Lilian PoV

It’s been a few days since we arrived and though I have my partners and my minions, I feel kind of lonely.

Though I wanted to become goddess of the demons, I feel like its starting to get out of hand. Where I pass the demons kneel before me and I have to pull them and I end up scolding them about things I like over and over again. I sit down tired from the large amount of lectures I gave plus the hunting and purifying of safe zones, I feel exhausted.

I was sitting at a table in a house we were given while we were staying. My elites brought over some soup made from demon meat and purified herbs they have been discovering throughout the safe zones while we hunt.

This meat soup was ok but since no one knows how to prepare cooked demon meat it isn’t the best but it fills.

Vil’cri: You sure have it rough, girl.

Lilian: Can you please explain why the citizens kneel even after I lecture them so much.

Vil’cri: The demon world follows strict rules that the demon lord judges. Put simply, they have to kneel before you. because they consider you their highest power. This rule is a magic placed on the under and over world. The demon lord is the highest power as the great Divine Demon and with no gods to contest for his power, he has gone and made laws of the world like this. If you want to change them take, Lucifers power and change it by force.

Lilian: What about you?

Vil’cri: What about me? You’re the one who took charge trying to act like a god when you’re only an angel.

Lilian: An angel turns into a god after they gain followers. What do you want? And why am I the highest power when you could kill me with ease?

Vil’cri: *sigh* The term ‘highest power’ means the person who has the most influence. I choose to remain here or hunt when I’m bored but I also choose to remain on the sidelines, but you do it for all the demons. Do you really think they will consider a shadow their biggest influence unless you say so?

Lilian: I see…

Vil’cri: Don't think about too much girl, just focus on increasing your influence. Once we purify enough safe zones in this valley, we can move to the next town and spread your influence there. The more demons that worship you, the less will be giving Lucifer power.

Jesse: ...Master are you ok with all this? We can try and help.

Lilian: No! This is too dangerous for you. Even I was almost consumed by it when I first tried.

I finished the bowl and looked at the stock of food.

Lilian: Hey shouldn’t we be ranking up by now? Don't angels grow stronger by eating demon meat?

Jesse: Hmm...I’ve reached level 100 already but its been like that for 2 days already.

Vil’cri: That’s because the girl hasn't gone to sleep in that time. She is the one who determines your rank ups, not you. Speaking of that, today you're going to sleep, girl. If not, I will drain your mana and make you do so. These brats have been ready for a few days and they will make life here much easier.

Lilian: And what if I want to continue? I still have a lot of...work...to.

I stood up but almost instantly collapsed already half asleep.

Vil’cri: So your body caught up to your mind huh? I didn’t even need to use a sleeping spell to knock you out. Hey brats, get her into bed and go to sleep as well. Its your rank ups on the line.

I could feel my body being lifted and soon I was placed in a bed and sheets covered me. The gentle warmth I felt as sleep embracing me was comforting so I entered sleep’s embrace.

In the middle of my dreams, the screens appeared.

You have reached level 100. You can now rank up to [Angel: ArchAngel]Do you want to rank up?YesNoYour Elite Minion, Jesse has reached level 100. She can rank up to…[Angel: Lesser Angel][Angel: Lesser Valkyrie (variant)]Your Elite Minion, Flow has reached level 100. She can rank up to…[Angel: Lesser Angel][Angel: Lesser Valkyrie]Your Elite Minion, Aiden has reached level 100. She can rank up to…[Angel: Lesser Angel][Angel: Lesser Valkyrie]Your Elite Minion, Mason has reached level 100. He can rank up to…[Angel: Lesser Angel][Angel: Lesser Einherjar]Your Elite Minion, Lax has reached level 100. He can rank up to…[Angel: Lesser Angel][Angel: Lesser Einherjar]

Lilian: What’s a Valkyrie and Einherjar? I feel its stronger then angel but more limited…Well for me, I accept. This will help me...I didn’t even notice I had reached level 100. Must have been from all the demon meat. Now then...Lets go with the new forms. I don't know its specifics, but I have heard anything unique is better than normal, so I will go with all of them.

