The Fall Of The Chief

As Diyu followed the leader within the city walls, he was surprised to see modern conveniences and other technologies in progress. They walked through the streets on their way to what Diyu thought was going to be his hut, but after seeing the more modern buildings he wasn’t so sure what to expect. Everyone on the streets stared at what he assumed they considered his monstrous form. Diyu could tell they were scared by his presence, “Good they should be.” He thought to himself.” Somehow, this brought Diyu great joy knowing they feared him.

Finally, we arrived at a large, fortified structure. The building looked as if it was carved from stone at first. Then Diyu remembered some of the Anunnaki’s teaching’s, this was a structure made of mortar. It was lavishly decorated compared to the buildings they passed along the way. The capital Leader opened the doors, bidding Diyu to follow him.

Walking inside, Diyu saw a grand room with a long table and numerous chairs all made of wood with intricate carvings, and plants inside. Diyu didn’t see the purpose of having plants inside, they didn’t belong there.  There were tapestries with colors he had never seen before in such vibrance. This chief lived a lavish life still indeed, this pleased Diyu. He coldly calculated that his lifestyle had made him soft and benefited him greatly in the upcoming talks.

The capital leader turned to Diyu and said, "Excuse me, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chief Yorlee. It has been my duty to run Noxeer for the last 15 years. The previous chief met an unfortunate accident that led me to stand before you. Now, great warrior, what is your name?"

Diyu caught every undertone of this Chiefs words. “It was no unfortunate accident at all. Was he trying to insinuate that I would meet such a fate as well. He clearly doesn’t know who stands before him.” Diyu thought to himself before replying, "My name is Lord Diyu, and you may call yourself Chief in front of me as long as you acknowledge that I am God in comparison to you.” Diyu began to speak with more urgency, “and it is time you listen to my message before I lose my patience.”

Yorlee looked around and opened his arms wide. "Proceed, oh great lord," he mocked, slightly and cautiously. Yorlee was using this time to size up Diyu and to see if he had a fraction of the power the claims reported.

"My message is simple: the planet is doomed to be engulfed by the sun in less than a century. I possess the knowledge to escape this planet and free our people from its forsaken destiny. Kneel before me, and under my rule, you and your people will have a future. If you resist me, you and those that follow you along with you capital will burn."

Yorlee looked around, then kneeled, stood up, kneeled again, and repeated the motion several times, but quicker.

 "You see me kneeling before you, but that doesn't change anything here. There are thousands of Kreegans out there who think for themselves and follow whoever they want, not who I tell them to. So, while you are a good fighter, and your destructive power might be unmatched, the question remains: can raw power alone make a worthy leader?"

Diyu wasn't sure if he was questioning his strength or his intelligence. He knew his power was overwhelming, and he replied, "My power speaks for itself. The capital needs a leader who can command respect through strength and bring order through chaos."

"Strength, indeed, but true leadership requires more than brute force. We need someone who can inspire, strategize, and unite. Think about it, if you can convince the citizens of this capital to follow you, you will have many more people under your rule. Let us put your strength to the ultimate test, Diyu." Yorlee said in a calm and friendly tone. “At this point I almost have Diyu in my trap. I just need to appeal to his strengths just a little more to let the manipulation really set in.” Yorlee thought to himself.   

Curiosity sparked within Diyu; there was a part of him that curious as to what he was capable of. Diyu asked, "What test do you propose, Yorlee?"

“This is going to be easy, the levin will do all the work. The people will get a show, and I will continue to be Chief!” Yorlee said to himself with a sense of self-satisfaction.

Yorlee looked over at Diyu, believing he was about to outsmart him and send him to an early grave without lifting a finger.

"The capital houses a mythic beast known as the Caustic Levin, a creature feared by all. It was a gift from the Ophidian Clan when the great peace began. It was said that their chief Vakusi single handily captured the beast.” Looking at Diyu, but didn’t get any reaction.

