I left the Empire in the Council's hands, Ramael as their leader and as my prefect at the Royale Palace. I trusted him with my entire being and I didn't question his loyalty. He couldn't believe it at first. He was astonished and puzzled but accepted his duty without a single question. The council was dissatisfied with my departure. I, as the emperor, was the most important person in the universe. All the civilizations looked in the sky and imagined me. Some shriveled In fear, some filled with hope and prayed. Leaving behind all of them would decrease their morale, but the decision was made. We had a large feast until I finally left the place behind. Ramael brought his and Katie's daughter, Angela. It was my first time seeing their creation. She still looked like a kid despite her age. It was thanks to holy blood in her veins. The girl was beautiful beyond all limits. Her blonde hair resembled his father's, while her eyes were light brown similar to her mother's. She was a lively child, talented and cheerful, strong and gentle at the same time. Every time I looked at her I saw Katie and it saddened me, but I also felt joy that she gave birth to such a perfect being.Lucifer joined our feast with my permission. He was banished to hell once again along with his brethren, but as my ally, I couldn't ignore his trivial wishes. Even though I despised him, he still aided me countless times after I became the God of Blood instead of Cursed Mogtron.Michael was busy fixing the green fields. The dimension was very complex, half astral and half physical realm to allow spirits to rejoice. It didn't sadden me. I already said farewell to him.I didn't know where would I go. I didn't think of it before. All I wished to do was to escape all of this and be alone. I could go flying in space for centuries, but it was a boring plan. I thought of venturing my empire and aiding people in any way I could. I still couldn't decide it even when I left the Royale City behind. I could see people saying farewells. Mortals praying and angels blessing me. The divine eyes could see Ramael smiling softly, Angela by his side. I smiled as well as my angel wings swooped through the void and I flew faster than light.30 years Later...I woke up in my cotton bed. My dreams were as dark and concerning as ever. Unfamiliar side effects like headache and sore muscles bothered me, but a few stretches and yawns fixed it. I stood up and fixed my small bed. It was tiresome and for a moment I wished I had my servants to do all of this. Then I remembered that I was alone. It brought me a bit of melancholy and sadness, but a familiar feeling of joy filled my body.I put on my unformal, ragged clothes and left my small bedroom. My legs, still unfamiliar with their shortened size and strength, worked awkwardly.I entered the kitchen. The only kind of furniture was a Wooden Table surrounded by small chairs. I didn't need any equipment to cook as the button of Emilia was sitting on the table and I never bothered to try. All I did was walk around my small, poorly shaped house that I built with my hands, indulging In the green forest's fresh air and its beauty. It has been so long since I visited Earth. The first time I came here was 25 years ago. The planet was more of a chunk of Gas rather than an actual solid object. Terraforming it took a few days. The contaminated atmosphere was dense and wouldn't support life, just like Montana mentioned. I thought about the man for a while. The last time I heard of him was in the stories of humanity's unification. He was seen as a hero and the leader of the lost children. I didn't know where he took people but I was glad he managed to achieve the task.I finished feasting soon, my mortal body couldn't take as much food as my divine form could, but it certainly felt better to consume however you could, not however you want. I went outside the house and laid down on the soft grass, grunting. My stomach was about to burst, but It felt good. I looked up in the blue sky and smiled. I certainly needed rest. I forgot what it felt like to be a human. I even forgot when was the last time I transformed back into a human. Maybe a million years ago? I always felt vulnerable in the weaker form, and I was the man who always needed to be on standby. I always had my watchful eye out. Maybe that was the reason I lost my emotions. My divine form was powerful, yes, but it wasn't who I was. I wasn't born as a god and neglected the fact that I had a human side. Everyone saw me as a symbol of wrath and death, but now that the universe was at peace, I could finally be vulnerable and relax.I was looking at the sky for a while until my cat sat on my chest and purred. I patted it, hugged it like a child, and kissed on its fur, expressing my love. I found him a few years ago. I visited a few planets on my way and the poor animal was living in the streets, feeding on scraps, his bones visible and fur dirty. I saw some alien kids playing sadistic games with it. I tortured them for seven days and seven nights and kept them alive. Their sanity was broken as well as their bodies. They paid for their savagery with their blood.I named the cat Pur because it liked to purr. I didn't give it much of a thought. The boy loved me and I fed it well. It turned from a skeleton to a slime-like being in just a few years and I felt glad.The dendro seed turned Earth into a paradise. However, it would take millions of years to develop life forms. I did not need mindless beasts anyway.I had been living like this for almost three decades and I loved it. I wandered aimlessly for hours or days, Pur running alongside me. I have seen countless ruins of the old earth. Old remnants of skyscrapers and stone monuments were covered with thick grass and were barely visible. Even continents were different. The cataclysmic event that tore the planet apart changed everything about it, but it brought peace. That was all that mattered to me. Humans survived. For a second, I felt anger. Weren't they the ones who destroyed the planet in the first place? Why was I glad? They would probably do the same thing in their new home. Montana wouldn't be able to control such a huge mass of people and they would doom themselves once again. Such was the nature of humans. And yet, I ordered their leader to seek out the lost people. It was my