While having a divine form has its advantages, there are certainly downsides that come with it. One major drawback is the difficulty of maneuvering in tight spaces like the Hellfire Citadel. Except for the throne room, accessing other rooms requires Arbious to shrink his size. With this in mind, Arbious decided to transform himself back into his human form, the very same form he had assumed during his stay at the Hupu village.
Some time had passed since his last conversation with Alpos. Arbious had surveyed the surroundings of his citadel, yet he was growing impatient sitting idle. He rose from his throne, marching down the long isle of carpet, his footsteps echoing through the halls, approaching the exit. Arbious exerted a touch of magic to force the gates open, making his exit. As he stepped outside, he could see a flight of stairs leading down to the courtyard. Standing at the top of the stairs, Arbious observed the Imps diligently carrying the corpses that he had instructed Alpos to gather.
Approaching him by the stairs, Alpos's eyes widened as he beheld Arbious in his human form. "My lord, why have you taken on such a form?" he inquired.
"It would be quite inconvenient for me to travel in my divine form," Arbious explained.
"I see, that does make sense, I suppose," Alpos responded, understanding Arbious's explanation.
Arbious gazed down at the imps, working diligently and forming a network as they swiftly brought in the corpses. "You've done an excellent job organizing the imps," Arbious complimented as his red eyes turned to Alpos.
"Thank you, my lord," Alpos replied gratefully.
"Regarding what I mentioned earlier, have you made progress with the plans for the crossbreeding experiments?"
"Yes, my lord. I have taken the necessary steps, and I have also given instructions to locate the uncle you asked for," Alpos informed him.
"Very good," Arbious acknowledged.
Never had Arbious left his throne. For centuries he had resided within the citadel itself, watching as the imps carry out their duties. It goes to say that it was rather unsettling for Alpos to see his master suddenly make a move. His curiosity was piqued, "Master, may I ask why you are outside?" Alpos questioned.
If I am to build a fortress of darkness, I need to inspect the things I already have in my disposal...
"Show me this forge you are so proud of," Arbious demanded.
Alpos glanced at his master, his tail wriggling with excitement. "My lord, I thought you'd never ask. It would be my honor to show you. Please, follow me."
"Lead the way, Alpos," Arbious replied, as they descended the stairs to the courtyard.
Alpos was rather nervous of Arbious's intentions to see the forge, yet he was excited to show his master his work. He felt anxious as they made their way down the stairs, so he attempted to spark up a conversation. "The hellfire forge is currently located in sector two, but I have plans to move it to sector three," Alpos explained on their way down.
Curious, Arbious questioned, "Why is that?"
"The forges rely on materials we excavate from outside Hell Fire Citadel. Having them in sector two forces us to shuttle between the stockpiles in sector three and two, which slows down our production."
"But moving the forge to sector three would make it less protected, vulnerable to sieges."
"That is true, my lord, but I believe we can withstand any siege for a considerable amount of time. After their defeat, I highly doubt the angels would launch another attack. This is an opportunity for us to be bold and take advantage of it," Alpos passionately argued.
Observing his enthusiasm and dedication to his work, Arbious nodded and acknowledged, "I can see your clear enthusiasm and conviction. Very well, do what is necessary."
"My lord, if I may make a request," Alpos hesitated before continuing, "Would you consider refraining from creating a new demon race?"
Arbious paused for a moment, studying Alpos, who had expressed his concerns openly. "May I ask why?" Arbious inquired, wanting to understand his perspective.
"My lord, I genuinely believe that we Imps can serve you with great care. Creating a new demon race might dampen our spirits and divide our loyalty."
Ah, so he wants to stay relevant huh...
"Alpos... I have already considered that, and in fact, I wanted to offer you a promotion," Arbious stated.
"A promotion?" Alpos questioned, surprised, dropping his line of questioning in an instant once he heard of a possible self-benefit.
"You have been my general in name only, but you have proven yourself to be a capable leader. I wish to enhance your abilities so you can serve me ever so faithfully," Arbious explained.
"My lord? Surely, you jest. I am but a humble servant," Alpos responded, a sly grin etched on his lips.
"You shall become a Doom Guard," Arbious declared.
"A Doom Guard, my lord?" Alpos asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Doom Guards are rare class of demons created when I bestow upon them my favors. They are slightly larger than the regular Imp, but much stronger, for they can cast up to tier five magic on demand," Arbious explained.
"My lord! Are you serious about this?" Alpos exclaimed, his excitement evident.
Alpos's ambitious and greedy nature made him eager to be promoted from his Impion form. While there was nothing inherently wrong with his aspirations, it was clear that he wouldn't hesitate to betray his own kind to achieve his desires. Arbious, after all, had shaped him to be the way he was.
"Absolutely. So, what do you say? Will you accept this offer?" Arbious inquired.
Alpos bowed his head, his eyes gleaming with devilish joy. "Yes, my lord. It would be my utmost honor."
