Black Monster's Infamy

Cruumble... whoooooooooosh- tu- tak... creaaaaak~... THUDD~!

In the evening, the Medium City still suffered the aftershocks from Heian Ciemnosc's doings. Several towering buildings fell atop each other and on the leveled terrain. The cracks spread from the south to the center welcomed new buildings, more streets, and definitely more people as not everyone was willing to remain in a shelter or bunker. A shelter was for more people but had less protection, and were built closer to the surface than bunkers.

WHOOOOSH! Heian Ciemnosc flew from the Medium City’s center, observing the war’s end from there with legs crossed in the middle of the air, to the place where the last Farsighted realm enemy cultivator was killed.

After the enemy leader was killed, Heian Ciemnosc immediately returned to the Farsighted realm battle, but not to join them. Heian Ciemnosc picked the fleeting Souls of his people from the Crimsonbreaking Faction. Although they were more, and the Crimsonbreaking Faction were naturally better off than basically any other Third Step organization’s cultivator, the enemy didn’t just let themselves be killed.

What’s more, the enemy was willing to self-detonate. A few Crimsons who didn’t expect that were brought to death with their opponent before they could stop it or plan against it. Nevertheless, whenever another Crimson died, Heian Ciemnosc would exit his meditation state above the desolate, gray Medium City and pick the dead’s Soul before returning to his meditation.

Finally, the last enemy Farsighted realm expert perished under the 3 blades and 1 polearm of 3 Officers and the Headmaster. This was a day that they could not forget, especially the Crimsonbreaking Faction. They didn’t underestimate the enemy, but they still lost 20 of their numbers just like that. Maybe they grew comfortable through victory. But either way, they had received a sort of wake-up call.

“... Supreme commander!” Denisse reacted after seeing the 3 Officers she struggled with to kill the last, rabid, berserk-like enemy in his death, bow in another direction. She saw Heian Ciemnosc arrive and grasp something with his overly pale right hand. When he was called out, his darkest eyes darted to Denisse, and she suddenly felt her breath escaping her body.

“You decided?” Asked Heian Ciemnosc, seeing the Headmaster and not flying away like before. The Headmaster knew what these little actions meant. He didn’t ask her if she had made her decision before, but just when she finished the battle and saw Heian Ciemnosc, the thought of sheltering herself and her people under him appeared in her mind. Coincidentally or not, Heian Ciemnosc asked her this. Was there a need to doubt?

“...” Denisse simply nodded. However, this was enough to set her fate. Heian Ciemnosc nodded at her, and she suddenly felt like her body lightened, her injuries improved, and her Soul’s tiredness cleared out. She looked at Heian Ciemnoscs’s body, remembering the sight of his body visibly healing, albeit slowly. She felt her everything shudder.

‘Ah…’ Before the Headmaster knew it, she was approached by Heian Ciemnosc, who didn’t seem to have any intention to leave again. He floated before her, his head facing her at the same level as hers. His darkest eyes stared at her as if he knew her everything, past-present-future, and knew what her choices for every matter would be.

This sensation left Denisse somewhat speechless. Before she knew it, her nape was held by Heian Ciemnosc, who moved his neck forwards and planted his mouth on hers. Initially surprised, Denisse closed her eyes and willingly opened her lips, welcoming him.

Caught a little surprised, Heian Ciemnosc didn’t deny her and continued the act, but the deed was done. When Heian Ciemnosc pulled her away, her eyes were dreamy, but no lust or love flashed across them. Denisse looked at Heian Ciemnosc like he was a proper teacher giving his knowledge regardless of its importance before deeply bowing.

“...” As the other ruling organizations, from which 2 Farsighted realm cultivators of each perished, floated towards them, the Aqualian Drake Sect’s Sect Master, Zelion, silently looked at this without offering a word. Even if he had some thoughts before this high-end battle, he no longer had them after seeing Heian Ciemnosc’s fight with Gasimeras.

“And you?” Heian Ciemnosc turned towards the Vice sect master, who lowered her head as she politely and respectfully replied, “I need more time to think, supreme commander. Would you let me consider?”

