Chapter 5: Expansion - Growing: A Life, A Religion, And a Nation!

After Nyx, Lanceil, and my clone which I named Eos, all went together in their search for a good settlement. Now you may be wondering, "Why would you name your clone?" and also maybe, "How, were you even able to name your clone?" Well, to put matters simply, while unnamed creatures are unable to name themselves, they are able to name other unnamed creatures (so long as the creature is weaker than they are) however, the named creature will receive little to no power as a result of being named by ' a weakling with no name' as one would call it in this world. Simply because there really isn't anything to get from an unnamed monster, the nature of this world doesn't really give unnamed monsters any skills or notable characteristics to begin with, if all unnamed monsters had great power and talents then having a name wouldn't be a big deal, all monsters would just name each other as they pleased and grow op in that way. I couldn't name myself, I tried that before I got a body, and even after I got a body, however, I also tried naming my clones and that's how I found out that it's possible. After some thought and a chat with Azeroth, I've come to the conclusion that while they may be clones that are directly created from me, they are separated from me. Honestly, understanding it wasn't all too difficult but explaining it might prove to be otherwise. Think of it this way, since I'm a tree, imagine a twig falling from my branches. While I am the tree that the twig fell from after breaking off from one of my branches, the twig is not me. It came from me and was a part of me while it was attached but once it fell off it became completely separate. Maybe it wouldn't work that way for normal trees but I am the ' Tree of Life ' that means that even if it was just a branch, another Tree Of Life would be able to grow from it. We are two separate creatures in that way, yet we are the same. I could get rid of the clone as I please and create more, but those clones are literally different people. Like how I can create vessels and (like the elves) they could be living breathing creatures with lives but I could at any time decide to occupy their body and make it my own. The elves are literal walking examples of how something that I created could be a part of me and the same as me and yet still be separate. With that information now clarified, I named Rudi and then in return, Rudi named me, this was my plan all along and the true reason that I created rudi. As for the very first clone I named, I sent her to the other side of the world. I only gave her simple instructions, "Whatever you do, do not cause too much trouble, I won't forgive you if you do anything that will halt my plans." And "I don't care what you do or become, but whatever you do, get your name to spread. I want you to grow your influence, and become stronger. That way I can use you when the time comes. If you do well I may even reward you." Hearing my words, she left with determination in her eyes. I didn't bound her with expectations aside from growing her name. Honestly, whatever she chooses, whether it be to become an adventurer or a Demon Lord, as long as she gains undeniable power and a strong enough following, she could be used. A good adventurer is welcome everywhere and as respected as an emperor. Afterall, in this world, adventurers are everywhere but strong ones are rare to come by. If there are 10,000 adventurers you'll be lucky to get 10 who are actually any good and out of those 10 maybe 1 will be able to stand a chance against a Demon Lord. Adventurers who are strong enough and live after fighting a demon lord(even if the demon lord got away) would become a hero in name and if they killed the demon lord they'll have an evolution and become a hero in actuality as well. As of now there are only 3 hero's in the entire world and in this world there are over 10 billion creatures living in it, that should tell you how likely it is to become one, that's why if my clone managed to become even close to that level let alone reaching that level, she would be desired by all in power. If I could monopolize her power myself, that would make me that much stronger and strengthen my influence. That's just in the event that she chooses to become an adventurer. There are many things she could do outside of that but I explained only one to push my point across. She's gone, currently she's a young clone, her body is around the age of 12 years old and her mental strength is quite high but not on my level, maybe she could be considered a genius but that's yet to be seen. As I said, she's a different creature from me, she's me, but also not me. I gave her a few basic skills to survive and protect herself, as well as a skill or two that she could use to be noticed, what happens after that is entirely up to her. If she dies it will be unfortunate but I can create more clones, if I wanted to I could create 100 clones and send them all over the world but if I did that, chances are most would die and it would be a waste of mana, and he ones who live would probably grow and gain power and fame but too much fame and power too quickly would have the opposite effect than the one I want. Like how Lanceil wants to build a religion, imagine him having millions of devout followers who want to worship whatever god he serves but there's no church and no order, he managed to get the followers but grew faster than he was able to plan and prepare for them. On that note, what is my plan exactly? I mean, I was a surgeon, I died, I got reborn, I gained a lot of power and even became a parent, I eventually gained a body and now what? Those are all things that have happened and until now I have only been just going with the flow. However, after Hinato's death I developed a goal in this new life. That goal is to get stronger, because without strength, I'm unable to do what I want and protect who and what I want. Only when I have strength to back me will I be able to live in a world where those I care about are happy, safe, healthy, and won't die tragically. That's why even if I have to become a God or the Devil himself, I'll do whatever it takes to gain power, undeniable irrefutable power, and I'll mold fate and order into what I want it to be. 

