Before he was known as the “Malak,” or, “The Angel of Death,” Jinn was first called the name, Fallen Angel, during the earlier times of his life in Africa. The 21st century of Africa was always a place that contained strife and proxy wars. It was a land rife with resources, so much so, that the whole world competes for it. Slowly, it was beginning to look like “hell on Earth.” That is until God sent his wrath in the form of Jinn. But, that was the past, Jinn intends to bury the past and live his new life in Soa, where no creature has heard of him.

“I congratulate you, my Apprentice,” Jinn said, words reverberating in the holy castle made out of pure crystals. A company of a few figures was present. Even with all the recent events that have occurred for the Omen people, these few have made enough time to greet a new Master Class and Archmage.

To think a young boy at that age? Not only in the Transcendence Realm, but, an Archmagus as well? Preposterous! In the noise of constant small-talk between the few at present, this statement resembles the general thoughts of the event at the moment. A Master Class that is even younger than the Lord Disciple who had attained the Transcendence Realm at the age of 15.

The ceremony was short and held in secret. Glenn had met many powerful figures. Before Glenn parted ways with the event, he was given command by the Lord Vicegerent to appear at Mt. Tian, the docking bay for The Regalia. With the power of 7 Arcane Circles, Teleportation is child’s play. In a second, Glenn appeared at the location where The Regalia would be docked inside Mt. Tian. Awaiting him was a retinue of men in organized lines and Lord Vicegerent at the head.

Glenn immediately made his way. He knelt, “Vicegerent of the Seven Heavens, Ruler of Soa.”

“Come,” Jinn replied. “They will serve as your hands and feet.” What the Lord Vicegerent was referring to was the fact that Glenn was given the right to command these men who have been modified with Cybernetics. Some of them appear to look normal but underneath their skin is a technological marvel. Glenn could feel it, cyberware, it was the first technology that opened the discovery of nanomachines.

Analyzing the people with his eye displays the attributes of any object or person. Hmmm… most of them are in the Peak Realm. “I know that you prefer to work alone, however, I would like it if you brought them to Hollow World and make Masters out of them.” Immediately understanding the will of his Master, Glenn replied, “I hear and obey, Master.”

“Now,” Jinn turned around and addressed the limited group of modified species. “Garden elite candidates, please, step forward and introduce yourselves.” Placed at the front were the elite-of-elite out of the top echelons of each community in the Omen Sect. In other words, there are 4 primary societies in which the Omen Sect governs itself, it is the Warrior Faction (Day Army), Virtu Guild (Thieves Guild), the Void Community (Sorcerer Guild), and Metanoia (Priesthood Guild). There were four at the head of the limited, elite group. Starting from the left, he was the first to step forward as the head of the group and the leader. Equipped with the formal, “Dress-Blacks,” a typical military attire for events such as this. For Ryuji Cross, he wore the Dress-Blacks with a cape draped around the shoulder, signifying his high rank and status. Saluting in the conventional military arms seen in much of the Western culture on Earth has been implemented with the Omen Sect’s culture. And so, the head of the elite group began introducing himself.

(Author’s note: metanoia, “met-a-noi-a,” Greek, meaning repentance or a complete change of heart/spiritual transformation, conversion.)

Whoa… I see. Master must want to make the next generation’s debut accelerate. Is that not so, Veda? Glenn messaged, telepathically. Kuku, it is as you say, young master. So young, yet, so wise. Now, pay attention to them, a few of them are existing members alongside the upcoming generation. The one who stepped forward first was Ryuji Hak. He is the answer to the old wishes of the Omen Nation to produce a Transcendence Realm practitioner who has emerged from The Omen Trials.

