Broker

Rage.

Even as he sat down, he wasn’t in control of his own body. Moments of clarity came through now and then, but every day it felt like he lost a little more of himself. His words weren’t his own even as his thoughts remained firmly in his grasp. The leash was loose, though, the collar around his metaphorical throat only tightening when the intent to act bubbled to the surface. He couldn’t even glance hatefully in Hyunh’s direction. She was meticulous in how she managed him, reigning in his movements and making him seem placid on the outside.

Hyunh had stopped him from trying as well. 

On the television and in nearly every image of Sonya, that woman, she was constantly reaching out to grasp someone’s hand. It seemed almost like it was her go-to greeting even if there were cultural differences. Yet today, of all days, she chose to bow and offer her greeting in another fashion. Did she know? It wasn’t a secret that his powers were based on electricity he supposed, but to think that she somehow divined that he could rip her body’s charge out was preposterous.

Regardless, it didn’t happen. He felt like he could have pushed through if given the chance, much to his frustration. He pushed harder against his bonds, trying again to struggle free of Hyunh’s grip. It was fruitless with her nearby. When there was some distance between them he felt stronger, but she was always quick to return to his side and restore the connection. To all outsiders it looked like their romance had jumped to a new level, with her constantly close to him, but never touching him out of social propriety.

She just knew he would kill her too.

He grit his teeth behind the placid smile on his face.

Sonya Chernovna is sitting right there! Across from me! I could kill her right now! Damn it, damn it, damn it!

He felt a wave of calm wash over him and was briefly able to avert his gaze, making eye contact with Hyunh who gave him a sweet smile that he knew was only meant to mock him. He returned her gaze, knowing she knew what he was thinking. The link between them was two way. He could feel her thoughts as she directed them towards him. Yet he also knew that when she put enough attention on him, his mind became foggy and muddled. Thinking became hard. His will buckled and he felt the fog start to rise up again. He tried to fight it, he really did, burning with his hatred. 

But it was no use. He didn’t know how long it would take. Probably a few years at this rate if he had to guess as his own powers slowly grew. But eventually, he knew he would cease to be. Whether that realization was his own thoughts or hers, he couldn’t even tell anymore.

That was when something else pierced through the fog. A presence. It was daunting and cruel, enormous, unflappable, and filled with bloodlust. He blinked in the brief moment of clarity even as his body didn’t allow him to physically react. He met that woman’s mechanical gaze and felt the pressure intensify. Around her, no one reacted, no one noticed. Not even Hyunh seem to pay it any mind as if she couldn’t sense it at all. Impossible. He thought. How could they not feel this? It was like standing in front of a killer beast! His heart rate increased as she winked at him.

Did she know? Was that a power or was he just intimidated? How could he possibly be intimidated? 

He felt Hyunh’s derision through the spell she’d cast on him. 

Are you really scared of that woman? Hyunh’s thoughts came through. Pathetic.

No, she’s doing something I can- He tried to explain, tried to warn her. She just pulled away and ignored him. Bitch!

–

Coward

Hyunh pulled her mind out of Duong’s thoughts and crossed her legs, keeping her poker face. She’d sensed his momentary fright when he met Sonya’s gaze. It was pathetic, to be honest. Finally faced with his hated enemy and he’d only managed a few moments of bravado outside the limousine before succumbing to intimidation. For all his power, he was hot air. She wanted to sigh in disappointment, but at least he was still resisting her which meant that his mental strength wasn’t utterly laughable.

Even so, she didn’t appreciate Sonya teasing her new ‘pet’. She’d let go of seeing Duong as a person shortly after planting the amethyst and taking hold of his mind. His thoughts were always so erratic, self absorbed, and filled with beast-like hatred. There was no reason to believe anything that went through his mind. Even so, it would take some time before the bond fully overcame him. With the amount of time she had to spend at a distance it meant that she couldn’t spend all of her tremendous energy focused on breaking him down.

