Chapter 1,191.
Added 2024-01-29 19:51:46 +0000 UTC"You didn't have to come, you know."
"And miss the chance to see what kind of environment could nurture such weaponized paranoia?"
Ogras scoffed, glancing at his hooded companion. "Don't act like it hasn't served you well over the years. Who knows what kind of mess you'd found yourself in without at least one voice of caution reining you in."
"I know, I know," Zac laughed while looking around. "It's nice. I see where Azh'Rodum got its inspiration."
Ogras took in the familiar sights of living homes, noting how little differences two decades of absence made. It almost felt like Azh'Rezak had been trapped in a Temporal Chamber during his absence. It was the same, yet different, after being observed through the lens of experience.
The capital's grand buildings and unmatched energy density had felt like the peak of civilization, proof of his noble birth. He could still remember the envy he felt over the main branch monopolizing such benefits, and the schemes he'd weaved to extract just a sliver without attracting unwanted attention.
Azh'Rezak, the glistening pearl of his childhood memories, was barely fit to be called a hovel. A rational part of his mind had already been aware of this fact, but it was only after his arduous journey home he'd fully understood it.
He'd passed through over two dozen kingdoms, big and small. He'd seen true grandeur on continents holding greater populations than all of Zecia, where being a Hegemon didn't even award high enough status to fly through the air. Even the remote worlds Ogras visited when tracking down his targets blew anything he'd seen in Zecia out of the waters.
The Azh'Rezak treasury wasn't even worth the space it would take up in his Spatial Rings today. That bastard had stayed true to his word, claiming the bounties in his name. Thankfully, Ponel wasn't completely heartless, leaving their treasuries intact. Most of the heretics were dirt-poor, which was an important reason why they relied on such sinister methods of progression in the first place.
A few had gained sizable fortunes through pillaging, though. Sinister traps always guarded the hoards, but few defenses could withstand K'Rav's manipulations. While far from the 1,123 C-grade Nexus Coin bounties, he should have accumulated over 50 C-grade Nexus Coins in treasures and materials. Perhaps even more, provided the potential buyers hadn't already emptied their coffers. It was a real risk if this was the state of affairs across Zecia.
While the city's bones remained the same, there were clear signs of clan Azh'Rezak's current predicament. Few walked the streets, and those they passed shared one of two common traits. Either they were missing any hint of spirituality, making them the lowest rung of mortals, or they carried grievous wounds from battle. The occasional child peered out from windows or tree crowns, but the bustle was all but gone.
All capable hands had been drafted into the clan's failing war machine. The clan had initially fared relatively well, according to Zac's accounts, but two years of constant struggle had left its mark. Azh'Rezak wasn't the Atwood Empire. They lacked resources and foundations, which meant victories were hard-won and paid for in blood.
The gains from accruing contributions couldn't outweigh the constant drain on manpower, and replacing veteran clan members with hastily trained civilians only weakened the armies. It had finally reached a breaking point where Clan Azh'Rezak could endure no longer.
You could say he'd appeared just in time. But to do what? Ogras still didn't know.
"And you're sure you didn't hear anything?" Zac asked, saving Ogras from facing that nagging question.
"No, there were no signs of your little wife where your backroom deal sent me," Ogras sent with a roll of his eyes. "I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she'll even be back by the time we're done here."
"Let's hope so. We're running out of time," Zac muttered.
Ogras grunted in agreement. He couldn't believe how bad things were after just a few years. War seldom was this cut-and-dry. The Horde had fought against its mortal enemies for eons without either side gaining an edge. The same could be said about the Undead Empire's eternal war against the living.
Was it even possible to get his hands on the final piece of his seal? It seemed as though the window had closed for seizing opportunities. It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with what he gained instead, but what kind of fool would be content with their lot? Well, Zac mentioned he had a plan to deal with this mess. He and the rest of Zecia could only pray that the Deviant Asura could pull off another miracle.
"So how do you reckon she'll react to suddenly having two men in her life?" Ogras grinned. "Actually, I did find an interesting dual cultivation technique involving clones during my travels. Want to take a look? Or are you half-single now? Is that fiery beauty back?"
"Alright, alright," Zac laughed. "I have no idea, honestly. I haven't thought that far. And no, Iz isn't here yet. I'm also waiting for word on Kruta too. Oh, he's the—"
"I remember," Ogras said, getting a surprised look from Zac. "I don't know. A lot of the details from the Perennial Vastness just became clear after I saw you and your new Deity. It's like your special deal spread to me."
"Interesting. Let's hope that doesn't extend to my enemies."
"Well, most of them are your children now," Ogras said. "I toured the island while waiting for you to come back. I saw some of them in the academy. Little monsters."
"They're growing up so fast. I'm not sure whether I should be relieved or regretful they're too young to participate in the war. It would have been a huge opportunity for them," Zac said before stopping. "So, decided what you wanted to do?"
Ogras sighed as he turned to the Ancestral Gate towering before them. It was crafted from the [Deeparc Steel] their founding patriarch collected during his travels and held the outer core of their Clan Protection Array. An array that currently wasn't running, further proof of the clan's strained situation.
"I guess I'll just have a talk with the old goats and take it from there," Ogras said, releasing the obscuring shroud around the two.
"Halt, who goes there!"
"A ghost from the past," Ogras smiled and activated [Gloaming Tide].
A sea of spear shadows welled from the ground, forming a twenty-meter tsunami that crashed into the gate. The early E-grade guards would have been ground to paste by the Middle D-grade skill if a group of illusory shadows hadn't thrown them out of the way at the last second. The gates that had stood for 40,000 years were ripped from their foundations and punctured full of holes.
A resounding crash shook the ancestral mansion as a dust plume rose to the sky. Ogras glanced at his companion, who returned the look with a raised brow. Zac said nothing, but Ogras could see the unspoken question. 'This is what you mean by talking?'
"I guess we've rubbed off on each other. I have to say, it doesn't feel bad acting the brute for once," Ogras grinned as they stepped over the rubble. "And a proper display of strength can solve most issues. This way, we won't have to wait for long."
