Location: Outside of Star Palace
Feldway's POV
Veldanava crossed his arms, a smug look on his face. "With your new body, unique skill, and Administrative Authority, you might just be the strongest primordial under my command."
I blinked. "Wait... primordial? What do you mean by that?"
"You're my first creation. With the Great Spirit of Light's help, I made six more primordial angels. To balance things, the Great Spirit of Darkness created seven primordial demons." He smirked. "And guess what? You're currently the strongest atleast in my knowledge. So be proud!"
His smugness was almost unbearable.
"Speaking of skills," he continued, "I heard you acquired a new Unique Skill [Justice]. Do you know how to control it?"
I figured I should test it out. Closing my eyes, I focused internally and thought about analyzing myself. Suddenly, a surge of information flowed into me in the form of a voice.
Unique Skill: [Justice]
Regalia Dominion: Grants control over any life form. Success depends on Magicule superiority.
Castle Guard: An ultimate defense skill, requiring the sacrifice of subordinates. Other skills are locked while active.
Army: Allows summoning and commanding up to 69 angels.
Veldanava chuckled. "69, huh? Funny number."
I rolled my eyes. "Grow up. Wait—how did you see my skills?"
He grinned. "Kuahahaha! I'm the Great Star King Dragon! Of course, I know everything!"
I sighed. There was no arguing with this guy.
"Anyway," he said, stretching, "time to meet your colleagues. After that, I have an announcement for all of you."
Before I could react, I was teleported into a massive chamber.
Location: Meeting Room—Star Palace
As I opened my eye—the singular one, for style and dramatic effect—I scanned the grand hall.
Before me stood six figures, all radiating the quiet pressure of beings too powerful for polite society. Even without trying, they carried themselves like living monuments.
They all feel like me...
'Yoo, it's me, Veldanava. They are all Cherub-class angels like you.'
What the—how are you in my mind?
'It's called [Thought Communication]. Anyhow, be aware.'
My gaze landed on the guy who looked least interested in existing. Purplish-blue hair, half-lidded grey eyes, hands tucked lazily into his sleeves. He exuded the kind of energy that said, "I'll fight you if I have to, but please don't make me stand up."
Before I could speak, Veldanava raised a hand like a stage magician introducing his main act. "Feldway, meet your new colleagues—Dino, Obera, Zalario, Kornu, Pico, and Garasha."
I took a step forward, nodding. "Hello—"
Of course, he cut me off. "He is stronger than all of you. Have some shame."
And just like that, the temperature in the room dropped ten degrees. I could feel it: subtle waves of tension, compressed magicules, silent grinding of teeth.
...Fantastic. First day of this supposed orientation and they seem to be triggered.
I opened my mouth to ask a question, but then the lazy one next to me yawned.
"Dino," he said simply, his tone bored but not unfriendly. "After training, I challenge you. Win or lose—just business."
That got my attention. "Wait. What?"
Before he could clarify, I felt a presence behind me. A hand rested lightly on my shoulder, but I could feel the weight behind it. I turned and locked eyes with a tall woman whose silver hair and sharp stare looked engineered for intimidation.
"Obera," she said, like it was a warning rather than an introduction. "I am joining Dino in his fight against you."
I stared at them both. "Okay, I'm new here, so I'll ask: what's with the duel talk? Is this normal?"
Her eyes narrowed. Dino just shrugged.
Before either could answer, Veldanava, still floating like a smug parade balloon, chimed in. "Because you're stronger than them, and they want your position—and my praise."
Right. Of course. Because what better way to build teamwork than with good ol' backstabbing ambition?
The others—Zalario, Kornu, Pico, and Garasha—remained silent, but I didn't need words to feel their stares. They weren't subtle about sizing me up.
I folded my arms. "So... you all want to fight me based on getting this guy's praise?"
"Mind your words, Feldway," said Obera. Her voice was scary. I could also sense killing intent from the rest of them, especially from the guy with the stoic expression... his name is Zalario or something.
Veldanava clapped his hands together, voice far too cheerful. "Now that that's settled, I'll split myself into seven clones to train you all."
No one objected. Instead, in perfect, cultish unison, they all dropped to one knee.
"YOUR COMMANDS STAND ABOVE OUR LIVES!"
I remained standing, raising one hand in a vague salute.
"...Sure, boss. Heil—" okay, no, let's not finish that sentence.
I followed through with everyone and dropped down on one knee.
To be continued…