He had wanted so badly to shake that woman’s hand and kill her right then and there, but that would have been more than a little problematic. What would that do to Hyunh’s image and future? No, she couldn’t allow it. Not in such a public place, anyway. This was a game of chess and Sonya was her opponent. Duong was her piece with his own brutal advantages while based on what she’d overheard of Sonya’s brief talk with the Chairman, the Chairman was on Sonya’s side of the board ultimately.

She glanced in Sonya’s direction and the woman returned the look. The two of them smiled at one another. I’m going to take everything from you, Chernovna and claim your empire as my own.

–

Sonya put Imperious back into her warehouse after testing the waters a little. It had only been about a second’s worth of intimidation but she had seen the effects more than clearly enough. She’d wanted to see just what the extent of Hyunh’s connection to Duong’s mind entailed and had gotten a good bit of information out of it. First of all, when his emotions were heightened he surfaced a little more than when he was in a calm state. The pressure she put on seemed to weaken the connection but couldn’t sever it. The momentary flash of fright in his eyes was clear enough indication. 

Then came how he glanced in Hyunh’s direction before growing placid again. She clearly could feel a little of what he was experiencing or at least read his mind, but hadn’t taken it seriously. It wasn’t a strong enough burst of Imperious to be comparable to an actual power usage and Hyunh probably thought that Sonya had been teasing him with a daring look rather than actually attacking his mind. Hyunh said nothing, keeping her expression still, and even going as far as to glance in Sonya’s direction and smile at her. She returned the smile. Bitch.

I’ll use imperious on occasion to keep his emotions heightened but never for too long. Regardless of the effect it had, it was poking holes in whatever Hyunh had done. It obviously wouldn’t ever be able to truly break it, but any information was good information. She wondered if distance was a factor as well. Maybe she could orchestrate separating the two of them briefly to test that theory during the stay. She had plenty of time to experiment and figure out the perfect way to break the spell or whatever it was. 

Her attention turned to the Chairman who returned her gaze with a jolly smile. He seemed over the moon about everything going on which was fine. He clearly hadn’t noticed that she’d planted something with their conversation. He was either an idiot or blinded by his desire to bury the hatchet between them. Either worked for her. She crossed her legs and cracked a grin at him. 

“Now, how about a conversation?” She prompted and Marta pulled a tablet out across from her. “Let’s talk about dungeons.”

–

Hyunh frowned. This woman was years ahead of everyone else when it came to understanding the new world they lived in. Dungeons? She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t seen the small presentation Sonya had prepared.

The footage from the drones that were sent in, the readings, the comparisons to what had happened in Dharan. All of it was huge and most certainly a good reason to bring the Chairman in to speak personally. 

“And you noticed this… ‘mana level’ dip as the monsters were slain inside?” The Chairman asked as the world passed them by outside on their way to the restaurant.

Sonya nodded, “That’s correct. If our theory holds, dungeons can be maintained as a sort-of mine to be regularly cleared by heroes and then have crews go in afterward to collect the resources inside.”

The Chairman rubbed his chin and glanced at his son before looking back at Sonya, “These dungeons, Are they all over?”

“I’m going to assume so,” Sonya said, “I’m distributing radars across the country to major cities right now ahead of the public announcement. I don’t know how many are nearing burst like Dharan but we’re moving as fast as we can.”

“Then there are likely some in Vietnam,” The Chairman concluded.

Hyunh looked his way but he didn’t meet her gaze on purpose. She knew what he was thinking, though. Their guild would monopolize the dungeons in Vietnam with a bit of haggling with the ruling party. The only problem was… “How do we refine and use these resources?” Hyunh asked, cutting into the conversation.

Sonya met her gaze and gave her a shameless grin, “Well, currently ASTA is the only company with the technology and understanding to take advantage of the materials in dungeons.”

“Are you angling for a monopoly?” Hyunh asked.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Sonya shot back, “I’m a business woman, Miss Feng. And while I do my business so that humanity has a better chance in the future, I still want to make money off of it.”

The Chairman barked out a laugh, “Well said!”

“Will your country allow it?” Hyunh pressed, restraining her frown.

“Do you think they have a choice?” Sonya said flatly. “It’s a brave new world, Miss Feng.”

