A rush of exhilaration surged through Ethan, electrifying his senses. The sound of his heartbeat drummed powerfully in his ears as he breathed in the reality of Delios's words. He could almost taste the latent power on his tongue, a heady mixture of authority and fear, thrilling yet overwhelming. He was about to command an army—an army of mythical beings in a fantastical world.
His gaze wandered across the expansive landscape, now perceived with an entirely different perspective. Every rustling leaf echoed with the promise of warriors hidden amongst its foliage, every whispering wind carrying the oath of unseen soldiers pledging their loyalty.
Drawing in a deep breath, Ethan clenched his fists at his sides, bracing against the surging power that swelled within him. His heart pounded with anticipation as the first tremors of connection sparked to life—a hot wire threading itself from him to countless others.
"Arise," he commanded, his voice echoing through the quiet forest as though resonating from the very heavens themselves. His tone was authoritative yet calm—a reflection of his complex persona—commanding attention without demanding it.
Suddenly, he felt them stirring—the Delios army. Their dormant consciousness awakened one by one, responding to their new leader's call with a fierce surge of loyalty. It was like a thousand points of light flashing into existence within him—a constellation painting a picture of unity and strength on the canvas of his mind.
As he looked up, he saw them manifest before him—figures materializing from thin air, clad in shimmering attire that reflected sunlight into a dazzling spectacle. Their collective power filled the air around him; it was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.
The army bowed in sync, their collective might presenting itself at Ethan's command. Behind their eyes sparkled a steadfast resolve that echoed back to him through their connection—each one prepared to follow him into the unknown realms and beyond.
Amidst the majestic expanse of Havenwood, Ethan Blake, the financial prodigy reborn in a fantastical realm, stood tall. Leading a legion of mythical warriors, he felt the weight of destiny upon his shoulders. A surge of power coursed through him, igniting a fierce determination to forge a path of justice in this uncharted world.
"Vanish!" Ethan's command echoed through the forest as the army vanished into shadows at his bidding. With a gaze fixed on his outstretched hand, he harnessed the newfound might pulsating within him. Suddenly, a ferocious gust slashed towards him with deadly intent. In a dance of agility and grace, Ethan evaded the attack with seamless precision.
A thunderous voice reverberated in Ethan's consciousness, "Rolan." The name resonated like an ominous prophecy, hinting at unseen forces converging on their fates.
"Rolan? Do you know him, Delios?" Ethan's gaze locked onto a young man approaching. "I sense my master's power, but he's not here. I'm puzzled. How do you carry the aura of the Crimson God?" Rolan halted, fixing Ethan with a piercing stare. "Who is he?" Ethan inquired of Delios. His mind raced for answers.
"Rolan is one of my seven lieutenants; though the weakest, do not underestimate him. Each lieutenant wields power at the level of a Demon Lord," Delios explained as Ethan absorbed the information. Stepping up to face Rolan head-on, Ethan introduced himself firmly, "I am Ethan. Today, I have assumed the mantle of the Crimson God – his power and forces are now mine. And from what I gather, you once served as one of his trusted lieutenants." His voice resonated with confidence and authority, setting the stage for an intense confrontation to unfold.
Rolan's laughter echoed through the clearing, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You appear rather fragile for the challenge ahead," he taunted, swift as a shadow drawing his twin daggers. With a flick of his wrists, razor-sharp wind blades sliced the air towards Ethan with blinding speed. Yet, to Ethan, time seemed to stretch, each movement deliberate and calculated. Evading the lethal assault with graceful ease, he blurred into motion, materializing behind Rolan in a heartbeat.
"Cease this futile assault," Ethan's voice resonated with an otherworldly power that shook the very ground beneath them. His aura surged ominously, crackling with latent energy. "I advise you to reconsider your actions before consequences become dire."
Rolan dramatically sheathed his daggers, flashing a grin. "Well, well, well, looks like I underestimated you," he quipped with a twinkle in his eye. "I mean, who knew my master had such skills?" With a theatrical flourish, he plopped down on the ground, crossing his legs like a zen warrior in training. "Oh, by the way," Rolan added casually, "I may have let slip to the other seven lieutenants that we're having a little party here. So... surprise guests incoming!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow at Rolan's antics. "You're one odd duck, you know that?" he remarked before strolling off towards the house. As he passed by the warehouse, the magic circle suddenly lit up like a neon sign at a wizard rave. "Ah-ha! Finally decided to wake up, huh?" Ethan teased with mock surprise. "Of course it activates now. Can't have our fancy protection circle slacking off on the job." Just then, Delios chimed in with a snarky comment in Ethan's mind.
"After your transformation, you've become quite the talker, Delios," Ethan remarked as he strolled ahead, gesturing for Rolan to join them indoors. "Well, I am an all-powerful deity confined in mortal form in a whole other realm," Delios retorted with a touch of arrogance resonating in Ethan's mind.
Entering through the backdoor simultaneously as the front doors swung open, Ethan and Rolan found themselves face to face with Gaia. Her serene expression twisted in confusion as she beheld Ethan's transformed appearance. "What... happened?" she uttered, her voice tinged with bewilderment. "And why am I no longer sensing the Global Banker?" Ethan approached her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "A lot has transpired. The simplest explanation is that I have ascended to godhood, and you now embody the entirety of the Global Banker role. Henceforth, all tasks of the Global Banker NPC systems are yours," he elucidated.
Gaia attentively listened as Ethan detailed the changes and outlined how their new dynamic would function, including discussions about the burgeoning army under their command. As their conversation unfolded seamlessly, they decided to adjourn upstairs to delve deeper into matters within the confines of the study room.
Ethan strode into the room, his gaze sharp and purposeful as he took a seat. "Allow me to introduce Rolan. From this day forth, he shall be one of our esteemed Lieutenants in the Crimson Army," Ethan announced with a nod towards Rolan, who greeted Gaia warmly.
"We have six more Lieutenants on their way. Let's discuss our next steps," Ethan continued, his tone grave as he addressed Gaia and Rolan. "My plan is to claim rulership over Havenwood, establishing it as the stronghold of the Crimson Kingdom."
Gaia stepped forward, her serene expression tinged with curiosity. "But Havenwood already has a ruler. How do you intend to handle that?" she inquired, seeking clarity on the matter.
"He has a simple choice: yield the kingdom to me willingly or face the consequences by force. A guild of such influence without a kingdom to align with will only breed future complications," Ethan explained patiently, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
After a thorough discussion and deliberation, Gaia acquiesced. "Very well, I understand," she conceded, acknowledging Ethan's command. "Let us use this time to rally our forces and forge alliances within the guild before we set our sights on claiming this village as our own sovereign domain," Ethan declared resolutely as he rose from his seat and gazed out of the window ahead.
*Present day*
"Starting today, I shall assume the mantle of leadership in this village," Ethan declared firmly before rising from his seat and exiting the room. Seraphina's voice trembled slightly as she contemplated the weight of the impending change, "This will alter everything; I must swiftly journey back to my kingdom and deliver this proclamation to my father." Her form gracefully knelt, uncertainty clouding her thoughts as she pondered her father's potential reaction. The realization dawned upon her that she would return empty-handed, without an army, bearing news of a formidable new realm capable of dismantling their entire kingdom.
*Year: 18900, Month: February Day: Tuesday Afternoon*