Horus arrived at Valor's independent realm—another green paradise.
He found Valor near a raging lake of lava in a volcanic zone, where millions of humanoid Demonic Flame Devils were training.
Valor: Brother Horus.
Horus: You have evolved… and become a true demon.
Once, Valor had only been a minotaur—a demonic bull-humanoid beast. But now, he had fully transformed into a human form, with red-gold horns. A demon lord's body. A tyrant's body, that of a chaos demon.
Valor: I am. Thanks to Master, who gave me this orb. I accidentally discovered a space within the orb and was trapped there. It was… so embarrassing. But I emerged stronger. Without advancing, evolving, and sharpening my intelligence, I would still be stuck there cultivating endlessly.
Horus: Hahaha! (He wondered why he had never explored his own orb further. If he had, perhaps he would have found himself in the same situation. And it would have been a good thing.) Still, that experience has made you stronger and more powerful. Congratulations on your advancement.
Valor: Thank you for your praise, brother. And I also congratulate you. You have succeeded and even conceptualized. I can no longer gauge the level of your power by mere observation.
Horus: Wisdom is the basis of conceptualization. You can reach it too, Valor.
Valor: I'll do my best to reach your level.
Horus: No. Aspire for more. Not just my level, not just my power—seek your own growth and ascendance. Do not disappoint Master.
Valor: I will.
Then Horus spoke of the meeting for all who had received the orbs and produced their own legions.
Horus: Let's meet with everyone at Langres' place. I still need to fetch Razor. I'll see you there.
Valor: Yes.
And Horus vanished.
---
Meanwhile, Ishvel arrived at Homer's place.
Ishvel: Hmm… oh my. You've evolved and become a pure demonic lineage beast.
What greeted Ishvel was a kingly figure—Homer, now of demon lord stature. His form was a black-horned, muscular humanoid. Everything about him was human, save for his beast-like ears that suited his new form. A long black tail swayed behind him, and wide, demonic wings spread from his back.
Behind him stood millions of legions—black humanoid warlock minotaurs. They had not yet taken demonic form, for Homer had only recently evolved. But with his transformation, their evolutionary path would soon follow, a direct effect of the orb bestowed by Lyrus.
Homer: I'm still getting used to this new form. But the same goes for you. You've also succeeded… and surpassed everyone else again, brother Ishvel. Why have you come?
Ishvel: A meeting. For all the beasts who received orbs. To share our progress and findings, and to strengthen our independent realms.
Homer: That's a good idea. But I suppose you've already uncovered everything and will teach us, right? I guess it's the others who've had trouble with their realms. Especially Vigil. You didn't teach her because you think she tricked you with her millions of descendants. Am I right?
Ishvel: Haha. Don't tell anyone about that.
Homer: Well, this is a good chance for us to brag—without meaning to—about our progress, to the elder brothers and to sister Vigil.
Ishvel: Do as you want, but don't reveal my reason.
Homer: Yes. But I think she already suspects it.
The two departed, heading toward Langres' place.
---
Meanwhile, Horus descended into the very depths of the lake, entering an underground cave. At its heart lay a blood lake.
But Razor was not there. The Blood Demonic Draconic Bats had disappeared as well, leaving the cave devoid of life. Only Archeidis remained, sealed inside a blood sphere at the center of the lake.
Horus: Archeidis has perfectly demonized.
Inside the blood sphere lay Archeidis' new form—fully demonized. His humanoid body bore demon horns, wings, a long tail, and pointed ears.
Suddenly, Razor materialized.
Razor: Brother Horus. What's with the sudden visit? Are you here to check on this guy? His demonization is already complete. All that's left is for him to awaken.
Horus: No. I came specifically for you. Vigil has called a meeting for all who possess the orbs. We'll share our progress and the development of our independent realms.
Razor: Oh. I have no problem with mine. It's now a paradise of blood for my demons. What a wonderful gift from Master.
Horus: Good. Then let's go to Langres' place for the meeting.
Razor: Yes, elder brother.
They vanished.
---
Meanwhile, Sedestro arrived at Desmir's realm—a gigantic forest. Everything was enormous. Trees, plants, beasts—all massive beyond measure.
ROAR!
Dragons descended, hunting these colossal beasts as if they were nothing but prey. And indeed, to the dragons, they were just lumps of juicy meat.
Desmir: Sedestro. Why are you here?
A booming voice echoed as Desmir descended. No longer in dragon form, he now appeared as a dragonoid—humanoid, yet draconic.
Sedestro: You've evolved.
And not just evolved—he had become a terrifying existence.
Desmir: I did.
Sedestro: It seems consuming all those young dragons of pure bloodlines has made you stronger by leaps and bounds.
