The throne room of my castle glowed with the heat of molten rivers flowing just beyond the walls. Smoke and ash drifted in from the Lava Lands, but inside, the air was controlled, regulated, magically stabilized. It was my domain, my sanctuary—and the perfect place to plan.
Lord Krakenskull knelt before the massive obsidian table, his army of skeletal advisors arranged silently behind him, the flicker of green fire reflecting off their hollow eyes. Even in silence, the weight of his experience radiated. He had led armies, conquered fortresses, and bent beings far stronger than mortals to his will. Now, he served me.
We discussed the state of the Lava Lands, surveying the territory in my mind as if the mountains, rivers of fire, and scorched plains were pieces on a chessboard. "We need to secure this territory fully," I said. "Before we think about expansion, we must make this land unassailable. That will likely take years—decades if necessary."
Krakenskull's jaw moved slowly in agreement, his skeletal hand tapping the table. "A stronghold is only as good as the defenses around it, Master. The lava alone will not protect you from intruders or ambitious Elemental Masters. Fortifications must be reinforced. Patrols established. Supply lines… untraceable."
I nodded, already forming the mental framework of wards, sentries, and animated soldiers. "Exactly. Expansion comes later. There is no rush. The Serpentine War is coming, I know that much. And when it arrives, we can use it to our advantage. But first, the Lava Lands must be completely under our control."
I paused, thinking about the experiments I had been eager to conduct. A flicker of curiosity and ambition sparked in me. "I also want to test something," I said. "A spell I used in my old world, a draining spell designed to steal magic from other wizards to enhance their apprentices. I wonder if it will work on Elemental powers."
Krakenskull tilted his head, the green light of his eyes reflecting the fire from the lava below. "Are you suggesting experimenting on the Elemental Masters themselves?"
"Not yet," I replied. "Worst case, I have Chronosteel—a material that allows permanent absorption of elemental energy. I can use it later if necessary. But for now, I want to understand the limits of the magic. If it works, we can eventually turn every Elemental power in Ninjago into my own arsenal."
We returned to strategy. Krakenskull's mind was precise, tactical, and ruthless, perfectly suited to the kind of planning I demanded. "Our first step," he said, "is to ensure loyalty and control within the Lava Lands. Any villages, settlements, or wandering bands must be brought under authority. Resources must be catalogued, military infrastructure established, and patrol routes secured. Anything else is premature."
I leaned back in my chair, considering. "Agreed. No expansion until this territory is completely ours. How can we conquer outward if our base isn't unassailable? The Lava Lands must be impenetrable before any of Ninjago feels the weight of our power."
Krakenskull's hollow jaw seemed to smile. "And after that?"
I allowed myself a small, calculated grin. "After that… we will begin recruiting. But not ordinary recruits. I want stone carvers—artists, sculptors, anyone capable of crafting statues. My magic can animate any stone, turning their creations into soldiers. The stronger and more detailed, the more powerful our army becomes."
He nodded, already visualizing the possibilities. "And if you need greater numbers?"
I tapped my staff on the obsidian table, the faint hum of power running up the shaft. "That is where one of my forbidden spells comes in. I can turn living beings or objects into stone. If we find a powerful army—mercenaries, rivals, or even wandering Elementals—I can petrify them and then reanimate them under our control. They will become our warriors, obedient and immortal, shaped perfectly to my design."
Krakenskull's voice lowered slightly, almost a whisper. "That will be… formidable, Master."
"Yes," I said, my eyes narrowing. "But that is for the future. For now, we solidify the Lava Lands. That is priority one. Fortifications, sentries, patrols, and magical wards. Once this land bends entirely to our will, then we can decide what to do with the rest of Ninjago."
I leaned forward, scanning the map of my territory projected magically above the table, rivers of lava glowing red, mountains jagged, black, unbroken. "Every road must be controlled. Every river of magma defended. Every village—enslaved, organized, and bound to our service. I want no surprises. No pockets of resistance. This territory must reflect my will perfectly before we even think about looking beyond it."
Krakenskull's skeletal hand swept over the map, marking points of interest. "It will take time, Master. But nothing we cannot handle. With your power, the army at your command, and the lava itself, few could ever challenge this land."
I allowed a small smile. "Good. Then we begin immediately. Summon my soldiers. Animate the stone. Set patrols. And search for the stone carvers. I want every aspect of this land bending to me before the decade is out. Then, once it is secure, we will move outward. Patience now ensures domination later."
The plan was simple in concept, yet brilliant in execution. And I knew it would work. With Krakenskull, my lieutenants, and my expanding army of Grimrock, stone soldiers, Rogul, and gargoyles, the Lava Lands would become more than a fortress. They would become an impregnable kingdom—a testament to my will.
I tapped my staff again. "Send word to my lieutenants. Let them know that all activity outside this territory is suspended. The Lava Lands are priority. Nothing else until it is ours entirely."
Krakenskull bowed. "It will be done, Master."
I turned my gaze toward the glowing lava beyond the walls, the horizon dancing with fire and ash. For the first time in decades, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. The world was finally bending to my will.
The Lava Lands were mine.
And Ninjago… would soon follow.