AN: I have news about the series. Nothing bad, really, just adding another story. Of which will take place between this one and what was supposed to be book number four. Don't get me wrong, the cutesy-adorable book will be coming out. Just need to get this one out first, as it ties into what is going on with Nox number two. This one will be called "The Bully Prince", by the by, and centres around the fact that Karma is a bitch. Afterwards comes the slice-of-life book, followed up by whatever you folks chose to follow it.

Speaking of which, 'The Family' arc will be two books instead of three or four. The first one will be about the MC's Earth family traipsing through one or two worlds, whilst the second is about his Undying family. Which will be called "Of Life and Light" and "Of Death and Darkness" respectfully.

As always folks, thank you for reading thus far. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to voice them.

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"What of our little Black Parade?" I asked Brutus as we left the scene full of weeping Humans, Kin, Halflings, and dead Tribunal members. Whereas I and mine simply left the scene with nary a word the moment the others collapsed, and found ourselves in a somewhat crowded area.

This area, by the by, was called the Hub of Azzarath, and for those of whom have never been here, I shall explain what was there during my time.

Think of a large, circular room made up of polished, white marble of about a kilometre in diametre. Lining the outside of the room were solid pillars of Grey Ironwood with their bark still attached. These numbered as a score, and held up a large platform of the same white marble as below. Which had ten Grey Ironwood pillars, this led to another platform of white marble of two hundred and fifty metres in diametre. The process continues until there is only one pillar left, but this one held a portal which led to a separate reality in which only Gods and Goddesses were allowed to venture in.

Yes. There were other portals and rooms dedicated to such things, of which led to the various worlds controlled by the Pantheon of Azzarath. However, they were each graded from A to Zed, with A being the weakest realm in which those of whom were mortal could venture into. Of course, much like our own, there were restrictions of who could enter which portal. Such as someone who just finished a Tutorial world could not enter a world labeled with a C+ or higher rating.

Though, such a world could easily evolve into such a ranking, but those of whom are of low rankings are allowed to retreat if they so choose to when the event appears. However, the world will not reject and eject their persons until it enters a D ranking. Afterwards, more experienced beings, such as Minour Immortals are called into place. For these worlds are considered "Death Traps" to those of whom are not experienced enough.

Which leads to them receiving a warning in the case of the world being ranked a G or G+, and are ejected once it reaches an I+ or J ranking. These worlds are subjected to those of whom are considered as Higher Immortals. Unlike their lesser selves, who can still experience death, these ones cannot die even if their bodies are obliterated. They simple regenerate their bodies over a set amount of time, and continue onwards as though nothing ever occurred. Though, they do lose their equipment in the process.

Now, once the ranking enters an M classification, that is when the gods are called upon to deal with the problem. However, these are the Minours, as the regular and Higher Gods and Goddesses are still bound by some silly law which keeps them from interfering upon their world. On the other hand, once the problem reaches an X classification, then the respective caretakers of the world may intervene. That is, until it reaches Zed, in which the God King or Queen must appear to put a stop to such actions. In which case, the world may already be doomed for destruction at this point.

"The general ranking for each respective world have been increased to a rank of G, my Lord God," replied Brutus, as he held up several documents of parchment in front of his person.

Whilst I nodded to myself, we journeyed forwards through the Hub and towards a part of the area marked as "GUILD HALL". This area was dedicated to those of whom had managed to successfully create a Guild, Clan, Tribe, or Company. Where they may discuss future plans, mingle with one another, or simply to relax before venturing forth once more.

The entrance into such a place was a single archway of silver with the words stamped upon the top. The interior, however, flickered into a variety of scenes that was never the same. Such as one flicker would show a tree atop a large hill overlooking a bustling city, whilst another would be the interior of a barracks of some sort, and another would be a desolate farmyard full of dead and decaying animals littering its fields.

Yes. Such scenes were used to deter many a person from entering. However, these scenes were naught, but illusions showing the outside world what other Guilds, Clans, and the like have chosen as their main area for which their group began. Whereas the interior could have grown to be something vastly different than what is shown.

To the right of the archway, however, was a large box with a screen within its centre. Below said box was a board made up of a flimsy material with a multitude of letterings and numbers. I was told, around this time, that these items were used to look up the various groups within so that others may apply to join this group for whatever reason. Of course, these applicants had to adhere to the laws or rules of each group, which also opened up the possibility of spies and sabotage. Of which did not concern my person in the least.