Ah, and don't be too surprised.. if my way, my goals.. seem too..villain-like, I've never once claimed to be a good person. I'm not exactly a villain, but I'm not a hero either, in my past life as well, while many may have categorized me as a "hero" of sorts, being a surgeon and all.. I had only done what I wanted to do. 

That's all I've ever done and all I ever will do, I saved people because I wanted to, I helped when and because I wanted to, it will be the same in this world. Though this world runs differently, right now I want power, and I don't think a time will ever come that I turn a blind eye to someone in need of help. However, I don't intend on doing anything for anyone if it doesn't match or help me reach my goals, I also won't go out of my way and push myself into uncomfortable situations for the sake of helping others. If I'm not confident in my ability for example, I won't fight to save someone just because they are in danger. Maybe if they seem useful I'll consider it. 

'If this were a video game still, and I were a character I'm sure I would most definitely be classified as a villain character, maybe a side character with villainous traits and a bad personality that people hate.'

That's fine with me, I'm used to others being uncomfortable with and hating me. In fact, things are easier that way. In this world, those who look down on me will only have themselves to blame once I grow above them and they are forced to move to my beat. In this world.. The only laws worth noting are the laws of the strong. For a creature like me who was born with more strength than most, I'm already ahead. 

"Father! We're all here now, what are we doing?"

Looking at me with a calm and overly determined expression stood Nilon, the boy with short, pretty, sharp Golden eyes and hair that matches them and pale skin. The boy was taller and a bit older than the rest and wore a serious expression at all times. Honestly, he looked like he was really strict and looking at him made me sigh. 

' He's definitely going to have a lot to handle. ' 

"Now that you're all here, I'm going to divide all of you into different roles. These roles may be changed over time but for now you will have to do your part and work diligently with whatever I give you."

After I said that I began calling out names and splitting the elves into different roles. If I'm going to grow and gain power then I obviously don't intend to do so without making sure that my children are included in that goal. With that being said, they are all going to do something that I believe that they will be best at. The current roles were as such; 

[Combat]: Spearmanship training, Swordsmanship training, Hand-to-hand combat, Survival, Archery training, and Magic combat training. [Health]: Pharmaceutical training, Medical first-aid training, Acupuncture, and Herbalism. [Education]: Reading & Reading comprehension, Writing, Counting, History, Political and Economic studies, Language Studies, and Magic Theory (Basics - Advanced). Lastly, there's [Home Economics]: Cooking, Farming, Hygiene and social etiquette (Basic - Advanced). Now you may be wondering why monsters would need to know how to read, write, count, etc. and the answer is simply because without the ability to do those things, taking advantage of them would be significantly easier for other people. Corrupt merchants would be able to scam them if they couldn't count and they'd be able to trick them by giving them trouble regarding currency if they didn't know any better. Alternatively, being able to read and write could also come in handy since they'd be able to read signs and letters from other nations and countries. We also have our own language and since it's currently only known to elves and very few high mages, being able to read and write can help them out in more dire, unsavoury situations. Learning different languages is handy for this reason too, afterall, I have an ability that allows me to automatically understand all languages. When I first woke up here, my children were speaking in a foreign language to me but I quickly learned the language and can now fluently speak to them and read and speak and write in the language as well. Since it doesn't have a name (it's only ever been referred to as "elven language" or " Birth Language" since the elves were born speaking it.) I decided to name the language Sylvarith, an elf language that's soft and elegant but also has a Latin meaning. Sylva means forest, and since we are elves born in a holy forest, I believe the name is most fitting. In this world, called Erudo, there are a total of 8 languages. 5 are commonly spoken, 3 are so rare that you could count the number of people who could speak them with your hands. One of the 8 nations is ruled by Demon Lord Vaelzith, the nation called Eryndral. This world currently has quite a bit of land that's unoccupied due to climate and resources. A large portion of the unoccupied land is surrounded by water, the reason this usually deters people from trying to claim the land is because of the oceanic species. The oceanic species has become a nation without a ruler and has been called as such for over 300 years. 

