Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1135 1135: Unrivaled potential

”...” Aroʼs eyes flickered back and forth between Haros and Robin, still struggling to fully comprehend the gravity of what was unfolding before him. Every word Robin spoke seemed to reshape his understanding of the empire and his potential role in it.

”Listen to me, Aro...” Robin grasped the young, horned manʼs arm and resumed walking with a steady, deliberate pace. His voice was firm, yet carried a sense of patience, as if he were guiding Aro toward a realization rather than simply instructing him. ”The Third Army will not be composed solely of warriors from Orphanʼs Blood. No —your forces will be drawn from a much broader pool. You will have access to the entire population of Mutants and Demi-humans from all Planets in my Empire. You will have— an incredibly diverse group Nihari, and many strong races on other planets including the bat-hybrids from R-1, the dwarves, and even the half-blooded races. They are all yours to command, to mold into an army unlike any that has existed before. In other words...” He gestured broadly. ”All of my planets will serve as your recruitment grounds. You will have the freedom to hunt for the perfect soldiers—excluding, of course, humans and Demons.”

Robin paused for a moment as if allowing Aro a chance to process the sheer scale of what he was offering. Then, he continued, his voice brimming with confidence. ”These forces alone should be more than sufficient to forge an army that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Golden and Red Armies— if you can unite them and transform them into a single, cohesive force. But beyond that, you will have access to three exceptionally unique resources that will set your army apart from any other.”

Robin held up a single finger. ”The first resource—the Durger humans.” His eyes flicked briefly toward Haros before returning to Aro. ”I have already made an agreement with your right hand, Haros, that we will begin the process of enhancing his race —elevating them far beyond their current capabilities. In the future, they will all possess the power of Imperial Guards. Of course, the primary drawback is that this resource is not immediately available. However...” His tone grew sharper. ”Within just a few decades, you will have thousands of them at your disposal, ready to form an unstoppable battalion— one that will wield the Corrosion Law without real limitations!”

”....!!” Aro cast a sharp glance toward Haros. That alone was enough to justify keeping him alive as an assistant. The idea of learning planetary warfare from him was suddenly a secondary concern compared to the sheer monumental implications of such an endeavor.

Robin raised a second finger. ”The second resource— The Devosʼ humans.” A smirk played at the corner of his lips. ”They hail from Planet Gudah, and in their veins flows the blood of a Beast King, Devos The Transcendent. This unique lineage grants them an inherent affinity for the Law of Frost—a law so lethal that it can freeze enemies to the bone, turning them into nothing more than lifeless statues of ice. Even I find their ability difficult to classify. More importantly...” Robinʼs voice lowered slightly, as if he were revealing a secret. ”They also possess a slight affinity for the Minor Law of Permanence.”

His hands folded behind his back as he continued his slow but purposeful strides. ”However, this resource comes with three distinct problems. The first is their nature. They are like foxes—cunning and elusive—meaning they detest direct confrontation. You will need to be strategic in how you utilize them. The second issue is their limited numbers—only around a million, and most of them are elderly. But that problem will be solved with time. By relocating them to other planets and increasing their food supply, their population will naturally recover. Within just a few decades, they will become a stable resource for you. And finally...” He paused for a moment. ”The third issue is that they only possess the Heavenly Law of Frost. But that will change...” His smirk returned, sharper this time. ”Because I will provide them with a Merged Law—The Merged Law of Permanence Frost.”

”What?!” Harosʼs voice erupted with shock, his entire posture stiffening. ”Do you have any idea what will happen if word spreads about an army wielding a merged law?!”

Normally, the mere idea of such a thing was nothing more than a pipe dream. A myth. But Haros had no doubt whatsoever —not even for a single moment— that Robin had already reached the level where he could create a merged law. It was no longer a matter of possibility —only a matter of when and why.