“It’s the same as what I said before, up to you.” Heian Ciemnosc looked at Floris and lowered his chin slightly, gesturing with his left-handed fingers. Then, he stared towards the battlefield, where less than half the starting number of soldier units tiringly fought, and calmly spoke. However, his cultivation base was no longer hidden. Its aura was freed, revealing immense pressure on every Farsighted realm present, passing far by the oceanic rivers’ center. He coated the Calatida Region with his words.

“The war is over. Gasimeras is dead. All northern Farsighted realm cultivators have been killed. The Medium City will no longer exist, as it will be with the other Medium Cities currently existing. Kneel. Surrender. Bow your heads… Or die. The Crimsonbreaking Faction demands this Region as the Heraxle Clan’s!”

“... … … …” The Calatida Region never met silence as much as now. The southerners in the south were stunned. Then, they were overjoyed, and even the small villages started planning for the upcoming days’ celebration. The Region’s rulers have finally been decided! Their rulers won!

On the other hand, the northerners, barely getting used to the daily life of a semi-prisoner, receiving the south’s warm and pity alike, felt both lost and found. They couldn’t help but stand up if they were seated, and slowly fall on their knees if they were standing. But they all looked at the north, wherever they were. Not to the northeast, but north, in general.

How much has it been? More than a decade for the Northeasterns, but a couple of months for the Northwesterners. It felt a bit too surreal for the latter, but they wouldn’t return to the north any time soon. They were just starting to understand life on the other side. They had to learn first before leaving, no?

Either way, that was unimportant for the southern soldier units who finally stopped below the Farsighted realm experts, and looked at each other before staring at the dying, heavily injured, spineless northern soldier units. The southerners lifted their weapons and aimed them at the enemy. In contrast, the enemy finally saw hope, and their eyes flashed.

Putong, putong, putong… More than 150,000,000 enemy soldier units directly fell to the ground. They could barely have any fighting spirit to defend themselves after their leader and most of their Farsighted realm experts died. Thus, they were already on the ground for several hours. Their willingness to survive was the only thing keeping them alive, but it wasn’t enough.

With time, the northerners were pushed northwards as they faced south and the southerners. After many hours, the northerners spread throughout the canyon, a thin line that spread from one extreme to the other. Now that they saw the tips of blades, heads, and flatness from blunt weapons give them the chance, they didn’t hesitate to give up.

While the enemy lost 70% of their numbers, the special operation’s army amounted to a little less than 300,000,000 soldier units remaining. Of course, there were tens of millions of that number who were either busy treating the soldier units close to death, grievously injured, or those who were in their worst states being treated.

But, no matter what, for more 200,000,000 lives in exchange for about 600,000,000 was… a rare thing across the world. This all-out war wasn’t one to forgive, and with the addition of a third party to meddle and take things to their desired direction, everything blew out of proportions the moment the final war’s moments were decided.

“Now… what, supreme commander black monster?” Sect Master Zelion spoke after releasing a heavy sight from his lips and staring at the evening sky. Heian Ciemnosc crossed his arms and looked at them before staring southwards. Evans flew towards them, with Etherea and 2 breathtakingly beautiful women behind her.

“You can start mourning,” Heian Ciemnosc said as he faced the incoming Evans. Then, he added as the ruling organizations’ people were slightly startled, “1 month before we mobilize the auxiliary units and start recruiting the garrison units for the remaining 2 territories. They proved themselves useful. We’ll continue the project. Just… in due time.”

They nodded at Heian Ciemnosc’s words, even though they didn’t understand what he meant by proving themselves. However, that was what Etherea would explain to them in a jiffy, as Evans’s wings fluttered and stopped in the middle of their group.

FLUTTER, FLUTTER! Etherea stepped out of Evans’s back and flew towards Heian Ciemnosc while nodding respectfully at the vice commanders and Officers. The former lost 2 of the same rank, while the latter nearly everyone else they brought to battle. Etherea bowed before Heian Ciemnosc before floating on his left.

