Somewhere in the world. There was a gathering of people in a room. They were all looking at a monitor. The monitor showed Miko’s grand show in Edison.

“It turned out pretty much how I expected it to.”

One of New Era’s leaders, Tiana Draxler, was sitting around a table with her head resting in her hand.

“I must admit that his plan was something else. He efficiently used everything at his disposal to obtain absolute victory. That’s harder to do than most people think. Now he pretty much rules a quarter of the Silver Continent.”

“You look like a proud mother.”

Across from her was another New Era leader, Ringo.

“I’m just proud that my kin is doing so well. Also, because of our origins, we’re practically related.”

“Well, I admit that it’s good that his development is coming on so great. His development will be beneficial for my children as well.”

“Who sounds like a parent now?”

Tiana wore a teasing smile.

“It’s great that you two are happy but Miko’s actions will affect us too.”

Alexis, who sat by a wall by himself, spoke up.

“That kid has always been smart, so I knew that he would think of a way to strengthen the empire and he did just that. However, capturing the Northern Region isn’t enough for the empire to challenge us and the world, he knows this. What happened today is just the first step, he’ll continue to strengthen the empire. The question is, are we just going to let him?”

“Not that we have much choice. Just as how the Dragna Empire isn’t ready to take us on, we aren’t ready to crush them. If we go to war with them now both sides will be annihilated.”

“Hmm…What do you think?”

Ringo looked over at Krow who was standing in front of the monitor. His eyes were locked on Miko’s every move. A smile crawled onto his face.

“Indeed.”

He turned around.

“I destroyed the capital but that was before they assembled their forces. Plus once everything settles down I’m certain that their allies will come to their aid and strengthen them further.”

He walked towards the table and took a seat.

“Assembling our forces will take time so that gives them the time they need.”

A grin appeared on his face.

“Either way, it will be a good battle.”

“Hmm…Hey, Alexis. Do you know where Sonia Dragna is?”

Alexis looked at Ringo.

“I have an idea. Are you interested in obtaining the key Avicii from her?”

Ringo nodded.

“It would be a big problem if she returns to the Dragna Clan with it.”

“I would advise against that.”

Tiana shut him down.

“It would anger the wrong people.”

“…So you’re against it, huh?”

Ringo sighed.

“Well, it’s best to avoid infighting in our camps. It better to have those two as allies rather than enemies after all.”

“Speaking of which, where are they? I haven’t seen them once since I came here.”

Krow asked Tiana.

“Don’t ask me. Hell Dynasty is Hero’s organization. He allows them to run free so they could be anywhere.”

“Well, I’m sure that they’ll come back when the time is right.”

Somewhere in the world, two cloaked figures sat in a bar watching Miko’s demonstration.

“So that’s my cousin? He seems like quite the terrifying fellow. I guess blood doesn’t lie.”

One of them laughed.

“I thought that Momo would be with him since I heard that they were close…I guess something happened.”

“You wanted to see your little sister that much?”

The other one spoke up after taking a drink of beer.

“What about you, don’t you want to see your little girl, Pops?”

“Of course, I want to see my daughter. She always looked like Sonia and I hope she still does. Although it would be interesting if she inherited my devilish good looks like you did.”

“Hmph, I’m more handsome than you.”

The two laughed and stood up. They walked past all the corpses laid out all over the bar and placed some money on the corpse of the bartender who laid on the counter.

“Let’s go, Idiot Son.”

“Right behind you, Deadbeat Dad.”

The two left the bar and black flames soon engulfed the corpses. In seconds, even their bloodstains were erased leaving no trace that they were there, to begin with.

Dragna City, Dragna Empire. The Branch Leaders along Darwin and Joesph Flameheart and Markus Saevus were gathered in the Throne Room.

“Well then, that was quite a show.”

Darwin wore a complicated smile.

“At least we don’t have to worry about him starting a coup.”

“The notion that he would do that was inconceivable in the first place.”

Markus wore a proud smile on his face.

“Unlike my stupid son, he has the pride of a king.”

His smile soon turned into a frown.

“It’s good that he captured the Northern Region but having more territories isn’t always a good thing. Miko killed 8 royal families meaning that he now has 8 countries without rulers. I don’t think he has the manpower to control these countries whose population might hate him for killing their families and destroying their everyday life. So the natural course of action is to have us, the Three Clans help with the management of the new countries. But here’s the problem, if we do that we’ll be spreading our already depleted forces even further. This might leave us vulnerable to attacks.”

“More power more problems, huh?”

Rouge mumbled.

“I think Miko must’ve considered that though.”

Ecko spoke up.

“I doubt it.”

Joesph watched Miko on the monitor, focusing on his face.