”Calm yourself,” Robin said, waving a hand dismissively. ”I listened to Pythor discussing the matter... I will create the law and use it to maximize that raceʼs potential. However, I will ensure that it remains a diluted version—something subtle and unnoticeable. I will integrate only 0.5% of the Law of Permanence into it.”

Then, Robin turned and locked his piercing gaze onto Aro. ”The third and final resource—and this one will be your full responsibility.” His voice grew heavier, as if the weight of this revelation surpassed all others. ”It is the Cryxos Humans.”

”Hey!” Haros interjected almost immediately, his voice urgent and sharp. ”No one has been transformed using Cryxosʼ blood so far! Didnʼt you say you refuse to alter anyone?”*

Robinʼs expression remained unreadable as he tilted his head slightly. ”I said I refuse to mutate humans.” His tone was casual, yet carried a dangerous edge. ”Why would I taint those who were born pure?” Then, his lips curled into something that was neither a smirk nor a frown. ”But whatʼs wrong with corrupting those who are already tainted?”

”You mean...?” Harosʼs voice trailed off, as if he were reluctant to even say the words.

Robin ignored him completely and continued speaking, his attention solely focused on Aro. ”Once the enhancement process for the Durger humans is complete, you will have an imperial decree addressed to Cryxos himself. That decree will grant you the right to extract a significant amount of his blood. And with that—you will forge an entirely new race. A race that will wield the Merged Law of Purgatory Flame!”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Aro could feel his pulse quicken, the sheer audacity of Robinʼs vision shaking the very foundation of what he thought was possible. An entire army wielding merged laws...? If Robin truly followed through with this, then the Third Army wouldnʼt just be another force within the empire—it would be an unstoppable juggernaut, capable of reshaping planets.

And Robin knew it.

”...You are completely free to choose your candidates for the creation of this race however you desire.” Robinʼs voice carried an unmistakable tone of authority. ”Any Nihari mutant who has never received beast blood before can be used as a test subject. But if you want my advice, then I strongly recommend the Nihari Giants.”

Robin took a deliberate step forward, his presence almost suffocating as he continued. ”Their bodies are immensely powerful, their sheer size alone enough to strike terror into the hearts of most foes before a single blow is even exchanged.” His lips curled into a smirk. ”However, there is a fundamental flaw in them—one that has prevented them from achieving true greatness. Their blood runs tainted with cowardice and treachery. A fatal weakness. But that…” He exhaled sharply, eyes gleaming. ”That can be purged.”

Robinʼs smirk widened, his voice turning almost sinister. ”Hopefully, Cryxosʼ blood will burn away their weaknesses, erasing any trace of treachery and fear. If even the blood of a Dragon-type Beast King fails to reshape them from the inside out… then there is nothing in existence that ever will.”

Aro, meanwhile, could do nothing but stare, his breath caught in his throat. ”...Youʼre giving me this army?!” His voice barely held together, a mix of awe and disbelief spilling from his lips. His eyes, stretched wide with shock, darted between Robin and Haros, as if searching for confirmation that this was not some elaborate joke.

His mind raced. This army —already an unrivaled force composed of Mutants and Demi-humans —was a nightmare to his enemies. Yet now… now Robin was offering him even more.

An entire legion of Durger Humans, wielders of the Minor Law of Corrosion. A warrior race so formidable they had once commanded an entire planetary empire of their own. Their sheer presence on the battlefield was enough to send lesser soldiers fleeing for their lives.

But even that wasnʼt the most terrifying part.

On top of everything else, Aro would have two additional legions. Both wielding Merged Laws!!

That kind of power —if harnessed and utilized effectively— would elevate his forces into something beyond mere armies. They would be a force of nature, an entity capable of swallowing entire civilizations whole.

Robin watched Aroʼs expression shift as realization dawned, and his lips curled into a knowing smirk.

”Now do you see why you need Haros as your assistant?” he asked, his tone rich with amusement.

Aro clenched his fists. The truth was undeniable. If these forces could be properly structured—if they could be refined into a harmonious and cohesive entity—then the Third Army would not merely match the First and Second. It would devour them whole.

