Meanwhile, in room E-8.
"Don't worry, big brother, I have a plan to recruit as many people as possible."
Isra's voice sounded skeptical over the line.
"Are you sure? Most of them are far too loyal to Prince Leonard."
"Maybe that's true, but my plan will effectively convince them."
"Alright." Isra ended the call, reassured, unaware that his little sister was polishing her axe with a serene expression.
"Since big brother gave me the green light, I guess I can put the plan into action."
She stood up, adjusted her flirty pink dress, and stepped out. She didn't go far—just to the next room. She knocked softly. A young man of about 18 opened the door, confused that someone would knock on his door. But when he saw who it was, he was even more shocked, mostly embarrassed.
As the son of a minor baron, seeing Scarlett Moonshade so close felt like an unimaginable dream.
"Uh? Who? Uh... Please come in, Miss Moonshade." He said with an awkward smile.
"Thank you." She entered, bowing slightly in greeting.
"Uh, I apologize, I just moved in. The room might not be to your liking."
"Hm, it's fine. Nothing to worry about." She sat on the couch, crossing her legs.
The young man swallowed slowly. Her dress was short, and he swore he'd seen a flash of white.
"Where are you looking?"
"Uh! Would you like tea, coffee, or perhaps something else?"
"None of that, I'm just here to talk." She added, gesturing for him to sit.
"I won't beat around the bush. Your talent is decent, a two-star aura, right? I'm here to recruit you."
"Ah... So that's it. I really appreciate the gesture, Miss... But joining the River ×Moonshade Faction isn't really a good option for me. Prince Arcadia ensures us resources, and I could reach five stars even if I awaken a less exceptional lineage. Still, I'm honored by your offer." He bowed.
"Hmm, alright." She stood up and headed for the door.
"I wish you a pleasant night, Miss Moonshade."
"Say, I heard the dormitory rooms are soundproofed?" She asked, holding the doorknob.
"Uh? I think I heard that too?" He replied with a strange expression.
"Good!" She turned the lock. An axe appeared in her hand, and she spun it on her fingertips as her three-star aura erupted.
"I'll try to convince you... Hmm, I just remembered I don't know your name."
"Kuh—" Sweat was already running down his back. Even if Scarlett wasn't four stars yet, as Isra had said, she wasn't far off. And it was enough to torture the baron's son to death, even if he used forty percent of his total strength.
"Wait, Miss—"
*Sharp sounds*
"Aaahhhh..." He fell to the ground, clutching his fingers. In a fraction of a second, she had sliced off the tips of his fingers.
Tears mixed with snot as he pressed his blood-soaked fingers.
"So? Have you thought about my offer?"
***
Scarlett Moonshade was an extremely talented girl, and in the game, the cousin of Eden (via her adoptive father). Eden wasn't very comfortable with her due to her personality, which was, to say the least, unsettling. Violent yet always calm, with a strong possessiveness. From the very beginning of the story, she was already in love with the protagonist and had even kidnapped him in other timelines.
Daemon stepped out of the elevator, heading toward Scarlett's room. He didn't know exactly where it was, but he knew the floor.
He was no longer afraid of causing butterfly effects. Anyway, Eden wouldn't notice the differences until he regained his memories, which would happen during his awakening. For now, he wanted to delay the confrontation between Ingrid and Scarlett. They were supposed to meet that day after Scarlett tortured about a dozen students. She entered Ingrid's room, and a massive fight ensued. Afterward, they grew to appreciate each other. Ingrid was a fanatic for epic battles, naturally, and they became very good friends—future allies of the protagonist. Daemon wanted Ingrid as an ally, so he couldn't let that happen.
"How to do this? I'm weak, I can only tell her to stop, but she'll beat me to death, and my reputation will be ruined. All I have left is bluffing." He muttered, leaning against the wall, waiting patiently.
...
*POV: Scarlett.*
"Well, well, you see, when you want to, you can!"
I nodded as the guy signed the contract to become my pawn with his bloodied hand.
I pulled out a mid-grade healing potion.
"With this, you can stop the bleeding. And your fingers will heal by tonight." I added.
"... Sniff..." The tormented guy stifled his sobs and nodded. In his eyes, he had no intention of reporting me. After all, it was his word against the daughter of a duke—his family might not even survive.
"No need to thank me. You're part of my faction now, it's normal we take care of each other." Without waiting for a response, I turned around.
During the opening ceremony, I noticed a few pawns who could be useful. I'll recruit them. Then... A little visit to Eden.
"Ahhh, he's ignored me for three years. He's annoying." As I stepped out, I saw a figure at the end of the hallway.
He was leaning against a door, staring at me. He emitted no aura or mana.
I looked at my hand, and there was still my bloodied axe.
"This isn't good..."
He saw me. I have to act before he runs away! But as I took a step to chase him—
"Huh?"
He was actually coming toward me?
He stepped out of the shadows, hands in his pockets, and I saw his face.
"Young Master Indivar!?"
"I sensed a three-star aura from my room, so I came to check. The shock when I saw Miss Moonshade." He declared, eyes narrowing at my axe.
'How!? He detected my presence from here? He's far more dangerous than I knew.'
The heir of the Indivar family—I didn't know him well; he was more my big brother's generation. I knew he was a sword genius but also sensitive to auras.
From his gaze, he wasn't as surprised as he claimed. He knew exactly it was me in the room. What should I do? If he reports me, there'll definitely be an investigation. Should I kill him?
I tightened my grip on my weapon's handle.
"I advise against making any sudden moves," he said, stepping closer. "I don't care what you were doing. But if you act smart, I'll be forced to offer my condolences to Isra."
His gaze was cold. I felt that if I made a move, he could draw his sword at any moment.
I stored my axe in my storage ring.
"What do you want?"