Ruins… chaos… destruction—these were the only words that could describe the scene before him.

Half his head was missing, all his wings were gone, half his tail had been severed, and his body riddled with holes—yet Void still stood, stronger than before. After countless years of battle, he had risen from a mere quasi–middle-level Rank 3 demon to the very peak of Rank 3.

He was close—so close—to breaking into the quasi–Rank 4 realm. In fact, he should have already ascended. But one crucial trait was still missing.

[Quest: Destroy a Multiverse. Gain the title—King of Dread.]

The words glowed in an ominous blue, reflected in Void's shimmering eyes.

"After battling in chaotic space, where even a second can feel like years—or hundreds of years—it's expected I'd lose touch with reality. Thankfully, this isn't the real world. No matter how long I spend here, the changes outside will be minimal."

With half his tail dangling, half his head torn away, Void still spoke aloud, utterly indifferent.

This war drained not only the body but the mind.

Chaos itself reigned here—attacks from Rank 4s and 5s slipping into one's space, ambushes by groups of angels, constant sneak attacks. Even the destruction of countless demon and angel bodies weighed heavy.

Every Rank 3 demon was a multi-universal being—a terror to entire realities. Yet here, they were being wasted, their bodies torn apart like nothing.

(Host.)

"Yeah… I wonder how my slaves are doing," Void muttered, pausing.

The battlefield was momentarily quiet. Not because the war had ended, but because every Rank 3 angel body had been destroyed. Of course, they would reincarnate soon, their memories intact. Reinforcements for both sides were already on the way—it was only a matter of time.

But this was no longer just a war between demons and angels.

It was a warning.

A warning to other powerful races who thought they could contend with demons and angels—especially the arrogant dragons.

And for weaker races, it was a terrifying truth: even their projections, their realms, their fragile realities were being shattered by the aftershocks of this conflict. Fear spread like wildfire across existence.

(Does the Host truly believe in his slaves?)

"This war locks me in place. I can't leave and the souls of these fallen Rank 3 angels—they're the best fuel for my progress. As for my slaves… this is their test." Void answered plainly.

(And if they fail?)

"Then they're useless." His tone was cold, matter-of-fact. Silence followed.

(Host… will you kill them all?)

Void chuckled darkly. "Why do you sound more and more human? Weren't you once just the cold, calculating consciousness of my universe?"

(Maybe you're rubbing off on me.)

"Hahaha. Now you've even developed a sense of humor," Void laughed before the system spoke again.

(Will you kill Linkir?)

"Why wouldn't I? A tool that can't do its job deserves to be discarded." Void's grin was razor-thin.

(She was the first to follow you. Do you have no regrets?)

"None whatsoever. It's the balance of life and death—one must die for others to live. Reality balances itself that way. But as long as the number of deaths is smaller than births, populations will always rise. More beings, but weaker ones. Diluted bloodlines, crossbreeds. What do you think happens then?"

(Mass extinction.)

"Exactly. And why?"

(To create stronger, more complete beings.)

"Good. The same applies to my slaves. If they can't destroy a multiverse, then what's their purpose? I'll simply create better ones."

Void sneered as his body finally finished regenerating.

"That's the reality of existence. Evolve—or be disposed."

The system fell silent.

***************

Back at the Federation

"Interesting…" Linkir muttered as she listened to the so-called plan of the Forefathers.

"A bunch of rotten ghosts too afraid to die." She laughed, while Azerak lowered his head.

"Interesting plan, I won't lie. But those in true power won't allow this… will they?" Linkir asked, her gaze piercing.

"A plan has been laid," Azerak replied vaguely.

Then the room where Linkir, Alayot, and Azerak stood filled with mist.

The mist condensed… then shattered into blood droplets.

Azerak was gone.

Alayot tensed, about to move—but Linkir raised her hand. He froze.

When the mist cleared, only a pool of blood remained.

"Why?" Alayot asked quietly.

"Why not? I'm interested in these Forefathers. Let's see what they're capable of. Besides, if I truly wanted him to stay, do you think his escape technique would have worked at all?" Linkir smiled warmly.

Alayot nodded slowly.

"First time seeing her smile this much… is she actually enjoying this? She's starting to remind me of Void," Alayot thought as he glanced at her.

Linkir chuckled. "The first thing after awakening is to seize a position of power. And the juiciest one… is the throne of kings of the Federation. Too bad Caius will take it before the rest."

Of course, everything Azerak had said was lies. He never believed he was truly cornered—after all, an ancient being like him would always have countless tricks.

But what he hadn't expected… was that Linkir could have kept him here no matter what. She simply chose to let him go—for her own purpose.

"It's almost a month… they should be returning soon, shouldn't they?" Linkir asked.

"In a week," Alayot replied.

"Good. Prepare. Let's welcome our first recruits. Also, send word to the Rank 2 demons—we need them to start stirring waves. We're brewing a deadly poison for this multiverse." Linkir laughed as she vanished.

Alayot frowned, then suddenly smiled.

"Just like Void, huh…" he muttered before disappearing to inform the others.

******

At the Federation

"Jake"....

Boom!

A body crashed to the ground, and gasps erupted from the crowd.

"No…" Lydia muttered, her face pale.

Darius' eyes widened.

"Impossible."

"How could this be?"

"Is he… dead?" voices whispered as every powerhouse froze.

Among the crowd, Jake sighed and began to rise into the air.

"What are you doing?" Dared asked in shock.

Jake laughed for the first time in front of Dared.

"Well… it's time for me to show my prowess."

His skin began to change.

*************************************************************