The hall was silent again, but the quiet was heavy, as if the shadows themselves were holding their breath. Jun could feel eyes on him—watching, waiting.
The subordinate stood a few paces away, its posture calm, yet predatory. "Authority without proof is worthless," it said. "Show me you deserve to rise."
Before Jun could answer, a low rattle came from the far end of the hall. Shapes emerged from the darkness—small, twisted creatures with wiry limbs and jagged claws. Their glowing eyes studied him, sharp and calculating.
Jun's pulse spiked. He had nothing but himself. No weapons. No army. No magic. Only his presence.
A faint whisper echoed in his mind:
[SYSTEM] Quest Detected: Prove Your Authority. First Trial Initiated.
Jun's stomach churned. He wanted to run, but something deep inside—unfamiliar yet instinctive—held him in place. He felt it stirring: a pulse within his chest, tied to the throne he didn't fully understand.
[SYSTEM] Host Identity Confirmed: Jun (Human Origin). Potential Authority Detected.
"What… what does that mean?" Jun whispered to himself. He didn't feel fully human, yet he wasn't entirely something else either.
The creatures lunged. Jun froze, fear tightening his chest. He closed his eyes, focusing inward, letting the weight of his presence radiate outward. Slowly, the nearest creature halted mid-strike. Another hesitated, sniffing the air. One by one, they froze, wary but still circling.
[SYSTEM] Hint: Authority is not power. Presence shapes compliance.
Jun opened his eyes, chest still pounding. "You will not advance," he said, voice firm despite trembling.
The creatures twitched, then retreated slightly, forming a loose circle. The first spark of influence had manifested—not full control, not mastery, but a faint recognition of him as something more.
[SYSTEM] Partial Success: Creature Compliance 40%
The subordinate studied him, tilting its head. "Not mastery… yet. But enough to survive. You can bend them—if you understand yourself."
Jun exhaled, finally noticing the subtle pulse in the throne behind him. It was steady, expectant… almost alive. Another SYSTEM message arrived, soft yet distinct:
[SYSTEM] Quest Progress: Step 1 Complete. Continue to Explore Host Potential.
Jun's mind raced. Who am I now? He didn't remember everything, but he knew this body, this presence, this new reality… it was his. And somehow, it was responding to him.
He wasn't ready. He wasn't powerful. But for the first time, he felt that he could be.
This was only the beginning.