After accepting my own rank up, I pressed the right button on each of my minions screens which allows them to rank up. All the screens vanish and I’m allowed to continue my pleasant dreams.

I slept until I got tired of sleeping and woke up naturally without anyone calling me.

It was the first time I relaxed completely since I got here and I felt refreshed and full of energy.

I was curious about my stats after my rank up so I called up my status screen.

Status WindowName:LilianLevel:1Fame:500Infame:0Health:80000Stamina:12000Mana:20000Rank:AngelRace:ArchAngelStrength:500Vitality:670Dexterity:520Agility:700Intelligence:650Charisma:300Leadership:200Luck:50AffinityFire12%Water40%Earth15%Air20%Light70%Darkness5%TraitsCurse of the god of Evolution

A curse which returns a newborn to the weakest possible form for his race before turning into a non sentient monster or demon. This curse leaves abilities that are inherited but they remain sealed until awoken.Royal Celestial

Being born the Daughter of the King of the Gods, you’re are highly intelligent no matter what form you are in. You can learn skills, magic, or techniques with much greater ease than others as long as you have a proper teacher.

In celestial form you gain ⅓ more power.Dungeon Boss

As one of the great leaders of a dungeon, you grow more powerful when you are in your territory.

2x power within your dungeon and city

+20000 Health on top of base HPVessel of the Spirit Yin

You are the host of the Spirit of balance, Yin. One of the twin spirits that makes up the balance of good and evil. The darkness of the world as well as the small light of hope in the world filled with darkness

You are the new spirit Yin and those who worship the spirits will worship you in her place.SkillsStaff Mastery (Intermediate 8)

Mastery with a staff

Increases Damage when using a staff 24%

Increases damage when using a polearm 9%.Two handed weapon mastery (Intermediate 4)

Mastery with all weapons that use 2 hands

Increase weapons with 2 handed weapons 18%.Taming

Your affinity to nature allows you to tame young animals since they have great trust in you.Fire Magic (Intermediate 1)

Ability to control fire with magic

Spells:

Fire Field (Basic 7)

Holy Flame (Basic 9)

Fire Bomb (Intermediate 1)Dark Magic (Basic 8)

Ability to control the darkness with magic

Spells:

Dark Ball (Basic 4)

Shadow Cloak (Intermediate 2)

Shadow Claw (Basic 4)

Darkspear (Basic 8)Water Magic (Intermediate 5)

Ability to control water with magic

Spell:

Water Ball (Intermediate 3)

Geyser (Basic 9)

Ice Ball (Intermediate 2)

Ice Lance (Intermediate 7)

Ice Shards (Intermediate 7)Air Magic(Intermediate 2)

Ability to Control Air with magic.

Spell:

Air Slash (Basic 9)

Pressure Ball (Basic 9)

Air Bomb (Intermediate 3)Earth Magic (Basic 6)

Ability to control the earth with magic.

Spells:

Earth shard (Basic 2)

Earth spear (Basic 4)

Earth shield (Basic 7)

Quagmire (basic 3)Light Magic (Advanced 2)

Ability to control Light with magic

Spell:

Healing (Intermediate 9)

Grand Healing (Intermediate 3)

Light Cloak (Intermediate 6)

Light Mirage (Intermediate 4)

Light Bolt (Intermediate 2)Magic Circle Formation (Intermediate 6)

A lost art which uses the formation of a circle of complex glyphs to create a spell. This art creates stronger spells but is extremely difficult to learn because information on this magic has been lost for ages even to the Gods and DemonsSub Skill: Layered Magic Circle Formation (Basic 7)

A new form to use the lost magic of Magic Circle Formation. By layering two or more circles you can create much more powerful spells never before seen in the world.Miasma Neutralization (Basic 8)

An ability many ancient celestials learned to do to survive in the miasma of demons that ran rampant in the mortal world during the wars.

The celestial that does this is prone to become unstable if they don't exercise caution and rest well while constantly performing this.

Lilian: Wow my power is starting to feel overpowering. I wonder if Baal was able to rank up as well. Seems my dark magic has grown though. I guess its a given since I have to use shadow cloak more here since there is less pure light.

