The Flame Ratmen slaughtered to their hearts' content,
Before long, one Flame Ratman could no longer suppress himself. After letting out a roar, he flew into the sky, came to Charles's side, and said respectfully, "My lord, I feel that I am about to begin my advancement."
Charles nodded slightly. "Begin. I will protect you."
The Flame Ratman said excitedly, "Yes, my lord!"
The next instant, his aura began to surge, and he instantly transformed into a demon egg wreathed in flames.
This Flame Ratman had begun his advancement. If he succeeded, he would become the third fourth-rank Greater Demon under Charles's command.
A few days later, another Flame Ratman also began his advancement.
With both of them advancing, Charles lost interest in lingering on the outskirts any longer.
He flew back toward Millstone Fortress, his magic power carrying the two demon eggs behind him.
As he flew along, many demons watched the scene with envy.
Especially the Greater Demons—they knew what this meant.
It meant that some Greater Demon Ratmen who had once been as strong as them were about to become different. They were about to become Greater Demons.
From the sky, Millstone Fortress lay spread out below.
At this time, Millstone Fortress was far larger than before.
The mountain peak where the fortress had originally stood had now become the central fortress.
New fortress strongholds had been built atop more than a dozen surrounding volcanoes.
The surrounding mountains and valleys were linked together by thick city walls.
Fortress structures still under construction could be seen everywhere.
Besides that, huge numbers of demon slave laborers bustled about.
Even Charles no longer knew how many demon slave laborers he had under his command.
Whether it was five million or eight million, he could not say for sure.
In any