《Ascenders: Rising From Zero》 1 A Chance to Live Again Search for ; ASCENDERS: RISING FROM ZERO to read the full content. ; This book was restarted in WSA in hopes that the author can perhaps have a shot at the prize. ; And I hope that you understand? ; if you do, why not hit the search tab and get the new story and pump it to support this author here? ; Pretty Simple? ; Of course, Thank You ; 2 Adjusting To Form For a minute or so, Bayo felt nothing. Emptiness. Then Thoom! A sudden blast of various scents hit him all at once. He could feel the heat of the sun blazing harshly at him and the stale air around accompanied with the smell of fresh grass. Wow! This is how it felt to be alive. ''Ah, I miss being alive.'' Bayo reached for his face but felt nothing like arms. ''Wait, I am still bodiless?'' Disappointed, he sighed, mentally. ''Yasmin, uhm... you there?'' ''Yes?'' Yasmin''s cool, collected voice came once more in his head. ''Why don''t I have a body?'' He asked. ''If you had been patient earlier with the Ascender Induction, all of this would be explained already.'' Yasmin replied. Bayo frowned mentally. ''Well, help me, damn you.'' Nothing. ''Yasmin?'' Bayo asked uncertainly. Why the forge was Yasmin quiet suddenly. ''Yasmin, please, I''m scared. Don''t leave me alone.'' Bayo began panicking. ''I haven''t left you. Like I said, I will help you. It''s bad enough I failed my mission. Please, don''t make it any worse for me. Your survival at this state belongs to me.'' ''Well... damnit...'' ''Why do I feel watched, again?'' Bayo asked, feeling stares fixed on him again. He extended his senses, since that was the only thing he could helplessly do, at least until Yasmin said something. He seemed to be in a sort of depression concealed from sight by lush green grasses. A little further from me was something moving. A worm like thing? His senses hit a restriction now as he concentrated, the rebounding hurting greatly. ''Ouch'' Bayo tried, once more but this time, he felt the restriction and trailed about it softly. Somehow he felt a presence above the restriction and he focused upwards. It was a four footed figure of some sort. And above it, on some branches were some sort of bird like shape, watching him keenly. It seemed like each of the creatures were considering whether he was a tasty snack. And Goddamnit, he was in some sort of forest and worse, he was just a blob of defenceless mass. ''Life forms detected and analyzed. Would you want to see the analysis?'' Yasmin spoke. OhJoy! Hearing Yasmin''s speak made Bayo all giddy with happiness. Suddenly, he didn''t feel so panicky and alone anymore. ''Yes, yes. Show me!'' He yelled happily. ''Life form analysis. Earth Wafting Worm - Common Type Soul status: Basic Maximum energy level: 7 Ability: Able to waft through any surface The Earth Wafting Worm is a Common Type creature that maxs out its soul strength at Ground and is commonly known for its ability to dig through virtually any surface, soil or metal. '' That''s nice. To waft through anything. Bayo thought, commending the creature. Soul Status: Ground Class Max Energy level: 17 The iron spiked tailed dog is renowned for its spike ball at the end of its tail. It''s cunning and strength make it a beast to be feared, at least for its level.'' ''Oh ... that''s an even greater stats than the previous one. Well, what can I say? Wait till you see mine.'' Bayo boasted internally ''The third life form is the Black Eyed Tirian - Ground Class Max Energy level: 14 Ability: None The Black-eyed tirian is an adept and agile fighter known for it''s surprise dive attacks. It''s small body makes up for its agility and this a deadly foe when encountered.'' Yasmin finished his analysis leaving Bayo unimpressed at Black Eyed Tirian. It''s aerial capability could be something but nah. That would be nothing without an ability to compliment. So basically, a worm, dog and a birdie was observing him as a possible delicacy. Ah... What would be his chances of survival supposing any were to make up its mind finally? Oh Wow! He didn''t even know what his soul status was. Uhm... Yasmin? ''Yes?'' ''What are my status? Like soul status?'' Bayo asked. ''I am sorry! I can not determine that as you have no body yet.'' ''Oh, snap! I''m still a ball.'' Bayo cursed himself mentally. ''I am supposed to evolve, right? If Biology that I was taught in school was true, then to evolve means to grow to an advanced form, right?'' ''Yes! You currently have 3 absorptions, a bonus from your base law, The law of gluttony . To evolve...'' ''Yo! Hold it there! Law of gluttony? What that?'' Bayo queried, puzzled. At that, he could swear he heard Yasmin sigh. ''Like I stated before, you are one of the 21 ascenders on the path to evolution to God Status. Each of the ascenders are gifted affinity in one of the Demonic Laws ranging from Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath and envy. You have been gifted a birthright affinity of the Law of Gluttony which is the most basic law for evolution and as such, you have received 3 Absorption instead of just one. To want more and keep them all is the virtue that would show itself as you evolve as you would be able to retain features of past life forms, a feature only unique to Law of Gluttony. '' Just then, Bayo sensed movement towards him. The Dog creature leapt off its rock and inches closer with a soft growl while the Worm decided to try its luck by moving forward. He pushed his senses upwards and felt the air vibrate as the Tirian jumped to a lower branch, giving it a vantage advantage for an aerial attack. ''Uhh... Yasmin. These creatures are moving towards me? '' ''Oh! That is nothing. They are only being curious and are trying to determine your threat level. But even as you are, you cannot be attacked except with soul destroying techniques which can only be possessed by Creatures with Affinity for laws. Neither of these creatures have affinity. Just Mindless beasts.'' Yasmin surmised. Phew, that is comforting. ''Yasmin, what do you mean by those laws? Am I now a demon? And do you mean by Affinity?'' Bayo queried. ''Not quite a demon.'' ''What do you mean by not quite?'' Bayo asked ''At the moment, you are merely a soul. Even after getting a form. Your path on the ascencion will determine that. However nothing can erase the fact that you are from demonic origins as you have natural affinity for the dark order. You cannot fight fire with Fire. And Affinity is simply your capability to understand aspectual laws in your evolution. And with greater understanding of Laws, greater power is accrued. Oh. That meant he had to chooose a form to absorb fast. He sensed outwards again, notng the patience at which the three creatures observed him and sighed. ''Pity none of you has affinity. And that Doghie there looks promising though. Yasmin, I''ll just wait till I find a creature with Law affinity. Take me from here.'' ''It is impossible. Your choice must be decided now as your soul has already started expiring without a body to coat it. '' What? Soul Expiration? Does that not mean death for him again? No way! He didn''t want to taste death again. No. He would just settle for what he had. And he had his option already. ''I can help you preserve your soul for longer till we find a creature with Law Affinity but that would mean relinquishing total control to me.'' What? No!!! A thousand damn NOs. ''Oh... give a parasite control over me? Like really? That''s your soul domination tactic? Pooh! I over rated you.'' Bayo exhaled mentally. Just then, the Ironspiked Tailed Dog let out a howl. Startled, Bayo let his senses fly outwards again, seeing as much as he could with his sensing. He noticed that the bird and worm had already taken flight, running away from the much stronger Dog. ''Well, I take it that it just marked it''s territory, right?'' Bayo whimpered. ''Yes!'' Just then The Ironspiked Tailed Dog leapt up, his limbs cooped together as it transverse the air towards Bayo. ''I thought you said they couldn''t hurt me?'' Bayo yelled in panic, his soul sending out pulses of energy. ''That is true but I never said that they couldn''t swallow you whole.'' WHAT? The dog descended now, it''s jaws wide open showing a yellowed range of meat chewing teeth while it''s tail swung heavily in the air. The jaws closed in. And Lap. Bayo suddenly felt weightless as stickiness surrounded him. He didn''t need eyes to tell him that he was being gobbled. Yuck! ''Yasmin, it''s swallowing me!'' The last thing on his list apart from dying again was being swallowed whole. Yuck! ''I know but you can''t get hurt. We can only hope the beast carries us to where we can find a creature with Law affinity and...'' Slime thickneend around him giving the impression that he was being libricated for the journey through the throat. ''Yasmin, Absorb!'' ''The Ironspiked Tailed Dog does nopossess affinity for laws. Do you wish to proceed?'' Damnit! He was already sliding down he throat. Below him, he could hear or rather sense the rumbling of its stomach with anxiety to welcome him. And from School Biology, stomachs were naturally acidic. Bodiless or not, there was no way he was going to experience the hungry churning acidity of a stomach. ''Yasmin. Just.. Do... IT'' He yelled. ''Evolution initiated.'' Bayo could feel the heat from the belly already. Faster, Yasmin! ''Preparing Bloodline.'' Shit! He was already down to the stomach and just about to plop into a pool of acid at the base when Yasmin''s voice called out. ''Absorption Engaged; Evolution Successful.'' Oh Joy! 3 Analyzing Chances Bayo exhaled now, baring out his fangs. He took a minute, observing his body carefully. He had strong muscles that pulsated with strength as he stood. His claws too were black and dangerously deadly. No way was any beast going to stand in it''s way. He felt so super strong. Untouchable! Don''t get too caught up, Bayo. Focus. For craps sake there might be an even mightier form out there. He cautioned himself. With that note, he turned around, sniffing in the stale forest airs. He had to admit it. All of this was wonderful but first he had to really explore his chances of survivability. ''Status, Yasmin'' For some frightening minutes, Yasmin was quiet. ''Yasmin?'' Bayo called out quietly ''Yassssmiiinnnn...'' he called out in a sing song mental voice. Still no response. ''Shit! Don''t leave me stranded. YASMIN.'' Nothing... ''Please, Yasmin...'' Bayo whispered, fear spreading throughout his frame, his physical body trembling slightly. ''I''m here. I had to take some time to synchronize with your new form.'' ''Will it always take that long for each evolution I undergo?'' ''Most likely. Seeing that I am not in control of you.'' Yasmin replied quietly. At that, a blue notification like screen popped up in his mind. ¡ª-Status¡ª- Name: Bayo- (Ascender Human) Soul stage: Basic Specie: Ironspiked Tailed Dog Growth Stage: Cub(1/3) Growth Progress: 5/100 Energy Level: 5/17 Aspectual Law: No Affinity(Law of Gluttony) Principles: No Law detected ¡ª¡ª- Bloodline Origins Fire breathing Salamander (36%) Esin Onina (8%- Degraded) Hell hound: (16%) Domesticated Wild dog: (50%)'' ¡ª- ¡ª - ''Uhm... Yasmin , care to explain?'' Bayo whispered, his mental self with creased forehead. ''I understand that I am an Ascender. But what is Soul status? Does that mean the level of uniqueness of my soul?'' ''Not quite. You see, in All of Orun...'' ''What is Orun? Isn''t that like the Yoruba word for Heaven?'' ''Yes, please allow me answer the initial questions.'' Yasmin complained. ''Ooh. Okay!'' ''In all of Orun, the level of power of a being is dependent on the soul class or soul stage that being is in. In a study of the known classes, here is what has been surmised and is generally acceptable as the soul ranking system in most of Orun, although, some places, like the demon kind vary in their soul ranking.'' At this, another mental screen popped up, overlapping the status screen. On this he saw. -Soul Ranking(Highest to lowest) Orisha/God Class Ascendancy class DemiGod class Prime class Alpha class Omega class Lord class Omni class Ground/Messenger class Basic/ Growth class ¡ª¡ª- ¡ª¡ª ''The whole of Orun is split into realms and divisions and these realms and divisions are ruled by a caste order of Soul Classes, with The God at the highest of the chart. Ascending from each class requires a certain level of understanding in a particular law and and it''s principles. And before you ask, Principles are subdivisions under each law. Or more specifically, techniques that are dependent on a certain Law Style Only by this may one advance higher the chart.'' Oh. That pretty much explains this evolving stuff. It''s really not about changing forms but more of growing my soul strength. ''Yasmin, I existed previously as a soul, right?'' ''Yes.'' ''So, I need a body to grow my soul strength, right'' ''Correct! But more specifically, you need a body that can help you study laws. A humanoid form like the Irunmole or even as a spirit human, is best for this.'' ''Wait, humanoid? Like humans? You mean they are human like existences here?'' ''Yes, Bayo. They are and as in all civilization, they are atop the food chain.'' Ooh! That''s depressing. Here I was earlier thinking I was the most powerful ever. Phew! ''Growth stage, growth progress...very explanatory.'' Bayo muttered, swiping off the Soul Ranking screen away. ''But here, why is my energy 5 out of 17. thought the max Energy level is 17?'' ''As at now, you are a cub and so you cannot achieve the max energy levels for a fully grown IronSpike Tailed Dog.'' Ooh! ''What about this Law. My Law of Gluttony is bracketed. Why?'' ''Your current form cannot inter relate with the Law of Gluttony hence the Law has being archived within your soul Pending when you can relate with it. And without Laws, you cannot aces Principles as well.'' Bayo mentally tapped his forehead. ''Laws mean great power and I can''t do shit about that until I have affinity. Need to get out of here. Yasmin, how do I get another body with Law Affinity?'' ''That would be possible by the activation of you Law of Gluttony: Principle of Absorption to evolve to another form.'' ''But you just said I have no affinity so how can I use the lawof Gluttony?'' Bayo frowned. ''You have no affinity. But I as a soul remnant of the Great Trixius, can activate the Law and other functions for you pending when you can get by yourself.'' ''Well, okay. Evolve me then.'' Bayo spoke ''You cannot undergo another evolution until you have reached adulthood.'' Exasperated, Bayo laughed. ''Soooo... in other words, I''m stuck in an absolutely useless body?'' ''Totally Correct!'' ''Great! So nice of you. I expected you to tell me something more soothing instead of agreeing with me.'' Bayo complained, displeased with Yasmin. ''*sigh*'' Yasmin sighed. ''What?'' ''Okay, your bloodline origins has some potential that you can grow. The Fire breathing Salamander has an Affinity for the Principle of Combustion. The Esin Onina is attuned with the Principle of Fervor: Law of Ogun/War. Although they are at a lower percentage than the most dominant domesticated Wild Dog and Hell Hound.'' ''I don''t quit understand though. What is bloodline origin? Is that like the ancestor list?'' ''Ah. Your guess is correct.'' ''But why is Esin Onina degraded? In fact, show me the stats for each of the origins.'' Another flash of blue notification popped up, momentarily stunning him. I really need to get used to this shit. Take it like a game, bro. Like a VR game and it all be easy. ¡ªBloodline Analysis¡ª Fire breathing Salamander -Mythic Type Soul Status(Max)- Ground Class Max Energy Level: 35 Ability: Fire breathing ¡ª The Salamander specie is a unique one as it is capable of absorbing kinetic energy from its activities and reusing the energy in a condensed form of Fire breath. Omnivorous in nature and fast paced. Esin Onina: -Common Type Soul Status(Max): Omni Class Max Energy Level: 95(Varying) Ability: Able to increase speed based on riders psychological state. ¡ª The Esin Onina is an evolved specie of the Horse. It''s affinity to the Principle of fervor makes it capable of sensing the state of mind and reaching a frenzied state where it''s speed and strength are greatly doubled depending on the urgency or its rider. This ability makes it a horse well suitable for battle and is common around Irunmole Kind. ¡ª Hell Hound -Mythic Type Soul status(Max): Omni Initial Energy Level: 153 Ability: Able to fuse with darkness to shadow travel. Extreme sensory capabilities. ''The hell hound is a legendary ancient beast of Orun Apaadi, the dwelling place of all demons. It''s affinity with the Law of original sin gives it a great boon in terms of raw might and and strength. As at now, it''s maximum energy level as not being evaluated. However it''s soul growth maximizes out at Omni Class.'' ¡ª Domesticated Wild Dog- Common Type Soul Status(Max): Ground Class Max Energy Level: 15 Ability: possesses thickened Claw Tail The Creature is feared for its vicious tail which has the brunt of a club and the piercing effect of the claw at its tail end. Coupled with its usual dog instincts, the domesticated Wild Dog makes a great hunting companion. ''These bloodline origins are amazing. It''s a pity that the Dog refused to take any of the greater characteristics than spike tail. Still, Yasmin says I can grow any of the potentials or evolve to that form Which is good news. My only worries are that the Esin Onina is a horse that is dependent on people. And heaven knows I didn''t get a second chance to get ridden by anyone. Besides it''s degraded. What does that mean, Yasmin?'' ''A degraded bloodline is a bloodline that has been pushed further down from the evolutionary table, making it further inaccessible. However it can be reconstructed but doing so will consume massive amounts of energy.'' Great! That takes it off the table then. Away with you, Mother Forger! ''Second worry is the hell hound. Believe me, I really don''t want anything to be associated with demonic stuff. That shit scares me. So, this leaves me with two viable options but only one is reasonable enough regardless of its low energy still. The Fire breathing Salamander. Yasmin, how do I evolve to that?'' ''Evolution can be through eating the Salamander meat to obtain more of its bloodline or by Absorption, which can only be possible until you have maxed your growth in this form. Yuck! Eat a Salamander ? Eew! Why didn''t he think of that. He was a dog after all. Disgusted with himself , Bayo began moving through the lush green grasses out into a pathway. It was time to hunt. That is , if he was ever going to become anything close to human. 