I nod, "Isabella, Speak to Zef, Get the Army ready....We will leave tonight" I said my eyes determined, as we walked down the corridor.
Border of the Gritonia Empire and Lorel Union, Army Camp
The night was thick with tension as I stood before the gathered leaders of my army, the flickering torchlight casting shadows on their stern faces. The scent of steel and sweat mingled with the cool night air, a prelude to the chaos that would soon descend.
"Using this path, we can finally reach the Wasteland in a few days," I began, my voice low but commanding.
The vast map spread before us detailed our planned march south, cutting through the dense forests of the Lorel Union.
A land ruled by rich merchants and traders, but one that would soon tremble beneath the might of our demon forces.
Isabella and Zef listened intently as I laid out the strategy. Isabella, who has experience with the Lorel Union on the Battlefield, voiced her concern.
"Lorel Union won't allow us to pass. Our army is a demon army, Grey. They'll see us as a threat, an invasion."
Zef, his eyes sharp with caution, added, "Grey-dono, even if we fight, it will be extremely tough. They have advanced military tech—tech they've bought from other kingdoms with their vast wealth."
I nodded, acknowledging their concerns, but my resolve never wavered.
"Their military firepower... I'll take care of it," I said, my voice carrying a quiet confidence. Turning to Zef, I asked, "How fast can your men learn new skills?"
Zef's eyes gleamed with pride.
"Give me three days, and they'll be flying, even if you teach them that," he replied, his voice brimming with certainty.
I chuckled darkly, a sinister grin curling my lips. "I'll hold you to that, Zef-san."
Then, my gaze turned back to the map, tracing the path through the Lorel Union.
"Lorel Union will not attack as we pass," I said, my tone calculated.
"They'll wait until we reach the Wasteland, or perhaps until we march back to our capital on our return. They'll bide their time, hoping to catch us off guard. But that will be their mistake. We will have ample time to prepare and wipe them from existence."
Both Isabella and Zef nodded, though I could sense the flicker of doubt in their eyes—the fear of facing an army armed with advanced military technology.
I could see it, and I grinned. "Do not worry," I said, my voice laced with dark promise. "I'm bringing another military general, and with them, the Weapons of Modern Warfare."
With that, the march began. Hundreds of thousands of demon soldiers clad in dark, gleaming metal, their armor reflecting the moon's cold light.
They moved as one, a tide of destruction, their banners waving high—each bearing the grim visage of a devil, a face that struck terror into the hearts of all who dared to gaze upon it.
The ground trembled beneath their synchronized steps, a rhythmic pounding that echoed through the night like the drums of impending doom.
The merchants and traders of Lorel would look out upon the horizon, seeing nothing but a sea of blackened steel and malevolent eyes, a force so overwhelming that even the bravest among them would feel the icy grip of fear clawing at their hearts.
As we marched through the outer regions of the Lorel Union, the dense jungle stretched endlessly before us, a vast and tangled wilderness that seemed to swallow our army whole.
The sounds of axes and blades echoed through the night, mingling with the rhythmic pounding of metal boots on the forest floor.
As expected, the outposts and toll stations were deserted, their guards and soldiers long gone. It was clear that the Lorel Union was preparing for a larger confrontation.
Their plan was uncertain, but it seemed likely they were either waiting to ambush us once we reached the Wastelands, cutting us off from any backup in the Gritonia Empire, or they intended to bypass us entirely and strike at the heart of Gritonia.
But if they were foolish enough to divide their forces—to try and stop us here while also attacking Gritonia—that would be their greatest blunder. Their last blunder.
Either way, I am ready. I have a plan.
The march to the Wastelands would take three days—a short time, but enough to train the soldiers hehehe.
When night fell, the army halted, and we made camp, the darkness of the forest enveloping us. The silence broken only by the occasional crackle of a fire or the rustle of leaves in the wind.
In the command tent, Zef and Isabella arrived as requested.
"The march continues at dawn," I began, my voice low but firm. "But tonight, I need you both on high alert. The Lorel Union is not to be underestimated, and this night could bring surprises."
They nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. But then I added something that caused a flicker of confusion to cross their faces.
"I will be leaving the camp tonight to recruit our new commander and trainer," I said, a small grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.
Zef and Isabella exchanged glances, their eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and excitement.
Since I had saved them before from the point-blank nuclear blast, by pulling them into 'Limbo'.
They trusted me.
With a nod, Zef's eyes gleamed with a renewed intensity. "We'll hold the line, Grey-dono. The camp will be guarded until you return safely."
Isabella, her voice calm but edged with determination, added, "We'll be ready for whatever comes. But Grey... who is this new commander?"
I gave her a mysterious smile. "You'll see soon enough. Just keep the camp safe until my return."
"Hai!" they said in unison.
With that, I left the tent and headed toward my private quarters.
'system, Stats' I said in my mind as I wanted to see what my current situation is.