"Very good," I commented, as we entered the archway which rippled into a vague shape of a large castle, under the light of a large moon, and atop a large cliff overlooking an empty void below. Of which led to a large dining hall with a multitude of monsters, Elves, and Dwarves each laughing gaily as food was piled high in front of their persons.

This then came to a halt, as someone near the entryway of the dining hall noted our persons, and shouted, "The Guild Master has returned." These words called all forms of celebration to halt, as they each stood tall from their perspective points, and bowed low towards my persons.

"Brutus," the Lich turned towards my person with his skull cocked towards his left shoulder as he stared upon my person, "Why are they bowing? You know I detest such a thing."

"Ah, yes. Well," he began, searching for the correct worlds to use, "a few of their number believed such a thing was called for. Seeing as how their leader was a God of six worlds, after all."

Mentally, I sighed heavily at such a notion, for I truly detested the bowing, scraping, and overall worship of my person. Thus, preferring a simple acknowledgement of my presence whenever I enter a room, area, or world. Yes. Such a concept is considerably daunting for many to bare, but this is what I desire, and will not compromise.

In any case, I bade each to rise, with a warning to never bow to my person again. When one voiced their concerns, I simply spoke aloud with, "I detest the worship or bowing towards my person, and simply desire an acknowledgement of my presence or passing."

"But, why?" asked a lone Lamia, of whom held the colours of sapphire and rubies within her scales, as well as the hair of golden strands, and eyes of seafoam.

To this, Brutus answered with, "My Lord God is of the rare and eccentric type of God. In that he prefers to not be an idol or symbol for many to rally around. Thus, allowing his person to simply work in peace and away from the limelight."

"Well spoken, Brutus," to which the other's eyes flared with joy, before that which was within all of us Undead devoured the emotion, "It is as he has said, for I simply detest it when everyone's focus is upon my dealings. Therefore, I have barred all from the creation of churches, temples, and the like in regards to the worship of my person."

"But," this came from a Vampire male, who wore an odd suit of scarlet and endarkened silks in the form of one about to participate within a party some Lord has thrown together, "don't all gods need some sort of fuel for their powers? All the other ones need worshippers, so what about you, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I do not mind," my left, lesser claw waved at the question, as my Lich turned back to stare upon my person. To which I turned to stare into his own eyes until he glanced away, "My abilities come from those I have drained. Be they Gods and Goddesses, Immortals, or Mortals, if they have something I desire, I simply take it. Otherwise, I'd be a simple Magus still struggling for ends meet."

"Then-?"

"This means, my dear Vampire," my voice chuckled malevolently, "I do not need worshippers to fuel my abilities. For I have already taken what I desired a long time ago. Be it a larger mana pool, spells, abilities, regenerative powers? It matters not, for I have taken it all for my own a long time ago."

Upon these words, I did leave the dining hall with Brutus to my immediate right, and strode towards the shrouded garden within the castle's courtyard just as the rest of my servants filed into the dining hall. Of which glowed a beautiful silver, as the light of the moon above radiated its cold warmth upon the world below. It was here that I stopped, and accessed Command, whereupon I did summon up a variety of Gnomes to work as the new gardeners for the area. Of which were bade to plant everything which thrived under the moonlight, not the sunlight, as a large variety of seeds, plants, and fertilisers appeared next to their persons.

"My Lord God?" called out Brutus, who appeared to be quite worrisome about something.

"Speak your mind, Brutus. For you have long ago earned such a right," my voice replied, as I continued to use Command to summon up more items for the new gardeners. Such as tools and wheelbarrows, to which they used with great earnest.

"Forgive my person, but why did you tell them one of your greatest secrets?"

"A secret, Brutus?" To this, I turned towards his person with the light of my eyes twinkling with amusement, "Whatever do you mean?"

"My Lord God?"

"Brutus, my dear Lich, it was obvious to my person that the Vampire was trying to gauge a weakness of some sort. Such as the one which afflicts all regular and Higher Gods and Goddesses. Worshippers.

"I do not have any, as you well know, but that does not mean I am without power. Once more, you know this. Therefore, I simply spoke the truth in that I have taken everything I so desired to increase my strengths, and have no need for anyone to worship the very air I do not breathe, nor the earth I tread upon. Instead, I simply take what I desire to fuel my strengths and void any and all weaknesses a common Undead may incur."

"Then, should the Vampire die, My Lord God?" he asked slowly, unsure of how to proceed.

"Of course he should, Brutus. Can't have a spy in our midst, now can we?" My eyes flashed a baleful crimson, which the Lich's own flared in response as we shared a mirth filled chuckle with one another.