Chief in Tensura

The Spectre Village was alive with activity as it underwent its transformation into a fortress. Leo had considered relocating its residents to Aryavart but quickly dismissed the idea. The Yokai, as the villagers referred to themselves, were deeply connected to the land they had called home for generations. Besides, the surrounding territory was now under Leo's control. To abandon such a strategically significant and resource-rich region would be wasteful.

Leo had already deployed his army to the area. Though his forces lacked overwhelming numbers, each soldier was an elite by any standard, even compared to the Eastern Empire's finest. His skeletal legions supplemented their ranks, forming a chilling, unyielding wall of defense. Still, Leo knew his armies needed to grow. With his expanding kingdom, he had plans to bolster his forces: recruiting Barbarians from Ragnarok, securing high-level contracts in the GoK, and perhaps enlisting Ogres, Orcs, and Majins from the Magic Continent.

(I am talking about normal soldiers of the Eastern Empire the 'fodder' ones, not Single Digits or powerful ones)

(Clayman)

Far from the burgeoning fortress, Clayman, one of the Demon Lords, reclined in his ornate throne room. His pale fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest, his mind swirling with a mix of curiosity and irritation. Reports of the Imperial Army's invasion of the Spectre Village and its subsequent failure had reached him days ago. At first, he hadn't cared much after all, the Eastern Empire's actions rarely concerned him directly, especially since this invasion wasn't even an official campaign but the personal endeavor of Kanzis, an Enlightened with delusions of grandeur.

Still, Kanzis had promised Clayman compensation in exchange for his tacit support, and the demon lord had seen no harm in accepting. Kanzis was ambitious but unremarkable, a mere Enlightened with a Unique Skill, and one Clayman considered easy to manipulate. Whether he succeeded or failed, Clayman stood to gain something. Or so he had thought.

When news of Kanzis' defeat reached him, Clayman's first assumption was that the Ninehead monster, a powerful Yokai, had been responsible. That creature was rumored to be the strongest being in the Spectre Village, and its victory seemed plausible. But when further information reached him, that an unknown Majin named Madara had not only defeated Kanzis but had also declared the Spectre Village under the protection of a so-called Empire of Clash Continent—Clayman's composure cracked.

At first, he scoffed, dismissing the idea as a bluff. "An empire on the Clash Continent? Ridiculous. That backwater territory is little more than untamed wilderness, filled with Goblins and Barbarians? The only good thing that place has is Elixir."

But the reports kept coming. Kanzis wasn't just defeated, he was utterly humiliated. Worse still, Madara had begun gathering powerful individuals and consolidating his influence in the region. This was no bluff. Madara's actions elevated him from a mere nuisance to a true threat, a Calamity-class entity in a matter of weeks. Clayman's tapping fingers stilled, his crimson eyes narrowing as a chill crept up his spine.

Clayman leaned back on his throne. Surprises irritated him. It was one thing for someone like Milim Nava to be a walking disaster; she was a Demon Lord and had the strength to back it up while she was irritating. But this Madara was different. He wasn't even recognized as a Demon Lord, yet his strength was undeniable, and his rise was meteoric.

His irritation turned to concern as he considered the broader implications. The Clash Continent had always been an untapped territory, a distant land with little relevance to the Cardinal World's affairs. But if this Empire of Clash Continent gained real power, it could disrupt the balance of the world. And Clayman had no intention of letting that happen.

"Gelmud," Clayman called, but the room remained silent. He scowled. The last he'd heard from Gelmud was about some worm called Goblin Lord on the Clash Continent. The fool Goblin Lord had likely overestimated himself and gotten killed. It wasn't a great loss.

Gelmud was likely out looking for potential recruits for their plan that would be more useful than an idiot Goblin.

Suddenly, Clayman's lips curled into a sly smile, his irritation giving way to his natural cunning. "If this Majin truly intends to establish an empire, he will need resources and allies. And where there is ambition, there is weakness."

He began formulating a plan. First, he would send agents to gather more detailed information about Madara, his strengths, his weaknesses, and his goals. If this so-called "Empire" was as fragile as he suspected, he could manipulate the situation to his advantage. If not... well, Clayman had other tools at his disposal.