“Anyway, we keep it in the pit of the colosseum as entertainment. No one has ever defeated this beast; in fact, many consider it a death sentence just to face it. Defeating it would not only prove your strength but also demonstrate your ability to protect and lead." Yorlee was really poring it on now. The manipulation was in full swing.

"The Caustic Levin, you say? How would defeating it show my ability to protect and lead?" Diyu could sense there was more to this creature than Yorlee was leading on too. He decided to play along. After all what did he have to fear?

"That is a straightforward plan, Diyu. You and three of your men will enter the pit, and if you can emerge with all three men alive, it would speak volumes about your abilities, not just in raw power, but also in the cunning to harness it. The Caustic Levin is not merely a physical challenge; it requires a keen mind to outwit and overcome its deadly attacks. Facing such a beast is truly a nightmare."

The idea is exciting Diyu more than it should have, contemplating Yorlee's proposition. "You make a compelling argument, Yorlee. Conquering the Caustic Levin would undoubtedly prove my worthiness as a leader. However, why should I accept this challenge instead of simply seizing power here and now?"

Yorlee feeling a bit vulnerable quickly remembered, "Like I said, the answer lies in the hearts of our people. Leadership is not granted by force; it is earned through respect and admiration. By willingly confronting this monstrous threat, you demonstrate to the capital that you are not merely a destructive force, but a leader who is willing to protect and fight for them."

Diyu carefully considered the potential outcome; a realization struck him. If he can save the lives of the people of this capital and win them over with this deed, then it is indeed the path of his destiny.

"Yorlee, I accept your challenge. If I am to lead this clan, I shall prove my strength by facing the Caustic Levin."

Yorlee was ecstatic but did well not show his amusement in how easily he just manipulated this great God. "Excellent, Diyu. Your decision showcases your wisdom and willingness to rise above mere power. Together, we shall prepare for your encounter with the Caustic Levin, and the capital will bear witness to your true potential as a leader," Yorlee expressed, relishing the thought that he had outsmarted a formidable opponent and now believed he could sit back and watch this self-proclaimed God demise.

They both rise from their seats, and Yorlee inquires, "Which of your men should I summon?"

"Inform my trusted general, Emo. To send only two skilled archers. That will be sufficient for the task at hand," Diyu replied confidently.

Yorlee nods in understanding and leads Diyu to a room where he is to await the arrival of his chosen companions and the gathering of spectators within the coliseum.

As Diyu waits patiently, Yorlee wastes no time in spreading a different message to his citizens. The news of the self-proclaimed God captured and impending death sentence. Attributing it to his act of killing three citizens of the capital. The word travels swiftly, sparking immense curiosity and drawing one of the largest crowds ever witnessed for a coliseum event in Noxeer history.

Before long, Diyu selected men arrived. Two hunters from his village whom he had never become acquainted with. They were both around the same age, mature 7’10 or so. Very capable fighters if need be. Diyu observed them closely and addressed them sternly.

"If you wish to preserve your lives, listen carefully to my instructions and follow them without question. Rest assured, I will do everything else." The two hunters salute by placing their closed fist over their heart.

“Your will be done. My lord” they say in unison.

 Two guards show up and instruct Diyu and his subordinates to follow them to the coliseum. They lead them down some steps and into a dank and dusty dungeon. As the guards escort them through the dimly lit stone hallway, the sound of our footsteps reverberated off the walls. They passed by rows of cells containing frail and desolate inmates. One inmate catches Diyu’s attention, a gaunt figure leaning against the cell door, repeatedly shouting a haunting warning.

"It's out there! Things are not what they seem! It's out there! Things are not what they seem!"

Despite the inmate's frenzied cries, Diyu and his hunters remain silent, focusing on the task at hand. They continued deeper into the dungeon until they reached a dead end. Before them stood a heavy metal door, secured with a massive locking device. With a resounding clank and thud, the lock is released, and the door creaks open, flooding the darkness with blinding light. Peering through the doorway, Diyu can make out a sprawling swamp, and the distant sounds of a large crowd echo from above.

