First Vassal

[Elijah's POV]

<<January 13, 2023>>

<<Manila, Philippines>>

Hearing me walk in, Joseph retracted his gaze away from the glass window and turned his head towards my direction. When he saw me, even if it was just a little, I saw a spark of life lit back in his eyes.

"You're-" It was safe to say, that Joseph immediately recognized me.

"Long time no see Joseph," I said with a small smile on my face.

"Wha-what are you doing here, coach?" Joseph asked with a slightly furrowed brow.

"Who do you think brought you here?" I said softly as I walked towards the side of his bed. I pulled out a chair from the small dining area provided in the room and placed it beside Joseph's bed. Sitting down, Joseph starred at me with a surprised face, but his shock turned to embarrassment, then to shame.

"It looks like even after I graduated, you're still helping me," Joseph said with a self-deprecating laugh. I didn't even bother saying anything, because, at that moment, I was just angry. So, angry of what the things people could do to break another human being. I'm so mad at the fact that some people can find enjoyment in other people's torment. I mean, WHY DO THEY EVEN EXIST! But me being mad wouldn't change the fact that such people do exist.

Composing myself to speak calmly, I then said with a soft voice "I'm not gonna force you to say anything, but could you tell me what happened?" I made sure that I kept the tone in my voice soft and sincere.

When Joseph just stayed silent, I actually didn't know if he was going to answer. I thought that I might've crossed a line that I shouldn't have, but then he started spilling everything.

"My family has always been poor, even before the catastrophe happened. Living in the slums, I fought day by day, tooth and nail just to survive. My parents are the kind of parents that don't really care about how their children would end up. The only thing that they have in mind is how they're gonna win their next game of poker. Them being addicted to gambling is already putting it lightly. After going to school, I would work odd jobs here and there, just to barely scrape by. But for me, I wanted to get away from that kind of life. I was desperate to get away, so I worked my ass off to at least graduate high school. After graduating high school, I managed to get a job in construction. As I began saving some money, my parent and older siblings would always successfully sniff out where I hid my stash, and take it for themselves. It would always frustrate me and make me extremely angry, but after I let out all my anger, my family would just go by the day as if nothing happened. It was extremely hard and there were times when I wanted to give up, but the thought of throwing my life away would always pull me back up.

It was New Year's eve last year when the catastrophe happened. I was staying at a friend's house since his house was near to the construction site we were working at. I know that we were supposed to be celebrating but for some reason, I just couldn't. Then suddenly the gates appeared and monsters started flooding out from them. I didn't know or I can't even remember how I managed to survive, but what I do know is that my friends and their families were killed that day. The only thing on my mind at that time was that I had to live.

When the first generations appeared, I was thankful because at least some hope appeared. I just had to keep surviving until all the monsters were defeated. Being poor, I was so used to not eating for days and only surviving through drinking water, and that aspect of myself really helped me a lot through that hell.

When the first generations finally deemed it to be safe, I was so relieved that I managed to survive. But when reality finally struck me, I became so lost. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. So, at that time, I traveled back to the slums and see if my family managed to survive. And lo and behold, they did survive, with the exemption of my eldest brother who was killed by the monsters. It just so happened that one of the first generations was from the slums where I'm from. That particular hunter rose to fame and managed to get a better life for himself and his family. By the time everything was returning back to 'normal', my family became obsessed with transcending. And that obsession is what led to today.

By the time hunters became more and more known, scammers also began to appear one by one. My family was scammed into believing that if they drink a certain concoction every day, they would then transcend. They were also led to believe that if they stop taking the 'medicine', they would never transcend. So, my family did all they could just to afford the 'medicine'. And the price of that 'medicine' was, as you can guess, it's very high. My family became so desperate in transcending that they started taking loans from multiple loan sharks, which started the descent of my family's never-ending abyss called, debt.