4 Marked As Prey Bayo trudged on, pushing his wobbly cub feet to walk. Each gait was seemingly tough to pull by. Honestly, if he knew that he was not going to become that all might 17 energy rated Dog earlier, instead of this wobbly weakling of a cub, he would have just passed by. InFact, Giving Yasmin control was so much better than this form he was in. Come to think of it, how was he going to survive here? He had only one thing on his mind. That is to eat Salamanders. Yuck! Beside that, he had nothing else. And that wasn''t sounding good to him. What if he encountered a beast that decided on tasting him? What were his survival chances? He couldn''t fight as a dog. How do dogs even fight? In his last life, he had only two legs but now having four seemed unsettling. But that didn''t mean he was going to ditch this life however. Taking a quick glance around the forest again, he noticed the heavily boughed trees in surplus with strangely colored fruits in some of them. Most of the trees had different colors of leaves, ranging from red, white, blue, green and purple giving the forest a rich coloring all about. ''Are those claw marks?'' Bayo asked himself upon seeing three huge marks with equal spacing that had ripped through a tree. In front of the tree was a huge depression and a webwork of cracks that could have only being caused by a battle. Of Animals? ''Yasmin, remind me never to go to that direction.'' Bayo said, noting the lesser depressions of paw marks that tracked into the denser part of the forest, disappearing behind a huge rock. The rock itself was not spared of battle brunt with the claws here and there. Whatever must have been able to claw through rocks must really have been very powerful. Bayo mused, dread filling his puppy heart. Wait, I shouldn''t be scared. Bigger form of life just means I have a chance to get evolved better. Bayo glanced upwards, a cloud of red yellow clouds blanketing the atmosphere. Whoa... That''s new. ''This world is so different, Yasmin, where am I?'' ''The Ascender Induction would have put you through all of this. I cannot exactly pinpoint where we are, but based on the environment analysis I have conducted so far, it appears we are in Drakonian Confederate Lands in the outskirts of the First Heavens.'' ''Drakonian? That sounds like Dragon kinda.'' Bayo mused. ''The drakonians are an evolved humanoid relative of the original Dragon Beasts with the strength of a dragon and the cunning of a conscious being. They are remarkable hunters and as such undergo Mercenary jobs for others outside their home territory. Although, they are remarkable friendly and hospitable to all races within the lands.'' Yasmin expatriated. ''Just evolve till you can get a proper body to survive.'' Bayo consoled himself. And without wasting time, He fled, disappearing into the lush green vegetation he spawned at. Trembling, he positioned himself behind the rock where he had absorbed the Ironspike Tailed Dog and peeking from the corner. Just because he was a dog didn''t mean he couldn''t do hide and seek. The grass at the opposite side of the pathway began parting, revealing a porcupine like creature with pines that flowed faintly with blue light at the end. The face of the creature was all squiggly and meshed with a snout that twitched about in the air. ''Just what is that, Yasmin?'' A window opened in his mind, taking his focus to his mental plane. On the screen he read out the stats displayed. Glow Pined Rat -Common Type Soul Status: Ground Max Energy: 17 Ability: Capable of sensing motion via the numerous pines on its back. The 1 metre long carnivorous creature is able to hunt its prey through motion detection, thus making it a deadly hunter. It is able to blend with environment as well to avoid detection which is mostly foiled by the ever glowing spikes it has. ¡ª ¡ª ''So, this Ratus sensed me. And wanted to hunt m-me?'' Oh Shit! Don''t do this. I''m just a baby. Bayo whimpered, alerting the Rat to his location. The Glow Spiked Rat turned its meaty squeezed face over, sniffing the air before making to cross the air. Bayo''s instinct screamed Run but he somehow managed to resist. Watching in awe, he inched backwards abit, giving some space between the rock and himself. This Rat was seated at Energy of 17? Unbelievable. The Rat inched closer too, watching Bayo carefully. ''Aha! It''s surprised at me huh?'' ''I wouldn''t say so. My understanding show that the Glow Spike Rat knows that cubs are to be protected fiercely. So seeing you alone when it cannot sense any other of your kind is startling to it.'' Yasmin''s soothing voice cut in. ''Is that good or bad?'' Bayo asked, inching backwards while his eyes darted about, calculating. Just because he was a weak cub didn''t mean he was going to be eaten by a Rat. For forge sake, A Rat? He should run but he had to evolve.And boy oh boy, his cub-ly stomach had begun to rumble. ''That would be madness.'' Yasmin spoke. ''To try to take on this beast while having only 7 out of 17 energy.'' ''7? How come? It was 5 the last time. Yasmin show me the status of my current form. Please skip that law gibberish and the peripherals, please.'' Bayo replied. - Iron Spike Tailed Dog Soul Status: Basic Growth Stage: Cub(1/3) Growth progress: 45/100 Energy: 7/17 - ''Whoa! Growth progress has advanced to 45. That''s so much of a diff to the last time. And my energy too. Should I be worried, Yasmin?'' ''Absolutely Not! Your current boon is owing to the fact that you have a unique soul which is aiding to a great deal, your growth. Even I, I am perplexed as well.'' Yasmin replied coolly. That boosted his confidence. But not for long. LEAP! The Glow Spike Rat dives forward, throwing its bigger mass at the cub with its wicked line of teeth extended. That was it. A wicked glint sparked in Bayo face as he bared his face, trying to seem as tough as possible. ''You''ve finally decided, right?'' DUCK!!! With danger induced motion, Bayo sidestepped, taking his body close to the rock once more, barely escaping the Rat by few inches. THUD! The Rat landed, baring teeth in disappointment as it swirled around. It looked surprised as if wondering where a Cub would have gotten that much agility and intelligence from. It shuddered briefly as it''s spikes glowed for a sec or two. After the Glow, it compressed on itself, preparing for another killer dive. ''This has to work. Please, it has to work!'' Bayo prayed. In a flash, the Rat lunged forward with open jaws, zooming in for the kill. At that very moment, time seemed to have slowed, letting Bayo have more time examining the teeth that were going to latch on him if he didn''t move. ''Bayo, Jump!'' Mustering all of his energy, Bayo propped his nimble limbs together, gathering momentum as the rats jaws close in. And Boom! His hind legs kicked in, powerfully clawing at the ground to get a rebound force that sent it sprawling through the air. Casting a side glance, airborne, Bayo caught a glimpse of the Rat Slamming it''s jaws first and face into the rock, instantly shattering most of its teeth. Damnit! He was going to hard fall. He certainly didn''t consider the falling part when he planned this all. Bayo crashed, every inch of his body raking with pain. With difficulty, he pulled himself off the ground, creeping closer to his unmoving pile of Glow Spiked Rat. ''Status, Yasmin.'' Bayo asked, gritting his pain to the intense pain that coursed through his nimble muscles. ¡ª- Iron Spike Tailed Dog Soul Status: Basic Growth Stage: Cub(1/3) Growth progress: 47/100 Energy:3/17 Health: Critical ¡ª- ''Just as I expected. My energy level has been relatively drained. And there''s a health tag now there too?'' He felt the need to ask Yasmin for to explain how come the health tag suddenly appeared now instead of before but he didn''t have the strength to. Pushing his head forward, he clutched his fang on the soft muscled frame of the Rat. ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing Bloodline.'' Yasmin spoke. Whatever that meant, he didn''t care. For now, he just couldn''t afford to give in to the jolting pangs of hunger and pain coursing through his system. ''Oh God! Please'' Bayo muttered, closing his eyes as he chomped, his consciousness slipping gradually from him. ''Just eat, Bayo, Eat.'' His subconscious kept reminding him, keeping his jaws opening and closing as everywhere turned black. 5 The Chase Calm down! Calm down!! Calm down!!! Bayo heart thumped heavily. He sat down on his hunch, observing the splattered mass of a Rat head before him. Thinking back on how he had lost himself was about to delve into the meat made him cringe. Was he losing himself to animalistic instincts now? Damn! He was tempted to call Yasmin and ask for an explanation but after the soul genie had told him off, he didn''t dare to. There were some things he had to figure out on his own. He rose up, shaking himself as a dog would shake off water from his body. Wait... How did I do that? That was unconscious. Oh Crap! I''m turning into a proper dog! AaGH! Bayo screamed in fear, physical howling out in the open. ''I just howled, right?'' In a short distance, a gruff bark sounded accompanied by thuds in the Earth. It seemed as if some sort of army was marching to him. Bayo turned to his back, whipping his tail around as he ran off as fast as his four legs could carry him into the less denser area of the forest. Darting behind a seemingly lone tree with thick bough and black pine shaped leaves, Bayo stopped to peek behind. He could hear another bark and a howl, simultaneously with the ever steady thud of something advancing towards his way. ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing Bloodline. One Absorption left for activation of ability.'' What? ''I just absorbed a bloodline? Gah! I must have come in contact with some fluid or something from the Rat. Possibly the urine.'' Bayo lifted his left paw, inspecting the black claws closely. Nothing. Taking his head lower, he sniffed at the ground again. Quickly, he jerked his head up, revealing a snarl like smile. ''The Urine. I''m so right about this. Which means the Rat shouldn''t be far off.'' Bayo jubilated, doing his little tap tap dance with his paws. Just ahead, with a little squinting, he caught the moment of blue glow farting further away from a mound. ''The barks and howl are probably what is frightening this one. But that don''t mean I will let it go away. For Survival...'' Bayo chanted, picking flight as he raced after the Rat. In short time, he covered the distance but the Rat wasn''t making it easy for him too. As soon as it noticed it had a visible pursuer, it turned a quick left causing Bayo to stop dead in his tracks. He swirled to the left too, trying his possible best to outrun the Rat when the Rat stopped and turned back, squeaking timidly. Wait! Something isn''t right. Bayo mused as he pounced, his legs propelling him for the kill.his claw scratched the rat when At the last moment, the Rat finally decided where to run and turned right, disappearing into The undergrowth. AAAAARGHHHHH...'' Bayo braced himself for the impact but the ground gave way underneath him. AAAAARGGGGGHHHHH... His subconscious yelled as the ground disappeared as he tumbled downwards accompanied with rushing winds. His body crunched on a piece of jagged rock before bouncing off and resuming the free fall. Struggling, he clutched at the air, trying to claw on something to stop his fall. The Rat has deceived him and he was having for a free gravity ride down a Cliff. THUD! Bayo slammed into the ground, sending a webwork of minor cracks around. Shuddering, he whimpered, trying to struggle to his feet. ''AGH.'' He gritted his teeth, eyes shut and snarling as he endured the sharp waves of pain that cascaded over him. CLACK! Eh? What''s that sound? CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! Opening his eyes, Bayo grunted again, lamenting over his blurred vision. He rose to his feet and blinked severally before his eyes came to focus. ''That was a hell of a fall. Damn! Wait... What the Heck am I seeing?'' Big eyes came into his vision field, with large jaws that clacked open and close in a threatening way. Taking his gaze forward, he saw the head that contained the eyes with two antennae whisking about on him, followed by legs. Many legs, each fitted with claws. An... An Ant? A huge black Ant that was on level with him? No way is this looking any good. ''Yasmin, scan this ant.'' ¡ª- MonsterEater Ant - Mythic Type Soul Status: Basic Class Max Energy: 22 The creature specializes in strength in numbers. Known for their undying aggressiveness, this Ant will stop at nothing until they chow down everything in its part. Beware of the Queen Ant ¡ª- ''This one stronger than me. But I can at least hold my own for some time against it. At least from the way it''s close to me, I can deal some nasty hit '' Bayo strategized, swinging his iron spiked tail from behind in a slow wagging movement. The Ant, after its examination, nodded his head as if to say this one is good to eat. It reared it''s head back, as it''s mandibles opened wide, sideways. And... THWUNK! ''Yeah, take that, Ant. I''m tha boss.'' Bayo gloated, his iron spiked tail smashing neatly into the Ant''s face, the momentum throwing the lifeless body off its feet now. Taking a cursory look, Bayo turned, his tail swinging about. Just then, he heard the clack clack of some other mandibles rushing to him. ''Come to papa! Yasmin, scan.'' ¡ª- MonsterEater Ant -Mythic Type Soul Status: Ground Class Max Energy: 53 The creature specializes in strength in numbers. Known for their undying aggressiveness, this Ant will stop at nothing until they chow down everything in its part. Beware of the Queen Ant ¡ª¡ª¡ª ''Just what exactly is this queen ant of a thing, Yasmin?'' But he didn''t have time to ponder as the ant blurred over, mandibles opening to clamp on him. A sense of danger clouded his vision, prompting Bayo''s last minute jump to the left, missing the bite just narrowly. The ant arched up, its abdomen pointing at Bayo with reddening tip. ''The Queen of the Monster Eater Ant is rather unique, unlike other ant species. Due to their affinity with Darkness, this Queen Ant is capable of reviving dead ants into zombie warriors, with one mission to destroy what killed them.'' Acting quickly, Bayo Swirled, presenting his clubbed tail for the smash. The IronSpike Tail rang out against the abdomen of ant, stunning the attacker for some seconds. Without wasting time, Bayo sprung up, his powerful limbs propelling him forward as he rammed into the head of Ant with a crunching bite. ''Bloodline Detected. Absorbing Bloodline.'' Yasmin notification rang out in his head. ''Wait... why are you absorbing it? It has no abil....'' THUD! A heavy weight slammed into Bayo, stunning him as he suddenly became weightless. Dazed, he fell into a pile on the ground, few meters from the MonsterEater Ant. Just how strong was this ant? Bayo mused with widened eyes. ''Yasmin, scan that forger.'' ¡ª- MonsterEater Ant -Mythic Type Soul Status: Ground Class Max Energy: 32/53 Law: Law of Wrath ¡ª- ¡ª ''Oh great! How about you telling me that that shit of an ant has Law affinity earlier on?'' ''I apologize, I am currently running several processes , it''s hard to keep up with a complete analysis of everything at same time.'' Yasmin replied quietly. ''Too late for apologies, Yasmin.'' Bayo braced himself, pulling himself with great difficulty of the ground. Meanwhile, the ant steadied on, its numerous legs racing along the ground as it dashed towards Bayo. Think, Bayo! Think. How would you outsmart an ant? First, analyze my present stats. ''Yasmin, Status!'' ¡ª- Iron Spike Tailed Dog Soul Status: Basic Growth Stage: Young Adult(2/3) Growth progress: 79/100 Energy: 8/17 ¡ª- - ''Energy is down eh. Which leaves me with zero chance to take that head on.'' What next? Second, survey your environment. Quickly, he swirled around, noting his surroundings. Behind him was the cliff he had fallen from with a little pool at the base. To the left of the cliff was plain grasses where an anthill spurted like a miniature hill. On the hill, ants begin trooping out towards the sound of the battle. While the right side of the cliff had some jutting rocks from the ground. ''Rocks!'' Bayo''s eyes widened as his limbs gathered energy, galloping over. The ant followed, chasing after Bayo with full speed. Quickening his motion, Bayo caught a glimpse of an even larger ant appearing from the anthill, antennae shrouded in black glimmer. OGod! That shouldn''t be it. At least not now!! ''I have detected the presence of the Queen Ant, Bayo. We must vacate the vicinity.'' Yasmin''s voice sending a chill sensation of dread all over Bayo. ''What does it look like I''m doing?'' Bayo retorted. The ant gained on him already, coming close for the kill. Heart thumping, he swung his frame in a 360 rotation as his spike tail flew smashing right into the left eye of the ant. Trembling, Bayo swirled again, bashing into the right eye before springing onto the ant. With a swift downward motion, he clawed the head of the ant down into a tiny piece of jagged rock. In a flash, he ducked his head, tearing off a colossal bite of ant matter. He tore into the head of the ant once more, using his tail to crack the exo skeleton at its head. The Queen! The Queen!! The Queen!!! The words rang in his head, bringing his focus to him. Beware the Queen! Trembling, Bayo strutted forward, leaping over a pile of rocks that lined around a little pool and inadvertently, splashing into the pool. Disoriented, he pawed frantically to the other side, dragging himself over rocks and mud. ''Fire breathing Salamander detected. '' Wait.. What? Just then, a sickening sensation of nausea washed over him, blacking his senses for a split second. Taking a dazed glance backwards, he saw the Queen with dark miasma around her frame as the dead bodies of the ants he had attacked,rose from the ground, bloodlust in their eyes. Oh No! Bayo''s heart sank! 6 The Game of The Wild The two undead ants blurred across the ground, racing towards Bayo with tremendous bloodlust in their compound eyes. Behind them, at the anthill, the Queen Ant was returning into a tunnel while the army of MonsterEater ants that were marching towards him earlier began turning back to the anthill. ''Just great! Now I''m considered dead meat by you all? I''ll shred you to pieces, I swear.'' Bayo cursed after the returning ants. But that wasn''t his main focus. The First undead ant, the one he just battled with, has leapt over one of the rocks, preparing to leap over the little pool of water he had splashed in. Bracing himself, Bayo gritted his fangs when suddenly, a quick movement darted across his vision line. GBAM! The undead ant somersaulted in the air as it landed unceremoniously on the forest floor. What? In its place now, was a 3 meter long Lizard with triangle markings on its back. Each marking becoming smaller as it transversed down its red glowing tail. Strong limbs with black claws glittered from the lizard''s feet giving it an invincible feel. ''Is. That. It. Yasmin?'' Bayo queried cautiously. Around him, the top of the rocks came alive as more lizards crawled forward, creating a kind of battle line on top of the rocks. ''Yes, Bayo. The Fire Breathing Salamanders are known for territorial domination and very aggressive towards intruders. This might be your own trump card, Bayo.'' Yasmin replied, cheering Bayo up. ''Yes, about time.'' Bayo gloated, doing his Tippity Tap dance with his paws. ''However, Something perplexes me about the Salamanders. A Salamander, once it hatches is left to fend for itself, thereby reducing the survival rate of hatchlings to adulthood. With this finding, it is very unusual to see some many adult Salamanders in one place. More so, if a lot of them survived to adulthood to be this many here, it is unheard of to see Fire Breathing Salamanders sharing same territorial space. By my analysis, they ought to have destroyed themselves already.'' ''Uh... Unique Soul??'' Bayo whispered. ''Oh! Yes, that could be just that. Your presence here must have twisted fate to some levels to have this occurrence here. That leaves me to wonder, if you are capable of manipulating fate or this is just some stroke of luck?'' Beginners Luck, Heh! ''Maybe, Just Luck, Yasmin. After all, I haven''t spent up to a day here. At least I think so. How does this world even work, Yasmin?'' Yasmin kept silent for a while. But he could feel it, the curious attention this soul genie was giving him as if he were one of a kind. ''Yasmin!'' ''Uh... Yes! I would suggest you take advantage of the situation to amass sufficient bloodline genetics of the Fire breathing Salamander for now.'' Ah! Yes... Evolution. The Salamander darted to the side now, moving in circular motion around the ant, it''s eyes watching for an opening. The Undead Ant followed still, turning about, trying to match the Salamander motion. Just then, it''s opponent dived forward and the Undead ant seized the moment, lunging forward with a vicious bite. SNAP! The Salamander quickly jumped out of range. But it was not quick enough as the mandible scraped its face, leaving a gaping wound in front. Enraged, the Salamander bellowed, smoke puffing out from its truth. ''Yes, show me the true might of the Fire Breathing Salamander!'' Bayo jumped, earning curious glances from the other Salamanders on the rocks. ''Uh... Hi'' He wagged his tail. Wait... ''Why does it seem like that Sparring Salamander''s markings are getting brighter with each circling it makes around the ant?'' Bayo mused. ''Bayo, There is a Salamander within the reach of your paws. Dealing quick damage to it now will not only help you absorb but also help you heal. Your soul is beginning to undergo soul decline.'' Yasmin interrupted. Soul decline? Is that like soul death? Whatever that meant, he didn''t want to find out. Let the battling opponents battle while I sneak on Bloodlines. Hehehehe... Taking a quick look, Bayo spotted a Salamander, barely one meter long crawling past him. Swiftly, he flung his paw on it, gripping it in place while the other paw ripped off the head. ''God! That... was ... cold.'' Bayo berated himself. Was he turning into a cold hearted creature that he would kill a Salamander that was innocently going about its business. ''Bloodline Detected... Absorbing Blood...'' ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing Bl...'' ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing...'' ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing bloodline. You have gained sufficient bloodline genetics for evolution into Fire Breathing Salamander. Evolution cannot take place now as host''s soul is undergoing soul decline. What? Calming himself now, Bayo looked at his paws, trembling. He only killed that small Salamander but something took over him, making him smash through other unsuspecting Salamander. With panicked breathing, Bayo struggled to right himself, straining to see the now ending battle of the Fire Salamander as it puffed its neck, even as familiar heaviness over took him, weighing him down to the ground. Eat! Bayo!! Eat!!! The air heated up suddenly and a ball of fire escaped the Salamander''s throat, incinerating the undead ant at once. Just then, the other undead ant reached for its tail, chomping hard on it. MUNCH! MUNCHI!! MUNCH!!! Bayo''s paws stuffed his mouth with juicy but disgusting Salamander as he crunched, bone and flesh in continuous bites. Slowly, the heaviness began to lift, allowing him make more sense of his environment. Already, the Salamander had been thrown off the ground by its new contender. The new undead ant closed the distance for the kill when another Salamander darted off the rock, spearing the thorax of the new contender into smithereens. Gah! That was... Epic! As if sensing his wonder, Yasmin spoke. ''From my analysis, the Salamander had infused kinetic energy into its claws giving it the powerful edge it attacked with.'' ''That pretty much sums it. Now to get out before the Salamanders notice me eating them.'' Suddenly, an ominous feeling of being watched descended on Bayo. He felt his head spin as dizziness hit him. Damn! Must everything have to be so pressurizing in this place? Without thinking, Bayo''s limbs blurred in quick succession, taking him farther from the pool, into the outer forest. Better safe than sorry. Bayo raced across a pathway, leaping over large tree roots and vines that littered the way. Above him, a flap of wings in the air sounded off, followed by a Roar from behind. The bushes rustled as a bear like creature shoved its muzzle out, watching as Bayo ran off. Bellowing a challenge, the bear like creature took off , its heavy feet slamming tremendously into the ground as it trailed, saliva dripping sideways from its mouth. Just Great! Who said I was playing Catch me if you can? Cursing, Bayo doubled his speed. So far, he had been able to regenerate some energy from eating those Salamanders. However dashing like this was depleting that energy again. And now, he just couldn''t stop. Not when a bear was on his case. Gah! Must you be this stupid bear? What if I was being chased by something bigger. GROWLLLL? ''Uh... that''s a funny growl.'' Bayo noted, pausing his dash just enough to peek behind. Three claw like fingers ripped into the heavy mass of the bear, lifting it weightlessly towards a fang endowed beak. ''Holy Moly! Boy, Run!'' CRUNCH! CRUNCH!! CRUNCH!!! The beak crunched the bear like creature into bear paste. In horror, Bayo watched the lump of Masticated bear paste traveling down the throat of the new creature. Noting the creature, he observed that it had bird like head with bat like wings and a thin abdomen with limbs of an elephant. Immediately, a familiar tingling began in the back of his head as he watched the creature belch. He felt, drawn to it. But No way in hell was he going to draw to that machine of death. ''Yasmin, what is this feeling that I feel towards that?'' '' I feel it too. That. Creature. There..'' ''Yasmin, speak.'' Bayo cried out ''That creature is a fellow Ascender. Ascender number three. I am proud of him, going as powerful as this already in the pursuit of the perfect form for His Wor...'' ''Yasmin, shut up! Scan!'' Bayo trembled, his frame heaving visibly. ¡ª- ¡ª Specie: Sky Gargolye -Ascender Soul Status: Elite Energy: 13, 956/21,000 Law: Law of Pride The Sky Gargolye is an arrogant creature of darkness that will stop at nothing until it subdued its rivals. Known for their immense understanding of the Law of Pride in enhancement of its physical features, this creature can grow as far as Omega Class making them a choice biological weapon of mass destruction by the demon kind ¡ª¡ª- ''His energy rating is in thousands while I am just managing myself with less than 20 points of energy? Damn! And what damn, ''''tis Law of Pride eh. You don''t suggest I say hi?'' Bayo asked tentatively. ''Well, i would suggest you run.'' Yasmin spoke as the Gargolye screeched, opening its beak as a super sonic sound wave ripped against Bayo, stunning him for several seconds. ''Yep. Pretty much arrogant.'' Bayo whimpered before falling into a heap. 7 Hunting for Choice Mea The structure of Orun has been one of remarkable wonder. Built into seven layers, Orun has been known to continuously divide on itself, creating realms upon realms in itself, each realm being the equivalent of Eledumare''s pet planet, Earth. The First Heavens has of a known fact being the container of the heavenly bodies such as the sun and moon that give light to Eledumare pet planet. That aside, it has also been a dwelling place for the damnable demons of darkness and a seal for the prison yard of the first creature, the owner of the dark path, the one who must not be mentioned. The prison of this being is heavily guarded by Iku, the progenitor of Death, thus making the First Heavens to be as polluted as possible by all sort of vile energies. Due to this, The First Heavens as often being dubbed as ORUN APAADI(Realm of the Unpure). The second Heavens is more of a clearer dimension even though it borders the First Heavens and is thus more populated by intelligent beast kind humanoid creatures and demons type intelligent beings who unlike their First Heaven counterpart are more appealing with civilization like the Vampiric Specie. Following suit is the Middling World of Merchandise, the third Heavens. As to why the Great Consciousness, Eledumare allowed a world as this exist, it is yet unknown. But this world has served as a sort of truce between the creatures of darkness and the creatures of light, of which we Irunmoles and Emeres and Orishas are. However, do not let the name deceive you as the Middling World of Merchandise is known for some powerful species of tremendous power who either gleaned strength from the way of darkness or the path of light, beings even we Irunmoles, respect. The Fourth Heavens, the dwelling place of we, Irunmoles, Emi Oguns(Spirits of War). The sole purpose of an Irunmole is to assist the Orishas in their aspectual supervisory jobs. Thus The Irunmoles have, over time become more of an auxiliary force, bridging the distance between the Orisha who take orders from Eledumare himself and the mortal beings in Earth. Our world is split into many realms, each realm standing for an aspectual Law synonymous with each Orisha. Following shortly, is the Fifth Heavens, The Place of the Orishas. It is by what we assume (General Knowledge of the worlds above us are quite limited) the place of abode by the Gods and their offsprings, known as The Emeres. Only a few has ever ascended up beyond. The Sixth Heavens is more of a blank but popular opinion has it that it is the dwellling place of the spirits of the mortal beings on Earth who might have lived in a pleasing manner to Eledumare, while the ones who lived recklessly were cast into the First Heavens, Orun Apaadi to be specific, where weeping and gnashing of teeth is the order of the day. The Seventh Heaven, The Purest World is the dwelling place of the magnificence of Eledumare. As to how, one being fills vastly an entire world, no one knows but we can be sure to assume that this being is one of tremendous power that has never been seen before. At least, not by us nor any of our spirit neighbors. ¡ª¡ª Culled From: An Insight of the Seven Worlds- A Documentary by Second Prime, Anu of Ilu Obatala, Custodian of Scrolls. ¡ª¡ª ¡ª¡ª ¡ª- ''Now, easy, easy guys. We don''t want to rouse something more than we can handle, okay?'' A bald masculine humanoid creature dressed in light leather armor with beady eyes and a red gem that lodged in the middle of his forehead spoke, trying to stabilize the two dogs in his reins. Beside him, another humanoid creature strutted closely. He had a seemingly different contrast to the first person, with dreaded black hair that fell loosely about his face, a white long sleeves and trousers overlapped by a brownish gown. "Them dogs want to be out there already. Heh. I wish I had their kind of enthusiasm." He spoke, his full black forehead gem sparkling. "Oh come on, Dolan. You don''t want to ruin the coming of age ceremony for the boy."The red jeweled forehead spoke, using his free hand to pat the his companion''s shoulder. "O! I am just stating the obvious. The Capitals Forest has being... More alive recently." Dolan spoke, shrugging his shoulders. Red jeweled forehead stopped short, stealing a glance, backwards towards the slowly advancing group of jeweled forehead beings. "You don''t say. You think we might be having a Demon Wave soon?" "Maybe." "But, we are at truce with the Demons. Infact , Drakon Lord Meados stated specifically that The Drakonian Confederate lands be removed from any possible wave rampage." "I know. But do you not feel it, Molan?" Dolan asked, desperacy in his eyes. "What?" Molan glanced backwards again. Already the group had come in closer to them and in the front was a seemingly younger being with green jeweled forehead, bare chested with a pouch attached to his trousers. "Oh, I forgot. You are a Fire Drakon. Ask any Earth Drakon, they''ll tell you. Something feels different, about our forest." "Why are we stopping? The Iron Spike Tailed Dogs wont be this close to the forest entrance." A Drakonian male with white gem in his forehead spoke. He was dressed in black leather armor that had a sort of Dragon faced image with intricate patterns on the chest plate and with buckles here and there and a large scabboard to compliment the look matched forward. "Dolan was talking about some anomaly in the forest..." "Oh, there again, Molan. Put that out of your mind, okay. As peace loving as we drakonians are, I highly doubt that the Drakon Lord and the Drakon Masters would allow any mayhem to the forests seeing that it has a huge impact on our economy. And if you fear of the demonkind, do they not do business with us? Of all worlds, we have allowed them freedom in our realms, so why would they break their truce? You are simply over thinking this. Hahaha" The Drakon Warrior spoke, earning stares from similarly dressed Drakonians except that they each had Spears instead. "One can never be sure." Dolan insisted, only to get a heavy pat on his shoulder so much that he winced. "Away with the thought. For now, The Drakon Masters Son, Jaspar is to undergo his coming of age rites. And we are here to ensure nothing goes wrong besides him going in there and getting the choice meat of Drakonians, an iron spiked tailed dog, killed by his own hands unaided." The Drakon warrior spoke, his tone sounding even louder with each passing second. The two dogs with Molan barked and jerked off, almost pulling Mola off his feet as he struggled to steady the dogs. "Stupid Domesticated Wild Dogs. " he cursed and the group began moving again. "Boy, how are you?" The Drakon Warrior who spoke earlier moved closer to the bare chested lad. With a half smile, the lad looked up to him, eyes darting over the dragon emblem on his chest. "Honestly, I''m nervous. I am about to show the world that I am in total sync with my dragon self and it''s kind of unnerving, Titus." Titus laughed, stomping his booted feet into the ground, heartily. "Was expecting that boy. But no worry, each one of us had felt that way too, in our time. Just think of it as embracing the power within you with the consciousness to not let that power overwhelm you. That''s the logic, boy." Titus chirped in, patting Jaspar''s shoulder. Jaspar shuddered. The Coming Of Age Rites for Drakonian Tribes has always being one of a big deal. The Drakons valued strength, power but above all, they valued the ability to harness the power of their dragon halves, without giving in to the feral instincts. Being an evolved descendants of Dragons, the Drakonians were able to gain an evolutionary advantage of sentience with a minus on their dragon power. However, equipped with intelligence, the Drakons were able to come together in tribes as well as master various Laws to put their ever rampaging relatives, The Dragons into a more precise and controlled position. And so, coming of age was to every Drakon, a chance to remind them of their dragon legacy in a hunt for the prized Drakonian Meat, The IronSpike Tailed Dog, where the drakon senses must be employed in all totality. It was also at this point that many Drakon lads were finally to transform into their dragon selves. And Yes, he was looking forward to transforming but he was going to have to rely on feral instincts as well as trying to not be controlled by those instincts. Honestly, the whole thought of it was scary. But he was not just any drakon. He was the son of a Drakon Master. His father, Drakon Master Dakota. And no way was he going to fail his father. Just then, a howl sounded some distance apart. Straining his ears, his mind began separating the sounds, singling out the howl in his mind. ''The howl... it''s origin is from an IronSpike Tail Dog? It has to be.'' Jaspar''s hairs tingled with excitement as he thought of how easy it was to get a hunt so early. Tingling with excitement, he dashed forward, his legs propelling him further away from the hunting group. "No wait... Jaspar!" Molan made to go after him but was restrained by Titus. "Allow him. You heard the howl? Jaspar''s hunt for Choice Meat has begun, already." 