Death... and me

For the demon beasts, they already got what they wanted, obtaining most of the good territories while still keeping the Zasfins on the other side. That way, they wouldn't grow weaker over time and would still have more than enough space to spread. The best part was that with Celis's intervention gone, the planet was returning to normal, leaving the icy weather for the poles and the surrounding areas.

The only thing they needed now was to keep their promise to the humans. However, liberating the humans under the Zasfins' control wasn't part of the agreement. They only decided to ask for that after Rean and Roan's huge contribution to the outcome of the war. 

However, there was still one problem remaining. A problem that the Ancestors were purposely ignoring since it didn't affect them. 

Suddenly, one of the weaker Zasfins who obviously wouldn't participate in this expedition to the Bestial Sacred Ground asked, "But Ancestors...without humans, what will we do about the Soul Mark Formations? You know that we need them to create the Soul Marks. Also, the Soul Stones are made with them."

That Zasfin was being very bold to say those words with his cultivation. He was only a Saint Realm expert, so he had little to no power in such a meeting. Nevertheless, all the Zasfins below the Elemental Transformation Realm or those with lower-ranked Soul Marks nodded. If humans were gone, how would they create the marks?

Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes after hearing that. Not only that, but the humans' expressions on the demon beasts' side also turned nasty. Naturally, they had been told long ago how humans were used for the Soul Marks, which was one more reason for them to accept participating in the war.

"You should just die, you piece of shit!"

"Are you so afraid of us humans wiping your asses after the future generations can't use Soul Marks?"

"We shouldn't negotiate at all. Instead, we should wipe them out!"

One couldn't blame the humans. No race would wish to become something like that. Because of that, the voices of complaints only increased.

Phex sighed as he looked at the Duran and Sevinia, saying, "You hear them. So, how is it?"

Duran narrowed his eyes in response. This wasn't part of the plan, so he felt like beating the Zasfin who asked that question. However, it wasn't like he couldn't understand their side either. 

Still, Duran was adamant about his decision as he looked back at the Zasfin who started this hubbub. "Thanks to the Soul Marks, the Zasfins of all levels were still able to put up a fight against the demon beasts, even though they would generally be at a disadvantage. Without it, it is certain that our forces would lose even faster. That's why I understand why you and all the other low-level Zasfins are worried."

"However! It's also because of the reliance on the Soul Marks that the Zasfins had become this weak! Did you know? Several thousands of years ago, before the planet was covered in ice and snow, our Zasfin Race could fight similar level demon beasts head-on! Soul Marks? Such a thing didn't exist at all!"

Duran sighed as he recalled the records left behind in the Soul Rulers organization. "After the Soul Mark Formation was created, our Zasfin Race obtained a huge advantage against the other living beings of this planet. We were already as strong as them without it, so we obviously overwhelmed them. That's how we could force the demon beasts into the Demon Beast Continent and even captured the World Swallowing Cedar."

"Unfortunately, the Soul Marks are holding our race behind instead. Be it humans or demon beasts, all of the experts from the Demon Beast Continent can fight similar level Zasfins with marks and still be at an advantage. How ridiculous is that?"

Duran then raised his voice as he continued, "Listen up, you bunch of withered trash! If you want to have our Zasfin Race return to its glorious past, you will have to improve yourself on your own! First of all, we Zasfins already have Soul Power even without the Soul Marks, so how can we be losing so badly! Reflect on it before bringing up the issue of Soul Marks again."

"At the moment, all the Zasfins that could have a Soul Mark already have it. They will be the ones responsible for keeping the race safe until the new generation grows up without the help of Soul Marks. If you can't restore our race's true strength until these Zasfins are gone, then the Zasfin Race might as well disappear!"

Duran was very harsh, but no one contradicted his words. Well, the fact that Duran also wanted to use the demon beasts' Path to the Realm of Gods helped out as well. It's just that he wouldn't mention it.

Naturally, there were those who disagreed with Duran, but they didn't have the strength to make their opinions valid.

Duran then looked at Phex, saying, "I can't guarantee that it won't be used anymore in the future. However, this isn't a problem that our generation will have the chance to deal with anymore. It will be up to the humans to defend themselves in case some Zasfin decides to capture them and create a Soul Mark.

Roan didn't seem to mind, saying, "That's fine. Without Celis and with the humans being protected in the new continent by the Demon Beasts, they will have enough strength to improve themselves. It's just as you said. If they fail to protect themselves after this long period we're giving them, then they can only blame themselves for being too weak."

Duran smiled in response after that before redirecting his attention once more back to Phex. "So, Phex, how is it?"

Hearing his name being called, Phex nodded as he looked at the Zasfins. "Very well, you can come to the Bestial Sacred Ground too. However, we can't give you any guarantee. Also, whether you believe we'll take this chance to do something against your group or not is your problem."

Duran snorted in response. "Hmph! If you wish, you can try. However, don't expect that all the Zasfins with an equivalent level of cultivation will stand still doing nothing."

Phex was more than satisfied with that. "Then, we have an agreement. From today onwards, this war is over!"