pity and need of doing good deeds that they have been gathered once again. If they would start massacring themselves, I would correct my mistake on my own. This time, there would be no survivors. No refugees and no slaves. Only corpses. It was a vow I made at that moment.The planet was quiet. The long-gone water flowed everywhere, thanks to me. Oceans have been restored. The moon was gone and it made the planet's gravity different, but it didn't matter to me. The wildlife was spreading at an unnatural rate, but even 25 years wasn't enough to cover an entire planet. Whenever I passed the oasis of plants, I saw orange fields of sand and ruins, or blue seas and oceans covering the horizon. Wherever I went I found silence. It didn't bore me. The noise I had heard for so long was gone and I felt at peace. The energies inside me were still and unmoving. I separated Tanoth's dark, demonic energy from the red, bloody flow and turned it into a new river. I didn't bother to test it out as I had no need. I had so much power I didn't even know how to use it, but it was useless. I never tried Cloning myself like Sun Wukong, I never tried controlling Zeus's deadly lightning or Buddha's matter manipulation. I never used Leonidas's wall of shields or the old man's Divine armor. I had no use of them. Those abilities were trivial to me. Cheap tricks. Why would I use them when I had a sword in my hand? I was a warrior, not a coward. I was a swordsman, not a trickster. The only weapon that I used with joy was the daggers of imminent death. It reminded me of my human self. When I was a mercenary and just a human, I used daggers because of my slim physique and speed. I wasn't a warrior back then. I was an assassin. A murderer. I wasn't ashamed of it back then, but at that moment I did. My human form was as slim as it once was. My true face was still young but not handsome. I was wearing ragged clothes and looked like a beggar. I didn't care. I was alone. I didn't feel shame because of who I really was. For once I felt love for myself. I found peace and appreciated my human self. I have endured so many things. I killed Mogtron, the god of blood. I ruled a ring of hell. I destroyed planets just to feed. I killed Olor, the incarnation of the universe itself. I killed Thor and Odin. I think I still have their weapons in my pocket space. Thor's hammer struck hard, indeed, but not hard enough to break me. And it cost the god his life. Buddha was a tough opponent. His power transcended reality and I am still impressed by him. Too bad that he also died by my sword. I still remember my first fight with Michael. He was the only one who surpassed my swordsmanship. In fact, he left me in the dust. The angel was smiling as he reached down his hand to help me stand up and I refused. I was so arrogant and foolish. I didn't appreciate the man. I didn't know he would become my best friend.I was sitting on the grass at the edge of a green field which looked down on a sea when I heard a loud noise overhead. I looked up and saw a strangely shaped spaceship hovering above me. It passed by my head and flew over the sea. I stood up and stared at it in puzzlement. Who were they? Who dared to disturb my peace?As if the ship felt my gaze, it stopped mid-air, its engines roaring as it turned around and flew in my direction. I kept staring at it as it landed nearby. it wasn't an imperial vessel, that was sure. No one would dare to come here without my permission, and I was damn sure that I wouldn't give that to anyone, be it a god or a mortal. I came here for peace and whoever disturbed it would pay the price.The vessel's lasting pistons dug into the ground to steady it. A metal platform landed on the green ground and I saw strangely shaped humanoid creatures. They held some kind of alien rifles, barrels pointed at me. I felt no fear. I gave them no pleasure as much as to flinch and kept staring at the armored warriors. Their helmets showed no emotions."Who are you?" I asked, My voice still unused to me. It was weak and toneless. Nothing like an angel's roaring and melodic sounds.A being in the center surrounded by four alien warriors stepped in front. He was wearing purple metal armor. It removed its helmet and showed its blue, ugly skin. The creature had lizard-like features, its eyes wide and green. His skull was shaped like a triangle and his mouth was weird, to say the least. It was a disturbing sight.- Hello. - the creature said, Its voice even more disturbing than his appearance. - I am Plote, the commander of the eighth battle squad. We are of the Pukeles race, from Venus.- Why are you here? - I asked.- We were observing this planet. The sudden change of its atmosphere and now its ecology adaptation is astonishing. We wanted to conduct some sort of research and investigation to find out what caused such sudden change.- Is that all?- Yes. My warriors are here to ensure the safety first.- You may lower your weapons. There's nothing on this planet that will harm you.- And who might you be, sir? - said the creature and ordered his soldiers to put down their weapons. They complied but stood on standby.- I am its only inhabitant. My name is Harold. l am the reason for the planet's changes. If it's research you seek and not conflict, you are welcome here. Send your scientists and do whatever.I sat back on the ground. Pur was cautious, its fur spiked, but it stood nearby, looking at the newcomers. I heard how Plote barked out orders and noticed how they were obeyed. Soon the alien commander approached me. The cat hissed.- May I sit with you, Sir? - He asked politely.- You may. - I answered without looking.He sat on the ground while grunting, his armor making hissing sounds.- I apologize for threatening you earlier. It was just caution.- I understand. Besides, you cannot hurt me with those sticks.- Oh? You seem very confident in yourself. You didn't even flinch and I respect that.- You're here to ask me questions, not to flatter me, correct?- Yes. Well... - He sighed. - May I ask how did you terraform this planet?- Magic, my friend.- Magick?- Yes.- But it doesn't exist.- How so?- We, Pukeles, believe only in science and logic. No such thing as magick exists.- Do you think I lie?- I do.- it's up to you to believe whatever you wish, commander. It's about perspective. You most likely have never met magic users before.