They would always say, that once they've transcended, they will be able to pay their loans with no problem. But as the days turn to months, and without a single result, my family plunged into depression, except for me. I never really believed in the medicines in the first place, so I never took them. After the first wave of monsters has been wiped, the demand for construction skyrocketed. While my family chased after their fantasy about transcending, I began working my ass off once again. I decided that enough was enough and that I would finally leave the slums and my family for good. I couldn't let them drag me down further with them.

After I saved enough, I immediately look for a place to live, far away from my family. I thought my life was finally gonna be peaceful after I left the slums, and it did for some time until the Buhawi Guild started knocking on my door. Apparently, my family escaped and went MIA, and the guild tracked me down to demand payment for the loan my family owed. I went from my short peaceful life to me suddenly swimming in debt. I managed to beg the guild sometime to gather the money needed to pay off the loan, and also gave every single peso I had, right then and there. The money I had didn't even make a dent in the debt that I suddenly was shouldered to pay. I honestly didn't know what I was gonna do at that time. I couldn't run off as my family did, since the guild threaten me that if I ran off, it would be the end of my life. They had someone tailing me where ever I went. I was seriously considering committing suicide, just to end all my misery.

It was at that time that I transcended. It was like someone is telling me not to give up just yet. Managing to transcend that time was like I could finally see the light at the end of a long and very dark tunnel. I was finally gaining hope again. I chose to be a warrior and enrolled at The Hunter's Association as fast I could.

You might not know this, but that training really helped me to get out of my dark place. Specifically, you coach. You really helped me and pushed me to become the best hunter that I can be. You were sincere when teaching us, and I could see the joy in your eyes when you see us excelling. You helped me realize that I had worth when all my life I was told, I don't. You didn't discriminate against anyone and treated everyone as equals. You gave me the sense that I could do it. That I could surpass whatever challenges I was going through at that moment. I might've not gotten the chance to say it then, but I've always appreciated all the things that you've done for me. I resolved myself that the next time I meet you, I would be someone you would be proud of. But then, you had to see me in my lowest of low and saved me once again."

Hearing Joseph's story was a freaking roller coaster ride. I felt sympathy, empathy, anger, pity, sadness, and maybe a few more emotions that haven't even been named yet. But then the last part of what he said, really took me by surprise. I felt honor, pride, and joy, that I managed to make a lasting impact on the people I helped train. It honestly made my heart swell.

I could tell that Joseph had a hard time telling his story. From his voice rising in anger, to choking back tears, to clenching his fist until they turned white, to being hopeless and depressed. My heart ached for the man in front of me. I might've actually shed more tears than he did, the entire story. I really commend him for being vulnerable, when it's so hard to do so in front of people you barely even know.

"So, how did you end up being beaten up?" I asked as I wiped my tear-stained face.

The moment, I let out the question, Joseph's face became extremely dark. There's only one emotion raging inside of him, and it was extreme hate.

"I finally was able to gather to at least pay off half of the debt that my family owed by joining gate raids after gate raids. I f*cking risked my life over and over again just to gather the money that I don't even owe. I was f*cking making progress, but then my family had the f*cking decency to show their face to me last week. Not only did they show their faces to me, they even had people from the Buhawi Guild accompany them. They started gushing over the fact that I transcended and that their life would become better. They then started saying things like how much I owed them for raising me. Like, f*cking hell they did! Did I ask to be born in that god-forsaken family? Hell NO! So, I don't owe them jack SH*T! And you know what the kicker was? The f*cking Buhawi Guild started gaslighting my family by uttering bullsh*t after bullsh*t. In the end, my family ended up taking in another loan, before disappearing once again. I wasn't even finished paying off their last loan, and they had THE F*CKING NERVE TO TAKE OUT ANOTHER!"

Hot tears streamed down his face as he clutch on the blanket for dear life. It was like he was finally able to release all his pent-up frustration and anger that he'd kept locked up, all this time. A person going through so much is bound to break down sooner or later. I was completely surprised that Jason had lasted this long. He's more tenacious than I had initially thought. And I am amazed by his tenacity.

