Casting ahead following his eventful visit to the Kitsune Highest, three days later the day came when Imuru thought he was ready. His close companions were gathered, and his residence blocked until he left for his mission.
"I'll start off by saying, thank you all for gathering here today," Imuru said scanning over the group. "For how long I'll be gone, I can't be sure, but I'm my absence I expect everyone to be responsible, and keep the details of this mission from the town."
"Imuru!" Murk stepped forward. "This is your final decision?" He checked in, giving Imuru one last chance to change his mind while he could.
"Tsk-Tsk. I Kigaru shall give my approval of your decision," Kigaru butted in It's just unfortunate that I won't have the opportunity to show off my skills, a—"
"Kigaru."
Murk's voice tone was low and stiff, calling his son's name as his singular warning.
Gull offered his sincere wishes to Imuru and his goals, whilst Nudge gave a firm nod, the orc's silence speaking louder than words could; he believed in Imuru as much as anyone else.
Arken stood there, his head held up high smiling proudly. "Aren't you going to wish me well?" Imuru asked in a slightly teasing manner.
"No need. A man of your capabilities will not be needing it," Arken replied, his words oozing confidence. Imuru found this very sweet, he'd hug Arken to force him to break character if he himself didn't want to break character.
It seemed everyone was in high spirits (more or less) if not acting ordinary… other than Yosho; her gaze was held to the ground, clearly she hadn't pulled herself together even till now.
Imuru took her and pulled her aside. "Looking gloomy. What's wrong?"
At Imuru's question, Yosho answered, but not with a question herself but with another question. "Am I of any use to you?"
Confronted by her feelings, Imuru was left a bit stumped momentarily. Even so, he managed to give an answer. "You always have been." It was a soft, kind reply, but generic and typical of himself, something he himself was quite aware of. Being put on the spot, he's not the next to come up with anything philosophically deep.
The reply did seem to spark back some life into Yosho, something he noticed from her eyes. She lifted her head, and said this; "I believe you… but I'll become more."
Before he left, there were two other people he needed to exchange a word or two with. "Roll, Linira…"
"Please do not worry, we'll ensure everything runs smoothly at home Lord Imuru," Roll said with conviction of steel, a firm fist held to his chest.
"As my fellow partner said. Please focus on the mission and leave the worry of Cherishnot to us," Linira replied. She didn't match the energy of Roll but Imuru knew her enough, so it wasn't required.
Giving his final byes and a wave, Imuru sprouted his wings, and took off into the air with a single flap of his wings… he was now on his own, and on his way to confront the Undead King.
Forcent watched as Imuru faded out of sight. As the strongest in town, as he promised he would protect Cherishnot in Imuru's absence.
Time passed and a few hours later, the sky was still clear; the warmth of the sun beating down on the land and his back—the weather all around preferred by Imuru.
⟨Woop⟩ Imuru performed a barrel roll, having a bit of fun on his lonely flight above the Sacred Forest. Being up this high, it was all a sight to behold, the hills and mountains scattered throughout the forest; mostly though there wasn't much to see, other than the shield of leaves that formed from the canopy below.
Being so high above, carried the wind of tranquility and freedom across his body. Despite what was ahead of him, he found some peace in his flight, closing his eyes as he soaked it all in, performing a more methodical roll in the sky.
Lately he hasn't been feeling quite like himself. It felt as if he had been losing his natural cravings for eating or drinking, even sleeping; he hadn't slept the previous two nights ago, simply staring blankly until he felt like he wanted to get up, and he wasn't feeling any exhaustion or fatigue. It didn't seem like a bad deal, but he was still concerned.
⟨By air is definitely the best method of travel. The Transportation Platform is instantaneous but very limited in access. Nenshō's skill would be pretty valuable to learn… Spatial Movement; useful in any location talk about a cheat.⟩
⟨Hmm. The Sacred Forest is incredibly big… like an island?⟩ Looking out at the expanse of the lands, his mind changed, ⟨Much larger… definitely larger…⟩
⟨Hmph⟩ Coming to a halt, Imuru noticed something below him.