Ryuji Hak Lvl. 51

Class: Transcendence Realm

5th Class Archmage

Species: Human (modified)

Main Job: Legendary Cyber Master Assassin

Sub job: Dual Knife Saint

Titles: “Sleeping Dragon of the Omen Sect” (before Transcendence)

Sal Mu Sect Leader (passive)

Cyber Devil (passive)

Moonveil Saint (passive)

King of Day/Sunshine King (equipped)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

Ryuji Hak, “Killing Perfection,” was what the instructors called him after the completion of The Omen Trials. Specializes in one-hit kills with his Ultimate Technique, Zantetsuken. He is a man of few words who has lived through wartime as an orphan. A stoic leader, and a bit cold. Upon taking a closer look, it appears that the young man has various modifications. So he is the brightest among them all who was given the legendary-grade nanomachines? Glenn chuckled, “Junior-brother has something to show us.” Veda picked up on what the young apprentice had said and replied accordingly, “Isn’t that so? For the Commander to have the best cybernetic modifications and ascend to the Omen Sect’s best and brightest?” Glenn chuckled, agreeing with Veda’s remarks.

Next up is Nocturne’s younger brother, Liquid Mallory. He’s a scary one, Nocturne had said that Liquid resembles his younger self. Specializes a mastery in utilizing different job classes. Kris Naga was passed down to him from the Virtu Guildmaster as a congratulatory gift for attaining the elusive title, Master Thief. “He will soon attain the Master Class. When the Mallory Family was inducted into the Omen Sect, they were given the exclusive chi cultivation method that all fighting members get for free. Thanks to the effects of the Divine Origin Stardust Rebirth, a lesser form of the Final Purification Chi Method, Liquid will soon fill the gap to cross into the Transcendence Realm.”

Liquid Mallory Lvl. 49

Class: Peak Realm

4th Class Archmage

Species: Human

Main Job: Nightingale

Sub job: Kusarigama Saint

Sub job: Knife Saint

Titles: “Hidden Tiger of the Omen Sect” (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

Master Thief (passive)

He was also similarly dressed without the cape draped over the shoulder. For Liquid’s specific attire, he dons the hooded variation of the dress Blacks depicting the symbol for rogues. He is a young star and is a high-ranking member of both the Sal Mu Sect and Virtu Guild.

Introducing the Sal Mu Sect’s longtime assassin, “Deathstroke,” Ha Jong Hwa, a powerful expert who survived the Omen Campaign. He played an integral part in evacuating the Omen Nation’s citizens from Kadessa to Mt. Tian granting him the legendary title, Saving Blade.

Ha Jong Hwa Lvl. 48 Class: Peak Realm Species: Human (modified)

Main Job: Knife Saint

Sub job: Cyber Master Assassin

Titles: “A Diamond in the Rough” (passive)

Saving Blade (passive)

Deathstroke (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

“Ha Jong Hwa is a master hardened by war. He had graduated from The Omen Trials during the climax of the Omen Campaign and was immediately put on the frontlines as an Initiate of the Sal Mu Sect. The contributions made by Ha Jong Hwa earned him the position of a Whisper, a rank below that of the leader. People have regarded Ha Jong Hwa’s knife arts as smooth and precise, almost akin to performing surgery which has granted him the title, Deathstroke. His name has become legendary after the Omen Campaign and will soon achieve Master Class before reaching his 40s.”

(Author’s note: Transcendence Realm practitioners or Level 50 or above are as rare as precious gems, however, those who attain such a feat acquire it very late in life. Usually, the most talented or skillful achieve Transcendence at the age of 40, and the others who are fortunate enter it in their 60s or 80s.)

He does not mind fully modifying his body? Glenn asked. Veda gestured, “No, young master. Thanks to Gerald’s pioneering contribution in introducing cybertechnology to the people of this world, Ha Jong Hwa was one of the first to adopt cybernetic technology. At this moment, his body and several internal organs have been modified with cyberware.”

Smirk. Glenn smirked at the amount of value being placed under his command. It was a thought he hadn’t considered since he prefers to do things solo. That usually translated to doing things his way and does not prefer to rely on anyone for anything, however, Glenn’s mind was changing after seeing the value being observed so far. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to have this antiquated sect under my command. Glenn thought to himself as a devilish grin appeared on his face.

