-Balam Territory. Balechtar's Domain-
Balechtar stares at his domain with watchful eyes. Everything is according to plan, and none went astray from his carefully crafted path. The magical sources have been established, loyal subjects are secured, and weapons are significantly produced using the Automatrix Forge. Everything will be used when the time has come, and that time will not be distant.
Balecthar's psychic power enables him to reach farther than anyone else in the supernatural world. Thus, he can feel every essence approaching his domain. They are cripple and weak, probably due to extensive experiments and tax policy used by the Balam family.
"Too slow," Balechtar mumurs to himself.
Even though the progress has been accelerated with his power, it is still prolonged to catch up with the design. It is only a matter of time until the Balam family finds his realm and wreaks havoc. Despite his massive army of Satan-class devils, it is still low in number to enforce his ideals on the entire Underworld.
To continue the Path, he needs to find devils who are solely loyal to him and powerful enough to bend the Underworld to design. Thus, he must perform the next step of his plan.
Balechtar reaches his ear, using his psychic power to connect himself to Rylazia.
"Rylazia," He says neutrally.
"Anything you need, Milord?" A soft voice came from the other side.
"Meet me in Automatrix Forge. Take five of your most trusted devils with you." He commands her, leaving no room for argument.
"As you will it, Milord." The connection ended, leaving Balechtar alone with his thought.
He stares at his hand, wondering about himself. How much of his old self is left in this body? How much has he changed since Coltek gave him power? Balechtar could not remember his old self anymore. But something still lingers deep in his heart, his innocent.
Balechtar is always wondering about his decision and burden. Yet, he takes the decision and even crafted a path that is impossible to shoulder. However, he insists on carrying it.
He wants to help the Underworld and give its inhabitant the freedom they deserve. Although it was changed slowly due to Coltek's influence, his intention remained the same.
He is the reincarnation of the Old One, the Primordial Creator. Thus, it robs much of his mortal sentiments in exchange for insight and wisdom.
He rises from his seat, looking at the refugee last before stepping into the Sea of Soul.
____________________________________________________________
-Alzenthar Palace. Automatrix Forge-
Rylazia had done what her master had ordered: gather the five devils she trusted the most in the village. They are personally selected among the most broken people in the village and its surrounding.
They are broken not in body but soul and mentality, twisted like the shattered parody of their once were. But they are still sane, standing in between sanity and insanity.
They are anathema for those who are alive. They are liars who speak the truth but will become lies. The honest liars, that is what Rylazia calls them.
Despite their unspeakable nature, they are the most trustworthy among any kind of devils. They are beings that cannot understand their own kin, but they can understand being beyond any mortal's logic. Thus, Rylazia chooses them.
Slowly they arrive at their lord's palace. Rylazia touches the flawless black wall before her, channeling her psychic power into it. The wall slowly shimmers in green, vibrating in a low noise.
They take their steps as it echoes throughout the massive hall. At first glance, nothing is special about this place. But when they put a slight effort into their magical sensing, they would be greeted by an unfathomable amount of magical energy from all over the Underworld.
The reason Lord Balechtar created this place is one of the most intriguing parts of his plan. He basically made the center of the Underworld and then created a powerful army to enforce his ideal. Yet, they are not enough. He needs more than those to manifest his design. Rylazia is aware of it; thus, she will make his will come true.
That is her oath, her affection to him for saving her life.
They arrive at the center of the hall, standing before a giant pyramid crystal.
Rylazia closes her eyes, connecting her soul to the entire structure. They were transported into the Automatrix Forge with a bright flash of light.
"I have arrived, Lord Balechtar," Rylasia says in respect.
Balechtar didn't answer, staring intensely into the forge.
Rylazia approaches her master, spotting Jyptor hammering metal with his tool. At this moment, she is fully aware of what they will do next.
"Glad you arrive on time, Rylazia.' Balechtar's voice surprises the young devil.
"I came as fast I could, Milord." She replies to the statement with a smile.
Balechtar turns his body at her. His eyes slowly study the devils that Rylazia brings with her. He smiles, patting her head. "You have chosen well, Rylazia."
It makes her blush slightly, and then she shakes her head in dismissal. "I only performing my duty, Milord."
"There is no need to humble yourself, Rylazia." He smiles softly at her.
"Thank you, Milord." She replies to his gentle expression with her own.
