Chapter-4

"So, you like her?" asked Arceus teasingly, looking at Veldanava.

"Nah," said Veldanava with no interest.

"Well, she seems to have fallen for you," said Arceus with a smirk.

"Of course, no one can match my beauty after all," said Veldanava with a proud smirk.

"So, what do we do next?" asked Arceus as he stuffed himself with another biscuit.

"Let's enter the castle," said Veldanava as he walked towards the well-built mansion visible in the distance.

Arceus followed him, still munching on his biscuits.

----

"Who are you?" the guards asked as they looked at the pair of beautiful men.

"We are here to meet your king," said Veldanava plainly.

"He won't meet with peasants like you, but I could make an exception for you," said one of the guards, ogling at Veldanava.

"Know your place, monkey," said Arceus with a scowl, his aura flaring and knocking out the guard.

"Let's meet this ape," said Arceus, walking in front of his brother.

"Sigh," Veldanava sighed with a tired expression and followed behind Arceus.

As Arceus and Veldanava made their way through the grand hallways of the mansion, they encountered several more guards. Each time, Arceus's presence and aura were enough to make them step aside without a word. The opulence of the mansion was evident in the intricate tapestries, marble floors, and golden chandeliers that adorned the ceilings.

They finally reached a large set of ornate double doors. Arceus pushed them open with ease, revealing a grand throne room. At the far end, on an elevated platform, sat the king—a young man with an air of arrogance and authority. He had a commanding presence, dressed in regal robes with a crown that glinted in the light.

The king looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes as he took in the sight of the two strikingly beautiful strangers.

"Who are you?" asked the blonde king, his voice laced with arrogance.

"I am Veldanava, and he is Arceus," Veldanava replied with a smile.

"Outsiders, where do you come from?" demanded the king.

"I will reply, but let me ask you, human king, how much do you know about races outside of humans?" Arceus inquired.

"I am in the presence of peasants today, so let me enlighten you with my knowledge. There are goblins, orcs, wolves, etc.," the king said.

"Sigh, only monster races, and he only knows a few of them. His knowledge is less than his strength," Arceus sighed.

"You dare insult me! Guards, teach these outsiders some manners!" commanded the ruler.

Guards surrounded both Arceus and Veldanava, pointing their spears at the duo's necks.

"Know your place, monkey," said Arceus as his aura erupted.

"But I am not blac—" Before the king could finish, he had fallen from his throne.

"Enough," said Veldanava as his aura erupted, canceling out Arceus's.

"So, human king—" Veldanava was interrupted by a female voice.

"Brother, I am back," said Lucia with a smile, then looked at Veldanava.

"Veldanava-san," said Lucia with difficulty, her ears turning red.

"Lucia," said Veldanava with a smile.

"You know my sister?" asked the king with difficulty.

"Yes. Now then, why don't you hear what I have to say?" said Veldanava, looking at the king.

.....

"So, you want to train me?" asked the king.

"Yep, now what's your name, monkey?" asked Arceus with a smile.

"I told you, I am not bla—never mind. My name is Rudra," said Rudra.

"I will accept your offer," said Rudra after understanding the threat other races posed to the human race.

"Okay...also, there may be a slight chance of you going bald," said Arceus with a smile.

"Wh—" Rudra was interrupted by Arceus.

"Now, onto the training ground," said Arceus as he disappeared.

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Rudra stood in front of Arceus.

"First, 100 push-ups," commanded Arceus.

"Wh—what?" asked Rudra.

"Now," muttered Arceus as his eyes glowed.

"1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 8... 15... 19..." counted Arceus.

Plop. Rudra fell down.

"Now, a 10 km run," said Arceus.

Rudra knew if he refused, he would be punished.

This rigorous training continued for months, increasing in difficulty. While Arceus trained Rudra, Veldanava and Lucia started to get closer.

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In a dark void, three figures stood.

"Come on, Rudra," said Arceus as Rudra fought against numerous cryptids.

"Hahh," he yelled, dodging them.

"Veldanava-sama, help me!" yelled Rudra, tears streaming from his eyes.

"But this is training," said Veldanava with a smile.

"But I have been battling for a year without any rest or food," yelled Rudra as he killed another cryptid. Behind him, the magicule from the mountain of corpses began to take shape into a small beetle.

"Hmm," muttered Veldanava as he snapped his fingers, and Rudra appeared behind him.

"Hrragh," the beetle screamed with its nonexistent vocal cords, lunging at Veldanava, only to be knocked down by Arceus with a jab.

"Quite interesting," said Veldanava as he looked at the first intelligent cryptid.

"Serve me," said Veldanava to the beetle as he extended his hand. Light came from somewhere, illuminating Veldanava. He truly looked like a divine being, causing the beetle to nod.

"Then your name will be Zelanus," said Veldanava as the beetle started to change, its body transforming from that of a beetle to a multi-limbed insect.

"Hn," Zelanus nodded happily.

"Now we will meet you next time," said Veldanava as he and his brother reappeared in the castle.

"Did we forget something?" thought Arceus before dismissing it from his mind.