"Lord Subash, are you sure about this?" the Kigen leader asked, worry clear in his voice. "We have over a thousand people. To name that many monsters—"
Subash simply smiled, his tone calm yet confident. "Don't worry. I have enough magic to name them all."
The leader glanced at the four demons standing behind Subash—Draven, Velmora, Ravena, and Lilithra—each one radiating immense power. Seeing their composed nods, the leader sighed in relief.
"Then, Lord Subash-sama, please wait here. I will gather all my people." With a respectful bow, he left the room to prepare for the gathering.
Subash leaned back slightly and looked toward the leader's two children. "While your father is busy, how about I give you two your names first?" he said with a gentle smile. "You both possess incredible potential. Especially you, boy—one day, you might even surpass these three demons."
His words shocked both siblings, leaving them speechless.
Velmora's eyes narrowed, a sly grin curling her lips. (Did Subash-sama just say that boy could surpass us? Then I'll have to train even harder…)
Ravena smirked softly, crossing her arms. (Interesting. I'll be sure to test him myself when the time comes.)
Draven, as always, remained composed, though his thoughts were calculating. (That boy has great potential… but surpass me? Unlikely. He might surpass Lilithra if she loses focus, but Subash-sama's words are clever. He knows this rivalry will only drive us to grow stronger.)
Subash's voice broke the silence. "Alright, boy. Let me give you your name."
He studied the boy for a moment, then smiled. "From now on, you shall be known as Velkan."
A surge of dark purple energy enveloped the boy, flooding his body with overwhelming power. His eyes widened as his level soared, his white hair flashing purple before returning to normal.
"My level… it jumped from fifteen to thirty-five," Velkan whispered, stunned.
His sister gasped in disbelief. Subash turned to her, smiling softly. "And for you, little girl, your name shall be Velyra."
The same dark light entered her body. She trembled as her power rose dramatically. "My level—it increased from ten to fifteen… it took me years to reach ten, but a single name raised me five levels instantly!"
She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Subash-sama."
Subash nodded kindly. "You're welcome. Naming fuses a being's soul with the name's power—it strengthens their very existence."
He then gestured toward Lilithra. "Velyra, you'll work under Lilithra. She will handle the nation's affairs—trade, diplomacy, and other political matters."
"Yes, Subash-sama," she replied, bowing once more.
Subash turned to Velkan. "You have the spirit of a true warrior. From now on, you'll serve under Draven as his general. After him, you'll hold the highest authority in the military—but first, you must train. These two—Velmora and Ravena—will be your instructors."
Both demonesses smirked in unison, their eyes glinting with competitive fire. Velkan, visibly nervous, swallowed hard but nodded firmly.
Moments later, the leader returned, kneeling respectfully before Subash. "Lord Subash-sama, I've gathered everyone, even those who were out hunting."
"Good," Subash said, standing. "Lead the way."
Outside, the clearing was filled with thousands of Kigen, all kneeling the moment they saw him.
"You don't need to kneel," Subash said softly. "Stand."
They obeyed at once, lining up neatly before him.
The leader was first to step forward. Subash smiled. "Your name shall be Velmor."
A wave of purple light entered the leader's body. His energy flared, his white hair glowing violet for a moment before fading back. When the light settled, he looked younger, stronger.
"Thank you for this name, Subash-sama," Velmor said, bowing deeply. "We will never let you down."
He stepped aside, and a young woman—about Velyra's age—approached.
Velyra's eyes widened. "Sister? You came back?"
The girl smiled warmly. Her silver-white hair shimmered, though her eyes glowed crimson. A long sword rested on her back, her aura sharp and focused.
Subash nodded thoughtfully. "So you're also the leader's daughter. Then I'll give you a name connected to your family."
He paused for a moment, then said, "From now on, you shall be Vanyth."
As before, energy enveloped her, and she bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Subash-sama. I won't let you down."
One after another, the Kigen came forward. Subash continued naming them for hours without rest. The ceremony lasted seven hours before he finally straightened, stretching his shoulders with a tired sigh.
"Finally, it's done," he murmured, glancing over the newly evolved Kigen. "But there's still much work to do."
He turned to his subordinates. "Velmora, Ravena, Lilithra—you three will stay here. Guide them, train their soldiers, and manage the preparations. Draven and I will recruit the other races."
"Yes, Subash-sama," they said in unison.
With that, Subash and Draven departed, walking through the forest as sunlight filtered through the trees.
"So, Draven," Subash said quietly, "what do you think of our new recruits?"
Draven clasped his hands behind his back. "They're impressive. Every Kigen evolved and became stronger. Their average levels jumped between ten and fifteen. For a starting army, they're exceptional."
Subash nodded. "Yes. The Kigen are among the top races in this forest—not for their raw power, but for their intelligence. They plan, coordinate, and think strategically instead of relying solely on strength. Combined with their void flames, they're a terrifying force."
Draven raised a brow. "Their flame—you said it's special?"
Subash smiled faintly. "Of course. Long ago, before I left this forest, I released a surge of my aura. That wave caused many species here to evolve rapidly and gain awareness. The Kigen inherited a fragment of my power—my void flame. What they wield now is a weaker version, but as they grow stronger, so will their flames. It has become part of their bloodline."
Draven's eyes widened slightly. (So Master planned all this long ago… even before he left the forest, he had already begun shaping his own nation.)
He glanced at Subash, who was gazing ahead with a calm smile, the forest's beauty reflected in his eyes.