Ethan stirred on the couch, his eyes flickering open as sunlight filtered through the window. Joseph had barely slept, his focus entirely on the glowing system interface hovering before him. The werewolf essence pulsed faintly in his inventory, a testament to his victory from the night before.
Joseph turned his attention to Ethan, who sat up, rubbing his eyes. The young man looked more composed this morning, but the tension in his shoulders remained.
"Ethan," Joseph said, his voice steady, "do you remember what I told you last night? About staying out of danger?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, but I need to find my sister. I can't just sit around and wait."
Joseph studied him carefully. The young man's determination was admirable, but it would get him killed if he wasn't careful. Joseph had made a decision last night, and now it was time to act.
"You won't be sitting around," Joseph said. "But if you want my help, you'll need to change. This world doesn't forgive weakness."
Ethan frowned, confusion clouding his face. "What do you mean?"
Joseph opened the system interface and summoned the glowing orb of werewolf essence. It floated in the air between them, its energy radiating a primal, untamed power.
"What is that?" Ethan asked, his voice trembling.
"It's power," Joseph replied. "A fragment of the creature we killed last night. I can use it to make you stronger—faster, tougher, capable of surviving in this world. But there's a price."
Ethan hesitated, his eyes darting between Joseph and the glowing orb. "What kind of price?"
"You'll change," Joseph said honestly. "You won't be the same as you were before. And your life will be tied to mine. You'll follow my orders, no questions asked."
Ethan swallowed hard, the weight of the decision clear on his face. But then he straightened, his jaw tightening. "If it means finding my sister… I'll do it."
Joseph nodded. "Good."
Joseph raised his hand, and the system responded.
> Apply Werewolf Essence to Target: Ethan Cole
Warning: Transformation may induce physical and psychological changes.
Confirm?
"Confirm," Joseph said.
The orb dissolved into a torrent of golden light, rushing into Ethan's body. He gasped, clutching his chest as the energy spread through him. His muscles tensed, his veins glowing faintly as the essence rewrote his very being.
Ethan collapsed onto the floor, his breathing ragged. Joseph watched silently, knowing the process couldn't be interrupted.
Minutes passed, and then Ethan's breathing steadied. He pushed himself to his knees, his eyes wide with shock.
"What… what just happened?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Joseph stepped closer, studying him. Ethan's posture was different—stronger, more confident. His eyes glowed faintly, a hint of the werewolf's primal power now coursing through him.
"You've changed," Joseph said. "Try standing."
Ethan obeyed without hesitation, his movements fluid and precise. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the strength coursing through his body.
"I feel… incredible," Ethan said, his voice filled with wonder.
Joseph nodded. "Good. Because you're mine now."
Ethan blinked, the words sinking in. But instead of protesting, he lowered his head slightly, as though instinctively submitting to Joseph's authority.
"I'll do whatever you need," Ethan said, his voice firm.
Joseph felt a surge of satisfaction. The system's modification had worked perfectly, binding Ethan to him as a loyal subordinate.
Joseph turned back to the system interface. His territory grid shimmered faintly, the upgraded defenses holding steady. But the Order of Arcanum's threat loomed large in his mind. He needed more control over his surroundings, and that meant expanding his reach.
"Ethan," Joseph said, "we're going for a walk."
Ethan followed without question, his newfound strength evident in every step. They moved through the neighborhood, Joseph's senses heightened as he scanned for potential threats.
> Territory Expansion in Progress.
Upgrade Points Earned: +3
Golden lines extended from his existing grid, encompassing more of the surrounding area. With each step, Joseph felt his influence grow stronger, the system's presence solidifying in the physical world.
Ethan glanced around, clearly sensing the shift. "What's happening?"
"I'm claiming this area," Joseph said simply. "It's part of how I work."
Ethan nodded, accepting the explanation without question.
As they continued, Joseph felt a faint ripple of energy nearby. He froze, his eyes narrowing.
"System, scan."
> Entity Detected:
Shade (Tier 1).
Status: Injured.
A smirk crossed Joseph's face. Another essence was within his grasp.
The alley was dark, shadows clinging to the walls like living things. Joseph could feel the shade's presence before he saw it, its energy weak and fragmented.
The creature was hunched over, its form flickering as though it might dissipate at any moment. It raised its head as Joseph approached, its hollow eyes locking onto him.
"You're not getting away," Joseph said coldly.
The shade hissed, but it was too weak to fight back. Ethan stepped forward, his enhanced strength making short work of the creature as he delivered a crushing blow.
The shade dissolved into a faint glow, leaving behind another orb of essence.
> Shade Essence (Tier 1) Acquired.
Joseph picked up the orb, its dark energy swirling in his palm.
"Another tool for the arsenal," he muttered.
Back at the apartment, Joseph reviewed his resources.
> Current Essences:
Mage Essence (Male, Tier 1)
Mage Essence (Female, Tier 1)
Shade Essence (Tier 1)
He glanced at Ethan, who stood at attention, waiting for orders. The transformation had not only enhanced Ethan's physical abilities but also instilled a deep sense of loyalty.
Joseph's mind raced with possibilities. He could summon a new servant, enhance Ethan further, or experiment with combining essences. But each choice carried risks, and the Order of Arcanum would only give him so much time.
For now, his priority was clear: fortify his position, gather more resources, and prepare for the battles to come.
"Ethan," Joseph said, his voice steady, "we're just getting started."
Ethan nodded, a determined look in his glowing eyes. "What do you need me to do?"
Joseph smirked. "Everything."