Down below a trio of hobgoblins were running for their lives; being chased down by a giant Class C Red Fire Ant. They were slowly beginning to pull away, as the ant started to lose interest, but disaster struck once the small girl running between them had a mishap, tripping over her own feet and crashing into the ground.
The males stopped promptly rushing to render aid. The older male reached her fist, picked her up, then threw her to the other male.
"Hurry Get Out Of Here!" The older Hobgoblin shouted at the younger male. The younger male hesitated, but seeing the approaching ant made him act, taking the girl in his arms and running.
The older male, took his sword from his back, prepared to face the creature with trembling hands. He rushed at the creature, shouting aloud a war cry but was swatted away with a casual swipe from the ant's front leg.
The Hobgoblin was sent tumbling on the ground, in the end left with scratches all across his body. The ant marched closer, its antenna twitching in the air. Knowing there was nothing left he could do, the Hobgoblin, shut his eyes accepting his fate… at the end he at least knew he was able to help them escape.
BOOM!!!
Right beside him, something crashed violently into the ant and ground. The other pair of Hobgoblins heard this loud explosion, and knew what it meant as the young male Hobgoblin pushed his legs to move faster.
"Argh! What?..." The Hobgoblin pushed himself upright, looking to the dust in confusion and fear.
Stepping out nonchalantly was Imuru, meeting his eyes with the Hobgoblin.
⟨What are you?⟩
⟨Who are you?⟩
They both had immediate thoughts at the sight of each other. Imuru was more curious about what he was seeing—while the Hobgoblin was more inclined to know who Imuru was.
The pair stared at each other neither making a move. Until the Hobgoblin did; bowing before Imuru, his forehead touching the ground.
"Thank you great lord for saving my life. I'll forever be indebted to you." These words flew right off the Hobgoblin's tongue, mixed with sincerity and fear.
Imuru went to introduce himself… then realized he didn't feel like it and wanted to play a different role… something more commanding. There wasn't anyone here to see him, so he went along with this.
He cleared his throat, holding his head high. "Stand. What's your name, and species?" He ordered, in half joking seriousness.
"Uh."
The Hobgoblin was quick to his feet. "I'm Ginbi the Hobgoblin sir."
"Hmph." Imuru crossed his arms across his chest. "Hobgoblin. What got you into this?" He turned to the fire, he crushed.
At the sound of the question Ginbi's eyes drifted to the ground, trying to keep a smile on his face. "We pushed our—No, it was my fault. I thought we could get the red gel. It seemed clear, but we didn't notice the Ant camouflage nearby."
"Gel?" Imuru probed for an answer.
"Yes. It's what helps us survive the harder times. Just a little can keep us full for a few days," Ginbi explained.
Imuru pretended to think over it for a few seconds. "Red Gel. Listen, I'm busy, but I am willing to offer you some help."
Ginbi gasped, dropping to his knees. "My people would be forever grateful…" He lifted his head. "How… How could we return the favour? We don't have much in valuables; at least nothing that can match this generosity."
"Good point. For now let's leave that for your leader," Imuru suggested.
⟨Mwah-hahahaha! Now to beat some ants and show off… I need to keep in mind my actual objective. So I need to keep this quick, and try not to have too much fun.⟩
Imuru sprouted his wings, and grabbed Ginbi. "Come on. Let's hurry." Ginbi looked at Imuru in surprise that he could grow wings. He wasn't given much time to think about it as Imuru took off with him.
A couple minutes later, Ginbi managed to locate the location where he and his companions were before. Circling from above, they could see the substance at the center, though the area was no longer safe for the average person or creature to approach; crawling with Red Fire Ants.