Don't get too excited, young master. There is still one more introduction. As if on cue, the fourth stepped up and portrayed a figure clothed in a dark hooded robe.

Lucien Lachance Lvl. 47

Class: Peak Realm

5th Class Archmage

Species: Human (modified)

Main Job: Cyber Master Assassin

Sub job: Whip Saint

Sub job: Knife Saint

Titles: Mentore (passive)

Master Duellist (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

(Author’s note: mentore, Italian, meaning mentor.)

Master Duellist, the “Mentore,” Lucien Lachance, was the right-hand man of the former Sal Mu Sect Leader. Lucien is a master in his late 30s and a Ghost of the Sal Mu. He, alongside 30 top-rated assassins of the Sal Mu Sect sacrificed themselves to fend off the Coalition Army for the Omen people to escape to Mt. Tian. To this date, it is reported that Lucien Lachance and Ha Jong Hwa are the only ones to make it out alive. Unofficially, he is the spokesperson for the Sal Mu Sect.

“He recovered not long ago,” Veda said, reminding Glenn about the group he had heard about when he was younger that was almost annihilated, the Sal Mu Sect. Even within the Omen Nation, only top-ranking members are allowed such information. “It is a blessing to have the ‘Mentore’ with us. He would be considered an elder (Whisper) now with how long he’s been with the Sal Mu.”

Glenn had received the introductions of the Sal Mu Sect’s leader and its affiliated killers. Behind those four was a unit with the Omen Nation’s upcoming brightest and top-secret elite martial practitioners.

“With this, we conclude the ceremony of the Sal Mu Sect meeting the Lord Apprentice,” said Lord Vicegerent. “Raise them as I have raised you.” Glenn kneeled, sensing that there was much to be done, “I hear and obey.”

Ryuji Hak, Liquid Mallory, Ha Jong Hwa, Lucien Lachance, and the members of the Sal Mu Sect boarded The Regalia to fulfill the monster extermination kill order.

***

Gathered in a newly repaired fort that was but ruins before Dario came, it was the place where Glenn and the Sal Mu Sect members were deployed to. It was a fortress built upon pre-existing structures, walls, and other amenities making it viable for life. Not only that, this place was important to keep since it was built around one of the biggest everlasting oases in Hollow World. This town is called Fortress City, Hollow Bastion, it was a place that was intended to be one of the main cities of the Omen Sect. And as such, all factions that govern the Omen Sect must make a branching office to locations such as Hollow Bastion. Of course, the setting has to have the capacity to allow different branches of offices to exist.

Before Hollow Bastion was invented and put into play, it was an oasis filled to the brim with monsters of various species. They were all festering amongst themselves, often cannibalizing, that is until Dario came and swept the oasis clean of all dangers. Such a place was too important to have monsters occupying an everlasting oasis, therefore, when construction was being done by the Omen people and the undead, the place was completed just as fast as it was cleared of monsters. Veda made everything else other than combat easier for everyone, especially Dario who was given charge of maintaining and improving conquered lands. So far, Hollow Bastion is as big as a town, and its main attraction is its pristine, crystal-clear oasis and palm trees.

Anyhow, Glenn and the Sal Mu Sect were situated in the fort’s castle meeting room for diplomats. “Welcome everyone,” a holographic figure bowed with the elegant appearance of a butler. “We don’t have a lot of time to reduce the total population of monsters in Hollow World from 50% to 25%, therefore, we have assigned individual missions pre-approved by the young master.”

Glenn Courtwell stood up in his dark outfit that depicts a martial overlord, one that inspires fear and respect, “I don’t need to speak too many words with people like you. My Master intends to rebuild the Sal Mu Sect to its golden age, therefore, you will be given an elite force of undead fighters and mages.” The young master extended his hand to cue Veda to the next topic. Blue screens started to appear in front of each member of the Sal Mu. “What you are seeing is your very own unique missions in this monster extermination kill order. Your responsibility is to cultivate the undead, more importantly, producing Death Nobles and Elder Liches.”