A deep, steadying breath left his lips. His body felt impossibly tense, but his mind was clear. He had already made his decision.

”Fine,” he said at last, his voice low but firm. ”Iʼll do it. But on one condition.”

Robin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ”And what is that?”

Aroʼs expression hardened, and his voice dropped into a near growl. ”I want to become stronger. I refuse to stand at the same rank as Caesar and Sakaar while being weaker than them!”

A heavy silence followed his declaration.

Robin slowly crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping over Aroʼs form from head to toe. His expression was unreadable for a long moment, before he finally spoke.

”Iʼll think of something for you,” he admitted, before shaking his head slightly. ”But honestly, I donʼt think you need any additional enhancements.”

Aro narrowed his eyes. ”What do you mean?”

Robinʼs smirk returned. ”Because you already possess a unique ability—one that no one else I know can replicate.”

Aroʼs brows furrowed. ”And what might that be?”

Robin stepped closer, his voice lowering. ”The ability to release massive bursts of energy in a single instant. You could discharge a quarter of your entire energy reserve in one attack without suffering any bodily repercussions. Do you realize how valuable that is?”

Aro stiffened. He knew his abilities were unusual, but he had never considered them in that context.

Robin continued, his voice filled with certainty. ”If we focus on enhancing that ability—if we hone it into a weapon of pure devastation—then the Major Heavenly Law of Lightning will be more than sufficient for you. You wonʼt need anything else.”

Aro clenched his jaw. His mind raced, weighing Robinʼs words. Then, finally, he exhaled and muttered:

”...Iʼll need more assistants.”

Robinʼs smirk deepened. ”I have no problem with that.” He gestured lazily. ”I recommend Sandria, daughter of Fox King Volpe. She is respected among her people and far more pragmatic than her stubborn father. She will be an invaluable asset to you.”

A firm pat landed on Aroʼs shoulder—an unmistakable confirmation that the deal was sealed.

But Aro wasnʼt done yet.

”That wonʼt be enough!” His voice was filled with rising determination. ”I need more generals! More authority!”

His hand ran through his hair, his fingers trembling slightly as excitement coursed through his veins. His pulse pounded in his ears. ”Ohhh… what thrilling days lie ahead!”

Robin let out a hearty chuckle. ”Ha! Iʼll leave that to you to arrange as you see fit.” Then, his tone turned serious. ”But first… you must bring all of my planets under my control. You must prove your worth to everyone. Use the imperial decree in your possession and show Caesar and Sakaar exactly how vital you are.”

His eyes gleamed. ”Iʼll leave Haros with you—get to know each other better and start laying the foundations for my Third Army.”

With a casual motion, Robin nudged Haros forward. ”I expect the core structure of the army to be established before the coronation ceremony.”

Trnnn!

A spatial rift split open behind Robin, humming with immense power.

Aroʼs eyes widened. ”Wait— when is the coronation ceremony?!”

Beside him, Haros stepped forward. ”And when will we receive the Race Upgrading Device?!”

Robin simply laughed. ”Contact Emily. Farewell!”

Shoop!

The rift sealed itself shut, and silence descended upon the area.

Until—

”Hahahahahaha!!!”

Flora, who had been holding back all this time, finally burst forward and threw her arms around Aro. ”I knew His Excellency would recognize your talents! You deserve this—and more!”

Aro, however, barely registered her words.

He felt like he had been plunged into the depths of the ocean, his senses numb, his mind reeling. Bzzzzz.

His Excellency had appeared out of nowhere, dropped a colossal responsibility onto his shoulders—something he had planned to approach cautiously over the next thousand years at minimum—and then simply vanished.

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

Flora hesitated. ”Darling?”

A full minute passed before Aro finally turned his gaze to Haros, his expression deadly serious, ”We have a lot of work to do.”

Haros nodded. ”I think weʼre already late.”