' I will have them, I need their strength and intelligence. Luckily, I know exactly how to gain their favour. '

Allying with a nation as strong as theirs would be extremely beneficial, and would practically guarantee my goal would be reached smoothly but first, I need to prepare.

I separated the fields for each person based on a few things, their mana, physical and mental abilities, and their personalities, or rather, an observation of each elf and the things they take interest in. For example, I put Eden in [Health] because he is weak and frail but has great concentration and a potent and gentle mana that would work well with his studies in herbalism and medicine. I put Nilon in [Combat] and [Education] because he has a sturdy body and great stamina. He is a bit weak when it comes to mana, but that can be fixed in time. He is a bit of a brute and a musclehead though and that's why I will also focus on his education. Learning to read and write as well as counting may help him to strategize instead of just rushing into things and relying on his brute force to solve everything.

' I feel like in video games and anime it's some kind of forbidden rule to teach the "dumb but strong" characters, that's why I'll do exactly that. Nilon will be a full package, strong, handsome, and Smart. I don't have time for brutes, at least not now. Besides, what parent wants their kid to be a musclehead? Definitely not me, that's for sure. '

After I gave everyone their assigned 'Classes' so to speak, I showed each of them where they would be staying and gave them a schedule. Ah, for the past couple of days, I had been doing nothing but building and planning. I built several new buildings and after searching with my new skill " Graphing Location " which allows me to automatically create a mental map of my surroundings within a certain radius. I built an open training ground for those who will be fighting with swords and such, and a smaller but convenient training ground for those in the Magic field. 

With me, I decided I would briefly oversee the training in all of the "classes" before leaving to make my own preparations. The first place I went to was naturally the combat training ground since I have more personal experience with swords than nearly anything else. 

"With the addition of the 10 children from the North, there are now exactly 40 elves currently living here. The number is small and easy to manage and that's why we need to take this chance to grow ourselves stronger so that when more people come here, elves or not, you will be ready for any and everything. With that being said, since today is the first day of training you will have a schedule."

I spoke in a tone that was amplified with mana, ensuring that everyone in the field could hear me clearly. 

' Ah.. I forgot that they can't count… they also don't know the days of the week since they've never needed to… I'll just do it like this…'

" For 14 moons and 15 suns, you will focus solely on increasing your stamina, Exercising and practicing sword swings with these wooden sticks I've made for all of you. After that, I will be here again to give you your next mission, at that time, I will decide your positions and the best one out of you will become the captain who will be in charge of the combat class." 

With those words, I watched as they ran around the entirety of the field over 60 times. Luckily for them it wasn't a very large field, only about 100 meters. They honestly needed the run, their forms were pretty bad and they were out of breath and heaving loudly after getting about halfway through the 4th lap. They even had to take several short breaks and by the time they were done they didn't even have the energy to move their bodies. I couldn't help but sigh as I had to cast a large-scale fatigue relief spell on them.