Desmir: Indeed. But compared to Devora, Silvio, and Sauron, I'm much weaker. They've consumed far more than I have. And they are still evolving even now. Why are you here? I heard from Alseiga you're part of the team capturing the Dehedra. Are you still unaware?
Sedestro: I'm aware. But I came for another reason before we depart. Vigil has called a meeting for all who hold orbs and command legions—to share progress and learn from one another.
Desmir: Oh, I see. Then I must also participate.
Sedestro: Then let's go to Langres' place.
They vanished.
---
By the time they arrived, everyone was already gathered at Langres' realm—except Dester.
Vigil: Where is Dester?
Ishvel: He was called to the White Domain by Master.
Vigil: Then we'll proceed without him.
The meeting began. Present were Vigil, Ishvel, Maverick, Edeo, Achilles, Homer, Magnus, Langres, Valor, Ormis, Maxel, Razor, Sedestro, Xukhar, Horus, and Desmir.
They shared their knowledge and findings about their legions and realms, each gaining wisdom to further develop their independent domains.
Vigil was, admittedly, the weakest among them. She had never explored the wonders of her orb or realm in depth. Yet through this meeting, she gained a wealth of knowledge from her younger brothers. By the end, everyone had obtained valuable insights—ways to grow stronger, to make their realms self-sustaining, and to maintain their legions without constant mass hunting outside their domains.
After long deliberation and exchange, Vigil, Sedestro, Xukhar, Magnus, Horus, and Ishvel set out to meet Zakhar and assist Lanfer in capturing the Dehedra. Valor, Achilles, and Desmir also joined, their interest piqued during the meeting.
Misery tagged along with Teros. Misery intended to test his growing numbers of chimeras, while Teros came only to observe and provide backup if needed. His role was to protect; if something unexpected occurred, he and the other backups would ensure everyone's survival—a precaution arranged by Vigil.
Through Melevia's link with Lanfer, Vigil opened a spatial void gate to their location.
Zakhar: Are you not informing Master of our departure?
Vigil: I already sent him telepathy. Master said he can reach Lanfer's location without any problem, without my spatial assistance. He'll catch up later. For now, we won't engage the Dehedra directly—we need to prepare. Mask your presence. Do not let the Dehedra notice us.
She turned to Melevia.
Vigil: As for you, remain here. Ensure we can return without issue.
Melevia: Yes, Miss Vigil.
And with that, all of them stepped through the void gate.
---
In the White Domain, before Vigil left to gather the others to capture the Dehedra—long before the meeting at Langres' place—Dester arrived together with Nigel and Nuxar.
Rester, Remus, Tyron, and Rion had also been summoned. They were the ones engaged in conversation with Lyrus.
Lyrus: "I summoned you here today for one thing. I believe you already know— to evolve into humanoid form and learn the Transformation ability I created. Seeing you here, I take it you've agreed."
Rester: "Yes, master. We also want to become stronger, to be of use to you. We accept and will follow your arrangements."
Lyrus: "Good. But before you transform, I want you to place your essence into these orbs. They will reproduce your race and create millions of descendants. Since you will abandon your current form and evolve into a new humanoid race, I wish to preserve your lineage. From them, perhaps, one will emerge with heaven-defying talent to surpass the limits of your race and become a heavenly figure in the future."
He pointed to several chambers.
Lyrus: "Proceed to those rooms and do your part."
Remus and Rester: "Yes, master."
The four each took an orb and entered separate rooms.
Dester, along with Nigel and Nuxar, then greeted Lyrus.
Lyrus: "Dester, I have a task for you. But first—Nigel, Nuxar—I also want the two of you to place your essence into these orbs. Originally, I planned for you both to transform into new humanoid races like those four. But I have changed my mind. Instead, I want you to evolve into forms that will benefit the Avalon Religion Titus is managing—one as an Angel of Tempest Calamity, and the other as an Angel of Eternal Hell. I've recently made breakthroughs with your bloodlines and forged a new path that will make you stronger than ever."
Nigel: "By your will, master."
Nuxar: "We accept whatever arrangement you make for us. Please use us as you see fit."
Lyrus: "Good. Don't worry—once you evolve into your angelic races, you will be unstoppable."
Two orbs floated to their sides.
Lyrus: "Now, do your part and place your essence inside."
Nigel and Nuxar: "Yes, master."
The two entered separate rooms, leaving Dester alone with Lyrus.
Lyrus: "As for you, Dester, I have a different task—nurturing some new subjects."
Suddenly, thousands of bird-type beasts appeared in the hall, each feathered and majestic.