I walk to the bathroom to bathe in the tub. I take a look at my reflection before entering. There isn’t any apparent changes that I can see, though I feel a bit taller. I need to check my celestial appearance after i’m ready.

I wash myself quickly after heating the water and walk out of the bathroom. I walk over and pick up my staff. The moment I grab it I notice something different about it. Weight, the fluctuation of mana within, how unusually natural it felt in my hand. I look at it. I have never been able to see the information about this staff. Baal is the same about his scythes and sickles. I try once again.

Holy Reaper

A unique staff amount all the celestial weapons. Originally created from the old body of the ArchAngel Michael. This weapon was used from a young age by the young angel Lilian and after reaching the same rank as Michael, this weapon has taken her old body and assimilated it and made it her own.

A weapon made by the holy bodies of angels, it can be considered a holy artifact if it was possible to use by humans.

This weapon has the unique ability to take mana and make the staff become any two handed weapon. Its greatest Form is its original form as a holy scythe.

Forms:

Holy Reaper

Great Hammer

Great Mace

Great Sword

Helberg

Long bow

(their are others but I don’t remember)

My mouth dropped as I read the information for the first time. It had assimilated me making a weapon from the body of two different angles. How? It must be because I used it since I was a baby. It saw me grow up and it grew accustom to my mana. I think.

Blinking a few more times I walk out of my room. No one was there so I walked outside and find them. Vil’crI sitting in a chair and 5 children with large light brown wings.

Vil’cri: Finally awake so what are they. Never seen an angel with brown wings before.

Lilian: The race is suppose to be Valkyrie and Einherjar.

Vil’cri: Never heard of them. But from what i’ve seen its a warrior based race of angels. They are much more powerful and physical then a Lesser Angel should be even with the training they gained.

I look over and see them fiercely sparring with straight sticks. I spot 4 bows next to the door as well as 2 short swords. All of them had interesting engravings on its design. The swords had it on its blade. When I looked, I couldn’t figure what it said so I didn’t try.

Noticing my presence, the 5 came flying and landed in front of me and bowed before straightening up.

Lilian: Before we begin, I need to know who is who?

Each of them called out their names. Jesse was the tallest at 150 cm with a lean build and developing body. Her hair was slightly wavy and dark brown while her wing feathers were light brown. Flow and Aiden were like identical twins. They were around 142 cm high chestnut brown hair and normal brown wings, the only difference was that Flow had black eyes while Aiden had brown. Mason stood at 145 cm with black hair and brown wings, he packed in some muscle and was a bit thicker and muscle size then Jesse. Last was Lax, he was blonde and thin compared to the others and stood at 140 cm. He had a slightly more yellowish wing color best compared to gold. He was the least active but the best spellcaster but with a slower draw to his bow because he lacks a bit in strength.

They all had some form of leather clothes made from our hunts pelts.

Lax: Have you seen your true form yet master?

Lilian: Not yet since I don't know how its like, I am doing it outside.

Aiden: Oh really! Move it then you guys. Scram, move out of master’s way and let her pass.

I smile wearily at Aiden and walk past the little ones and activate my true form.

Three pairs of long white wings appear releasing a few loose feathers.

(http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/23800000/Break-maximum-ride-rpg-23881307-360-338.jpg)

On my exposed right arm, I can see an interesting tattoo similar to the glyph of a magic circle. I switch my which arm holds the staff and then examined the markings. Feeling around, I could make out that a lot of excess magic had formed into this tattoo on my arm. Well I guess that's understandable with 20000 mana it would definitely start appearing. When I looked closer, I could spot them on my wings as well. The last thing I noticed was the strange little magic circle floating about my head.

(Think jibril from No game No life)

It radiated my mana and looked like the most complex magic circle I’ve ever seen. Everyone was looking at me with awe.

Lilian: Hello, is there something wrong?

Vil’cri: Girl return to human form. The reason Archangels never appear before a living creature is because their holy aura leaves them in a trance. From now on use that only when fighting creatures that are too strong otherwise and when you neutralize an area.

Lilian: Alright.