Ginbi sighed at the sight in disappointment, it seemed they came all the way here to leave with nothing again. "I'm sorry sir. I should've expected this," He apologized, thinking there was no way in order to gain the substance with it so strictly guarded at this point. And he wasn't particularly brave enough to try his luck with nearly a hundred around, when he barely mastered the courage when there wasn't any around.
To what seemed like a death sentence to Ginbi was something Imuru was confident enough he could handle without even the need for violence (If he really tried).
[[
[[-Celestial Lake Domination-]]
Implementing his few seconds plan, Imuru summoned a portion of the Celestial Lake, the shimmering liquid, descended down to in a splash, swirling around to form a protective dome around the Red Gel; the manipulation of the molecular density, making it harder than concrete. Locking out the ants, he hurried down into the dome.
There remained a few stuck inside, and they turned their attention to the pair, as the others on the outside became frantic.
Resting his hand on the handle of his sword, Imuru internally counted out all the ants. "Ginbi. Take what you can."
Ginbi snapped out of it, drawing his sword as he began to cut a slice off the Red Gel, which immediately triggered the ants, as they promptly charged at them. Imuru quick to action, blitz the ants one-by-one, one slice for each; in under five seconds all thirteen were dead, and Ginbi got what he came for announcing it triumphantly.
Hurrying, Imuru grabbed Ginbi and took off in a heavy burst from the flap of his wings. Up in the air they remained stationed, Imuru's releasing his skill, as the agitated ants attended to the Red Gel.
"You are amazing miss!" Ginbi complimented in excitement. His day started out badly, but it seemed in the end his luck made a turn for the better.
"The pleasure is all mine," Imuru replied.
With their objective over and through, with Ginbi's directions Imuru began their flight back to his village. Making it back to Ginbi's small village, it seemed like everyone was gathered outside in front of the home of the chief.
"... Nini and Gunda must've safely made it back," Ginbi murmured, his voice quieter than usual. "They probably believe I didn't make it."
"Not for long," Imuru said simply, as he descended to the ground.
Inside the chief of the Hobgoblins Rack, was kneeling down preparing himself for the mourning of the man he lost today. It was unexpected and sudden, such was the nature of their lives. Outside he heard some murmurs, and raising voices, but he remained focused brushing it off, until someone barged in.
"Chief! Ginbi is alive and he brought someone with him!" The hobgoblin reported frantically.
"What stranger?" Rack inquired calmly… as if the first part took some time to click, he sprung to his feet. "Ginbi is alive?!"
The hobgoblin nodded in response. Rack followed behind, where the hobgoblins were all gathered. He made his way through them, until he reached the center.
Seeing their chief, the hobgoblins went silent. Imuru and Rack locked eyes for a moment, before Rack's attention shifted and he opened an eye to ensure for certain it was Ginbi.
"Ginbi… he's alive," Rack muttered under his breath. "Ginbi is alive!" He expressed loudly.
Rack approached and rested his hands on Ginbi's shoulders. "I thank the heavens for your safety! And you even successfully return with the Red Gel?" Rack, with his enthusiasm and joy burning bright, picked Ginbi up in his arms, embracing him in a firm hug, as the Hobgoblins cheered, mirroring the chief's joy.
"We should be thanking him," Ginbi's voice strained from the tight squeeze.
Rack released Ginbi, putting him down gently. He bowed his head before Imuru, and expressed his gratitude. "I am Rack, the village chieftain. I'm not sure how we could repair such generosity."
Imuru smirked. "It seems none of you have heard the news," Imuru put forth, eyeing the curious hobgoblins.
"The news?" Rack mumbled, his smile dropping as a flicker of unease crossed his face.
A purple aura slowly began to sleep from Imuru's body, coiling around him like smoke. "Well..." He rested a hand on his chest, his voice calm but carrying undeniable weight. "The Sacred Forest is under my management. The management of the Great Demon Lord."
