
"And... these women... these vassals, they are attracted to your power, are they not?"
Val blinked. "Uh... yeah. That's about right." He said while thinking "Are they?"
The confessor sighed, sounding almost heartbroken. "Oh, my child, you have surrounded yourself with temptation and lies... I fear you are in great need of redemption."
Just as the conversation spiraled further out of control, Selene's voice interrupted from outside the booth. "My lord, it's time for your next meeting."
The confessor's voice trembled. "M-My lord?"
Val winced. "Oh no."
The confessor gasped. "You are... nobility?"
Val stammered, "No! It's just... a title! You know, like... Mister!"
The confessor was silent for a moment. Then, in a hushed voice: "I have been confessing to royalty... forgive me for my ignorance."
Val leaped from the confessional, practically running into Selene outside. "Let's go. Now."
As they left, Selene glanced back curiously. "Did everything go well?"
Val rubbed his forehead, muttering, "I'll never confess anything again."
Selene asked "My lord?" and Val said "Nothing. Let us proceed."
Then while they were leaving the church, a thought came to Val's head "And how the fuck did you know I was here?!"
A couple of days later, in the throne room on floor 9999, Valdris sat on his throne like the boss he was—or at least, pretended to be. He put every ounce of energy into looking as menacing and authoritative as possible, emitting an aura of power that, in his mind, was still undeniable.
From the shadows, he could hear the whispers of his subordinates.
"Isn't our lord so cool?"
"I'm so lucky to be on this shift."
"Yeah, I worked my ass off for a week just to get here."
"A week? I worked a month straight."
Val internally basked in their admiration, thinking, "That's right! Feel the awe of my presence! Marvel at my undeniable power! Your lord has definitely not lost his edge. No sir!"
While reveling in their comments, Ygrin entered the room, her sturdy form moving with the ease of someone comfortable in her craft. "Hey boss. Got a sec?"
Val sat straighter, putting on his best "regal but approachable" expression. "I suppose I can spare some of my valuable time," he said with an air of controlled nonchalance. "Good," he thought, "one of the more sane ones. Time to act all cool again."
Unbeknownst to him, Ygrin was having her own internal monologue. "Oh my god, he looks so cool sitting on that throne. Stay calm, Ygrin. Act casual. Professional. You've got this, girl!"
She cleared her throat. "About the craftsmen guild business—"
Val nodded sagely. "Yes, what about it?" "Weren't they supposed to rebuild the city after the scuffle a few days ago? I mean, they are the craftsmen guild, right?"
Ygrin continued, "I was just wondering why no one from Netharis has been sent to help. Me and my crew would gladly assist if you gave the word."
Val mentally froze for a moment. "Shit! Why didn't I think of that? Come to think of it, didn't the council mention something about assistance from Netharis?" He quickly rallied his thoughts. "But I can't admit I wasn't paying attention… they'll think I'm incompetent. Quick, say something that sounds authoritative!"
"Do you think I would allow my most loyal subordinates to waste their talents on such menial tasks?" Val said, putting on his best boss-like tone.
Ygrin's eyes widened in awe. "Boss... you think we're important?"
Val nodded, leaning into the role. "Of course. Your efforts in maintaining Netharis have not gone unnoticed. I can't have someone as valuable as you performing basic labor. Let the less fortunate handle it while you bask in the glory of your success." "Okay, maybe that last part was a bit over the top, but it'll do."
Ygrin's expression softened. "Boss... I'm honored by your words. I won't forget this."
Val nodded regally. "I expect nothing less. You are my vassal after all."
Ygrin, though grateful, couldn't quite let the matter go. "But if I may, boss, I'd still like to help. The golems I'm working on could really use some field data outside of Netharis. They need to do more than just train against each other and the local residents."
"Wait," Val thought, "since when did you care about field data? Aren't you the golem-obsessed girl who once said you'd live in a lab forever? Where did this altruistic streak come from?"
Ygrin continued, sensing Val's hesitation. "I mean, sure, they can get some data here, but why not use this chance to test them in real-world scenarios? It'll help me refine their precision systems."
"Fine, fine," Val thought, "I was going to let you go anyway. Might as well make it seem like I'm doing it for some great reason." He gave a slow nod. "Very well. If you insist, Ygrin, I shall grant you permission to take your golems to the surface and assist with the rebuilding efforts. But remember, this is conditional on no... drastic events occurring."
Ygrin practically beamed with excitement. "Thank you, boss! I'll make sure the surface world sees the glory of Valdris Altair Mournveil!"
Val, in an offhanded tone, added, "Good. But be mindful—should your golems become a detriment to the outside world, the resources I provide for your projects will find... other uses. Do I make myself clear?"
Ygrin felt the weight of Val's words and quickly straightened up. "Of course, boss! I won't disappoint you!"
With that, Ygrin excused herself, leaving the throne room. As she walked away, her thoughts ran wild. "Oh my god. Boss was so cool... maybe a little threatening, but that's just how I like him."
