MTLNOVEL Chapter 10: Chapter 10: “Expanding the Dominion”
Power isn't static. It's like fire—if you don't feed it, it dies.
With Rias, Akeno, and the Occult Research Club under my influence, I had my kingdom. But what's a king without a larger realm to rule?
The Dominion System pulsed softly in the back of my mind, as if reading my thoughts.
[New Mission Unlocked: Expanding the Dominion]
[Objective: Extend your influence beyond Kuoh Academy and into the supernatural factions.]
[Bonus Objective: Dominate a member of each major faction (Angels, Fallen Angels, and the Church).]
[Reward: Unique Skill – "Sovereign's Will" (Global Influence Boost).]
The game was far from over.
Now, it was time to play on a bigger board.
Kuoh Academy - Occult Research Club Room
The room felt different now. Not because of the furniture, the ancient tomes stacked on shelves, or the faint magical energy in the air.
It was because of me.
Rias sat beside me, her usual commanding presence dimmed, though she still tried to wear her mask of control. Akeno lingered nearby, her gaze always finding me, her playful smile now carrying a shadow of possessiveness.
But I wanted more.
—"We've conquered this," I said casually, leaning back in my chair. "It's time for the next move."
Rias arched an eyebrow.
—"And what exactly do you have in mind?"
I smiled.
—"The Grigori. The Angels. Even the Church. They're all just waiting to be influenced."
Akeno's smile grew sharper, a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
—"You're not afraid of provoking them?"
I met her gaze, my grin widening.
—"They should be afraid of provoking me."
[Mission Progress: 5%]
Grigori Territory - First Contact
The first target was obvious: the Fallen Angels.
They were fragmented, ruled by ambition and lust for power. A perfect starting point.
We met under the cover of darkness in an abandoned cathedral on the outskirts of town. The once-holy place now reeked of decay and faded prayers, fitting for creatures who had fallen from grace.
At the center of the room stood Kalawarner, a high-ranking fallen angel. Tall, with piercing blue eyes and an air of superiority that was both alluring and fragile.
—"So, you're the infamous Aiden Drake," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "The devil who thinks he can challenge the natural order."
I stepped forward, unfazed.
—"Not challenge it. Redefine it."
Her smirk faltered for just a second.
[Target Acquired: Kalawarner - Fallen Angel Lieutenant]
[Objective: Dominate through psychological manipulation.]
[Bonus Objective: Force her to kneel willingly.]
I approached slowly, my aura flaring—not aggressively, but enough to make her feel it.
Power isn't always about brute force. Sometimes, it's about presence. About making someone realize they're already losing before the battle even starts.
She tensed as I stopped inches from her, our eyes locked.
—"You think you're in control," I whispered, my voice low and smooth. "But control is an illusion. You've already given it to me the moment you felt that fear creeping into your heart."
Her jaw clenched, but she didn't deny it.
I reached out, my fingers grazing her cheek lightly. She flinched—just barely—but enough to confirm what I already knew.
She was mine.
—"Kneel," I commanded softly.
There was a moment of hesitation. Then… she did.
Slowly. Reluctantly. But she knelt.
[Objective Complete: Kalawarner Subjugated.]
[Bonus Objective Achieved.]
[Dominion Points Earned: 3,000 DP]
I tilted her chin up with two fingers, forcing her to look at me.
—"Good girl."
Her glare was sharp, filled with hatred—and something more dangerous.
Desire.
Back at Kuoh Academy
The Dominion System pulsed again.
[Mission Progress: 25%]
[Next Target: The Church.]
[Bonus Objective: Turn a holy warrior against their own faith.]
Rias watched me as I reviewed the mission details, her lips pressed into a thin line.
—"You're playing a dangerous game," she said quietly.
I smiled, standing to approach her. My hand cupped her jaw, tilting her face up toward mine.
—"I'm not playing, Rias," I whispered against her lips. "I'm winning."
She didn't argue.
She just submitted.
The Next Day - Mission: The Church
The Church's influence in Kuoh was minimal, but not nonexistent. Rumors of a rogue exorcist with a reputation for ruthlessness had reached me. A perfect target.
Her name was Irina Shidou—a holy sword wielder with unwavering faith.
I was going to break that faith.
[New Target Acquired: Irina Shidou - Holy Sword Wielder]
[Objective: Corrupt her beliefs through manipulation and seduction.]
[Bonus Objective: Force her to renounce her faith.]
Abandoned Chapel - First Encounter
She was beautiful in the way angels are—pure, radiant, untouched.
That wouldn't last.
We crossed paths during a staged "encounter," my traps already set to isolate her from reinforcements.
She raised her sword defensively when she saw me.
—"You're a devil," she spat, her grip tight on the hilt. "I won't fall for your tricks."
I didn't draw a weapon.
I didn't need to.
—"I don't need tricks," I replied smoothly. "You've already lost."
Her confusion was brief. The battle was intense but one-sided. I disarmed her effortlessly, pinning her against the stone wall of the chapel, her sword clattering to the ground.
—"Why are you hesitating?" I whispered, my face inches from hers. "Because deep down, you're curious. Aren't you?"
Her breathing grew ragged.
She didn't deny it.
[Mission Progress: 50%]
[Corruption Process Initiated.]
Later That Night - Aiden's Estate
The Dominion System's glow was soft but undeniable.
[Mission Progress: 75%]
[Kalawarner - Subjugated]
[Irina - Corruption in Progress]
[Next Target: Heaven's Faction - An Angel.]
I poured myself another glass of wine, the taste of victory sweeter than ever.
Rias was already mine.
Akeno was bound by obsession.
Kalawarner knelt willingly.
And soon, even Heaven would crumble.
Because when you play the game of power…
There are no gods.
Only kings.
And I was about to become the greatest of them all.
End of Chapter 10