"Then let us proceed with your promotion immediately," Arbious declared, summoning an infernal portal into the air. Delving into its depths, he retrieved a large tome of ancient knowledge. "Behold the Infernal Scripture, a tome dedicated to worshipping my power. Through its dark enchantments, I shall bestow upon you abilities far beyond those of a mere imp. Brace yourself, for this transformation may be accompanied by pain."
Alpos readied himself, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension swirling within him.
"Darkness, consume thy host, envelop them in your malevolent embrace, for they shall serve me with unwavering loyalty. Alpos, you have faithfully and obediently served in your eternal damnation, and now I shall grant you the power to transform into a vessel of unimaginable horror and shadow!" Arbious proclaimed, his voice resonating with sinister authority.
Alpos's body contorted in agonizing torment, his bones shifting and cracking, his screams of pain piercing the air. His very essence was being reshaped into something far more sinister. He grew in size, demonic wings sprouting from his back, his strength, speed, and magical abilities all intensifying simultaneously. His eyes glowed with a malevolent fusion of yellow and red, swirling chaotic energies encompassing his form, infusing every fiber of his being.
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Yet, as the excruciating pain persisted, Alpos fell to his knees, the torment almost overwhelming. Still, he persevered, his screams of agony capturing the attention of the demons in the courtyard.
Finally, the bone-rearranging ordeal reached its conclusion and a sense of relief washed over Alpos. The pain subsided, leaving behind a transformed being.
"Now... Rise," Arbious commanded, witnessing Alpos's rebirth into a new and formidable entity.
Alpos rose from his knees, his new hulking demonic form an awe-inspiring sight.
"My lord... I shall serve you with unwavering loyalty from this day forward to the end of times..."
"So, Alpos, do you consider yourself worthy to lead the demonic army in my name now?" Arbious inquired.
"I would have accepted the responsibility in any form, my lord," Alpos declared confidently.
"Well then, since you will be directly leading multiple factions of demons, how do you feel about the creation of different varieties of demons?" Arbious proposed.
"It would be my pleasure to lead as many factions as you deem fit, all in service of your name, my lord."
Alpos inspected his body, feeling his newfound strength within his evolution. "Might I impose upon you another request, my lord?"
"I assume it is for the benefit of my rule. Please, go ahead and state your request," Arbious permitted.
"If you intend to create a new race of demons, why not fashion them to have an attribute of magic? SiMilar to how you created us Impions. We Impions excel in melee combat, but we lack in ranged abilities as you have pointed out. What if we bolster our forces with demons capable of casting magic?" Alpos suggested.
"Magic-casting demons... That is indeed a challenging endeavor," Arbious mused. "But it is achievable... We really have our work cut out for us, Alpos... If we are to do anything, we must meet at least a thousand different requirements...."
"And it is my job to aid you in that manner, my lord. Please entrust upon me your burdens; I will carry out your will."
"Just show me the forge for now... I want to see it for myself."
"Very well, my lord. Then let us make our way to the forges," Alpos agreed.
They left the courtyard and entered sector two. The hellfire forges stood prominently on the western side, stretching three levels high. Enormous engines lined the exterior of the building, their infernal mechanisms slowly churning.
"You mentioned that this place is not operational, Alpos," Arbious reminded him.
"That is correct, my lord. The pistons and gears on the outside continue to move with the aid of magic, but we lack the necessary workforce to produce anything within the forge," Alpos explained.
"I understand," Arbious acknowledged as they ventured inside the forge, ready to explore its dormant halls.
As Arbious surveyed the interior of the forge, a sense of disappointment washed over him. The once bustling and productive space now lay dormant, devoid of any activity. The forges stood ready to roar to life, yet there was an absence of workers to operate the machines.
"Master... You don't seem pleased," Alpos observed, his voice filled with concern.
Arbious approached one of the idle machines, contemplating the situation, before turning to face Alpos. "Should I be impressed?"
Alpos's expression immediately turned to one of fear, worried that he had somehow disappointed Arbious. "I apologize, my lord. I will rectify this at once and ensure that productivity is restored," Alpos hurriedly responded, determined to make amends.
"I would certainly hope so, Alpos. Remember, you are now a Doom Guard, and it is imperative that you act accordingly, set an example among your kind, prove not only to me, but to all your fellow comrades that you are worthy of your title and power," Arbious reminded him, his tone firm and expectant.
With a warning directed at Alpos, Arbious turned on his heel and strode out of the forge. Once outside, he extended a pair of magnificent demonic wings, launching himself into the air to gain a panoramic view of the surroundings.
The citadel sprawled across the land, an imposing structure, yet lacking in intricate details. Aside from a few scattered mines, a demon pit, and the forge they had just left, the castle appeared relatively barren.
Alpos, using his wings, followed closely behind, his gaze fixed upon Arbious. "My lord?" Alpos inquired.