8 Ascender Talk Time From times of old till now, Orun Apaadi has being and always being the choice hunting grounds for all creatures. Although at a risk of one being polluted by the raging dark energies that roam the demon infested lands, the immense rewards cannot be overemphasized. And as such, The BlueMoon Mercenary Alliance has gained mass levels of strength as well as wealth from hunting through the world. This is because of the ever present availability of resource rich creatures, especially Mythic Type Beasts whose understanding of laws gives almost every part of their body an astounding value. Of Course, there exists Rare Type Beasts with equal amount of value but no one would ever pray to encounter beasts of such kind. A Rare Type Beast can never be Soul Gazed and as such, no one can ever determine the true level and Powress of them except they are attacked first, which often is no nice sight. This reason is why this Rare Beasts are abandoned in Orun Apaadi and Mythic types are more sought of. However the cost of Taint of darkness on the Irunmoles, Spirits of war and light has always been of great concern. The law of light has given some succor in expelling the foreign dark energy by Light Healing Pills. But the most we have gotten is basically a standstill between the dark energy and light energy, each one trying to outdo the other. The Law of Love, Orisha Osun aspect of reality seems to contain more promise however that is still undergoing research. And until leeway has been given, no one should deliberately take to mastering the Law of Love, especially since it costs so much to master a foreign law( A law one has no affinity to). Until then, Orun Apaadi will continue to be transversed by us all until it''s in-depth riches are unlocked for maximal profit. ¡ª- Culled from: The Way of the Merc; a publication of BlueMoon Alliance House. ¡ª¡ª- ¡ª¡ª¡ª [Why are you so weak?] Shuddering under the continuous super sonic screech, Bayo cursed, painfully, ignoring the calm but sharp voice penetrating his mind. Damn Beast! Such a proud entrance! Just then, he heard a soft thud somewhere above him but far from him. However, he couldn''t be bothered by that as the feeling of numbness swept through his body. Bracing himself, Bayo tensed his muscles as the footsteps of the Sky Gargolye''s elephant limbs sounded closer and closer. Gah! Like as if I can even face this creature head on. [Why? You look so pitiful, sibling.] The voice came back again, reinforced sharply that he couldn''t ignore it. What? ''Yasmin? Why is your voice sounding different and feminine on top?'' Bayo asked, confused. ''I am currently fighting off an invasion of your soul matrix. Something is off, Bayo.'' Yasmin voice came in, sounding pained. [You have two souls, sibling. That is very strange.] He frowned, seeing a second blob of energy trying to interact with the first one by sending out streams of energy towards it. Simultaneously, the miasma shot tendrils of darkness, fending off most of the new energy streams. ''I cannot hold your consciousness here for long, Bayo. We are within your soul space and I brought you in to have a better understanding of what is happening. You must fight back, Bayo.''Yasmin''s pained voice ebbed from the miasma. And FLASH! His eyes cleared, numbness all gone as he stared right in the face of the Sky Gargolye. Uh... hi He waved a paw, hoping that the creature would understand. Instead the Gargolye heaved, a wash of depressing pressure descending all over him. Being so close to the creature now, he felt an inert pressure field build around the Ascender, giving it fearsome vibes. The Gargolye reared it''s beak head backwards, giving Bayo some air time. Gasping, Bayo crept backwards,slowly, watching the Ascender with suspicion that he didn''t see it coming. The three clawed fingers blurred, raking across the ground as it swept into Bayo''s side, knocking the air out of him. Gah! The air current from the simple wave of hand swept him off the ground, sending him tumbling for some seconds. Then the next second, he crashed down, heavily on his back. Quickly, he flipped over to his limbs, his feral instincts coming to play. But as he did, something entered his peripheral vision. The tree by the right of the pathway seemed to have a superficiously large branch that was way bigger than the rest of the trunk. Taking a quick look, something shifted with slithery patience as gold eyes now revealed themselves, staring at him. Immediately, that familiar but of attraction sparked in the back of his head making him gasp. Oh God! Not another Ascender. *Gasp [Why That look sibling? Don''t tell me you are just seeing me? I feel insulted.] ''Yasmin, can you talk?'' ''Only briefly, Yes.'' Yasmin''s voice was beginning almost a whisper now. ''Can you scan that... snake?'' [Me, Snake? Insult to injury, Bayo.] How did it learn my name? [but I don''t blame you. You are undergoing soul decline already because of my presence here. Wait, I should help you.] Just then, The Gargolye struck with its beak down with super fast motion. Faster than Bayo could even react only for the beak to stop few inches from his frame. HISSSSSS! A low hiss spread into the air from the serpent, sending chills down Bayo''s spine. [Ah! This Seventh Born Sibling needs to learn to stay low when I am around. I am not his age mate by any means.] ''S-seventh born? What''s that?'' Bayo asked cautiously. [Oh, sorry! I have a rather rude sibling here too. Allow me teach this sibling manners. But here, have this from me. ] A raspy sensation hit him, drowning his senses for a brief moment. ''Full growth stage for young adult IronSpike Tailed Dog reached. Evolving into to Adult Form... Full Growth stage for Adult IronSpike Tailed Dog reac... Ground Class Achive... What? No! This is impossible. Your growth was just accelerated. I cannot believe this!'' Yasmin complained, bringing up the soul Status Screen without Bayo asking. ¡ª- ¡ª Iron Spike Tailed Dog Soul Status: Ground Class Growth Stage: Adult Growth progress: Max Energy: 30/17 ¡ª- ¡ª- ''You have even broken through the energy limit with a whooping 13 points. You...'' ''Just shut up! How''s that scan going?I suppose I should be happy but accepting help from strangers is not my thing.'' Bayo queried mentally. Just then, the a flash of light swept through the air, slamming into the Sky Gargolye with tremendous force so much that it reeled over, stumbling until it fell on its back. ¡ª- ¡ª Silver Scaled Bakunawa - Rare Type Soul Status: Omni Energy: 250,000/273,000 Ability: Camouflage, -...-, -...- Law: Law of Envy The serpent is famed for its affinity with Law of Envy. ¡ª¡ª ¡ª Really? That it?? ''Why are some abilities blank and this Famed for affinity of law or envy. That''s like telling me the same thing the law says.'' A deep sigh escaped from Yasmin. ''Rare Type beasts are not meant to be soul gazed. Getting that much was all I could try.'' Gazing in wonder, Bayo observed the serpent as it remained still on the tree. If he was not there, he would never have believed that the superimposed extra tree bough of a serpent had struck against the Sky Gargolye. So powerful. ''The way the scales connected, forming an overlay of protection for the serpent. It looks so smooth that it appeared as if the skin was bare.'' So deceptive. So beautiful. ''And the tail, with that fish like ending with yellowy markings. Pretty!'' So Intricately engineered. ''Yes, so intricately engineered that one creature of beauty is capable of containing sheer might.'' So... [HARK! Snap out of it. You are so weak that my passive ability is already affecting you? Hsssss! ] HAGH... Bayo shook his head viciously. Whatever passive ability that was was already mind controlling him to move closer to the serpent. Looking closer now, the serpent revealed its silver color , no longer fusing with the color of the tree branch. The scales seemed to glow for a while before fading off. That must have been what was lulling him since. Damn! Just how power packed are you already?. [Enough with your stares already, sibling. Watching my scales will activate my passive ability once more. And that would be distracting! I have an annoying sibling to deal with, just hang by the side. Tsk!] The snake hissed, uncoiling itself further from the branch till it was merely hanging down form its head and tail. [If you don''t mind, Bayo, I have a rude sibling to teach manners.] The Bakunawa dropped from the tree with a massive thud. ''By God, it''s massive'' Bayo swore, noting the lengthy body of the Serpent coil together. [Call me, Vela. I am the Second Born. What is your number?] Vela asked, turning away to face to the Gargolye. 9 The Difference in Strength He sought to conquer all. Trixius the Great or the Mad Prime as we called him then was immensely powerful that he took on the gods himself. Perhaps, if the information hadn''t reached the Irunmoles that he was ascending then no one would have been able to rally quickly against him. How did it all begin? How did the revered leader, The Elder of the Irunmole Society become an arch demon with a vow to destroy the very gods he had served? That question has always left me pondering but to no avail. I have reasoned that the mad prime had become infested by the demonic energies in Orun Apaadi but again, his soul strength was at the top of the ladder. He was a DemiGod Classed, the highest level of power any one from the lower worlds could ever achieve. That aside from the God Class, of course! At this level of strength, it is impossible to become a tainted as one has already being able to tap into the purest form of Agbara, which is Creation Essence, itself. So then, What could have turned the Mad Prime into a demon general? Even to the extent of marching against his own people? Many theories have it that he desired a change and worked for it. As to whether it is true, we cannot say. But what we must do, however is to plan ahead, to do what we must to ensure the survival of our kind. To this, I have ensured we entered peace treaty with the demons and the world above us as well as the realms around us. Invitingly, we have opened up to the Irunmole to develop a diplomatic relation such that, if any great occurrence were to happen again, Our Lands be spared of them. It may seem Insane that I would do this, making our race seem rather weak but I am a peace loving being and rather than engage my people in pointless slaughter and combat(if we do so, what better are we than the dragons? Or even the Grakons?)I''d rather we prosper economically. But I fear, we have not heard the last of The Mad Prime. ¡ª The Speech of His Majesty, Drakon Lord Meados at the in-house council meeting. Recorded by Scribe Arlenius ¡ª- As Vela faces the Gargolye, a tremor ripped through the ground spreading in all directions. Afterwards, Vela looked backwards at Bayo, gazing briefly. ''Was that a.. a smile?'' Bayo could swear he had seen edges of the Bakunawa''s lips curl up. Oh Great! Keep on showing off. But who was he to complain? As soon as she had come down, the invading presence in his mind vanished, leaving him back to himself. And yes, Yasmin too, recovered. Except that Yasmin had suddenly become so silent. The normal Yasmin would have muttered something already. Was he scared? ''Okay, Yasmin, I get that you are scared. Me too.'' Bayo spoke mentally. Gazing down at his form, he saw his fully grown adult muscles rippling with raw energy demanding to be unleashed. 30 points of energy was nothing before 20k+ and 250k+ energy ratings before him. Gee! To think that those siblings... siblings? Not by a million shot! He never had a sibling in the life before and he sure was never going to claim one now. Those creatures before him, the Ascenders were all powerhouses. Their first transformation must have been really lucky. ''But again, Yasmin, you say that I am Number One. And I am not even a day old in this place. How come this Number two and Number Seven are on a different power level from me? If by heirachy, I ought to be the most powerful but I am only in Ground Class.'' ''Indeed! But you should note that these Ascenders were able to fuse completely with the Soul Remnant. And each soul remnant is a piece of His Worship, who has achieved the pinnacle of perfection already. With this logic, each complete fusion of His Worship soul remnant will give the Ascender Souls a starting bonus class of Elite Class.'' ''And I cannot enjoy that because I refused you taking over me, right?'' ''...'' ''Yasmin?'' ''...'' ''Oh great! Keep shut for all you care, you scared piece of tras-'' ''Would you like to evolve to Fire Breathing Salamander?'' Yasmin asked ''In other words, you are telling me to shut up, right?'' Bayo retorted. Just then a loud smash ripped through his mental concentration as the Sky Gargolye crashed along the ground in a trail of dirt and vegetations. Vela slithered, forward, meaning to close the distance between the Seventh Born and her. Enraged, The Gargolye reared it''s head in a skyward screech. It flapped it''s wings, lifting itself into the air to gain aerial advantage. A wave of arrogant airs slammed through the air,the form of the Gargolye shimmering as it closed in on Vela. Drawing closer, the frame of bulky legs suddenly became enveloped in a sliver of energy, increasing the width of its leg. Simultaneously, a pair of dark energy construct appeared, forming a second pair of limbs that lodged at the front and back of the natural limbs. Vela has already stopped moving now, slowly coiling up again, her silent observing eyes gazing pitifully on the SeventhBorn. Just then, the Gargolye, descended speedily with intent to slam into Vela''s position as it''s false limbs began rotating at tremendous speeds. Reaching few inches from Vela, the force of its downward momentum sent a woods of winds scathing everywhere. And... SKKRREEEECHHH???? The Gargolye''s massive form stopped, few meters from impact as Vela''s form vanished. Confused, it peered closer at the ground where Vela had been, before looking at Bayo. ''Uh... Don''t look at me. I absolutely have no idea where She vanished to.'' Bayo whimpered, trembling slightly under the suppressing rulers aura that emanated from the Gargolye. In a flash of black light, Vela''s form resurfaced, a little distance from her previous location except that she had stretched vertically, reading her serpent head for a Crunching Bite. SCREEECHHHHHHHH.... The Gargolye screeched in frustration, shaking its body in attempt to dislodge Vela from its neck. But the Bakunawa held still, exerting raw force as her serpent muscles pulsed, dragging the Gargolye closer to the ground. The Gargolye struggled in return, its eyes wide with panic as it struck his arm like wings to the ground in attempt to pull its head away. With a low hiss, Vela surged forward, her entire weight slamming into the Seventh Born, causing it to stumble, unable to resist. Quickly again,she retreated, dragging the neck of the Gargolye to the ground forcefully. My Damn! ''The true difference in strength, Dang! It''s Amazing.'' Bayo wondered, watching the show from afar. This was the real difference between soul strength. The Sky Gargolye was visibly sweating it''s nuts but Vela has attacked it with a seemingly graceful move. It seemed like she had calculated all of this already. Or had she faced SeventhBorn previously to be able to determine its attack pattern. But even at that, the flash of light that had knocked the Gargolye off its feet initially. That move. Damn! That technique? ''Yasmin, scan them again. Please leave out the descriptions.'' ''Acknowledged!'' ¡ª- Specie: Sky Gargolye -Ascender Soul Status: Elite Energy: 6,850/21,000 Law: Law of Pride ¡ª- ¡ª- Silver Scaled Bakunawa - Rare Type Soul Status: Omni Energy: 200,00/273,000 Ability: Camouflage, -...-, -...- Law: Law of Envy ¡ª- ¡ª ''Just as I thought. The Sky Gargolye has been taking damage. Still it is really strong, nonetheless.'' Bayo frowned slightly, looking at The Silver Scaled Bakunawa Status screen. Why did it''s energy drop? After all it didn''t take any damage, or did it? ''Yasmin, how come Vela''s energy dropped from last time.'' ''Perhaps, you should have undergone the Ascender Induction initially. You lack knowledge of even the basic things. Regardless whether damage is taken or not, each Law dependent technique unleashed would draw power from the soul of its caster to determine its potency. The bigger the technique or principle used, the larger the energy penalty.'' Oh! ''If that induction thing was really important, then whoever had designed should have made it really interesting.'' Bayo yawned mentally. [Are you bored, sibling?] Startled, Bayo jumped up, his focus coming on his external environment. The battle had already been rapped up. Vela has completely wrapped the Gargolye, squeezing it before releasing it and slithering towards Bayo. With wasting, the SeventhBorn , stumbled backwards, leaping into the sky to escape. Seeing that scene was pitiful but hey, this guy deserve d it. After all, the Gargolye was bullying him already. A distant sound of footsteps sounded in the vegetation ahead. [Hmm... I see you have attained the max potential for your form. I should leave now but I am glad you didn''t die on me. You seem very interesting, Bayo. And you still haven''t told me your number, sibling.]Vela spoke, watching him with glowing eyes. Damn! It still remembered. I really can''t tell it I am Number one, can I? [For self perseveration, do not! Ascenders can also evolve by absorbing other Ascenders especially those older than them.] Yasmin whispered, barely audible. ''Uh... My number... I don''t know.'' [You don''t? It''s okay, sibling, you will , later. However, when Vela gives, Vela must take in return. HISSSSSSS] ''Wait... what?'' The form of the Bakunawa shimmered as it darted forward, biting into Bayo''s right paw. ''HNNRRGHHHH. Damn you!'' Bayo howled as Vela retreated, slithering backwards into the vegetation. [I will be watching you, FirstBorn. If you can survive my bite, then perhaps you are not so weak. And perhaps, you will earn my respect.] Vela whispered, her presence vanishing from his mind even as her form faded off. ''DAMNNNNN... YOU..., VELAAaa...'' Bayo howled, in frustration. Just then, a spear whistled through the air, curving and piercing into Bayo''s right paw. With a confused growl, Bayo looked left and right, turning around painstakingly to get a location on the new attacker. ''Your soul is currently undergoing soul decline.'' Yasmin informed Bayo. 10 First Law of Thermodynamics What is strength? What is power? What is this class ranking system we all partake in? From Basic Class to God Class, one thing remains certain. That is, that strength is valued above everything and anything else. Anyone with a lower class is easily boxed into the corner and forgotten. But should this be the case? We, people of the lower worlds have had to endure the constant bullying by those above us. The Orishas and their unruly set of offsprings, The Emere have being a constant pain to all of us. Blessed by Eledumare with insane power levels, we can only grovel in the dust before their pre-eminence. But such should not be. We all are aware of the time when The Emeres sought to wipe almost all the Kpelekpe Race just because they put me under their care. I, who was forgotten by the gods themselves. Only until I attained certain strength did they remember that an irunmole was been bred within the Kpelekpe realm. I was there, I saw it happen. The destruction of the very own people that I had to come to love as family at the hand of an Emere. The Massacre,.. The wasted life essences that clouded the atmosphere. All of it, I saw this. and even more of these did I see. So much I cannot say it all. Now, I throw this question to you; Should Lives not matter anymore because the Orisha and Emeres are involved? Lives are important that is why I am calling to all individual of the lower heavens(The Irunmoles won''t bother answering my call by the way), join me, as we ascend into the highest Orun and bring a new system of justice to our worlds. ¡ª- ¡ª- Culled from: The Abominable publication of Trixius the great, his infamous call to war to all tribes of the lower worlds. ¡ª- ¡ª¡ª ¡ª- ¡ª- "First kill of the day, unaided." Jaspar praised himself, clapping his hands as his draconic wings lowered his frame closer to the ground. He watched his prey, The IronSpike Tailed Dog in a clearing that seemed like a battle at just taken place. "Ok... ok... I get! I cheated, using the spear. " Jaspar said, exasperated as Bayo growled at him. "But it''s not like as if they are here to watch." He pointed backwards at the forest growth. ''Yasmin, tell me what to do, please.'' Bayo pleaded. His vision was already getting blurry plus the occasional heavy thumping of his heart against his frame. God! He hated this! In one day, he had been close to death so many times. And just when he thought he had someone he could trust in Vela, she bit at him. This world. Everything about it was cruel. The strong preyed on the weak. And by God, he, Bayo, he was weak. Just look at me, with energy of mere 17 for max points while that Gargolye was 20k plus. Not to even talk of Vela. That Bitch! "Ha! So, I got my choice meat so easily. Oh right, should hunt with my dragon self. Gimme a Sec, Dog." Jaspar said , pointing a finger up as he broke into Bayo''s dying thoughts. "HNRRGGHH... AARRGHHH... FTAGNNN.." Jaspar''s face contorted, thick veins rippling across his face. His skin began to thicken, opening up to the air like window shutters. Whilst this was going on, his face begin stretching, making his nose so much larger than before even as the green gem in his head began glowing. "Oh, snap! FUCKkkk... why does it have to this painful." Jaspar ranted, falling to the ground on