My heart broke for the strong man in front of me. And I'd be damned if I don't throw out a lifeline to this drowning man when I have the ability to do so. I was wrong so wrong into thinking that I wouldn't meet anyone worthy to be my vassal, when the perfect candidate was right in front of me all along.

So, I waited for Joseph to calm down before I threw out the lifeline in my hand.

"Joseph, before anything else, I would just like to ask you one thing. What do you what?" I asked with all sincerity.

"I-I just want to live a peaceful life. I want the power to be able to protect myself and no longer be afraid when facing people that want to hurt me." Joseph said with great desperation.

"I can give you all of that," I said, making him look at me in confusion.

"I'm sorry? I-I don't understand." Joseph said with a frown on his face.

"I said, I can give you all of those. A peaceful life. Power to protect yourself and even the power to let those who hurt you, pay." I said in all seriousness, "But there is something that you will have to give me in exchange."

"What would that be?" Jason asked with a serious expression on his face.

"Remember the time when you guys entered your first gate?" I asked first, wanting to give a little context before revealing what he had to give me in return. I don't want him to think that I'm scamming him.

Joseph nodded in response.

"Do you remember that while you guys are in that gate, you're guys' stats are higher than normal?"

Joseph nodded once again in response.

"Well, you see, that's actually one of my skills. I have the ability to provide stat boosts to the people around me. But that's only until you guys are in my skill's range. But what if I tell you that I can do so much more than that. That I can enhance a hunter's power to even greater heights. But in order for me to be able to do so, I have to ask something in return. And that is one's life, one's unyielding fidelity towards me. Basically, your life belongs to me and you live only for me, the moment you agree." I said to him. Giving him the pure and unadulterated truth, without revealing too much of my class.

"I know this is a lot to take in, so I'll let you take your time to gather your thoughts before you decide." Giving him as much time as possible to think it through was for the best. Especially since I never wanted to force people against their own will. The time will help him clearly think things through since right now he's still high on emotions. And if there's something that could really easily screw one over, it's to decide based on emotions, especially the life-changing ones. Also, one reason why I wanted to give him as much time as he needed was that I wanted him to know that I'm sincere and that I'm giving him the free will to choose.

"I would just like to make sure of some things." Joseph then said as he faced me with all seriousness.

"Okay." I was honestly, taken aback by the intensity that his eyes held, but thankfully I managed to speak calmly.

"You said that you could give me the peace that I've always longed for and the power that I want and needed. Are what you said all true?" Joseph asked as he looked deeply into my eyes to see if there were any falseness in them.

Taking in a deep breath, I faced Joseph's intense gaze head-on and answered with all the confidence I could muster, "Yes!"

"Then, there's no need for me to think about it. My answer is yes. I'll give you my life. I'll live only for you. Since I wouldn't be alive right now if it wasn't for you anyway." Joseph said, which greatly surprised me.

"Are you sure? I mean, this is something that could change your life forever." I told him, wanting him to think his decision through much more.

"There's no need. I've never been this sure in my entire life." Joseph said with a small smile.

Letting out a sigh, I started rubbing my forehead. "I'm glad that you agreed, don't get me wrong. But I wasn't expecting you to agree so quickly."

"I've already lost everything in my life. So there's really nothing for me to lose in agreeing. In fact, I have more to gain, if what you said is really true." Joseph said honestly.

*Sigh* "Very well. If you could stand, we'll do the ceremony right now." I told him, as nervous anticipation and excitement started bubbling up within me.

Joseph pulled out the IV attached to his hand without even flinching, as well as the other medical equipment attached to his body, before getting out of bed and stood in front of me. Now standing in front of each other, suddenly a notification appeared before me.

[Would you like to proceed in appointing Joseph Medoza as your first ever vassal?]