[DRACONIC AGE UNLOCKED: YOUNG DRAGON]
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[NAME : GREY]
[AGE : 17 YEARS]
[DRACONIC AGE : YOUNG DRAGON]
[TITLE : HALF-STEP VOID GRANDMASTER]
[RACE : HUMAN(TRANSCENDENT) / DRAGON]
[CULTIVATION : QUASI-NASCENT SOUL]
[TRUE POWER : HIGH-CLASS DEVIL(LATE)]
[SOUL STRENGHT : A GRADE]
[LEGACY : DEVIL EMPEROR]
[BLOODLINE : RED DRAGON EMPEROR]
[PHISIQUE : DRAGON ]
[NEXUS POINTS : 6600]
[PASSIVE : STATUS EFFECT CONVERSION; HYDRO-RESURGENCE; 5-ELEMENTAL AMPLIFICATION]
[STATUS : NORMAL]
[CURRENT WORLD : TSUKIMICHI - MOONLIT FANTASY]
[SKILLS : SHADOW WALK ; SHADOW BLEND ; ENHANCED HEALING FACTOR(ACTIVE) ; SHADOW MANIPULATION ; ABYSSAL MASTER....]
[SHADOWKHAN-- HIGH-CLASS DEVIL(PEAK)]
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'hmm...*sigh*...I really need to start the grind...' i say as i saw my stats, same as 4 yrs ago in the void.
'System activate
[LOADING...]
.
.
.
[DIMENSIONAL CARD DETECTED...]
.
[HOST, DO YOU WANT TO USE IT ?]
'YES' I said,
[DETECTING THE WORLD SELECTED ON DIMENSIONAL CARD....SUCCESS!]
.
.
[SINCE THE HOST IS TRAVELLING USING DIMENSIONAL CARD, THERE WILL BE NO TRAVEL TIME.]
.
.
[TRYING TO ESTABLISH LINK WITH THE WORLD...]
.
.
[WARNING! WORLD LEVEL TOO LOW!!]
[FINDING ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF THE WORLD...SEARCH DENIED! DUE TO DIMENSIONAL CARD BEING ACTIVE]
.
.
.
[ESTABLISHING LINK...35%...86%...100%]
[LINK ESTABLISHED]
.
.
.
[HAPPY TRAVELS! HOST]
With that last message I vanished from my private tent.
Interrogation room, Unknown location
I stepped into the dimly lit room, my footsteps echoing softly against the cold floor. A man sat at the desk, his posture rigid, his eyes flicking up to meet mine. The tension was palpable; his hand hovered near the holstered pistol on his hip, a clear sign of his caution. Despite his stoic demeanor, there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze as he scrutinized me.
His backstory shrouded in more darkness than the shadows in this room.
he remained seated, his eyes unwavering as I approached.
His expression, though stern, betrayed a trace of skepticism. I could sense the weight of his distrust, a consequence of past betrayals, no doubt.
I took a seat across from him, allowing the silence to stretch for a moment before breaking it.
"Good evening, Mr. Riley," I began, my voice steady and professional.
"Well, not that it matters now, since you are dead..." I let the words hang in the air, noting the peculiar shift in his demeanor.
His eyebrows arched in surprise at my comment. His eyes narrowed, the confusion evident even behind the mask he wore. He moved his hand away from the pistol, placing it flat on the table, his voice calm yet tinged with suspicion.
"I'm not dead," he stated firmly, his tone suggesting he was waiting for clarification.
"If you have come here under false pretenses, I suggest you leave now," he added with a firmness that left no room for argument.
Despite his warning, there was an undeniable curiosity in his eyes, a hint of a deeper truth he sought.
I could see the flicker doubt in his eyes as he considered my words.
"Well, I understand that it's hard for you to accept that you are dead, since you are literally talking to me," I said patiently.
"Think back, Mr. Riley. Do you remember that Shepard betrayed you and shot you?"
The mention of Shepard's name was like a spark to a flame. his expression shifted dramatically, anger and frustration flashing across his features. His fists clenched tightly, and he slammed his hand onto the table, sending papers scattering.
"Shepard? That traitorous fuck... Of course, I remember," he growled, his voice a raw blend of hatred and pain.
"You think bringing up old wounds will break me? You're wrong. I've survived worse than Shepard's betrayal."
he stood abruptly, his towering figure casting a shadow over me. His rage was palpable, a mix of resolve and fury. "Now leave me alone, before I decide to eliminate another bastard from this world."
I remained calm, even as his anger threatened to erupt. "Calm down, Mr. Riley. I have no intention to bring up names of such lowlifes," I said, attempting to diffuse his hostility.
"But don't you find it peculiar that you are still here without any wounds after he shot you point-blank in the chest?" I pointed to his body, making him consider the anomaly.
A flicker of realization crossed his face, and the anger was replaced with confusion. He stared at the spot I had indicated, then back at me.
"Peculiar indeed...??" he murmured, his voice now filled with genuine bewilderment.
he sank back into his chair, rubbing his temples as if to clear the fog from his mind.
"Alright... You've got my attention now," he admitted reluctantly. "What exactly are you suggesting happened here?"
I could see the shift in his demeanor.
"To put it bluntly, Mr. Riley, you died there. Your corpse was burned with others, to leave no trace of your existence," I said, my tone serious.