"Alpos, your first priority will be the construction of proper stockpiles. No more using empty lands as makeshift storage. I want three distinct stockpiles: one for food, one for military supplies, and one for goods," Arbious instructed.
"It shall be done, my lord," Alpos affirmed, determination etched on his face.
We have our work cut out for us... Damn it, this is going to take years to bring up to standards. I shouldn't have been so naive to try and win with strength alone...
"Let us make our way back to the courtyard. The corpses should be prepared by now," Arbious suggested.
Alpos nodded in agreement, and together, they soared back towards the courtyard, ready to oversee the next phase of their operations.
The Impions in the courtyard watched with curious eyes as Arbious and Alpos descended gracefully from the sky, landing on the ground. Flying was a completely different feeling for Alpos. He took pride in his new form and was ever grateful to Arbious.
Among the Impions who watched in awe, a distinctive figure with glasses and a notepad in hand made his way towards them, displaying an air of attentiveness. "Your Excellency! Master Alpos! We have successfully rounded up all the corpses from the battlefield. We estimate approximately six hundred human soldiers, along with the fallen elves who died within our captivity. Additionally, we have collected the remains of the mighty undead dragon that met its end during the battle. Everything has been gathered exactly as per your instructions," the imp eagerly reported, his voice filled with a mix of accomplishment and respect.
Curious about the imp's name, Arbious inquired, "And what is your name, Imp?"
The imp stood with a hint of pride and replied, "I am Sigfi, my lord... Your humble servant."
"Excellent work, Sigfi. You have fulfilled your duties admirably. You are dismissed," Arbious acknowledged, appreciating his efforts.
Sigfi bowed respectfully before departing from their presence. As he left, Arbious turned to Alpos, noting his envious gaze.
"So, Alpos, is Sigfi the one who assists you with the tasks I assign?"
Confusion crossed Alpos's face briefly before he answered, "Yes, my lord. Sigfi is indeed a capable demon who has been assisting me diligently."
"Alpos, I want you to understand that regardless of what my other creations may achieve, you hold a special place in my metaphorical heart. You will always be my favored leader, as long as your loyalty remains unwavering," Arbious expressed, emphasizing the significance of his role.
"Thank you, my lord. Your trust and favor mean everything to me," Alpos replied, his dedication evident in his voice.
Raising his hand high into the sky, a dense green mist materialized, spreading rapidly and enveloping the surrounding area. Chaotic energies danced in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere. With a decisive movement, Arbious slammed his palm into the ground, channeling his dark power. "Arise, soldiers of darkness! Heed my decree! Mass Raise Dead!" Arbious commanded with authority.
One by one, the corpses strewn across the courtyard began to stir. The grotesque figures of the undead emerged from the ground, their decaying faces and bodies reflecting the horrors they had experienced in their previous lives. Yet, through his sinister necromantic abilities, the undead stood, their eyes glowing with an eerie green radiance, ready to carry out Arbious's commands without hesitation, their allegiance bound to him through the unholy resurrection.
As the undead soldiers stood at attention, a wave of exhaustion washed over Arbious, his human form struggling to contain the immense power he had exerted. His heart raced, and a sense of nausea crept up within him. The cumulative strain of various endeavors—Alpos's promotion to a Doom Guard, the battle against Michael, and the exertion of raising the dead—had taken its toll. Additionally, the continuous transference of his powers between different forms further taxed his being.
Concerned for his well-being, Alpos leaned in closer, his voice filled with genuine worry. "My lord, are you alright?"
Summoning a weak smile, Arbious reassured him, "I'm fine, Alpos... Just a little tired. It seems this human body is finally catching up with the toll of my actions."
Alpos nodded understandingly, acknowledging the limitations of Arbious's current form. "Indeed, my lord. This body requires rest and care, being inherently more fragile."
"You are right, Alpos," Arbious concurred, realizing the importance of taking care of himself. "I must tend to the needs of this vessel if I am to continue our plans in the human world... You have your assignments, carry out my will accordingly."
"What about the dragon, my lord?" Alpos inquired.
"Leave the bones," Arbious replied, his determination evident in his voice. "I am not yet ready to return to the human world. We must ensure that Hell is on its way to glory before I depart. I will personally take the initiative to expand our horizons, and together, Alpos, we will dominate this world."
"Yes, Your Highness. I shall make the necessary arrangements to fulfill your requests," Alpos affirmed, bowing his head in obedience.
With Alpos prepared to carry out his commands, Arbious stood in the courtyard surrounded by his undead army. A surge of authority coursed through him as he addressed them. "Well? What are you waiting for, you slugs?! Get to work!"
Harnessing his hellish authority, Arbious directed the undead soldiers from the courtyard to the forges, where Alpos would assume control. As he watched the undead and Alpos leave the courtyard, his body succumbed to overwhelming exhaustion, collapsing under the weight of his exertions.