"The name of this secret organization is the Court of the Black Duke."
Nimrod explained its meaning to the six Shadow of Order Beyonders:
"Black is the representative color of the Legion. I am the king, and you are my subjects."
"Though our numbers are still few, another twenty-nine people to whom I have granted power are undergoing transformation surgery."
"In the future, I will also bestow more power within the Legion, so the Court has a strict promotion system, and it has nothing to do with your status in the Legion."
The six members of the Shadow of Order did not speak, but curiosity flickered in their eyes. It was different from the Legion's rank system.
"The standard by which it will be measured is the number of times I have bestowed power upon you. Though you possess superhuman bodies, you still need to understand the meaning of the power I have granted before you can undergo the next ascension."
"You are now knights. The next enhancement is lord, followed in order by baron, viscount, count, marquis, and duke."
Nimrod combined Sequence 6 "Baron of Corruption," Sequence 4 "Fallen Count," and Sequence 2 "Duke of Entropy" to name the third, fifth, and seventh enhancements, then filled in the ranks with viscount and marquis.
Before baron, he added the two titles of knight and lord, completing the entire hierarchy of the Court.
"Now, listen carefully to the first order I am issuing."
"You are forbidden from mentioning the abilities I have granted you to anyone who is not a member of the Court, including your battle-brothers."
The severity hidden in his words made the five sons feel a chill of fear. They immediately answered in unison.
"Now you should return and convey my ideals to more of the Shadow of