The slums—a place buried beneath the grandeur of the Empire, representing the lowest rung of its hierarchy.
This was a land devoid of light, as dark as the corruption festering among the nobility. In this place, there was only one rule: survive. Stealing, robbing, murdering, deceiving—it didn't matter the means, so long as you lived. Even the lowest worm would struggle to stay alive, for no one wanted to die.
August stepped into this desolate place, his presence marked by the elegance of his fine clothing. Instantly, he became the target of watchful, opportunistic eyes.
He noticed them, of course, but paid no heed. Why would a dragon care about the intentions of ants?
Today's journey reinforced one undeniable truth for August—there were no good people in this capital city. From the highest nobles to the lowest beggars, the city was steeped in sin.
Goodness could not survive here, not in a land ruled by cruelty and greed. Even those claiming to champion justice carried bloodstains on their hands.
Clack.
A sound broke the silence.
"Hey, you! Hand over your money!"
At the end of the alley, a man dressed in ragged clothing emerged, brandishing a knife.
Around him, a dozen other ruffians revealed themselves from the shadows, each armed and leering hungrily at August.
A noble wandering into the slums was a jackpot—a lamb served on a platter. Even the fabric of his garments would fetch a handsome price, enough to fund their debauchery for days.
"This place," August murmured, his voice cold, "is rotten to its core."
With that, he unsheathed Murasame.
"What the—did that sword just appear out of thin air?"
"Wait, is he... could he be one of the fabled Teigu users?"
"Impossible! Why would someone of that caliber show up in a slum like this?"
"We're doomed. We're all going to die!"
Panic rippled through the group.
In this empire, Teigu users were a different breed—legendary figures of unmatched power. Ordinary people stood no chance against them.
"Normally, you wouldn't be worthy of dying by Murasame," August said, his gaze like ice. "But as it happens, I need some information about this place."
With those words, the blade became death incarnate.
Slash.
One strike cleaved the leader's head from his shoulders.
In a blur of motion, August spun, slashing throats and cutting down seven or eight others with ease. Those who tried to flee didn't get far; August pursued them relentlessly, ending their lives one by one.
As the last body fell, the curse of Murasame began to spread. Black markings etched themselves onto the corpses, like ominous runes whispering of inevitable death.
Within moments, August stood alone amidst the carnage, his blade now resting at his side.
By consuming the memories of the slain, August gained a clearer understanding of the city. The knowledge was fragmented—these men had only scraps of insight—but it was enough for now.
As for their bodies, he left them where they fell. This was the Empire's capital; death was so commonplace that the discovery of a dozen corpses would barely warrant attention. Life here, whether noble or peasant, was disposable.
The day passed as August explored the city, piecing together its layout and absorbing its festering negativity. The dark emotions fueled him, allowing him to gradually erode the void energy that had imprisoned his magic.
Bit by bit, his strength returned. He now possessed enough mana to wield rudimentary spells and even access the Gate of Babylon to a limited extent.
At sunset, August found a secluded spot and activated his power. A shimmering portal appeared, and he stepped into his inner world.
The change was immediate.
The oppressive weight of the capital was gone, replaced by the comforting stillness of his private world. August exhaled deeply, his body relaxing as he approached the World Sapling at the inner world's core.
"Daddy, you smell like the Void," a soft, childlike voice said.
"Sweetheart," August replied, a warm smile softening his face. "I got caught in the Void and barely made it back."
"Are you okay, Daddy?"
"I'll be fine. The Void left traces in me, suppressing my magic, but it's nothing I can't handle."
"Let me help!"
A root extended from the ground, gently resting on August's shoulder.
A mysterious energy flowed into him, attacking the remnants of Void energy lodged in his body. For a moment, it seemed the curse would be purged entirely, but the root recoiled abruptly.
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
"I can't absorb it—it's bound too deeply to your essence. If I take it, I might drain your power too."
"It's alright," August reassured her, patting the trunk affectionately. "I'll manage on my own. It'll just take some time."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. Besides, I've found a new world for you. Once I'm done there, you can start absorbing its essence again."
"Really?"
"Yes," August replied, his smile widening. "And this time, it's different. This time, you can devour the entire world."
August chuckled softly. The thought of accelerating his Sapling's growth filled him with determination. If she could evolve to the next stage, she would finally gain a true form—and they could meet face to face.
But that was a matter for the future. For now, he needed to prepare for what lay ahead.
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