Thousands of warriors poured out of the nearby buildings, yet none dared approach the two strangers who had forced their way into the manor. Neither did they dare desert their post, so they warily formed a half-circle at a distance. Ogras ignored the F- and E-grade warriors. Instead, he activated his scouting skill, quickly finding what he was looking for.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me. It's up to you to decide how this chapter of Karma should be closed," Zac said. "I'm just here as moral support."
"You mind dealing with the trio hiding in the corner in case they dare show up?" Ogras said, sharing the vision of his skill.
"Late D-grade?" Zac said, surprised rather than worried. "That's fine. Shouldn't be a problem for you, though?"
"I have a good idea who those people are. They're not part of this, so it's easier if you scare the outsiders away. Oh, here they come. Huh, they've improved."
Twelve auras rapidly approached in the air, all of them familiar. Of course, the last time Ogras saw nine of them, they were just Peak E-grade Cultivators who'd been stuck at their level for centuries. Meanwhile, three of the old elders were missing, having fallen during the war. At the front, a stalwart warrior showing signs of age flew, surrounded by arcs of black lightning. Kerto Azh'Rezak, the fifth-generation patriarch of the clan.
"Lords, may I ask why you've visited my humble family this day? If one of my unfilial descendants has caused any unhappiness, Azh'Rezak will surely remedy the situation," Kerto said with a bow, unable to hide the misgivings of having two powerful strangers pop up in such an overbearing manner.
Ogras had a sudden urge to embrace the role of a mysterious stranger and cause some trouble, but the worried yet determined expression on the old man standing to the side softened his heart. Ogras laughed as he removed his hood.
"I never thought I'd see such a look on your face, you hoary old bastard. Didn't you always say that a warrior can bleed but never bend when you sent my siblings to their deaths?"
The elders looked at Ogras with confused apprehension, clearly unable to connect his current appearance with the young wastrel they sent away decades ago. Ogras couldn't blame them. Because of his series of transformations, he only carried a passing resemblance to Torrid Demon. Even his features had changed for the better after multiple affinity-boosting encounters. However, one among the group was different, looking like he'd been struck by lightning.
"Oggy? Is that you?" a rough voice exclaimed as the old man took a hesitant step forward.
"Long time no see, Gramps," Ogras grinned though his heart twanged with pain.
His Grandpa looked even more worn than before, with new scars covering his face. Okral Azh'Rezak lost his first horn long before Ogras was born, fighting as a mercenary for the clan. He was now also missing his second one, taken from an attack that had also claimed his left arm. It was generally considered a huge dishonor to be dishorned, and Ogras knew it had to weigh on a traditional mind like his grandfather's.
There were ways to grow them back, but would the clan pay such a price when they wouldn't even help him recover from wounds that had harmed his foundations? War was supposed to provide opportunities for those who fought and survived, and Ogras knew his grandfather wouldn't have shied away from battle. And yet, his aura was weaker today than when Ogras saw him last.
His appearance, and that of the two other outer branch elders, was a stark difference from the rosy faces and clean robes of the main branch Hegemons. Knowing how things worked with these craven bastards, they must have commandeered his Grandpa's merit, toting nonsense like the 'greater good.' The same was likely true for the resources Zac had secretly sent over.
"Look at you. You should have just used the Teleportation Token and left these old fools behind," Ogras lamented.
"It was really you," Okral said with a shaky voice. "You're really alive."
Ogras sighed. Communication had been intentionally cut after the incursion ended. The clan knew some had stayed behind out of fear of returning, but he was presumed to be dead with the others during the fight over the [Fruit of Ascension]. Ogras had chosen to keep things that way, embracing his role as Zac's shadow.
He knew his grandfather had faced some punishment for the way the incursion played out. Thankfully, Rydel was the one who led the disastrous expedition that killed the main forces, despite his recorded disagreement. But if it became known Ogras survived and helped their killers?
Part of him had somewhat expected the Azh'Rezak Clan to figure out the truth anyway, but he'd underestimated how ill-connected his family was. The explosive events in the Tower of Eternity never reached his little home planet, and they never realized their incursion had been foiled by the famed Deviant Asura. Hell, they didn't even know who he was until the Stars of Zecia-ladder came along.
However, rumors of Torrid Demons among the famed Atwood Empire eventually reached Clan Azh'Rezak, so they had likely begun suspecting a thing or two.
"But child, the commotion you've caused—"
"You! You actually betrayed the clan back then?!" an infuriated growl cut his Grandfather short. "I knew something was wrong! Where's my son?!"
"Oh? I guess Rydel's where I left him after I ran my spear through his heart. Well, his bones are, at least," Ogras said, a ruthless smile appearing on his face. "I can't believe a dog like you managed to step into Hegemony, if barely."
"Bast—"
Words were swallowed, and anger was replaced by a brief flicker of horror when shadows ripped apart the patriarch's second son. With such crude foundations, Ogras didn't even need to use one of his skills. His shadows were more than enough. A shocked commotion shook the large square before a suffocating silence took over.
"The Main Branch is the same as ever," Ogras lazily said as a calm glance passed between the elders. "I hoped some setbacks would have been enough to temper your attitudes."
"Child, no matter what you've been through, your roots are with Clan Azh'Rezak. If you have grievances to address, we are willing to listen."
"You want to talk?" Ogras said with a raised brow. "Can conversation bring back my siblings? I think it's better to send you all on your way so you apologize in person."
"Your siblings?" the patriarch said with a confused expression utterly incapable of fooling Ogras. Some of the elders were even worse, sharing worried looks full of guilt.
"Oggy, the clan has treated us well, and we're facing a crisis. Why don't we all take a step back?" his grandfather urged.
"Grandpa, I'm not you. I can't suppress these matters," Ogras gently said, turning back to the main branch elders. "I've always felt uncertain about what I should do if I returned. Seeing you all today finally gave me my answer. Well, I finally have my answer today."
"Oggy, don't—"
"I can't erase the shadows of the past," Ogras continued as the sky darkened, shrouding the manor in the gloom of his wrath. "But I can make them mine by killing all those who cast them."