[Accept | Decline]

Taking in a deep breath; with my mind, I accepted. The moment I accepted, a magic circle suddenly appeared from where we stood and shined brightly. I didn't know what got into Joseph but he suddenly got to one knee and bowed his head before me.

A notification then appeared before me, as if instructing me to utter what was written. But like heck, I would! I'm not some 12th-century lord for goodness sake! If I'm gonna do this oath-taking ceremony, I'm gonna do it my way.

"Do you, Joseph Mendoza, swear your life and undying fidelity to me?" You see, short and sweet.

"I do" Joseph solemnly answered.

"Then from this day onwards, you will now be known as Jonathan Nightingale. Your past is no more and the present is now who you are. You are now my vassal. Your life is now mine and mine alone. In return, I swear to take care of you for as long as I live." And with that, I gently cupped his face on both sides and slowly lifted his face towards me. I then leaned closer to him and sealed the ceremony with a kiss. I don't exactly know why I did that, but it just felt right to do so. Of course, Jonathan's body tensed up the moment my lips touched his, I mean I would too if someone just suddenly kissed me out of nowhere. But as I was about to pull away, he grabbed my waist with both hands and pulled me closer to him as he returned my kiss passionately. It's as if he was a man desperate for air, and I am his air.

***

[Elijah's POV]

<<January 14, 2023>>

<<Manila, Philippines>>

As the sun rose the next day, I woke up feeling more refreshed than I've ever been in my entire life. As the warm sunlight lit up the room, I slowly sat up and turned my head to the person sleeping next to me. The moment I lay my eyes on him, a soft and tender smile lifted up on my face. Basking in the surreal feeling that still lingered from last night's events, I took my time admiring the fine specimen beside me, who is now known as my first vassal. Reaching out a hand, I gently brushed away the fallen hair on his face to the side, revealing his extremely handsome face. I know that my skill said that once a person becomes my vassal, they will receive a massive increase in power. What it didn't tell me though, was that my vassal's appearance would also gain a massive increase. I mean, Jonathan was already handsome to begin with, but now? He's become dangerously handsome. And his body! Don't even get me started on his beautiful naked body! Jonathan's previous body was already fit, with all the construction jobs that he once did. I kid you not when I say, his body is now immaculate. It's become a freaking work of art, sculpted to perfection and just the right amount of muscles. It's become even leaner and extremely toned. Just by looking at it, I couldn't help but softly run my fingers through the peaks and valleys of his washboard abdominals. His pectorals are more firmer and defined. His biceps and triceps are just perfect. Also, I noticed that he's gained some height as well, making him a bit taller. His skill became fairer and the rough calluses on his hands are nowhere to be found. In the end, I'm very very much more than satisfied with how his appearance has been enhanced. I mean, what more could I even ask for.

I also noticed my crest, marked on the left side of his chest. A beautiful rose pattern with a single leaf. I turned my gaze away from the sleeping man beside me because I'm dangerously close to having a nose bleed if I take one more second at looking at his perfection.

I then proceeded with checking the new things I received from last night.

[Status Window

Name: Elijah Reyes

Level: 1

Class: Duke <<Mythic>>

Title: The Duke who cares for his people

HP: 350/250 (+100)

Mana: 250/150 (+100)

Stats:

STR: 5 | AGI: 5 | INT: 10+5 | VIT: 10+10 | DEX: 5 | LUCK: 10]

Curious as to what my new title entails, I check on its information next.

[Title: The Duke who cares for his people.

Because of your extremely caring heart, you are now known as a Duke that cares for his people. This, in turn, has strengthened their fidelity and love towards you.

Title bonus: +10% EXP gained from your vassals. | +50 HP | +50 Mana]

Oh wow, these are actually pretty good! Having +10% more EXP gained will only help me level up faster. The +50 HP and Mana are also very welcomed additions. It'll definitely help me last a little bit longer than how I used to.