- We didn't.- Too bad. It's fascinating if used correctly.- And did you use it correctly?- I did. I brought life to this planet. When I arrived it was but a ball of deadly storm. Look around. It's fascinating when magic is used to create instead of destroying.- Yes, it is quite amazing. Our race spent hundreds of years while terraforming Venus, and you did it in a few decades. You are astonishing.- Thank you, commander. May I ask if you are part of the Empire?- Yes, we belong to the Pukeles Dynasty...- No, I mean the Empire.- huh?- You have never heard of it?- I'm not sure what you mean...- Ugh... It's nothing.We fell silent. Soldiers behind were talking to each other quietly. Pilots left their posts and stepped on the grass.- How long until your research team arrives? - I asked.- A few days, I suppose.- I will depart then. Please, do not disturb me with your spaceships, commander. For your own good.- I will most definitely try to do so, Harold.I nodded at him and walked towards the trees. Pur didn't follow me. It was still looking at the soldiers and hissed.- Come on, Pur. - I yelled. - Let's go home.The cat quickly ran in my direction and we both went inside the forest. We left the noisy aliens behind and rejoined the silence. Pur meowed loudly and yawned. It was probably hungry. We both walked an entire day so it was natural. My mortal stomach also reminded me that I was a human. It grumbled so after an hour of walking we sat down in the middle of the forest to eat. I was bringing the button of Emilia everywhere so I could go wherever I wished. My feet were exhausted. Pur was happy to grab a chunk of smoked beef. I summoned an ancient energetic drink and fried sausages with a plate and indulged myself.Pukeles were slow, to say the least. It took them 2 weeks to get their scientists to Earth. Their spaceships were loud and primitive. I decided to meet them. I was curious as to how advanced they actually were. Maybe I could help them to develop and suggest joining the Empire.I crossed the familiar forest and emerged onto the familiar green field on the ocean's side. A few alien Space crafts were sitting nearby, their engines finally dead and silent. The soldiers in the purple armor aimed their weapons at me."Hold! Identify yourself!" Screamed one of them."My name is Harold. Send Commander Plote my greetings." I said, not minding the threat."Don't move." Said the alien and talked in his vox-network. He was talking for a while until he finally finished the chatter. "Follow us, please." He said and walked away. The second soldier lowered his weapon and nodded at me. I returned the gesture and followed his comrade.We walked into a small camp made of soft metal plates and heavy blocks. It was primitive and practical, most likely for the army, though why Plote deployed so many warriors was beyond me. Did he not understand that there was no war to be fought there? Whatever the case, I would most certainly demand answers regarding this insolence.The soldiers escorted me toward a bigger, more advanced building made of shining blocks. Its design was alien and ugly. The mechanical door opened automatically and we went inside a bright corridor. There were no decorations or any signs of culture, only recycled air and a chilling breeze.Finally, we approached a green pressure door and the guards told me to wait. One of them went inside."Are you preparing for war?" - I asked the remaining warrior."No, sire. It's only caution.""An entire army camp is beyond caution.""I assure you, our commander has no ill intents, only love of his people.""Does not sound very convincing.""I am sure the lord commander will convince you better. I am nothing but a warrior. I'll leave the politics to the higher-ups."I chuckled. The guard reminded me of myself. I was nothing but a warrior once, just like him. I fought for the sake of killing. It was a shameful period of my life, but none can escape their past. No matter the level of regret, whatever you do shall not change.Soon the second guard returned along with Plote. He was wearing simple robes colored light blue instead of his polished armor and looked shorter. He had his golden sword sheathed on his lap."Harold, I'm glad you visited us." He spoke. The fact that he addressed me informally was still unfamiliar to me."Aye," I replied drily."Please, follow me. We can talk privately in my chambers."He dismissed the guards and guided me inside a wide chamber. It was decorated lightly with small furniture and a few weird, alien paintings on the wall. He pointed his finger to a sofa on the right side of the room. I sat without arguing, my mortal legs protesting so much activity. The sofa was soft and comfortable and I sank inside it, grunting with joy. Plote went towards a table at the center of the chamber and poured some kind of liquor from a silver jug into two blue goblets. He picked them up and walked in my direction, passing one of the full goblets."What is that?" I asked suspiciously."It's called Edride in our language. It's a mixture of our native fruits, juice if you will call it, but it can numb your brain if drunk too much.""It's alcohol..." I murmured, grabbed the goblet, and gulped the mixture. It was sweet and its aroma was exotic. " a fine thing, indeed." I added after a few seconds.Plote's face twisted in the form of a grotesque smile."Thank you for your kind words." He added."Now tell me, why did you bring so many warriors here?""I apologize for that, it's a sign of precaution. We are not the only ones who noticed the terraformation of this planet. The forces of Jupiter's moons have been seen moving suspiciously and I do not wish my men to be undefended on this planet.""Jupiter?""Yes. The Ghnomic race has occupied the rest of the solar system. I believe they are just looking for a reason to destroy us. They are primitive and aggressive, no better than Orks. I do not wish any of my warriors to suffer a fate as shameful as being their slave. I apologize for summoning this battalion to your domicile, Harold. I am sure you can understand me. You seem wise.""Aye, I understand. What have your scientists found?""Oh..." He gulped some Edride and continued. "The terraformation of this planet astonished them. Ever since the primitive humans left this place, it has been a poisonous ball of gasses. We tried to