68 The Head

His parents received the news first.

"Our son has finally grown up," said Samuel.

"My son…" tears fell from Diana's blue eyes.

"A true devil can not be nurtured within a clan," said Samuel, attempting to console his wife.

"This princess can not have a weak son," said Diana.

Diana wiped the tears from her eyes.

"If anyone kills him, they will feel my wrath!"

Space froze as she stormed away from Samuel, filled with emotion.

Diana was a doting mother. Her doting had turned James into the spoiled brat he was before.

Thou, she didn't want to see him face the cruel Abyss; she knew it was time.

"You have finally opened your eyes and saw the world. Devils like us should rightfully rule."

Diana's eyes changed pitch black with bright stars dotting them. They were like looking at a starry sky.

"I can not hold you back."

Diana gazed into the void, smiling as she looked upon her cloaked son.

'I see you, James. How could you ever escape this princess' sight?' thought Diana.

"Make me proud son," said Diana.

Her voice echoed across the void, reaching James' ear. He thought he was hallucinating hearing his mother's voice.

Diana's eyes changed back to blue as she disappeared into the void.

~~~

When the Devil Ancestor received word of James' departure, he was not surprised.

"Haha, I knew that brat would leave the Hudson clan as soon as he knew Mikael was patriarch," said Kogthoz, his devilish plans never failed.

The cunning old devil had tricked our poor devil hero.

"Only away from the Hudson clan's protection can a true devil grow up. I look forward to your return."

He headed back to forging. Looking forward to the day James returned.

~~~

James' proclamation blindsided Wanfang. His great backer in the Abyss had abandoned him! Father had gone out for milk and wasn't returning. How was he supposed to deal with this mess?

As the leader of the war department, I have a lot on my plate. I will be fully autonomous for many years to come. I need to set up a plan for the War Department to move forward. I guess I have to consult with Kyle.

Together we must make [Libra] a powerful organization.

"Kyle, how do you think we should proceed moving forward?" I said.

"I believe we should focus on expanding our business holdings and capture another Tier-2 world," said Kyle.

"Tier-2 world coordinates are expensive. How long till we can purchase one?" I said.

"[Libra] should be able to afford one within 3 years if our business stays consistent. Before then we must have a powerful force," Kyle said.

"I see, I will train the ascenders within the Wesser forest until it comes time for us to embark to conqueror a new world," I said.

"However, if we establish a business anywhere else, we will have fierce opposition."

"We are backed by a devil clan, but we are still only a Baron backed organization. We garner little face around the Xertzul Abyss."

"What about our agreement to be in the Sin Alliance?" I said.

"Excellent catch Wanfang, I must contact the Sin Alliance and see if they can do anything for us to expand our businesses."

"X'var is a prince of the Empire, he should garner face around the empire. He must have some channel we can use to expand our influence," I said.

After contacting Prince X'var's camp, we found that we could sell off our extra materials wholesale through his channels. This would have to do until we could establish a strong enough force to be respected in other cities around the Rez'gal Empire.

I headed out with the First Division to the Dancing Bird Tropics. I named the first group of recruits the First Division. When we got to our lodging, I was happy. It was called the Pond Lodge. It was a large cabin in a garden with a pond. This would make a great retreat for us.

An ornate bed of moss-covered grass is accompanied by rare hedges, bushes, and shrubs. A pond's built near the left edge of the garden, home to many frogs, bugs, and other creatures.

The rows of flowers are fighting for their place in the garden, thankfully helped by caring hands; they're giving off a plethora of scents.

A few short signs are scattered around the garden, directing visitors around naturally. Vines and roots are content with their positions in the garden, none trying to reach beyond.

The pond is the pride and joy of the caretaker of this garden. The rows of flowers attract attention too, and the hedges, bushes, and shrubs definitely deserve to be paid attention to as well, but the pond will always overshadow everything.

"Welcome to the Pond Lodge valued guests, you may call me Elred I take care of these grounds," said the old elven caretaker.

"This place is beautiful Elred, I love it!" said Nenata as she began chasing bugs in the garden. I really wonder how much cat she has in her sometimes.

Our accommodation was excellent. This would be [Libra's] base of operations in the Wesser forest for many years to come. Its beauty will make it a superb place to rest after a tough expedition.

"Thank you Elred, if we require anything we will let you know," I said.

The pond lodge had many huts scattered across its grounds. It seemed like the Hudson clan had taken care of us. They rent this entire place out to [Libra]; I had only asked for accommodations for 10, however, this place could fit a hundred people.

~~~

"So James' organization has reached the Dancing Bird Tropic, you did a good job taking care of them," Mikael said to his assistant.

"I better not hear anything from the fifth lineage about this lodge assignment."

I was now situated in the Patriarch's office. My desk filled to the brim with paperwork. When I assumed this office, I realized how monumental the Hudson clan's holdings were. This job was middle management, I delegated all resource allocation within the clan.

I had several factions to manage within the clan. As the patriarch, my job was to be impartial while putting the clan's interests first. Since my little cousin had run off, I had to make sure his organization was taken care of.

I bet he still thinks he will advance faster than me. His talent is undeniable, unfortunately, he has me to compare himself to. Someone who is living a second life. Hopefully, he matures in his time away from home.

The most important thing is for the Hudson clan to grow stronger.

(Author Note: This is the End of Volume 1 If you didn't read this novel on web novel head over there and give me some power stones. I've entertained you for hours and all they cost you is a few clicks.)