After checking my status window, I then checked my quest.

[Quest! (Class-Exclusive)

Now that you have inherited the will of the fallen duke, you will now have to take your first step in rising to power.

Start spreading your influence! By spreading your influence, you will gain authority!

Influence: 100/100

A duke without his vassals is as good as dead. Search for a worthy individual and make them into your first vassal!

Vassal: 1/1

Time: Unlimited

Congratulations, you have completed the quest!

Rewards: Soul of Vengeance <<Mythic Grade Item>> | Title: The Duke who cares for his people]

Extremely curious as to what this mythic grade item is, I immediately opened my inventory and took it out. I didn't really know what to expect, so seeing the small violet bead in my hand, made me curious to know, what made this particular bead so special. Checking on the information of the item, I was still slightly confused as to what it was supposed to be.

[Item:

<<Soul of Vengeance>>

A bead encasing vassal Jonathan's extreme longing for vengeance from those that wronged him. His longing for vengeance has grown steadily over time, making it stronger and more powerful, eventually gaining its own identity <<The Torn of Vengeance, Endrance>>.]

Not wanting to think too hard on it, since I have plenty of time to discover its use in the future, I then checked the new quest that was given to me.

[Quest! (Class-Exclusive)

Now that you have gained your first vassal, you will now have to increase your bond with one another. The deeper the bond, one has with his vassals, the more trust, respect, and admiration they have for you.

Increase a vassal's bond to level 1!

Vassal bond level: 0/1

Time: Unlimited

Rewards: ???]

Bond? I think it has got something to do with the new skill I got. So, without delaying further, I immediately checked my new skill.

[Skills:

- Transcended Creative Imagination (Unique Skill) (Lvl:2)

Your innate gift and talent of creativity and imagination now have the chance to manifest into reality.

...

- Bestowal (Passive)

A duke's ability to contract and appoint trustworthy worthy vassals. Once a vassal has been contracted and appointed by the duke, the vassal in question will gain a massive increase in power in order to meet the duke's standards. The newly appointed vassal will be branded with the duke's crest on their body (The duke has liberty on where to place it.), to symbolize their undying fidelity.

Vassal: 1

Warning! If a contracted vassal has disobeyed or rebelled against the duke, the duke can remove a vassal from their position. Once removed from the position, the vassal in question will revert back to the being they are before being contracted, and completely lose all their memories regarding the existence of the duke. Also, the crest they were branded with will disappear, replaced by a scar in its stead.

Once a vassal has been dismissed, a penalty will be given to the duke.

...

- A Duke's bond (Passive)

The deeper the bond you have with your vassals, the more trust, respect, and admiration they have for you.

Increasing your bond with a vassal will further enhance the strength and power that they have.

Vassals:

> Jonathan (Lvl:0) - 50/100

Bonus stat points: None

Bonus skill: None]

With all the bonus stats and buffs I can give my vassals, they're practically OP. Well, not really, since everything still comes down to me and my survival. All I can really do is make my people stronger and trust in them that they would be able to protect me. Also, I noticed that my "Transcended Creative Imagination" skill has leveled up. I don't exactly know if it leveling up has got something to do with how Jonathan's current appearance, but it's the only thing that actually makes sense at the moment.

Letting out a sigh, my stomach began grumbling in protest as it still hadn't had anything to eat since lunch, yesterday.

So, after taking one more brief look at the fine specimen beside me, I then quietly got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I took a quick shower before changing into the clothes I had yesterday. I wrote a short note for Jonathan, to let him know where I went. So, that it wouldn't shock him when he wakes up and sees that I'm nowhere to be found. After putting the note on the bedside table, I took one more brief glance of admiration towards Jonathan's exquisiteness before heading out.

My goal:

Bask in the morning sun. To buy food for me and Jonathan. Buy Jonathan some new clothes. And buy Jonathan a new phone and wallet.