I hide my true form and everyone snaps out of it. Those that snapped out of it look my way wide eyed and I could see them have more faith in me. I smile gently towards them before turning to my little squad.

Lilian: Ok, we are going hunting today get ready.

They all salute like soldiers and pick up their weapons and run inside to get dressed. I already had the trainee armor I got from Sophia but when I looked down I saw that I had started to get old, mended tears and stitch marks all over from my patchwork.

Lilian: *sigh* I need new armor. This one is from my time as a trainee paladin.

Vil’cri: Yes that won't cut from now on, but this town has neither a blacksmith nor any master tailor to make you a strong set of armor.

Lilian: So where is the next safe zone?

The skeleton pulled a map we got from the village chief. The map and many circles painted to show where we had neutralized the miasma in the area.

The whole valley was a bit more than 100 km² total within the area between these mountains and about 3 low hills which allowed us to exit safely. The further out we go, the more dangerous it gets but that is normal since we are pushing the demons out of their homes. Within this entire area, we had made about 40 safe zones near the village. Because of the proximity to each other, they have started to expand towards the town and each other. Problem is that for the week we have been here, we have only pushed out about 2 km out into the north and west side.

The serious problem is that the demon beasts here are no joke. Every cave we search there is some kind of demon beast.

One cave had a family of feral demon bears that had around 10 in each family with an alpha that was nearly 6 meters tall while a normal one stood over us at 4 meters tall. Another cave was filled with demon rabbits. Just like rats, they numbered in the hundreds and the pack leaders were all equal to Plum’s strength and nearly twice her size. It’s a good thing they can’t use magic because if they did we wouldn’t be able to fight them.

I wait outside on Plum’s back while the others get ready. For now, neither Plum or KumI ranked up so they still look the same. I was still trying to gauge my own power when the kids came running out and started flying.

Jesse: Master, we are ready.

I look at them. They all are wearing their, too small for their size, armor with a few pieces missing because they are to small.

Lilian: Is their any spare armor in the towns armory to cover up for the lack of armor?

Vil’cri: If there was, the armor would be too large. If you want to make them armor, I would suggest learning even a little bit from the tailor in town and making the armor yourself. I’m sure someone with high dexterity like yourself could make high quality goods. I’m also sure it will help the demons if you made some clothing for them.

Lilian: I’ll think about it. Come on guys, today stay as far as possible. You’re all wearing too little armor to go head on.

My eyes fell on the small blades at their waist. The archers had began using blades after the rat attack, since they come in great numbers. I did notice a normal wooden bow on Jesse’s back. Unlike the refined feathered bows of the others, this one was a normal bow made of wood and strung.

It couldn’t handle spell arrows, but mana arrows were possible on this. If an enemy is too powerful for her to face head on she changes to support for a bit, though her aim sucks compared to the others who have done this since they started.

With everything set, I look at the map. The target was to make 5 new safe zones to the south and start expanding that way and make the towns space grow evenly. Riding Plum, we leave with the five flying behind while Vil’cri sat on Plum’s back mediating.

We arrive at the south side quickly and enter the forest and start pushing on for a bit before stopping in a somewhat less dense area.

These “safe zones” were all like this. Small less dense spots where few creatures appear. These places have little miamsa and are easy to neutralize. However, with every good thing there is something bad that may come with it. Neutralizing a zone attracts a large amount of demons because I absorb massive amounts of miasma which make the space temporarily denser. Everyone got into position ready to fight but they all faced away so as not to be awed by my presence like before.

I transform into my Archangel form and the wings, tattoos and Halo appear along with the subtle glow my wings give off. I flap my three wings and fly into the sky and stop after I reach around 10 meters high.

Calming myself and start concentrating. A moment later I open my eyes and begin absorbing.

The response in power from before was no joke. Before, I would feel the miasma around me for about 20 meters out. Now I can feel nearly all the way to the other side of town. We are almost 2 km away and I’m feeling it all the way here.

Another thing that took my by surprise is my little halo. It expanded to the size of a huge magic circle and radiated power.

