The iron door groaned as it swung inward, its weight dragging on the stone floor. Kelvin kept his body slumped, his head low, hiding the glint of cunning in his eyes. The younger guard approached cautiously, a dented canteen in hand, while the other stood at the threshold, hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
Kelvin's mind buzzed with overlapping thoughts as his ability sharpened, feeding him snippets of their intentions.
"If he tries anything, I'll gut him."
"Just give him the water and get out. Don't waste time."
[System Notification:
Opportunity detected.
Trigger mental manipulation?
Cost: 5 Mental Points ]
Kelvin hesitated. His mental reserves were at zero, a reminder of his current limits.
Seems like I'll have to rely on myself for now
[System Insight:
Target. Guard A
(younger).
Exploit his inexperience. ]
Kelvin forced his body to tremble as the guard crouched to offer the canteen. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I... I won't forget this kindness."
The younger guard faltered, his hardened demeanor softening. "He's just a broken man. No harm in helping."
Kelvin struck like a coiled viper. His chained hands shot out, wrapping the iron links around the guard's neck in one fluid motion. The guard's eyes bulged as he struggled, but Kelvin tightened his grip, cutting off his air supply.
The other guard cursed and rushed forward, drawing his sword, but Kelvin was ready. Using the younger guard's body as a shield, he pivoted, forcing the man to absorb the blow meant for him. The blade sank into flesh with a sickening crunch, and the younger guard let out a gurgled scream before collapsing.
[System Notification:
Mental Points Gained: +10 (First Kill Bonus)]
Kelvin's vision momentarily blurred as a surge of energy coursed through him. The system pulsed, feeding him new insights.
[Skill Unlocked:
Basic Reflex Enhancement
Effect: Slightly improves reaction speed and physical control for seconds.]
He didn't waste a moment. Activating the skill instinctively, Kelvin ducked under the second guard's wild swing, snatching the younger guard's sword from his limp hand.
In one swift motion, he drove the blade into the second guard's abdomen. The man let out a strangled cry, staggering backward before collapsing in a heap.
Kelvin stood over the bodies, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from the blade in his hand, pooling on the cold stone floor.
[Mission Progress: 50%]
[System Notification:
Status Update: Mental Points now at 15.
System recommends immediate tactical planning for escape.]
Kelvin scanned the corridor, his heightened senses picking up the faint murmur of voices further down. Reinforcements. He knelt by the guards, quickly stripping one of his armor and donning it over his tattered prison garb.
[New Mission Unlocked
Mission: Eliminate the Warden
Objective: Neutralize the warden to secure a safe escape route.
Reward: Advanced Mind Reading (Passive)
Penalty: Immediate Deactivation of System Features]
Kelvin frowned. "Eliminate the warden?" he muttered. He wasn't even fully armed, let alone ready to face someone likely far stronger.
Every warden is selected after thorough examination. The warden will be very strong for the current me. Can I even beat him?
"You're not ready, but when have you ever been given a choice?" Magnus's voice echoed in his mind, a mix of mockery and challenge.
This old man!
Kelvin tightened his grip on the sword, his mind racing. He couldn't afford to hesitate. If the system demanded it, the warden would fall.
Kelvin followed the sensory pings in his mind, each step bringing him closer to the stationary figure-the warden. The man's quarters were heavily guarded, the air thick with tension as two soldiers stood vigilant outside.
Kelvin's thoughts raced. A direct confrontation would be suicide. He needed a plan.
[System Insight:
Weakness detected: Guard A (taller) is fatigued.
Guard B (shorter) is easily intimidated.
System Suggestion:
Use Mind Reading to manipulate Guard B into abandoning his post. ]
Kelvin focused on the shorter guard,mind brushing against the man's surface thoughts.
"I hate this place. Always smells like rot. I could use a break, but that bastard warden never lets us..."
Kelvin stepped out of the shadows, keeping his head low to hide his face under the stolen helmet.
"You," he barked, mimicking the gruff tone of authority. "The warden's orders- he needs more wine. Go fetch it."
The shorter guard blinked, his thoughts flickering with confusion and then resignation. "Of course he'd want more wine. Lazy drunk."
Without a word, the guard turned and left, his armor clinking as he disappeared down the corridor.
[System Notification:
Mental Points Gained: +5
(Successful Manipulation) ]
With one guard remaining, Kelvin didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, driving the dagger into the taller man's side. The guard let out a strangled gasp, his fatigue leaving him unable to react quickly. Kelvin silenced him with a second strike, lowering his body to the ground without a sound.
[System Notification:
Mental Points Gained: +10
(Flawless Execution) ]
Kelvin pushed open the warden's door, his senses on high alert. The man stood behind a large desk, his beady eyes narrowing at the intruder.
"Well, well," the warden drawled, his voice laced with disdain. "The prince himself. You've got guts, boy, I'll give you that."
Kelvin didn't respond. Instead, he activated Mind Reading, letting the warden's thoughts spill into his consciousness.
"He's unarmed, desperate. Easy to break. But why is he so calm? That armor... no, it can't be..."
Kelvin's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "I'll give you one chance," he said, his voice steady. "Hand me your escape routes and step aside."
The warden barked a laugh. "Do you think I fear you?"
Kelvin took a step forward, his presence amplified by the system.
"You should," he whispered.
[ System Notification:
Skill Unlocked: Psychic
Intimidation (Basic)
Effect: Instills fear in a target, lowering their resolve.
Cost: 10 Mental Points ]
Kelvin didn't hesitate, activating the skill. The warden's confidence crumbled, his thoughts spiraling into panic.
"What... what is this? My chest... why can't I breathe?"
The man staggered back, his hands shaking. "Stay away!" he shouted, reaching for a hidden dagger.
Kelvin struck before he could act, disarming him with a precise slash. He pressed the blade to the warden's throat, his voice cold.
"Where are the escape routes?
The warden gulped, his resistance shattered. "There's... a tunnel behind the bookshelf," he stammered. "It leads outside the city."
Kelvin smirked. "Good choice." With a swift motion, he knocked the warden unconscious.
[Mission Complete
Escape from the Dungeon: 100%
Rewards:
• Enhanced Mind Reading (Intermediate)
• Mental Points: +20]
Kelvin dragged the bookshelf aside, revealing a narrow tunnel. As he stepped inside, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Well done, boy . But remember, this is only the beginning."
Kelvin tightened his grip on the stolen blade, his resolve unshaken. "Then let's see how far this curse can take me."
The darkness swallowed him whole as he disappeared into the unknown.