As the warhorns sounded from the city of Kajaran, Haftvad rode at the forefront of his warriors, wielding spear, blade, and arrow with lethal valor. Crushing all resistance, he slew the local lord, seized the realm, and claimed boundless hoards of shimmering gems and gold. Boundless crowds rallied around his rising banner, and Haftvad led his people from the lowlands of Kajaran up into the steep mountain peaks. Upon a razor-sharp ridge, he constructed a grand, impenetrable fortress, sealing its portal with a massive gate of iron to serve as both a tranquil refuge and an unyielding bastion of war. A clear mountain spring gushed down into the heart of the stronghold, around which he raised battlements so soaring that no human eye could behold their crown.
As the days turned, the miraculous worm outgrew its wooden chest. Haftvad ordered a colossal basin carved directly into the mountain stone, lining it with warm mortar and smoothly finished rock before placing the creature within. Every morning, Haftvad's bright-hearted daughter ran to tend to it, carefully preparing rich food to nourish its swelling frame. Five full years passed in this manner until the once-tiny thread-worm grew into an immense monster—as vast as a horned, maned elephant. In honor of the creature’s mysterious fortune and fame, Haftvad named the whole realm 'Kerman.' The maiden remained its dedicated guardian, while her father became the warlike commander of the worm's army.
Viziers and royal scribes were appointed to serve the beast, plying it daily with jars of pure honey, sweet milk, and lavish dainties. Haftvad governed the citadel with absolute authority, dispensing law, appointing royal chamberlains, and assembling an imperial court worthy of the greatest monarchs. His legions spread across the lands, stretching their influence from the Sea of China to the borders of Kerman. Armed with seven valiant sons, ten thousand formidable swordsmen, and endless hoards of weapons and treasure, his strength grew unmatched. Whenever an opposing king marched against him, the mere approach of Haftvad's ranks—and the terrifying tale of the monstrous worm—caused the enemy armies to shatter and flee without a strike. The mountain citadel of Haftvad became so formidable that even the wind could not breach its high ramparts. His fortune rose daily, the people hailed him as Sovereign King, and his rock-hewn fortress overflowed with power and gold.