Stepping forward into the murky waters that reach their knees, Diyu took a moment to assess his surroundings. The enclosed swamp stretched far, its size rivaling that of my village back home. Towering stone walls stacked over seventy feet high encircle the area. Sealing it off from the outside world, with only one wait out.  A wide opening covered with caged bars provides the spectators above a glimpse into the pit below. The sheer height of these walls leaves Diyu curious of the immense size of the creature he is about to face and fills him with a growing excitement of the bloodshed to come.

Within the pit, the stagnant air hangs heavy with anticipation. The dark, almost black water stretches before them, concealing the lurking danger. Floating and submerged plant debris bob aimlessly, creating an eerie atmosphere. With two dead trees on either side of a large mound that had metal spikes protruding from its ground. The two trees were skeletal remains of their former glory. They stand as solemn sentinels amidst the watery expanse, their branches gnarled and twisted.

As Diyu surveys the treacherous battleground, he senses the presence of an imminent threat. The uneven ground beneath the swampy surface poses an additional challenge for his heavy metal body.  With submerged hills and valleys of murky water that could easily ensnare the unwary. Diyu motions for his companions to spread out behind him, taking up strategic positions on either side. They hope to gain a better angle of attack once the beast is revealed.

While studying the walls encircling the pit, Diyu notices the absence of any other entry points. A realization dawns upon him; the beast must already be within the confines of the pit. He begins to scan around with heightened awareness as he scrutinizes the surroundings, searching for any subtle signs or clues that might hint at the creature's presence. The silence is broken only by the distant croaking of unseen creatures and the occasional ripple disturbing the stillness of the swampy waters.

Yorlee address the crowd right after the sound. "You all have heard of the acts this man has committed now watch his fate as the legendary Caustic Levin hands out your revenge!"

The crowd ignites into cheers; Diyu is somewhat unpleased by the fact that they obviously wish for his death. The crowd begins to quiet down and the intensity with each passing moment grows, and the anticipation of the impending confrontation hangs thick in the air. Diyu’s archers and himself stand ready with their weapons held tightly, prepared to face the imminent danger that lurks within the murky depths of the coliseum pit.

As Diyu scans the murky waters, being careful to remain still in case it detected vibrations in the water. The unsettling stillness of the pit is shattered by a sudden disturbance in the water. A loud yet hushed Clank sounded like it came from under the water. Followed by ripples expand from a central point of the colosseum. Creating centric rings that widened in a ripple effect that sends shivers down the hunter’s spines. The surface begins to churn, and the mound itself begins to move. For a second Diyu thought the water was draining out of the bottom. No, the mound was getting larger, more and more spikes became visible as the mound grew in size. Then two eyes opened from what appeared to be the ground of the mound that was growing. The eyes quickly focused on Diyu and then squinted just before murky water exploded upward and a giant form was rising out of the water. Where the mound was now stood a beast thirty feet tall. With ape-like features and reptile scales with metal spikes all over its body stood. With a deafening roar that reverberates through the pit as if to announce its arrival to Diyu and the hunters. The Air around the beast seems to crackle with anticipation of the impending danger. This was the Legendary Caustic Leven!

Diyu stood in awe; he had never seen such a creature before. Even he had doubts of his abilities after seeing this creature in person. The Caustic Levin's spikes that resembled jagged horns and spikes, shimmed with a faint hint of electricity, occasionally emitting zaps and sparks. Diyu knew they must be Iron; the creature must possess some kind of Acidic quality from its name as well. Diyu quickly suspected from what he was seeing that the acidic qualities in the creature were reacting to these iron spikes in such a way that it was creating electricity much the same way a cell battery does.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Caustic Levin unleashes its primal fury, slamming its massive fists into the swampy ground. Instantly, the water becomes electrified, and bolts of crackling energy dance across the surface. Turning the murky waters into hues of light green surrounded by the shadow of murky water. A surge of electricity courses through Diyu body, temporarily paralyzing him. Diyu looked at his archers, who were also affected by the jolt. They seemed to have got it worse lying unconscious at the periphery of his vision.

