NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Buying Skills
Kael sat alone in his study, staring at the faint blue glow of the NTR system hovering in front of him.
The room was quiet except for the occasional crackle of the fireplace.
The night had been a success; Lysara was now firmly in his grasp, her loyalty and trust absolute.
The system had rewarded him generously, and now Kael had more Seduction Points (SP) than ever before.
He leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath.
The system's noise echoed in his mind, signaling the completion of his latest quest.
---
System Notification:
Quest Complete: Conquer Lysara
Reward: 60 SP
Bonus Objective Complete: Gained additional intelligence on external threats to the barony.
Bonus Reward: 40 SP
Total SP Earned: 100 SP
Current SP Balance: 180 SP
---
Kael raised an eyebrow at the notification. This was the largest reward he had ever accumulated.
He leaned forward, focusing on the translucent screen in front of him.
The familiar options appeared, the system's voice smooth and enticing.
"You've done well, Kael," the system purred. "Your path to power grows stronger with every conquest. Shall we explore how you might use your newfound strength?"
Kael smirked, his fingers drumming on the desk. "Let's see what you have for me."
---
The screen shifted, displaying a list of available skills and upgrades.
Kael scanned the options, his eyes narrowing as he considered each one.
---
Available Skills:
1. Dominance Aura (Cost: 50 SP)
Effect: Emits an aura of authority that makes those around you more submissive and compliant. Enhances your ability to command respect and instill fear.
Notes: Especially effective in negotiations or confrontations.
2. Web of Desire (Cost: 80 SP)
Effect: Allows you to manipulate the desires of multiple individuals at once, creating a network of loyalty and intrigue.
Notes: Best used in complex political situations.
3. Emotion Amplifier (Cost: 40 SP)
Effect: Intensifies a target's emotions, making them act more impulsively based on their strongest feelings.
Notes: Useful for breaking bonds or pushing someone to make a critical mistake.
4. Memory Shaper (Cost: 100 SP)
Effect: Grants the ability to subtly alter a target's memories, making them believe events unfolded differently than they actually did.
Notes: High-level skill with significant long-term impact.
5. Allure Upgrade: Master Class (Cost: 60 SP)
Effect: Enhances your natural charisma, making you irresistibly charming and persuasive.
Notes: Increases success rates for seduction and manipulation.
---
Kael's eyes lingered on each option, weighing the benefits.
The possibilities were endless, but he knew he couldn't buy everything. He needed to prioritize.
"Dominance Aura," Kael murmured, tapping the option. "That could be useful for keeping the council and guards in line."
"An excellent choice," the system replied, its voice tinged with approval. "But consider your long-term goals, Kael. Skills like Web of Desire and Memory Shaper offer far-reaching advantages."
Kael nodded, his eyes narrowing as he considered the advice. "Web of Desire," he said thoughtfully. "That could help with the Elstrands. Turning their allies against them would be far more effective than open warfare."
"And yet," the system continued, "your charm is already formidable, but Allure Upgrade would push it beyond mortal limits."
Kael smirked. "You're good at selling, aren't you?"
The system chuckled softly. "I exist to help you succeed."
Kael exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, let's start with Dominance Aura and Web of Desire. That'll leave me with just enough for Emotion Amplifier."
"An excellent selection," the system purred. "Shall I proceed?"
Kael gave a sharp nod. "Do it."
---
System Notification:
Skill Purchased: Dominance Aura (50 SP)
Skill Purchased: Web of Desire (80 SP)
Skill Purchased: Emotion Amplifier (40 SP)
Remaining SP Balance: 10 SP
---
Kael felt a faint surge of energy ripple through him as the system integrated the new abilities.
It was subtle, like a spark igniting deep within his chest, but the potential power was undeniable.
"What now?" Kael asked, his voice calm but eager.
The system's voice took on a slightly amused tone. "Now, we test your new skills. Shall we begin with Dominance Aura?"
Kael frowned slightly. "Test it on whom? Most of my people are loyal, and I have no intention of using it frivolously."
"Loyalty is not the same as respect," the system countered. "Use it on someone who questions you a guard, a council member. Observe how it bends their will."
Kael considered this, then stood from his chair. "Fine. Let's see how it works."
Kael descended into the courtyard, where a group of guards was patrolling.
One of them a younger man named Orin had a reputation for being brash and occasionally insubordinate.
Kael approached him, his expression unreadable.
"Orin," Kael called, his voice steady.
The guard turned, his posture stiffening. "My lord."
Kael activated Dominance Aura, feeling a faint pulse of energy radiate from him.
Orin's confident demeanor faltered, his gaze dropping slightly as a bead of sweat formed on his brow.
"You've been lax in your patrols," Kael said, his tone sharp. "Explain yourself."
Orin stammered, his usual bravado gone. "I-I didn't mean any disrespect, my lord. It won't happen again."
Kael narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. "See that it doesn't. If I find you slacking again, you'll regret it."
"Yes, my lord," Orin replied quickly, bowing his head.
Kael deactivated the skill, watching as Orin relaxed slightly, though the fear in his eyes remained.
Satisfied, Kael turned and walked away.
"Impressive," the system remarked. "Notice how even the boldest among them crumbled under your presence."
Kael smirked faintly. "That'll be useful."
Back in his study, Kael turned his attention to Web of Desire.
The system provided a brief explanation, highlighting the skill's ability to influence multiple individuals at once.
Kael leaned forward, intrigued.
"How does it work?" he asked.
"Picture it as a web," the system explained. "Each thread represents a connection loyalty, lust, ambition. You can pull on these threads, strengthening or weakening bonds as you see fit."
Kael's mind raced with possibilities. "And I can use this on my enemies?"
"Of course," the system replied. "Imagine turning a rival's most trusted allies against them. Or deepening the loyalty of your own subjects. The potential is limitless."
Kael grinned. "I'll need to experiment with it."
"Start small," the system advised. "Perhaps on someone close to you. A servant, a guard, or even Lysara."
Kael's smirk widened. "I'll save that for later."
Kael spent the rest of the night experimenting with his new abilities.
Emotion Amplifier proved particularly useful, allowing him to intensify emotions with a single command.
He used it sparingly, testing its limits on a nervous servant and watching as their fear grew into outright panic.
By the time dawn approached, Kael felt a newfound sense of power and control.
The system had given him tools that would elevate him beyond the reach of any rival.