Val, meanwhile, leaned back on his throne, satisfied that he'd survived yet another interaction without blowing his cover. "Well, that went better than expected. I can still bluff my way through this... for now."
Val stood tall in the heart of the battlefield, his posture radiating absolute dominance. The ground beneath him trembled with each of his movements, cracks forming as if even the earth feared him. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly power, his robes billowing unnaturally in a wind that seemed to come from nowhere. Zarkos was charging at him, fists alight with searing flames, his body a battering ram of raw force.
"Come on, boss! Show me what you've got!" Zarkos roared as he lunged, his massive fist cutting through the air like a meteor.
Val didn't flinch. With an almost casual flick of his wrist, he summoned a colossal barrier of arcane energy, its surface shimmering with thousands of runes. Zarkos' fiery punch slammed into it, but the force was absorbed like a pebble hitting a lake. The impact didn't even make Val move.
"Is that all, Zarkos?" Val's voice echoed, dripping with power. "You're not even close."
Zarkos grinned through gritted teeth, pushing harder, his entire body now engulfed in flames. "I haven't even started, boss!"
With a roar, Zarkos slammed his other fist into the barrier, but this time, Val didn't bother defending. He let the barrier shatter, and as the flaming punch surged toward him, Val calmly raised his hand and caught it midair. The flames danced along his fingers, but they didn't burn him. His grip tightened, extinguishing the flames with a simple squeeze.
Zarkos' eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible..."
Val smiled coldly. "This is your limit, Zarkos. You'll never surpass me."
Zarkos stumbled back, but refused to yield. His body crackled with demonic energy as he prepared another assault. "I'm not done yet, boss! I'm gonna—"
But before he could finish, Val's eyes flared with blinding light, and in an instant, he vanished. Zarkos blinked in confusion, his senses reeling, when suddenly Val's voice whispered behind him.
"You're too slow."
A single strike landed on Zarkos' back with the force of a collapsing star. He was sent crashing through the battlefield, his body ripping through stone and debris as if he weighed nothing. The ground groaned as it tried to catch his momentum.
When Zarkos finally came to a stop, panting, he looked up to see Val hovering in the air, his silhouette dark against the swirling skies. Energy pulsed around him, like a god surveying his creation. Zarkos couldn't help but feel small. He was the demon warrior of destruction, but here? Here, Val was something beyond comprehension.
"Boss... you're a monster," Zarkos muttered, his voice filled with awe.
Val descended slowly, his eyes glowing brighter. "A monster? No, Zarkos. I am beyond that. I am your ultimate challenge, and you will never overcome me."
Zarkos gritted his teeth, his entire body aching. He stood, fists clenched, ready to fight to the bitter end, when suddenly... everything faded.
The battlefield, the destruction, even the weight of the fight itself—vanished.
Meanwhile, Val and Syrvalia, with her iridescent hair shimmering like a dream, were drinking tea as Zarkos was sleeping.
"He's dreaming again, isn't he?" Val muttered, his voice dry with amusement.
Syrvalia nodded, her voice soft as ever. "Indeed. He dreams of you, my lord, as the unbeatable force he's always wanted to face. In his slumber, you remain that... terrifying figure."
Val let out a small, tired chuckle. "I suppose I should be flattered."
Syrvalia's eyes glowed softly, her voice carrying a distant, otherworldly echo. "It's in his nature, as you well know. He seeks strength, and in his mind, you will always be his greatest trial."
Val crossed his arms, his cool demeanor slipping back into place. "As expected of me. To be able to show but a little of my power in the dreams of my Vassals. Shame, escape is nowhere near in sight."
Syrvalia tilted her head, her eyes reflecting a thousand colors. "You never truly escape, my lord. Even in the dreams of your vassals, you reign."
Val shook his head, sighing. "Well, at least he's not trying to fight me for real this time."
Syrvalia smiled faintly. "For now, my lord. For now."
Val sat back in his chair, trying to project an aura of confidence despite the mental chaos he was experiencing. His hands gripped the armrests, knuckles white beneath his composed exterior.
"So, how are the dreams of people in Netharion? Have there been any... changes, as of late?" Val asked, attempting to sound casual. Inside, however, his thoughts raced. "Please let this be a normal conversation... please, for once…"
Syrvalia raised an eyebrow, her iridescent hair glinting in the low light. "Changes, my lord? Are you implying that there should be?"
Syrvalia's inner voice purred with amusement. How cute. He thinks I haven't noticed his little night terrors recently. Shall I poke at those fears, my lord? Let's see how much fun we can have.
Shit! Think of something, me! If I'm not careful, she'll start haunting my dreams for real!
"I simply inquire about the status of those... brave enough to challenge Netharis. The hero candidates have been causing trouble lately, and I'm merely curious," Val said, maintaining his calm facade. "Smooth recovery! Yeah, she'll definitely buy that."
Syrvalia chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is that what's truly on your mind, my lord? Are you sure there isn't... something else bothering you?"