I didn’t have time to think about it though. All the miasma I felt began to draw close and enter my body through my wings. Unlike last my time as a greater angel, I felt no burden on my mind because the moment the miasma entered my body it was instantly purified and it moved through my body and through my mana it travelled into the halo which began to release the miasma in great quantities. The safe zone grew fast and reached the normal size they got when I reached my limit before but this time I kept going and it kept growing.

The wall of white miasma was dense and it grew stronger the larger it grew.

After a while, everyone started hearing growls and at the edge of the 100 meter wide wall were feral demon wolves.

Feral animals were much more savage and much more powerful than normal ones. Normally the demons would arrive before the safe zone reached the ground so they could attack, but this time it was already wide enough to be considered a large safe zone.

They try to push in but couldn’t get through and I just grinned. This was the perfect chance to make non corrupt animals so I commanded the wall to release a stream of white mist over the pack. With a sudden push of the miasma, an empty space is left between the white and black miasma, the barrier was able to quickly expand.

With half the pack in this space, I push the neutralizing barrier through them. A few reacted fast enough but the smaller ones couldn’t and were caught by the barrier and slowly a great amount of black miasma was pulled out of their bodies. The horse sized wolves slowly shrank to about half their original size and fell over limp but alive. I had purified 15 of the 40 from the pack.

This is good as it will allow for pure animals to begin appearing here. They would probably still be demon animals but they would no longer be frenzied animals like these were and their disgusting appearance would probably turn more normal and not have so many bald spots in their fur.

I continue to expand the area. It seems to get easier and I found out why rather quickly.

Because of my boost in power from my rank up, I can absorb more power since I have more mana. Because of this, the level of the Miasma Neutralization raised to intermediate almost instantly.

With a smile, I push the barrier and it starts to advance further. The sudden advance of the barrier catches 5 more while the others jump back before lashing out with no success.

As they start circling the barrier, arrows and magic start coming out. The two Valkyries and Einherjars all have their bows at the ready and pull back the string and form a very long dangerous arrow. The tip is no longer the cute heart shape it was before. Now it depends on the spell. Flow had one ready and it looked like a white grappling hook arrow. Letting the arrow go it flies off leaving a trail of light and it slams into the side of one of the wolves before lighting up and a palm sized magic circle appearing around the wound. It began glowing and with a bright light and the sound of an burst the wolf was thrown a good 5 meters with a large hole into its left side.

I blinked a few times at the destructive power. Well I can't really expect less from them after training so much and ranking up in the demon world.

I close my eyes and start pulling even more miasma and making the safe zone grow more. Like all times I heal an area, the screams of the spectra in the ground and plants could be heard. Slowly the dead looking trees and red leaves gain life and change back to their natural color.

As the area grew what I wanted to happen occurs. Like a herd, new animals join the fray to get at the dense miasma. Rabbits, wild cats, and foxes, they’re animals that make up the lower levels of the natural food chain.

When the groups collide with the barrier trying to push themselves in, I have the barrier do the same it did with the wolves and I catch many of them.

The rabbits were as I said before. Large like Plum at their strongest and their weakest were at the size of bi-horn rabbits, however, none had horns of their own. They all had dirty fur with many bald spots.

As for wild cats. They travel in smaller packs of 20 and unlike the others, they are smart. They fight as one big unit to catch large enemies. But with so much miasma in front of them, they don’t seem to be thinking much and just attack and scratch at the barrier.

This made it easy to catch the whole pack of wild cats and at least ⅓ of the rabbits. I was also lucky to catch one of the top tier rabbits but that didn’t last as their bodies were dragged into the barrier it came out on our side releasing a LOT of thick miasma. Like balloons, they slowly shrank. The wild cats that were all around the size of a large tiger gradually shrank to the size of a lynx.

The largest rabbit shrank to the size of a golden retriever while the lesser rabbits began the size a normal rabbit.

Vil’cri: Interesting. Their blood is that of demons but when they are purified they become animals with demon origin.

Vil’crI was crouching and examining the unconscious animals.

I was looking from above but couldn’t see much but I could tell that feature wise they stay the same but just get smaller.