Gradually, the grip of the electricity on Diyu’s body subsides, and he finds himself relatively unharmed. While the experience wasn't overly painful, and it rendered him immobile for a short time. The crowd erupts into cheers as the beast lands its first blow. Ignoring the lingering effects of the shock, Diyu tempted fate and charged forward, his determination unwavering.

With a powerful swat of its massive hand, the Caustic Levin hurls Diyu through the air and into the wall with tremendous force. Pain radiates through his body, but it only fuels the growing rage within him. Clarity wanes as his mind succumbs to the overwhelming desire for vengeance and the thirst for destruction. His blood runs hot with sowing of chaos. Diyu runs over to the dead tree and with great force unearths it roots and all and begins to swing it in a out of control rage like tantrum at the Levin. One blow landed and the tree exploded on Impact staggering the Levin and revealing a rusty sword that must have been embedded in the trunk of the tree. It flipped high in the air and Diyu didn’t lose a step as he leaped toward the head of the levin using his giant head as a springboard to climb higher yet into the air to retrieve the sword. The Levin swung wildly at him in the air, but mist still slightly dazed from the blow from the tree. The sword is now in Diyu’s possession, and he is hurtling at great speed back to the ground. With a giant splash that was quickly followed by a thunderous thud Diyu landed the muck now sword in hand ready to properly duel this creature.

 Diyu once again challenges fate and charges in having to change his trajectory several times while dodging slaps and slams of the creatures enormously long arms. Diyu begins to dodge with even greater velocity. The Levin’s attempts to strike him directly are in vain.

However, Diyu quickly realizes that the Caustic Levin possesses a distinct advantage in this swampy bog. Its massive body allows it to traverse the treacherous terrain effortlessly. It takes a good bit of effort for Diyu to narrowly avoid the beast swipes as it lashes out with two mighty blows. Frustrated, the creature slams both its arms into the water, unleashing a direct electrical attack. Once Again Diyu finds him self at the mercy of the electrical shock as he is stunned in place unable to control his limbs as the current is running through his body. The Levin unleashed a two-handed smash that sends Diyu’s face into the murky swamp waters and buried half his body into the silky muck and peat of the waters floor.

Where most would have feelings of panic and impending doom with their upper half stuck in the bottom of a swamp. Diyu had only one thing come over him.

Rage.

Destruction.

Diyu seemed to explode from the murky waters in a very unnatural way, moving with lightning-fast reflexes, he darted between electrified patches, narrowly escaping the paralyzing currents that threaten to immobilize him. With each swing of the rusty sword, he targeted the creature's vulnerable spots. the eyes, the exposed joints, hoping to exploit any weakness. In a defensive move that seemed to happen with Diyu even thinking about it he managed to slice the creature's hand. Sensing the immediate danger and trying to reorient himself with what just happened he quickly retreated. He put more distance between them, allowing himself time if the creature were to attack again.

Diyu examined the blade, and a faint sizzling sound caught his attention. As he inspected it a little closer, he noticed tiny amounts of smoke rising from the point where the creature's green blood stained the weapon. The blood is some kind of corrosive acid, rapidly eating away at the blade. Indeed, this creature was a hand full, and extreme caution would need to be taken when dealing with this creature and the perilous nature of any contact with its blood. Its acidic properties remain an obvious threat by itself, and he would have to exercise extreme care to avoid its effects.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Diyu knew he had to seize the moment. The longer the fight dragged on, the slimmer his chances of emerging victorious became. With determination in his eyes, he made a swift and decisive move, aiming straight for the vulnerable underbelly of the colossal creature.