Swish, swish. Grietta and Tania stood behind Heian Ciemnosc’s right shoulder, with Grietta placing her left hand on his shoulder. Finally, Etherea commenced, “Supreme commander, respected leading figures of the Aqualian Drake Sect and Forestalress Academy, congratulations on winning the war. Currently, all objectives for this special operation have been reached. Now, you’ll give us your answer after hearing the supreme commander’s proposal.”

“...” Heian Ciemnosc and Etherea exchanged a look before she smiled lightly with Heian Ciemnosc’s slight nod. “My supreme commander wishes to remain for another few years. He asks of you to follow his decision. He’ll work in the Calatida Region to the fullest before leaving. But he won’t be able to if he has achieved his purpose here. While the enemy has been defeated, and you won’t have to conceal such a notorious act from anyone, the Crimsonbreaking Faction can still investigate for the subsequent critical goals.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“... You mean… you still wish to work this Region? Even though… its slight destruction might cost us many resources?” Sect Master Zelion doubtingly inquired. Etherea nodded but offered no further explanation, “These are my sir’s intentions. He will proceed as he sees fit. You can decide on your response on your own, we believe.”

“No- no need…” The Aqualian Drake Sect’s Sect Master widened his eyes before hurriedly saying. He bowed towards Heian Ciemnosc and declared, “My Sect will gladly welcome your aid, supreme commander. As for when we should notify the…”

Dragging his words, the Sect Master looked at Heian Ciemnosc, who casually swung his wrist and blinked. “I’ll tell you when you can give that notification. For now, the Vice sect master, Headmaster, and Tulla’s esteemed people may return with me. I’ll grant you the rewards you deserve. The Sect and Headmaster can also send 1,000 of their best gray clothed.”

“Etherea,” Heian Ciemnosc turned towards his commanding assistant, who cleaned a few sweating bullets from her forehead and looked at him with a tired smile. “Yes, sir?”

“Choose 200 Soldiers, elite or not, and bring them along. I owe the Faction more, but this will suffice for now.” Said Heian Ciemnosc. Etherea’s eyes shook before recomposing and nodding at his suggestion. Her heart felt more free as she recalled the losses of just today, let alone during the first months of the war.

“Thank you so much, sir.” Etherea deeply bowed. Then, Heian Ciemnosc nodded in return and looked at Tulla. “Come.”

Tulla floated towards Heian Ciemnosc, and before everyone’s eyes, he asked her something improper. “Would you be alright with a similar treatment as the Headmaster, or just my professional and natural blessing?”

“... My supreme commander, although I enjoy more of the cultivation world, and seldom think of men or women.” Tulla gestured with her right hand on her chest, slightly bowing. “I’d consider myself regarded slightly less if I was to obtain a ‘lesser’ treatment than my junior. Please.”

Thus, Tulla stuck her chest out and floated before Heian Ciemnosc’s shoes. Their bodies were close, and she clearly wanted the same acknowledgement as Headmaster Denisse. This wasn’t a royal drama, so the onlookers only felt it made sense, albeit its silliness…

“Mf…” Heian Ciemnosc grasped her neck and lightly pecked her lips. He thought for a second before grinning, which only Etherea noticed, and invaded her mouth with his tongue. Tulla’s body went stiff for a moment, but she let go of the thoughts and notions that seemed proper an instant ago and accidentally let out a moan.

Before awkwardness spread throughout the group, Tulla hugged Heian Ciemnosc’s neck and pecked his lips, ending their kiss as Denisse smirked from the left corner of her mouth. Heian Ciemnosc put on a smug grin and looked at everyone as Tulla’s face became a little shocked. She felt his saliva travel through her body, curing the injuries she hid with her new set of cloths.

“I will wait in the Small City. Don’t take more than a day, I’m also busy.” Heian Ciemnosc looked at the rest and said. Then, he nodded towards the Headmaster before gesturing to Etherea as Alejandro flew towards them from the battlefield, with Anastasia and Molto on his head. Alejandro’s numerous eyes looked sideways, appearing cute and dumb.

