The city outside was humming, white lights gleaminf down wet pavement, horns snapping like nerves. Jack leaned on the balcony rail of Helena's apartment, smoke curling from the cigarette he wasn't even inhaling. He wasn't a smoker. He just liked the fire between his fingers.
Inside, Helena lay stretched on silk sheets, chest still rising fast from the duel that had nearly torn her apart. She slept with her hand curled in the air like she was still holding him.
The System pulsed like a heartbeat across his vision:
[Major Quest: Rivalry Active]
Objective: Outmaneuver Marcus | Claim Assets | Survive Clash
Timer: Rival Counterattack — ETA Expired]
Jack's smirk widened. "So he's late."
The lights in the apartment flickered once, twice. Then cut out completely.
Darkness swallowed the room.
Helena stirred. "Jack?"
Jack straightened, tossing the cigarette over the rail. "Stay down."
The System screamed in crimson:
[Rival Marcus — Direct Engagement Detected]
[Location: Immediate Vicinity]
A laugh crawled out of the shadows. Marcus's voice, low and gleeful. "Cute trick with Helena. Made her scream your name. But you know what screams fade into, Jack? Echoes."
Jack turned slowly. Marcus stepped out of the dark like the room belonged to him. His eyes glowed predator-red, throwing slivers of light across his jaw. He looked hungrier than before.
The System flared:
[Rival Duel — Player vs Player]
Objective: Survive and Dominate Rival]
Reward: +1500 XP | Skill Unlock Roll (Tier Upgrade Possible)]
Penalty for Failure: Forced Submission | Loss of Assets]
Jack rolled his shoulders. "Finally decided to stop hiding behind women."
Marcus smirked. "Oh, don't worry. I'll take them back too. But first, I'll take you apart."
His aura slammed forward, heavier than before, a suffocating pressure that bent the air. The couch creaked, wineglass shattered, Helena whimpered in her sleep as if she could feel the weight.
Jack's Dominance Aura flared in answer, two invisible storms colliding, pressure slamming through the room like invisible thunder.
The System displayed split stats:
[Jack]
Charm: 140
Lust: 55
Control: 37
Corruption: 8
Skills: Obedience Whisper | Dominance Aura | Influence Drain
[Marcus]
Charm: 160
Lust: 70
Control: 42
Corruption: 15
Skills: Predator's Presence | Lust Spike | Claim Lock
Marcus chuckled. "Look at that. You're smaller. Hungrier, maybe. But I've got the weight."
Jack grinned back. "Ever hear of David and Goliath?"
Marcus's smirk sharpened. "Yeah. And in the real version, Goliath stomped his skull in."
The System pinged:
[Micro-Quest: Test Rival's Defenses]
Action: Initiate psychological attack]
Reward: +300 XP | Rival Confidence −5%]
Jack stepped closer, voice dropping to that low, razor growl. "Funny. Helena didn't scream your name. Neither did the secretary. Both of them broke for me. You're loud, Marcus, but you're sloppy."
Marcus's jaw tightened. His aura pulsed harder, trying to cover the sting. The System dinged:
[Micro-Quest Complete: Rival Confidence −5%]
Marcus growled. "Keep talking. I'll shut that mouth by making you choke on your own system."
He lunged. Not physically—his aura hit like a spike, a direct attempt to lock Jack's body into stillness.
[Skill Activated: Claim Lock]
[Effect: Immobilizes target for 10s if resistance fails]
Jack's vision blurred. His muscles seized, body threatening to freeze. Helena whimpered again in her sleep, voice whispering his name. That single sound sparked heat like a fuse.
[Obedience Whisper — Reflexive Activation]
Jack forced it into himself. Move.
The System shivered.
[Unique Action: Self-Command Accepted]
[Resistance Roll: Success | Immobilization Broken]
Jack snapped free, stepping into Marcus's space, lips curled in a grin. "Guess I'm harder to hold than your women."
Marcus snarled, grabbing Jack by the shirt and slamming him into the wall. "Then I'll break you the old way."
Jack's vision flickered with System text:
[New Quest: Turn the Predator]
Objective: Corrupt Marcus mid-duel]
Reward: +800 XP | Dark Perk Roll (Hidden)]
Jack barked a laugh, even with Marcus's hand fisted in his collar. "Oh, that's rich."
Marcus tightened his grip. "You think this is a joke?"
Jack's smile was pure venom. "No. I think you've got weaknesses too. And I'll find them."
He twisted, driving a knee up into Marcus's gut. Marcus grunted, grip faltering. Jack shoved him back, aura flaring brighter, crashing into Marcus like a wave.
[Influence Drain Activated]
[10% Rival Control Stolen]
Marcus staggered, eyes blazing hotter. "You—"
Jack stalked forward, relentless. "That's right. Every time you come at me, I'll take something. A woman. A skill. A piece of you. Until there's nothing left."
The System chimed:
[Progress: Rivalry 25%]
[Marcus Rage Level Increased]
Marcus's smile returned, dark and thin. "Then I'll start by taking her back."
His gaze snapped to the bed where Helena lay trembling.
The System screamed:
[Warning: Rival Action — Asset Helena Targeted]
Marcus's aura pulsed toward her like a chain. Her body arched, lips parting, voice breaking into a moan that wasn't entirely for Jack.
Jack roared. "No."
He shoved his Dominance Aura between them, shielding her, sweat beading at his temple from the effort.
[Aura Clash — Intensity at Critical]
[Winner Gains Direct Claim on Helena's Next Weakness]
Marcus grinned through the struggle. "She's soft. She'll fold. You can't guard her forever."
Jack bared his teeth. "I don't need forever. Just long enough to end you."
The System timer ticked across his vision:
[Aura Clash Resolution: 5… 4… 3…]
Helena whimpered, eyes fluttering open. Her gaze darted between them, confusion and fear mixing with raw heat.
Jack's voice tore out, sharp as a blade. "Look at me, Helena!"
Her eyes locked to his.
[Timer: 1… 0]
The System detonated:
[Aura Clash Resolved — Victor: Jack]
[Marcus Suppressed — Control Reduced to 30%]
[New Weakness Discovered: Rival Marcus — Envy Triggered by Female Rejection]
Jack laughed, a dark, wild sound. "There it is. You hate losing them. Makes you soft."
Marcus's snarl was feral. His form shimmered, destabilizing, forced to retreat.
[Rival Forced Withdrawal — Cooldown: 12h]
The System cooled, lines fading until only one remained:
[Quest Progress: Rivalry 40%]
Jack wiped sweat from his brow, turning back to Helena. She was wide-eyed, clutching the sheets.
"What just happened?" she whispered.
Jack crouched, thumb brushing her jaw. "War," he said simply. "And I don't lose wars."
The System chimed one last time:
[Perk Roll Initiated: Tier Upgrade Possible]
Jack's grin curled sharp. "Now we're playing for real."