Preview: The Ketus took a few seconds to consider everything before they bent their knees and lowered their heads on the ground. Their twin-tails rose to the air to express submission as they uniformly shouted. “The Ketus pledge their allegiance to the Lords.”
Yhaele inwardly heaved a sigh of relief as the results went better than he expected. Honestly, he only wished to intimidate them with his actions but did not have much hope for this outcome. He knew just how powerful and numerous the Ketus were currently and they would most likely fight to death.
But his assumption was only half-right. The Ketus were indeed powerful at the moment but they were aware that they would slowly be wiped out. Even though they had a superior number to Magma Golems, from time to time, roots with obvious dark tips would suddenly appear out of nowhere and pierce their comrades. Then the roots would drag their comrades to a place they could not see but feel endless horror and pressure. They knew what they were up to. It was the Lords. And more than one at that.
Therefore, in order to preserve their tribe, they could only surrender despite being unwilling. They were originally a proud race dominating the swamps but now they’re reduced to slaves. Of course, they are unwilling but they could do nothing against the tides of fate.
Phew, thankfully the battle has ended. Yhaele took a look and realized that the Ketus still had over a thousand or so members. Although many had lost their lives in the battle, due to their high numbers, they managed to retain a large portion. This is good too.
He thought about how difficult it was to defeat the enemy this time. Especially with how he needed to find the weak points every single time he fights one. The only one who could deal with them effectively without resorting to trickery was Sunirae. He doubted that Pendra’s legs would be able to cut through the scales of Ketus.
Speaking of trickery, he felt immense joy as he gradually grasped a technique unique to him. Albeit a bit underhanded and cruel, he gave this technique a name - The Spear of Trickery. It was a spear technique that suited someone like him - agile and intelligent. He could use words, actions and concealment during battles to provoke and confuse his enemies and strike them from behind. Due to his limited prowess to deal burst attacks, he could only deal with them like this. But the effect of this technique has shown in the previous battles and knew he could not be picky. Plus, he actually liked it, considering his background.
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The only flaw of this technique for now is that it needed a large crowd or a large-scale battle in order to shine. It also needed the enemy to be stupid enough to be tricked. This would mean his technique would lean more on psychological war rather than pure refined skill. This gave him a headache as he knew he could not take this path. Spear is supposed to pierce through all defense, a very domineering weapon. Thus, he knew he should practice his moves more together with his silver tongue.
This knowledge made him realize that he needed to do more battles and experience more hardships in order to further realize and refine this spear technique. And he could sense that its potential is high and he could improve it further in the future.
He walked towards the nearest Ketus as he finished his contemplation and gave a praise.
“Not bad. You all are smart enough to surrender in time. Due to this, you will not lose too many of your races and would be given a chance. A chance to join us! A chance to become worthy of your titles as Demons! You will follow under the command of us, SPY, to conquer Hell itself and rule the 8 planes of Hell!”
His words filled the Ketus with astonishment and encouragement. They didn’t expect the ambitions of these Lords were actually so grand. Conquest! That’s right! They unknowingly stepped on the path of Conquest and are going to execute it on their names!
Their blood boiled as their thick twin-tails struck the ground hard rhythmically. It pounded at the same beat with their hearts in their chests as their heads lowered even further. This time, they had no objections to submitting in allegiance. They shouted in unison
“We will do our best! We will conquer the Underworld in accordance with the Lords’ will! All Hail the Lords!”
Their shouts reverbated in the air and excited the Magma Golems. They also went down on their knees and joined them in their Oath of Conquest.
The path of dominance has opened for the three of them unknowingly as they were just messing around in their journey. And unknowingly, they had gathered many people under their rule and became figures to look up to.
I was just practicing my words and see if I have improved in swindling, who would have thought it’d be so effective? I guess this is also a good thing.. It means my Spear of Trickery has advanced by another level!
Yhaele thought in stupefaction as he watched everything take place. He didn’t really expect this to happen and decided to let Sunirae deal with this.
“Ahem. Okay, now that you have finished pledging your oath. You are to go to our leader, Sunirae to get a holy branding and bestowed with honor.” He pushed away all the responsibilities to Sunirae and added some words to embellish the whole thing like a glorious thing. Even though it's just slavery in essence, adding more words wouldn’t hurt right? He thought as he walked back towards Sunirae and contemplated the future course of events.
As he walked back, he felt trepidation and fear in his heart. Sweat that should not have existed with his physiology appeared on his back and forehead as pressure enveloped him.
This! This feeling. Is it the same as back then?! He thought back in lingering fear to the time he almost died. He almost cursed out of fear but still tried to move his shaking legs towards Sunirae. There, he saw a tree. A tree with dark barks and black sunflowers growing all over its branches.