terraform it on our own multiple times, but our technology proved to be inefficient and primitive. They still cannot solve this mystery.""What mystery?""The terraformation.""Didn't I tell you how it happened?""I do not believe in Magick, Harold.""You better start doing so.""My entire life has been founded on cold logic, statistics, and equations. I believe that you lied to me.""And I said you can believe whatever you wished.""Yes, you did. Whatever the reason behind this, we need to study it."His stubbornness irritated me."Do you need me to prove myself?" I asked."Pardon?""Magic. Do you need proof that it actually exists?""Harold, please. Let's just speak the truth. What exactly happened here?"I stood up and summoned my divine form. I could feel how I grew in size and my body started shining. The slender human shape disappeared and a glorious, beautiful form of a god appeared in front of the alien. It was a good feeling to transform after so much time and I smiled.Plote looked up at me in fear and puzzlement, his brain unable to understand what happened right in front of his eyes. His fingers failed and the goblet in his hand fell on the ground, its contents spilling."I do not pity the ignorant but do not be stubborn, Plote. "I spoke. My voice was melodic and deep." There are things in the universe that the cold logic cannot explain. It's certainly easier to assume that there are no forces that can defy the laws of physics. I can understand. I was a mortal once. A primitive human, as you mentioned. I looked up in the sky and wished that there were forces that I couldn't comprehend. I wanted them to notice me, to show themselves and help me, but they never came. The cold logic helps, but live long enough and you shall see that the universe is too vast. Mysteries and powers are hiding in the darkness, but be at peace, for I came from the light."The alien fell to his knees, bewildered and amazed. I took the goblet he dropped and controlled the liquid on the floor, cleansed it, and returned it to the goblet."Let us drink, my friend." I gulped down the liquid. "For I seek no war."Plote stood up slowly, his hand at the top of the hilt of his sword. I smirked at his primitive instinct of violence. All the living things feared the unknown and wished to destroy it. Even me. I remembered about the external forces of the multiverse once again. I thought about how Michael changed my mind back then and smiled."You do not need your sword," I told him. "If I wanted to do you harm, you would be long gone."I transformed back into a human and sat back on the sofa behind me. The sensation of the divine form was gone and the mortal shell irritated me for a while."What are you?" He asked me after a few minutes."A God," I replied."Gods do not exist.""Plote. Do you assume that you know everything about the universe?""No.""Then how do you know?""I...""You.""They just do not exist.""Then what am I?""I do not know.""What do you call a god?""An extremely powerful being beyond mortal understanding.""Here I am. I terraformed the planet, hence I am a god.""This cannot be...""Why?""Did my ancestors lie?""What did they teach you?""That there are no higher forces, be it spirits, gods, or demons. That there is only vast, cold space and planets that await us to illuminate.""Propaganda.""Why would they lie?""Because they were ignorant. It's difficult to meet a god. Not everyone can believe in a being which they haven't seen with their own eyes.""And why did you come here if you are a god?""To rest.""Rest?""Yes.""If you are so powerful as you say, why do you need to rest?""I have my reasons.""This is far too much to understand at once.""You must be glad that you saw the first god and you are alive. Not all of us are friendly.""There are more like you?""Like me? No. I am the highest one. There were pathetic beings called gods all across the universe but they are dead.""Dead?""Yes.""How?""I killed them all.""Why?""because I wanted to.""And you call yourself kind?""Ah, the shell of ignorance that covers your mind! I enjoy piercing it little by little."Plote didn't respond. He looked at me with stone determination."Yes, commander," I spoke once again and smiled. "I indeed am kind when compared to the gods I have seen. I experienced all forms of pain and anguish. You cannot begin to comprehend what kind of grotesque beings I have seen right here, on the soil of Earth many years ago. Demons are real. I've seen them, killed them, And I am one of them. I've been to hell and back. I Conquered it. Believe me, Plote. There are many things in the universe you cannot understand. Do not bother. I bring the light of illumination. Accept it. You can become my loyal subject.""Loyal subject?" His choler rose. "What are you saying?""You can take me as your god.""No.""Why so? Haven't you seen what I am?""You are a mortal, aren't you?""Partly.""I do not believe in such a god. You are right in front of me and you can bleed, cannot you?"I leaned forward and looked him in his ugly face."Just try and make me, Plote." I grinned with a humorless smile. "Try to lay your finger on me and your entire race will perish.""What do you want, really?""I want your people to see the truth.""And what is the truth? Whatever you say?""I only speak the truth.""How should I know that?""How should I prove it?""Show me. What secrets does the universe hold?""You will not like it. You better take my words as a promise.""Show me." He said firmly.I smiled. He was a determined fellow and I respected his courage. I summoned the divine form on my hand and used it to show Plote my memories. I picked out the worst ones. He saw the rings of hell, Lucifer and Baal, Mogtron and Tzeelor. He saw squads of angels and Michael. He saw the divine armor of the old man, its brilliance stretching over countless galaxies and he saw magical beings of all kinds, be it a dragon or elves. He fell on the floor by his knees, his fragile mind overwhelmed. His cheeks were covered in sticky liquid that I could only assume were tears. I poured a bit more Edrid and sipped it, the alcohol making me a bit dizzy. I smiled at the weeping commander and gulped down the goblet's contents."That is but a fraction of the things I have seen," I told the broken creature. "I didn't lie, Plote.""Why would my ancestors hide this?" He asked."Ask them," I spoke sarcastically."This