"Y—you! The council has officially met with the Lords of Erz'Kerus and accepted their gracious invitation!" the second elder shrieked as shadows began to climb up his legs. "The Lords will not tolerate this!"
His words were soon proven right. The three powerful auras who'd been content observing from a distance until now were finally on the move.
"Kick the dog, and the masters appear," Ogras grinned.
"I did not know Clan Azh'Rezak had given birth to such an excellent descendant. Impressive, Impressive!" the elder in the middle smiled as a fiery aura rebuffed the shadows around them. "Though I have to inform the young master that you are wrong on one point. Clan Erz'Kerus has raised the banner, sincerely inviting friends across the region to band together. The proud warriors of Azh'Kir'Khat can only survive this tribulation if we fight as one."
"Save the recruitment speech," Ogras snorted. "I've no interest in becoming a warslave for some local tyrant."
The Heavens were ruthless, and those beneath it were no different. 'Banding together' was just a nice way of saying 'recruiting cannon fodder while robbing their heritages.' Erz'Kerus was only one of thousands of established clans doing the same. Most factions were pushed to the limits after two years of fighting, and the battlefronts didn't relent.
Many saw no other way to survive than to disband their clan and sell themselves to a stronger faction that still had energy left to spare. Of course, these factions would only take the useful ones, leaving the rest to fend for themselves. The battlefronts would be split between the new and old factions. And since most of the population would be left behind, the abandoned would also have to carry most of the weight.
Ogras hadn't expected a Late Hegemon to appear on their little planet, but he guessed they weren't specifically here for Azh'Rezak. They were making the rounds, snatching all Hegemons and talents across the planet. It was an easy sales pitch, considering the world would be teeming with cultists soon enough.
"Young man, we're sincerely extending an olive branch," the Middle D-grade accompanying the elder frowned. "We're happy to hear you out, but any further disrespect will—"
"Will what?"
It was Zac, and his question was punctuated by an explosion of monstrous killing intent, which even made Ogras's hair stand on end. It roiled through the mansion, forcing thousands of hardened warriors to their knees. Not even the elders could fully withstand it, paling before the onslaught. The awe-inspiring display accomplished its goal, yet it only left Ogras hollow. Just how much slaughter had his friend been forced to endure over the past years to keep the ship afloat?
"You—Who are you?!" the Erz'Kerus elder exclaimed while contracting his defensive domain to shield only himself and his two companions.
"Zachary Atwood of the Atwood Empire," Zac said, removing his hood. "The one who's been selling Cosmic Vessels to your bosses."
The old man froze for a moment before his eyes grew into saucers. "Lord Atwood, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. It's a great honor to meet the Star of Zecia! Can I ask what brought you here today?"
"Ask my friend."
"I want the fourth and seventh branches," Ogras calmly said when the attention was back on him. "Every man, woman, and child. As for what happens to the rest of Clan Azh'Rezak, I don't care. But the Main Branch has conspired against me and my family, so I'm not comfortable leaving such a threat behind. Even if they join Erz'Kerus."
"My lord!" Azh'Rezak's patriarch exclaimed with horror. "The resources—"
"Ai, this old man has made a fool of himself, interfering in the internal matters of others," the envoy cut the frantic patriarch off, taking out a shimmering token. "We have many more clans to meet, so we will not intrude on Emperor Atwood any longer. Should the young lords ever find themselves in this area again, we would be honored to host a banquet in your honor."
"Mh," Zac noncommittally said.
Ogras inwardly snickered when the trio escaped with all the speed they could muster. A proper display of strength could really solve anything. He turned to the horrified elders, darkness swirling in his eyes.
"Now, where were we?"
Comments
Zac seems to be growing into “Star of Zecia” as his nickname, rather than “Deviant Asura”. I suspect he likes that.
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-11 22:41:43 +0000 UTCHe came. He saw. He kicked ass.
Jeff McCulley
2024-02-04 03:49:18 +0000 UTCChristian boy? My man literally fought off 'god' lol (The Great Redeemer) and sided with the demons! Literally the relatives of Lucifer haha.
xlinkedx
2024-01-31 14:46:05 +0000 UTCThis chapter was so long in the making, and such an awesome feeling to see Ogras finally get closure.
Cal Yager
2024-01-31 08:25:00 +0000 UTCBest Chapter in the series. Only possible because of the journey but still it, it had everything I wanted. It was well written, concise, with a good dose of emotion. It’s a fitting end to my subscription. I’ll miss reading the comments from everyone. I’ll even miss the frustration of not getting a chapter when we’re supposed to get one. It was apart of the journey. I may come back, maybe sooner than later. I’ll be doing some cultivation of my own, shoring up my foundations. But till then, everyone stay true to your path!
DirePants
2024-01-31 06:36:11 +0000 UTCThe "Deviant Asura" was just a bit of mostly local social infamy that predates the war. The Atwood Empire's contributions to the war effort are much more significant, by multiple orders of magnitude. If you're going to swing your...influence... around, the latter is a much bigger one to do so with.
Drew
2024-01-31 02:14:19 +0000 UTCI have a suspicion that Zac will run into him in the Endless Storm. Last ditch effort to find a breakthrough for him, while also dodging the war, seems to fit the Redeemer's general theme of being a slimy worm. Plus Zac should be approaching Monarchy by that point and I'm envisioning a very satisfying smackdown when Voridis discovers Karma can't affect Zacs bodies
Erik Halberg
2024-01-31 01:55:48 +0000 UTCAgree to disagree the drauger mistress is the best girl
M💬
2024-01-30 20:28:47 +0000 UTCDoubtful. It's important to remember the old bastard is a peak hegemon and even zac can't contend against such a wide difference in cultivation. If he was peak middle D grade I could see him forcing the redeemer into retreat but it'd be a bloody fight. Now, this is on the speculation that the redeemer hasn't started to lose his cultivation base in his advanced age, and given he was already showing an advanced age when we last saw him, it is a real possibility.