The moment Imuru's final words left his lips, his aura was released—a wave of oppressive presence that crashed through the gathered hobgoblins like a silent thunderclap. Then just as quickly it had come, it was gone.
"Whoops! S-Sorry, sorry, sorry." Imuru waved his hands, his expression shifting from regal to sheepish in an instant.
All the hobgoblins fell one after the other from Imuru's aura, barely lasting a second, with only the chief left standing withstanding the effects better than the others; but still left frozen in place, suffering from paralysis.
⟨Uh… I didn't kill them, did I?⟩ Imuru thought in fear. ⟨I swear I swear, the effects weren't supposed to be active!⟩
Rack eventually came back to his senses. He looked much stronger than the other hobgoblins, having a muscular build; which helped him overcome the minimum effects that Imuru overlooked before releasing his Demon Aura.
With a shaky hand, he pointed at Imuru. "N—New… managed? Demon Lord? A Demon Lord?..." His eyes opened wide, finally comprehending his own words. "A Demon Lord!" He fainted right on the spot.
A few minutes later, the Rack awoke in his bed. He blinked, turning his head to the side to see Ginbi, Nini and Gunda standing at his bedside.
⟨Must've been a horrible dream.⟩ Rack thought.
"We're glad to see you're awake chief. The Demon Lord wants to speak with you?" Ginbi said.
"No, no," Imuru muffled out from his full mouth. "That's fine. He can rest."
Rack turned his head back to the side, then got elevated up his upper body, to see Imuru sitting and eating. ⟨Not a dream.⟩
"Apologies for earlier, Rack. I'm Imuru, the Great Demon Lord. No need to worry, I mean no harm. I just so happened to be passing by when I saw Ginbi in need of help," Imuru casually explained.
"It's a pleasure, Great Demon Lord, Imuru." Rack bowed his head. "I-I… apologize for earlier. We haven't had visitors of your status. This is a first."
Before they began to discuss anything, Ginbi and his friends were sent to wait outside, where the chief's home was surrounded by the hobgoblins wanting to catch another glimpse of the visitor.
"The Great Forces, have you heard of them?" Imuru inquired, pacing around the small interior of the house, unintentionally making himself quite menacing.
"Mm-Hm. I have," Rack replied. "We all have. It's been awhile since I've heard much about them. Did something happen?"
"Nothing to be concerned about. Unless you dislike me of course." Imuru turned his face to Rack, his beauty, proving to be an outstanding feature, matched so perfectly with his smile.
"N-No concerns here," Rack assured Imuru.
"Ah, wonderful." Imuru could almost cheer. "I'm the leader of the town; Cherishnot. If you have any desire to join it, you should pay a visit. Just tell them, the Great Demon Lord sent ya… Preferably, ask for Roll or Linira. They'll get you settled in."
He removed a compass from his waist. "Here." Imuru tossed it lightly to Rack, who caught it with both hands. "I had it modified some time back so it always marks the way home. I don't quite need it anymore, but I still carry it to remember the man that gave it to me."
"Take your time." Imuru stepped back to the entrance, lingering briefly on Rack. "I wish I could stay longer… but right now, I've got somewhere to be."
Rack stood frozen, staring at the compass in his hands. A Demon Lord. A known, fearsome being—and yet he was being kind. Charitable. Why?
Was there something to gain from his small village? They weren't amazing at anything compared to other species. Survival was difficult for them, and it only grew harder each passing season. Famine. Predators. The slow, grinding weight of a world that didn't care.
Rack wasn't sure what to think.
Was it really just... kindness?
His gaze drifted up from the compass to the doorway. Then he heard the loud flap of wings.
He stepped outside. The hobgoblins had their faces turned skyward. There, silhouetted against the fading light, was Imuru, taking to the sky, growing smaller with each beat of his wings, until he was just a speck against the clouds.
Rack watched until he could watch no more.
Then, finally, he smiled. A small, uncertain thing, and spoke.
"Gather what you can."