Seal Broken: Freedom?

Valley of Monsters, Monsters' Utopia (Forest Name), Central Area

Monsters' Utopia is one of the world's most dangerous places. With hundreds of different species of monsters capable of killing thousands of people, no country has ever dared to explore it.

With no one to explore it, it was full of mysteries and legends. But today that changed forever. Not only the fate of the forest but the fate of the entire world changed.

Eastern corner, The Dwarves Village,

"Good Morning, Village Chief."

"Good Morning. What is this uproar about?"

"Something strange has happened, Chief. We all woke up to see the sky being torn. A large structure fell from that tear."

"What?! Tear the sky, you say?!"

"Yes, Chief."

"No wonder I felt that chill early in the morning. Send warning messages to all the tribes. Request them to come for the meeting in the cave as soon as possible!"

"As you wish, Chief."

"Has the time already come?"

The Chief of the Dwarven Village was petrified. Even though he is old and weak to sense anything, something about that structure didn't feel right.

The tribes settled in the centre of the forest were all dumbstruck as well. They didn't see it coming from the sky but they believe it to be the work of some God.

Even without the message from the Dwarven Chief, they knew the terrors that thing possessed. The chills they got and the amount of mana being released. They concluded it to be a Monster among the Monsters.

The Beastmen, The Goblins, The Orges, The Lizardman, The Centaurs—the leading tribes of the forest—were in awe because of the manifestation of the structure.

The structure was large with a circular outline. Spanning over 250 metres in diameter—it was bizarre.

Even though it was circular, it had a pyramid at its centre. Was it a coincidence or on purpose but the corners of the Pyramid perfectly pointed at the four directions.

A few metres farther from the corners in each direction were four large pillars. A strangely rotating disc on the top connected these pillars. In the middle of every pillar, they had chains coming from two sides opposite to each other—holding octahedrons on each sub-directions. These chains not only held the octahedrons but connected the pillars as well.

(This might be confusing. The northern pillar had chains coming out from East and West, East— North and South... and so on.)

If looked closely, they were more like towers with height equaling to that of the central piece. The design was very canonical. The smooth plastering of the walls made the whole structure shine even in the day by reflecting the sunlight.

The whole forest was labile because of this sudden appearance. To build such a structure in one night, the person must be strong or influential—is what the leading tribes were thinking.

***Change***

The Top Floor, Central Pyramid, Throne Room

The Throne Room, at the top of the pyramid—was the largest room in the whole Ruins Of The Lord.

The room itself was outstanding. As if ruled by the ruler of the earth—they did not miss decorations on every nook and corner. It was square-shaped with an astounding height of 25 metres.

With no doors enter the room—there was only one way to enter, through teleportation. A red carpet was spread out across the center.

The 12 circular pillars on each side of the carpet were tall and wide. The hanging lights on the ceiling illuminated the central room, giving it a glow.

Even though the room was portentous, there was still something very augural about it. On the dark walls, where the light didn't reach—there were steps taken for the protection of the room.

Fifteen golems, guarding the room—were hiding in the darkness. The Lord had completely equipped each golem with armour made from the rare metal—Dark Silver.

The walls—full of paintings and pictures of some unknown people. Tables laid out with flowers and decorations and yet the hard work of decorating as all in vain with no one to admire it in the midst of darkness. As if to only hide the Golems' presence, it was an insult to the decorator.

Looking at the main showpiece—The Throne, where the ruler of the Ruins was resting. The absolute leader—responsible for the creation of these Ruins.

Even though he understood the meaning, he called his perfect house—Ruins of The Lord.

Who would even consider this as a house? It was more like a fortress or a castle. Northern side of the room, on the throne—was the Lord sitting. With his right hand on his cheek, he was in deep thought about the future.

On closer inspection, he seems to be inhuman. Those two black horns, darker than the new moon night—sprouted atop his head. The hair and eyes, as if to match the beautiful face—were black as well. He wore a black suit with a black cloak fixed atop his right shoulder only. He is a man who is obsessed over the colour, black. He wears a simple black suit because he hates wearing clothes according to someone's status. He loathes King, Emperor and Nobility—who think that they are at the top.

The Throne he was sitting on was made, mostly out of Dark Silver—an extremely rare metal. Five steps high from the floor, it festooned with gold, diamonds and precious Rubies as well.

Dark silver is the rarest metal around the world. It forms when normal silver is laid-bare in extremely dense Dark essence or Black mana as Demons call it.

It is the fiercest metal to exist. It is grayish with a black hue.

"Mr.One"

"Yes, My Lord."

The Lord called out one of his servants, Mr.One (Pronounced as Mister one). Mr.One is the supervisor of all servants in the ruins.

He is a well-built man with a bald head. He loves flaunting his muscles that's why he wears just a Golden harem pants and shoes. He is chocolatey in colour and 178 cm tall. He has a tattoo of Lightning on his back.

"You called me? My Lord."