Lex Luther S
2024-01-30 20:01:45 +0000 UTCI can't wait for Zac to meet Lord Lucifer of the Azh’Kir’Khat Horde. Surely he's out there somewhere fending off the Kan'Tanu. Likewise, it'd be interesting to run into Voridis, The Great Redeemer again as well. Especially since Aposto Heliophos fell recently. Zac is probably strong enough to take Voridis in a straight fight at this point, if he still hasn't broken through to Monarch yet .
xlinkedx
2024-01-30 19:51:45 +0000 UTCIz best girl
xlinkedx
2024-01-30 19:43:51 +0000 UTCThey are gonna bully that man into a supremacy
TheDapperGent
2024-01-30 19:17:38 +0000 UTCEspecially after reading the comments the next day, I feel like Ogras is very much one of us. A commenter on Zac's story and here to the bitter end. His line about Zac's little wife having to deal with two bodies then instantly insinuating he can have two women with Iz back in the picture. He's theory crafting as much as any of us! <3
Cody
2024-01-30 16:49:54 +0000 UTCI feel like this internal subspace temple thing with Esmeralda is hinting at how Zac merges his two bodies. Just tweak it a little bit with his path, make his other body his deity, and have it so he can switch back and forth or re-split whenever he wants
Michael
2024-01-30 16:11:13 +0000 UTCMeme worthy first two sentences.
Thomas Shaw
2024-01-30 16:05:21 +0000 UTCZac is a good wholesome Christian boy. Don't be talking about him like that 🤣
Collin Sorrells
2024-01-30 16:03:33 +0000 UTCWill he ever wave his flag in Zac's direction? Dude's pretty damn heretical himself lol
xlinkedx
2024-01-30 15:34:44 +0000 UTCWhat clan that stayed on earth because I thought they kicked all the Tal-Eldar back to their home planet after he got mad at them for not helping his people when they were getting slaughtered by the undead and focused more on taking resources from earth. the only other clan I can think off that you did not name already where the demons from the second planet Zac conquered that were life attuned.
Terror
2024-01-30 15:28:00 +0000 UTCNothing the unfathomable reserves of the Atwood Empire can't patch up, I imagine.
Louis Kalman
2024-01-30 14:57:21 +0000 UTCMaybe if they change their affiliation to the Atwood empire Zac can send a long group. He has several people he has sent off Earth, but we've seen him send a group to Earth (Emily's friends) also maybe earth update increased the number of people he can bring to Earth at once.
Amani
2024-01-30 14:52:11 +0000 UTCDrowning the bell in lightning is a great idea, it might clean it up and remove the evil that entered it allowing V to claim it. there is just so much Zac wants to do at once before the trial... and we all know things won't go as planned... like always.
Amani
2024-01-30 14:44:34 +0000 UTCI am glad his still alive
Amani
2024-01-30 14:17:14 +0000 UTCLet’s goooooooo this chapter was incredible. All I ever wanted from a ogras, clan reunion.
Chaotic Chaos
2024-01-30 13:22:13 +0000 UTCYea I thought it was very exciting having two bodies, double the chaos never understood the hate . But the two bodies been paying off lately.
M💬
2024-01-30 11:55:16 +0000 UTCI need sexual intent on the level of Zac's killing intent. Then I could be a Deviant Asura too.
Onslaught
2024-01-30 09:14:29 +0000 UTCI kinda hope that zacs fate will rekindel oggys gramps cultivation and he gets c grade so oggy has him for a long time to come (i mean it should be possible to get him to c grade after zac and oggy are there themselfes its not like the gramps has particularly heavy foundations )
Frederik
2024-01-30 07:55:36 +0000 UTCI feel like zac wouldn’t go out of his way to kill a bunch of weaklings if they dont cross his path but there higher ups like Hegemons and monarch( atleast i think tsarun had a monarch?) probably will die at some point
Frederik
2024-01-30 07:50:07 +0000 UTCHe got access to that planet, one of the princes was with him when he was travelling to earth
Thomas Todd
2024-01-30 07:45:55 +0000 UTCI know it is just a typo but I love the idea that zac has become a bear as a reward for taking over ensolus 🤣
Frederik
2024-01-30 07:45:11 +0000 UTCI think here economic pressure is lot more effective overall, than just famous nickname.
SandreX
2024-01-30 07:38:39 +0000 UTCAlso, his heretical flag weapon being transformed into a weapon that judges and condemns unorthodox cultivators like some kind of cultivation "ghost rider" is both absolutely bad ass and hilarious and perfect for Ogras. The Shadewar Justiciar, punisher of the wicked and purveyor of slightly biased judgement 🤣. He's the perfect companion for Zac, a match made in hell.
Collin Sorrells
2024-01-30 07:13:14 +0000 UTCAwe, Oggy 🤣. Remember when he had Alea kill his most loyal lieutenant because she wouldn't stop scheming against Zac to put Ogras in power? "You poor fool, don't you see how happy the young lord has been with him? You just wouldn't listen." Ogras has secretly been ride or die with Zac since book 2 and he's the kind of brother he always wanted to go on adventures with. He has always shown up, even in multiple certain death scenarios. He even seemed content and at peace to die with him when that technocrat psyeudo D grade berserker nearly ended them way back when. I don't think Zac has ever really realized how loyal Ogras is, or how badly he doesn't want to be left behind. I love all these developments for him.
Collin Sorrells
2024-01-30 06:59:03 +0000 UTCShould have said The Devient Asura instead of the cosmic vessel line.
drag0nreb0rn
2024-01-30 06:49:26 +0000 UTCJust keep that in mind when the next scene is Ogras “accepting applications” from all the brothels his heart has yearned for in the past 20 years. “I may be down 20 c grade N.C., but improving morale in this war is a small price to pay! Now excuse me, as high general of the ‘deviant Asura’ I have much to live up too.”
Salvo
2024-01-30 06:40:34 +0000 UTCI meant the clan that stayed behind on earth.
Dan
2024-01-30 06:37:35 +0000 UTCNo that was a different guy. Assuming the one I’m thinking about probably a B grade and was around time Zac finished tower arc.