is too much." He said and stood up, his entire body shaking."I know. But you deserve to know the truth. You are a good person, Plote. Ignorance helps sometimes, but if a god knocks on your doors, you cannot say that it does not exist. The universe is vast. I killed almost all of the gods, but nobody knows where are the rest of them hiding. If they will come here and ask you to follow them, I want you to know that I'm the true god and only I offer the truth and salvation."He didn't say anything. He looked at me with an empty expression."And what should I do?" He asked. "I only command a battle squad.""I didn't request anything else rather than accepting me, Plote. Do not be ignorant and I will protect you if there will be need. What did you call them? Gnomes?""Ghnomes?""Yes. If they will start a war, I shall be on your side. If you will need guidance, I shall be here. I need you to understand that magic is real, there are gods out there and I am the only one you can trust."He sighed and sat next to me on the sofa."I came here to investigate a geographical and biological miracle, I never expected to find a god." He whispered."I know. I took a quest to exterminate bandits once, but I found demons. Life can take an unexpected turn sometimes, but do not be afraid."He didn't say anything. He was gripping the hilt of his sword nervously."May I see that?" I asked, pointing at the sword.He shrugged and unsheathed the golden sword. It was a fine blade, sharp and light, its balance was incredible."A good sword." I praised it."Thank you. It's a gift from the General. I fought long and hard to deserve such a gift.""My allies deserve better than this," I added as I opened the pocked space and pulled the Fang of Leviathan, the legendary sword made by a Fang of the Kraken. It was yellow as gold but didn't shine as much, its blade was as sharp as a razor. It was light and delicate, the hilt made with silver and had an emerald gem on it. I passed it to Plote. He took it by its hilt and admired the craftsmanship of the venerable weapon."Use it well," I spoke. "But do not use it needlessly. I hate when innocent blood is spilled."He nodded at me with respect and stood up. He swung the sword skillfully a few times to test it out. A smile covered his features."This is a good sword." He commented and swung it at the table. The sharp blade sliced metal like butter and the tip even scratched the floor until Plote stopped its advance. He was amazed."It's a bit too sharp. Be careful with it." I reminded him and tossed his golden sword at him. He caught it and sheathed it in his carved scabbard at his hip. "When will you finish your investigation?""I do not know. I just let the scientist go crazy trying to understand what exactly happened here. Telling them that a god terraformed it using magic is far worse. It's just a matter of time until they give up.""Just give them this." I tossed a dendro seed at him. He caught it awkwardly."What is this?""The reason why this place turned green.""It's just a seed.""A magical seed.""I'm not even surprised anymore.""You get used to a lot of things sometimes. Do you have more Edride saved?""Of course. Did you like it?""Yes, it's been a while since I last got drunk.""I will dispatch a few soldiers and they can carry a few tanks of the drink to your shelter.""That would be good." I stood up awkwardly, the room was spinning because of the alcohol. "I will drink to death.""Can you even die?""No. At least not when I am using my divine form. This human shell is weak, but it offers certain emotions and temptations that I have long forgotten.""How old are you, exactly?""I'm not sure. A few million years have passed ever since I picked up the sword but I have stopped counting exact years a long time ago. Live long enough and you won't even care about your own age, Hah!" The alcohol was making me needlessly talkative."A few million years?" He gasped."Yeah." I tried to walk but still fell on the sofa. Plote rushed to me."Are you alright?" He asked hurriedly."Yeah, it's just the damn Edride," I replied. "Bring more.""Are you sure?""Yes. That shit is delicious."Plote nodded at me and left the chamber. I was sitting on the sofa and staring at the wall in front of me. Then I started crying and the tears didn't seem to stop. All the pain and anguish I went through pushed on my shoulders at once and it broke me. I shed tears and wept uncontrollably until the Commander returned with a fresh jug. He gasped when he saw me in such a condition and hurriedly placed the drink on the table."Harold, what's wrong?" He asked with concern in his voice."It's just the damn alcohol," I screamed and dried my eyes with a rag. "It's always making me look pathetic. Pour it, Plote.""I'm not sure that's a great idea...""Pour the drink," I screamed. He didn't budge."How about you sleep for a while?""Sleep? Why?""Maybe it will help you right now. Lay down and close your eyes, Harold. It will pass. The Edride is a good drink but when consumed too much its effects are terrible."I didn't say anything. I felt so vulnerable back then that I would gladly execute myself because of the weakness I've shown. I just laid on the sofa and relaxed. Plote stepped back and observed me carefully. "Don't kill me in my sleep or I'll kill you," I murmured."Don't worry. Just sleep." Plote replied quietly.I closed my eyes. The oblivion swept me and I fell into a deep sleep. I had strange dreams, indeed. I have seen some kind of monsters I'd never seen. They were grotesque, ugly, and alien things, probably born in hell itself, if not worse. They looked like twisted versions of insects, grown in size a hundredfold and made much more disgusting. And I have seen countless swarms of them. I could see a black crack in space and these things poured out of it in millions, if not in trillions. I've seen colossal spaceships that looked alive, with mouths, wings, and tentacles that breathed and consumed. I could feel how I started sweating in my sleep. Was this just a drunken dream? Imagination? I couldn't understand any of it. Why would I see these things in my sleep?The dream took me to an unknown planet, its atmosphere clean, oceans blue, and ground green. Then the creatures from the crack came. I saw such terrible bloodshed and butcher I almost vomited in my sleep. Me? Being disgusted by a slaughter? It