The death of a territorial lord always created a vacuum.
Until a successor emerged, the region would fall into temporary disorder.
Although the fallen lord undoubtedly had subordinates, Doruni's overconfidence had led him to challenge Sombravida and Nel alone — and become their prey.
Without central authority, the Gillian resources within the region would inevitably be divided among neighboring Adjuchas.
This period of instability created opportunity.
And Sombravida intended to seize it.
Central Forest Core
Deep within the Central Forest stood a colossal spirit tree.
Its trunk rose like a pillar supporting the sky, its radius nearly a thousand meters — likely the tallest organism in the entire forest.
Inside its hollowed core, a council had assembled.
Dozens of Adjuchas gathered within the vast chamber carved into the intersecting trunk.
Nearly forty mid- and high-tier Adjuchas sat along the inner rings.
Lower-tier Adjuchas stood upon surrounding platforms, encircling the massive central root.
At the highest point of the root's main trunk sat a humanoid Hollow roughly four meters tall — the ruler of the Central Forest.
The atmosphere was solemn.
"Doruni's spiritual pressure has vanished," said an elderly tree-like Hollow seated to the right.
"So quickly?" several lords murmured.
Doruni was one of the thirty-six territorial lords.
The region where Sombravida and Nel had been hunting was his domain.
Attention Drawn
When Sombravida and Nel first entered the forest, Nel's Adjuchas-class pressure immediately drew notice.
At first, the core lords paid little attention.
New Adjuchas appeared occasionally.
Most eventually entered the core territories to establish alliances.
But these two newcomers did not.
Instead, they hunted along the periphery.
And continued hunting.
And continued.
Doruni grew enraged.
How could he tolerate his Gillian resources being devoured by outsiders?
During the council session, he volunteered to "test" them.
In truth, he intended to kill them and absorb their power.
He went alone.
He never returned.
Council Debate
"What do you think?" someone finally asked.
All eyes turned upward.
"My lord," one Adjuchas spoke, bowing,
"These outsiders are dangerous. If allowed to hunt freely, they will destabilize territorial balance. I advise extermination."
Another lord countered:
"Doruni attacked first. His death may have been provoked. If we negotiate and absorb them, our strength increases."
He continued:
"In a few years, we face the Northern Forest. Intelligence confirms they achieved overwhelming victory in the North–South War."
Murmurs spread.
For generations, wars ended in stalemate.
A decisive victory changed everything.
"We can lose Gillian," he said gravely,
"but we cannot afford to lose Adjuchas."
The High Lord's Decision
The ruler atop the root fell into thought.
"…We attempt negotiation."
He spoke calmly.
"Grant them Doruni's territory."
"In exchange, they will offer annual tribute and participate in the Holy War."
"If they refuse…"
A terrifying killing intent filled the chamber.
"Valta. You proposed negotiation. You will lead it."
"Yes, my lord."
"Gasgard, accompany him. If negotiations fail…"
Gasgard grinned.
"They will pay."
A dragon-headed humanoid Hollow stepped forward.
"I request to join the mission."
The High Lord regarded him.
"Why?"
"Doruni died quickly. Even if newly evolved, that Adjuchas is dangerous. If negotiations fail, my ability can prevent mutual destruction and ensure containment."
The High Lord nodded.
"Very well, Yinfeng. If battle erupts, trap them and signal for reinforcements. You have two days."
"Yes, my lord."
Gasgard snorted as he departed.
"No need for signals. I'll crush them myself."
The Envoys Depart
Two days later, the three departed.
Their speed cut through the forest like arrows.
"They devour resources and show no respect," Gasgard muttered. "Why negotiate? Kill them."
Valta replied calmly:
"It is not so simple."
"Elder Yi's perception does not err. That Adjuchas killed Doruni swiftly. As Yinfeng stated, it is a skilled combatant."
He glanced back.
"What intrigues me more is the Gillian accompanying it."
"A cross-rank partnership implies intelligence and discipline."
"If recruited, they could become valuable assets."
Gasgard snorted.
"Don't let them get arrogant. I'll settle the score."
He pounded his chest.
"Hey, rookie — don't hold me back."
Yinfeng ignored him.
"…Closer," he said quietly.
They slowed.
A foreign spiritual pressure spread ahead.
Meanwhile — Sombravida & Nel
Two days deeper into the forest, Sombravida and Nel searched for a settlement site.
With Doruni gone, suppressed Hollows began migrating.
Some intelligent Hollows sought new territory.
Others, driven by instinct, grew increasingly violent.
"Lord Sombravida," Nel said,
"This area is suitable. A hill to the west, forest cover, defensible terrain."
Sombravida looked at her with interest.
"It seems your intelligence continues to evolve."
Nel wagged her tail.
"I've begun understanding the words you speak."
Sombravida chuckled.
"Evolution truly is remarkable."
They began constructing a shelter.
Advancement Approaches
"Lord Sombravida," Nel asked,
"your spiritual pressure already meets evolution requirements. Why delay?"
Sombravida paused.
He had delayed deliberately.
Compression.
Density.
Perfection.
He would evolve only when fully prepared.
"Soon," he said.
"One more mid-tier Adjuchas should suffice."
Nel giggled.
"Others hunt Gillians. You hunt Adjuchas."
"Because you are here," Sombravida laughed.
"I fear none."
"Well…" Nel tilted her head.
"There is one directly ahead. Shall I fetch it for you?"
"…Brat."
He tapped her head lightly.
Before he could continue—
his body stiffened.
Crimson eyes narrowed.
"Lord Sombravida."
Nel moved instantly into a defensive stance.
Three powerful spiritual pressures approached.
A moment later—
three figures landed before them.
Sombravida's eyes flickered red.
"Three."
He spoke calmly.
"Nel, if you cannot win — run."
"What about you?"
"I'll hold them."
Nel's voice did not waver.
"I'll shield you. Leave the rest to me."
"Do not be reckless," Sombravida said sharply.
"Against two, we have a chance. Against three, victory is unlikely."
"Your Cero Resonance has limits."
"If overloaded, you will be destroyed."
Her voice softened.
"…Lord…"
"When the opportunity appears," Sombravida continued,
"I will engage. Use Anti-Membrane on me. I will absorb the impact."
"Then open a Garganta."
"We escape."
Nel retreated slightly behind him.
"…Understood."
And the forest fell silent—
just before negotiations began.