Lord of the Truth

Caesar and Zara furrowed their brows in unison. All three problems appeared?!

"...Using the Race Upgrade Device on someone for the first time requires an immense and concentrated amount of energy. In most cases, the primary energy source is the individual themselves, causing their energy foundations to be completely drained, resetting their accumulated power to zero. This is a significant drawback, as it essentially forces the person to start over from scratch. However, since the giants never prioritized internal energy cultivation the way other races did, we circumvented this issue by supplying them with a substantial reserve of energy pearls as fuel, ensuring that their transformation process would not be hindered due to energy depletion."

"As for the second and third issues, they turned out to be two sides of the same coin, meaning they shared a single solution. Through experimentation, we discovered that the Race Upgrade Device developed by the Great Serpent Empire was inherently weak. It was a device designed specifically for use on humans, meaning its effectiveness was extremely limited when applied to non-human species. However, when we tested the device that Lady Sandria brought us, the results were unexpectedly promising—the transformation process occurred with far greater ease than anticipated. Although the success rate remains low, with only three out of ten individuals successfully undergoing the transformation, this percentage is still within acceptable limits. By continuing this method, we have now succeeded in creating a purebred warrior race with exceptional potential." Aro gestured toward Kandal, the towering figure beside him, a living testament to the fruits of their experimentation.

"Oh? So the Race Upgrade Device on Planet Gudah is different from the one found on Planet Poison Rock? And it's actually superior?" Zara's eyes lit up with intrigue. This field of study was largely uncharted territory for her, and the potential implications of these findings fascinated her.

"Even so…" Caesar furrowed his brows, his expression turning contemplative. "Only three out of ten individuals successfully undergo the transformation? That seems like an awfully high failure rate. What happens to the remaining seven?"

"They die, of course." Aro's response was delivered with a chilling nonchalance, as if he were simply stating an objective fact rather than discussing mass casualties. "This failure rate does not exist when transforming the Red Flame Humans of Planet Gudah into demi-fox hybrids—their compatibility rate is significantly higher. However, when working with Crixis' purifing blood, an unfortunate complication arose."

Aro folded his arms, his gaze darkening as he continued his explanation. "We believe the root cause lies in the purifying properties of Crixis' blood. In some cases, the device successfully controls and integrates the blood's purifying energy, merging it seamlessly with the giants and creating the powerful new race you see before you. But in other cases, the process fails catastrophically. The overwhelming purity of Crixis' blood can sometimes spiral out of control, resulting in the complete destruction of the volunteer from within. It's an unpredictable factor that makes the transformation process extremely risky."

Raising his hand, Aro patted Kandal on the back, his tone carrying a rare trace of gratitude. "If Brother Kandal hadn't made the bold decision to bring the entire Ashira Tribe forward, volunteering them for this unprecedented experiment, I truly would have been at a loss. Even though so many of them have lost their lives in the process, they never hesitated. Their conviction remained unshaken. To date, we have successfully transformed 130 individuals, but the price has been steep—over 1,000 have perished in the attempt."

"Oh…" Caesar's eyebrows lifted slightly upon hearing about the Ashira Tribe's voluntary sacrifice. His expression shifted subtly, betraying a mix of admiration and unease. "The Ashira Giant Tribe… renowned warriors, the only ones brave enough to stand against the Great Serpent Empire in the decisive battle. Their courage knows no bounds!"

His words were sincere, yet as he spoke, his gaze involuntarily flickered toward Theo.

For years, rumors had circulated suggesting that the Ashira Tribe was secretly aligned with the True Beginning Empire. However, no concrete evidence had ever surfaced to confirm these suspicions. On the surface, their actions appeared to be motivated solely by their commitment to the giants and their unwavering dedication to protecting their people. Yet beneath this noble facade lay a dark and deeply buried truth—one known only to a select few within the highest echelons of power.

The reality was that the entire Ashira Tribe had been forcibly subdued through the use of an advanced slavery seal. A secret so well-guarded that only a handful of generals and elite Shadow Swords were privy to it. No one had ever dared to speak of it aloud.

Even now, the greatest figures of the Ashira Tribe—their martial emperors, their high-ranking leaders, their most formidable warriors—all of them were bound by the unbreakable chains of Theo's enslavement.

And now, learning that they had willingly walked into this blood-soaked transformation process, where most would die…

"...!!" Caesar suddenly became aware that he had been staring at Theo for too long. Quickly regaining his composure, he attempted to shift the conversation. "Brother Theo… Brother Peon, what are your thoughts on this new warrior race? Quite remarkable, aren't they?"

Peon, his massive frame exuding an air of unshakable confidence, looked Kandal up and down with a critical eye. "They're certainly large. But I'll reserve my judgment until I've had the chance to fight a few of them myself."

"They are… interesting." Theo's response was devoid of emotion, his voice flat and impassive. He didn't even spare them a glance.

Step.

At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed throughout the hall, heavy and deliberate.

"They are… infuriating." A low, deep voice carried across the chamber, laced with irritation.