may seem impossible after everything I've seen. I wouldn't believe my words myself if I didn't dream about what the twisted creatures did to innocent beings. They hacked, tore, devoured, and ripped bodies like a scythe cuts wheat. An entire population of the planet was gone in a matter of days. The bodies of the living beings were consumed. Even trees and oceans were not spared. The grotesque things devoured everything with their tentacled tubes which sucked all the biological matter inside their living spaceships. I wanted the dream to end, but it didn't seem to happen. I just watched these things devour planets one by one, slaughtering and consuming everything, until Ramael appeared. Titanic battleships appeared in the void with the marks of the holy army of Angels. The Legion arrived. I felt anticipation even in my sleep. A tall, slender figure of the Emperor's prefect appeared in front of the creatures, his golden battle armor glowing like a sun, his wings emanating the yellowish aura of hope and love, but it was threatening for the creatures. Ramael's perfect features showed indescribable rage toward the grotesque things. His holy sword itched for the death of the murdering monsters.Behind him a thousand angels appeared, all fully armed in the holy gear, their eyes shining with rage. A huge battle was about to come.The swarms of creatures turned their ships and faced the Mighty Legion. They went forward without any strategy, but their numbers were their advantage. A thousand angels against a billion monsters of unknown origin.The fight was about to begin. Ramael put his sword up, pointing it at the aliens, swooped his wings, and flew in his opponent's direction, his Legion following him in good, disciplined order. The prefect was about to clash with the first creature when suddenly the dream ended and I opened my eyes to see Plote standing in front of me. I was still lying on the sofa. My entire body was numb and my head hurt like it was about to burst."What?" I asked blatantly."Harold, I need your help.""What help?""The Ghnomes. They are here.""A war?""No, but possibly yes. They came here for negotiations. They want to colonize a part of this planet and do not want us to get in their way.""Colonise?" I suddenly sobered up and looked at Plote with rage. "What nonsense are you spouting?""I tried to explain that it was a bad idea and the planet already has an owner. Also, I'm here by the name of the Pukeles dynasty and I cannot just let them do what they want. We need you to explain that they have no right to claim this land.""I will explain them that!" I roared and summoned my Divine form. Fresh strength flowed inside my body and I stood up. "How dare they assume that they can just colonize this place?""They are the strongest race in this system. Even if they dared, no one would be able to stop them." He looked up at me in fear."Bring your sword, Plote. You might need it." I said grimly and strode out of the chamber. Soldiers in the corridor looked at me with fear and pointed their weapons at me."Put down your weapons, fools!" Plote roared.The soldiers looked at each other and their commander in confusion."This man is my guest," Plote added. "If he will be harmed, I shall have your head on a plate."They finally complied and cleared the way. I was impressed by Plote's talk, but I didn't have time to express it. We just followed the corridor and went outside the building. I could hear the harsh, stinky breath of the alien beings apart from the Pukeles. They were different, less cultured, and more aggressive by the first look. My super vision helped me to see the creatures that were a few hundred meters away. They wore green, practical, and polished armor and they were tall and muscular. Their green skin looked like an Ork's but was even more disgusting. Their voice was like a wet cough. A few soldiers followed Plote in a good formation and we strode toward the Ghnomes.I could see their brutal-looking, junky spaceship seemingly made with scraps of metal but armed well. Seems like the Pukeles took their guests to a medium-sized building and now they were having a feast.We walked directly in the building's direction. Soldiers and mere scientists gasped while seeing my divine form. My face was sculpted and perfect, every feature of it was soft and gentle. My long, beautiful blonde hair was swinging at every step I took as if I were walking in a strong breeze. My body was strong and perfect in every aspect. I was taller than most mortal beings. The shape of my shoulders and chest were a dream of all warriors, and my simple, silk robes that I summoned along with the divine robes barely contained the bulky, muscular figure within. I didn't carry any weapon. There was no need for me to do so. I had so many abilities I could use that even the strongest gods would tremble in fear. I never fought like a god or a magician. I never used my power wisely. I used it to kill and kill and kill some more. I was a primitive-minded fool with only three needs: to kill, to absorb, and to repeat the same. Those were simple times for me, but it was over. I should have been better. Smarter.Eventually, we reached the building ahead. We entered a tall corridor without any decorations whatsoever. It looked obvious that the Pukeles camp was in the stages of development and they didn't care much about the decorations and aesthetics of the battalion's camp.We passed a few corridors, turned left and right, and approached an iron-pressure door. Plote commanded the soldiers around us to stay outside. I could read their thoughts. They were glad not to be in the presence of the stinky creatures and I could understand them. My nose was protesting to feel such a stench. The pressure door opened and we entered a wide hall. A big, round iron table was on the Right side of the chamber. The Ghnomes were sitting there, mercilessly devouring the food that they were granted by their hosts. They looked at me with interest, some of them opened their mouths in amazement and their throat released such smell I almost vomited. Their eyes were pitch black, and their green ears were spiky like Elves, but they were just disgusting imitations of the old being's beauty. They were short even while sat down and were wearing oily, ugly armor. They stopped eating and turned their attention to