I'm not sure I can be.

Darkness fell over Barley, and that darkness had a name.

I went from home to home, honing my skills as I took and stole. I violated whomever I wanted, spared who I fancied, and consumed the rest. I moved from shadow to shadow, giving no warning until it was too late. With each person I consumed I grew in size and power, and I became aware of many things.

Those I seeded with my own flesh, like Vivi and Nadia, retained some semblance of self; I could call to them and command them, I could feel where they were and look through their eyes, I could block out their hunger and allow them to function. Those who I'd filled only with cum had no such reprieve, and the men I inflicted with hunger became savage.

Those I'd implanted with my flesh became like me, and could spread my influence. Their fluids became tainted like my own, and forced the afflicted to seek me out.

The only exception was Gree'ek, whom I'd taken differently and couldn't sense.

My true form had grown larger than a building, when I didn't give it shape, and my minions soon numbered in the hundreds. And yet, I still wanted more. I needed more, and there was nothing I wouldn't do to attain it.

My true form covered Barley like a shroud, or a great tree, my tendrils questing out and gifting the Hungry with my cum. My Chosen remained near my body, ready to serve my every desire. In many ways, I'd become a king or a god to these people, but it was far from enough.

Finally, I turned my mind towards the horizon.

Towards home.

• This is the end of this route, for now. It will continue at a later time, when other story branches transition to a similar scale. Think of it as the first branch to reach the end of the 'Barley Arc' or the Prologue.
• Thanks to anyone who's read this far, and I hope you've enjoyed this work of writing practice.