All the miasma they release feeds the barrier and makes it stronger.

Half an hour of expanding it and I finally reach my limit.

The wall of the barrier pushed back all the way near the town. Its only about 100 m away. I smile wide as I land breathing a bit heavily. This can now move faster. This valley will be pure very soon and with normal life uncorrupted by Lucifer’s miasma.

Baal PoV

At the moment I’m in my castle. The celebrating of winning the battle had lasted nearly 4 days. By then the citizens of the city had all returned and celebrated as well. The knights and paladin made it their duty to tell everyone about me and to make sure everyone looked at me with good eyes.

When ever I was near them, I would force a smile because it was both embarrassing as well as a bit uncomfortable to see them speak of me, a demon. I had expected for the people to look at me with eyes filled with fear after hearing I was a demon but almost all the children saw me as an idol. The adults though, were reluctant that they couldn’t rain on their children's dreams as many were saying they wanted to become a powerful and honorable knight like me. With so many knights talking about me as someone good they couldn’t tell their children to not look up to me simply because I was a demon.

After the 4 day festival, I finally got an audience with the king who had been busy. In his throne room was Michel was their as well and smiling wide. The king sat on his throne like an imposing figure but I could see a slightly hidden smile on his face.

Mavis: Greetings Baal.

Baal: Your highness.

I was being formal because there were quite a few nobles here and me not being a noble had to address him as such.

Mavis: Do you know why I have summoned you?

Baal: No your majesty.

He stood with a smile.

Mavis: As king, its my honor and pleasure to present you with title of lower noble of the kingdom of Relona and official lord of the town now formally known as Galton. If you have any request you wish to make that is within my power and your rights then I can make it so.

Baal: Thank you your majesty. For my request I had come back to Hasona to procure seeds to begin production of food for the citizens of Galton. If I may I would also wish to open trade between the Galton and the rest of the kingdom. As a demon town it has been avoided because of speculations so I wish for your highness to open trade if possible to create incentives for traders to go there.

Mavis: The seeds I can prepare a large stock but the trade route seems hard. I would expect demon leather to be the subject of trade correct.

I nod.

Mavis: I’m sure a few traders will got but the forest around the town are dangerous. Unless something is done to make the route safer.

Baal: ...it would take a while to reduce the danger of the forest but if we create an outpost on the path in the middle of the forest and work from their it should work to reduce the danger.

Mavis: A good plan as any. Do as you please I will have funds for this outpost given to you.

He walks over and pats my shoulder.

Mavis: May demons and humans have a bright future together.

I smile and bow and was dismissed. The very next morning a caravan with 7 fully loaded carriages. They aren't the normal carriages for people. There was no cloth over it. It was a large box like carriage made fully of wood with iron ribbons holding it together. No sunlight got in so it wouldn’t spoil the seeds. The insignia of the king as on the side of all of them. Besides these 7 carts meant for me there several other carts with traders from different guilds. Even the Merchants guild itself had a few carts with a group of goblin slaves loading the carts up.

I was sitting on Rook and leaning back when I noticed Kitsu in a slightly bad mood. Ever so often he would turn his head and look back.

Baal: What’s up Kitsu. You seem...nervous.

Kitsu: Not nervous, irritated. Look at the corner of the building on the left.

I turn my head slightly and look out the corner of my eye. What I see at the corner of the room were two tan girls with long black hair wearing pull leather hunter gear. The gear looked familiar for some reason.

Baal: Who are they?

Kitsu: Two horny bitches that I fought during the battle.

Baal: ...Horny?

Kitsu: Beast tamers who are sadists when they have a whip but like being whipped.

He started to growl with disdain and gave another glance towards them.

Baal: It can’t be that bad.

Kitsu: Oh ya. You try having twin masochists following you around hoping to be beaten.

I kind of shivered a bit. On the other hand Rook was looking the other way with his head low holding in his laughter.

Baal: Wonder how they got into the city.

Kitsu: Dont know, dont care I’m going ahead I feel too uncomfortable with them staring.