us."Please, be careful with your choice of words," Plote advised quietly."I will," I promised."Gentlemen," The commander started loudly. "As I promised, I brought the owner of this planet.The green creatures looked at me with grotesque smiles."I believe you might want to repeat what you requested earlier," Plote added."Run home, princess." One of the creatures yelled and made a burbling noise that I could only assume was a laugh.I swallowed the insult with a huge effort and smiled softly."This is my home now, creature," I spoke. My voice easily passed through an entire hall. "I don't know why you came here and what exactly you wanted, but coming here with your battleships and then insulting me isn't a very good choice from your side."The creatures around the table laughed. Their ugly features twisting like a demon's ass. Their teeth were yellow and rotten."We came here to conquer, human."One of them rumbled. "I don't know how you managed to settle down this ball of poison but thank you for that. Now we have even more space to build ships and tanks.""What space?" I said with a threatening smile. "Where do you see a free land on this planet? It's all mine.""Are you dumb, human?" Another of the creatures spoke. "We are going to kill all of you if you won't run away while we still tell you to.""How are you going to do that, exactly?"The creature who spoke the last smiled humorlessly, pulled his blaster pistol from his belt and shot me. A red beam of energy didn't seem to even move in my perception. I just deflected it with a little movement of my index finger. The creatures gasped and stood up, their junky swords and blasters at the ready. The Pukeles soldiers also took a martial stance, their swords were bare and their ranged weapons found their target easily. Plote unsheathed the Fang of Leviathan, his hand gripping its hilt as if his life depended on it. The room was filled with tension and a single spark could send it to oblivion."Hardly a smart strategy," I spoke like nothing happened. "Go home, creatures. You do not belong here.""We do what we want to do." A creature spat."Ugh..." I sighed. "Do you have a leader or you are just like an animal horde? Who can I speak to?""You can speak to Me." Said a disgusting creature and laughed."And me," said another one."And me," yet another one assumed that they were the leader."Ugh..." I sighed again, this time out of frustration. "I would rather have wise enemies than to have you as my allies. Not like it will ever happen. You're like bugs that I can crush under my feet. Why don't you just use your simple brains and piss off?" I started with almost a whisper and finished with an angelic roar. The Ghnomes trembled, but they didn't seem to bulge. That was it, then. The disgusting creatures would die. I would most definitely enjoy doing so.""Harold," Plote whispered. "What do we do?""Do we have a choice?" I asked and smiled.One nervous Ghnomes opened fire, most likely by accident, and wounded a Pukeles warrior."Kill them all!" Shouted Plote and ran in the green creature's direction, his sword shining like the sun.The battle was short but bloody. Many died. I didn't interfere. In the middle of the bloodshed, I heard the loud thudding of the Ghnomes battleship engines which came back to life. Seems like they were planning to run away or bombard the Pukeles camp altogether. It would not happen while I drew a breath.I ran faster than lightning across the corridor, beings around me not even able to see me as a blur. I was outside the building in an instant. The ship was not in the air, but the creatures were making preparations quickly. They would not escape.The guards saw me from afar and started blasting me with their pathetic weapons. I easily dodged using my speed and I appeared in front of one of the warriors. He gasped out of surprise. It was the last sound the green creature ever made as I punched it in the chest. It ripped the poor thing apart, making a green mist of blood and a rain of stinking flesh. Another one fired at me, but my skin deflected the blow without a single scratch. I summoned the magical lightning of Zeus with my fingertips, creating a bolt so powerful that my attacker was first fried to death, and then its body exploded because of the deadly amount of energy it absorbed. There were still a dozen more warriors around the ship. They were trying to take cover behind cargo boxes and containers, nothing could hide from me. I made a shining whip using the magical lightning and swung it with ease. It split the metal container and the green creature which was hiding behind it in two. The stench of fried meat filled my nostrils and I sighed. This was disgusting.My whip screamed a few more times and claimed a few victims, their bodies dismembered and burnt utterly. Then I summoned the Golden Staff of Sun Wukong, the mythical weapon of the Monkey King. I never used it before, but I absorbed not only the flesh of the puny god, but his knowledge and experience, so I could fight with this weapon as well as he could. The Staff could expand or shrink as much as I wanted and it could hit as hard as a mountain. This, combined with my immeasurable physical strength which could only be defined by how hard I actually tried to destroy my enemy, made a deadly combination, probably an overkill, but I would still enjoy killing these primitive beasts. I felt shame for a while. I was about to use the strength that could shatter planets without any effort against mere warrors, but I stopped thinking about it and indulged in the fight.I ran toward the first Ghnome with the speed of Hermes and struck it in the head with the golden staff. The creature's head just disappeared and a fountain of green, stinky blood took its place. The shockwave of the strike sent a wave of air that made other warriors flinch. That was the only opening I needed. I extended the golden staff greatly, increasing its length but not its width, and I swooped the weapon across the battlefield. Cargo boxes and creatures were tossed away like toys and they flew toward the alien ship, crashing into its hull with screams of terror. A few soldiers were left, but they couldn't shoot anymore. Their pathetic attempts to find some kind of cover and open a coordinated volley of fire brought a smile to my face.I jumped in the air and went flying downwards, staff