The Great Elder

I looked around, taking in the sight of 4,999 beasts standing before me. It was overwhelming, their numbers stretching out like an unbroken wave, a testament to how far I'd come. And yet, I wasn't satisfied.

So close. Just one more.

I bit my nails, feeling an irritation bubbling inside me. I'd already taken in the entire village. There was nothing left here. But where do I go now? I could always hunt a random beast, but deep down, I didn't want just any creature. I wanted something... special.

My eyes scanned the beasts, watching as they interacted. Under my control, they lived in harmony, with no signs of infighting or struggle. It was unlike anything I'd seen with humans. They didn't lie, steal, or betray each other. Somehow, it felt right. Almost natural.

The thought left me feeling strangely calm, even peaceful, as if this was how the world was supposed to be.