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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: The Devil's Reach Expands

The morning after his confrontation with the hackers, Lucien Mordred stood at the heart of his penthouse, staring out over the sprawling city. The first light of dawn bathed New York in golden hues, but to Lucien, the rising sun seemed insignificant. His world was cloaked in shadows, and he preferred it that way. The city had become a reflection of his own power—a vast network that he controlled with the flick of his hand, the mere thought of his will.

His grip on New York was secure, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that it was only the beginning. The System had granted him power that most could only dream of, yet even with all the financial wealth, political sway, and urban control, he hungered for more. This world was vast, with opportunities and territories waiting to be claimed. The United States was just a stepping stone, a starting point for the true scope of his ambitions.

Lucien turned to face Serena, who was seated in front of a cluster of screens, her eyes flickering across multiple feeds. She had become indispensable to him—her hacking abilities were unmatched, and her loyalty, though earned through a mixture of fear and admiration, was now unwavering.

"Serena," Lucien called, his voice smooth and commanding. "It's time to expand."

She glanced up from the monitors, her expression cautious but curious. "Expand? You mean beyond New York?"

"Yes," Lucien replied, stepping closer to her, his presence heavy and unshakable. "The world is vast. And I will not be limited by the petty borders of this city. We need to start looking beyond these streets. We need to set our sights on global domination."

Serena leaned back in her chair, the nervous tension evident in the way she bit her lip. "You want to go global? But how—"

"I've already taken the first steps," Lucien interrupted, his smile never leaving his lips. "With the System, I have control over more than just the physical world. I can reach out to corporations, governments, organizations across the globe. They will all fall under my influence, whether they like it or not."

Serena's brow furrowed as she processed his words. "You really think you can control the entire world like you control this city?"

Lucien's eyes glinted with a dangerous light as he turned to the expansive map on the wall, his fingers tracing the lines of different countries and their economic hubs. "Yes. New York is just the beginning. I will start with the financial powerhouses—London, Tokyo, Dubai—and then move on to political centers. When I control the world's wealth and infrastructure, nothing will stand in my way."

Days passed in a blur as Lucien's plans began to take shape. Serena worked tirelessly, hacking into financial systems, pulling strings behind the scenes to gather information on key figures across the globe. Lucien's power, enhanced by the Urban Dominance System, allowed him to manipulate systems even beyond New York. Through sheer influence, he had already begun buying out smaller companies, quietly infiltrating the global market with each passing day.

Lucien's first target was London—a city that had long been a hub of finance and commerce. It wasn't just about controlling the economy, though. Lucien knew that to truly dominate, he needed to establish alliances. Corporate leaders, politicians, and influential figures would need to be manipulated, cajoled, or coerced into his service.

Serena had compiled a list of key individuals in London, all of whom were potential pawns in Lucien's grand design. With his powers of Absolute Influence, Lucien could bend their will. He didn't need to force them into submission; he could make them want to help him. And if they didn't, well, he had ways of ensuring their compliance.

"Prepare everything," Lucien told Serena one evening, his voice cold and precise. "We're moving forward."

Serena hesitated for a moment, glancing at her screens. "You're sure about this? If we push too hard, we might attract attention—more than we can handle."

Lucien's gaze was unwavering. "I am the attention. The world will bow to me, Serena. It is only a matter of time."

The night before Lucien's operation in London began, he stood alone in his penthouse, a figure of absolute stillness. The city outside seemed to pulse with energy, but it was nothing compared to the power within him. He could feel the weight of his ambitions pressing down on him, but there was no doubt in his mind. He was a force of nature. He had taken control of New York, and now the rest of the world was within his reach.

He closed his eyes, allowing the Urban Dominance System to filter through the cities of London, Tokyo, Dubai—his mind stretching across the globe like a web. He could feel the economic currents, the political undercurrents, the shifting tides of power. All of it belonged to him. In a moment of perfect clarity, Lucien reached out with his mind, touching the very fabric of the cities, his influence extending like tendrils across the globe.

It was then that he heard the familiar voice of the System in his mind.

[Mission Unlocked: Begin Global Expansion.]

Lucien smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming in the darkness. It was time.

London, early morning. The city was waking up, the usual hum of activity filling the streets. But Lucien Mordred was no ordinary man, and his arrival was not the same as any other. Serena's efforts had ensured that all the pieces were in place. Corporate meetings were scheduled. Government officials were prepared to attend private, exclusive gatherings. Lucien's influence had already extended, and now it was time for the world to meet its new master.

The day began with a series of seemingly innocent events. A gala, a press conference, a secret meeting in the back rooms of high-end hotels. Lucien, dressed in his usual dark, impeccable suit, moved through the events with ease, his charisma bending those around him to his will. Business tycoons, bankers, even government ministers—all of them were drawn to him, their minds subtly manipulated, their desires subtly reshaped.

Each handshake was an agreement. Each word spoken was a step toward his inevitable rule. No one resisted him; no one dared to. Even those who would normally question his intentions found themselves oddly compelled to trust him. Lucien had perfected the art of the deal, and he had just started.

By the end of the night, Lucien had secured his first corporate ally in London: a billionaire tech mogul named Alexander Hale. Hale had been intrigued by Lucien's vision, his ability to promise unimaginable wealth, and most importantly, his ability to make things happen.

In their private meeting, Lucien had used his Absolute Influence to make Hale see the potential of partnering with him. What Hale hadn't realized was that he was already a pawn in Lucien's game.

"Welcome to the fold, Alexander," Lucien said with a smile, offering Hale a glass of expensive wine.

Hale took the glass, raising it in a toast. "To new beginnings," he said, unaware that it was the last toast he would ever make as an independent man.

Lucien's smile never wavered. The world was his, and no one—no one—could stop him now.

Back in New York, Serena was hard at work, monitoring the results of Lucien's expansion. Financial records shifted, secret deals were made, and Lucien's influence began to ripple outward, as each city he touched fell under his control.

But even as his power grew, Lucien knew that the game had only just begun. The more he expanded, the more resistance he would face. And with every new ally and enemy alike, he would need to refine his strategy. This wasn't just about taking cities or amassing wealth—it was about becoming a force that no one could challenge.

But for now, as he gazed out over the city of London, Lucien allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He had begun to conquer the world. And there was nothing, no force, no obstacle, that could stand in his way. The Devil's reign had just begun, and soon, the world would bow before him.