However, Diyu was caught off guard by a sudden backhand swing that sent him hurtling through the other dead tree. The impact was jarring, and he crashed into a shallow pool of water. Agony surged through his body as he realized the searing pain emanating from his shoulder. The acid had breached his metal skin, corroding its way through Metal and what looked like metal raw muscles. Acting swiftly, Diyu instinctively submerged his injured shoulder and half of his body in the water, seeking relief from the burning sensation.

As the pain gradually subsided, and once again the only thing that remained, rage. Fire ignited within him, fueling an intense focus on obliterating anything standing in his path. In the face of Diyu’s unyielding fury, the Caustic Levin moved to deliver a final blow. This time, empowered by his all-consuming rage, Diyu moved with unmatched power. In an explosive burst, he launched himself off the ground, unleashing a shoulder charge directly at the creature's knee. A cacophony of bone-breaking sounds filled the air as the creature's knee buckled under the force of the impact. It let out an ear-piercing roar of agony, crumpling forward onto its stomach, writhing in excruciating pain. The crowd let out a sigh, that was followed by intense silence. Never has this animal tasted defeat and never did they expect him to win. 

"I will end you!" Diyu bellowed.

A resolute determination surging through him. With his fist clenched tightly overhead, he leaped into the air once again, channeling every ounce of strength within him. Like a colossal sledgehammer, his fist descended upon the creature's head with tremendous force. The impact was devastating, resulting in a grotesque scene. Blood, teeth, and fragments of brain matter scattered in all directions of the force of the strike. Staining the water lime green. Drops of its blood could be heard sizzling along the metal walls of the colosseum. The gruesome remnants laid half submerged in a mix of its own blood and murky swamp water.

Diyu looked to the crowd who were on their feet and were utterly shocked by the spectacle they had just witnessed. For several suspended seconds, silence gripped the coliseum, as if the audience struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the display before them. Then, as if awakened from a collective stupor, a thunderous roar of cheers and applause erupted, cascading through the air in waves of astonishment and admiration. The crowd hailed Diyu’s outlandish show of power, their voices blending into a symphony of jubilation and awe.

All the while Yorlee began to sweat as his clever mind searched for viable option to get himself out of this mess that was now before him. Yorlee was unable to ignore the overwhelming approval resonating from the spectators, realizing that his plan had backfired. It became evident that he could no longer condemn Diyu to death, for the people had witnessed a force that demanded reverence.

"You may not hold the title of a clan lord," Yorlee proclaimed, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration, "but you have proven yourself as a Lord, maybe a Lord of Destruction." Yorlee didn’t know how right his words were in that moment.

Amidst the boisterous commotion, a resounding clank reverberated throughout the coliseum floor where Diyu and his now conscious archers resonating with finality. The heavy metal door opened as its rusty hinges wailed. Two guards, their expressions a mix of apprehension and curiosity, stood in the doorway, awaiting the three men’s next move.

Yorlee's voice carried over the clamor, his tone now laced with a hint of begrudging respect. "Come, let us get you cleaned up," gesturing for Diyu to follow. "We have unfinished business to attend to."

Diyu could sense his tone was fake, but he also knew now Yorlee had to eat his words at this point. Nodding in acknowledgement, Diyu turned his attention to his men, and ushered them inside the door.

The group made their way towards the hall that he and Yorlee first spoke in. The echoes of the crowd's cheers still reverberating in their ears as they made their way back through the passage. They eventually entered the hall and Yorlee was standing there waiting for them with a nervous look on his face.

"I am really unsure of what to do here. You have the strength of a god, that is for sure," Yorlee confessed. " Many lost their lives fighting that beast, it also had been said to have killed an entire village of the Ophidian Clan before the Legend of the Clan himself captured it.” He thought to himself that maybe Vakusi had a chance at taking down Diyu,” I never thought I would see someone kill it by themselves." Yorlee continued.

"I’ve proved my words true. I am the chosen one, destined to lead my people off this forsaken rock that is doomed to die by the sun," diyu asserted.

Yorlee rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

"So, you're saying you're not here to kill me and take my job. You're here to help us, if we follow you?" Yorlee buying time and insuring to save his own skin before anyone else’s.

