From Ashes to Empires: Building the Foundations of Unity (Updated)

It was the morning after the grand celebration—a day filled with laughter, unity, and hope for the future. I stood in the garden, hand in hand with my wife, enjoying the serene weather. Earlier, I had sent Jarvis to gather the Seven Deadly Sins, as there were tasks that needed immediate attention.

Thirty minutes later, everyone arrived, dressed and ready for business. Standing beside me, holding my wife's hand, I addressed them.

Sora: "Good morning, everyone."

They replied in unison:

All: "Good morning, Sora-sama."

Sora: "Today marks the beginning of our work—the first step toward realizing the full potential of Unity. Before me stand kings and queens—both current and future leaders. It's time to start."

I paused, allowing them a moment to mentally and emotionally prepare themselves.

Sora: "Understand this: this is also a test of your capabilities as rulers. I won't be holding your hands throughout this journey, nor will I always be here to save you. You must rise and climb on your own."

After a brief silence, they nodded, signaling their readiness.

Sora: "Very well, let's begin. Meliodas and Elizabeth—you are the king and queen of both demons and divines. The names 'Demon' and 'Divine' cannot remain unchanged. With the name 'Demon,' peace with other clans would be nearly impossible. And with 'Divine,' many people will continue to view your race as beings to worship. Therefore, you two will unite your clans under a new name: the Yin and Yang Clan."

I showed them the yin-yang symbol.

Sora: "This will be your emblem. Furthermore, you will descend with your new clan to this realm. I plan to eliminate all other realms in this world except for the Realm of the Dead, expanding this realm to encompass all races. Establish your kingdom here. Additionally, take this artifact. Activate it when you gather the vampire clan—it will transform them into demons, ending the vampire race entirely."

Meliodas and Elizabeth bowed respectfully.

Meliodas & Elizabeth: "As you wish, my lord."

Nodding, I turned to Diane and King.

Sora: "You two have two tasks. First, stabilize the newly formed Fairy-Giant Kingdom. Create borders, establish an economy, and integrate your kingdom into the trade network between races. For instance, giants excel not only in combat but also in building, mining, and crafting. Fairies, with their forests, can harvest rare crops and plants found nowhere else. These resources can be cultivated and sold. Understand?"

Their expressions shifted from shock to realization as they grasped the implications of my words. They nodded firmly.

Sora: "Secondly, Drole and Gloxinia will soon be freed from the Commandments. When that happens, Meliodas will send them to you for a test. Once you pass, I will grant you the same power boost I gave to Meliodas and Elizabeth."

Once again, they were stunned to learn that the first kings of their race were alive and once served as Commandments. Nevertheless, they accepted their mission and bowed deeply.

Next, I addressed Ban and Elaine.

Sora: "You two have two missions. First, return to Zhivago—your birthplace. He is still alive but dying. Take this potion with you; if he wishes to live, he must drink it. As for his son, I will revive him if Zhivago chooses life, regardless of his decision. Regardless, I will give you a map marking the locations of the Beastmen race. Gather them, as they will form part of the merchant city you and Elaine will create. Find a central location connecting all the kingdoms and begin construction. Seek assistance from any race if necessary."

Ban's eyes widened at the news of Zhivago's survival, and he seemed eager to leave immediately. However, he restrained himself to listen to the rest of the mission. Once I finished, they accepted their duties, though Ban appeared less optimistic about ruling a city. Still, I knew Elaine—and possibly Zhivago—would ensure his success.

Turning to Escanor, I continued:

Sora: "Escanor, your mission is to claim your throne as King of Castellio. You possess sufficient power, and I've arranged for King Bartra of Liones and King Arthur of Camelot to support your claim. After securing your position, join the Human Union alongside Liones and Camelot. Strengthen the human race by establishing trade routes between kingdoms and fostering cooperation."

Escanor bowed solemnly.

Escanor: "Your wish is my command, my lord. I shall see it done."

Opening gates for each of them, I watched as they bid farewell to one another and departed.

Sora: "Well, they've all left. Merlin and Gowther, follow me—I need to create your race."

Taking a gate to the ruins of Belialuin, we arrived amidst the desolation. Merlin looked around curiously.

Merlin: "Why are we at this destroyed kingdom?"

Sora: "We're here because I intend for this to become the site of the Elves' Kingdom. This land is rich in mana, which will aid your people's growth."

She nodded in understanding.

Sora: "Now, I will create 126 individuals for your race: 50 males, 50 females, and 26 children—13 boys and 13 girls. Your race must grow naturally from there. To assist, I will temporarily grant them human fertility levels until your population reaches 500. After that, their fertility will revert to normal. Is that clear?"

Merlin & Gowther: "We understand."

Sora: "Good. Now step aside."

I ordered all my shadows to guard me—even though I trusted Merlin and Gowther—because during creation, I am most vulnerable.

Summoning the bodies for the Elves, I raised my aura skyward as a portal opened above us.

Sora: "By the name of Origin and My Will, I request God's permission to call forth 126 souls for the creation of a new race!"

A voice echoed from the portal:

Voice: "Permission granted."

I directed the souls into their respective bodies, educating them about who they were, what they represented, and the rules of this world. I ensured their loyalty and support for Merlin as their queen.

The process took approximately five hours, leaving me drenched in sweat. 'All this time and effort because I'm only in the True Immortal Realm. My soul power isn't fully restored yet. I'll need to reclaim the rest of my strength before attempting something like this again.'

Once completed, my aura settled, and the portal closed. Turning to Merlin and Gowther, I saw their reactions: Gowther wore an awestruck expression, while Merlin's face lit up with stars and a scientist's gleeful smile. Noticing my gaze, they looked at me expectantly.

Sora: "I've done all I can for you. Now, it's your turn. I'm going home. I wish you the best."

Opening a gate, I returned home and reclined onto my wife's lap in the garden, drifting off to sleep.