The corridors of the dungeon twisted like veins through the earth. Torches sputtered on the walls, casting flickering shadows. Aric moved like a predator, silent, deliberate.
The first kill lingered on him like a second skin. The crunch of bone, the heat of blood—it had awakened something primal.
Yet it was not just bloodlust. It was purpose.
The system hummed again.
> New Quest: Spill Blood in Tyranny.
Requirement: Kill three foes through domination (not mercy).
Reward: +10 Strength, Skill Evolution.
Aric's lips curled. Three more kills. That would be simple.
Two more guards appeared at the far end of the passage. One pointed a spear, shouting. "Prisoner! Stop!"
Aric didn't stop.
The first thrust his spear. Aric caught it with one hand, yanked the man forward, and drove his forehead into the guard's nose. Bone cracked. Blood spurted. The man screamed.
Before the second could react, Aric grabbed the broken spear, spun it, and rammed it through his chest. The guard's eyes widened, a wet gasp escaping his lips before he collapsed.
Another chime.
> 2/3 Tyrant kills complete.
The first guard crawled, whimpering, clutching his shattered face. His cries echoed, pitiful, human.
Aric stood over him. For a heartbeat, mercy tugged at his chest—a memory of the man he once was, the Savior who spared even the lowliest soldier.
But mercy was ash now.
He stomped on the man's skull. Once. Twice. Until it caved in.
Silence.
The system pulsed with approval.
> Quest Complete.
Strength +10.
Domination Aura evolved to Lv. 2.
Aric shivered as power flooded him. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and terrifyingly addicting.
Then another notification.
> Tyrant's Oath Unlocked.
Speak your vow aloud to bind your path.
Aric closed his eyes. He saw Darin's smirk, heard the laughter of his men, felt the blade pierce his heart again. The memories sharpened into fury.
He clenched his fists, raised his head, and spoke:
"I vow this with blood as witness—never again shall I kneel, never again shall I serve. All who stand before me will bow, or they will break. I am no savior. I am the Tyrant."
The torches flared as if the dungeon itself trembled at his words.
> Tyrant's Oath Complete.
All Tyrant abilities amplified. New skill unlocked: Blood Pact.
Aric exhaled, the weight of the vow settling into his bones. He felt stronger. Sharper. More dangerous.
And for the first time in two lives, he felt truly free.