Hms
2024-01-30 06:23:45 +0000 UTCYa, read it like 5 times.
Collin Sorrells
2024-01-30 06:08:14 +0000 UTCHe's been peak D grade for a long time and unable to progress and trying to cheat his way into C grade. Zac has an advantage against karmic cultivators and mentalists tho.
Collin Sorrells
2024-01-30 06:07:23 +0000 UTCPoor carl
Nick Pincus
2024-01-30 05:56:11 +0000 UTCTFD you have been knocking it out of the park recently. Can't way to see what comes next!
Sanc Asura
2024-01-30 05:23:48 +0000 UTCOooh, so she could have long lost siblings?
Telewyn
2024-01-30 04:40:20 +0000 UTCMeanwhile, the Atwood motto is “Bros before Heavens”
Telewyn
2024-01-30 04:39:14 +0000 UTCI think Calrin got a commission for working out the initial deal but it wasn’t a in perpetuity commission, more a flat percentage for the first deal.
Jeffrey Worrall
2024-01-30 04:28:26 +0000 UTCI hope the astral pool isn’t forgotten about in all this, the only title Zac never got and who knows if it works like the abyssal shores, Zac may need incites into creating something similar on earth.
Salvo
2024-01-30 04:15:18 +0000 UTCThis was so satisfying.
Forrestt
2024-01-30 04:14:22 +0000 UTCYou know who’s gonna hate this: Carl. Carl is suddenly gonna have a bunch of noisy in laws that aren’t gonna be too happy with his lapsed patronage! “Oh, you stole the jewel of my heart and didn’t even think to invite us to the wedding! My soul is wounded! Only C grade wine can soothe the wounds to this poor mother’s heart!”
Salvo
2024-01-30 03:42:21 +0000 UTCyes, that’s one of the he got after the world capital and after became a bear by conquest
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:40:42 +0000 UTCOggy out there restocking his peeps
Ty Cooper
2024-01-30 03:39:42 +0000 UTCYeah, pretty sure she would’ve took care of that when she was pretending to be a bandit haven’t heard from her sister in a while, though the one who was, and I quote very single !
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:37:39 +0000 UTCShe doesn’t her mom was a prostitute. She doesn’t know who her dad was Besides, she’s completely devoted to Zack her last wish was to stand beside him and she got it
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:33:48 +0000 UTCOh, he’ll still have to keep an eye on that little bastard he’s like that buddy of yours that always manage to get the last beer you still love the bastard but you wanted that beer?
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:28:20 +0000 UTCYes, I know I thought that was an awesome twist four hands instead of two twice as much done two different adventures at one time it so many people hated it and I thought it was awesome. I’d love to have a clone. I could take my kids to school and pick them up Always have time to get done with what you need. And Everybody was hating on it.
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:22:59 +0000 UTCThe prodigal son returns All Growed up and was friends Love this chapter, probably my favorite in the last hundred
Zachary Blevins
2024-01-30 03:19:28 +0000 UTCTbh Karz was just as much of a schemer as Laondio. They were both schemers who were aware the other had their own agenda..
Samatar
2024-01-30 03:08:40 +0000 UTCWell this moment is basically the pay off for something we've been waiting to see for a thousand chapters. It's hard not for people to be hyped. I doubt it has any bearings on their feelings about the split.
Samatar
2024-01-30 02:52:44 +0000 UTCI think Zac would maybe make the Tal-Eldar allies, but I think he would keep them as just allies for now because he does not have any strong reason to go looking for them. plus, he does not really have any strong bonds with any of them and from their first meeting I think he would probably be more cautious with them.
Terror
2024-01-30 02:44:47 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapter. This was a winner.
Joshua Little
2024-01-30 02:44:20 +0000 UTCI’m pretty sure she worked in a brothel before the incursion, so I doubt she has many close family members
Michael
2024-01-30 02:36:20 +0000 UTCI really like the parallel of Zac/Oggy and Karz/EL Karz had a schemer that disguised himself as a friend. While Zac has a friend that disguises himself as a schemer.
Michael
2024-01-30 02:35:00 +0000 UTCI think the size issue is teleporting large amounts of people to other planets that you DON'T control, but Zac is the Emperor of Earth and has total control, so he should be able to teleport any number of people since it is 'owned' by him
Blayne Allsen
2024-01-30 02:34:10 +0000 UTCThis is a long pay off finally bringing in returns, nice
Kiwilord
2024-01-30 01:59:23 +0000 UTCThis was 11/10. Fricken amazing
Raymond
2024-01-30 01:49:51 +0000 UTCWasn’t there that one planet that we saw during that f grade trial way back in book one that he(Redeemer) also had access to? To get their origin Dao? Also, really shows how desperate he is that he is trying to get Origin Dao from a new planet than to just get Natural Treasures from others that have a shitton of origin Dao in it.
Harley Shockley
2024-01-30 01:24:43 +0000 UTCYup, best chapter out of the 1000+ hands down actually. Very satisfying, going to read it again and can't wait for audible lol
2024-01-30 01:22:16 +0000 UTCYeah that was really nice, elegantly put and insightful. Was worried Ogras was being taken down a different story path with the odd paragraph here and there that Zac would have to keep an eye on him because of the flag and things..
2024-01-30 01:19:37 +0000 UTCBig Boss X2.
ouroboros
2024-01-30 01:08:42 +0000 UTCAnother amazing chapter!
Amani
2024-01-30 00:56:40 +0000 UTCShip sales should definitely be going through the consortium. There was the whole plot of the dwarf getting held captive in the Allbright Empire when first trying to sell the ships after the Voidstar arc, name-dropping the Eveningtide Asura's real name as a hint to their backing, etc.
Matthew Hay
2024-01-30 00:44:09 +0000 UTCI have a feeling zac will summon the bell using a glimpse of chaos as the bait and then payment to the system to protect Vilari and drown it in lightning, as a 5 shard/splinter glimpse of chaos must pack a much bigger punch given it's the threshold of Atavism. As for the beacon; my understanding is that the limitless empire created constructs or golems for the beings of the lost era to inhabit and lighting the beacon will bring them from wherever they've been sleeping the past eons. And beings on that level are certainly strong enough to tear apart the kan'tanu. Even the pope won't be spared.
