Evolution: A Warlock's Rise To Power

"Sir, Madam, how can I help you today?"

"My nephew needs a good suit to reflect his status. I called earlier to make sure everything could be taken care of today."

"Ah, Mrs. Hekin, of course. We have multiple tailors waiting to make the alterations immediately. Now what sort of status should the young sir's suit reflect."

Marie placed a finger on her chin for a moment while thinking it over.

"He is a tycoon capable of bringing a company to the peak of profits overnight. He is punk capable of stealing any girls heart while only showing indifference. He is a powerful lord of countless people who turns up his nose to the biggest corporation. He is a dealer of shadows and when pushed into a corner he is the definition of unpredictable."

The salesman didn't even blink at his Aunt's bizarre monolog.

"And sir is there anything in particular you are looking for?"

"Nothing flashy."

The salesman took a few measurements and allowed Brax to try on a couple of things before he took them to the back to have the alterations done, after receiving a booklet of notes from Marie. When the man left, Brax turned to Marie.

"That was an oddly specific rant you went on earlier."

"Your uncle had a report put together about what you have been doing in your game and I took a look at it this morning. He said you were swaggering around with confidence and charisma while you were being Lucan Quilldrake. I want you to have that confidence when you purse your lady friend in the real world. You are such a quiet and awkward boy at times but I know you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I thought if I could help you tap into Lucan in the real world, you might have an easier time getting the girl."

"Thank you, Aunt Marie."

"Oh speak of the devil." She whispered.

*Ding*

The door to the store was pushed open while a woman his aunt's age walked in.

"Oh Mrs. Hekin, it seems you weren't lying when you said this is the only place you will get suits from."

"Of course, please just call me Marie. I enjoyed our lunch yesterday. Brax, this is Mrs. Beneil, she just moved into our community and she actually has a pretty famous daughter who is always playing that game you're always going on about."

Brax's heart started beating faster. This was Jenna's(Silent's) mom.

"It-, It's nice to meet you." He said as his palms began to sweat.

"Oh, the famous Brax. I have heard all about you." Mrs. Beneil said.

"R-, really?" Asked Brax with a show of shock on his face.

"Of course. Marie was telling me all about you yesterday. It's clear your aunt loves you very much."

"Ha." Brax said while rubbing the back of his head. "I can't deny that."

"Oh, and Marie, please call me Emma, I feel like we will be great friends."

"I feel the same way Emma. What brings you here today?"

"It's my husbands birthday next month and I was intrigued by how you raved about this place saying it's the only shop you will let make suits for your husband so I wanted to come and see if anything caught my eye. Greg is still wearing the same thing from a decade ago. The fashions have changed while he still puts on the same old styles every day."

"He, he, I can relate. Can you believe that Brax here was going to go to a meeting with Terracorp today wearing this? How absurd."

"Oh my, you should listen to your Aunt. From what I have seen yesterday and today, your aunt has a truly wonderful sense of style."

"Thank you." Marie said while blushing.

The two women continued to chat after a salesman went to retrieve a few items for Mrs. Beneil to look at. Brax stood to the side not joining the conversation but also not missing a single word Emma said.

"I am sorry to be stealing your Aunt away from you like this." She said to Brax. "But I just moved to this city and don't have many friends yet, but don't worry, one of my daughters is on her way here right now. She is just a bit younger than you; I am sure you two will get along, she also loves playing that game."

Marie anxiously cast a glance at Brax.

He could hardly move a muscle. He felt, nervous, excited, and afraid. He was going through a whirlwind of emotions.

*Ding*

The door opened as a stunning young woman walked in. Brax immediately calmed himself. He was no longer afraid. With one look at how the young woman carried herself, it was easy to tell it wasn't the daughter that had a place in his heart.

"Hey mom, who are you chatting with?"

"Holly, come say hello to Mrs. Hekin and her nephew Brax. They live in the same community as us and Marie here is also part of the same country club I just joined."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you both." Heaven's kiss said with a pleasant smile.

"What a beautiful daughter you have." Marie said.

"Hello." Brax said before turning away.

He had no issues interacting with Heaven's Kiss but Jenna didn't like him talking to her so he saw no need to interact with her and upset his shadow.