all fours, all changes to his body reverting. Looking up at Bayo, he signaled. "Imma try one more time. Gimme a SEC, meat." He said, smiling sinisterly. By now, Bayo''s vision began fading. Instead of being filled with regret as other times, he smiled to himself, But something sparked him up. This guy... He was straight up crazy. And he liked crazy. ''Yasmin, I know that smile. This guy is an apparent weirdo. We are so much alike.'' ''How does that save us from failing? I am doing my best is slowing the soul decline. You need food to eat or energy to absorb at the worst not a familiar smile.'' Yasmin replied, irritation in the voice. ''I know. If I can talk to him, I know I would score points with him, definitely.'' ''How would you know that?'' ''I don''t know. But I can at least try.'' ''Let that be far from you. You are totally incapable of speech, Bayo. The only way to do that in a speech impaired form is to draw upon the energy of a law.'' Yasmin replied. ''So, it''s hopeless?'' He mentally facepalmed himself. ''Yes!'' Wait... He wasn''t completely hopeless. Yasmin already said that speech could be possible with the aid of a law. And he had a base law already. Infact, he had two Absorption bonuses from the Law, the Law of Gluttony. But just what if, what if he could access it again. Yasmin had said it was impossible but he did say he could activate it for him. Yes! And this meant Yasmin could draw upon the law within him, to give him speech capability. Even if for one minute. ''Yasmin, I have a base law.'' ''Yes, Law of Gluttony. Of what point is that? I cannot keep up for much, Bayo.'' Yasmin replied, strain visible in the voice, reminding Bayo that he was only alive now because of Yasmin. ''Damn! Can you activate the law for me? Draw upon the energy to give me speech?'' ''That is... almost impossible. Even so... you need to draw... energy from the law.'' Yasmin whispered, barely audible as Bayo''s vision dimmed abit. No! Think Bayo, Think. What is the first law of thermodynamics? Energy can neither be destroyed or created but is transferred from one state to another. Yes, that was it. There was a way after all. ''Yasmin, you said I have two absorption''s left. And if I heard right, you said every law dependent technique draws on energy of the soul. So, my Absorption is raw energy that has been stored in my soul. I say this Because, you are the only one that can activate it for me and since it is a law dependent technique, it requires energy. And that energy, I don''t know how but my guess is that I have a certain amount of stored energy to power my principle of absorption.'' ''Yes... this is... brilliant... theorizing. I never told... you this.'' Yasmin whispered once more. ''Doesn''t matter. Energy can neither be destroyed or created but is converted from one form to another. Can you convert that stored energy into speech giving energy? You can, right?'' ''Well... I never... thought of that. I can... but that will require all my focus.'' ''Meaning?'' ''I won''t be able... to resist your... your soul decline... it will be... few... few seconds... before you die. Pointless. Plus, it''ll...cost you an Absorption. ''Just... DO IT.'' Bayo cried mentally, pangs of pain coursing through his whole frame. The next second, his feet wobbled, giving way underneath him as he fell, almost lifeless, on his side. Few seconds till death. His clock had stared ticking already. He could only hope now. But even at that, what guarantee did he have that this guys would not just kill him the moment he saw him speak? After all, so far, he hadn''t seen any talking beast. Even Vela didn''t, she only spoke to his mind. ''God or whoever gave me this second life, let this work, please.'' He prayed as a tear streamed down his snout. . Just then, Jaspar moved closer. Looking around with a startled look, he observed the environment, noting the caked earth at the sides of a stretching, horizontal crater. Turning his focus back to Bayo, he mouthed, strange light on his eyes. "My, my... I didn''t notice. You are injured. Those fangs marks on your paw. Did you get into a fight? This place looks like a damn battlefield." Jaspar moved closer, making Bayo whimper weakly. "Wait, let me take out the spear. I can help you, promise." Jaspar said, raising both hands up as Bayo painstaking moved his head in a position that he could watch him. ''I''m betting my life on you. Please don''t disappoint.'' Bayo thought, his vision dimming even further. . "I promise." He said again at the weakened growl, bending down sideways until his hands latched on the spear. "Here..." GRowwwwlll... Bayo growled painfully as Jaspar pulled out the spear with swift motion. Heaviness descended on Bayo, ejecting his consciousness from his body with lightning speed. ''Hold on abit, Bayo. I am almost done converting the energy.'' Yasmin''s voice came from a distance. It sounded sad bringing a tear to his mental form. Already, darkness began settling in again as Bayo clutched wildly at just anything to stop the removal from his body. ''Done, Bayo. Speak.'' Yasmin said, sparking his weakened soul with energy. Determined now, he growled, swinging his iron spike tail wildly at whatever force was ejecting him from his body. Yasmin had done it. No way was he going to let that effort be a waste now. He had to try too. Propping his astral legs together, he crouched, before leaping further with renewed enthusiasm, towards the source of Yasmin''s voice. Raising his head slightly, Bayo spoke, startling Jaspar. "Please... help me... " Immediately , his frame shuddered as his vision darkened, the force expelling him out of his body, again. . 11 Speaking To Survive Jaspar froze. In the one century of his life since birth, he had never come across a talking beast, ever. He knew they existed, beasts with speech capabilities. Yes, they did. His father, Drakon Master Dakota had once told him of encounters about these creatures. But never had any of the stories revealed that a speech capable beast asking for help. Even with Please? Jaspar was a simple boy. Endowed with a powerful father, Master Dakota and a wonderful mother also. But with great power came great responsibility. His father was always away, attending councils, going on diplomatic visits and all of that. He never had enough of his father. But he didn''t complain, never did he. He was used to it until his mother was assassinated. And where was his father then? In a council meeting as usual. He remembered his mother sending a messenger for his father at the point of attack. Only to have the messenger report back that his wonderful father had said he would come once he was done with the meeting. A few minutes he asked them to hold on. But that was all the assasin needed. Clenching his fists, Jaspar gritted his teeth as he watched the still body of the ironspike Tailed Dog before him. He was the son of Drakon Master Dakota. He had come to conduct his coming of age rites and to please his father. But, he was not his father. He was not going to a blind eye to the IronSpike Tailed Dog before him just because he had a duty to hunt an IronSpike Tailed Dog. Dusk was almost here and hunting for another dog would be impossible by himself. The implication of that was his father would flare up, disappointed that his own son could not keep up with his legacy. But, he Jaspar, he cared for lives more than legacy. Especially when that life in question was an unusual Common Type Dog speaking to him. "Oh-Oh Damn! What is Resuscitation 101? Before removing a weapon from flesh, counter the effect first. How could I have forgotten this! What do I do? The poor beast is dying. Yes, dragon blood. Heck! Now I have to transform. AHHHHHHH..." Jaspar cried out, becoming hysterical. "You can do this Jaspar. Transform, get your dragon half blood and use it to heal this beast. You can do this." Steeling his mind, Jaspar grit his teeth, his muscles tensing up again. Looking inwards, he saw the dragon half of his soul pulsing with raw energy. Sighing, he reached mentally for his soul as he entered into a state of intense concentration. "Almost... t-t-there." Jaspar groaned, ahead of perspiration dribbling down his face. His mental self laid hands on the dragon half of his soul, willing it to grow, encroaching over his other form. Another ball of sweat dribbled down. "HNRGGHH..." And another ball of sweat dropped, again "N-need to be fast" And another! Using his other hand, he tugged the dragon half, forcefully wrapping it around his entire soul like a blanket. GNRGGGG... Jaspar growled, tendrils of smoke escaping his snout. He had transformed. Already, he was a 9feet tall dragon with green lustrous scales that covered his body excluding the underneath. The deep set green gem in his forehead had become enlarged, taking an even darker lustre as it occupied the space between his eyes, taking most of the forehead. At the edges of his jaws and face were intricately set little horns. His hinds were not left out of the horns also. "Right. My blood." Quickly, he ripped a line into his left arm with a black claw from the right, stifling a growl. Taking his injured hand closer, he lifted the now lifeless body of the Ironspike dog, forcing its jaws open at his injury that had begun to heal up already. "Please. Be enough."Jaspar prayed, watching the few drops of blood dribbling into the beasts mouth. "Hnrrghh..." Jaspar growled, his body reverting back to his humanoid form. In his humanoid form now, he dropped the body, arching his back in response to the sharp bout of pain. He still wasn''t going to get used to the transformation. "What do I do? Oh, yes, power herbs." Jaspar muttered before dipping a hand into the pouch by his side. He pulled out a herb, shaking his head. "Not you!" Dipping his hand again, he pulled another herb. With joy on his face, Jaspar ripped the herb into pieces, squeezing the juice into the beasts jaws. "This should be enough! " Just then, footsteps sounded heavily close by, the unmistakable clinking of armor. Jaspar swirled, growling low as he gazed into the distance. "Titus..." "JASPAARR?" Titus voice boomed from the distance, startling Jaspar. "Right. I forgot he has excellent hearing." Rising up, Jaspar hefted the Dog into his arms. Already, the beast had begun to stir but he had no time now. His legs blurred now as he took off, away from the path into the thicker vegetation. Closing his eyes now, he dropped the beast even as the green gem flowed faintly. In response, vines began sprouting, thickening the bushes around. "You... you saved me. Thank You!" The weakened growl of the ironspike dog sounded. "You are unusual. I thought you''d be worth the keep." Jaspar said, gazing at the net of vines and leaves that formed an a barrier from the path. ''Just as I thought, Yasmin.'' Bayo thought, giddy with excitement. He had faded away, only for a stronger feeling to pull at him, making his consciousness more alive. He had gambled with his life and now it was worth it. He had defeated soul decline once again. ''I had thought you were gone.'' ''Oh, you unbeliever!'' Bayo grunted dismissively, smiling mentally. "How is it that you can talk? What happened here, earlier? Just what are you?"Jaspar asked, squatting to be of eyelevel with Bayo. ''What do I tell him, that I''m an Ascender from Earth? Who''d buy that?'' "I am just an unlucky special creature. Where am I?" Bayo asked in return. "Special creature? But you are just a Common Type beast? Where is your pack?" Ha! Slow down boy. Don''t rush questions at me. "Pack?" "Your pack?" ''Iron spike tailed dogs move in packs, under the leadership of an AlphaDog.'' Yasmin came to his rescue. "Well... where am I?" Bayo asked, hoping to turn tables. He wasn''t just going to let himself be discovered as an Ascender when he was yet to know his environs. "You don''t know where you are, yet you are claim to be a special creature?" Jaspar returned, his eyebrows creasing. "Well, yes?" Bayo squeaked a reply. This was turning out tougher than he had imagined. "Look, beast, you are not the type of creature that gains intelligence, not by a long shot. And besides, I am a Nature Drakon. I can sense faint reverberations from the two souls from you. It''s either you got cramped up with a soul of a beast or you are an unusual creature?" "Where am I?" "Look, don''t annoy me. Tell me the truth, beast. You owe your life to me, remember." Jaspar growled, slamming a fist into the ground sending a webworks of cracks into the earth. Damn, this guy was power packed. Just how strong was he? ''Yasmin, scan.'' ¡ª¡ª Name: Jaspar Specie: Nature Drakon Soul status: Elite Energy: 25 000 Ability: Nature Elemental Affinity Aspectual Law: Not Applicable Principles: Null The drakons are an evolved sentient relative of Dragons, with no readily affinity to any law. However, they are able to tap into the purest form of Agbara which is creation essence in increasing the potency of their fires and elemental abilities. ¡ª¡ª "His energy is twenty five thousand, a really strong nature drakon eh. But why are laws not applicable to them?" Bayo mused aloud. "What? You can read my energy levels?" Jaspar gasped. Just then, the hunting party arrived with Molan and Dolan in the lead. Taking looks around, the Drakon Guards arranged them selves into a circular formation, releasing killing intent at once. "Listen to me, it won''t be long they find me and kill you. So,tell me who you are and maybe I can help you." Jaspar motioned towards the vines. "Okay, Okay." Bayo whimpered resignedly. He had taken a look outside the vines through a space between the leaves and had seen the party outside. The presence around them was totally depressing and if for anything, he wanted to be far away from suffocating auras. "I am from Earth. Died and awoke in this body. And it has been a hell of a day for me so far." Bayo summarized, editing the story. Even with his desperation, he wasn''t so sure if he should tell a person he just met his entire story. Not especially with the party with killing intent out there. Luckily, Jaspar noticed the agitation on his face and sighed. "We should talk more later. If you are truly what you say, then you can''t survive in here. Go up the cliffs, find a pack, blend in. Ironspike dogs are weak in single but in a pack, they ar strong which is why they are valued for meat in Our lands." "No, not the cliffs." Bayo shook his head, remembering his experiences there. "It''s where you''d be safe. I''ll find you, We''ll talk more. Here." Jaspar dipped his hands into his pouch once more pulling out a heap of herbs larger than the pouch could have contained. "Stuff up with these herbs. It will strengthen you on your journey." Jaspars face tightened now. "You okay?" Bayo asked, concerned. "Go!" Jaspars face twisted, his nose enlarging to form a snout as his form shimmered. "I''m Bayo." Without any ado, Bayo stuck his nose into the pile of green herbs, eating as much as he could. "Jaspar?" A thick voice bellowed, footsteps moving to the vine barrier. Casting a look at Bayo, the green scales dragon burst through the overhead growth, tearing out into the open. Immediately a barrage of voices sounded in amazement as the green scaled dragon lowered itself into their midst. ''Bonus energy has been consumed. You are now incapable of speech.'' Yasmin informed Bayo jolting him out of his gazing. Sighing mentally, he dipped his head into the pile munching a helpful of herbs before racing off. 12 A Very Long Dusk Bayo trudged on, dragging his injured paws on and on. He had eaten quite a munchful of those herbs and he had felt much better. Infact his paws had healed already but the aches were still there. Humping along, Bayo thought about the way on. Jaspar has directed him to go up the cliffs. Naturally, he would have refused but the dragon boy had saved him so if he said go up, then it should be worthwhile. However that didn''t remove the uneasiness he felt towards the cliffs. After all, that was where he was swallowed whole plus having to face a Rat. Imagine that! Rat? That thought he looked delicious just because he was alone. Gah! As if that was not enough, he had gotten tricked by another rat. Somewhat, somehow he felt that the creatures were more intelligently dangerous. Pausing slightly, his ears tensed up, picking up sounds of low rumbling and beast activities from all around. Without wasting time, his paws dug into the ground, pouncing away from the sounds. Looking up at the Sky, he noticed the wash of various colors from gold to yellow to pink and occasional blue accented with the occasional whirl of wind here and there. In short, the whole scenery was beautiful, and darker. Back on earth, with a sky like this, he''d have picked up his Android to snap and post on Instagram but here, the whole scenery gave him strange vibes that he had to get away from the open. Galloping further, he tore on and on, without stopping, thoughts of survival dominant in his beastly mind. As he raced, his mind began settling, giving him a kind of sensation he had never known before. His body entered auto pilot as his frame kept on galloping while his mind began transversing the various occurrences so far. He wasn''t up to a day yet. He was sure of that. Thinking back, he remembered the experience that had brought him to his death. That Shade of a girl! He grit his fangs as he staggered, almost losing control. ''Focus Bayo, she''s not worth it.'' He calmed himself. ''What will mother be doing now already? I feel her world would be shattered now. All because of me.'' He groaned, annoyed at himself. ''Bayo, I might not know exactly how you feel but you have another shot at life. Make it worth it.'' Yasmin put in,clearing his gloomy airs. Relaxing his mind, he was grateful for having Yasmin. So far, that soul genie had been of tremendous help to him. But deep down, he knew he had to keep on reminding himself that Yasmin was a parasite. That meant he had to always keep his guard up or risk losing his mind to the soul genie. He was helpful but yet a parasite. Just like Vela. Pooh! I guess nothing good come freely in this world. He had been so happy to have seen Vela dealing with that Seventh born. Vela had dealt with it, helped him with some power upgrade and eventually bit him into soul decline. Damnit, he sure wasn''t going to let that go. Which was why he had to get strong enough to deal efficiently with Vela. But come to think of it, they each had all been in this world same as him. How was it then, that Vela and amassed so much power? Yes, Yasmin had said the other Ascenders who fused completely with the soul remnants started with Elite class. But hey, Vela was Omni Classed already. That was one step ahead of Elite class. Gah! Wait, how long had he been racing? One hour, two? He was certain it was more than that but the Sky hadn''t darkened with that night atmosphere. Not that it hadn''t darkened, but not considerably as night on earth. In fact, it looked like dusk here was busy stretching on and on. Shortly after, fatigue rippling through his frame forced him to take a breather. ''It shouldn''t hurt to rest, should it?'' Bayo asked, pausing to lean against a tree trunk. Just then a bellow sounded behind him, startling his Dog self. With