“Yes, sir,” Etherea nodded and faced the ruling organizations’ people. Her professional, stern expression made a comeback as she elaborated. The others remained in their positions even after Heian Ciemnosc left. It was this young woman who put them all at ease and reminded them of their place in the eyes of treasure and power, keeping them at bay.

“The Southeastern territory was attacked, the enemy first sent 200,000,000 soldier units there, and then another 200 million to the Southwestern territory. The west had more arsenal than the east because of their lack of Fauna companionship. Thus, the enemy had enough time to reach for the towns and supreme-sized villages closer to the center.”

“!” The ruling organizations’ eyes widened. They had waited for the appearance of those troops before, but it never came to be. Not even in the Northwestern territory. Thus, they hoped those numbers had fled, but they didn’t. Etherea continued without a care for their reaction.

“Our garrisoned units’ encampments near those settlements acted quickly, but the battles were too forceful, and the reinforcements from the outposts and forts weren’t on due time. However, it was still a successful defense. Although the enemy could’ve taken the small villages and burnt them down, which some did, they were evacuated as soon as the enemy was sighted.”

“Despite the encampments’ dully response and quick wittiness, we lost more than 110,000,000 garrisoned units in the east, and 70,000,000 in the west. Our navy couldn’t help them until the following hours after their leader, Grotto Master Gasimeras, was announced dead. Only 2 Fleets changed their aim and aided the Southwestern territory, while the other remained to support the Northeastern battlefield.”

“Haa-” - “Hoh- how could this be…” - “Sigh, we were too comfortable, I suppose.”

“Regardless of the losses, our enemy wasn’t a mere ant, and their assault on our people’s territory proved it. Despite the low chances of victory, our enemy sent disastrous armies to our land. It will take a few months to repair, especially as the towns lost more than half their arsenal. But the inhabitants' casualty rate was nonexistent. For this, the Aqualian Drake Sect is… asked to consider raising a citizen army. Like we do, not just some groups here and there for convenience.”

“I see…” The Aqualian Drake Sect’s Sect Master responded heavily. He still had many doubts, but he didn’t dare dilly-dallying now when a fortuitous opportunity was presented to them. He nodded and acquiesced, “We’ll consider this matter thoroughly. We- I… ah… we’ll be there tomorrow to receive… the black monster’s guidance.”

“Of course,” Etherea nodded solemnly before lightly bowing her head. After all, those 300,000,000 garrison units were the ruling organizations’. Meant for their protection and to keep the peace within their territory. It was one thing to know they’d be their cornerstone if they decide to raid another Region, and they’re attacked by a third or even fourth party. Thus, to suddenly lose more than half of their garrison units… It was a blow, especially with the soldier units’ deaths in the battle.

Etherea lightly smiled and made her way towards Evans, who was waiting for her as Heian Ciemnosc chatted with his tired daughter, Molto, and with Tulla at the side, resting. While Etherea briefed the Sect and Academy’s people, Heian Ciemnosc had a rebellion almost break out on Evans’s back.

Just as they flew to Evans’s back from Alejandro’s head, Anastasia leaned on her father and knelt on the snow white feathers. She semi-closed her eyes as her father crossed his left leg below his right knee, with his right leg bent, and a warm, light smile on his overly pale red lips.

“You worked really hard. Were you hunting for a promotion?” Heian Ciemnosc’s words immediately gained a tired groan from Anastasia, as Molto sat behind Heian Ciemnosc’s left, silent. Grietta and Tania sat with their legs folded behind Anastasia as the latter punched Heian Ciemnosc’s chest with her left hand. “What promotion? I just had a lot of fun… Wuaaah. Dad, no wonder Mom Alyona wanted me to learn these ways first…”

“Mhm, now rest. We’ll arrive at the Small City in a few minutes, just wait for Etherea,” Heian Ciemnosc said. Anastasia lightly smiled with her lips forming a thin, wide smile. Her head was slightly thrown backwards as she nearly fell asleep. “Okaay~...”