"And what do you think happens when someone dies, Mr. Riley?"
His eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of my words. "Are you saying... I'm a ghost?" he asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.
I shook my head slightly. "Not quite, Mr. Riley. You are not a ghost but a soul. You know that when someone dies, they either go to Heaven or Hell. So where do you think we are?"
His gaze narrowed as he considered my explanation. "A soul..." he repeated quietly, the concept settling heavily on his shoulders.
"Where do I think we are?" he echoed, leaning forward slightly.
"I suppose that depends on whether there truly is an afterlife or if this is simply our minds grasping at straws in order to cope with our own mortality."
I smiled slightly, acknowledging his struggle with the surreal reality.
"Heaven and Hell exist. The God and the Devil are real," I said, gesturing towards the windows.
"The place we are currently is Limbo, or a waiting room for souls... to go to Hell." I pulled back the curtains, revealing a nightmarish scene outside.
The sight was grotesque – the sky painted red, flames raging everywhere, and the cries of tormented souls echoing through the air. Demons, far more insidious than any horror movie depiction, tormented the damned. It was a never-ending scene of suffering.
His face went pale as he took in the horrific view.
"This is Hell, Mr. Riley. This is where your karma led you," I said, my voice steady as he looked at the infernal landscape.
He turned away from the window, his voice laced with a mix of fear and defiance. "If this is truly Hell... then why am I still here? Shouldn't I have already been consumed by those flames?"
I raised an eyebrow. "That's a good question, Mr. Riley. The reason is that I made a little deal with the Devil of this Hell to get a chance to speak to you personally," I said, revealing a manila envelope.
"I need someone with a particular set of talents, and you are one of the best. This contract asks you to work for me as a Military Trainer of Guns and Warfare for my empire."
I paused, letting the gravity of the offer sink in.
"If you don't accept, that's okay. As compensation, I'll ask the Devil to send you to Heaven instead of Hell. You can live out the rest of eternity happily there without worry." I looked him in the eye, my expression serious.
"So, think about it, Mr. Riley. Answer me tomorrow.
The world is rotten, and only people like you and me can make it a little less so."
With that, I patted his shoulder and left the room, leaving him with the envelope and the weight of his decision.
The night dragged on as he wrestled with the choice before him.
He needed to choose, and he needed to do it soon. The weight of the contract, both literal and figurative, pressed down on him like a thousand tons. It was as if the pen in his hand had become an anchor, tethering him to this room, this decision, this moment.
He paused, his eyes lingering on the final line of the contract. It was a simple signature line, but to him, it might as well have been a noose.
Signing it meant accepting the terms, binding himself to a new master, a new war.
But it also meant purpose—something he had lost long ago, even before Shepard's betrayal.
For the first time in years, He felt something close to fear. It wasn't the kind of fear that came from facing death or pain.
No, this was deeper, more insidious. It was the fear of losing himself, of becoming a pawn in someone else's game again.
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he tried to quiet the storm in his head. The decision was tearing him apart, but he knew he couldn't avoid it any longer.
With a deep breath, He closed the contract and set it aside, at least for now.
Tomorrow would come soon enough, and with it, his decision.
Whether he chose to return to the world of the living as a soldier of a new empire or to seek peace in eternity, one thing was certain: nothing would ever be the same.
As exhaustion finally overtook him, He let his eyes drift shut, the weight of the world temporarily lifting off his shoulders. For now, he would rest.
Tomorrow, he would decide.
By morning, as the nightmarish landscape of Hell remained unchanged, He appeared calm yet resolute. He had spent hours contemplating his fate, the decision now clear in his mind.
When I re-entered the room, I found Him sitting in the chair, a look of determination etched on his face. I took my seat across from him, a smile on my lips.
"So, what did you decide, Mr. Riley? Will you live your life in Heaven happily, or will you return to the world and work with me?"
He met my gaze steadily, his voice firm with resolve.
"I've decided I'll accept your offer," he said.
"While this choice comes with fears and doubts, I believe taking risks is necessary for growth. Helping you build an army could prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future."
He stood up, his posture radiating confidence. "Now, let's discuss what steps we need to take next."
I nodded, and the envelope floated before him, opening itself. "Sign with your soul, Mr. Riley. Simply use your finger," I instructed.
He reached out, pressing his fingertip against the envelope. The moment he made contact, a surge of energy pulsed through the room. The paper burned away, and a small tattoo formed behind both our palms, becoming invisible.
"This is the mark of our contract. If we fail to honor it, our souls will be extinguished," I explained, showing him the mark.
HIs eyes reflected the seriousness of our agreement. "Understood. I won't let that happen," he said with determination.
"Very well," I said, as I extended my hand, "I am Grey, Welcome to the Empire, Mr. Riley"
"Call me Simon, Simon 'Ghost' Riley.
That's what they used to call me and what I want to be remembered by." He said as he shook my hand.
With that I opened an Void portal to my next destination with a snap of my fingers.
"Let's start your new life with us, Simon," I declared leading him into the Portal.