a quick look behind, he saw the bear like creature with its horned hinds pounding towards him. OGod! What was with this bear and chasing? Where''s your self preservation, bear? Without much ado, Bayo sprung up, his four muscular paws clawing at the ground in speed. The brief minute of rest had replenished some of his stamina and infact, the limb aches had subsided considerably. Armed with this developments, Bayo tore along, lengthening the distance between the Bear and him graciously. ''I am detecting Law energy fluctuations. It appears to be emanating from the creature in pursuit.'' Yasmin informed him. Law energy? What tha forge? That bear has law affinity? ''Yasmin scan that forger.'' Bayo said, adding more sprint to his gait. From his experience so far, Law users have not been really nice to him. ¡ª- ¡ª- Horned Hind Bear - Common Type Soul Stage: Ground Energy: 153 Ability: Regeneration Law: Law of wrath Principle: Rage The horned hind bear is blessed with regenerative capabilities. It''s affinity with the law of wrath: principle of rage makes it irrational in its charges as it is very easily irritated. However, its charges with the boost from the principle of rage is one that is immensely feared, coupled with the regeneration. ¡ª Irrational in its charges! Was there ever a doubt? All the same, It be nice if I can get it bloodline. It could help him if he needed to go berserk and also tank damages backed up with regenration. Come to think of it, with his unique soul, he was certain he could push the potential of the bear to high levels. ''Yasmin, is it possible to absorb the bloodline of this bear and evolve to it after?'' ''That would be only possible if you can amass sufficient bloodline genetics which is usually not possible in one kill. Or, you could grow the bloodline, pumping certain amounts of energy into reforming it.'' ''Great! I''m not sure I''d want to stick around for another kill but with my unique soul, pretty sure I can give out the energy.'' Bayo mused. Just before him in about hundred meters, gray rocks jutted up from a pool, bringing a snarling smile to his face. He''d arrived at the cliffs. Even more, he''d have rocks to slam some bear. Suddenly, the air constricted as if being sucked into a vacuum. Turning back, Bayo saw the reddened eyes of the bear as it stood on hind legs bellowing. ''Oboy! The law of wrath. Just how powerful are you?'' His instincts screamed danger and he leapt, jumping further from his former point as the bear suddenly swirled around continuously, red aura forming about its body. In a flash, it struck one, one colossal paw of thickened blood red aura slamming into Bayo''s previous location, flinging dirt all about D-damnit!!! He sure couldn''t afford to drag this battle. Damn you bear. Turning about, he tore for the cliff m, the heavy pounding of paws motivating him. Empowered by the law of wrath: principle of rage, the bear gained heavily on Bayo, snarling as it went. Bayo''s tail wagged, the cliff now few inches before. Swiftly, he maneuvered his body, gracefully avoiding the cliff as he turned a sharp right. However, the bear was not lucky. Blinded by its bloodlust, it''s momentum slamming him into a dazed head slam. ''Ha... Now my turn!'' Swiftly, he dived, slamming his jaws on the bear''s neck. BITE! BITE!! BITE!!! Still the bear stirred, coming out of his daze as its wounds closed at a slow rate. Seeing that, he hefted himselfto the neck, carefully balancing himself as his tail came slamming down on the bear''s head ''Yasmin, how much longer, scan?'' ¡ª- ¡ª- Horned Hind Bear - Common Type Soul Stage: Ground Energy:33/153 (+5 regeneration every 60seconds) Ability: Regeneration Law: Law of wrath Principle: Rage ¡ª¡ª Oh Gully! The usage of the berserk rage must have drained heavily on its energy. All good, I can handle this level of energy. SLAM! THWUNK!! THWUNK!!! THWUNK!!! THWUNK!!!! THWUNK... Bayo slammed his tails edge continuously until the bear fell, limp and dead. With exhaustion, he tore into the flesh of the bear, crunching on bone and flesh to satiate his hunger and make up for his expended energy. In this world, energy was king and he sure was going to chow down every energy source he could hunt. ''Status!'' He said After chowing down most of the bear. ¡ª¡ª Iron Spike Tailed Dog Soul Status: Ground Class Growth Stage: Adult Growth progress: Max Energy: 130/17 ¡ª¡ª Wow! That''s massive amount of energy. ''Yasmin how come my energy is pumped.'' ''You had gained +30 energy upon your resuscitation and +35 from feeding on the herbs. Passively, your soul boosted the amount of energy you gained with a +70 ending up at 130.'' ''Well, my soul. Keep it up.'' ''However, there is a risk as your body is not built to contain such amount of energy.'' Already, Bayo could feel a full ache coming from the middle of his chest, gradually gaining momentum. ''Oh right! Evolution. Yasmin, evolve me to Fire Breathing Salamander.'' ''Evolution to that form is also not compatible with the amount of energy as it''s maximum hold is 35.'' ''What do I do then?'' Bayo asked, exasperated. ''You talked of growing the Horned hind bear bloodline. With an amount of 100 points of energy, I can kickstart the growth process.'' Oh great! ''Very well, do that and evolve me please.'' ''Beginning Bloodline Genetic Growth. Evolution Sequence engaged.'' Immediately, Bayo''s bone contracted, shrinking and clicking as his form shimmered, reducing from the 3.5 meter tall Iron Spike Tailed Dog into a Grey scales Fire Breathing Salamander. ''Oh nice. Time to climb the cliffs. Wait, how come night hasn''t come since?'' Yasmin spoke to reply but he didn''t hear. With fatigue in his frame, he skittered up the cliff rocks, climbing to the apex. As he did, silhouettes of large beasts greeted his eyes, forcing him to race towards cover. Reaching a tree trunk, he leapt, claw after claw until he was lodged on the highest branch in the tree. ''Ah! Memories.'' Bayo nodded , resting his Salamander head on the tree trunk. His first minutes on the cliff had been scary but now, look at how he had grown. Mum would be proud of me, assuming she could see this. Maybe just one day, I might be powerful enough to go to earth and see my mum. Maybe one day! But for now, he was going to find Vela and teach that damned snake a lesson of her life. And maybe then, find the other Ascenders and know why exactly he was given a second chance. Ah, Jaspar, I hope you find me again. Plus I won''t be able to speak if you do. Looking at the still dusk sky that had refused to thicken into the darkness of night, Bayo nodded. Tonight, he''d sleep. Tomorrow, he''d find a pack to boss over. And maybe then, go with his pack to destroy those monster eater ants. 13 The Resource Pool HARK! Bayo snapped his head up from the tree trunk, nodding at the brighter atmosphere of dawn. One night or dusk done... Others to come! He congratulated himself. The night... dusk had really been hectic. Twice he had had to change tree, relying on his Salamander instincts as he jumped trees. Several terrific beasts came alive in the dark of the dusk, roaring and battling each other continuously. Many a times, he''d had to cling tightly, his claws deep into the tree bark as he withstood a sudden explosion of aura, Strong enough to uproot small trees. He nodded, remembering when he had to claw at something that lashed at him, chipping off his tail at the second tree he was. Quickly, he swirled around, observing the mass of a beast before him with reptilian patience. Before charging up and leaping to another tree. He only wanted to sleep, not fight for house domination. The itch of the tail loss however, and the instant flaring of lizard mind for the need for a tail. Actually, what do lizards need tail for? Thankfully, he was able to expend half of his energy to grow back a tail seeing that he had no regeneration. Yasmin, always the life saver! Thinking back, the Salamander clambered lower the branch, observing carefully his surroundings. Today was the start of a new day to him and he had many things to work on. But as always, first things first. ''Yasmin, Status. Oh, I mean. My full status.'' ''Acknowledged.'' The ever Faithful Yasmin replied. ¡ª- ¡ª- Name: Bayo (Ascender Human) Specie: Fire Breathing Salamander -Mythic Type Soul Stage: Basic Energy: 8/35 Growth stage: Hatchling(1/2) Growth Progress: 35/50 Ability: Fire Breathing Law: (Law of Gluttony) - Bloodline stored Fire breathing Salamander(current) Ironspike Tailed Dog (Complete) Glow spike Rat(incomplete -2/3) Horned Hind Bear(Incomplete- Growing 15%) ¡ª¡ª ¡ª¡ª ¡ª¡ª Aha! The start of a new life. Bayo chirped, happily noting the stats. Interestingly, the Salamander had a shorter growth span compared his previous form. Which was pretty much nice enough for him. He couldn''t afford to stick around in weak forms while Vela was not dealt with yet. Dang! That Bitch of a snake. Exactly why he was growing the horned Hind Bear bloodline. The easier way was to go ahead and simply use his bonus absorption from his law of Gluttony but hey, he was stingy on himself. Afterall, who knew when that absorption would come in handy? So, growing it was the simple way. He could battle another one but hey, the regeneration and that law of wrath that gave the creature a berserker aura.. Man, he wasn''t cut out for that. ''Well, this would have been explained at the Ascender Induc-...'' ''Don''t you dare get me started on Ascender Induction. I have been cheated of my erm... cultivation? Yes, cultivation and you''re calling some tutorial shit.'' ''In all honesty, that induction would have made all the difference.'' ''Oh Yea... shut up! I worked my ass for the cultivation. I got gobbled, ate rat, fell off a cliff, fought monster eater ants and ate slimy lizards and you stole my cultivation blaming it on some induction tutorial?'' Bayo fumed, his anger trembling his Salamander frame. ''Like I said,'' Yasmin started again, after a considerably pause. ''Loss of your soul class is attributed to the changing of forms. You evolved, changing form of the IronSpike Tailed Dog, a creature with no law affinity to your current form with law affinity. Although, your specie can not directly interface with laws but is able to condense the purest form of Agbara which is Creation Essence in the activation of its ability, hence allowing its ability without any knowledge of law. This means that you have just started climbing the ascension ranks with a form that is properly suited for Law energy which is called Agbara.'' ''Hmm... so it''s like entering a class and having to start from first term to second and third term again irrespective of whether you went through those terms previously.'' Bayo mused. ''I don''t not quite understand your analogy but yes, it is as you say.'' Already, Bayo had descended down the tree, moving a little out of the undergrowth. Carefully, he surveyed his environs, noting the few moving creatures about. ''Will that continue each time I change a form?'' ''For now, No. but I cannot say the same of you were to assume the form of a sentient being.'' Wait, That meant he was going to start all over if he happened to evolve into one of those dragon people. ''What? Why?'' ''Your soul is not yet fully adaptable to the precepts of these world. Hence you would lose your ascension each time you assume a new form.'' Oh Gully! Which meant even th horned Hind Bear was not even feasible for now. ''Is there a way to overcome the limitations?'' ''Yes, You will be required to divert certain amounts of energy into refining your soul so as to retain the ascension level regardless of the forms.'' Oh Right! Energy. This whole world was built on energy. Energy energy energy. Sucks! Which meant he''d have to double on the intakes of energy especially since he was growing a bloodline already. ''Would this have been better if I had fused with you completely?'' Bayo asked. ''Yes, I would have been able to override that constraints if I had full control. However, it is not too late to do so now.'' Yasmin put in, trying to bait Bayo. ''Okay, that''s it. Don''t tempt me!'' It''s decided now. The only two forms he could afford now were the Ironspike Tailed Dog and the Salamander. He could shuffle between his tiny frame for surveillance and logistics and the dog for combat efficiency. Actually the Horned Hind Bear would have made better choice for combat but it was yet to be grown and he was betting that by then when it was grown fully, he''d have already ascended his class again. Skittering forward, he raced on, his small frame allowing him to escape the sight and claws of beasts. In no time, he found himself, scrambling to an abrupt halt as a pool of water lay before him. He peered into the water briefly before noting the fish like movements in it. Immediately, his lizard eyes bulged as he instinctively dived down, pinning an unlucky yellow striped fish. Drenched, he waddled out, digging his snout into the fish. ''Bloodline detected. Absorbing bloodline.'' Hungrily, he nodded, tearing off more fish fulls of meal. Class or no class, one thing was certain, this Salamander was hungry. ''Yasmin, show me the bloodline stats of this fish. Ignore bloodline origins.'' Bayo queried, licking his frontal claws after devouring the fish completely. He had to admit, food uncooked was the best. To hell with man and his kitchen. ''Acknowledged.'' ¡ª- ¡ª- Specie: Yellow Pinstriped Titus Class: Basic Max Energy: 15 Ability: none This fish is a delight-able meal containing sufficient nourishment you can think of. Rich in minerals and vitamins, the Titus is highly rich in energy. ¡ª¡ª Rich in energy, heh! With 15 points. That''s really something. With the energy absorbent capability of his soul, Bayo was certain he''d have gotten about half of the fish max Energy. And with energy, he could change into his previous form and vice versa. ''Things are finally falling into place.'' Yawning, he congratulated himself before diving in once more. After a while and minutes of soaking and eating, Bayo swirled around observing again before doing the tip tap dance once more. Finding a energy rich pool, by God, he was not ever going to hunt again. ''Yasmin, Status.'' ¡ª¡ª Fire Breathing Salamander -Mythic Type Soul Stage: Basic Energy: 63/35 Growth stage: Adult Growth Progress: Completed Ability: Fire Breathing ¡ª¡ª- Ha! ''There we go, my theory was right. My soul had given sufficient rewards of energy from each fish. Let''s say, this is my own resource pool. Need to mark territory soon. '' Bayo mused, his Salamander instincts coming to play now. ''Oh damn you, Bayo.'' Bayo slapped at his face, clawing a line of blood out. Ouch! Hurts! Note to self, I have claws not fingers. Gazing forward, his reptilian tongue whisked about. If he were to remain in this form, he was not sure Jaspar would be able to find him. And that dragon boy looked promising, in energy and companion wise. ''Yasmin, what would it take to change form back to IronSpike Tailed Dog?'' ''The cost will only be a certain expenditure of energy.'' Just as I thought. Energy again. Just then, a howl sounded nearby and an Iron Spiked Tailed Dog burst into view. It growled at something in a distance before being joined up by other dogs and together they charged, tearing through the rocky landscape. Tensed, he yawned. Actually why was he yawning frequently now? Bayo wondered. Pushing that aside, he turned his focus inwards. If he was going to blend with a pack of them dogs, he really needed to be upto it. Which meant every single advantage he could have, he was going to use. ''Yasmin, you once stated that I could combine bloodlines, right?'' ''Yes!'' ''Good! Is it possible to evolve the ability of the Glow spike Rat into the Ironspike Tailed Dog?'' ''Yes, however the bloodline is incomplete.'' ''I can ignore that with consumption of energy. See, Yasmin, I want to have every evolutionary advantage I can get if I am going to find a pack.'' ''Understandable, with the absorption of more bloodlines, the evolutionary options will be even wider for a greater variety of options.'' ''Of course! Which meant I have to hunt several creatures just to absorb the bloodlines.'' The pack could wait and by extension, Jaspar, for now, he needed to get a variety of bloodlines. Thankfully, he had already reached his adult form which meant his flame breathing ability could be used now. But just one thing remained, however. ''Yasmin, how far are we on the growth of the horned Hind bloodline? Also, convert some energy to complete the glow spike Rat bloodline.'' ''Acknowledged.'' Yasmin replied cool and immediately a sensation of weakness spread through his frame. Not that he minded, after all he was besides an energy resource pool. ''The Horned Hind Bear is at a growth rate of 25%. With continuous...'' ''That enough, Yasmin. You''re boring me already'' Bayo yawned.''actually, why have I been yawning since?'' ''It is common knowledge that lizards yawn quite frequently in a bid to expel excess oil from slimy and oily foods that they usually consume. The fishes, for example.'' Wha... what? I''m becoming more of an animal every day. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... 