The Lord of 5 Elements fled as if something monstrous were chasing him.
In truth, Daniel had no intention of pursuing the god-king.
After all, he had already taken several “small” things from the man.
Among them was the fine outfit the god-king had worn upon arrival, which now resided in Daniel’s personal storage.
Perhaps Reed or Green would find use for it.
Additionally, Daniel had acquired plants from the God Realm, items he planned to plant in the academy grounds.
Even in their passive state, these plants could profoundly impact the Main World.
There were also divine spells and techniques unique to the God Realm, practices used by its natives—those who had grown strong not through ascension but through their own cultivation.
These methods might offer valuable insights for his own studies, particularly his work on Genesis.
Having mentally cataloged his spoils, Daniel turned his attention to the distance where five individuals remained seated, their expressions filled with despair.
The group had recovered slightly but bore faces of profound hopelessness.
They had spent their lives weaving intricate plots, only to realize that they were mere pawns in a larger game.
For years, they had considered themselves master strategists.
Yet, now they understood they were only pieces on someone else’s chessboard—a bitter realization that left their spirits broken.
The chasm between them and Daniel was undeniable, further emphasized by what they had witnessed: Daniel facing a god-king from the God Realm without fear.
Not only had Daniel emerged victorious, but the god-king had fled in terror.
This realization hammered home the vast gulf between their powers and Daniel’s.
To oppose him was not just futile—it was suicidal.
When Daniel walked toward them, the five individuals instinctively trembled.
Each knew what was coming, especially the woman who had killed Daniel’s father—or so she believed.
“Dan…” The woman attempted to speak, her voice shaky with regret.
Before she could finish, her life ended. Her body and soul were wiped out entirely, leaving no trace.
The swiftness of her death stunned the others.
The Dragonscale Bank chief was the first to react, immediately dropping to his knees.
“Please, Lord Daniel!” he begged. “Spare me! Whatever you need, I will provide…”
Daniel stared at him coldly before speaking. “Very well. Let your subordinates decide your fate. I hope you’ve treated them well.”
The Dragonscale Bank and Element Temple now effectively belonged to Daniel’s expanding domain.
Whatever awaited these leaders back in their factions, it wouldn’t be pleasant.
Daniel turned to the remaining three.
One of them, a burly man, stepped forward. “Lord Daniel,” he began, his voice steady despite his fear. “In the eastern empire, I command a population of billions. I am willing to pledge the entire empire to you. We will serve Crossbridge Sanctuary.”
Daniel nodded. “Agreed. You may go.”
The speed of Daniel’s decision left the man momentarily stunned.
When Daniel continued staring at him, he finally realized he had been dismissed.
Bowing deeply, he stammered, “Thank you, Lord Daniel!” and fled.
Though the man left with his life, Daniel had discreetly placed a soul marker on him, ensuring future compliance.
The next to speak was another man who knelt immediately. “Lord Daniel, the Papal State in the west will also pledge allegiance to you and serve you faithfully.”
Daniel repeated the same process, dismissing the man with a soul marker embedded in his essence.
By the time Daniel was done, the appropriate judgments had been delivered.
The woman was dead, the Dragonscale Bank and Element Temple leaders were sent back to face their own factions, and two major powers—the eastern empire and the western Papal State—had pledged their loyalty to Crossbridge Sanctuary.
After handling these matters, Daniel returned to the far north.
There, he examined the magic array the five individuals had used to teleport him beyond the world’s boundaries.
The technique intrigued him.
Such a teleportation system would greatly benefit his growing network.
With Middle Earth, the eastern empire, and the western Papal State now under his influence, a superior teleportation array was essential.
Optimizing the design could vastly improve travel between these regions, solidifying the academy as the core of his sanctuary.
Daniel envisioned a future where Crossbridge Sanctuary would truly live up to its name.
Meanwhile, events were unfolding at the Dragonscale Bank and Element Temple.
When their respective chiefs returned, they were not met with the welcome they might have expected.
Instead, hostility filled the air.
The factions, once familiar and loyal, now regarded their leaders as outsiders.
Weakened from their defeat at Daniel’s hands, the chiefs were no match for their subordinates, who quickly seized the opportunity to turn against them.
Trials ensued, judgments were made, and the former leaders faced consequences for their failures.
Both organizations were now firmly aligned with Daniel’s influence, solidifying his control.
In the eastern empire, a proclamation echoed through every corner of the land:
“By decree of the Great Founder, from this day forward, the Eastern Empire pledges allegiance to Crossbridge Sanctuary. We will follow the Supreme Lord Daniel and his guidance!”
Similarly, in the western Papal State, religious authorities declared:
“God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and thus the world was graced with its one true light.
The divine presence has descended in the holy city of Riverside, and Lord Daniel shall forever protect the Papal State!”
After months of absence, Daniel returned to Crossbridge Academy.
For him, it had been a short time, but for others, such as Rose, it felt like an eternity.
By the lake, Daniel found Elise seated, quietly taking notes. She glanced up and quickly rose to her feet when she recognized him.
“Headmaster! You’ve returned?” she asked, her tone respectful yet warm.
“Yes,” Daniel replied. “My work is done. What are you working on?”
“Studying the fish in the lake,” she said softly.
“Good. Let’s have fish soup for lunch today.”
“Yes, Headmaster!” Elise said with a smile.
As if understanding Daniel’s request, several fish leaped from the lake, landing at Elise’s feet.
Daniel chuckled internally, recognizing the work of the Carp King, a notorious troublemaker who had once bullied Rikki.
Apparently, it had learned its lesson and was eager to please.
Back at the academy, Daniel sensed movement from the egg in his storage—a faint yet growing sign of life. It wouldn’t be long before the Will of World was reborn.
Nearby, the Tree of Origin stood tall, its influence radiating across the land.
Curious, Daniel retrieved the plants and herbs he had taken from the Lord of 5 Elements. The moment he placed them near the tree, a connection formed.
The plants began to thrive, nourished by the tree’s energy, while the tree itself absorbed their unique properties.
A harmonious cycle had begun—a testament to the potential Daniel saw in blending the worlds’ magic and resources.
As he watched the synergy unfold, Daniel smiled.