"Of course, I did. I want you to recon this valley completely. I want every contingent about the inhabiting creatures, tribes and the resources of the forest. Make sure you don't go outside the valley. But first summon all the Rulers in the throne room. Go now!"

"As you wish, My Lord."

Rulers are the seven strongest individuals in the Ruins after the Lord himself. They are delegated to each of the towers and the octahedrons.

The Lord had assigned the towers according to the power they held. The four strongest ruled the main towers whereas the other ruled the octahedrons. There were seven Rulers but the O4(Northeastern Octahedron or fourth octahedron) was bestowed to the Lord's pet dragon.

After a few minutes, a beautiful lady showed up on the opposite side of the throne. She walked elegantly towards Achut and kneeled down first.

"Oh my~, it seems I am the first one. How are you doing, Lord Achut?"

"Do I look sick, Devina?"

"Not at all, My Lord. I shall wait for the others to arrive."

Devina is the ruler of the T2(Eastern Tower, Tower of Life). She is an overflowing beauty. But her beauty and charm might be a conceit as she is the second strongest ruler in the ruins after Void, the ruler of Death Tower(T1, the northern tower). She loves Achut more than anything and tries to look as charming as she can. Today she was wearing a white ball gown with Lavender hair and turquoise eyes. She often dyes her hair and changes her eye colour to match the dress.(eye change is a secret ;)

After kneeling, she got up and neared Achut with a vexatious smile—clinging to him immediately.

Achut was surprised and complimented her making it worse,

"Y-You look great today, Devina. That dress and hair suits you."

Hearing the compliments from her Lord, the man she loved—alluringly she said,

"Ahhh~, Lord Achut~ I can wear this dress as much as you wish. If anything about me bothers you, please inform me. No no no, if I bother you—I will kill myself as well."

Achut gets bothered by his subordinates extreme respect towards him,

"N-No, you don't bother me at all. You are all my precious treasures."

"Fufu, it seems your lust has yet to calm down Devina. You are—as always—trying hard to gain attention, fufufu."

(Note: Achut means immortal, indestructible or simply the strongest. We spell it as Aa-xu-ut)

Another beautiful lady showed up in the throne room. She mocked Devina while approaching the throne. She, just like Devina, kneeled down first and bowed then she neared Devina instead of Achut.

With the intention of mocking her, Devina ironically said,

" Ho~. You can still run your mouth as always, huh? As expected of Mrs.Elemental Bitch."

"Look who is talking, Mrs.Surgical Whore."

As you can see, they are rivals. They fight for the man they love, Achut, the womaniser.

"*taunt* You...! That's right! Unlike you atleast I have something."

"Damn you!! Don't compare yourself with me. Your are a hybrid but I am natural. Unlike some Hybrid Bitches here, I don't have the body parts of other species."

This one made Devina angry and she took it too far.

"What did you say?!.....Hmp, Even if you try you still can't beat me in one thing. Because of it, everything you have tried will be meaningless."

With a maniacal smile at the end, Devina felt satisfaction.

"W-What are you trying to say?"

"Fufu, no matter how you look at it you still have a Spirit's body."

"W-Wha-What do you mean? O-Our fight and my body has no connections."

"Fufufu, you still don't understand, do you? That's why I am stronger than you."

"J-Just be clear!!!"

"You know it already."

"What? Just say it, damnit!"

"Don't rampage in your anger, okay."

"How can I? We are in Lord Achut's chambers."

"Fufu. I can carry Lord Achut's child. Fufufu."

(Something=Chest)

A lightening hit her and she felt disappointed and unfulfilled like never before.

"C-Calm down, Devina and Kriti."

Kriti is the Element Queen(T4, the eastern tower, Tower of Elements). She can use almost any element magic. She is extremely talented and creative with her abilities. She also rivals Devina for Achut. She wears something that doesn't have a proper name. She is from the Spirit tribe and thus wears a dress the ladies would call a Sheath. But unlike the regular Sheath—it is made up of natural thing found in forests like leaves, silk and stuff.

In terms of beauty, she even rivals Devina. Being a magician, she needs a wand to cast spells—that's why she carries a pink umbrella as a wand.

Because of those painful words Kriti's heart was hurt. She feel into the depths of depression.

"Ha...ha....ha..ha. That's... right...(her soul left her body)"

"These two are as lively as always, I see."

"Oh, Void! I didn't notice you were there. I am sorry."

"Why are you atoning, My Lord? It is my fault that you didn't notice me. I should have informed you about my arrival. It's seems my magical presence is as insignificant as always."

'How is that your fault?' is what Achut was thinking. His subordinates were all so loyal to him. If he ordered them to die right here right now—they would do it with no second thought. That aside, Void is the strongest ruler in the ruins. He rules the Death tower(T1, Northern tower). He admires Achut so much so he tries everything to show his admiration and loyalty.

