I returned to my room—
my quiet haven.
For the first time since the war ended, the world felt still.
I leaned back and let my thoughts settle on tomorrow's meetings. The interviews had only begun at dusk today, and I had managed to see just five people. That alone told me how tight time already was. Everyone was busy rebuilding, reorganizing, and recovering. I could not afford to stretch this over many days.
There were still nine of the Twelve Guardian Lords left.
And beyond them, several others demanded my attention.
Apito, in particular.
At the request of Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, she was next on the list. Solarys had expressed a… keen interest in her Skills. Too keen, perhaps. At times, its curiosity bordered on indulgence—but I could not deny its judgment. Any improvement made now would strengthen Eterna as a whole.
I had no reason to stop it.
I instructed Shuna to prepare tomorrow's schedule accordingly. I also told her that Diablo and Shion would be postponed until later; otherwise, the process would drag on endlessly. With proper pacing, everything could be finished by tomorrow night.
There were other concerns as well.
Masayuki and his group from the Empire were still in the middle of their own long discussions. I had received only a brief report. Whether I should intervene or not remained unclear. Until they reached a conclusion themselves, I decided to stay out of it.
Velzard was still in Eterna.
The seventy-floor region had become untouchable—an atmosphere so heavy that no one dared approach. Veldora, for instance, had panicked long ago and fled straight back to his room. Even now, that unease lingered in the air.
It had not been long since I last crossed paths with Velzard.
What experiences had she accumulated since then?
What conclusions had she reached?
In the end, speculation was meaningless.
I would wait and see.
For now, I would do what must be done.
As that thought settled, I felt it—
A presence.
I turned.
From my shadow, a familiar head emerged. Then the tip of a nose. Watching me intently.
"…Ranga?"
The massive wolf slowly stepped out of the darkness.
I broke into a smile.
"Well, that startled me. You woke up safely."
Without hesitation, I took human form and rubbed his head and ears. His tail swayed—but his ears drooped.
Something was wrong.
"What is it?" I asked. "Are you unwell?"
For a moment, I feared a failed evolution.
But Ranga shook his head.
"…Master," he said quietly, "I slept through the Great War."
I blinked.
"…That's it?"
"I failed to fight at your side," he said, visibly shaken. "Because of me, Gobta and the others also lost their chance to shine…"
That was true—but it was hardly a tragedy.
I rested a hand on his head.
"Listen. Gobta and the others were more than busy with preparations, secret operations, and chaos management during the banquet. No one blamed you. And more importantly—you evolved safely."
Ranga froze.
"…Truly?"
"Yes."
His expression brightened instantly.
"Master…!"
He let out a soft, rumbling sound and leaned into me, pressing his massive body closer. I indulged him, burying my hands in his fur. It had been a long time since I allowed myself this quiet moment.
Once Ranga settled, I spoke again.
"Since you are here, let us confirm your status."
Solarys responded at once.
Assessment — Ranga
Name: Ranga
Existence Value: 20,340,084
Race:
Divine Wolf
Greater Chaos Spirit: Wind Spirit Wolf
Blessing:
Pharaoh's Covenant
Title:
Star Lord
Magic:
Wind Spirit Magic
Ultimate Skill:
Stellar Wind King Hastur
Resistances:
Physical Attack Nullification
Natural Effects Nullification
Abnormal Condition Nullification
Mental Attack Resistance
Holy–Demonic Attack Resistance
"…Divine," I murmured.
That was no exaggeration.
An existence value exceeding 20 million.
Comparable to Benimaru, even without his weapon.
"It seems once one exceeds ten million," I said slowly, "the race itself begins to ascend."
Solarys answered calmly.
"Current data supports that hypothesis.
Additional samples will improve accuracy."
"So 10 million is a Saint… and 20 million approaches Shinjin."
Not a conceptual god—but undeniably beyond mortal frameworks.
Ranga raised his head proudly.
"All of this is because I remained within your shadow, Master."
That made sense.
He had bathed in my energy for years. Absorbed magicules directly from my presence. It was only natural that his evolution was smooth—and explosive.
"And this Skill?" I asked.
Ranga blinked. "Ah—that one appeared suddenly."
Solarys answered before he could finish.
"I provided minimal assistance."
Of course you did.
Still, Stellar Wind King Hastur was extraordinary.
It granted:
Thought Acceleration
Universal Perception
Demon Lord Haki
Weather Domination
Sound and Wind Domination
Spatial Domination
Multilayer Barrier
A power capable of bending storms, reshaping the sky, and tearing space with wind alone.
Worthy of Ranga.
"…You have become formidable," I said.
"Hahaha! All thanks to you, Master!"
I made a mental note to check on Gobta later. Keeping up with Ranga would be… challenging.
Morning came quickly.
Despite spending the night awake, my condition was flawless.
The first to arrive was Kumara.
She bowed, then immediately spoke with shining eyes.
"I heard Ranga-sama say that Lord Atem can change our Skills! Please—give me new power too!"
Ranga… you exaggerate too much.
Still, her request was not unreasonable.
I glanced inward.
«Let us proceed.»
Solarys, of course, was already eager.
"Very well," I said. "If aptitude allows it."
After her consent, I entrusted everything to Solarys.
Assessment — Kumara
Name: Kumara
Existence Value: 10,899,944
Race:
Nine Tails
Greater Chaos Spirit: Earth Spirit Beast
Blessing:
Pharaoh's Covenant
Title:
Chimera Lord
Magic:
Earth Spirit Magic
Ultimate Gift:
Beast King Bahamut
Intrinsic Skills:
Beast Domination
Beast Unification
The process took time—but it succeeded.
Her new powers included:
Thought Acceleration
Universal Perception
Demon Lord Haki
Gravity Domination
Spatial Domination
Multilayer Barrier
Gravity manipulation on a planetary scale.
