Priyanshu stood atop the highest tower of the eastern palace wing, watching the sun rise over Pritampur. Its golden rays spread like a crown across the horizon, but he wasn't looking at beauty. He was studying opportunity.
Below, the court bustled with tension. Nobles began to take sides—not in public, not in declarations—but in whispers. Whispers born from rumors. Rumors he had planted.
And it was time to set his first puppet in motion.
[System Notification]Influence over Minister of War: 17%Suggested Action: Initiate Favor QuestReward: Strategic Military Control (Minor)
The Minister of War—General Arjun Varma—was a powerful cultivator and a feared commander. Loyal to the empire, but bitter at the royal family's internal disputes. He had one weakness: his only son, Veer Varma.
Priyanshu's lips curved.
The young Veer was a promising cultivator, but reckless. Known for gambling, drinking, and reckless duels. If there was a loose thread to tug on, it was him.
Priyanshu made his way to the underground arena—the illegal dueling pit where nobles' sons fought for glory and coin, away from the watchful eyes of the court.
As he entered, cloaked in a simple black robe, the crowd cheered around a bloodied duel.
And there he was—Veer Varma—shouting at a bruised opponent, holding a spirit blade to the man's throat.
"Yield, coward!"
"Enough," Priyanshu's voice was calm but sharp.
Everyone turned. Silence fell.
Veer laughed, "And who are you supposed to be? A judge? Get lost before I use you as a warm-up."
"Try," Priyanshu said, lifting a single hand.
What followed was not a duel. It was a massacre of ego.
Priyanshu dodged Veer's attacks without lifting his foot, slapped him to the ground without using his full strength, and ended the fight with a flick to Veer's chest—causing the young noble to crash into the arena wall.
The arena roared.
But Priyanshu didn't gloat. Instead, he walked to Veer, offered his hand, and said, "You're strong. But undisciplined. If you want to rise, serve someone who can shape you into a true cultivator."
Veer, bloodied and stunned, stared at him. His pride wanted to lash out again.
But his instinct told him to follow.
And in that moment, Veer nodded.
[System Alert – First Puppet Acquired]Veer Varma – Devotion Level: 34%Abilities: Spirit Blade Techniques (Intermediate), Skyfall StepsSpecial Trait: Charisma Among NoblesBonus: Minister of War's Favorability +10%Influence over Military Operations (Minor)
Priyanshu walked out of the pit with Veer trailing behind him, head lowered in submission. The crowd parted in awe.
And the puppeteer smiled.
"One down. Nine hundred ninety-nine to go."