Lex Luther S
2024-01-30 00:24:59 +0000 UTCYeah, as someone mentioned the pills to regrow a limb might be a bit pricey for a hegemon like ogras' gramps but to zac, it'll be a worthwhile expenditure. Besides, it would be to costly to use creation energy to restore the old demons limb, even if a longevity treasure took the brunt of the payment.
Lex Luther S
2024-01-30 00:20:28 +0000 UTCI love that just a few months ago the comments were ablaze after Zac split in half. People were pissed and threatened to leave. Now the comments are all “this chapter is gold!”
Dan
2024-01-30 00:17:11 +0000 UTCHe also cultivates Fell Karma using unorthodox methods. He’d be a great addition to Ogras’ flag!
Dan
2024-01-30 00:15:32 +0000 UTCGreat chapter!
Tyler
2024-01-30 00:12:24 +0000 UTCThey make them official. Boom…they can travel.
Dan
2024-01-30 00:12:18 +0000 UTCDidn’t the axe guy take Emily under his wing?
Dan
2024-01-30 00:11:32 +0000 UTCZac is definitely calling Ogras Oggy at some point!
Dan
2024-01-30 00:10:09 +0000 UTCIt wouldn’t surprise me if, after 15-ish years Zac has decided that he can trust them. He’s building a true multicultural empire with a myriad of bloodlines and heritages on the bones of an old Technocrat research base that already had loads of interesting bloodlines and people. He has incorporated: Humans, Hive Insect people, demons, the undead, ghosts (part of the undead), rock golems, Ewoks with a different name, mouse people and others I’m sure I’m missing. The Tal-Eladar would fit right in.
Dan
2024-01-30 00:09:39 +0000 UTCOgras' demanding the 4th and 7th branch come with him and that the main branch are killed but the Clans new 'allies'... or Ogras and Zac themselves
Cain Byrne
2024-01-30 00:08:27 +0000 UTCAlea has had it pretty rough too if you weren't already talking about her
Cain Byrne
2024-01-30 00:04:39 +0000 UTCRight? Just two decades ago Ogras’ plan was to steal Fort Atwood out from under Zac as soon as he was no longer useful. They stuck together though thick and thin, uneasy allies at first. Now he legitimately cares about his friend Zac. I’m glad this chapter was his POV.
Dan
2024-01-30 00:01:41 +0000 UTCI somehow let myself get about 50 chapters down over the last few months. I caught up today. Back to the F5 patrol! This chapter was everything I ever wanted from Ogras’ homecoming!
Dan
2024-01-29 23:57:24 +0000 UTCWould be cool to see the Tsarun get their comeuppance
Sean
2024-01-29 23:55:39 +0000 UTCMaybe. TFD has written many times about how the yak-elapse have stepped up after their screw up. I can still see your point, but also I wildly be surprised if he swings the other way too.
BLead
2024-01-29 23:51:12 +0000 UTCI LOVE THIS CHAPTER SO MUCH!!!
Lonez Zhavec
2024-01-29 23:50:29 +0000 UTCHe should be getting a cut of at least the base price as Zac gave the merchant a bigger cut on the money if he could negotiate a higher price.
Justin van mele
2024-01-29 23:50:02 +0000 UTCSeparate. No way Zac gave him those.
BLead
2024-01-29 23:46:26 +0000 UTCWhen Zac first signed up for the war effort there were cheap pills to regrow limbs.
BLead
2024-01-29 23:45:03 +0000 UTCDamn nice !! Exactly what I wanted. Flex that power and connection Oggy!!
Mack
2024-01-29 23:42:45 +0000 UTCGoddamn that’s badass lol
James Faulkner
2024-01-29 23:06:10 +0000 UTCThis was fun. I was really looking for to when Ogran flexed on his clan and this chapter delivers deliciously. Gramps is the new patriarch!
Bender
2024-01-29 23:06:05 +0000 UTCHaha loved this chapter!
Rodmin
2024-01-29 22:53:08 +0000 UTCThe ships are sold through the consortium aren't they?
Russell Widger
2024-01-29 22:52:46 +0000 UTCOggy and the undying cockroches
Han Pol
2024-01-29 22:50:07 +0000 UTCI was expecting to hear zac laugh at that
Dranek19
2024-01-29 22:42:00 +0000 UTCI bet the great redeemer is going to barely make it into c grade and then Zac will show him just how shallow his foundations are while still a hegemon
Ben
2024-01-29 22:39:19 +0000 UTCI must say that Oggras Command: "The awe-inspiring display accomplished its goal, yet it only left Ogras hollow. Just how much slaughter had his friend been forced to endure over the past years to keep the ship afloat?" ,made me a bit teary eyed. The way that he cares about how much killing zac had to do, and maybe also the possible mental consequenzes of so mich bloodshed. It truly shows how far Oggras has come in terms of character development since those early days.
Maxim
2024-01-29 22:36:28 +0000 UTCBrings me back to the days when Zac had to use an aura modulator to seem like a half-step hegemon when he wasn't even Peak E-Grade yet. Now he can just let his foundations and killing intent thunder out to scare the fishies!
PapaJohn
2024-01-29 22:33:42 +0000 UTCHe's a peak Hegemon, but his foundations were so weak that he had to turn to unorthodox cultivation methods in order to attempt a breakthrough to Monarchy.
Chase C
2024-01-29 22:31:34 +0000 UTCAnother banger I needed this for soooo long
Bilal Williams
2024-01-29 22:17:21 +0000 UTCWasn't the Great Reedemer C grade Monarch if I remember correctly. Or at least very late D grade with solid foundations as well and unorthodox cultivating means that involved fighting with Karma which kind of gives him foresight into the future like "haki" in One Piece. So in terms of Zac putting up a fight maybe, but it would not automatically be a win in Zac's favor
Sprightly Ebbie
2024-01-29 22:14:56 +0000 UTCOK..this was..very satisfying. I mean Ogras has come a long way from scheming behind the scenes to now having the strength to back up his plotting. I mean I would say I feel bad for the main branch if they hadn't already been as bad as stale milk. Then there is Zac, whose name instills the fear of God in the hearts of Hegemons in the Zecia sector. *clap* *clap*. Well done TFD
Sprightly Ebbie
2024-01-29 22:10:10 +0000 UTCHer mom might be alive, but I don’t think Alea would want to save her. She was horrible if I remember correctly.
