The Frost Demon of Universe 7

It had been 100 years since Zero's arrival on Planet Zero, accompanied by the loyal Kianko. Zero's journey was long and arduous, It had taken him 30 years to travel from the harsh environment of Planet Geyser to Planet Plant. Now, it was 87 years before Age 0—a new era of galactic history was yet to unfold, and Zero had positioned himself to play a key role. Planet Zero had become his sanctuary, a place where he could begin laying the foundation of his ambitions. 

 Zero managed to extend the lifespan of select members of the Kianko, creating an elite council of elders. These individuals, carefully chosen for their wisdom, loyalty, and potential, underwent genetic modifications to extend their life expectancy by thousands of years. He tapped into the latent capabilities within their DNA, augmenting their biology to slow aging processes and increase their durability. Their skin grew tougher, their senses sharper, and they began to resonate with the same timeless energy that flowed within Zero himself. The elders were no longer mere Kianko—they were symbols of the Kianko's endurance and aspirations, guiding their people through the challenges that lay ahead.

Rising from his seated position, Zero walked towards the lift that would bring him up into the palace—an impressive structure that had not even existed before he began his rigorous training. He had focused his mind and body, while his people had worked tirelessly to bring this vision into reality. When the lift doors slid open, Zero stepped into a space he had yet to witness fully, and what he saw amazed him.

The elevator was concealed behind a large bookcase, which, from the outside, appeared completely ordinary—lined with old, ornate books and trinkets of intellectual value. But as the bookcase automatically shifted aside, Zero found himself standing in an office designed meticulously with him in mind. The room exuded elegance, cold refinement, and intellectual sophistication—qualities that mirrored Zero's personality. Everything about it was sharp and precise, as if it had been conjured directly from his own thoughts.

The shelves of the bookcase were filled with an array of books—the fruits of Planet Zero's first successful trades with Planet Plant. There were scientific texts, tomes on history, literature of different genres, and even some fictional works. The collection reflected not only the advancements of his people but also the cultural wealth they were now able to obtain. The shelves brimmed with knowledge that had been inaccessible to them for so long.

The furniture within the office was carved from Frost Wood, a material native to Planet Zero that embodied the harsh, beautiful coldness of the environment. The Frost Wood was pure white, with delicate silver grains running parallel along its length, creating a striking and ethereal effect, as if frost itself had been frozen into the grain. The craftsmanship of the Kianko artisans was evident in every polished surface and precise edge of the desks and chairs.

Two tall windows stood opposite the bookshelf, looking out towards the glistening sea. The view was majestic—the water was a silvery-blue, shimmering beneath the distant light of the planet's sun. The dark wooden floors and paneled walls provided a bold contrast to the white Frost Wood furniture, grounding the room in an earthy elegance. The atmosphere was sophisticated, almost severe, but there was an undeniable serenity to it. It was a place where plans could be made, strategies woven, and where Zero could fully take in the view of what he had accomplished.

Satisfied with what he saw, Zero moved forward, the heavy door to his office parting to reveal a corridor that led deeper into the palace. Standing just beyond the threshold were two guards, their posture relaxed as they conversed with each other in low voices. They seemed unaware of his approach at first, their tones casual—a luxury that only the young could afford.

When Zero stepped into view, it was as if a cold wind had suddenly swept down the corridor. The two guards immediately went stiff, their eyes widening as they snapped to attention. One of them managed to open his mouth, the words almost stammered out as he struggled against his nerves.

"…Lord Zero…" he finally whispered, his voice laced with awe.

The sight of Zero left the young guards nearly speechless. They had grown up hearing tales of the mysterious figure, the Frost Demon who had led their people to freedom and power. They knew of Zero from their parents, sometimes even from their grandparents, who spoke of the Black Lifeform that had brought them to this planet—a figure of immense power and authority, wrapped in a veil of legend. To the third-generation Kianko, he had been a mythical entity, something greater than flesh and bone. For many of them, this was their first time seeing him with their own eyes.

The air grew even colder, a natural result of Zero's aura, and the guards seemed to tremble under his piercing gaze. His presence commanded authority, his very existence a reminder of the power that now ran through their veins. Despite all the tales, the legends, seeing him now made the stories real in a way that the younger generation could scarcely comprehend.

Zero barely acknowledged their nervous greeting, his gaze sweeping past them as if they were little more than a detail. He finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a weight that echoed through the corridor.

"Where is Mikan?" he asked, his words sending a shiver down the spine of the guards.

The guard who had spoken earlier swallowed, his mouth dry. It had been 82 years since Zero had seen another Kianko apart from Mikan, the only individual allowed to bring him his meals during his seclusion. This young guard knew who Mikan was—the respected elder, the one who often spoke on Zero's behalf, the emissary between Zero and the rest of their people. To this day, Mikan's word carried an authority second only to Zero himself.

"Y-Yes, Lord Zero," the guard managed, his voice cracking slightly. He shifted nervously before giving a quick, respectful bow. "Elder Mikan should be overseeing the preparations in the Great Hall, my lord. Shall I—shall I escort you there?"

Zero paused, regarding the young guard for a moment longer than seemed comfortable. The weight of Zero's cold gaze made the young man tense, though Zero's expression betrayed nothing. Then, with a curt nod, Zero turned his head slightly.

"No need," he said, his voice almost dismissive. He began walking down the corridor, his movements fluid, almost like a shadow passing over ice.

