Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 282 Phenor's Reward

Akun was already seated on his throne in the throne room. The silvery glow of the moonlight that seeped into the room through the windows behind the throne seemed to give off a rather welcoming ambiance.

For some reason, the runes in the golden chandelier above were not lit, almost as if things were left this way to build up the tension of the moment.

"May I come in, my liege?" Phenor's voice echoed from beyond the massive doors of the throne room. Akun then tilted his head to the left, resting it on his left arm, which was inclined on the armrest of his throne, as he said, "You may."

In that moment, the doors of the throne room creaked open, slowly revealing Phenor. His purple eyes seemed to hold calm seriousness, and his black hair seemed to glint softly due to the moonlight.

Phenor slowly made his way into the throne room, his footsteps echoing softly in the spacious room as he did. Arriving just before the platform that elevated the throne, Phenor bowed, getting down on one knee and placing his right hand on the ground while the other rested on his elevated leg. He bowed his head and then said, "My liege, I've come for my reward just as you promised."

Akun, looking intensely at Phenor, suddenly let out a sigh as he said, "You have done well. As I am a man of my word, I shall grant your wish."

"Come forth, Xalender," Akun said, his voice seeming to echo through the very fabric of reality. In that moment, a rift opened up, and the god of death stepped out beside Akun's throne. The silvery glow of the moonlight dimly illuminated his skeletal frame, and his ragged robe seemed to sway from side to side despite the fact there was no wind in the room.

"Master, you called?" Xalender's voice echoed as he inquired.

Akun glanced at Xalender, his gaze seemed calm yet piercing. "I want you to resurrect Devon," he stated firmly, his voice resonating with authority.

Xalender's hollow sockets seemed to fixate on Akun as he processed the request. After a moment of silence, he responded, "Resurrecting the deceased without a body requires a considerable exchange. Remember all those you have resurrected were possible because their physical bodies were still present. Are you prepared for the consequences of resurrecting him without a body, master?"@@@@

Akun spoke with a calm commanding tone. "I am aware of the price. Proceed with the resurrection."

"Father!" Devon exclaimed, his voice choked with emotion. "I can't believe it's really you!"

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Phenor, equally moved by the reunion, wrapped his arms around his son, holding him close. Tears welled up in his eyes as he returned the embrace, a mixture of joy and relief flooding through him. "My son," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion. "I thought I had lost you forever."

For a moment, father and son clung to each other, the weight of their shared ordeal slowly lifting as they reveled in the miracle of their reunion.

As the heartfelt embrace between father and son lingered, Akun stood back, his expression nonchalant, letting out a sigh he said. "I'm glad to see you two reunited," he said softly, his voice carrying a very slight note of warmth. "But I must attend to other matters."

Turning to Xalender, who stood nearby with his skeletal frame shrouded in darkness, Akun said. "Thank you for your assistance, Xalender. You may return to your duties in the underworld."

Xalender inclined his head in acknowledgment, his empty eye sockets fixed on Akun. "As you command, master," he replied softly, before disappearing into a swirling vortex of shadows that enveloped him, the portal closing behind him with a whisper of finality.

With Xalender's departure, the atmosphere in the throne room shifted, the weight of the moment lifting slightly as the tension eased. Akun turned his attention back to Phenor and Devon, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm pleased to see that you are happy," he said, his tone tinged with genuine warmth.

"And I hope with this you will continue to serve me diligently as you have done so far."

Phenor, his gaze filled with gratitude, stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Thank you, my liege," he said, his voice resonating with sincerity. "I won't ever disappoint you. My loyalty to you and your cause is unwavering."

(A/N: with that, this arc ends!! Time for the next arc where Akun finally steps out of the forest and the world gets to feel his power!!)