"Haha, it's been quite some time." Upon hearing the voice, Caesar's expression visibly lightened, his previous tension dissolving. He turned around, opening his arms in a welcoming gesture as he addressed the new arrival. "Brother Sakaar, it seems the Sea of Magma has managed to captivate you more than expected! Have you grown so fond of it that you considered staying permanently?"

"If it were up to me, I would remain there for all eternity." Sakaar responded with a formal, almost mechanical smile. His tone was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable finality.

By now, every figure in the hall had shifted their attention toward the newcomers—the Demons. Their imposing presence, terrifying appearances, and violently oppressive auras would have been enough to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary men. But no such reaction appeared on the faces of those present. There was no shock, no wariness, no hesitation.

They all knew exactly who these figures were.

At the forefront stood Sakar, the King of the Demons, a name synonymous with absolute strategic brilliance. He was the mind behind countless victories, the one who had repeatedly outmaneuvered enemies on the battlefield, bringing ruin to their plans before they could even begin to act. Beside him stood Amon, a monstrous existence who towered over most, both physically and in power. Among all those present, he was the strongest in terms of sheer level—a level 50 behemoth, the one who had almost single-handedly held off the full force of the Great Serpent Empire's army during their last major campaign.

Following closely behind them were three more individuals, each exuding an overwhelming presence—Sayir, Baron, and Vairon, the most formidable of the Demon Generals, figures feared and respected across the Empire. Each had carved their own legends through battle, their names whispered in reverence and dread alike.

"Brother Amon, I see you have recovered fully from your injuries. Congratulations!" Caesar stepped forward, offering a firm clap to Amon's massive arm. A knowing smile played on his lips as he continued, "One of these days, you must tell us what it feels like to be the only level 50 individual in the entire Empire!"

"No need to tease me, son of the Lord. Even at level 50, I would rather not fight you." Amon let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his sharp teeth glinting under the hall's lighting. He then returned the gesture, giving Caesar a solid, brotherly strike to the shoulder. Though his words were humble, the truth was far from it—inside, he was elated.

He was soaring.

For the first time in years, he felt like he belonged among these individuals. That he had truly earned the right to stand among them, not as an underling or a lesser warrior, but as one of their own.

"The Second Supreme General, welcome." Aro greeted with a broad, practiced smile, his posture exuding a careful mix of respect and familiarity.

Sakaar, however, did not return the pleasantry.

Instead, he merely shifted his head slightly, his eyes scanning over Aro for only a moment before locking onto someone else. His gaze sharpened, predatory, before he finally spoke, "Look who we have here… Seems like the Third Army will be quite the spectacle."

A heavy silence followed.

Across the hall, the Seventh Prince had been keeping his head lowered. But now, his fists clenched at his sides, his teeth grinding together so hard they might shatter.

He had faced Sakaar once before, atop Winter Punishment City. And that day had been his utter disgrace.

Sakaar had humiliated him, taken from him the Cataclysm Sealing Cube, slaughtered his entire crew, and, worst of all, forced him into submission. He had no choice but to agree to Sakaar's terms, to leave his army stationed in the south, never to respond to his own father's summons. A betrayal forced upon him. A humiliation that still burned in his soul.

And now, standing before him once again, Sakaar dared to look at him with amusement.

"Oh, I was just discussing this with the First Supreme General moments ago. I believe it would be best for everyone if we left the past in the past!" Aro interjected, clapping his hands twice in an attempt to divert the conversation, drawing attention back to himself.

"…And that thing."

But Sakaar remained indifferent to Aro's words. He did not look at him. Instead, his gaze had moved once again, this time settling on Kandal.

A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

"That same feeling… The one I had when I faced the Winged Lizard. A wretched feeling. A hostile feeling. A feeling that makes my blood boil!"

"Ah, haha, well, that would make sense!" Aro let out a nervous laugh, raising a hand to pat Kandal's broad back. "He is, after all, a descendant of the Great Wyvern Crixis. But they are on our side now—no need to fear them."

"Fear?" Finally, Sakaar's gaze left Kandal, shifting to meet Aro's eyes directly, "Even the winged lizard they descend from is unworthy of making me feel fear. Choose your words carefully when speaking to me."

The hall fell into silence.

Aro's smile did not fade, but it visibly tightened at the edges. A flicker of discomfort passed through his eyes. His fingers twitched slightly, though he quickly stilled them.

He did not respond.

But deep down, he had expected this.

It was never going to be easy to step between two legends and simply declare, 'Hello, I am your equal now.'

This was precisely why he had initially rejected Robin's order to form this army. He had known that in doing so, he would be placing himself between figures who had years of dominance and history, warriors who had already earned their seats at the top. To suddenly emerge as their peer—to demand recognition—was not something that would come easily.

But the truth was simple.

He was weak right now. Personally weak, and militarily weaker still.

He had no choice but to swallow every insult.

To endure every slight.

To bide his time.

To wait.

To wait for the day when he would no longer have to take this treatment.

To wait for the moment when he would not just be their equal—but their superior.

And judging by how things were progressing…

That day was approaching faster than anyone realized.