Lyrus: "I have not integrated them yet. I want you to nurture them first. Their bloodlines are already purified to the purest form, and their intelligence raised to match humans. In a matter of days, they will evolve into humanoid beastmen. Once that happens, take their essence and add them to your legions. You are to report directly to me on their progress. When they evolve, collect their blood samples as well and send them here. I am granting you top-priority access to audience with me."
Dester: "I will do my best to fulfill this task, master."
Lyrus: "I know this is a heavy responsibility, so I am sending Loraine, Armea, and Azael to assist you. I've already contacted them telepathically. Meet them in Avalon after this."
Dester: "Thank you, master."
Lyrus: "Tell me, Dester—what do you think of becoming an Angel?"
Dester: "I am grateful for the offer, master, but I am already strong enough as I am. And I continue to grow stronger."
Lyrus: "As expected. Even in that birdman form, your power is exceptional. Your bloodline has reached new heights, evolving without deviating from its original path. You have remarkable talent. You may one day step into the ranks of high-level beasts. But it is still not enough. I know you are studying conceptualization under Ishvel—continue. Conceptualization aligned with your lineage will not harm your race. Duality in power is possible, as with Sedestro and the others."
Dester: "I will not disappoint you, master."
Lyrus: "Good. Now, give me some of your blood."
A needle and syringe appeared. Dester flinched.
Lyrus: "Still afraid of needles, I see. Haha."
He drew a sample.
Lyrus: "Excellent. With this, I can advance racial ascension without forcing deviation from a race's natural path. Good. You are dismissed. Remember to report all progress."
Dester: "Yes."
Dester absorbed the bird beasts into his orb realm, then departed the White Domain. Upon returning to Avalon, he met Edeo and Maverick, who eagerly shared details of the meeting with the orb holders. Their insights further equipped him for the task Lyrus had given.
Later, he met the three sent to aid him.
Armea: "Greetings, brother. I am Armea."
Loraine: "And I am Loraine."
Azael: "And I am Azael. It's an honor to meet you, big brother."
Armea: "As per master's orders, we are under you to assist in his task."
Dester: "It's good to have you all. Welcome aboard. From now on, we are family under master—no need for such formality. Now then, shall we get started?"
Loraine: "I'm happy to assist."
Azael: "Let's make them suffer—no, I mean let's train them well. Hehe."
The four vanished into Dester's independent realm.
It was a lush, green world filled with life, yet unique—the skies were covered with countless floating islands.
Loraine: "What is this place? I never knew such paradise existed."
Armea: "The energy in the air… it's thicker, more concentrated than in the outside world."
Azael stood speechless.
Dester: "It is beautiful, but compared to Ishvel's realm, this is lacking. My advantage lies in the floating islands—a perfect environment for bird races."
Suddenly, legions of humanoid Eaglemen descended in formation.
Thunder Wing General Fareon: "Greetings, my king."
Storm Bringer General Askalon: "Welcome back, my king."
Tempest Brigade General Trinity: "You've returned, my king. During your summons to His Holiness, your brother Ishvel came seeking you for a certain meeting of the orb holders."
Dester: "So Brother Ishvel personally invited me. I should visit him soon. Don't worry—I've already been briefed on the meeting's content. But for now, master has entrusted me with a massive and difficult mission, and I will need everyone's cooperation."
Fareon: "You can count on us, my king."
Dester: "First, what is the current population of our legions?"
Askalon: "Currently four million, my king."
Loraine: "That's quite a number."
Armea: "Indeed."
Azael: "And every one of them is already at legendary rank. Their speed and combat ability aren't bad either."
He observed the training Eaglemen from afar.
Askalon: "My king, who are these new guests?"
He asked respectfully, careful not to offend.
Dester: "These are my younger brother Azael, and my younger sisters Loraine and Armea. Master has instructed them to assist in this task. Treat them well and cooperate."
Askalon: "As you wish, my king. Greetings, Sir Azael, Miss Loraine, Miss Armea."
Azael: "I don't like formality. Just call me Azael."
Askalon: "But you are of high standing, equal to our king, and directly tied to His Holiness. We cannot."
Azael: "Gosh. Do what you want, then."
Dester: "Get used to formality, Azael. You don't know—master may someday grant you your own orb and realm. Assisting me now may be training for that day."
Armea: "That sounds troublesome. Shall we get started? I'm curious about this 'production' process. It sounds like heaven-defying mass creation."
Dester: "It is. That's why we not only look up to master, but also revere him as our god. Generals, bring the caged beasts to the altar."
Trinity: "Yes, my king."
Thousands of Eaglemen lifted the cages and flew toward the altar where the orb awaited. Dester then oriented everyone on the task Lyrus had entrusted him.