The banquet hall was alive with glittering gowns, polished boots, and the hum of arcane lights floating like fireflies across the gilded ceiling. The mid-term celebration had drawn nobles from every province, instructors in ceremonial robes, and students dressed finer than ever before.
But no one stole the evening like Jimmy.
Clad in a tailored suit of midnight black threaded with silver arcane runes, his hair fell across his silver eyes with calculated disarray. His presence caused murmurs and stilled hands. A predator in noble's skin.
> [Passive Skill: Charm Activated]
> [Dream Parasite Field Influence Increased by 15% in Social Radius]
He entered the ball room as if it were a stage—and tonight, he was the lead actor.
---
Lady Yelena Verdan, third daughter of the Grand Duke of Verdan and the Academy's most sought-after noble belle, was already waiting.
She stood at the edge of the marble dance floor, swathed in a violet gown so tightly tailored it was practically sculpted to her curves. Her sapphire eyes tracked Jimmy the moment he stepped in.
She approached with a confident tilt of her chin. "You kept me waiting, Sleepless Novice."
Jimmy bowed with a devilish grin. "Only because I wanted the stars to envy your light before I arrived."
She flushed, laughter on her lips. "You flatter too easily."
"Only what's deserved," he murmured, brushing a kiss across her gloved knuckles.
> [Target: Lady Yelena Verdan – Affection Level: 23% | Flustered]
He guided her onto the floor just as the orchestra struck its first note. Their bodies fell into rhythm, the world shrinking to candlelight, silk, and the music.
---
Mira watched from the sidelines, her wine untouched. Her eyes trailed Jimmy like a tether. Elira stood near the pillar, sipping slowly, pretending not to look.
They both wore subtle marks of exhaustion—nights filled with whispers and dreams too vivid to forget.
And Jimmy knew it.
With Yelena in his arms, he danced like he owned the hall. His steps were confident, each twirl designed to graze her body just enough. Each whisper was a hook.
"You like eyes on you, don't you, princess?"
She blinked. "What?"
"The way your heartbeat skips when they stare. You shine under pressure."
She faltered in the spin, cheeks red.
> [Weakness Triggered: Public Humiliation – Moderate Stimulation Response]
> [Affection Level: 34%]
"You—are dangerous," she whispered.
Jimmy smiled. "Only if you want me to be."
---
As the dance ended, he spun her to a stop, dipping her low. The crowd clapped. Yelena's chest heaved.
"Careful, Novice," she whispered. "You might make a lady fall."
He raised her up with a wink. "Then let me be there to catch you."
> [Dream Parasite Latency Imprinted: Lady Yelena Verdan]
---
He slipped away after the dance, moving like smoke through the crowd. Past a jealous Mira. Past a flushed Elira. He whispered praise into passing noble daughters' ears, letting his aura do the work.
Near the wine fountain, a new face caught his eye—a redheaded enchantress with flame tattoos curling up her backless dress. She smirked as their eyes met.
"You're the dreamwalker?" she asked.
"Among other things," Jimmy replied, stepping closer.
"I've had dreams of you," she murmured.
He leaned in. "Then allow me to make them come true."
---
The night flowed like wine.
Jimmy shared laughter with a married duchess who slipped him her room key.
He danced again with Mira, holding her tight, whispering promises laced with dominance.
He kissed Elira's hand, brushing his thumb along her pulse, making her shiver before walking away.
Every motion was deliberate. Every word, a thread.
> [Dream Parasite Targets: 56 (Latent)]
> [New Targets Added: 5]
And when the banquet ended, the moon was high, casting silver light through the crystalline dome above.
Jimmy stood on the balcony, drink in hand, staring down at the garden where he'd taken Mira.
Lana joined him, silent as ever.
"They'll all dream of me tonight," he said.
She didn't reply. Just stood close, breathing him in.
> [Dream Throne Evolution: 17%]
He looked at the stars.
"Let the gods keep their heavens," he whispered. "Tonight, I rule a better paradise."
And the dreams began again.