Aengus, back in his humanoid form, winced as he clutched his chest, feeling the sharp pain coursing through his soul.
The process of absorbing a living being, especially one as powerful and defiant as the Naga King, had taken a toll on his soul. It was as though countless needles were piercing through his soul, a consequence of the Naga King’s resistance during the absorption.
“Master, are you alright?” Manas’ concerned voice echoed softly in his mind, her feminine tone filled with worry.
Aengus grunted, trying to steady his breathing as Butler Yu, Sienna, and several subordinates approached, their faces filled with concern. They knelt beside him, unsure of how to help but determined to protect their lord.
—
Meanwhile, across the battlefield, a different tension was unfolding. Sentaro, bewildered and struggling to comprehend the events, confronted his father, Sanka.
“Father, why were you with the enemy, helping them to kill us?” Sentaro’s voice was tinged with confusion and anger as he stared into the eyes of the man who had raised him.
Sanka let out a deep sigh, a weariness settling into his features. “It’s a long story, son. But understand this — from now on, he is your new lord. Stay close to him, and you’ll have a bright future.”
Sentaro’s frown deepened. “What do you mean, Father? Is he truly that powerful? And what happened to the others who left with you?”
Sanka’s expression hardened, the sternness in his gaze warning against further probing. “Stop asking so many questions, Sen. Just do as I say.”
Sensing the dangerous edge in his father’s voice, Sentaro hesitated. Before he could press further, his father abruptly changed the subject.
“And where is your mother? Is she safe?”
His father hurriedly changed the topic realising if he told him about their enslavement, he might do something rash.
“Mother is fine, but what about you look injured.. Burned to be exact?”
“Oh, this..just got some injuries from the recent fights. Okay enough talking, follow me now. I will introduce you to our new lord. You must behave with respect, understand?”
Sen nodded and followed back his father to see who this new lord was.
—
Arriving before Aengus, both Sanka and Sen bowed deeply. Sen, observing the man before him, couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and envy. Aengus, only slightly older than him, had risen to a position of incredible power, with hundreds of loyal followers at his command.
Sentaro also wanted that kind of power to ensure his family’s safety.
Aengus, still masking the residual pain from the Naga King’s absorption, glanced at the newcomers. Sienna, standing beside him, took the opportunity to introduce them.
“My lord, this is my younger brother. He’s hardworking and eager to serve, just like the rest of us,” Sienna said respectfully.
Aengus raised an eyebrow and locked eyes with Sentaro. “Oh, your brother, is he? What was your name again?” His gaze was intense, piercing through Sen as if he could see every thought behind the young man’s words.
Sen flinched under Aengus’ scrutinizing stare, feeling exposed. He swallowed hard before responding, “My name is Sentaro Alsker, my lord. I wish to serve you and assist in your goals.”
Aengus shook his head slightly, seeing through Sentaro’s ambitions and unspoken desires. “You’re not being honest enough. You want power, but your heart lacks sincerity and loyalty. You can work under your sister for now,” Aengus dismissed with cold tone.
Sanka and Sienna exchanged a glance, both knowing it was impossible to deceive their lord.
Sen, caught off guard by Aengus’ straightforward assessment, quickly nodded, a touch of panic in his voice. “Y-Yes, my lord! I will do my best.”
Though rejected, Sen vowed silently to himself. I will gain his trust and rise to power, just like Sienna did.
Aengus’s gaze swept over the battlefield as he approached the defeated tribespeople.
The Naganians, still reeling from their king’s death, fidgeted nervously. Among them were the elderly, children, and former warriors of the Naga King’s court.
Sensing the tension, Aengus stopped before them, his voice cold and commanding.
“I am the Baron of Dark Valley, beyond this forest,” he began, his tone carrying an air of finality. “Your king is dead, and those who resisted have met their end.”
He let the words sink in, watching as some of the Naganians shifted uneasily. The reality of their situation was settling in. Aengus continued, his voice even more authoritative,
“Now, for those who wish to serve me, I offer you citizenship under my rule and a place in my army. You may bring your families with you, but know this—your performance will determine their fate and prosperity. If you harbor hatred against me, you are free to step away now.”
With those words, he unleashed Darkness Haki, a wave of dark energy that intimidated the crowd, causing many to tremble. Some clutched their children closer, others looked away in fear.
Among the tribespeople of hundreds, the common Naganians quickly averted their gazes, too afraid to oppose Aengus. However, the former guards, children, and wives of the Naga King looked defiant, their expressions twisted with fury and disbelief. They refused to kneel, and their resentment was palpable.
One of the Naga King’s children, his eyes burning with hatred, spat, “Traitors! How dare you serve the man who killed our king! You are nothing but abominable cowards!”
A few of the tribe members who weren’t as emotionally tied to the Naga King sneered at their words. “Hmph! Foolish pride will only lead to more death,” one muttered, stepping forward to pledge his loyalty to Aengus.
Without hesitation, Aengus extended his hand. “Spectral Death Strings!” he commanded, dark threads of ethereal energy shooting forth. They wrapped around the dissenting members of the king’s family, binding them and suck away their life force. They gasped, their eyes filled with terror mixed with anguished screams.
One by one, nearly 40 of the former Naga King’s closest confidants were reduced to half-dead beings. Their corpses, though lifeless, still had their uses.
Aengus’s cold gaze shifted to the hundreds of tribespeople before him, and fear gripped their hearts as they felt the weight of his stare.
“M-My lord, please don’t kill us. We will serve you wholeheartedly. You’re one of us, after all. We have no objections,” one elder stammered, stepping forward cautiously.
“Besides, it is a blessing that you freed us from that tyrant king. We can’t be grateful enough actually.”
“Y-Yes, the elder is right. We will follow you to your dominion,” others echoed, eager not to be left behind.
A satisfied smile tugged at Aengus’s lips.
Meanwhile, Sienna, her father, and her brother approached a beautiful Naganian woman dressed in red.
“Mother!”
“Dear!”
The woman looked up and exhaled deeply, relief washing over her face.
“Husband, Sienna, Sentaro—thanks the demon god that you’re all alive! I was so worried about you.”
They embraced, exchanging stories of their adventures and near-misses.
“Let’s go, dear. We’re leaving this cursed forest today,” Sanka said to his wife.
“Alright,” she nodded with a smile. Wherever her loved ones were, that was her home.
—
Afterward, Aengus ordered everyone to collect all the spoils and demon cores from the treasury.
Meanwhile, he gathered the corpses, ready to add them to his Legion and strengthen his most trusted subordinates.