Still, something about the reports unsettled him. This Majin didn't act like others of his kind. He wasn't an isolated figure vying for power in the shadows—he was bold, direct, and unapologetic. His actions reminded Clayman of... no, that thought was absurd. But even as he dismissed the notion, a nagging unease lingered.

Clayman waved his hand, summoning a subordinate. "Send word to my agents (some other Majin he planted there when he removed Gelmud from there) in the Clash Continent. I want detailed reports on this Majin Madara. And... inform the Eastern Empire that they owe me compensation for Kanzis' failure. I care not if it was unofficial; Kanzis was their dog, after all."

As the subordinate bowed and departed, Clayman's crimson eyes gleamed. "Madara, was it? Let's see how long your little empire survives against the weight of the world."

And with that, the Marionette Master began to weave his threads, the strings of his schemes stretching out toward the distant Clash Continent.

(General)

Leo's actions were bold. Many would have thought of him as another arrogant fool if not for his rapid development around the "Genesis Valley," as Leo decided to call the region. With Builders and Dwarv's efficiency, a minor city was erected in a matter of days, and a large statue of Rengoku was erected; it wasn't just for show. It had its uses.

Such a rapid expansion left many stunned, but what stunned people was Leo's or, more specifically, Madara's claims of Clash Continent, a place previously thought to be a myth for most of the general population.

(Leon Cromwell)

Leon stood in his pristine castle, golden eyes narrowing at the reports brought to him by his attendants.

"The Genesis Valley, is it?" He let the name roll off his tongue, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "A dramatic name for someone claiming from an entire mythical continent."

He turned to his assistant, Claude. "Send a discreet envoy to gather intelligence. If this Madara has access to unique resources from the Clash Continent, it could upset the balance of power. Let's see if he's another fool with delusions of grandeur or someone worth taking seriously."

Claude bowed. "And if he's the latter?"

"Then observe him."

Leon's focus on this matter was because the Clash Continent was near his territory. While confident in his strength, he had heard from Guy about some powerful people from that place, so he was cautious.

(Carrion)

Carrion grinned hearing the news about Eastern Empire's loss.

"Genesis Valley, huh? Sounds like someone's trying to make a name for himself."

His beaskeeters nodded, and one voiced a concern. "Reports suggest this Madara has already built a city and erected a massive statue of his avatar. Such efficiency is... unnatural."

Carrion laughed, slamming a fist on the table. "Unnatural or not, it's impressive. Send scouts to learn more about him. If he's as strong as they say, maybe we can work together. And if not, well..." He cracked his knuckles. "It's been a while since I've had a good fight."

Though he was going to fight with Madara anyway, whether he was strong or not, just for the sake of fighting.

(Frey)

In her palace, Frey read through the reports in silence, her expression inscrutable. After a moment, she folded the parchment neatly and handed it to her attendant.

"This Madara is ambitious," she said. "Ambition is dangerous, especially when paired with power, but what concerning is the Harpies you have mentioned."

Her attendant hesitated. "Should we intervene, Your Majesty?"

"Not yet," Frey replied. "We'll observe. If his claims about the Clash Continent are true, then he's worth investigating further. For now, focus on strengthening our defenses and trade routes. If he becomes a threat, we'll deal with him swiftly. And for the Harpies investigate about them."

The Genesis Valley became a hotbed of activity as spies, scouts, and adventurers from all corners of the world gathered near its borders, each seeking to unravel the mystery of Madara and the Clash Continent.

Leo, observing this influx from the vantage of Rengoku's statue, smiled, seeing the happy faces of the Yokais he saved from a tragedy.

His doppelganger, Leonardo the Trader, ensured that he had a good image in the Republic of Ulgracia and, to some extent, Sarion.

He would need to go back to Englassia, too. It looks like Hinata has received an official invitation from the Church, and he was asked to be present there.

"Maybe for checking my talent," He was good at holy magic, too, after all.

~~~~

How was the chapter? Sorry guys, the days have been chaotic.

Being forced to watch jets taking flight for an hour is not something you will want unless you are enthusiastic about it.