“Doesn’t he look desperate?”

“Desperate?”

Joesph nodded.

“His plan was brilliant, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like he was forced to carry it out the time he did. I believe that he would’ve preferred to be more prepared. There were too many things that could’ve happened that would make his plan fail. That isn’t his style.”

“Now that you mention it, he might’ve been a little lucky.”

Ecko frowned.

“He was lucky but he also made the best use of his situation. He made big moves to mask his real intentions. He even used his grandparent's injuries to sell his stories. He risked the chance of us getting attacked just to make his plan succeed.”

Andreas wore an amused smile.

“He was desperate but he wasn’t panicking. He remained cool-headed until the end. That’s the qualities of a great leader.”

“That still doesn’t fix the problem of how will we govern the new territories.”

Alexus spoke up.

“How about this? We’ll split the territories between the three clans and Renacido. However, Miko will be the supreme commander of all of them.”

Everyone thought about Rouge’s suggestion.

“I have no problem since he did all of the work. We’re just supporting him. However, if we do that won’t it seem like we’re grooming him to take the role as a leader in the future?”

Everyone became quiet after hearing Alexus’ words.

“What’s wrong with that? That was the plan anyway.”

Joesph spoke up.

“More importantly, because of recent events, the need for a Clan Leader is more apparent. So I’m just going to put it out there.”

He looked at all of their faces.

“Which one of you will become the Next Clan Leader?”

Edison’s Royal Capital. Miko walked off the stage leaving the bodies of the 8 rulers burning for all to see. Backstage, he approached Natasa who was with Layla.

“Did you see what I did?”

She nodded.

“So what are your thoughts about it?”

“It was cowardly and not my style….But I understand the reason behind using such methods.”

A small smile appeared on Miko’s face.

“That’s good, Natasa. If you understand then you’re definitely developing into a proper heir.”

Natasa glared at Layla.

“Stop talking down to me. You’re not my superior.”

“True but we’re both Miko’s successors that make us equal.”

“I’m stronger.”

“Strength doesn’t mean everything. You should’ve learned that from witnessing those Divine Level people being burnt to death.”

Layla smirked.

“Maybe you’re still just a greenhorn?”

“What was that?!”

Natasa was glaring daggers at Layla who was nonchalant. Miko watched them from the side with a smile.

(They’re bickering like sisters. It’ll take time but they’ll develop a close relationship in the future.)

“Don, your next orders?”

The Guardians approached Miko and bowed their heads.

“For now we’ll return to Renacido.”

“How many men are you planning to leave in our new territories?”

Layla asked.

“None.”

“….Come again?”

“Leave no one. Everybody is to return to Renacido at once. Even the spies.”

“Why?”

Natasa approached him. Miko looked at her in silence.

(She’s trying to understand the reason for my actions. Her willingness to learn has increased. Good.)

“We don’t have adequate personnel to manage our new territories. If we force the issue we’ll be vulnerable. So the best course of action is to temporarily abandon them and strengthen our core. This will prevent opportunists from attacking us in our weak spots.”

“What if those same people try to take our territory? Or what if rebels gather to denounce you and take back their countries?”

“Then let them.”

“What?”

Miko smiled at Natasa’s confused face. To him, it was overflowing with innocence.

“You see, Natasa, people are fickle and rebellious by nature. They’re the hardest animals to tame because they don’t always follow logic. So if you use logic when dealing with them you’ll be in trouble. But ironically enough, they fear the unknown. For example, a child fears the dark because they don’t know what’s happening around them, and that fear caused their imaginations to run wild and worsen the horror they’re experiencing.”

Miko pointed behind him.

“My actions have struck deep fear into the hearts of all of those citizens. Fear that will remain in their subconscious. If I leave then the things you mention might happen; but what will those rebels and opportunists do when they hear that I’ve returned to collect what I’ve earned?”

“They’ll be on edge.”

Miko nodded.

“And what if I come back with the Dragna Empire’s full support?”

“…They’ll either give up or run away.”

Miko nodded again.

“I killed their countries strongest without help from the empire so imagine what I could do with their help?”

Natasa’s eyes widen.

“Imagination…”

(She got it.)

“Yes, the fear they’ve forgotten in my absence will resurface with news of my return. They will remember how cruel I was towards my enemies and their imaginations will run wild and cripple them. Of course, there will be exceptions but those will be in the minority. Most people will become simple-minded and easy to predict, hence easy to handle.”

Miko patted her head.

“Do you understand?”

She frowned but didn’t slap his hand off.

“I understand.”

“Good. Then let us return to Nebulous City and prepare.”

“Prepare for what?”

Miko smirked.

“It’s time to return to the capital.”