Aleks didn't take notice of her behavior and answered with a distant look, "The basic requirement of entering Tartarus is to be at least a Legendary being. So there will always be great risks in going there. Devils are very powerful, and even the weaker denizens of h.e.l.l are at least equivalent to Advanced cla.s.s beings. These are just the bottom feeders of h.e.l.l and are no different from insects. The number of beings that are equivalent to Master cla.s.s and Legendary cla.s.s are innumerable. Even devils that are equivalent to DemiG.o.ds are somewhat common. It is an extremely dangerous place, but where there is danger, there is much to gain as well. Many Legendary, DemiG.o.d, and Mythical beings from the G.o.d Nexus can be found in Tartarus, and it is the base of operations for these beings in their expeditions into the lower levels of the nine h.e.l.ls."

Aleks was answering almost robotically, it seemed that his thoughts were elsewhere. Nelay and Lenia noticed his forlorn expression, but they didn't know what they could do or say to help him. He finally seemed to regain his senses and noticed the dagger once more.

"Where is my mask?" He asked while searching impatiently.

"Here master!"

Grobak was standing near the golden mask and picked it up off the floor before returning it respectfully to Aleks. His face was black and blue and his lip had swollen severely, but he still tried to smile, albeit a very ugly one.

"See to your injuries Grobak, try not to get hurt next time." Aleks said pa.s.sively which caused Grobak to laugh nervously.

Grobak scratched his head and thought, 'f.u.c.k, as if I had a choice in that!'

Aleks gently placed the mask on his face with care. He sighed with relief at having placed it once more on his face and he began to a.n.a.lyze the dagger carefully. The mask glowed and symbols and numbers flashed across it.

"It seems it will require a bit of effort to a.n.a.lyze the laws within this dagger. Well, there is time for that later. Grobak, what is the situation below?"

Grobak didn't hesitate to answer, "Master, when I left my warriors to reunite with you, the battle had almost ended. Many expeditionary soldiers were killed, but we also captured a large portion of their army. There was still some fighting taking place when I left, but it was only small pockets of resistance. Also, we killed a small number of the Harkul. Our losses weren't too bad last I checked. So what if we lost a few tens of thousands of weak and useless fools, they are easily replaced. There are hundreds of thousands of Barbarian warriors still alive. I have also consolidated quite a bit of control over the Horde. I just need you to make yourself known to them master. Most will submit, the rest we can do whatever we want with them."

Aleks listened attentively and nodded, "Good, you did well. I expect much from, you haven't disappointed me. I have achieved my current strength and power by devouring souls, but the truth is that this isn't efficient. Devouring souls in the short term may seem like it is a significant amount, but in order to gain enough 'Soul Potential' for my plans, we will need a more sustainable source. The wors.h.i.+p of millions is necessary, and even more in the future. We will build our empire here on the Steppes and a church to provide me with the 'Soul Potential' I need to gain my revenge. Let us go and meet our new subjects."

Grobak, Nelay and Lenia were touched by Aleks's words and felt excitement for the future. None of them had a home to call their own, this would be a new beginning. After speaking, Aleks lifted Lariel carefully with 'Soul Tendrils' and carried her with him. She lay on the tendrils comfortably and slept in an unconscious state. He was careful in his control so that she would feel no discomfort.

It took some time to walk towards the ruined settlement as only Grobak had a mount and the others walked. Aleks didn't wish to move too quickly because he was being considerate of the sleeping Lariel. This gave him much time to think, something he needed.

'Who was that voice? Was it related to the Origin, or was it…. the voice of G.o.d? Not a false G.o.d like the others, but the true creator? I would have once scoffed at the thought, but with everything that has happened…'

His thoughts trailed off and he couldn't help but wonder if the voice were real or a hallucination. If the voice was real, then why did it say what it did?

After some time of pondering in silence without the others distracting him, they arrived near a large gathering of warriors who were waiting in a disciplined fas.h.i.+on. These were very unlike the more chaotic warriors of the Steppes. They had been standing there for some time and the ruined walls of the settlement was their backdrop. Flames were rampantly burning throughout the ruins of the settlement and the sounds of battle could still be heard.

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"Haha, good! Excellent! Pay obeisance to the master!" Shouted Grobak while pus.h.i.+ng his mount on and riding ahead of the others.

The warriors immediately saluted and moved to two sides to allow the group to pa.s.s between them. They turned in unison and watched Aleks respectfully as he walked past them. He hadn't even paid them a single mind, but this didn't bother them. They were very much aware of his awesome power and only wors.h.i.+p filled their hearts. These were Grobak's finest warriors and it could be seen in their well disciplined demeanor.

There were Orcs, Human Barbarians, and other Steppe tribal races among them. The majority were Orcs however. They were all large, with bulging muscles and fearsome features, but at this moment every last one of them had looks of admiration. Although they saluted, they did not dare make a single sound. It was an awe inspiring scene and would leave any observing with an impression of the aura of a king. This made the sounds of the distant killing all the more obvious, but it didn't seem to perturb their master in the least. 

Grobak was filled with pride when he saw this. He had chosen and trained these men personally. He felt that their discipline, and their show of respect to his master brought him great honor. When Aleks finally pa.s.sed through the line of saluting warriors, one of Grobak's subordinates whispered to Grobak.

"Chief… uh, what happened to your face? You're all beat up!"

Grobak snarled and slapped his subordinate in the head before kicking him to the ground, "Shut up! You didn't see a d.a.m.n thing! Nothing happened to me, got it!?"

The subordinate struggled to his feet, held his head, and nodded profusely while the other officers snickered at his foolishness, "Yes chief, nothing happened!"

"Good, then prepare the men. Our master is about to put on a show. Go round up the tribes and bring over the captured Human soldiers. Let everyone witness his majesty and power! Haha, this will be an excellent show. Can't wait to see those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds s.h.i.+vering in fear! Anyone who dares to show any disrespect, you know what to do with them!"