CHAPTER 220: FALL OF VALTAIR [16]

Alaric just stared at the ceiling for a moment and then gave a mental command.

Status.

[STATUS]

Name: Brandon ___ (Past Life: Alaric Noir)

Race: ____

Age: _____

Bloodline: _____ (Partially Awakened)

Title: Slave, Model Servant, Prince of Blackthorn, (The Fallen King)

Essence Path: The Path of #$#&##@##

Sub-Path: Flame, Lightning

Rank: C

EXP: 11,200/15,000

Stats:

STR: 145 (Max)

AGI: 145 (Max)

END: 145 (Max)

WIL: 145 (Max)

CHA: 272

INT: 145 (??) (Max)

Free Stat Points: 283

DP: 26,700

Skill Tree:

Intermediate Lightning Spells (D): Lightning Bolt, Static Shock, Spark, Jolt Step, Static Field

Intermediate Fire Spell (B): Fireball, Flame Arrow, Burst Step

Scorchblade Arts (S):

1st Form – Flame Blade, 2nd Form – Flame Slash, 3rd Form – Blazing Mirage

Dominion’s Gaze (A)

Regnant Strike (B)

Obedience Chains (A)

Gluttony (S)

Subjects (S)

Scanner

Shop: Advanced Tier Items

Captivated: 1

Subjugated targets: 1/3

DP Exchange: Available

Fuse: (Usage: Once a day)

System Level: 4

Next Upgrade: 100,000 DP

??? (System Level 5 required)

His eyes scanned all the familiar contents displayed on the cyan panel. And stopped at the new changes it made.

Instead of Loyalty and Obedience Meter. There were new categories: Captivated and Subjugated Targets.

Alaric’s brows furrowed and mentally selected them both.

[Captivated: 1]

[Selene Glimor:]

Loyalty- 90%

Obedience - 95%

[Subjugated: 1/3]

[Vivienne Valtair:]

Loyalty- 10%

Obedience- 65%

[The targets Host used force/Obedience Chains on are classified as SUBJUGATED. Targets who came under your influence through other methods such as seduction, manipulation, genuine connection are classified as CAPTIVATED.]

"Ah."

That explains it. Why Selene have loyalty and obedience.

Because she chose this, even if she doesn’t fully realize it. Her feelings are genuine. Her submission is willing.She’ll naturally do what I ask.

His eyes shifted to other entry.

But Vivienne is subjugated. Her loyalty is low. Because I forced her. The chains override her will but don’t change her feelings.She’ll obey because she has no choice. But she doesn’t want to. Given the opportunity to break free, she would definitely break free.

Then he closed the window and turned to his side.

"Tomorrow. I’ll leave for academy. Seeds are planted I just have to water them carefully before whoever is after me or whatever threat is approaching can do any more damage."

Valtair’s network was crumbling.

The Queen had her hooks in him now. Delphine and Teryn were loyal or at least trapped.

Vivienne would do what he commanded.

The pieces were moving.

The board set for the next phase.But two subjugated targets were gone.

Lost. Dead or severed.That was a problem. A weakness he’d need to address.

I’ll figure it out later.

His eyes closed. Exhaustion finally winning over the constantly spinning thoughts.

------

Sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Alaric’s eyes opene, adjusting to the light. He lay there for a moment. Then yawned and stretched his body.

Time to move.

He pushed himself up. Swung his legs over the side of the bed and moved to the washbasin.

Splashed cold water on his face. The shock driving away any lingering sleep.

Then suddenly—

Knock! Knock!

Someone knocked at the door, twice.

Alaric turned his head, "What they want this early?"

And moved to the door, opened it.

A maid stood there, holding an envelope in her hands.

She bowed once.

"Young master. This arrived from the academy this morning."

She extended the envelope toward him.

Alaric took it. The paper was of high quality. The seal bore the academy’s crest pressed into deep red wax.

"Thank you."

The maid bowed again. Then turned and left. Her footsteps fading down the corridor.

Alaric closed the door and moved to his desk.

Set the envelope down. Studied it for a moment breaking the seal. Then unfolded the letter inside.

His eyes scanned the contents.

"To All Students of Phoenix Academy,"

"By order of the Crown, the break has been extended. Students are to remain at their residences until further notice."

"This decision has been made in consideration of recent events and the safety of all."

"We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period."

"—Academy Administration"

---

Extended? By order of the Crown?

