Abyss.
In a corner of Charles's castle.
There was a warehouse here, specially renovated.
Countless tiny flames of life flickered within.
Pushing open the door and entering revealed a sight that made many people's scalps tingle.
A vast number of rats were being raised here.
Several imps were carrying buckets, continuously pouring minced demon flesh from them into feeding troughs.
Hundreds of rats were being reared by demons here.
Elsewhere, Charles and Bruce were recording something.
A closer look showed that these were all data on the rats' growth.
Bruce said, "Master, the degree of mutation in these rats has increased again!"
"When we were in Isata, many of the rats that ate demon flesh seemed to become deformed and die outright."
"But why does that not happen in the Abyss?"
Charles said, "The reason should be simple. This is the Abyss."
"The Abyss is far too accommodating toward demons. Here, mutation is what is normal."
"Raise these rats well. Perhaps in the future, you will gain many more kin, and I will gain an army of Ratmen under my command."
Bruce said excitedly, "Master, if there really is a Ratman army, they will absolutely be your most loyal servants!"
Charles nodded.
At the same time, he said, "Work a little harder lately. Get the selected female rats pregnant and see whether any rats inheriting your bloodline can appear."
Bruce's expression stiffened. He looked at his own burly body, then at the rats, which were now no larger than cats at most.
He asked hesitantly, "Master, isn't the size difference between me and them too great?"
"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
Charles burst out laughing. "Can't you get it out first?"
"Use your brain!"
The breeding of the rats went very smoothly.
Rats themselves reproduced and grew quickly, and Charles