"Sir, your suit is ready. Follow me so you can try it on."

Brax was happily led away from the women who were chatting again.

"Hey mom, that guy looked a little familiar. Do you know him from somewhere?"

"No, today is the first time I have ever met him."

"Hmm."

Brax walked into the back room and started to change into the suit that was hanging on the door.

The light grey suit was cut into a slim fit that hugged his body instead of hiding his figure. The inside was lined with a purple silk with a light blue pattern. He was given a white shirt with thin vertical purple lines that were soft enough to not draw attention under the grey vest he wore over it. The back of the vest had an outrageously bright purple backing that had several black shadowy figures posed in a dark and mysterious scene, but the whole thing was completely hidden by the jacket. Even though it was a bit flashy, he liked it very much and gave the salesman an approving nod. The salesman had even set out a pair of shoes and watch to go with the suit along with several other accessories from amethyst studded cufflinks to a pair of sunglasses with a slight purple tint.

"No tie?" Brax asked the salesman who was helping him with jacket.

The salesman grinned. "I wouldn't dream of putting a nose around this Lord's neck." He said with a cheeky smile. "I personally put some time into your vest as well. I started on this just for you long before you were a customer. Of course, it was only practice, I never thought you would show up in the place I work. If you are happy please continue to seek me out… in this realm or others." He said with a cheeky smile. "It is an honor for this acolyte to serve Lord Quilldrake." Apparently, Marie told them quite a bit.

Brax smiled. This guy turned out to be one of the people who bought power from him. That made it much easier to act with Lucan's confidence. "Contact me online then. I apricate good work and have plenty of gold to spend." He said, stepping away from the mirror, happy with what he saw. "I will be wearing it out." He said while handing over his credit card. "Get me 10 more in varying shades but make sure to included Raze's colors in each. Oh, an experiment with traces of pale green as well. Send them to the address my Aunt will give you along with my old clothes."

The salesman happily nodded. Their custom suits weren't cheap to begin with and being a commission salesman wasn't the easiest job, today was a good day for him.

"Sir." The salesman said, calling his attention. "Your Aunt mentioned you need the confidence to meet a woman you like in real life. I just want to say, all your followers know that you and Silent are an item. Don't fret and it will become a reality with just a bit of effort. Good luck my Lord."

Marie was right. Good looking clothes can really raise your confidence levels. Brax thought as he opened the door and walked back to the store front.

Marie immediately gave him a cat call whistle like a horny construction worker eyeing a pretty lady.

"My, my, dapper indeed. You look like a new person." Mrs. Beneil said to Brax.

"Brax, I invited Mrs. Beneil and her family over for dinner this weekend. I hope you can make it."

"Fantastic, that is the way it should be. I look forward to getting to know your family better." Brax said to Mrs. Beneil. "I hear you have another amazing daughter that I am greatly looking forward to meeting in person."

Marie was shocked. She had heard her husband talk about how Brax acted in the game but she had never seen her nephew act so confident before. The change in him from ten minutes ago compared to now was like meeting a different person entirely.

"Wait! I know you. You're Lu-." Holly started.

"Brax Tomlin, president of World Conqueror Industries." He said while handing her one of the cards he put into his new suit and cutting her off. "Aunt Marie, I must be going. It's time for me to shake down Terracorp for all they are worth. I will call a driver to come pick you up so enjoy your time with your friend. Mrs. Beneil, it's been a pleasure and an honor to see where your daughters get there looks and elegant nature from. Miss Holly… till next time."

He then put on his sunglasses and opened the door, walking out onto the street. Heaven's Kiss exited after him leaving the two women alone and speechless in the shop.

"You, you, you." Heaven's Kiss was fuming mad, she didn't like being ignored or disregarded. "Your Lucan Quill-."

"Your future brother-in-law? Yupp that's me." He said while starting up his car and putting it into drive, causing the windows to change from clear to a dark tint that didn't let Heaven's Kiss see inside.

Brax felt invincible. If he had Jenna's phone number, he didn't doubt that he would call her up and ask her out right now. At least he now had a goal for tonight. Get her number. But of course, it was easy to think big, he hoped he still had the courage when he was standing in front of her.