Before I had a chance to say anything Kitsu ran out of the town. His feet let out fire and he was soon gone in the forest. From the corner of my eye I could see the two girls pouting after he left. One of them pointed to one of the carriages that was owned by a young boy.

The two nodded and walked over after loosening their vests showing more cleavage than any decent woman would dare show. They corner the young trader and after a bit of “persuading” and a nice hug from both of them he lets them on just to get them to release him.

They jumped into the cart smiling and they fixed themselves so they weren’t as exposed as they were.

I poked Rook and pointed at them and we both lost it seeing the two hitch a ride. I’m sure Kitsu will hate us later for not stopping them but the reaction he will have later is worth keeping quiet.

Leaving aside the two girls we help the traders get their merchandise ready so we can leave. Since most of the carts have only horses it will be a long months ride back. Also having to worry about bandits and monsters that can attack, we had to plan how to defend the caravan.

It was then that four commanders appeared. Hugh, Raio and two others came over.

Hugh: Hey there, prince. Your escorts are here.

Baal: Wait all of you?

Raio: Not just us but them as well.

He pointed behind him and thats when I notice the celestial beasts behind them. With so many powerful fighters we could easily demolish any attacks with just our small numbers. Like they say “Quality over quantity”.

The plan turned out like this. Me and Raio as well as our partners would take care of the 7 seed carriages while the others would take the middle and back of the carriages. Beside these top fighters the traders brought their own men so they would take care of themselves.

After noon we finally left after everyone ate. It slowly started and we walked beside the long line of carriages for our long journey ahead.

1 month later

After an all too boring month of slow travel towards the south side of the kingdom where Galton stood, we passed through all the towns I passed on my week of travelling on Rooks back. Most of the time, we would stop in the towns for the traders to do their trading before continuing.

The whole ride, Rook had walked or hunted when he got too restless the same for all the rabbits and foxes. Kitsu was in a horrible state during the whole trip. When he noticed the twins after we caught up with him I felt he would have instantly torched the carriage in rage. I kept him from doing so though. In his rage he ran far into the forest and returned only the next day. My best guess is that he found an unlucky dungeon hidden away somewhere to relieve his rage.

As we near the walls of the town, we could see how it changed. About 2 km of forest surrounding the town had been cleared and now it was all cultivated farmlands with no plants growing yet, but the farmers were still caring for the ground.

They all notice the caravans as it appeared from the forest. After a bit, they run over after seeing Rook and Kitsu and cheer for the return of their lord.

Word quickly spreads to the town and most of the citizens were happy to see us return.

My minions were all waiting at the gate along with Lilian's. Rachet and Lona were there standing like knights waiting for their lord with smiles on their face.

The caravan stopped in front of the town. As I walk up...

Rachet: Long time Baal.

Baal: Yes it is. I’ve brought what I promised.

Rachet: I can see that.

Rachet comes over and picks me up.

Rachet: Everyone, let’s welcome our young prince back after accomplishing his promise.

Everyone erupted into cheers.

We were welcomed like heros. The carriages were taken to the storage and would begin being distributed the next day. All the traders headed their own way and began trading with the citizens and brought new life to the town with the goods.

As I entered the castle grounds I saw quite a bit had changed. The place was really clean. Buildings like the guards barracks were completely repaired. There was a lot of movement going on in the castle as well.

Rachet: As you can see the first two floors have gained quite a bit of popularity for its advanced level workshops. All the wood we cut down to make the farmlands was taken by carpenters and used to rebuild many old buildings, and stone from a nearby quarry is being mined and brought to make stone buildings as well as repairing old ones. This town has been breathing new life ever since you left.

Baal: I was wondering. Where is Lilian? I would have expected her to be the first to come talk with me.

Rachet looks the other way while he scratches his head.

Baal: Where is she!

Lona: She went with her elites to the Underworld.

I looked at Lona who was next to Rachet.

Baal: Don’t joke around. It’s impossible to get there it’s a completely different world. And she wouldn’t go for no good reason.

Rachet: After you left an acquaintance that was exiled appeared. He was a Lich general that used to work the magic circle that exiled the demons. Though he never understood the magic he could activate it. He studied with Dok and after seeing a small teleportation circle trap the dungeon could make, they made a circle that could teleport to the Underworld. After it was done the goddess Valeria fixed it and powered it up herself so Lilian could go. She took her elites and her companions with her.