Glenn spoke, “There is a time limit to how fast things can be done at this point, my big brother and the Day Army is currently at war against our old enemies. Hollow World must be fully consolidated at this critical juncture.”

Veda stepped up, “For the time being, you will remain in your solo mission, then you will rendezvous with your brothers and sisters to your next missions at specified times. Thanks to the efforts of the Lord Disciple, conquered areas have teleportation points for instant access. For members who do not have the spell for teleportation, each teleportation point has a Lich or two who manage and protect said areas and will summon you so that your mana is not diminished.”

Meetings with men such as these who are intended to be the best killers in the Omen Sect need not be long or detailed since this mission is focusing on the monster infestation that's been plaguing Hollow World since the dawn of time. It was a simple kill-order that was nothing but a clean-up. Still, it was easier said than done, the current Sal Mu Sect is less than half its original power, and some of the monsters festering in Hollow World are on the level of a Marlboro or a legendary Behemoth. Not only that, that is the standard in some areas, their numbers spread as far as the sea.

“Do whatever you think is best to handle your missions. There’s nothing else for me to say in that regard,” Glenn said, marking the climax of the meeting.

“Very good, young master,” Veda spoke up. The Sal Mu Sect members stood at attention, “Sal Mu Sect Leader, “Killing Perfection,” Ryuji Hak, your orders are to clean Quasar’s territory of monsters. Most of them are boss-rated monsters that were the ‘Guardians’ of the Dragon Lich’s nest. Your aim is to lure the Behemoth King back to its former domain and slay it. Beware, the great beast has no name but is boss-rated.”

“Affirmative,” his voice was deep, chilling. For such a cold voice to come from a handsome face like Ryuji’s accentuates his image even more as a cold-blooded and ruthless killer.

“Lastly, will your Majesty, Emir Sarjace, please step forward,” Veda said. That person was the one clad in dark-red armor and an ornate cape for the likes of royalty, Emir, Death Noble, and one of the undead that was personally resurrected by the Sith Lord, Dario.

Emir Sarjace Lvl. 94 Class: Transcendence Realm Species: Death Noble

Main Job: Force Judge

Sub job: Sword Saint

Titles: Forgotten Emir (passive)

Desert Sword Saint (passive)

Force Master (passive)

King of Day/Sunshine King (equipped)

Emir was the only undead to be ranked as a Death Noble in Hollow Bastion’s area, even in the vast sands of Hollow World, it is a rare sight to behold such an undead. At the time, with the resurrection of the legendary and mythical undead that is Azad and Calamor, Dario desired a personal undead of the Death Knight species, or even, a Dullahan would be sufficient. Surprisingly, the young disciple got more than what he asked. The Death Noble was a worthy addition to become one of the chosen few to be resurrected by a Sith Lord.

“Emir Sarjace, greets the Lord Apprentice,” said the splendid undead noble.

“Your Grace, how was the meeting with Master?”

“It was an occasion set by the very heavens.”

“Then your dream is alive and well?”

Chuckle. Chuckle. The Emir laughed lightly. “It’s never changed. In fact, it's as fiery as ever.”

Glenn smiled hearing such a sentiment, “Then I entrust the horde (undead) to you while I hunt the legendary ‘Hollow Kings’ of this desert.”

This marks the end of the meeting. The Sal Mu Sect members will go on their solo missions with an elite force of undead against the vastness and chaos of Hollow World. Never once in history has Hollow World ever been conquered as a whole, not since Lord Gloriano and the Original Vicegerent.

Will Glenn, Ryuji Hak, Emir, the Sal Mu Sect members, and the elite undead be enough to overcome monsters numbering in the billions, even, trillions?