Her race had also changed.
From Nine Heads to Nine Tails.
At first glance, it seemed like a downgrade—but it was the opposite.
Where before eight beasts possessed independent wills, now Kumara held complete control. She could still separate them if needed—each retaining tremendous power—but her own existence value would remain above one million regardless.
Her growth potential was terrifying.
Still inexperienced—but frighteningly promising.
"…Your future is vast," I told her.
She smiled shyly.
I watched her leave.
Another pillar of Eterna had taken shape.
And tomorrow—
The remaining interviews would continue.
Step by step,
I was not merely ruling a nation.
I was forging legends.
Apito and Zegion arrived together.
At my instruction, Zegion remained outside the chamber. It would not have been a problem for them to enter together, but he himself had requested that Apito be granted a private audience. I chose to honor that wish.
The door closed softly behind her.
Apito approached with graceful composure and, before sitting, gently presented a small, carefully wrapped package with both hands.
"Atem-sama, this is the honey that was just harvested."
I accepted it without hesitation.
"…Excellent timing."
I did not bother hiding my satisfaction. Even my expression relaxed.
This honey was no ordinary delicacy. It could function as a panacea, restore stamina, and carried a flavor that bordered on addictive. Among my subordinates, it was well known that I had once subdued Milim with a single offering of it. Because of that, it was treated almost as a sacred commodity.
I slipped the package away.
"I will accept this," I said calmly. "Not as a bribe—but as tribute."
Apito smiled, clearly pleased.
Then, as planned, I examined her status.
Assessment — Apito
Name: Apito
Existence Value: 17,675,537
Race:
Star Wasp
Fair Chaos Spirit: Wind Spirit Wasp
Blessing:
Zegion's Blessing
Title:
Insect Queen
Skill:
Unique Skill — Queen Worship
Resistances:
Pain Nullification
Physical Attack Resistance
Natural Effects Resistance
Abnormal Condition Resistance
Mental Attack Resistance
By any conventional standard, she was already monstrous.
An ordinary adventurer—no, even most former demon lords—would stand no chance against her. She was not yet at the level of Eterna's highest combatants, but she already surpassed what Clayman had once been.
And that was not all.
"According to my report," Apito continued, "Queen Worship has produced nine insectar majins. They are still within their chrysalises… but when they awaken, they will be powerful."
"…Nine," I repeated.
"Yes."
I nodded once.
"In that case, this is worth celebrating."
Apito's wings fluttered faintly.
"Then—if it pleases you—may I ask you to grant them names?"
I paused.
Naming was dangerous.
Power followed names. Fate followed power.
"Naming is not something to be done lightly," I said.
Before Apito could respond, Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, spoke within my mind.
No issue detected. Complete control has already been achieved. Risk factor: negligible.
…You say that far too casually.
Still, Solarys was correct. This was no different from what had been done before with others under absolute authority.
"…Very well."
I exhaled once, then spoke deliberately.
"Reichi. Reni. Resan. Reyon. Rego. Reroku. Renana. Rehachi. Rekyuu."
I did not elaborate.
Numerical structure. Balanced resonance. No unnecessary symbolism.
Apito froze.
Then her presence surged—soft, emotional, reverent.
"Oh… I can feel it. Atem-sama's authority… and kindness. My children are rejoicing even now."
"You can sense it already?"
"Yes. Our hearts are permanently connected."
That connection was absolute.
Through Magus Control, her orders would be instantaneous. Unlike Telepathy Net, there was no ambiguity—no discussion. Only hierarchy. Only command.
Solarys stirred again.
Permission requested: Skill Alteration.
Of course.
Solarys had been waiting for this moment.
"Apito," I said evenly, "there is something I must ask you."
She straightened immediately.
"Your power stands at a crossroads. There are two paths before you."
I raised two fingers.
"First—the commander path. You remain a queen who rules from behind the lines. You retain the ability to create insect demons endlessly."
I lowered one finger.
"Second—the hero path. You lose the ability to create dependents through your Skill. In exchange, your physical power, combat instincts, and battle-oriented abilities will evolve dramatically."
I looked directly into her eyes.
"The choice is yours."
She did not hesitate.
But first, she asked a single question.
"If I choose the hero path… will I lose the ability to have children?"
Solarys answered immediately.
Negative. Skill-based dependent creation will be lost. Natural reproduction remains unaffected.
I conveyed that truth aloud.
Apito nodded once.
"Then there is no issue. My children already possess the power of birth. Through them, my will shall spread."
She rose from her seat.
"I choose to stand at the front."
As if waiting for those exact words, Solarys moved instantly.
Skill Alteration complete.
Unique Skill 'Queen Worship' has evolved.
Ultimate Gift acquired: Queen Possession (Proserpina).
The transformation was immediate.
No light. No explosion.
Just refinement.
Updated Assessment — Apito
Ultimate Gift:
Queen Possession (Proserpina)
Abilities Included:
Thought Acceleration
Magic Perception
Ultra Intuition
Insect Domination
Military Command
Ultraspeed
Lethal Attack
Spatial Manipulation
Multilayer Barrier
This was no longer the power of a rear commander.
This was the power of a war queen—one who could lead armies while personally tearing through the enemy.
"Practice with it," I said. "Master it completely."
"I will," Apito replied without hesitation.
Then she knelt.
"With utmost devotion, I renew my allegiance to you, Atem-sama."
I did not move.
I simply inclined my head once.
"Rise. Serve Eterna with pride."
Apito stood, her presence sharper than before—focused, lethal, resolute.
As she left, I knew one thing with certainty.
The battlefield had just gained another apex predator.
And the Pharaoh's army continued to evolve.