14 Challenging The Alpha Dear Sunday, I heard that you have been able to descend down into the earth on the mission I had sent you. I congratulate you on that. Arlan sends his greetings and the Lightning Sage also. Even Second Prime, Anu, too. We are all happy that you were able to go through Orun Apaadi, supported by your friends in every aspect. It must feel good for you to finally be out of Your father''s skin, I guess. But you should know that The Elder has always wanted what''s best. He only lacks the way to go about it. However, Sunday, I am very worried that your descent is the beginning of many other things. Orun is in turmoil and there has been more demon infestation of recent times and we, the irunmoles have being really over stretched. But that is not my main concern. We can hold our own and are already launching a purge campaign down to the lower parts of Orun based on Orisha Iku request. I am actually worried that The High Council would come after you, based on their idealism that you contain darkness. I do not entirely trust divinations, Sunday. And if I do, I believe that Destinies can be changed. Be on the look out, keep sharp and get stronger. For I fear, the wrath of the High Council is going to descend hot on you. Inasmuch as I would want to help, I am crippled by my standing as Third Prime in the High Council. I hope you understand, Sunday. Niniola sends her greetings. Keep on spreading the light. ¡ª¡ª Culled From: A letter forwarded via Arlan, to the Irunmole Emergency Segment(IES) Camp on Earth to Sunday. Written by Third Prime, Maerius ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- ¡ª¡ª¡ª The Fire breathing Salamander croaked in aches as it dragged itself to a pool of water. With effort, it dipped it head in, lapping up some drink before nodding, satisfied. After a while, it dived into the pool, appearing at the other side with a struggling grey scaled fish. It nodded, reptilian satisfaction written all over it as it bit into the fish. Oh Nom Nom Nom. Give me your Energy! Over the past five days, Bayo had made the pool, his ''resource pool'' his abode. Only venturing out to hunt for bloodlines. And in the course of those days, he''d fought several creatures and absorbed energy readily. Twice or thrice, he had almost exploded with energy with about 100 points of energy. Thankfully, he had been able to quickly divert the energy into growing the horned Hind Bear bloodline into 95% percent. Come to think of it, that horned Hind Bear cost so much to regrow. Even though Yasmin had told him regrowing a bloodline will cost thrice the max energy of the creature but still, it was horrendous. Expending over 300 points of energy? Luckily, he had a resource pool that kept on feeding him energy except bloodlines. Bloodlines... Nodding back, he remembered the stupid Salamander that had wandered into his pool just minutes ago. Immediately, his instincts fired up and he attacked the Salamander with raked claws. Which was a mistake he never anticipated. Quickly, the offending partner had unleashed a breath of flames, roasting half of him even as he evaded. The strength of Ground Class. Since then Bayo had noticed that his current soul stage at Basic Class was a great hindrance to him as it made his flame breathing ability harder than it was meant to be and his flames less powerful. Still he was not going to leave his pool in defeat. Coupled with his human intellect, he had dived into the pool, luring the Salamander in. In quick paced motion, he tore at the Salamander just as it was landing in, pushing its head down into the murky soil, inadvertently suffocating the reptile. He had to ascend, no doubt about that! And he was working towards that already. ''Yasmin, show me the available bloodlines. Please don''t show me bloodlines of these fishes. Okay? And any other insignificant bloodlines except the rat own. Basically, all bloodlines with promising abilities.'' ''Would you like to analyze this creatures with Max Soul Stages?'' ''Yes, even better!'' ¡ª¡ª Bloodline Stored Fire breathing Salamander(current) -Ground Class | 45 - Ironspike Tailed Dog - Ground Class |17(Complete) - Glow spike Rat -Early Ground Class (Complete) |15 Horned Hind Bear - Early Ground Class(Incomplete- Growing 95%) |153 - Yellow crested Wolf- Middle Ground Class ( incomplete- Growing 12%) | 693 - Ivory Tooth Bunny - Early Elite Class (Incomplete) | 1,850 - Metal plated Dip Eagle- Late Elite Class (Incomplete -Growing 16%) | 5, 894 - Lightning Fist Chimp -Early Omni Class (Incomplete) | 27,550 (Bloodlines can be mixed, merged or deleted in the achievement of a greater evolution) ¡ª¡ª- From the analysis he had been seeing, Bayo had come to understand that Bloodlines were the actual determinant of soul growth. A creature with a bloodline limited at Ground Class, except with the aid of external stimuli could not exceed Ground Class. However, bloodlines with higher Class Limit was definitely what he was shooting for except that his fights with these creatures had always been a lucky one. And being a life conservationist, he would rather grow the bloodlines instead of obtaining complete bloodline genetics with his weak form. Nodding, he observed that the max energy for his Salamander form had been pushed from 35 to 45, and addition of 10 points more. Not that it mattered much as his soul was capable of over riding the constraints allowing him take in more energy, however at a cost. But with an extended limit he could take in about 75 points of energy without having to face imminent explosion. Gah! Too much of everything is bad. Ignoring that, he focused on the stats on the mental screen. Currently, his most powerful form was the lightning fist chimp with a maximum soul growth of Omni Class and energy in twenty seven thousand. With that, he was certain he could best that Sky Gargolye anywhere. ''Yasmin, show me the bloodline summary analysis that you usually show after each bloodline stats excluding bloodline origins for every form starting from Middle Ground Class Max.'' ''Acknowledged!'' ¡ª¡ª ¡ª- Yellow crested Wolf -Common Type Max Soul Stage: Ground Class(Middle) Max Energy: 693 Ability: Heated claws - The yellow crested wolf is enhanced variety of the regular Common Type wolf capable of diverting some of its energy into super heated steam that charge up its claws before attacks. Maxs it soul growth at Ground Class ¡ª¡ª¡ª Ivory Tooth Bunny - Common Type Max Soul stage: Elite Class (Early) | Max Energy: 1,850 - The Bunny is famed for its possession of ivory tooth, giving its teeth a metal glint. This creature have evolved over time due to being hunted for its tooth, gaining intelligence for self preservation. ¡ª¡ª Metal plated Dip Eagle- Mythic Type Max Soul Stage: Elite Class(Late) | Max Energy: 5, 894 Law: Law of War; Principle: Fervor ¡ª The eagle is a fervent believer in the law of war, utilizing the principle of fervor in gaining speed bursts and metal protection. This creature will lurk in the shadows awaiting the perfect time to dip and strike its prey from above. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Lightning Fist Chimp - Rare Type Max Soul Stage: Early Omni Class(Early)| Max Energy level: 27,550 Ability: Able to enlarge its fists - Bulky Fist Law: Law of Lightning Principles: Retribution - Big on attacks, this nomadic chimp will fry its opponents before actually dealing damage with its enlargeable heavy bulky fists. Coupled with its earnest understanding of the Law of Lightning, principle of retribution, it is nigh unstoppable. This Chimp is however very lacking in intelligence. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- Bayo sighed, exhaling some of his mental fatigue. So far, so good, those were the bloodlines he had being able to amass. Even though, he had being using hit and run tactics for the creatures. Attacking them with either of his forms and running to the pool to charge himself, then running off to battle again. That way was totally efficient against the Yellow crested wolf. The bloodline however was not quite as exciting as he thought earlier. Ivory tooth Bunny? How had he fought it? Yes, the poor beast was being hunted already. Weakened in its escape, it stopped at the pool for a brief drink before Bayo''s territorial instincts fired and he attacked its face with his claws. Before the beast could retaliate, an arrow had nocked into its chest and Bayo turned heel, lurking around until the bunny''s tooth was extracted, leaving him a feast of free meal. The metal plated dip eaglewas a case of murder. Hungry for bloodline, he noticed a fallen eagle chick and swiped at it. As for the chimp, Bayo smiled, that dude was poisoned already and weak. All he just did was exhale a breath of flames before clawing out the eyes and engaging in guerilla warfare on the chimp till it slumped. But what did it matter? All''s fair in the jungle. Just then, a howl ripped his concentration, pulling his focus outwards. The IronSpike Tailed Dogs were out hunting again. In the course of time, he had scouted the cave the dogs lived in and identified the alpha, a fluffy haired large muscular dog that had being able to push its energy max levels to 40 as well. But was that going to be trouble for him? No! ''Yasmin, run a simulation of Iron Spike Tailed Dog with the added ability of Glowspike Rat and the poison clam. See if it''s possible to add fire breathing of the Salamander.'' Bayo mentally commanded. In his mind, Bayo could see an image of the Fire Salamander and poison clam as well as the rat fusing into the image of the Ironspike Tailed Dog. ''Mapping Bloodline schematics... restructuring body organs... eliminating blood impurities... merging bloodline restriction...'' Yasmin went on and on, saying a list of technical terms that were complete jargons to Bayo. ''Simulation Completed. New specie created. Would you like to see analysis?'' 15 The Alpha and Upstar It is simply unheard of? To be able to tame both energies in a being? Absolutely nonsense. But yet, even the Solitary Ruler of the Allied Beastkin Realm had done it. He has destroyed all we thought or believed was true and established new rules. The times are changing, you hear? I say, the times are changing. In times past, both energies would ravage each other, eating into the systems of the tainted being in a bid to out do each other. Many at a times, those who could withstand the destructive effect of the taint end up being spiritually crippled, unable to advance their soul class any further. But the Beast kin ruler, Bello has done it. He has not only tamed the light and dark energies of creation and darkness, he has also being able to create a new law from it. The Law of Annihilation. Even the name is enough to spread fear to potential opponents. This law, from what the Solitary Leader was able to let out has merely one principle, the principle of Annihilation. You know what this spells for me? Not only will I be able to ascend once more, I will also be able to manipulate Both energies to access the combined Law of Annihilation. It''s wonderful, daughter, absolutely wonderful. ¡ª¡ª- Excerpt From: A letter to Ibiyemi, General of the BlueMoon Mercenary Alliance House by Ex-General Afolarin. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Virulent Tailed Hound -Common Type Max Soul Stage: Ground Max Energy: 73 Ability: Poison Spiked Tail - A new variety of the Ironspike Tailed Dog. The hound is capable of infusing poison into the iron spikes at the edge of its tail, dealing continuous damage whenever tail makes impact on foe. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Oh? Just that? I can clearly see the attribute of the poison clam being dominant here but what happened to the Fire ability of the Salamander? Don''t tell me it''s deficient? ''Yasmin, why is the virulent Tailed hound not showing any attribute of the Salamander?'' Bayo asked, mental fatigue tugging at him. He had anticipated so much but this? ''In the simulation of bloodlines, certain traits tend to be pushed further down the evolution table in other for the formation of a successful specie to take place. In this case, the Fire Breathing Salamander''s bloodline is not required.'' AGH So much for planning for the alpha! Wait, come to think of it, why didn''t I pitch in the ability of the glowspike Rat? ''Yasmin, combine the ability of the Glow Spike Rat into the new bloodline of the Virulent Tailed Hound.'' Bayo mentally commanded. ''Acknowledged.'' After some minutes of silence and technical gibberish from Yasmin, Bayo settled on some fishes again, eating and yawning afterwards. ''Simulation Completed! New Specie Created.'' What? New specie? What happens then to the Virulent Bloodline? ¡ª¡ª- Latent Stealth Dog -Common Type Max Soul Stage: Ground Max Energy Level: 33 Ability: Motion sensing, Heat infused Tail - A further evolution of the Virulent Tailed Hound, this Dog bears further resemblance to the IronSpike Tailed Dog howbeit with more evolutionary advantages. Beware of its Tail. ¡ª¡ª- Hmmm... I guess this makes sense. Getting a form that is further distant from the regular Dog will make me more of a threat than a relative to the pack. A form that bears semblance allowing me to blend in whilst giving me the advantages I want. Even though, the poison clam bloodline is outclassed here, but the dog still stands strong. But Mehn! The Alpha has an max energy of 40. The Virulent favours me more but even after winning, there''s little chance I will be allowed into the pack, talk less of Jaspar finding me. ''Yasmin, evolve me into the latent stealth dog.'' ''Acknowledged. This transformation will cost a total of 30 energy points.'' ''Are you crazy, Yasmin? First you cheat me of my cultivation, now yuh want to steal energy again.'' Sighing Yasmin replied. ''The changing of forms will require energy to be used up, usually for soul adaptation to new form. Understand that I am doing you a favour here by over riding your adaptation time with the expenditure of energy, which you happen to have in excess.'' The Soul genie ranted. Yasmin was pissed and he could feel it already. The way the soul genie had replied made me seem like an ingrate but hey, he was the one growing bloodlines so it wasn''t like he was just hoarding energy. Energy meant a lot to me now. ''Besides, why didn''t you absorb that much energy for my second transformation?'' Bayo countered. ''That is because Evolution to a stronger form will require more energy expenditure for soul...'' ''Okay... okay... stop, damnit. You win. Make me weak and evolve me again.'' Bayo nodded. Yasmin May have had a point but he was just an innocent soul trying to survive. Well, maybe not innocent. ... The atmosphere blurred as Bayo picked speed, racing through the cliff plains towards the hedge of rocks some meters opposite his resource pool. Getting closer, he could see IronSpike Tailed Dogs perking up their ears, watching him advance. From their position, they seemed to have circled a cave with a large rounded stone in front, no doubt, for the alpha. Bayo paused, guilt stabbing at his mind. Social Dogs or rather wolves living in packs are usually some sort of nuclear family arrangement with a population of 8-15. So if he was darting in on this family, just to throw off the dad-Dog, did that not make him a murderer? Hey, cool off, Bayo. It''s not like the Alpha will just succumb to you after all. This is the jungle, all''s fair in it. With the guilt shoved aside, Bayo trudged onwards to the cave, snarling as best as he could even as the other dogs watched. Just as he got to the cave entrance, a bulkier figure stepped out, majestically eyeing him. With fluffy hairs, the Alpha looked at Bayo observing the new comer carefully. After a while, it snorted, pulling its bulky self to climb the stone in front, peeking into the distance. ''Yasmin, what''s happening? Is the alpha not meant to be territorial? I mean, showing that''s he the boss here?'' ''That should have happened. However, I am observing ripples your soul is tearing into reality. It appears that you have been considered part and parcel of this pack, all thanks to your soul.'' Damn You, Soul. I don''t need this now. I wanted to have the advantage of distance but now you have merged me as part of them. Really? Exasperated, Bayo barked, attracting the attention of the nearby dogs. This wasn''t what he had planned. Get to the park, expect the alpha to be territorial and rushing to attack him, before luring it into the Wild where he had the advantage. But now, he had to make the first hit and in the plains too? Where would his stealth bonus come in then? Well, change is constant and we all must adapt. Just then, the Alpha turned back, watching Bayo, a fierce glint to its eyes. It barked a reply and Bayo howled, instinctively, pulling the entire pack closer. For a split second, he saw the eyes of the Alpha flicker. ''That''s challenge accepted right, Yasmin?'' ''Correct!'' Game On! In a sudden flurry of paws, Bayo flew across the the plain, pain rippling through his chest along raked lines. ''Damn You, Alpha!'' Bayo spluttered weakly, painfully dragging himself up. Gah! My precious energy! Quickly, he queried Yasmin on his stats. ¡ª- Latent Stealth Dog Soul Stage: Basic Energy Level: 43/33 Growth stage: cub (1/3) Growth Progress: 45/50 Ability: Motion sensing, Heat infused Tail Law: Not Applicable(Law of Gluttony) ¡ª¡ª¡ª Pooh! Before coming here, he had an energy seating at 53 but with that singular swipe of claws, that alpha had stolen 10 points off him. Gah! But again, he was only a cub, couldn''t that alpha had pitied him? But wait, damnit, he should have waited till he was at least a young adult before coming up here. He had to get out of here, fast. Snorting, he scrambled to his paws and began hightailing it when he noticed the Alpha howled, bolting perpendicularly to his race line. Wait, was this stupid dog trying to cut him off? ''Look, Dog Alpha, I only came to try my luck, okay? Just let me go and you will never see me here, at least for now, No?'' Just then, the Alpha closed in, swinging around to present its tail for a crumpling smash. ''Boy, I know that move.'' Bayo spoke mentally, presenting his business side of his butt for a counter clash. As he did, he sensed a rushing of warm feeling spreading from his abdomen into the tail. KA-THWUNK! Both tails clashed, the heavier and sturdy tail of Alpha rammed Bayo''s tail away, the momentum throwing him off balance. The Alpha Growled, froth forming at its mouth as it glared at the feeble attempt to counter him. ''Even with the activation of Heat infused tail?'' Bayo whimpered, unable to believe his luck. Yes, he knew he had no chance currently but he had thought his ability would make the difference. If it did at all, then the Doggie didn''t show it. 16 Sheer Luck The alpha grunted, furiously observing the cub beast before it. It sought to destroy this upstart, totally. Raising up a pack in this wild untamed forest had been a hell of work for it. Seeing that IronSpike Tailed Dogs were naturally not strong but he had made sure his pack survived. Hunted continually by the dragon people and picked upon other beasts, communal living had been their biggest bet. And by all that was in the forest, he was not going to allow a newcomer remove him from the pack. The Alpha mused, faint amusement in its eyes as it observed the weak specimen of a dog before him. Just what has this new comer thought? That he''d just show up and challenge him? Even after the fact that he had welcomed the new comer in, the new comer still had the guts to bark at him. Despite the fact it was barely a cub. A part of him wanted to preserve the newcomer. It was probably stray, a survival of a pack that had been hunted down. It was different, by the forest, it was different. The cub seemed to emit heat around its body and he had felt the heat concentrate when their tails clashed. Luckily, he was of a more mature body else, he was certain that heat would have managed to inflict damage on him. And that was exactly why he wouldn''t allow this distant specie of an IronSpike Tailed Dog around. Keeping it was breeding trouble and trouble he didn''t want. The forest and the hunters were trouble enough. Honestly, he had wanted to give it a chance but, the cub had to challenge him? How interesting! But he wouldn''t spare that insurbordination. Even if he wanted to, what would the other members of the pack do? Prepare themselves to challenge him again? Just then, the cub darted forward, it''s nimble limbs propelling it towards the thicker part of the cliff plains with more trees and vegetation. But the alpha snorted, powering its muscular limbs once more, in pursuit. ... Think, Bayo, Think... How do you out do a doggie on different maturity levels than you? Stupid Me... I should have known that I''ll start again from a cub. Gah! Focus, Bayo. Let the past go. You need to work something or this alpha doggie won''t let you go. For some reasons, the guy seems content on having me for a meal. Already, the pack dogs had begun closing in, coming to watch the brilliant performance of their alpha, making Bayo Curse internally. The pack was what was motivating this doggie? But why? He was merely a cub. A cub, damnit. No time for whining now. Analyze your