The sun was setting, painting the sky in crimson and gold. Subash stood at the edge of the forest, his calm eyes reflecting the fading light.
Subash: "You all have become very powerful," he said softly, his tone calm yet firm. "But remember, there is always a bigger fish in this vast sea of the cosmos."
Draven bowed slightly. "Yes, Subash-sama… but I have a question."
Subash turned to face him, a faint smile tugging at his lips as the evening wind brushed against his face.
Subash: "You don't need my permission to speak, Draven. You're my strongest subordinate, and because of that, I've made you my right hand. You'll handle the military forces of the nation I'm going to create."
Draven nodded respectfully. "Understood, Subash-sama. But… why are we creating this nation? You have enough power to rule the entire world."
Before he could finish, Subash turned toward him, his expression steady.
Subash: "Didn't I just tell you? There's always a bigger fish in the sea of the cosmos. You see me and believe I might be the strongest—and you're not wrong to think that. But that belief shattered the day I met someone named Roshan—the being who created this world, this entire universe."
The demons' eyes widened as he continued.
Subash: "He completely crushed me with just his aura. Yet, instead of destroying me, he gave me a role—to protect this world and maintain its balance. That's what I'm doing now."
Velmora's golden eyes widened in awe. "Wait… Master, you've met the Creator himself? And he made you the protector of this world?"
Subash nodded calmly. "Yes. He's the one who helped me reach this level of power. In a way, he was my teacher. He trained me for hundreds of years."
Lilithra smiled softly to herself. (So my master was trained by the Creator himself… and entrusted with protecting the world. Truly, we have found a worthy master.)
Subash: "For now, all of you should rest. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin recruiting the monsters in this Forest of Death. Lilithra, you'll be in charge of maintaining order and guiding them."
Lilithra bowed deeply. "Thank you for entrusting this important task to me, Subash-sama."
Ravena and Velmora exchanged glances, both pouting slightly as if waiting for their turn. Subash noticed and chuckled.
Subash: "From the look on your faces, I can tell you both love fighting. So you two will be the trainers."
Both demons bowed, a smirk forming on their lips as they eyed each other with silent rivalry. Subash sighed softly.
Subash (thinking): I should probably pray for my future subordinates…
---
The Next Day
The morning light filtered through the thick canopy as Subash and his four subordinates walked through the forest.
Ravena: "Subash-sama, how long will it take to reach this village? Can't we just fly—or teleport there?"
Both Ravena and Velmora looked utterly bored, while Draven and Lilithra remained composed and focused.
Subash: "It won't take long. Besides, teleporting would ruin the fun. We can walk for now—you'll have plenty of chances to fly after we recruit the forest's monsters."
Hours passed, and finally, they arrived at a village guarded by tall figures with black robes, long black hair, and twin horns on their foreheads. These were the Kigen, one of the strongest races in the Forest of Death. Their purple-black flames, known as Kigen Poghesh, were said to burn through anything.
Guard: "Who are you all, and why have you come to our village?" he asked coldly, suspicion thick in his tone.
Draven stepped forward, but Subash raised his hand, stopping him.
Subash: "You don't need to know who I am. I simply wish to speak with your leader."
The guards exchanged uncertain looks.
Guard 1: "Should we inform the leader… or just kill them?"
Guard 2: "We should tell the leader. We don't know who they are—or how powerful. It's better not to take risks."
He bowed slightly. "Wait here. I'll inform the leader."
He hurried through the village, passing working adults and laughing Kigen children. The sight brought a faint smile to his face as he reached the leader's house. Kneeling, he spoke respectfully.
Guard 2: "Leader, there are strangers at our gate. They seek an audience with you, and they seem powerful. What should we do?"
A calm, authoritative voice answered from within.
Leader: "If they wish to speak, let them come. I'd like to meet these newcomers myself."
The guard nodded and quickly returned.
Guard 2: "The leader has agreed to meet you. Please, follow me."
Subash and his subordinates followed, walking through the lively village. Children played happily, and adults worked peacefully. Subash's expression softened.
Subash (thinking): This place… it's just like the first village I destroyed. That one was full of humans, but this one is full of monsters. Yet the children here are just as innocent as those I killed. I regret that day… but it's too late now.
The demons behind him noticed his somber mood. They understood—something painful was buried in their master's past.
Soon, they arrived at a large wooden house. The guard bowed before leaving to resume his post. Inside sat an elderly Kigen with long white hair, a beard, black eyes, and two white horns. A black robe draped over his body. Beside him stood his son and daughter—the girl with long silver hair, sky-blue eyes, and white horns; the boy with white hair, black eyes, and twin black horns.
Leader: "Please, take a seat, young man."
Subash nodded and sat down, his four Primordial Demons standing silently behind him. The leader's eyes twitched slightly at their overwhelming presence, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
Leader: "Tell me, young man—why have you come here?"
Subash: "Leader of the Kigen Village, I wish to build my nation within this forest."
The leader's eyes widened in shock, but before he could respond, his son spoke sharply.
Son: "That's impossible! This forest is ruled by the Void Dragon—the Dragon of Nothingness. You'd have to seek his permission first!"
Subash smiled faintly, folding his hands on the table.
Subash: "Oh? You seem to know of him. Tell me more about this Void Dragon and this forest."
Velmora and Ravena exchanged confused glances, but Draven's stern look silenced them immediately.
Son: "We don't know much about him. Only that he's ruled this forest for hundreds of years. Our ancestors said it was he who protected this land."
Subash's smile deepened.
Subash: "You'll make a fine leader one day. You have potential… But for your information—I am the Void Dragon."
He released his aura for a brief moment. The air grew heavy, the ground trembled, and the entire village shook under the pressure. The leader and his children froze, their eyes wide with disbelief before they all bowed deeply.
Leader: "P-please forgive us, Lord Void Dragon-sama! We didn't know you could take human form!"
Subash smiled gently.
Subash: "There's nothing to forgive. You couldn't have known—I rarely appear in human form. You may call me Subash."
The leader and his children relaxed slightly at his calm tone. But suddenly, another Kigen burst into the room, panting.
Kigen: "Leader! We've just sensed the Void Dragon's aura nearby the village!"
The leader sighed heavily.
Leader: "I know. I'm in an important meeting right now. Return to your post."
Kigen: "Yes, Leader!" He quickly departed.
The leader turned back toward Subash. "Forgive the interruption. Let's continue."
Subash: "It's fine."
Leader: "Lord Subash-sama, if you wish to build a nation, you don't need our permission. This is your forest—you may do as you wish."
His voice trembled slightly as his son and daughter stared at Subash in stunned silence.
Subash: "That may be true, but I need capable subordinates. Your race—the Kigen—are strong, intelligent, and adaptable. I want your people to join me. Don't worry, the other races in this forest will also become part of the nation. So tell me… will you serve under me?"
The leader was silent for a moment before bowing deeply.
Leader: "Yes, my lord. We accept your offer. We live in your forest—we've always been your subordinates in truth."
Subash nodded in satisfaction.
Subash: "Then gather all your people. I wish to give them names."
The leader and his children froze, eyes wide in shock.