Balechtar nods, walking closer to the five devils. He studies them with great interest. Each one of them is a high Satan-class devil, proving their raw might alone is capable of withstanding armies of lesser devils.
"I see great potential in each one of you. It will be wasted potential if left rotten in that pit. You all are diamonds in the rough, and I am here to return what you all used to be. What is your answer?" Balechtar asks in a low but charismatic tone. The charisma poses intimidation intended to pierce any mental fortitude in the five devils before him.
"Lord Balechtar," One of them takes a step closer, standing tall. "You saved us from our vile lords, healed us from our near-death state. You give us hope and the power to give our former master retribution. Thus, you have our full loyalty, Milord."
"Splendid." He smiles broadly, raising his hand. "Thus, I will grant all of you the power and title needed to expand my domain and words."
Before they could react, a flash o psychic power flooded their mind and body. It enhances their souls to a much higher degree, ascending them to the next step of the devil's evolution. They would be his personal legion's generals, as well as Rylazia's, equals, albeit slightly inferior in some aspects.
Rylazia watches in awe and wonder.
She senses every aspect of the five devils elevated to the most ludicrous degree she had ever witnessed since her own ascension.
When the climax arrives, a burst of light floods her sight. It is an explosion of pure psychic power, sending Rylazia's foothold backward.
"Amazing," She murmurs, shielding her eyes from the bright light.
The light dies out slowly, revealing the group. They didn't change at all. But it was only on the surface. Deep down in their souls, they are changed into a much higher existence than the current generation of devils.
"Forget your original name. Rise, Loiles, Injar, Anshur, Oligar." Balechtar pauses, eyes glued on the last person in the group. His eyes shine in interest, piquing Rylazia's attention.
"For you, you will be known as Azeltak." When Balechtar says his new name, a psychic wave touches Rylazia's senses. She feels something odd about Azeltak, which makes him unique among the five.
"Yes, Milord!" They say in unison, kneeling before their new master.
Rylazia could feel pride in her chest, knowing that now she had equal. Yet, great power also comes with a great cost. They must offer their free will to Balechtar's will. Since her ascension, Rylaza feels an extreme sentiment to kneel whenever she lays her eyes on Balechtar. But she manages to compose herself and suppress the urge. Furthermore, she wondered what their reactions would look like. Rylazia didn't mind it as she solely pledged her soul and will to Balechtar's order and desire.
"Remarkable," Balechtar says in satisfaction. He nods to the Forge Master.
"At your will, Milord." Jyptor concentrates all of his magical power on his hammer. With a mighty swing, he hammers it to the already-formed metal.
A lightning spark erupts from the metal, spreading its tendril like a wild serpent. The powerful force rang across the entire structure, resounding the true power of his Forge Master's craft.
The metal slowly begins to change into various shapes of armor plates. Another slam came to the solid metal, sparking lightning. Jyptor places the metal into the Automatrix Forge, channeling the entire magical energy from the Underworld into his forge, imbuing the already powerful metal with extra power.
Then, Jyptor pulls the metal from the forge. The shape of it has already changed into a set of master-crafted black armor with green lines around it.
The armor itself emits a strong magical aura that slowly engulfs it.
"It will be your armor," Balechtar states, gesturing toward the five devils.
They simply stare in awe and amazement. The armor's magical energy surpasses even the Original Satan and is now presented to be their armor in battle.
"Great work, I must say, Jyptor," Balechtar says, still mesmerizing the armor.
"You humble me, Milord. But I need to learn more about this kind of crafting." The Forge Master says, slightly bowing his body.
"When the time of your mastery has come. I will need much of your help. But for now, let you have this." Balechtar touches Jyptor's forehead.
In a split second, the Forge Master of the Automatrix grunts in pain, holding his head. But he quickly regains his composure and stands still with astonishment.
"I will use this knowledge to craft the instruments of your design, Milord." He says in acknowledgment.
"I will be waiting for it, Jyptor." He nods, smiling.
Rylazia wonders what did Lord Balechtar show to the Forge Master. But judging from his reaction and Lord Balechtar's reply, it is most likely another knowledge regarding craftsmanship and blueprint. Another tool of devil ascension is in Balechtar House, widening the road to their salvation and golden age.
"Rylazia," Balechtar calls her.
"Yes, Milord?" She answers immediately.
