The walk back to the village was quieter than usual, but the silence didn't last long.
Hiroto's legs felt like lead, but his mind was racing faster than his heartbeat. The words Commanding Presence kept echoing in his head like an embarrassing ringtone he couldn't turn off.
Sylvara walked on his right, calm as ever, occasionally glancing at him. Alyra walked on his left, humming cheerfully while her tail "accidentally" brushed against his arm every few steps.
"Something on your mind?" Sylvara asked, breaking the silence.
Hiroto let out a long sigh.
"Yeah. The system gave me a choice. I picked Commanding Presence from the Dominance Tree."
Alyra's ears perked up like she'd just heard free food was being served.
"Ooh~ So you're planning to boss us around now? That's adorable. I give you three days before you try to order me to make breakfast and I bite your hand."
Sylvara raised an elegant eyebrow, her tone dry.
"Explain."
Hiroto rubbed the back of his neck, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
"It's passive. It should make my words carry more weight with bonded… companions. At least when the bond is high."
Alyra leaned in closer, golden eyes sparkling with mischief.
"So if you tell me to kneel, I might actually consider it? Interesting. I can't wait to test how strong your 'presence' really is."
Sylvara shot Alyra a sharp look before turning back to Hiroto.
"Power without control is dangerous. Especially with us. If you're going to walk the Dominance path, be prepared for the consequences."
Hiroto nodded slowly.
"I know. That's why I chose it. I'm tired of always being the one getting pushed around. If I want to become the Harem Lord… I need to start leading instead of just reacting."
The System chimed in, its tone dripping with amusement.
[Oh listen to him. One skill point and he's already giving motivational speeches.
How cute. Commanding Presence activated at basic level.
Current effect: Minor increase in persuasive weight.
Warning: Don't get too excited. One passive won't stop Sylvara from pinning you against a wall if she feels like it.]
Hiroto muttered under his breath.
"Thanks for the reality check…"
They reached the village gates as the sun began to set. The guards nodded respectfully — word of the orc encounter had already spread.
As they approached the tavern, Sylvara stopped and turned to him.
"Training tomorrow will be harder. If you want to lead, you need strength to match your ambition."
Alyra leaned in from the other side, voice dropping into a teasing whisper.
"And if you want to practice that new 'Commanding Presence' of yours on me… my door is always open, handsome. I promise I'll only resist a little."
Hiroto felt his face heat up, but he forced himself to meet their eyes.
"I'll keep that in mind. But right now, I need food, rest, and maybe a minute where nobody is trying to test my new skill on me."
Sylvara gave a small, approving nod.
"Good. At least you're learning priorities."
Alyra pouted dramatically.
"Boring. But fine. Don't take too long though. I get bored easily… and when I get bored, I get creative."
As Sylvara and Alyra headed inside, Hiroto lingered for a moment, staring at the evening sky.
Commanding Presence…
It's just the beginning. One skill. One choice.
But if I can make them listen — really listen — maybe I won't just survive this world.
I might actually shape it.
The System chimed one last time, almost sounding proud.
[Look at you getting all philosophical after one kill and one skill point.
Adorable.
Keep it up, kid. We'll see how long that confidence lasts when Sylvara decides to test your new toy the hard way.]
Hiroto muttered under his breath.
"Yeah… me too."
He took a deep breath and stepped into the tavern, the weight of his first real step toward becoming the Harem Lord settling firmly on his shoulders.