Joseph stood before the golden interface, his thoughts racing as he considered his next move. Ethan, now a loyal subordinate, was pacing the room with restless energy. The young man's transformation into a werewolf had not only enhanced his physical strength but also tied him irreversibly to Joseph's will. Yet, even with Ethan's new abilities, Joseph knew they were far from ready to face the growing threats in the supernatural world.
To survive, he needed more power, more subordinates, and more control over the world around him.
The system pulsed faintly, its presence a constant reminder of what was at stake.
> New Objectives Added:
Investigate Missing Persons Case: +2 Upgrade Points
Recruit Additional Subordinates: +3 Upgrade Points
Defeat a Notable Threat: +5 Upgrade Points
Joseph's eyes narrowed as he read the objectives. The missing persons case tied directly to Ethan's sister was a loose thread that could lead to valuable information—or more enemies.
"Ethan," Joseph said, breaking the silence. "Tell me everything you know about your sister's disappearance."
Ethan stopped pacing and turned to face him. "Her name's Lily. She's twenty-two, a college student. She was always into weird stuff—magic, myths, legends. A couple of weeks ago, she told me she met a group of people who could 'do things.' She said they were powerful, and she was excited to learn from them."
Joseph's expression darkened. "Did she tell you who they were?"
Ethan shook his head. "No. She just called them 'The Circle.' I thought it was some kind of cult. Then, one night, she didn't come home. Her phone's been off ever since."
Joseph tapped his fingers against the table, his mind working quickly. The Circle sounded like a rogue faction, possibly a group of rogue mages or another supernatural cult. If they had taken Lily, it was either because she had potential—or because they needed a sacrifice.
"We'll find her," Joseph said firmly. "But first, we need to prepare. If The Circle is what I think it is, we're walking into a fight."
Ethan nodded, his newfound loyalty leaving no room for hesitation. "Whatever you need, I'm ready."
Joseph activated the system's tracking functions, feeding it the information Ethan had shared.
> Target Search Initiated: 'The Circle'
Processing…
The grid of his territory expanded outward, scanning for magical traces and unusual activity. After a few moments, a golden marker appeared on the edge of the map, pulsing faintly.
> Suspicious Activity Detected: Abandoned Church (2.7 Miles Away)
Joseph smirked. An abandoned church—it was almost too cliché.
"Ethan," he said, "we're heading out."
Ethan grabbed his jacket without question, his sharp movements a testament to the werewolf essence now coursing through him.
The church was a decrepit structure, its stained glass windows cracked and its wooden doors hanging on rusted hinges. A faint hum of energy filled the air, sending a shiver down Joseph's spine.
As they approached, Joseph activated Shadowmeld, the familiar sensation of darkness cloaking him like a second skin. Ethan followed closely, his enhanced senses keeping him alert.
"Stay close," Joseph whispered. "We don't know what we're walking into."
Inside, the church was even more foreboding. Candles flickered along the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move on their own. At the center of the room stood a crude altar, surrounded by hooded figures chanting in a language Joseph didn't recognize.
A young woman was tied to the altar, her face pale and her breathing shallow. Joseph recognized her immediately from the photo Ethan had shown him—Lily.
Ethan tensed beside him, a low growl escaping his throat.
"Calm down," Joseph hissed. "We need to be smart about this."
Ethan nodded reluctantly, though his fists remained clenched.
Joseph scanned the room, the system highlighting the energy signatures of the cultists.
> Enemy Analysis:
Cultist Acolytes (Tier 1): 6
Cult Leader (Tier 2): 1
"Seven targets," Joseph muttered. "One of them stronger than the others."
He weighed his options carefully. Charging in headfirst would be suicide, but with the system and Ethan's strength, a strategic attack could succeed.
Joseph reached into his inventory and selected the Shade Essence.
> Summon Shadow Minion Using Shade Essence?
Cost: 2 Upgrade Points
Confirm?
"Confirm," Joseph whispered.
The air around him darkened, and a humanoid figure emerged from the shadows—a shadow minion, its form flickering like smoke. It turned to Joseph, awaiting his command.
"Take out the acolytes quietly," Joseph ordered.
The minion melted into the darkness, its presence almost imperceptible. Moments later, the first cultist fell, a faint gurgling sound escaping as the minion's shadowy claws tore into his throat.
Joseph signaled to Ethan. "Go for the leader. I'll cover you."
Ethan nodded, his movements a blur as he leapt toward the altar. The cult leader turned just in time to raise a hand, a burst of fiery energy erupting from his palm. Ethan dodged, landing a powerful blow that sent the leader staggering backward.
Joseph stepped forward, his mace glowing faintly as he activated Essence Strike. He swung at an approaching acolyte, the weapon connecting with a sickening crack.
The fight was chaotic but short. The shadow minion eliminated the acolytes with ruthless efficiency, while Ethan overpowered the cult leader with brute strength.
As the last cultist fell, Joseph approached the altar and untied Lily.
Lily groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open. She looked at Joseph, then at Ethan, confusion clouding her features.
"Ethan?" she murmured.
"It's me," Ethan said, his voice soft. "You're safe now."
Joseph stepped back, watching the reunion silently. He could feel the system humming faintly, a reminder of the opportunity before him.
"System," Joseph said quietly, "can I use an essence to stabilize her condition?"
> Essence Application Available.
Recommend: Mage Essence (Tier 1).
Joseph hesitated for a moment before selecting the essence.
The glowing orb appeared in his hand, and he pressed it gently against Lily's chest. The energy flowed into her, her body relaxing as the essence worked its magic.
When she opened her eyes again, they glowed faintly with a golden light. She sat up, her gaze locking onto Joseph.
"I… I feel different," she said, her voice steady.
"You've been changed," Joseph said. "You're stronger now. But it comes with a price."
Lily nodded slowly, her expression calm. "I understand. You saved me. I'll do whatever you ask."
Joseph smiled faintly. The system had done its job well. Lily, like Ethan, was now bound to him—not just by gratitude, but by loyalty etched into her very being.
Back at his apartment, Joseph sat at the table, reviewing his growing list of resources.
> Subordinates:
Ethan Cole (Werewolf, Tier 1)
Lily Cole (Mage, Tier 1)
His territory was expanding, his power growing, but the threats around him were becoming more dangerous by the day. The Circle was just the beginning, and the Order of Arcanum still loomed in the shadows.
"Ethan, Lily," Joseph said, looking at his subordinates. "We've taken a step forward, but this is far from over. If we're going to survive, we'll need to be smarter, stronger, and more ruthless than anyone else."
Both nodded, their loyalty unwavering.
Joseph leaned back, a small smile playing at his lips. The game was just beginning, and he intended to win.