Extending my hand over the tired group of elves I saw multiple small magic circles appear under each elf and a bright blue light rose from the ground beneath their bodies and within seconds, the light was gone and the elves weren't tired anymore and were able to move. 

I watched as they began to practically cheer for each other and in the midst of them celebrating I cleared my throat and got their attention. Upon seeing me leaning, with my arm resting against the wooden sword, their faces paled and I couldn't help but think.

' With that kind of expression you'd think I was some kind of villain… oh well, if I have to be, I'll become the best villain to help you.'

The night ended shortly after training, I sent everyone home and stayed behind. Looking up at the moons in the sky and breathing in the cold fresh air. 

' who would have thought that I'd ever be overseeing someone else's training… me of all people.'

I shook my head and sighed before going back home. Once I arrived I spent the rest of the night writing. Things like rules, or rather, laws and plans. 

** ~~ The Next Evening ~~ **

I decided to leave the combat class alone early today because I wanted to check on the [Home Economics] class, specifically the gardening section, it was the section with the least amount of hands at work and I worried that they may be feeling overwhelmed. My worries were unnecessary apparently, because as soon as I got to the small farmland that I cleared, I saw that everyone was working diligently and not only were they co-existing perfectly with one another but they were actually growing fruits and vegetables quite well. Upon my arrival everyone greeted me as usual, honestly it made me feel strange how happy everyone always seemed whenever I arrived, and how they greeted me everytime as if they had to even if I told them that they didn't. They all reminded me of my old friend. That's why I find myself always wondering how things are going on his end. Regardless, I learned that the gardening class chose Tsuki to be their Leader, I believed that it was an amazing choice. She may be gentle, soft-spoken and well mannered, but she's also a great listener and she's helpful, when the elves saw that they must have given her the chance to be in command as a sort of test but after finding out how well she leads they decided to follow her. 

' Maybe that's what happened, or maybe they had a different reason entirely, regardless of the reason.. I'm glad that they all seem happy and are doing well. '

" Ah- There you are. Father, we've returned. "

Just as I was leaving the class to check on the others, Lanceil and Nyx, along with Eos, the second clone I created, the one I sent with them had all arrived and were practically beaming with excitement. I nodded at them lightly and walked past, they understood and followed me, briefly saying their goodbyes to the remaining elves in the class as we left. 

"So, I assume that you being here means that you've succeeded?"

I spoke to them while walking deeper through the forest. We didn't go home, instead we went somewhere with an open field and no elves. A small private space in the forest that's usually only used by me when I'm feeling especially restless. 

"Yes, we've managed to secure a fine location to build the church. As of right now, the construction should be done in '1 week' or so, that's what the dwarf said."

Lanceil spoke with a tone that seemed to suggest that he was skeptical. His reluctance was responded to by Eos who sighed and spoke again.

"If he said a week, it will definitely be done in a week. Afterall, we monsters can't lie."

His words were true. In this world, lying is only possible for humans and annoyingly strong creatures. If I ever wanted to lie I'd have to be several times stronger than I already am. Maybe it's because I'm my past life I was so pitifully weak but, personally I think I'm already ridiculously strong. Needless to say, I don't think I'd want to become strong enough to lie, not if I don't have to at least.

"So, you found a place and managed to get the church construction going, that's good news." 

While speaking to Lanceil and Eos I stayed sitting in the grass while I found myself subconsciously petting Nyx, running my hands over his head and ears, clearly he liked it quite a bit because he laid down and rested his head on my lap as I did it. 

"I'm thinking of leaving the forest."

Thinking about some of my goals, leaving the forest and expanding my territory and influence is necessary. If I want to be strong enough to protect my family from everything, I would need more than just raw strength and money. 

Eos watched me for a moment and sighed, his purple hair swaying in the light breeze as he nodded in agreement. 

"The elves here are strong enough, and I think they'd be quite sad if you left but they'll be fine."

Nyx also didn't seem too surprised by my words but Lanceil didn't seem too happy. He didn't seem upset but more like he was anxious. 