It felt like I was punched in the gut. To be left behind by my sister.

Baal: Why did she go at the first chance.

Lona: Baal. Look at me.

I was on the ground after receiving the shocking news. Lona shook me, she was crouching in front of me and shook me while holding both shoulders.

Lona: She didn’t leave without thinking it through. Tell me what kind of followers did she want to have.

Baal: ...Demons.

Lona: Exactly, if you were in her place would you give up this chance to get the followers you wanted?

Baal: ...No.

Lona: Good I see you understand. Also she told me to tell you not to go after her. Her path is in the demon world. Yours is here. Take care of you home and prepare it for when she returns.

I looked Lona in her emerald green eyes and forced a smile before standing up.

I pulled out my sickle as I walked towards the castle.

Baal: I’ll be at the top in my room.

Without caring for what the people around me said I just walked through everyone.

Behind me Rachet looks at my five elites he gestures towards me. They all nod and run or fly after me.

We reach the bedroom without fighting anything, because after I entered the dungeon part of the castle I started to release tremendous amounts of killing intent that even kept the minI bosses away seeing only death should they approach me.

As I enter my bedroom a small stream of tears starts running down my face. I sit on the bed and my elites wearily approach. As I cry for a few moments it was Lily that grabs my attention. From behind she grabs my head and pulls it into a hug.

Lily: It’s ok master. You can cry all you like.

I just let my body lean as more tears fall. My other elites approach, each hugging me as well, trying to comfort me.

A few moments of letting my grief leave with my tears I begin to calm down. Seeing how much they cared for me I couldn’t help smiling and sit up straight.

Baal: Thanks all of you. I don’t think I would get over this without you guys.

I make a wide smile to them which they return. I look up from my seat and look at the room. Most of the stuff was a mix between mine, Lilian and the elites things since we all shared this room. As I looked at a cabinet with a mirror on top two small glass jars catch my attention.

Within one were 6 slices of a crystal that radiated magic and the other had crushed pieces of bone.

Baal: Those are the Oni’s core and horns.

The two objects that Lilian and him gained when they first arrived here when Hugh and Slade killed the boss.

Baal: Lona is right. I need to prepare our home for when Lilian and the others return to us.

I walk over to the cabinet and pick up the two jars before walking back to the place I sat at.

Baal: Do you guys know what these are?

They all shake their heads.

Baal: When we first arrived here in this castle there were many demon monsters. This is the horn and the mana core of the demon boss that lived here.

I open the jars and pulled the cores out and hand 1 piece to each of them leaving myself with a single piece. Then I open the jar with the horns and split it all evenly.

Baal: A demon that eats another stronger demons body can grow stronger much faster. Lets all get stronger together so that we can protect our home until Lilian and the others come back ok.

All: Yaa!!

We all swallow the core and eat the horns before we go to sleep since we all felt sleepy as we hit level 100.

You have reached level 100. You can now rank up to [Higher Demon: Great Tengu (Rare Variant)]Do you want to rank up?YesNoYour Elite Minion Lily has reached level 100. She can now rank up to…[Higher Demon: Lesser Great Imp][Higher Demon: Lesser Tengu]Your Elite Minion Ro has reached level 100. He can now rank up to…[Higher Demon: Lesser Great Imp][Higher Demon: Lesser Tengu]Your Elite Minion Kia has reached level 100. He can now rank up to…[Higher Demon: Lesser Great Imp][Higher Demon: Lesser Tengu]Your Elite Minion Mia has reached level 100. She can now rank up to…[Higher Demon: Lesser Great Imp][Higher Demon: Lesser Tengu]Your Elite Minion Ideo has reached level 100. He can now rank up to…[Higher Demon: Lesser Great Imp][Higher Demon: Lesser Tengu]

It is an obvious choice. I accept my rank up and make all my elites into lesser tengu.

As the screens vanish I feel myself get very tired and I fall into a very deep sleep.