"I am here to lead my people, time is limited, though. We must act fast," Diyu affirmed.

"Will you be taking over all responsibilities of the city and clan politics?" Yorlee said while he strokes his chin clearly scheming something. 

Diyu looked at him, realizing he knew nothing about running a city.

"Here is how this is going to work: You may stay the face of leadership among your people. However, you will answer to me when I call."

"What exactly would you call me to do?" Yorlee looked at me, concerned.

"I will raise an army and invade the neighboring clans and convince their leadership to either follow or die by my hand. Their lands have resources critical for advanced spacecraft to carry us off of this rock." Diyu preached.

"No other clan leader will openly submit to anyone. The only reason your escapades worked here is because we don't have a military any longer. All our soldiers were reclassified into other professions, and now their sons, who have never been soldiers, have taken over for them."

Diyu stopped and pondered his words for a moment.

"We will have to make them soldiers then, won't we? Fetch my men. We have a lot of work to do to prepare."

The hunters walked off in the direction of the rest of the men. Diyu looked at Yorlee, who had a look on his face suggesting that he had something to say.

"Speak, Yorlee. We are not enemies, and we now share the same goal."

"Yes, of course. Well, perhaps it's better if I just show you. Please, follow me."

Diyu followed him out the main door of the gathering room and down a main street. He could tell people didn't know how to act at the sight of him. Some kids would cheer, while others would run away. Either way, Diyu could tell his exploits in the pit were well known at this point. They continued walking without much conversation. Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the city, where a large wooden gate led to another section of the city that appeared uninhabited for a long time. As Diyu looked around, he could tell this must have been a gathering spot of some kind.

Yorlee stopped in the open area and turned to me. "This used to be our military barracks before the peace treaty forced us to decommission it. I always found it strange that we had to disband our forces while the other clans did not. I guess it was because we used to raid a great deal and were very successful at it, apparently. Either way, it left the door wide open for someone like you to walk in and reignite the flames. Maybe there is something to this destiny you carry on about. I am interested in what will come of you and this endeavor." Deep down he could care less, just hoping that the Ophidian clan or whoever could end this charade and he could get back to life he had before Diyu showed up.

Diyu could tell Yorlee had alternative motives behind his newfound confidence in him. Any respectable leader would have sentenced him to death on the spot in the road and never let him set foot inside the city.

Diyu thought to himself “I will have to keep a close eye on him; he is very crafty.” 

Diyu left the great hall and made his way back to the gathering room where Emo was and the rest of the men just outside. Diyu signaled to Emo to come closer so that they could talk in private.

"My Lord, I see negotiations went, well. All the citizens are terrified of us as we walked through the streets. What happened? No, never mind. I don't want to know. What are your orders, my lord?" Emo half scared to hear exactly what had happened judging from some of the kids that ran screaming at the sight of them.

Diyu almost broke a smile from Emo's reaction to the people in the streets, but he also knew they had work to do. Diyu told him about the barracks and training facilities and instructed him to set up the guardsmen there and begin renovating the facility to get it in working order. Diyu pulled Emo aside and whispered to him so that no others could hear, "Send three men to fetch my mother and the rest of the villagers. We will all now be living in the barracks." Emo nodded and went to go carry out his orders. Diyu walked back over towards Yorlee and began to ask some questions.

"How many able body men do you have in this capital?"

"Our last population count came back 300,000 able bodies, but that would be both male and female. Any reason why you would want only men?"

"No, just an old habit. All will die equally in the end if nothing is done so all should help where they can. Yorlee, I want you to plan a large gathering where I can address the population here." Diyu ordered.

"That will take a little bit of time to set up. give me a week and you will have your audience."

Diyu knew that was lie but nodded head, "Make it happen." Diyu could tell Yorlee is eager to tend to his own matters. Diyu begins to understand that the fight with the Caustic Levin was a ploy to kill him without making it seem as such.

