Controlling Zero?

"Helena, go bring me some mana stones!" commanded Cardinal Hildred, her eyes fixed on Zero.

"Understood!" Priestess Helena replied quickly, scurrying out to retrieve the precious mana stone.

As soon as the stone was brought back, it was fed to the Nexus Scepter, which began to glow with renewed power.

Cardinal Hildred then placed the artifact on Zero's head.

"Haha… You had rejected me once, but you won't be able to this time. Consider this your honor!"

She declared triumphantly.

Zero felt the dark energy coursing through his body and struggled to resist, even though he was normally able to control such effects. However, he was handcuffed which disrupted his control and Cardinal Hildred was using the artifact in close proximity, making it impossible to fight back.

Cardinal Hildred pushed the power of the Nexus Scepter to its limits, determined to break Zero's will and become her loyal slave. He felt his body and mind slipping away, and he knew he was in danger.

( Tch! )