Rearing Demons
Chapter 65: Afloria

Chapter 65: Afloria

With the two new additions to his group, Yur knew it was only a matter of time before they set out. He kept the Ashen Grip around his arms while retrieving his sword from storage—the Hallow Sword he had used before. It had luckily not broken, though its purpose had become somewhat redundant once Ris discovered his transformations.

Of course, heading into Afloria meant he couldn’t transform often, so a sword would serve as a good cover.

After reviewing his memories—though more hands-on experience might have improved his skills—he was already very proficient with the blade.

At present, he simply needed to wait for Velmira, who would return soon. In the meantime, he planned to finalize his strategies for Afloria with Zul. He had a basic understanding of the region, but acquiring further information was essential. Fortunately, with Zul’s guidance, he could be even more effective.

Zul, before we enter Afloria, what else should I bring? he inquired. In the end, Zul was his best reference and guide.

[Processing...]

[Complete!]

Soon, both the Zulmasharr and Afloria shops loaded up on his interface. The first item he noticed in the Afloria shop was a map. Although not highly detailed, it provided a basic layout of the region he was about to enter—and it was inexpensive, so he purchased it immediately.

There were many other items available: clothes, extra weapons, and even eggs. Curious, he asked, What are these eggs?

[Afloria is a world of humans and beasts! Demons are native to Zulmasharr and do not exist naturally in Afloria. These eggs can grant the Host a beast!]

Interesting. How do beasts differ from demons? Even as a slave, discussions about beasts were rare—demons were the most powerful enemies.

[Before demons, beasts were the enemies of the humans!]

There wasn’t much additional information provided about them, but that didn’t matter. His memories barely mentioned beasts, which might simply be a matter of scale.

In his recollections, Yawan had appeared once, known as a Beast Tamer—an anomaly in Zulmasharr, where only demons typically existed.

Afloria promised new things to explore—perhaps even hints towards attaining freedom in different ways. As he pondered this, he saw Velmira appear.

"It is done," she announced. "I’ve injected the land with my abilities, used your blood to create the blueprint, so the land should slowly transform over time."

"Good," Yur replied, nodding as he distributed native Aflorian clothes to his companions. He then transformed into his human form. "Wear these. We will be entering Afloria."

They all complied. While changing, Velmira glanced at the two teenagers with confusion. "Who are these two?"

"Nyz and Zhal. They are Zorath kin," Yur answered. "Remember, I have my goals in Afloria. Follow my commands and do not cross the boundaries!" he warned them, especially addressing Nyz and Zhal, who were still new to the group.

"Understood!" they all quickly nodded. The two new members, unable to speak clearly, communicated primarily through gestures. Of course, they could speak directly to Yur and the other kin, but not to others.

"All these Mother Trees should grow soon—but I must ensure the Asheseed Relic is protected."

He did not plan to enter Afloria alone; he needed a team. Thus, he decided to create one last demon. Quickly, he drew a ritual circle and gathered several hundred imps along with some of the newer demons.

Piling them up, he initiated the process. "All of you, listen up," he commanded as the demons inside the circle began to battle. Yur turned to face the group. "You will each be given a specific task—do not stray from what I command."

He saw no need to elaborate further on his goals; they were his slaves, and they would obey his every instruction.

Having reviewed many memories, he now possessed a greater understanding of planning, strategy, and discipline.

"Jisvruul, once in Afloria, you will have an important task. You will travel with Nyz. We can communicate across any distance, so follow my instructions precisely," he said, noting that despite his youth, Nyz was a very calm Zorath.

Jisvruul, also very powerful though a bit immature, was typically entrusted with Velmira’s tasks. However, Yur needed Velmira with him since she was astute and could assist in situations he did not fully comprehend.

"I will explain your tasks once we split in Afloria," Yur added. Jisvruul nodded before turning to Nyz.

"Make sure you follow the master’s commands, or I’ll kill you!" Jisvruul growled, though Nyz showed no fear.

Scrr (I shall abide by whatever the master asks of me!)

"You better," Yur affirmed. Their blood-linked communication made it seamless.

"Velmira, you and Zhal will follow me," he instructed, his eyes calm yet sharp. "Our goal is simple: we will enter the Fiend Devouring Sect."

Ever since learning about the Guardian sects, he knew that joining one was crucial—it was the best platform for executing his plans that Zul had helped him formulate.

"Yes," Velmira nodded.

Traaa (Whatever master desires!)

While speaking, Yur received a notification:

[Ritual of Demon Mangling Complete!]

[Congratulations: Morruk Demon Created!]

[Chittering Host!]

Yur walked over and grabbed the tiny creature from the ground. It had four wings and a more proportionate body than the imps. It was not ugly—in fact, it possessed a certain cuteness, which was odd given its origins from the ugly imps.

"Kethis, that will be your name," he declared, feeding it a drop of blood.

|—————————————|

True Name: ⨵⨈⨦⨎⨐⨤

Demon Name: Kethis

Age: 0

Demon Cultivation: Morruk

Rank Up: 0/5

Bloodline: Chittering Host

Abilities

Scuttling Horde

Hive Mind Screech

|—————————————|

"Kethis, you will protect this tree from all of the demons." He tossed the creature toward the Asheseed Relic, not caring whether it hurt itself or not. "If anything happens, I’ll make sure you experience worse, understand?"

Chit, chit. (Yes, yes!)

Kethis nodded its tiny head, using its arms to push off the ground. It looked at the large tree, which was hundreds of times larger than it was, then stared back at the two enormous Mother Trees, as well as the many Mother Tree saplings. Sweating, it understood how difficult the task was going to be.

Zul, is there a way you can keep help Kethis protect these trees?

[I shall impart a bit of the system to it! Though it cannot access most functions, I shall support it with defence and ranking up through rituals, as that’s the only way for it to get stronger.]

Hearing his words, Yur nodded. Zul was the best person to entrust this task to.

Now, ignoring the demon, Yur waved his hand, and a portal opened up. "Come now."

With his four demons in tow, they walked through the portal, reaching the first place where Yur had arrived.

Zul, I don’t see the portal. Arriving in a place that nearly cost him his life, Yur showed no expression—indifferent.

[I shall open the portal whenever Host desires!]

"Open it!" Yur commanded.

As soon as he did, above the empty Bahirath lake—which had changed his life in the past—a rip in space appeared. He stared at it, seeing a world much less grotesque than his.

Taking the lead, he and his four demons stepped through, entering the portal, entering Afloria.