Chapter 2 – "The Reward of Wickedness"
The crimson sky stretched over him like a wound. Every breath of air tasted of iron and ash. Around him, violet flame licked the stone altar, casting shadows that moved as though alive.
Airi knelt before him, her eyes still glazed with the effects of his suggestion. Behind her, the hooded monks whispered among themselves, their chants now replaced by uncertain murmurs.
Kairo turned his gaze to them. "So… what now? Do I fight? Do I bargain?"
The eldest monk stepped forward, his voice trembling like dry leaves. "The Mark of Sin is no gift, mortal. It is a burden. The Rite demands you prove yourself worthy."
Kairo smirked. "Prove myself? I'm already worthy. I proved myself when I died."
The monk's eyes narrowed. "The Rite is unfinished. You must walk through the Trial of Corruption."
Airi gasped, clutching her robes. Kairo glanced at her, the smirk never leaving his lips. She would be useful. Not just as a follower, but as the first stone in his empire.
The System whispered inside him:
[Trial: Corrupt and dominate the hearts of the Trial Keepers. Corruption Level +10. Rewards: Sin Points, Skill Evolution.]
Kairo's grin widened. "Let's begin."
The monks stepped aside, revealing a vast arena carved into the stone of a mountain, glowing faintly with runes of sin. At its center stood three figures, tall and cloaked, their faces hidden beneath black hoods.
"Trial Keepers," the eldest monk said, "guardians of the Rite. They will test your mind before your body."
Kairo's boots echoed as he stepped forward. "Mind games? Sounds like my kind of sport."
The first Keeper stepped into the light. Her voice was silk and steel. "We know your mind. We know your sins. But do you know yourself?"
He laughed softly. "No. But I know I'll enjoy the answer."
The Keeper raised her hand, and the air warped. Kairo felt his thoughts tugged at, memories folding in on themselves. The arena shifted into a dreamscape—visions of his death, his betrayal, and whispers of lust and fear.
He smirked, drawing the first skill of his new life: Desirecraft Lv.1 — Manipulate the deepest desires of your target.
The Keeper faltered. "You… you twist minds."
"And bodies," he added. "And hearts."
He stepped forward, voice low, threading words with power.
"You are afraid… afraid of being forgotten. Afraid of insignificance. But what if you could feel remembered forever?"
The Keeper shuddered. Her knees gave way. Crimson runes pulsed brighter in her hood.
[Sin Points +102. Skill Upgraded: Suggestion Lv.2.]
Kairo's grin widened. "One down. Two to go."
The second Keeper stepped forward, his presence heavy with authority. "You use seduction to corrupt. But seduction is a two-edged blade."
Kairo smirked. "Then I'll sharpen it until it cuts deeper."
Their battle was not of swords, but of minds. Kairo wove thoughts and desires like threads, tangling the Keeper in illusions of power, loyalty, and lust. The Keeper's own mind turned against him.
[Sin Points +125. Skill Unlocked: Betrayal Influence Lv.1.]
The Keeper collapsed, clutching his chest. "You… are dangerous."
"I'm the best kind of dangerous," Kairo replied softly. "The kind you can't escape from."
Airi stepped closer, watching him with eyes full of awe. The System whispered:
[Harem Bond Strength +7%.]
She wasn't the only one drawn to him. Kairo knew this Trial would seed something more than victory—it would seed devotion.
The third Keeper's voice echoed like thunder. "You walk a path of sin. But sin carries a price."
Kairo leaned forward. "Then tell me the cost. I'll pay in full."
The Keeper extended a hand. The arena shifted again. This time, Kairo found himself in a vast hall filled with mirrors—each one reflecting a version of himself. Each version was darker, more corrupted.
"You see your soul," the Keeper said. "And you must choose what it becomes."
Kairo's eyes narrowed. "My soul is a blade forged in desire and corruption."
He stepped forward, striking the mirror closest to him. It shattered, and a wave of crimson power washed over the arena.
[Sin Points +210. Skill Unlocked: Mind Weaving Lv.1.]
[Harem Expansion Triggered.]
The Keeper fell, his hood burning away into ash. Kairo stood alone in the arena, breathing deep.
Airi moved closer, her voice trembling. "Master… what happens now?"
Kairo's smirk returned. "Now… I build my empire."
The monks fell silent. The Eldest stepped forward, handing Kairo a scroll bound in crimson leather.
"This… is your first path. Corrupt the Valley of Endless Sins. Only then will the Rite be complete."
Kairo unrolled it. Names, sects, and territories filled the parchment like a map of the world's corruption.
The System whispered in his mind:
[Corruption Campaign Initiated. Potential Sin Points: Infinite. Harem Expansion Opportunity: High.]
Airi knelt beside him, her eyes shining with loyalty and lust.
Kairo's smile deepened. "Let's see how deep this rabbit hole goes."
The crimson sky above roared, and the words of the System echoed in his mind:
[The world is yours. But at what cost?]