TheDapperGent
2024-01-29 22:06:16 +0000 UTCSpear, janitor, and now 'shadow' of the emperor. I wonder if Zac will give Stormstar to Ogras to complete his quest. 4th & 7th branch.....welcome to the Atwood empire. I wonder how the Tal-Eladar are doing then? I wonder if Verana Tir'Emarel will ask the same thing from Zac? If that happens, I have a good idea what will be his reply!!! Bring on the next chapter already!!!
RWS
2024-01-29 22:05:08 +0000 UTCEmily's parents guy I assume is very dead as earth is fully under Zac control but yeah would like a follow up on that even if it's just Emily's passing comment to Oggy. Ax guy I am very interested in seeing something there.
Nick Pincus
2024-01-29 22:01:25 +0000 UTCDefinitely one of the best chapters in the entire story so far, been waiting for this since the incursions were complete
Mike
2024-01-29 21:59:30 +0000 UTCI’m sure this is going to happen, but I can’t imagine they’re that much of a benefit to his forces considering the state they seem to be in
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:59:25 +0000 UTCHe had to be extra at first since his relative strength to those he was intimidating wasn’t that much higher in the grand scheme of things. Now he’s secure in the knowledge that he could depopulate that planet including the late hegemons if he needed to. Also he knows that his ships make him a strategic asset that a small clan would never dare to attack
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:58:21 +0000 UTCDoes he get a share of the ship profits or is that completely separate from the consortium deal?
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:55:28 +0000 UTCI would argue he has suffered the second highest amount of any character for his power
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:54:33 +0000 UTCMy favorite part is “Oggy”
John Balenovich
2024-01-29 21:53:25 +0000 UTCEasy matchup. That guy might be peak hegemon but he’s a chump. Also he’s a karmic cultivator which Zac has an advantage against now due to his duplicity core blocking karmic effects
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:53:10 +0000 UTCThis is awesome. Finally! I’d thought we’d have to endure a travel scene before, but BAM! Great work!
John Balenovich
2024-01-29 21:52:27 +0000 UTCYeah, it was actually really touching that Ogras’s thoughts about Zac’s killing intent weren’t “wow he’s still so much stronger than me despite my efforts” but were rather “wow, he must’ve had a hard time of late. That sucks”
Blake Noyes
2024-01-29 21:52:07 +0000 UTCI wonder if Alea has any relatives still around, and how they feel about her being a tool spirit.
Telewyn
2024-01-29 21:46:33 +0000 UTCMaybe he'll just get another planet for his empire
Kaladin
2024-01-29 21:46:19 +0000 UTCFantastic. All around amazing home coming. No notes.
The Grand Moose
2024-01-29 21:44:17 +0000 UTCHopefully it turns out better than the limitless emperor and his friend
Kaladin
2024-01-29 21:43:54 +0000 UTCYeah I want to more of these fuck around and find out a decade later events. The great redeemer, the elf girls family, the reavers (this one is likely a ways off), the clan that made Zac go mad in the basetown that finally lead to the "tree". I'm sure there are many many more but each moment of vengeance is sweet.
Nick Pincus
2024-01-29 21:37:47 +0000 UTCFinally, a resolution to one of the older topics of the series of what would Oggy (definitely his official new name) do about his planet and grandfather. Only things left is what happened to the guy that killed Emily's parents and what happened to the Ax guy who was supposed to mentor Zac after his tower of Eternity corpse tree sculpture but didnt want to get involved in the whole Great redeemer problem at the time.
Hms
2024-01-29 21:37:38 +0000 UTCTotal clan population was sstated before to be about a million. but yeah, Zac is just ridiculously wealthy so he, and probably Ogras, can pay the cost. Ogras has 50 C grade coins. That's probably enough to just buy the planet he's on.
Tibstrike
2024-01-29 21:21:53 +0000 UTCIt's clear. He's taking the 4th and 7th, killing the main, and leaving the rest to their fate.
Dev Rez
2024-01-29 21:21:18 +0000 UTCI feel like I've been waiting for this moment forever
2024-01-29 21:17:20 +0000 UTCUh is he demanding the 4th & 7th branches join the Atwood Empire and the main branch be killed or is the 4th & 7th branches part of the main branch that he wants to execute? It could be interpreted either way
Lorevi Q
2024-01-29 21:12:22 +0000 UTCQuick question: how are they getting these people back to Earth? I thought only official members (with exceptions like Iz) could teleport to Earth. Or they have to be escorted a few at a time. So assuming there are a few million in each branch, how are they going to move them? Also, I'm ignoring the cost since both Ogras and Zac are stupidly wealthy.
Michael Fannon
2024-01-29 21:10:42 +0000 UTCI can see Zac using some creation energy to heal Ogras gramps.
mrthorwahl
2024-01-29 21:07:46 +0000 UTCLove, love LOVE this chapter! Also, any chapter with Zac and Ogras is gold.
mrthorwahl
2024-01-29 21:06:05 +0000 UTCPlus Oggy. That alone makes this one of the best chapters to date
Michael Fannon
2024-01-29 21:01:05 +0000 UTCOggy❤️❤️❤️
Michael Sheetz
2024-01-29 20:54:39 +0000 UTCI don’t usually comment. But this chapter was so satisfying, I had to comment. Great job.