"She's toying with me. She knows. She knows everything!" Val struggled to stay composed and replied in his most dismissive voice, "There's rarely anything that troubles me, Syrvalia. Perhaps you should refrain from asking unnecessary questions before I reconsider your position."
Syrvalia's smile widened slightly, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, my dear lord. You think you can threaten me? What a fun little game we're playing. Let's turn the heat up."
"Well... there have been rumors about your... manhood, shall we say? Gaining some rather... impressive momentum with the ladies."
Val felt his mind scream, "AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! She's talking about the why boners! How does she know? I thought I hid those! Quick! Think of a comeback!"
"The rise of my... phallus is nothing more than a side effect of my communion with the arcane powers," Val said, trying to sound noble. "What the hell are you talking about, Valdris?! You just admitted it's an issue! Now you sound like a pervert!"
Syrvalia thought to herself, "He's absolutely unraveling. This is too easy. Maybe I should pull back, let him breathe before he collapses under the weight of his own bluffs." She leaned forward slightly, adding, "Indeed, my lord. If they can't handle the sight of your... majesty, they certainly aren't worthy of serving you."
"Why is she agreeing with me?!"
Val quickly backpedaled, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "It could be seen as unbecoming, I suppose. How widespread are these... rumors?"
"I cannot say, my lord," Syrvalia answered smoothly, her mind spinning, "Let's see how he reacts to uncertainty. A little vague answer should send his panic spiraling."
"An opening!" Val pounced. "You cannot say, Syrvalia? Perhaps your usefulness has come to an end?"
Though Syrvalia sensed his vulnerability, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness under Val's gaze. "Ah, so there's still a bit of bite left in him. Fascinating." "It's only known among the elites of Netharis. Most common servants haven't noticed."
Val raised an eyebrow. "And those who have noticed... they don't think any less of me, do they?"
Syrvalia swallowed, feeling the weight of his presence. "Of course not, my lord! They've seen it as a... sign of good fortune."
Val's internal monologue exploded. "They see a boner as a sign of good fortune?! What in the name of arcane is happening?!"
Syrvalia smirked. "He's absolutely dying inside, I can feel it. How adorable. Perhaps I should finally give him some mercy."
"I see," Val said, keeping his tone composed. "Then I shall let the matter rest."
Syrvalia, eager to appease, offered, "If anyone thinks less of you, my lord, I will personally ensure they're severely punished."
"No! Don't do that! It'll make me look petty!"
Val waved a hand dismissively. "No need for that. Just ensure they understand the true reason behind it. That will suffice."
Syrvalia beamed. "That's the spirit. One little push, and he's right back to pretending to be in control." "How magnanimous of you, my lord. I will see to it."
"Good. Make it so," Val said, inwardly cringing at his own words. "What have I gotten myself into?"
There was an awkward silence, thick enough to cut with a blade. Syrvalia's amusement only grew, but she decided to throw in another hook. "About your... connection with your vassals."
Val tensed. "What is she getting at now? Zarkos?"
"Proceed," he said, pretending he knew where the conversation was heading.
Syrvalia's next words sent a chill down his spine. "I have a feeling that Maelis will soon take you up on your offer to help with her... experiment in copulation. How do you plan to handle the backlash from the other vassals?"
Val blinked. "What?"
Syrvalia tilted her head. "Didn't you agree to help Maelis with her... research?"
Val's heart raced. "Ah, well, the thing about that is..." "AAAAAAAAAAAA! What have I agreed to?!"
Seeing Val's pause, Syrvalia added, "Surely you've considered how it will affect your other vassals. Selene, Lunara, Ira..."
Val's internal panic reached a new high. "I'm going to die! If they find out, I'll be torn apart!"
"...I have taken everything into consideration," Val said, voice calm despite his internal breakdown. "It's high time I think about... a successor."
"What are you saying, Valdris?! Now you sound like you're planning to die!"
Syrvalia's eyes sparkled with admiration. "A successor, my lord? How bold of you. Truly, your foresight is unparalleled."
Val forced a smile. "Indeed."
Before he could breathe a sigh of relief, Syrvalia spoke the words he dreaded most. "Then, if I may... might I also request your seed in the future?"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Val screamed internally, though he only nodded. "Of course. We'll... discuss the timing in due time."
"Why are you agreeing to this?! You idiot!"
Syrvalia smiled. "I shall inform Selene immediately."
"Please no! Give me at least a month to figure out an escape plan! A plan to leave this hell hole!"
"Sure," Val muttered, defeated. "You coward, Valdris! What happened to the mighty ruler of Netharis?!"
Syrvalia excused herself, leaving Val to stew in his misery. As he glanced over, he noticed Zarkos still fast asleep, dreaming of their epic battle.
Val muttered under his breath, "At least things can't get any worse."
But, somewhere far beyond Netharis, two women plotted. His sisters, finally having tracked him down, were ready to bring even more chaos into his life.