The Path to Dominion 

Ethan Brook and Kyogan moved silently through the dense forest, the moonlight filtering through the canopy to dapple their path. The distant cries of nocturnal creatures echoed through the cool night air, but Ethan's mind was far from calm. Beneath his composed demeanor, he was consumed by intricate schemes and strategies. 

"Kyogan," Ethan said, breaking the silence. His voice was low but commanding. "What do you know of the demons that remain? Where have they scattered?" 

Kyogan hesitated before lowering his gaze. "My lord, since your defeat and injury at the hands of Yoriichi, chaos has consumed the demons. Some have descended into madness, hunting recklessly without care for survival. Others have hidden in seclusion, fearing both the Demon Slayers and the sun. A few still harbor ambitions, but without leadership, their strength is scattered and directionless." 

Ethan nodded, absorbing the information."Then we must begin the process of gathering them. I cannot afford to waste time dealing with weaklings.We will target the strong first, those with potential to serve as lieutenants in my empire. Do you have anyone in mind?"

Kyogan's third eye glimmered faintly, opening slightly. "There is one, my lord. A demon who calls herself Azara. She is known for her cunning and ruthlessness. Her Blood Demon Art,Serpent's Embrace, allows her to summon venomous serpents made of her blood—creatures that have claimed even the strongest Demon Slayers." 

"Azara," Ethan mused, rolling the name across his tongue. "Where can I find her?" 

"She was last seen in the northern province, deep within a mountain cave system. The air there reeks of poison. Few who enter ever return." 

Ethan smirked. "Perfect. Let us pay her a visit. But first..." He extended a hand toward Kyogan, whose expression faltered. 

"My lord?" Kyogan asked, his voice uncertain. 

"I will ensure your loyalty," Ethan said, his tone brooking no argument. "You are skilled, but trust is earned, not granted. To solidify our bond, I will embed a stronger Blood Hex within you—a binding that leaves no room for betrayal. Do you object?" 

Kyogan trembled slightly but bowed his head. "No, my lord. My life is yours to command." 

Ethan extended his claw-like finger, piercing Kyogan's chest with surgical precision. Tendrils of crimson energy surged into Kyogan, weaving through his body like living threads. His tattoos glowed fiercely as the hex was infused into his very being. 

"It is done," Ethan said, withdrawing his hand. "Now, your loyalty is absolute. Betrayal is no longer an option." 

Kyogan clutched his chest, his breath labored, but his third eye gleamed with renewed determination. "Thank you, my lord. I will not fail you." 

(At Azara's Lair)

Two nights later, Ethan and Kyogan stood before the entrance to a cavern nestled in the northern mountains. The stench of decay hung thick in the air, and scattered bones littered the ground. Faint pulses of demonic energy emanated from within, warning of danger. 

"She knows we're here," Ethan said calmly, his crimson eyes glinting. "Good. Let her prepare." 

They entered the cave, the darkness closing around them. Kyogan activated his Aura Map ability, a glowing, translucent representation of the cavern unfolding before them. "She's deeper inside my lord," he whispered. "But be cautious her venom saturates the air. Prolonged exposure could weaken even a demon." 

Ethan smirked "You underestimate me Kyogan." 

As they delved deeper, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. The walls seemed to writhe, faint hissing echoing from unseen corners. Finally, they emerged into a vast chamber, where Azara awaited them. 

Reclining on a throne of coiled serpents, Azara was both mesmerizing and menacing. Her scaled skin shimmered in the dim light, her slitted eyes glinting with malice. Crimson hair flowed around her like molten fire, and venom dripped from her claws, sizzling as it hit the ground. 

"Well, well," Azara purred, her voice like a serpent's hiss. "Who dares intrude upon my domain?" 

Ethan stepped forward, his presence radiating an undeniable aura of dominance. 

"Azara," he said, his tone laced with mock disappointment. "Don't tell me you've forgotten me already. It hurts, truly. I didn't think my subordinates would forget their creator, *Muzan*, so easily." 

He paused, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Let me make this simple Azara. I don't have time to waste. Submit to me peacefully, and you live. Refuse, and you'll perish—tonight." 

Azara threw her head back, laughing—a sound that echoed like the rattling of a hundred serpents. "You? Muzan? The same Muzan who was humiliated by Yoriichi? What makes you think you have the right to command me now?" 

Ethan's expression darkened, a sinister smirk spreading across his face. "How amusing," he murmured. "I never expected my little demon Azara to talk back to me. But your attempt at provoking me is… entertaining. Do you know why I'm not angry?" 

He turned slightly toward Kyogan, his voice calm but sharp. "Tell me, Kyogan. Would you be angry if an ant insulted you?" 

Kyogan bowed his head slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "No, my lord. An ant is far too insignificant to provoke anger." 

"Exactly," Ethan said, turning back to Azara, his gaze piercing. "And that's what you are to me, Azara—an ant. But unlike an ant, you have the chance to live choose wisely."

Suddenly Azara's serpents lunged at Ethan, their fangs dripping venom. Without hesitation, Ethan extended his hand, transforming it into a blade that sliced through the serpents with ruthless precision. 

Azara's eyes widened in shock as she transformed into a massive serpent, her scaled body coiling to strike. She lashed out with blinding speed, her venomous fangs aiming for Ethan's throat. 

But Ethan was faster. He caught her jaws mid-strike, his strength utterly overwhelming hers. "Impressive," he said, tightening his grip, "but not enough." 

With a violent motion, he slammed her into the ground, the force cracking the cavern floor. Azara reverted to her humanoid form, coughing blood as she struggled to rise. 

Ethan loomed over her. "Submit, Azara. Serve me, and I will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams. Refuse, and I will end you here and now." 

Azara hesitated, her pride warring with her survival instinct. Finally, she bowed her head. "I yield, my lord. My venom, my serpents, my life—they are yours." 

Ethan smiled, satisfied. "Wise choice. Rise, Azara. Together, we will build an empire far beyond my former self's petty ambitions." 

With Azara and Kyogan at his side, Ethan's influence spread rapidly. Over the following weeks, they hunted down other demons, using persuasion, strength, and Blood Hexes to bind them to Ethan's will. 

Ethan established a structured hierarchy for his growing empire: 

1.Lieutenants: Powerful demons like Azara and Kyogan, each with unique abilities and bound by strong Blood Hexes. 

2.Enforcers: Lesser demons tasked with enforcing Ethan's rule across territories. 

3.Researchers: Demons working to enhance their abilities, under Kyogan's supervision. 

Ethan himself refined his Blood Demon Arts, developing Umbra Tendrils, a technique that allowed him to create deadly appendages of flesh and blood for long-range attacks. 

As Ethan's empire grew, so did the attention of the Demon Slayer Corps. Reports of the new Demon King spread, prompting the corps to mobilize their strongest warriors. 

One night, as Ethan convened with his lieutenants, Kyogan's Aura Map flickered. His third eye widened in alarm. "My lord! Demon Slayers are approaching—powerful ones." 

Ethan smirked, his crimson eyes blazing. "Let them come. This will be an excellent opportunity to show them the futility of resisting me." 

Azara's serpents hissed, coiling protectively around her. "Shall we destroy them my lord?" 

Ethan's smile widened, revealing sharp fangs. "No capture them i have plans for the Demon Slayer Corps." 

The fortress prepared for battle, and Ethan stood at its heart, his anticipation growing. The era of his dominion had begun, and he would not be stopped.