The Head
My parents received the news first.
"Our son has finally grown up," said Samuel.
"My son…" tears fell from Diana's blue eyes.
"A true devil can not be nurtured within a clan," said Samuel, attempting to console his wife.
"This princess can not have a weak son," said Diana.
Diana wiped the tears from her eyes.
"If anyone kills him, they will feel my wrath!"
Space froze as she stormed away from Samuel, filled with emotion.
Diana was a doting mother. Her doting had turned James into the spoiled brat he was before.
Thou, she didn't want to see him face the cruel Abyss; she knew it was time.
"You have finally opened your eyes and saw the world. Devils like us should rightfully rule."
Diana's eyes changed pitch black with bright stars dotting them. They were like looking at a starry sky.
"I can not hold you back."
Diana gazed into the void, smiling as she looked upon her cloaked son.
'I see you, James. How could you ever escape this princess' sight?' thought Diana.
"Make me proud son," said Diana.
Her voice echoed across the void, reaching my ear. I thought I was hallucinating hearing my mother's voice.
Diana's eyes changed back to blue as she disappeared into the void.
~~~
When the Devil Ancestor received word of my departure, he was not surprised.
"Haha, I knew that brat would leave the Hudson clan as soon as he knew Mikael was patriarch," said Kogthoz, his devilish plans never failed.
The cunning old devil had tricked me.
"Only away from the Hudson clan's protection can a true devil grow up. I look forward to your return."
He headed back to forging. Looking forward to the day I returned.
~~~
My proclamation blindsided Wanfang. His great backer in the Abyss had abandoned him! Father had gone out for milk and wasn't returning. How was he supposed to deal with this mess?
As the leader of the war department, Wanfang had a lot on his plate. he would be fully autonomous for many years to come. He needed to set up a plan for the War Department to move forward. Wanfang guessed he would have to consult with Kyle.
Together we must make [Libra] a powerful organization.
"Kyle, how do you think we should proceed moving forward?" Wanfang said.
"I believe we should focus on expanding our business holdings and capture another Tier-2 world," said Kyle.
"Tier-2 world coordinates are expensive. How long till we can purchase one?" Wanfang said.
"[Libra] should be able to afford one within 3 years if our business stays consistent. Before then we must have a powerful force," Kyle said.
"I see, I will train the ascenders within the Wesser forest until it comes time for us to embark to conqueror a new world," Wanfang said.
"We will need protection in expanding our business holdings. In Hudson City we don't receive any problems because we are backed by the Hudson clan," Kyle said.
"However, if we establish a business anywhere else, we will have fierce opposition."
"We are backed by a devil clan, but we are still only a Baron backed organization. We garner little face around the Xertzul Abyss."
"What about our agreement to be in the Sin Alliance?" Wanfang said.
"Excellent catch Wanfang, I must contact the Sin Alliance and see if they can do anything for us to expand our businesses."
"X'var is a prince of the Empire, he should garner face around the empire. He must have some channel we can use to expand our influence," Wanfang said.
After contacting Prince X'var's camp, we found that we could sell off our extra materials wholesale through his channels. This would have to do until we could establish a strong enough force to be respected in other cities around the Rez'gal Empire.
Wanfang headed out with the First Division to the Dancing Bird Tropics. He named the first group of recruits the First Division. When they got to his lodging, Wanfang was happy. It was called the Pond Lodge. It was a large cabin in a garden with a pond. This would make a great retreat for us.
An ornate bed of moss-covered grass is accompanied by rare hedges, bushes, and shrubs. A pond's built near the left edge of the garden, home to many frogs, bugs, and other creatures.
The rows of flowers are fighting for their place in the garden, thankfully helped by caring hands; they're giving off a plethora of scents.
A few short signs are scattered around the garden, directing visitors around naturally. Vines and roots are content with their positions in the garden, none trying to reach beyond.
The pond is the pride and joy of the caretaker of this garden. The rows of flowers attract attention too, and the hedges, bushes, and shrubs definitely deserve to be paid attention to as well, but the pond will always overshadow everything.
"Welcome to the Pond Lodge valued guests, you may call me Elred I take care of these grounds," said the old elven caretaker.
"This place is beautiful Elred, I love it!" said Nenata as she began chasing bugs in the garden. I really wonder how much cat she has in her sometimes.
Our accommodation was excellent. This would be [Libra's] base of operations in the Wesser forest for many years to come. Its beauty will make it a superb place to rest after a tough expedition.
"Thank you Elred, if we require anything we will let you know," I Wanfang.
The pond lodge had many huts scattered across its grounds. It seemed like the Hudson clan had taken care of us. They rent this entire place out to [Libra]; Wanfang had only asked for accommodations for 10, however, this place could fit a hundred people!
~~~
"So James' organization has reached the Dancing Bird Tropic, you did a good job taking care of them," Mikael said to his assistant.
"I better not hear anything from the fifth lineage about this lodge assignment."
Mikael was now situated in the Patriarch's office. His desk filled to the brim with paperwork. When he assumed this office, he realized how monumental the Hudson clan's holdings were. This job was middle management, he delegated all resource allocation within the clan.
He had several factions to manage within the clan. As the patriarch, his job was to be impartial while putting the clan's interests first. Since his little cousin had run off, he had to make sure his organization was taken care of.
Mikael bet his little cousin still thought he would advance faster than him. His talent is undeniable, unfortunately, he had Mikael to compare himself to. Someone who is living a second life. Hopefully, he matures in his time away from home.