“Eh? Where are my maids? Why did Aunties not bring them?” Suddenly, Anastasia straightened her back from Heian Ciemnosc’s left arm and looked back at the evil, naughty smiles on Tania and Grietta’s faces. She frowned, having a bad premonition.

“Well,” Tania spoke first, with her hands skywards as she shrugged. “Your maids are doing just fine. We just thought about letting learn how to best please your daddy so he can enjoy them when you travel together in the future. It’s best to eat from one’s plate than from others, right?”

“Mn, that’s true, Little Anastasia.” Grietta chipped in, dropping a bomb. “And what better than giving them the opportunity to taste and flavor several hundred men for days before their master’s father arrives? They’ll be 100% the best bedmates with us on your father’s behalf, we promise you!”

“Gwuaaaah!” Anastasia swayed her body left and right, slightly blushing as she formed fists and beat them on the snow white feathers. “Aunty Grietta, Aunty Tania!! How could you sell my maids away?! They are my maids, waaaah! I don’t accept this. How could you?! Say you’re soorrryyyyyyyyy~!”

“I want my maids baaaaaack…” Anastasia continued shouting, but Heian Ciemnosc shook his head as even Tulla grinned. With their Spirit Sense, they could see a diligent pair of Neutrality realm cultivators in Anastasia’s chambers, working hard to break into the next realm. Grietta and Tania didn’t stop there and betrayed Anastasia, tickling her until she became too weak she had to lay the back of her head on her father’s left thigh.

“Dad… Daddy… please, they’re not sullied… Don’t throw away my maids, I worked reaaaaally hard… save… them… cough, cough… bwaah… zzzz…” Anastasia muttered her last breaths before pulling her tongue out, dying. Then, her nostrils tenderly flared as she breathed in and out of them at ease under Heian Ciemnosc’s darkest eyes. That sleepy head.

“You two.” After looking at his strong daughter, Heian Ciemnosc stared at her protectors. They erased their smiles, but there were still traces of them on their faces. Their eyes looked at Heian Ciemnosc hungrily. But they waited for his words, as if that’s what they ought to do. Heian Ciemnosc calmly said with a helpless grin on his mouth, “Even if you want to bathe in the bodies of others, shouldn’t you keep hiding your identity?”

“Grietta, won’t your husband feel you went overboard? Those are a lot of witnesses, and many of our elite soldier units have tasted you at least once after you no longer used your ‘mask’. What do you have to say?” Heian Ciemnosc first addressed the one who did worse regarding their status. But all Grietta said, in a joyous tone, was, “I know! I’ll make Elyor elated when we return and everyone speaks of me, hehe.”

“...” Heian Ciemnosc was defeated. Then, he looked at Tania and used the same tone, “Tania, if you continue, how will you find your person? You’ve been lonely for too long but are already longing for a partner. Aren’t you silly? What are you gonna do with your reputation worsening?”

Nevertheless… Tania innocently looked at him and said with a clueless voice, “Little Cici, come on! I can’t help it. Besides, I’ll leave my future husband and wife for you to find. I can’t wait to whore my wife to every living being in the world…”

Heian Ciemnosc: “...”

While Heian Ciemnosc knew Tania wouldn’t be too exaggerated, he knew her intentions were just that. He shook his head before looking at Etherea, who also wore a helpless expression. Etherea sat beside Heian Ciemnosc and looked at him in silence.

“Would you like me to ‘bless’ you like my 2 new subordinates, or do you want a professional method?” Heian Ciemnosc asked with a smile. Etherea pursed her lips and tilted her head leftwards before replying. Her eyes looked at Heian Ciemnosc’s face without fear, “Sir, please. Use your professional method. It’s an honor, but that’ll be it.”

“Oh,” Heian Ciemnosc smirked from the left corner of his mouth before placing his right thumb on her glabella. Immediately, Etherea felt her Soul and being as if something encased them. But instead of feeling constricted or caged, she felt his protection.

Opening her eyes, she looked at him and bowed before receiving his smooch on her forehead. “Thank you, my lord. I’ll serve you well.”

…