"Follow me." The Old One incarnation opens reality apart, revealing the endless waves of the Sea of Soul. He steps inside, followed by Rylazia, not far behind.
They arrive at the most heavily guarded place in the domain. It is a place connected to every magical vein across the Underworld. She also senses the boundless power of the Sea of Soul bleeds into this very reality. At the center of the room is a pond of blue liquid.
"This place will be yours to operate." Balechtar simply states.
"I understand, Milord. May I ask, what is this place?" This place, albeit similar to Automatrix Forge in its magical vein structure, the fundamental aspect of the concept is drastically different.
Balechtar smiles slightly. "This is the Pond of Creation. A place where a new species of devil shall be created."
At this statement, Rylazia could not hide her surprise. "Pond of creation?"
"Indeed. It will be yours to use, Rylazia." He simply states, smiling with honesty.
"But how can I use it, Milord?" Said Rylazia hesitantly. "This place is sure to hold a significant value in your design. But why entrust it to me?"
"Because you are the only person who can fit this position." He walks in a certain direction. Seeing her master leave, Rylazia quickly kicks her foot to follow her master.
They approach a certain section in the deepest section of the room. A glow of green flashes in the room, causing Rylazia's curiosity to reach its highest point.
The sight before her utterly amazed Rylazia, overwhelming her psychic senses. She sees a giant crystal tree that emits psychic power directly from the Sea of Soul.
"This tree. I can feel countless amount of souls swimming peacefully in it." Rylazia murmurs, eyes open wide.
"Because I connect it directly into the pocket of sanity in the Sea of Soul. It is a place where every single soul from across infinite potential realities rest."
Balechtar touches the tree, synchronizing his psychic power with the tree. The souls within it cherish their master's call, singing with joy and happiness.
Rylazia can feel their emotions slowly flooding her mind. They can feel each one of them, sensing their sentiments and power.
"Come closer, Rylazia." Rylazia complies, taking steps closer to the tree. "Touch it."
Thus, she touches it. In a flash of seconds, wave after wave of psychic power rushes into her soul. She can feel them with all her heart. Tears slowly run down from her eyes. The beautiful colors those souls represent made her tears unbearable. At first glance, it was a single color of white and then transformed into a simple set of colors corresponding to each other. With time, its complexity in color and formation grows. Then, it transforms into a kaleidoscope that shines beyond the spectrum of logic.
"Gah!" Rylazia gasps, withdrawing her hand from the tree with shock.
"It will become one of your responsibility, Rylazia." Balechtar touches her hand, resting his palm on the back of Rylazia's hand.
A blue shines slowly visible from between Belchtar's fingers. Rylazia can feel a new power being implemented in her nervous system. The girl flinches in pain in her head. Yet, she feels her power increase becomes paramount, enabling her to see reality differently. She can see the flow of reality and its essence. The soul of a living being and their emotion are like mots of light that are capable of her to see.
"I entrust you with the future of our race." Said Balechtar as he finished his marking on her hand.
"B-But I still don't understand. Why me?" She drops all of her formality, and thus, only confusion remains.
"I chose anyone who serves directly under me shall capable of enduring their responsibility and perform their duty flawlessly, Rylazia." The man stares directly at her soul, and Rylazia is aware of it.
She stares back at her master, consciously opening her soul to him. With a tap of Balechtar's finger on her forehead, she witnesses something that makes no sense to her.
She sees a baby in the cradle of her mother, crying intensely. The baby itself is beautiful beyond words as its soul shines brightly like the sun in the Sea of Soul. She wonders to whom that baby belongs. Rylazia raises her head to the mother's face.
"You..." She says in murmurs. Before she can say anything further, the vision ends.
"Do you understand now?" Balechtar smiles fondly.
"I am," She nods, closing her eyes as she is steeling her determination.
"Very well." He gestures at the tree. "Try it, then."
Rylazia places her fingers on the tree, resonating with the rhythm of the metaphysical object. A brilliant blue came from the tree, manifesting a single soul that belonged to the devil's kin. She pulls it out and guides it in a certain direction.
Rylazia gently planted the soul in the wall. Then, she uses her psychic command to activate the mechanism behind this particular wall. A circuits-like line appears on the wall, creating a humanoid pattern. Rylazia focuses her concentration, closing her eyes. The soul is the first part of a person's existence. The second one would be the body. Rylazia pushes the pattern, sending a wave of massive psychic power. The pattern moves like a stream of majestic aurora toward the pond. It encircles the pond, slowly reaching its center like a maelstrom.