Hyunh narrowed her eyes, this woman was shameless and clearly held little regard for the laws of her nation. If Chernovna wasn’t her biggest obstacle to greatness, she’d respect the woman, maybe even invite her into the family. She was worth that much. Ultimately, though, she was a problem that needed to be dealt with, and carefully. If only she had an opportunity to-

Sonya’s phone rang a jolly tune that pulled Hyunh out of her thoughts. She blinked and looked accusingly in Sonya’s direction, she had her phone on during such a sensitive conversation? Sonya actually flushed a little and inclined her head to the Chairman, “Apologies, I have my phone set to let Amos through if anything comes up. Do you mind?”

The Chairman waved a dismissive hand as Sonya turned to the side, answering. Hyunh watched her before abruptly feeling another spike in fear from Duong. She glanced in the man’s direction and forced down her scowl. What was wrong with him? His petulant attitude was beginning to grate on her already and they’d only been here a few hours. She felt his heightened emotions push back at her control over him, forcing her to redouble her efforts to suppress his mind. It was getting annoying.

Calm down, now. She commanded him.

She’s doing it again. Duong insisted.

Enough nonsense, she doesn’t have such an ability, you’re just a coward and a spoiled child. She snarled back through their connection and felt the mana in the air come into her body, converting it into additional inner energy as she felt the dull-ache of her power come to life. She willed the gem she’d embedded in Duong’s body to restrain him and his mind calmed down. She was lucky that her reservoir of inner energy was deep, otherwise he would have broken out long ago. Brat.

Sonya hung up her phone and turned back to them, smiling broadly. “Well I’ve got some good news!”

“I’m all ears,” The Chairman chirped, returning her smile.

What’s wrong with him? He seems more compliant than usual. It’s like he’s under a compulsion.

“One of the radars we sent to Nevada marked a dungeon,” Sonya said, sitting back down, “Las Vegas of all places, exciting!” She said.

Hyunh froze, Now that’s an opportunity. If they’re as dangerous as she says then maybe I could…

“Is it at any risk of bursting anytime soon?” The Chairman asked.

“Hardly,” Sonya said, “Amos estimates we have a few months before we should be worried.”

The Chairman paused, looking thoughtful and perhaps a little hesitant.

“Could we perhaps see it?” Hyunh chimed in.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea…” The Chairman rumbled, sounding reluctant.

“I think it sounds exciting!” Hyunh spoke up and turned to Duong, “Don’t you agree, love?”

Duong tensed for half a second before nodding, “Yes, I think it would be enlightening to see how dungeons work before we returned home,” He said on her behalf, his tone sounding a little muted but nothing noticeable. She’d have to work on his enunciation while under strict control.

Sonya hesitated, frowning a little. She looked surprised at the suggestion. “Dungeons are very dangerous,” She said carefully, “Going into a dungeon will leave you isolated, communication technology doesn’t work through the portal, and Amos is still unsure as to whether all dungeons will allow you to come and go.”

Duong leaned forward as Hyunh eased up on his leash a little, planting his hands on his knees, “I think I can handle a few monsters,” He said with a derisive snort. 

Good boy. Hyunh thought. 

Sonya looked even more unsure, her eyes meeting Hyunh’s. The two of them stared at one another for a moment before Sonya let out a sigh and took a sip of her wine, a long one. “Alright, fine, but don’t blame me if you get hurt.”

“When can we go?” Duong asked, his teeth bared.

Sonya rubbed her chin, “A little over a week from now?” Sonya offered, still looking a little upset that they’d just steamrolled into one of her projects. “I’d like to do some initial work before sending someone in, and of course you all should enjoy a bit of New York before we go galavanting off to Las Vegas.” She sighed.

Serves you right, bitch. Should have kept your mouth shut. Hyunh decided to play along, though, and turned towards the Chairman. “I think that’s fair.”

The Chairman didn’t seem convinced, but he eventually relented after meeting his son’s gaze. “Fine, fine, we’ll go to Vegas after a week. I’ll need to pack my schedule here then.”

Perfect, Hyunh thought. Now I just need a plan to get her in the dungeon with Duong. The rest will take care of itself.