His lips curved into a knowing smile.

"You sure know how to impress someone, my Queen."

She’s buying me time. Keeping everyone dispersed so I can work without academy obligations interfering.

Or...

His smile shifted. Became more calculating.

She’s keeping potential threats contained. Where movements are restricted.

Smart.

Either way, it benefited him.

More time to deal with Valtair.

He set the letter down. Leaned back in his chair.

Stared at nothing in particular.

Outside his window, the morning continued. Birds singing. Servants moving about. The world carrying on like nothing had changed.

But the Queen had made her first move in their new arrangement.

And Alaric was going to make sure he used every advantage she’d just handed him.

His smile stayed fixed.

Then he stood up. Though his mind was already working.

Change of plans. Need to accelerate everything.

He stepped outside his room and started walking down the hallway.

Already mentally mapping the next moves.

Then suddenly—

"NO!"

A shout echoed through the corridor.

Alaric’s head snapped toward the sound.

Crash!

A door slammed open, hard enough to bang against the wall.

Elina emerged from Selene’s study. Her scarlet hair were wild, face flushed with anger.

She stomped down the hallway, away from the study. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Didn’t even look at Alaric as she passed.

Then disappeared around a corner. Her footsteps still echoing.

Alaric blinked. Stared after her.

What the hell was that about?

He turned. Moved toward the study instead of away and pushed the door open without even knocking.

The interior was dim despite the morning light. Curtains partially drawn. Lamp burning low on the desk.

And Selene...

She was slumped forward. Her forehead resting on her clasped hands. Shoulders hunched.

She didn’t even look up when he entered. Didn’t move, just stayed there motionless.

What happened to her?

Alaric’s eyes narrowed as he stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind him.

"Selene?" He asked, quietly.

She lifted her head slowly.

And that’s when he saw it clearly now.

Her eyes were tired. Dark circles formed beneath them that hadn’t been there yesterday. Her skin was paler than normal. Hair slightly disheveled, which were unusual for someone so meticulous about appearance.

She looked... exhausted and drained.

Like she hadn’t slept at all.

His eyes narrowed further.

"Why are you like this? What happened?"

Selene remained silent for a long moment. Just staring at him. Or maybe through him.

Then her jaw tightened. Her hands clenched where they rested on the desk.

"Duke Rithvale." Her voice came hoarse. "The Crown issued a confinement order. He’s in royal custody. Indefinitely."

Fuck.

Her green eyes finally focused on him properly.

"Fabricated or real. Doesn’t matter. He’s locked away and can’t help us now."

She took a shaky breath.

"And the vultures descended immediately. All of our partners from our mines have pulled away."

Her fingers drummed once.

"Said they couldn’t risk association with a house connected to a traitor. But we know. Underneath that all, they all just wanted to go against us and squeeze all the assets we have."

Alaric processed.

She continued. Her voice getting rougher.

"Then the debtors. The ones we’ve been negotiating with, giving extensions to because the mines were finally becoming profitable... they’re calling in everything. All at once. Full payments immediately."

Her hand came up. Rubbed at her face.

"And when I said we needed time that the revenue streams just got cut, they made... suggestions."

Something in her tone made Alaric’s jaw tighten.

"What kind of suggestions?"

"The kind where I marry Elina off to whoever pays the most." Her voice came flat. "Or where I... personally... ensure certain parties remain cooperative through whatever means necessary."

She looked up at him. Those green eyes hollow now.

"They didn’t say it outright. Too smart for that. But the implication was clear. My daughter’s future or my body. Those are my currencies now apparently."

Fucking vultures.

"And you—" Alaric started.

"I told them no. Obviously." Fire flickered back into her voice. "Told them we’d find another way. That we always have."

Then it died again.

"But I’ve been up all night. Looking for solutions. Calling in every favor we have left." She gestured at the papers. "And I can’t find one. Every path I see... it ends badly."

Her hands clenched into fists on the desk.

"Damn it... They played it smart." She sighed. "I just overlooked at one thing and they..."

Selene leaned back. Rubbing her temples.

Alaric looked at her and then at the door.

"So," he started, turning his head towards her again.

"That’s the reason Elina stormed out furiously."

Selene’s hands came down, rested in her lap and she straightened.

"Yeah. When I told her about this she snapped. Thought I have considered—"

"Marrying her off?" Alaric tilted his head.

"No." She looked at him. "She thought I was considering to use my own body."