The most important thing is for the Hudson clan to grow stronger!
~~~
My new life as a commoner was difficult. I had no servants to wait on me hand and foot and was no longer respected by the masses. But I had freedom. No one could tell me what I could do anymore. This young devil lord shall carve his own mark in the Abyss!
I was still a devil, so other races looked the other way when they saw me. This was the Abyss. Devils were the rulers of society. But as a clanless devil, I did not have noble rights. I was like Baron Mefino, who served by Jaffil's side.
Mefino did not meet a pleasant end. He died without even knowing how by offending me. I had to be careful in my interactions from now on.
I knew nothing of the Zagell Empire. They were on neutral standing with my Rez'gal Empire, so I faced no difficulties crossing the border.
~~~
Constructed on the light side of a canal, the city of Coalfell is home to halfling's led by Sea Merchant Osmin.
This city wasn't built by a canal by accident, as it has healing properties, which is of great importance to the people of Coalfell and its success.
The city itself looks elegant. With its cypress wood rooftops, slate tile walls, and the everclear night sky, Coalfell has a pleasant atmosphere.
The main attraction is the watermill, which was built 45 years ago and designed by blood elves.
Coalfell has a mending economy, which is mainly supported by farming, mining, and jewel crafting. But their biggest strength is alchemy.
However, Coalfell lacked people skilled in blacksmithing.
Despite its strengths and weaknesses, Coalfell is most likely headed towards a delightful future under the leadership of Sea Merchant Osmin. But this remains to be seen.
Halflings are perhaps the friendliest kind you will come across. They're known for their noble spirits even in the direst of circumstances. They're carefree, brave, and curious, but most of them are content with a life full of simple pleasures.
As long as they have great company and the freedom to pursue their dreams, a halfling will be happy as can be. Their curiosity and bravery can make them great adventurers, but they do tend to avoid risky situations.
Their small size often helps them avoid such situations, but they don't like being judged purely based on their height. As one may find out, halflings are capable of impressive feats, no matter their size.
~~~
I started my journey in Coalfell.
As a Devil Baron Smith, I could open a shop here to maintain my livelihood. Fel shards were scarce. I left all my resources to [Libra] so they could develop well. I would need to work as a commoner to survive.
The purpose of my journey was to take me out of my comfort zone. Working for a living would be an excellent start. Surveying the town, I scouted for a place to set up shop.
Eventually, I found a two-story shop for rent. This would do, I could live on the upper floor and have my shop in the lower one. The city hadn't had a resident blacksmith in years. I would be a significant addition to this town.
The Sea Merchant Osmin owned the shop. From asking around, I learned he was a local tycoon. Osmin lead a Sea Merchant Empire, owning many lands in the city. He was not your average halfling; he had a knack for business.
"Osmin, I would like to rent your two-story shop on Main Street," I said.
"What do you plan to do with my shop devil?" Osmin said, looking up from his desk.
"This town is lacking a blacksmith, I hope to fulfill that role," I said.
"That sounds helpful to our minor city. Are you a noble devil of the Zagell Empire?"
"No, I am a commoner adept at blacksmithing. I have no noble ties to the Zagell Empire," I said.
"I can rent that place to you for 250 low-grade fel shards a month," said Osmin.
"That's highway robbery that place is worth no more than 150 fel shards. Are you testing this young devil lord's patience, halfling?" I said.
"You are not a noble devil of the Zagell Empire. I am backed by the Viscount Mira of the Xanoth clan. Watch your words devil!" said Osmin.
This halfling was arrogant, attempting to raise the price since I wasn't a noble devil from this Empire.
I released my
"You would be wise to hold your tongue in front of this young devil lord little halfling," I said.
The halfling's face filled with shock. This was a madman, he thought. He could feel all the creatures this devil had slaughtered. Fear gripped his very soul.
"150 fel shards will do! Here's the deed, please leave." Osmin said as he handed me the deed and shooed me away.
"Know your place when addressing this young devil lord from now on halfling," I said.
"Halflings wouldn't be the first race I have cleansed," I said as I walked away scorching the papers on his desk to a crisp.
~~~
As Soulless exited the halfling's office, the halfling went to change his pants. Shit filled his trousers. That devil must not be offended. I have to spread the word to my dark mistress. An untamed devil is poor for business!
The halfling used an emergency talisman to get word to Viscount Mira of what had transpired.
"A ferocious devil came to rent a building on Main Street from me dark mistress. I gave him a fair price of 250 fel shards. But he was unrestrained. He released a bloody aura and forced me to take 150!" said Osmin.
"That devil had no home training! He even burnt up all my paperwork after taking the deed dark mistress!"
"Sounds like you met a devil that has cultivated Slaughter Dao. If he has cultivated Slaughter Dao as a Baron he is from a noble clan," said Viscount Mira.
She was experienced, unlike the ignorant halfling.
"Do not be alarmed little halfling. The rent you negotiated is fair. You should know better than to offend a devil over a few fel shards. A blacksmith will add value to my city."
"Treat him well and make sure you meet his needs. When I find time to visit the city, I will ensure you have no further issues."
"Yes, dark mistress!" said Osmin.
Author's Note: This is the End of Volume 1 If you've read this far and not given me power stones shame on you! I've entertained you for hours the least you could do is give me a few stones! And go read Dragon Mage System while you are at it.