2024-01-29 20:53:11 +0000 UTCTyftc
Jett
2024-01-29 20:52:25 +0000 UTCYessssssss. Love Ograd chapters
Nicholas Andrews
2024-01-29 20:44:58 +0000 UTCFinally
AA
2024-01-29 20:44:17 +0000 UTCGlad to finally see the “Eveningtide Asura-effect” at play for the first time in the story😂😂😂 Ogras is here to claim the good people and ANNIHILATE everyone else!!! I also love how Zac and Ogras have gone from untrusting allies to genuine friends over the years! I won’t be surprised if by the time they’re ready to challenge monarchy, they see each other as genuine brothers. Doubly so if the whole Ogras/Kenzie thing actually works out somehow!
PapaJohn
2024-01-29 20:43:52 +0000 UTCDouble Altavism when he fight the primordial beast. Obvious win condition for him there. Her core will be used to refine his core.
Frardowin
2024-01-29 20:43:18 +0000 UTCFire
Jonas Lemke
2024-01-29 20:41:25 +0000 UTCI love every word of this chapter.
Rabauke
2024-01-29 20:41:17 +0000 UTCThank you!
Andrew
2024-01-29 20:40:47 +0000 UTCJust as Ogras has influenced Zac so has Zac influenced Ogras and thus balanced is maintained. This is a bond of brotherhood that will last so long they live.
Omiso
2024-01-29 20:40:27 +0000 UTCHaha Zac and Arcaz with 10 months of nonstop Conflict on top of almost the most monstrous foundations even compared to the Heartlands. I’m guessing he could put up a fight against the Great Redeemer now
Palmer Evans
2024-01-29 20:38:45 +0000 UTCBro moment ✅ heartwarming reunion ✅ casual flexing strength ✅ VENGENCE✅ ✅ fantastic chapter
Dranek19
2024-01-29 20:37:23 +0000 UTCThis chapter has been a long time coming! There’s lots of great characters here, but Ogras is easily my favorite. It’s great to see this chapter of karma closed for him He's the only character we know a lot about that both grew up with the system but wasn't obscenely wealthy and talented to start with Sure he had some affinity for shadows and an early hegemon grandad, but that's nothing compared to Catheya, let alone Iz. For Ogras as a kid, I think surviving into adulthood and getting a few levels into hegemony would have have been a distant dream—look at him now! More so than any character, it feels like Ogras has subverted fate and expectation. He should have died a dozen times at the hands of his clan members or against Zac in the integration or when he lost his arm to the Church of Everlasting Dao and had a shadow sewn onto him… At every turn he has scraped by to come out a bit stronger And it feels like he has suffered more for his strength than a lot of characters. Cultivation always demands a price, but Ogras has risked sanity and walked along a razor thin edge of fell karma to be where he is now
2024-01-29 20:36:49 +0000 UTCHow far they have come
Jake
2024-01-29 20:29:09 +0000 UTCHopefully he could get reinstalled at his original 10%
Tyler S.
2024-01-29 20:27:47 +0000 UTCStepping in and taking two full branches haha, then with Zac stepping up and scaring the pants off the main hord goons. Such a good grab. Who will join the empire next?
Tyler S.
2024-01-29 20:25:55 +0000 UTCSpeaking of money, how much has orgas made with his 5% share in the consortium? It has to match what he made on the way back right?
Justin van mele
2024-01-29 20:24:42 +0000 UTCThe plan, at least as I understand it, is not for Zac to go and fight the whole Kan'tau by himself but to find the lighthouse and then go to Ultom and steal everything that he can. Then at the end, he will piss off every outsider faction he can and summon the passed bell on their heads. Once that is done, he will use the lighthouse to summon the outer gods to hide his whole involvement. I also assume that somewhere along the way, we will see him reach Attavism and experience another glimpse of chaos. In other words just another tuesday for the Deviant Asura.
Orims
2024-01-29 20:24:17 +0000 UTCMy working theory is that either the Foreign Gods will rip apart the ruling Kantanu, or that they'll find a way to stop the Pope, and the Pope's heart curse will let them destroy all the Kantanu at once.
Scott Mingo
2024-01-29 20:22:16 +0000 UTCBeen waiting for this for so long.
ItsFin
2024-01-29 20:22:13 +0000 UTCYES! THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANTED!!! God this was worth the wait!
Darnell Maxwell
2024-01-29 20:18:43 +0000 UTCI am unsure how Zac can rescue zechia. He is an insanely strong hegemon, but against the Pope and the Kan Tani legions?
Christian Sauer
2024-01-29 20:14:28 +0000 UTCFinally! I’ve been wanting to see Ogras flex on his clan for sooooo long haha also I love how casual Zac has gotten with showing off his strength, he’s been dropping mad one liners left and right
Ben
2024-01-29 20:12:11 +0000 UTCTrip home did not disappoint.
BLead
2024-01-29 20:11:27 +0000 UTCGreat Chapter
Brett Labat
2024-01-29 20:11:22 +0000 UTCVengeance: a dish best served. Full stop.
FriendorFo
2024-01-29 20:10:13 +0000 UTCi love you ogras
D3
2024-01-29 20:09:12 +0000 UTCLol. Here's hoping zac or ogras collected some treasures that can help the old demon out. Fixing the horns shouldn't be too hard, but the missing arm and damage to his foundations is what really needs healing. And a big infusion of personal with the 4th and 7th branches to the Atwood empire is big. Given they're called a hoard and his gramps is more than a thousand yrs old, it's likely there's a few hundred thousand per branch. And damn man; to think zacs aura of bloodshed has gotten even thicker, he truly has been leaving a mountain of corpses in his wake to keep everything going. Even if it's to give his people hope.
Lex Luther S
2024-01-29 20:08:43 +0000 UTCI always thought Zac needs more living fallowers so he would recruit the demon clan, but what ever exterminat the c....and get some of.
Stefan Muntean
2024-01-29 20:08:42 +0000 UTCLETS GOOOO LETS GET GRAMPS
G
2024-01-29 20:03:39 +0000 UTCLove this chapter, got to clear the board, bring on some allies, and give Grandpa a heart demon.....
Mouser
2024-01-29 20:02:33 +0000 UTCWeaponized Paranoia would be a great metal band name.
Scott Mingo
2024-01-29 19:59:55 +0000 UTCFirst
Angelazreal1
2024-01-29 19:52:38 +0000 UTC