"Father, may I ask what you mean by wanting to leave.. and why?"

Hm.. 

"I need information, and experience." 

While I may have Azeroth, they aren't all knowing, at least not yet. Though I'm not even going to limit their ability to eventually become an all-knowing entity, it won't change that they aren't currently all-knowing. 

"That's why I'm going to make another clone and have him stay here in the forest in my place. I want you to stay here as well."

Lanceil knew better than to continue on and this he simply sighed and nodded in understanding. After making sure that everyone understood and agreed I smiled softly and spoke again. 

"I'll be gone for a year, when I come back I will definitely have a lot to share. In the meantime I will look forward to seeing you all again. I wonder how much you'll all grow in my absence."

** ~~ A week Later ~~ **

[ Notice ]

[ If you are going to become an adventurer, you will be forced to meet many humans and dangerous people. You may die. ]

I found myself chuckling at Azeroth's words. Not because they were wrong or funny, it's not like they were wrong after all. However, it sounded a lot like Azeroth was worrying about me and also as if they didn't think fondly of humans. It's becoming obvious to me that the distance goes both ways between humans and "monsters". 

Humans fear and envy monsters, they come in all shapes and sizes, and they aren't bound by the same limited nature that humans are bound by. 

"I'll be fine. You can't forget that I was once human. I'm not afraid of them, and I'm definitely not going to lose my life to them. Even if I somehow managed to die, I'll be fine, you know that much."

Azeroth didn't speak again for a while and I looked down at the city. It's not as grand as Varethil, but it was still quite beautiful and spacious. Before I even approached the inside of the large stone wall gating the bustling city life, I could see tons of people walking and riding on horseback. Most of the people seemed to be wearing normal clothes, cheap but decent, with bright, youthful faces that have yet to experience life. There were also those that were dressed in armour, and leather boots along with chest armour. The adventurers outfits were quite noticeable, flashy for some, practical for others. It was interesting to see their style and wonder how useful it would be in battle. I personally wore my usual clothes with the addition of a black coat that I had received from Yona, one of the female elves that I had named, she had apparently taken fur from bunch of *Warlic rabbits, and the molted skin from a wild black-steel venomous snake. The coat was very well made and quite comfortable to wear, it was warm but also kept me cool, not exactly something I needed since temperatures didn't really affect me much at all… but it was nice all the same. Also, because the coat was made from the skin of the black-steel snake, it was basically impossible to pierce or rip it unless you're really strong or have something very sharp, mere rocks or even cheaply made daggers wouldn't be able to cut through it. That makes me wonder how she managed to make it into a jacket but I think some things are better left unasked and unanswered. Also, because of the fact that she added the Warlic fur, the coat had the ability to make the user wearing it invisible. Surprisingly, it was a skill I wouldn't have expected to be able to use but now it's possible. While looking over the adventurers I noticed quite a few creatures as well. Dwarves and creatures that I didn't know existed like the human looking creatures that one would mistake for human if not for their animalistic features. One woman had a long leopard tail and cute leopard ears sticking from their head, she wasn't an adventurer, she looked like she was a waitress at a dinery as she wore an apron with her chestnut coloured hair into a ponytail, and her light sky-blue dress that went slightly above her knees, revealing her tail that swayed side to side as she took orders. Another was a man with wolf ears and tail. He stood behind a stall and seemed to be selling a variety of items that had attracted a crowd of adventurers. Needless to say, this city was the starting spot for adventures. While taking in the sight, I approached the entrance of the city and was greeted by a man who held a long metal spear and he wore silver armour. 

"Welcome to Caeraval, the city bordering the nation of Eryndral and the Elarion Forest."

The knight greeted me as I walked past. He was one of the 3 guards standing and greeting people as they entered and left the city. There wasn't a verification system like the one that Lanceil had to go through when he went to the north. This place was a city that's open to pretty much everyone, it's the place where people from all walks of life visit to become an official adventurer. The place that I'm going to be staying for the next year.