Subash sat upon his throne, looking bored yet composed, while Draven stood beside him, reporting on the current state of the Nova Nation's military.
Draven said, "Subash-sama, more than ten thousand demons have reached level 30. One of my Heavenly Generals has already reached level 45. His growth rate is exceptional—he's even surpassed both Velmora and Ravena."
Subash smiled slightly. "So he really surpassed them, just like I predicted. What about his sisters?"
Draven nodded. "Velyra is progressing well under Lilithra's guidance. As for Vanyth, she's grown quite powerful. I've chosen her as one of my generals. Her current level is 35, and her potential is just as insane as her brother's. She'll catch up to Velmora and Ravena soon."
Subash leaned forward. "And Velmora and Ravena's levels?"
"They're both level 44," Draven replied.
Subash nodded. (It's been thirty years since the Nova Nation was created. It took us three decades to develop the military, trade, and spy networks.)
Just as he prepared to stand, his eyes narrowed. A sudden presence approached.
Kael'thar appeared and immediately knelt. "Subash-sama, we have a problem. A powerful monster has appeared in the distance. It's causing mindless destruction and has already ruined many areas." His clan specialized in stealth and reconnaissance, making them perfect spies and assassins.
Subash tilted his head, intrigued. "Interesting. This world has countless races wandering around, but most have intelligence. What could this be?" He glanced at Draven, who nodded.
"Draven, make sure nothing happens here," Subash instructed before turning to Kael'thar. "Let's go."
Kael'thar rose, and the two vanished.
Draven watched with a small smile.
Velkan responded telepathically,
Inside the battle arena's secret control room—a place forbidden to all except soldiers—Velkan tapped a rune. A massive barrier expanded around the entire nation.
Draven observed the barrier forming from the throne room and nodded to himself. (Even though we are strong enough to defend ourselves, Subash-sama is right. There is always a bigger fish in this cosmos, so we must stay prepared.)
Lilithra quietly entered the room.
Meanwhile, Subash and Kael'thar stood before a gigantic beast. It resembled a dragon but was not one—its body was covered in red veins, it had nine tails, and two heads with glowing eyes.
"That's a strange monster," Subash murmured. "I've never seen anything like it, but… its aura feels familiar."
Kael'thar blinked. (Subash-sama feels a familiar aura from this creature?)
Subash's eyes sharpened. "Ah, now I remember. This is where I fought Alex centuries ago. This monster was born from our combined aura. It must have taken all these years to awaken, but the mix of holy and demonic energy turned it mindless."
Kael'thar's pupils widened before he steadied himself.
"It's only at level 30," Subash continued, "but it grows stronger with every bit of destruction it causes. I must eliminate it before it becomes a threat."
He raised a finger. A swirl of purple energy gathered at the tip—and with a simple flick, the beam shot forward.
The monster was obliterated instantly—along with the mountains behind it.
Kael'thar trembled. (What was that…? Subash-sama obliterated the beast and an entire mountain range in a single shot.)
Subash turned casually. "That's done. Let's return. I still have reports to hear from Draven."
With a snap of his fingers, they teleported back into the throne room. Draven and Lilithra greeted them immediately.
Kael'thar bowed and left to resume his duties. Subash sat again, looking at Draven.
Draven began his report. "Most of our demon soldiers have reached level 30. The lizardmen—our air force—have reached level 20, though the leader's son is already level 30. The goblins are around level 15. As for the killer rabbits, they've grown significantly—most are level 20, and some have reached 25. Their leader, Kael'thar, is now level 30, though he rarely trains since he spends his time scouting outside."
Subash nodded thoughtfully. (Creating the battle arena was a good decision. I used my Ultimate Skill, Lord of Stars, to shape it and Lord of Fate to manipulate the laws of death. No one can die there unless I allow it.)
"And you, Lilithra?" he asked.
Lilithra smiled. "In these thirty years, many monsters have joined our nation. Our population is increasing rapidly. At this rate, we'll soon reach ten million citizens."
Subash nodded and glanced at Draven.
Draven continued, "Many citizens want to become soldiers to protect the nation."
"In that case," Subash said, "build a new training facility where they can learn basic combat and war knowledge. But set a limit—only beings between level 5 and 10 may join."
The two nodded. Draven vanished to relay the orders, while Lilithra returned to her office.
Subash was left alone on his throne.
(Being a ruler is hard… I hold the responsibility of an entire nation—and the Central World. In short, the weight of the whole universe rests on my shoulders.)
He sighed deeply.