He is very calm and mature in behaviour. He is wearing a purple suit with white shirt and black tie. Void defends the Ruins using his demon and undead army. He has two red horns on either side of his forehead and a pair of wings on his back. He might be the strongest but has the silliest weakness. He can't overcome an enemy if the enemy is just a slightest bit stronger.

"O-Okay. Where are the others? Why are they taking so long?"

"About that, My Lord. Kanxi and Epsilon have received umpteen damage. They aren't even conscious yet."

"Ho, the dimensional travel must have been too much for them. What about Arab and Genius? How are they?"

"I apologize for the Ruler's incompetence. They should be punished for their incompetence. But you are as generous as always, My Lord."

"Answer my questions!(Bang!). You don't have to apologize every.. single....time."

Achut hit his throne with a strong fist. Seeing his anger, Devina and Kriti calmed down and kneeled down beside Void in front of Achut. There was a moment of silence in the room.

"I deeply--"

"There you go again. I-(sigh) Listen to me, I want you to stop apologizing for everything. I want you, the strongest and the wisest in the whole of Ruins, to object me in my decisions, suggest in to improve things and point out my mistakes. I am not angry that they can't come here instead I want them to be fit and healthy. You all are my only family. You don't have to force yourself to me. If anything were to happen to you, I won't be able to forgive myself."

Void, Devina and Kriti started crying.

"If you would for-- pardon me, you make no mistakes Lord Achut. You are perfect in your decisions and actions. We do not doubt you and your decisions at all. Not only me but all the Ruins think the same."

Devina and Kriti said in chorus,

" We agree. You are the embodiment of perfection, Lord Achut. We have no doubts even in the slightest."

"(Sigh) What did I even expected? No matter what, you won't change, do you?"

"It is exactly as you say, My Lord."

"Then answer my questions."

"Yes sir. Just as I mentioned before, Kanxi and Epsilon cannot work or move. They couldn't handle the effects of dimensional travel. In case of the other two, they are currently working on your orders. Arab is mass producing the magic items and scrolls. And Genius is working on his research of new magic skills and knowledge."

"I-Is that so? Then that's fine. Devina, use your holy magic on Kanxi and Epsilon. Heal them now!"

Achut forgot he gave such orders to Arab and Genius.

"As you wish, Lord Achut. I shall get going."

"Yes, get going, you hybrid hag."

"Who are you calling hag?!"

"Stop it, you two. We are in the presence of Lord Achut. Can you not show some respect?"

Achut thanked Void in his heart and added,

"It is as Void says. You two have to stop fighting. If you want to fight anyway then go fight outside and be sure to find a new topic to fight over. But exclude me from that topic list."

"Y-Yes, My Lord."

Devina left the room cursing Void in her heart.

(Achut has a very mature Voice.)

After embarrassing himself in front of his subordinates (not really, they haven't noticed), he finally began explaining his motives to the strategic master in the Ruins, Void.

"Now Void and Kriti, listen to me very carefully. I am about to say something very important. It will mark the future of our Ruins and us as well."

"Yes, My Lord. If I recall correctly, this place is just as you explained. As expected of Lord Achut. Forgive me for my foolishness but, can you please let a fool such as myself—know—how did you know about this place?"

"(Sigh) Even after saying that much, you still refuge to change."

"Exactly, My Lord. It will be hard to change so suddenly as such I would need a bit of time to change."

"(Sigh) Can't help it, can I?...Geez, fine, I will tell you.....I am actually from the physical realm. I went to the Demon Realm when I jumped from the cliff."

"What?!..."

He couldn't believe his ears but what he heard was the truth. He cleared his throat and asked again. His eyes twinkled before asking.

" Lord Achut was born here?! Then, will we meet your parents?!"

This was the first time Achut had seen such an expression on Void's face. The way he was drooling, joining his palms was very astonishing. If he showed such an expression outside this room, the humiliation Void and Achut will have to go through—sent chills down Achut's spine.

"Stop that, Void. Uhm...I feel too bad to say this but I do not have any clue about my parents. As I am a demihuman, I don't think I will be able to track both of them."

Void felt a great letdown. He, as well reached the depths of depression.

"Is...Is that so?

He immediately snapped out of it and smiled as if nothing happened. That eye blinding smile,

"Then that's a bust, I see."

'Where did that shining smile came from?!!'

Achut thought. He wondered,

'What would he do even if I knew about my parents?'

Out of curiosity, he asked him.

"Void. What would change if I knew about my parents? Did you intend on doing something?"

"No no, How could I do anything to My Lord's parents? They gave birth to you. If you weren't born, then we wouldn't be here either. That's why, I wanted to thank them and serve them as well. I get goosebumps just by thinking about it."

Kriti showed agreement on Void's statement. Her eyes were shining as well.

"I agree, Void. How awesome would it be to serve our Lord's parents? I just can't contain my excitement thinking about it."

Kriti showed her agreement as well. Seeing their determination to serve him, Achut was happy.

"Then, let us begin."

The excitement calmed down and the serious talk began. Concurrently they replied,

" As you wish."

To be continued.