As Ethan and Kyogan moved silently through the dense forest the moonlight filtering through the canopy to dapple their path. The distant cries of nocturnal creatures echoed through the cool night air but Ethan's mind was far from calm. Beneath his composed demeanor he was consumed by intricate schemes and strategies.
"Kyogan"Ethan said breaking the silence,his voice was low but commanding. "What do you know of the demons that remain,where have they scattered?"
Kyogan hesitated for a moment before lowering his gaze. "My lord since your defeat and injury at the hands of Yoriichi chaos has consumed the demons. Some have descended into madness hunting recklessly without care for survival. Others have hidden in seclusion fearing both the Demon Slayers and the Sun. A few though still harbor ambitions but without leadership their strength is scattered and directionless."
Ethan nodded absorbing the information."Then we must begin the process of gathering them,i cannot afford to waste time dealing with weaklings.We will target the strong first those with potential to serve as lieutenants in my empire. Do you have anyone in mind?"
Kyogan's third eye glimmered faintly
opening slightly."There is one my lord a demon who calls herself Azara she is known for her cunning and ruthlessness and her Blood Demon Art: Serpent's Embrace which allows her to summon venomous serpents made of her blood,creatures that have claimed even the strongest Demon Slayers."
"Azara" Ethan mused rolling the name across his tongue"Where can I find her?
Kyogan:"My lord she was last seen in the northern province deep within a mountain cave system. The air there reeks of poison few who enter ever return."
Ethan smirked"Perfect let us pay her a visit but first..." He extended a hand toward Kyogan whose expression faltered.
"My lord?"Kyogan asked his voice uncertain.
"I will ensure your loyalty,"Ethan said
his tone taking no argument."You are skilled but trust is earned not granted to solidify our bond i will embed a stronger Blood Hex within you a binding that leaves no room for betrayal.Do you object?"
Kyogan trembled slightly but bowed his head. "No my lord my life is yours to command."
Ethan extended his claw-like finger
piercing Kyogan's chest with surgical precision. Tendrils of crimson flesh surged into Kyogan weaving through his body like living threads. His tattoos glowed fiercely as the hex was infused into his very being.
"It is done,"Ethan said withdrawing his hand. "Now your loyalty is absolute, betrayal is no longer an option."
Kyogan clutched his chest his breath labored but his third eye gleamed with renewed determination. "Thank you my lord i will not fail you."
(At Azara's Lair)
Two nights later both Ethan and Kyogan stood before the entrance to a cavern nestled in the northern
mountains.The stench of decay hung thick in the air and scattered bones littered the ground. Faint pulses of poison emanated from within warning of the cave's dangers.
"She knows we're here" Ethan said calmly his crimson eyes glinting. "Good let her prepare."
They entered the cave as the darkness closed around them.Kyogan activated his Aura Map Ability a glowing
translucent representation of the cavern unfolding before them. "She's deeper inside my lord." he whispered
"But be cautious my lord her very venom has saturated the air. Prolonged exposure could weaken even a demon."
Ethan smirked "You underestimate me Kyogan."
As they delved deeper the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier.The walls seemed to writhe as faint hissing echoed from unseen corners. Finally
they emerged into a vast chamber
where Azara awaited them.
Reclining on a throne of coiled serpents Azara was both mesmerizing and menacing.Her scaled skin shimmered in the dim light as her slitted eyes glinting with malice. Crimson hair flowed around her like molten fire and venom dripped from her claws,sizzling as it hit the ground.
"Well well," Azara purred her voice like a serpent's hiss. "Who dares intrude upon my domain?"
Ethan stepped forward his presence radiating an undeniable aura of dominance.
"Azara" he said his tone laced with mock disappointment. "Don't tell me you've forgotten me already.It truly hurts me i really didn't think my subordinates would forget their creator so easily."
He paused his crimson eyes narrowing. "Let me make this simple Azara. I don't have time to waste either submit to me peacefully and you live or refuse and you'll perish tonight."
Azara threw her head back laughing a sound that echoed like the rattling of a hundred serpents."You my creator? The same creator who was humiliated by Yoriichi? What makes you think you have the right to command me now?"
Ethan's expression darkened a sinister smirk spreading across his face. "How amusing" he murmured. "I never expected my little demon Azara to talk back to me but your attempt at provoking me is entertaining if i might say so.Do you know why I'm not angry with you?"
Ethan turned slightly toward Kyogan his voice calm but sharp. "Tell me Kyogan would you be angry if an ant insulted you?"
Kyogan bowed his head slightly a faint smile on his lips understanding where this conversation was going. "No my lord an ant is far too insignificant to provoke my anger."
"Exactly"Ethan said while turning back to Azara his gaze piercing. "And that's what you are to me Azara an ant but you unlike an ant have the chance to live choose wisely."
Suddenly Azara's Serpent's lunged at Ethan their fangs dripping venom. Without hesitation Ethanextended his hand transforming it into a blade that sliced through the serpents with ruthless precision.
Azara's eyes widened in shock as she transformed into a massive serpent her scaled body coiling to strike. She lashed out with blinding speed her venomous fangs aiming for Ethan's throat.
But Ethan was faster he caught her jaws mid-strike,his strength utterly overwhelming hers. "Impressive," he said while tightening his grip, "but clearly not enough."
With a violent motion he slammed her into the ground,the sheer force cracking the cavern floor as Azara reverted to her humanoid form,
coughing up blood as she struggled to rise.
Ethan loomed over her suddenly he lowered his hand close to her face presenting a handshake."Submit to me Azara,serve me and I will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams refuse me and I will end you here and now."
Azara hesitated her pride warring with her survival instinct. Finally she bowed her head while shaking his arm. "I yield
my lord my venom,my serpents and my life they are all yours."
Ethan smiled satisfied. "Wise choice
Azara now rise together we will build an empire far beyond my former self's petty ambitions."
With Azara and Kyogan at his side
Ethan's influence spread rapidly over the following weeks they hunted down other demons using persuasion, strength and Blood Hexes to bind them to Ethan's will.
Having finnaly amass some power Ethaninitially established a structured hierarchy for his growing empire:
1. Lietenanats:Powerful demons like Azara and Kyogan each with unique abilities and bound by strong Blood Hexes.
2. Enforcers:Lesser demons tasked with enforcing Ethan's rule across territories.
3. Researchers:Demons working to enhance their abilities under Kyogan's supervision.
Ethan himself refined his Blood Demon Art developing Umbra Tendrils a
technique that allowed him to create deadly appendages of his own flesh and blood for long-range attacks.
As Ethan's empire grew so did the attention of the Demon Slayer Corps. Reports of high amounts of civilian deaths spread prompting the demom slayer corp to mobilize their strongest warriors.
One night as Ethan convened with his lieutenants Kyogan's Aura Map flickered. His third eye widened in alarm. "My lord! Demon Slayers are approaching,powerful ones."
Ethan smirked his crimson eyes blazing. "Let them come this will be an excellent opportunity to show them the futility of resisting me."
Azara's Serpent's hissed coiling protectively around her. "Shall we destroy them my lord?"
Ethan's smile widened revealing his sharp fangs. "No capture them i have plans for the Demon Slayer Corps."
The fortress prepared for battle and Ethan stood at its heart,his anticipation growing. The era of his dominion had begun and he would not be stopped.