“He is a clever one indeed, I shall need to harness that for my benefit.” Diyu thought to himself. 

A week has passed, and Yorlee has done as Diyu asked. A large crowd gathered outside the gathering hall. A podium was placed on an elevated platform, ready for Diyu to address them. Yorlee steps forward, successfully hushing the crowd, and introduces Diyu. He calmly walks to the podium and takes control of it from Yorlee. Diyu gazes upon the multitude of Kreegan’s and he can’t help but think they desperately need his assistance, even if they are unaware of it.

"I have great news to share with all of you," Diyu declared, his voice carrying across the assembled throng.

"Please take my words with utmost seriousness. I am here to inform you that in less than a century, our planet will no longer be capable of sustaining life. Furthermore, our dying sun will eventually consume our world."

Whispers and scatted words amongst the crowd erupt.

"How can we believe such claims?" one person shouts.

"We lack evidence and reason to trust you!" cries out another.

"Do not rely solely on my words," Diyu assert, gesturing with his left hand towards a group of Kreegan hunters approaching the podium. Unexpectedly, Diyu catch a glimpse of confused look in Yorlee's expression. Turning his attention to the approaching men, Diyu address them directly.

"Please share with your fellow citizens what you have personally witnessed in the fields and oceans."

The first hunter steps forward, and pauses waiting for the crowd to quiet down.

"What Lord Diyu says is true," he asserts.

"Our oceans are yielding less and less bounty with each passing day."

A member of the crowd interjects, "We've experienced fish shortages before. It's not unusual."

The fisherman responds with clarity, "If this were merely a temporary shortage, it would be the most sever we've ever seen. The situation is worsening day by day. Soon, our fish markets will be completely depleted, and famine will loom over us all."

Another hunter steps up, adding his voice, "I can attest to that. We are discovering more lifeless Anoxe in the plains than ever before. These are harbingers of a grim future."

The crowd grows agitated, panic emanating from their collective demeanor. Sensing the urgency, Diyu stepped forward again to address them.

"Now that I have your attention, believe me when I say that this planet has forsaken us, and we must escape its grip. Follow me, and you and your families will find salvation!"

The crowd appears almost convinced, but a voice shouts out, "What are we supposed to do in the meantime? Survive on wishes and dreams?" The restlessness spread through the crowd instantly.

Raising his hands once more, Diyu calmed the crowd so he could speak.

 "I am working with Yorlee to address the food situation. However, as a leader, I find it shameful that he was unaware of the severity of our food crisis." Diyu catches Yorlee swiftly turning around and retreats into the meeting hall. At that moment, Diyu realizes he had gained the crowd's trust over Yorlee. Though more work lies ahead to fully win them over, this is the crucial turning point he needs. Diyu knew he needed a way to provide motivation for the people to join his army. What better motivation than a starving belly looking to be fed.

Diyu walks back into the meeting hall and was greeted by an upset Yorlee.

He confronts Diyu, saying, "You poison my very name to the people! Who do you think you are?"

Diyu quickly grabs him by the throat and lift him off the ground and bring him in close so he can hear every word while he chokes.

"I am your Lord and Savior, if you ever try to cross me again like you did with the pit I will feed your entrails to your starving people!" Diyu could feel the anger consuming him, a strong urge to exert more force, choking him further, and even entertaining dark thoughts of his demise. The voice within him, once loud and clear, filled with reason, had now faded into a faint whisper. Yet, amidst his turbulent emotions, he managed to regain control. Diyu listened to that dwindling voice and chose to release his grip, letting Yorlee go.

Yorlee collapses to the ground, unable to stand, as he realizes he was outmatched. That his conspiracy plays to manipulate Diyu had backfired. The severity of the situation dawns upon him, understanding that one wrong move could cost him his life. Struggling to regain his composure, he manages to speak through coughs, "Yes, my Lord."

Diyu leaves Yorlee on the floor and walks to the barracks in which they now call home to ponder this food crisis that is on their door step.