pointed at a Ghnome. The impact shook the surroundings, the ground cracked and the warrior turned into a pull of blood and flesh. Other warriors lost their balance because of the monstrous impact and fell to the ground. I summoned a few small bolts of lightning in my fingers and shot them like bullets with my index finger. Despite their size, these bolts dealt tremendous damage to the fallen warriors, entire chunks were torn away from their bodies, and armor and green blood were spilled mercilessly.Suddenly, the spaceship started lifting in the air. All the defenders were dead and I looked up at their pathetic attempt to survive with a smile. I led them to fly a few meters into the air, giving them false hope that they would go back home alive until I summoned a huge bolt of lightning from the clouds above which struck the space vessel. The explosion was enormous and loud, its primitive interfaces overloading with so much electric energy, Ghnomes burning to crisp because of the heat and fire that the explosion of the fuel engines caused. I looked in the air as the ship blew up to pieces and crashed into the ocean with a smile. I missed the action. Rest was good and enjoyed it, but nothing could replace the thrill of battle in my life, the adrenaline rush I felt while fighting opponents was irreplaceable and I would keep fighting and killing. I could not leave it behind. I didn't want to. I was born to fight and I would continue to do so. Squads of Pukeles came running outside the building, their armor stained with green blood. Plote was helping one of the wounded to walk, the blade I gave him was painted green. He noticed the destruction I caused and smiled in terror. I walked in his direction, my hands still flickering with the power of lightning. The Golden Staff was in my right hand. It shrunk to its original size."How did it go?" I asked him as the apothecaries took the wounded from his hands and he finally breathed out."Well..." He started and looked around. "Not as well as this. Are there any survivors?""No. They are all dead.""What about the ship?""It sunk deep in the ocean.""Good," He sighed. "No, this is not good. This is the declaration of war.""They declared it when they acted childish and dumb. Do not blame yourself.""It happened under my supervision. I was supposed to keep the peace. This was supposed to be a peaceful expedition, not a bloodshed!" "It is not your fault...""It is!" He screamed."It is not. It was my fault. Blame me if you want.""You saved a lot of people. Their battleship would turn this place into a living hell with their guns.""And a lot more will die because of me.""What do we do? Should I request a truce? Should I return to Venus? I am lost.""Truce? No. We will kill them all. Let them come with all their power. They will lose.""How are you so sure? You do not know how much power they actually hold. Their fleet Is more vast and well-equipped than ours. We will lose this war.""Plote," I smiled."What?""Remember what I promised?""That you would help us?""Exactly.""But still, can we beat them?""We will destroy them.""I should go back to Venus and let the council know about this.""I am coming with you.""They will not like all of this.""What will they do? Become slaves? They will fight. They have to.""Pukeles do not like wars. We want peace. If a truce is possible, they will use this opportunity. It's still not too late.""Is your race made out of cowards?""No! We are pacifists!""Another word for a coward. Peace cannot be maintained if you have such an aggressive race dwindling into the same star system as yours. We need to destroy them. Didn't you see? They didn't give you a choice. Either you would run away or they would kill you. If I wasn't here, would you comply?""I do not want any of my warriors to die.""What about your honor? Would you be proud to say to your kind that you ran away from a battle to maintain peace?""Screw my honor. I want no one to die.""You will all eventually die. Do you not want to live your life to your fullest and in the end say that you were a brave and honorable man?""Me? It doesn't matter what I want...""Why not?""I serve my people and not myself. I am a commander.""It's alright to have ambitions. It helps you to grow. This war cannot be avoided. Let's tell your council that it's alright to protect your people if it means to make war. It's necessary. Bloodshed is inevitable." He fell silent and looked around. Soon he shouted for his soldiers to gather around him. Soon a few dozen armed soldiers circled us."My brothers!" He started loudly. "The fools of Jupiter came here to make us retreat willingly just like they did on Mars. You all know Ghnomes and their hunger for battle, but today blood was shed. The Blood of our battle brothers. My ally here suggests I go against all of my teachings and principles and make war upon the Greenskins. What do you say, soldiers? I want to know your opinion. I cannot lead you into a war without knowing what do you think about it. Should we take this matter to council and suggest them to avenge our fallen brothers or should we retreat as we always did?" The men around fell silent for a while until one of them spoke."Ghnomes cannot be reasoned with. They will not want peace after... This." He pointed to the battlefield around him. "They will come in the number of millions. They will murder our families. Our children and wives. They will wipe us out of the face of Venus if we don't fight back!" The soldiers cheered as one in agreement."Your soldiers are tired of running away, commander," I spoke to Plote. "They are trained to fight and to spill blood. Let them." Plote looked at me in confusion first. The Soldiers kept cheering, calling for revenge and battle. "Aye," He finally whispered. "Pack your things, Soldiers. We are going home. We will join our brothers and sisters and make war on the stinking Ghnomes so great that they will never forget it! We will avenge our fallen brothers and murder them all!" Soldiers roared with joy, their excitement physically visible. I smiled. This little, pacifist race would dominate this solar system and they would be under my wing. I wouldn't support Ghnomes even if they begged. My hands itched to rip them apart over and over again. Soon I would do so as well. We were going to Venus. We would start war and we would win.