The pond reacts violently, splashing its water all around them. The mana keeps increasing, condensing as if it has become a solid object. Rylazia closes her eyes, weaving the immaterial energy around her into a complex web of control. After a few seconds, the pond started to dimmer as the water slowly became as clear as crystal.
Balechtar nods his head, signaling Rylazia to take steps closer to the pond.
The female devil makes her way to the pond, carefully checking what is inside. A small humanoid figure appears beneath the water, revealing itself as a beautifully born male devil. He bears the features of a noble devil and power that exceeds her own.
"Take my hand," Rylazia smiles at the newborn devil, extending her hand.
The boy nods. He takes her hand innocently, staring at her in wonder.
"What will be his name?" Rylazia asks, turning her head slightly at her master.
Balechtar ponders for a moment. Then, he smiles. "Your name would be Ozilvus, meaning the first of the kin."
______________________________________________________________
-Alzenthar Palace. Front Yard-
With his psychic power, Balechtar gathers one hundred people he selected personally for the next step of his design. They will be led by five devils that Rylazia previously selected.
"I gather you all here with a purpose. It has been long since Lord Balam has subjugated you and your ancestors, turning your children into abominations. But those days are no more. With your newfound power, you shall avenge your children and loved ones. Today we shall attack their bases and rescue every single slave and human from his grasp. Let no one of the guards live." His psychic power blares, filling reality with raw immaterial energy. With a wave of his hand, the army now wears the set of armor and weapons created by Jyptor.
Then, portals that will lead them to their location appear.
"Advance!" With that command, the army enters the portals alongside their leaders.
When he is utterly alone, Balechtar stares deeply into the sky, unknowing that Rylazia came approaching.
"Milord." She calls softly.
He turned his body, greeted by the bright expression of the female devil. "I hope you don't get in trouble while trying to make Ozilvus sleep."
"No, it is not, Milord" She chuckles. "He is a good child, after all."
"Child. What an amusing way to address him, Rylazia, considering our age."
"I couldn't agree more. But he likes it nonetheless." Before Balechtar can reply, the rain slowly falls from the sky.
"What a coincidence. A condition where the universe itself crying over this bloodbath." He muses. "Speaking of condition. I heard there is a cult in my domain."
"Indeed, Milord. Your blessed child formed it. He spreads your words and commands, believing you are a true god and savior of the devil kin." She summarizes it.
Thanks to Coltek's memory, he witnessed the Old One's power over the material, and immaterial reality has earned them the title of gods among mortal and immortal alike.
*Space and time collapse, creating a temporal singularity that slowly swallows the universe*
*Tens of thousands of galaxies are destroyed on a whim while reality and unreality constantly merge*
*The supposedly born universes are destroyed, and even reality that should not be existed was born*
*The power of material and immaterial gods clashed with their titanic might, shattering the concept of eternity and infinity itself*
"I see," He murmurs. "Let it grow but keep an eye on it."
"As you wish, Milord."
Rylazia bows in respect.
Balechtar nods before peering into the Sea of Soul. He intends to watch his soldiers in their duty.
_______________________________________________________
-Balam's Northern Facility-
At the facility's perimeter, two devils are chatting to each other.
"You know what. This job is amazing," One of the guards says to his friend.
"Amazing?" The second guard is confused by the statement. It takes him a moment to realize. "Ah, Indeed it is!"
"I know, right? Enjoying their cries and flesh is paramount in my life job!"
They laugh with joy while mocking their slaves with all their hearts. But that will be the last words that came out of their throats.
"Worthless." A murmur came to their ears before a sharp object pierced their bodies, sending them to oblivion.
A devil in heavy armor is the culprit behind their death. Even though he came from their shadows in all his armor, killing them in silence.
Azeltak stares at the pitiful state of his victims. He doesn't feel anything. But there is a flame burns in his heart that speaks retribution.
His sacred duty shall be to deliver his people's anger and wrath. Thus, he raises his hand.
"All is dust." He says loudly, raising his arm to the sky. With a blink of light, a gigantic magic circle appears in the sky. Then, a bolt of giant lightning strikes the mountain where the facility is located.
Thus, the raid has begun.