The guards quickly stepped aside, their eyes following Zero's imposing figure as he moved away from them. His presence lingered, like a chill that stayed even after he had left. For a few moments, silence settled between them, the guards barely daring to breathe.

Zero moved through the palace halls, the grandeur of the structure evident with every step. His mind was set on his next task, and the idea of seeing Mikan again after all these years filled him with something akin to anticipation, though he would not admit it. Mikan was more than just a subordinate—he was a symbol of what Zero had built, an extension of his will. Now, after years of seclusion, it was time to see the fruition of his efforts, to move forward with the next stage of his plans.

The Kianko had come far, and their evolution was evident in the opulence and order of this palace. But Zero knew there was much more ahead. As he approached the entrance to the Great Hall, he allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. The future lay before him—his people ready, his power sharpened, and his ambitions undiminished

Arriving at the imposing double doors of the conference room, Zero gestured briefly, signaling the two guards to remain outside. The doors swung open with a whisper of precision, and Zero strode in, the presence of his aura subtly lowering the temperature in the room as he entered. The chamber was spacious yet deliberately designed to convey authority. A long, polished table, carved from the same Frost Wood as his office furniture, stretched through the center of the room. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting the history of the Kianko, their exodus from Planet Plant, their arrival on Planet Zero, and the early days of building this burgeoning civilization.

Five figures were seated around the table. Upon seeing Zero enter, they rose from their seats in unison, heads bowed slightly in deference. These individuals were the Council of Elders, the highest authorities among the Kianko, chosen by Zero himself for their wisdom and dedication. Each of them wore garments of a regal nature—flowing robes in silver and deep purple, accented with the sigils of their respective houses, symbols that represented the various branches of Kianko society.

Zero moved with deliberate grace, his gaze sweeping over the gathered council members before settling on the vacant seat at the head of the table. The chair was larger than the others, intricately carved and designed specifically for Zero. As he approached, the elders remained standing, eyes respectfully averted until Zero lowered himself into the seat. Only then did they slowly resume their places.

A moment of silence hung in the air, the chill of Zero's presence felt by all. He regarded the elders, taking in their appearance. He had not seen them in person for years—only communicated through messages or through Mikan, who remained his direct connection to the outside world during his secluded training.

"It seems that time is slowly catching up to you all," Zero remarked, his voice carrying a subtle note of observation, his gaze tracing the subtle signs of age among the elders.

The years had not been unkind, but the elders were mortal, after all. Their once-vibrant hair had grown streaked with gray or white, their faces lined with the passage of time, despite the modifications Zero had gifted them.

Mikan, sitting to Zero's immediate right, gave a warm chuckle. He was the eldest of the council, and the years were evident on him the most. His once richly purple hair now bore streaks of white, and his beard had grown longer, framing his face with a regal quality. He stroked his beard thoughtfully as he responded, his eyes filled with a mixture of reverence and humor.

"Lord Zero, not everyone can be graced with the same type of longevity as you," Mikan said, his voice steady yet filled with a hint of warmth. There was deep respect in his words, but also the familiarity of someone who had served beside Zero for decades.

Zero gave a slight nod, acknowledging the compliment but without any overt display of emotion. He rested his hands on the table, and the elders turned their attention to him fully, knowing the purpose of their meeting today went beyond mere greetings.

Mikan cleared his throat and spoke again, more formally this time. His demeanor shifted as he addressed the broader topic at hand. "Lord Zero, during your training, we have made contact with several previously unexplored planets within this galaxy. There have been notable developments."

He reached forward, pressing a button embedded in the table. A holographic display sprang to life above the center of the table, showing a projection of several planets within the sector. The planets glowed softly, their orbits highlighted, and Mikan continued.

"We've identified three planets of particular interest," Mikan said, his voice taking on the careful tone of a strategist reporting to his commander. "The first planet we made contact with is primarily covered in ice. After further analysis, we believe it to be your homeworld—the planet of the Frost Demons. The inhabitants there, however, are unlike you, my lord. Though they share a similar physiology, they are far less powerful. We noted their extreme hostility, but their capabilities do not match yours, Lord Zero."

Zero's eyes narrowed slightly at this, a glint of curiosity mixed with something deeper—perhaps disdain or perhaps a flicker of nostalgia. His homeworld was a place he had no particular affection for; the inhabitants were lesser beings in his eyes, unable to transcend their primitive state. He had surpassed them, becoming something greater, something unique. Still, their existence might yet prove useful.

Mikan continued, switching the holographic display to highlight two other planets. "The second and third planets are habitable worlds with primitive life forms. However, we found little of interest there—nothing that could contribute significantly to our expansion or technological growth. The only resource of potential value is the nitrogen present on Planet Geyser, which could have industrial applications."

Zero's gaze darkened slightly at the mention of Planet Geyser. He leaned forward, his voice taking on a colder, commanding tone that made the temperature in the room drop further. "Mikan," he said, his words deliberate and powerful, "Planet Geyser is off-limits until Year 738. There are beings on that planet—latent powers—that will serve a greater purpose in the years to come."

Mikan bowed his head immediately, his posture one of acquiescence. "Of course, Lord Zero. We will divert all expeditions and ensure no interference with Planet Geyser until the designated time."

The other council members nodded in agreement, each of them understanding the weight of Zero's command. They knew better than to question his foresight. If Zero had plans for Geyser, then those plans were not to be disrupted. He had seen further than any of them, his vision for their future clear and precise, and their role was to support that vision without hesitation.