environment. What do you see? Bushes, trees, rocks, yes, ROCKS! THUD! The alpha landed just in front of Bayo, its claws digging up dust. It had missed the challenger by just a hair''s width and that was because it stumbled. ''Yasmin, what just happened?'' Bayo asked, regaining composure. Quickly, he swirled around, picking pace back towards the rocks at the cave that he sighted. ''That was an instinctive application of motion sensing as an ability of the Latent Stealth Dog.'' Yasmin theorized. That was what had saved him? Phew! He guess he was indeed lucky to have changed form. The regular IronSpike Tailed Dog would have been torn to shreds already. Stealing a backward glance, he saw the alpha whimper confused as it glared at him. ''Dear, dear... Don''t try to understand what happened. I''m a new specie, old doggie.'' Bayo gloated even as the Alpha pawed after him again. Doubling his pace, he ran through a section of the onlooker dogs who made way for him as he ran towards that circular piece of rock. The alpha wasted no time already, he caught up with Bayo just as they got to the rock. Immediately, Bayo cut a sharp turn, evading the rock by mere inches while the Alpha rocketed towards it. ''Time to have an old head smash, sir.'' Bayo smiled. But the smile didn''t last long. The alpha upon noticing his catch had changed course, dragged his legs together with sudden force, considerably slowing it motion as it wobbled towards the rock. Then, it twisted its body, putting two paws out to the other side Bayo took off to, pausing briefly to regain its self. And then, it charged, furiously. ... He had to admit it. This Alpha was no pushover. And in a battle as this, two things were been expended, stamina and energy. While he wasn''t sure the alpha had much energy but he wasn''t willing to bet on its stamina. And in an extended battle of running and running up and down, the winner was obvious. He would be dog snack for the Alpha. And No, he didn''t get a second chance to end up in a gullet of an Ironspike Tailed Dog. Wait... what was with him and these dogs? First he''d been gobbled up by one, now, one was completely frothing, chasing him about. What were his odds? Change back to Salamander and blow some fuse, No? No! Yasmin would extract energy for that shit and he wasn''t any where close to the pool for something like that. Plus, he was certain if he changed form to that Salamander for roasting purpose, the entire pack would set themselves on him. That was risk he couldn''t afford! Or wait, he could actually hightail to the pool, munch some snack and return guerrilla style. Yes, that was it. For now, he had to get this doggie off his precious tail. His motion sense throbbed again, hot and fleeting sensation trudging through his head, whispering the place something was moving towards. This time he embraced the sensation and clenched his paws together, halting completely. The mass of the alpha flew over his head, landing few inches ahead. ''Gah! You''ll never get me.'' Bayo gloated. Immediately, his head flared again, the sensation informing him that something was coming heavily from up. What? Hail? Quickly, he rolled on all fours away as the heavy tail of the Alpha rammed into its former position. ''Damnit. The doggie had already planned ahead. No wonder it slammed its tail to catch me off course.'' If he had been any second late, his head would have been paste already. ''You have achieved max growth point for cub. Evolve to Young Adult or suppress growth? Would you like to see analysis.'' Yasmin asked. ''Not now, how can you be so insensitive, Yasmin? And yes, evolve me. Every little bit would help me. How can you even ask me that question of evolving or not?'' Bayo complained as he jumped backwards, evading a clawed paw swipe from the Alpha. ''Well, I put in that option assuming you were rather comfortable in this cub form.'' Yasmin countered. ''Really? You know, you''re really being helpful now.'' Bayo sneered, swinging his butt around for another tail counter. THWUNK! Again, Bayo''s tail was batted away heavily. ''You know, I''m actually curious to understand how you''d win. That beast there had years of experience. You may have had enough energy but that doesn''t really make the cut. Give me full access, and I''ll ensure we survive?'' The next second, the alpha swirled, feinting to strike with its paw again. ''No, thanks Yasmin. I didn''t get a second life to play second fiddle to a parasite.'' Bayo moved in response, taking the bait as he ducked. But the paw wipe never came. Instead the heavy spike tail landed heavily on his now unguarded back, drawing ichor. ARGHHHHH... He growled, eliciting huffed groans from the various onlooker dogs. The dogs were mocking him. Just then, Bayo''s muscular frame condensed, becoming taut as visible veins of energy spread through the body, bringing every dog to a confused pause. Growling as his body grew to an increased height, Bayo mentally checked on his soul Status. ¡ª¡ª¡ª Latent Stealth Dog -Common Type Soul Stage: Ground Energy Level: 15/33 Growth Stage: Young Adult(2/3) Growth progress: 15/75 Ability: Motion sensing, Heat infused Tail ¡ª- ¡ª He had 15 points of energy? Not as bad as he thought. With that he could work up some things. But what exactly? Energy was the currency of this world. Even walking depleted energy. His various counters and running not only drained his stamina but also drew out bits of energy. Wait... That was it. His attacks had been taking about 1 or two or even less points of energy. So just what if, he could pack more than the usual two to three points of energy into a single attack? ''Yasmin, is it possible to divert ten energy points into my tail to boost the heat induction down there. Want to score a nasty roasted hit.'' ''Yes, That is possible and will be a rather critical hit but, you would have less 5 energy points, bringing you closer to soul decline once more.'' Soul decline. He hated that word. He gazed at the Alpha, watching the stunned creature whimper at the sudden increase the to his height and build. This Alpha was no push over... Actually, what was he waiting for? The alpha was stunned, now was the time. Prompted by the realization, he kicked his hind legs into the grass, launching forward with beastly ease. ''Yasmin, NOW! Convert!'' He yelled mentally. Already, he had closed in on the yet stunned Alpha, adjusting his body slightly to dig in fangs into the neck of his foe. Simultaneously, he felt a massive drain within his body as his fangs hit home. The Alpha whined, coming out of its stupor. It shook its scruff vehemently with attempt to throw off Bayo but the challenger held on. Thinking quickly, the Alphas opposite paw flew up to the air towards Bayo, wicked claws glinting in the air. FWOOM! The claws struck into the air, hitting nothing. Bayo was faster. As soon as he felt that energy drain, a soothing sensation of heat travelled down his spine. He knew what that was. Before the paw could lift off the ground, he had twisted himself to the side of the Alpha, the heat sensation in his tail building to alarming heights. Quick as lightning, Bayo swirled, his tail swinging in for the home run into the side of the Alphas head. GBAM! FWISSSSJHHHHH.. GRowlll... The smell of roasting flesh rent the air, accompanied by an aggrieved growl before the Alpha pulled away. Mirroring its movement, Bayo lunged, jaws wide open as he bit into the earlier incision he had made. His teeth crunched on bone and he bit harder, his effort rewarded by more crunching of bones. Just then, the Alpha went limp, almost pulling Bayo down with it''s it fell into a heap. Bayo Howled, a paw atop the fallen Alpha as the other dogs bowed their heads with fallen ears. That was a good sign. They were submitting to him. ''Yasmin, you can bend your head now in shame now, okay?'' ''Well, I would. But if you ask me, your winning was merely by sheer luck.'' ''Luck? How? I fought the guy fair and square.'' ''You don''t get, do you? These creatures are beasts, not Ascenders. It is very startling for them to see a cub suddenly growing into a more mature form. And you capitalized on that. Howling again, Bayo mentally shrugged. Yasmin was right. He won by luck but what did it matter? All''s fair in the jungle! 17 The Forest Visitor How do you cope with being the leader of a dog pack? Any ideas? Absolutely, there''s none. You don''t cope, you just go with the flow. And of course, absorb as much bloodline as you can get. To others, it meant something simple, like the what the movies portrayed. By God, he had missed movies. Focus, Bayo, Focus! Yes, bloodlines. Armed with the entourage of wild dogs, he had set the pack after a Metal plated Dip Eagle nest. Not that the pack could do anything but their presence was enough for him to claw into the bird, absorbing its bloodline. The result, the eagle turned aggression on him, picked him up into the air and flung him. When he landed, he crashed down at the edge of the Cliff, overlooking the MonsterEater Anthill. Gah! He had business there too, but not for today. Armed with the pack, he had conducted raids, successful ones at that. His wealth of energy and bloodlines were the basis of his simulations with Yasmin''s, creating new species or receiving failed combinations. That seemed somewhat easy, with Yasmin around But to, communicate with series of huffs, grunts, growls and howls was tasking, mentally tasking to be precise. Oftentimes, Bayo would stroll off the pack towards the energy resource after chasing off any escorts or the alpha female at times. And today was one of those times. Grunting, he shoved his snout in, picking a fish cleanly out of water. He set the fish down on the grass, using his two paws to hold it still as he munched the middle of his catch. Yummy! Over the past days, he had noticed the fishes were already becoming scanty. Which wasn''t surprising considering how many fishes he had hunted down every single day. An average of 11 fishes! But as consumption was becoming more than supply, Bayo was certain he''d have to find another resource pool soon enough. After all, he had lot of things he needed energy for besides staying alive. At that moment, his motion sensing went haywire, bleeping repeatedly about a movement advancing towards him from behind. The motion sensing ability of the Latent stealth dog usually went haywire whenever something was moving stealthily around. And for it to blitz like this, then something silent was advancing towards him. And he couldn''t afford to be caught. Quickly, he leapt up, abandoning the fish and creeping towards some overgrown bush just ahead to lay watch. After what took forever, a drakonian crept into view, shirtless with loin cloth with an attached pouch and a spear that he had in parallel with his left arm. The drakonian moved closer to the pool, only stopping and rising up from its bent position to look around. At that moment, Bayo began shuffling out of his position, coming into view. He huffed a grunt to attract the drakonian, all caution thrown to the wind. Not that he had a reason for. He was dealing with his friend after all, Jaspar "Hey, Bayo..." Jaspar smiled, revealing white teeth that had a little sharp curvature at the edges. "It''s been so long, Bayo. Oh, don''t give me that look. I have being busy." Jaspar said, stretching his hands. Bayo crosses over, rubbing his head against the thigh of his friend, Jaspar, the latter laughing heartily. "Hey, stop! That tickles. Is that a greeting?" Jaspar asked, tapping the head of the dog. Bayo nodded. Deep down, he had been acing instinctively but he was no longer fighting those instincts anymore. As long as he remembered who he was then he would always be a not beast? creature?? Whatever! "So, unlucky special creature, you found a pack already?" Bayo nodded. "Cool! Last time, we couldn''t talk much but I remember you had some questions, Earth Bayo. You remember them?" Jaspar asked, dumping his weight on an elongated piece of rock. He let his spear clatter to the ground, watching it briefly before turning to Bayo who nodded at him, again. "Wait, why have you been nodding since? Something happen to your voice?" Bayo nodded again, seating on his hunch. "So, you can''t talk?" Another nod. Jaspar paused, clasping his hands across his thighs unable to make anything out of what was happening. "Can you write? What if I clear a spot for you, can you etch out words on them." Another Nod. With the confirmation, Jaspar rose up, dusting his loin cloth. He stooped, reaching to touch the ground. Once he connected, he started uprooting grasses in fast motion. After a few seconds, Jaspar rose, dusting his hands as he observed the circular patch of clearing. "There!" Taking cue, Bayo bounded over to the clearing, his mind bustling with many questions. In a short while he had clawed out, painstakingly the words in English that read ''Where am I?'' Jaspar squinted, looking at the words and even drawing closer to them. "Uhm... Bayo? What did you write? Can''t read it. It''s not Yoruba!" Jaspar said, confused. Seeing this, the dog''s ear deflated as it sniffed the ground, looking at the words. ''Just why can''t you read this? English is universal, right?'' "Must have been one of the new languages of Eledumare''s pet world. Never thought those linguistic classes were useful. If only I took them. Have you heard the saying that Yoruba is the language of the Gods? Do you know Yoruba?" Jaspar asked, looking eagerly at Bayo. Depressed, Bayo nodded. He knew Yoruba but he only knew just little of it. And that was when he had to speak it. Now, he had to write Yoruba? Damnit, when he was still alive in Earth, the only way he''d passed his Yoruba exams was by duplicating his seat partner''s work. But he had to try. Grumbling mentally, he wiped the English words off the dust and settled to etch out the Yoruba translation of where am I. NI BO MO WA. Yes, that''s it. "Oh!" Jaspar oohed. "Well, you are in Orun. If it was English you wrote there then, Heaven is the direct translation in English. I think I know that because we have had some people go down to Earth that I am close to. Okay, that''s by the way. You are in the Drakonian Confederacy Lands and this is the capital, Drago City and we are in the second heaven which has many realms in there. Seven heavens, each one stacked atop the other. And you know what''s more, The Confederacy is a super duper world power. " Jaspar boasted, rubbing his jaw. Oh, Bayo cooed mentally. He was dead and he was in heaven. Except that Heaven was not the conventional idea of a golden paradise with streets paved with gold and silver. No, at least, he hadn''t seen any gold streets yet. So, now he was in Drago city, capital city for the Drakonian Confederacy which happened to be a world super power. That was something. Next question. Quickly, he cleaned off the other words, hurrying to scratch something out. What to ask next however made him pause in his fervor. Wait, what was Jaspar doing in the forest and those people then? Yes, that was his next question. Only that, it would require more of Yoruba. After a minute of clawing and erasing, he finally made out the Yoruba words. KINI EH SHEY NI OKO YI. Jaspar squinted, trying to make sense of the irregular clawed words. "What were we doing in this f-farm? Ah, you mean forest? Hahaha." Jaspar laughed, heartily eyeing the dog. "Well, it was a coming of age ceremony where I have to hunt an Iron Spike Tailed Dog with my dragon self. You know, Ironspike Tailed Dogs are pretty delicious, especially that tail area. So that''s what we were doing. I was only being escorted by some people. Those people you saw." ''Coming of age? What''s this? Some sort of ancient cultural village?'' Bayo thought. "What? Don''t look at me like that! At least our coming of age ceremony is better than the Hadja Commune." Bayo tilted his head upon hearing Hadja Commune. "Yes, Hadja commune, those ones strip, boy and girl and they have a public bath inside Agbara infused water. Can you imagine? Male and female inside the same bath pool in public?" Jaspar said, gesticulating. "Honestly, I wish I was Hadjan. Once I clocked coming of age, I''d make sure to play with some many female genitals." He said , throwing his head back in dreamy fantasy. ''Ha! So you are a pervert guy? No biggie. You are a fellow man or culture. Hehehe." Bayo smiled, mentally. Jaspar jerked, looking at the sky. Squeezing his face, he pouted. "I''m already late. That old man will start breathing fire all about now. I need to go." Bayo gasped mentally. ''So fast? But I have only asked two questions?'' As if, Jaspar could read his mind,he drew near, patting Bayo on the head. "It''s okay. Hmmm... you smell like a pack leader. Nice, anyways, I have some herbs here, okay?" Jaspar dug into the pouch again, pulling out an incredible heap of green, yellow and blue herbs. Standing up, Jaspar stretched, gazing into the sky again. The atmosphere had begun darkening, the inevitable sensation of dusk drawing near. Yes, Dusk... Why was it that there was only dawn to dusk here, no night? He should ask that but what was the Yoruba translation for dusk? At least he could shuffle morning for dawn but dusk?? Mentally exhausted, Bayo heaved, watching as Jaspar form shimmered, dark green draconic wings sprouting from his back. In one flap, the drakon lifted into the air, twisting to wave a hand at him before thrusting through the air, away from Bayo. 18 The Law of Annihilation The Treant stood, arrogant, as it watched the figure of a bull humanoid with loin clothes and a rounded ended staff descend from the floating raft. He had waited for this day. Trained for it and today, finally, he would learn of it today. He would understand what made this lone solitary leader of the Allied Beastkins so capable and efficient that in all of the scattered allied realms, he was revered. Perhaps Bello was the perfection he was seeking after? ''Bello, I am most excited you have come in person. Sending those useless minions of yours-'' The bull humanoid''s cloven hand rose into the air, a wave of tremendous aura bursting about. ''ENOUGH! Those minions you say, were people. Peaceful loving people of the Allied Beastkin whom you snuffed lives from. As the leader of the Allied realms, it has become my personal crusade to banish you.'' The treant laughed. Standing at a height of 50 meters, the treant was an impressive humanoid. It had a face built into its main body of tree trunk with little wooden twigs at the top of its head. Going downwards, were a pair of massive wooded limbs ending in palms that slapped at themselves as the treant laughed followed by an obvious lack of legs that were supplemented for by a thick gnarl of roots. ''Perhaps, if you had honored my call earlier on, it may not have become like that.'' The treant replied, earning a snort from Bello. ''I have heard of your new feat. And I have come to see, with my own eyes to test your powers by my own strength. And hear this, Bello, just in case you do not live to expectation, then you would die with the honor of meeting me. I am the Helios, the Eleventh Born Ascender'' The treant spoke, pride radiating heavily from its speech. Bello only shrugged. What did he expect after all from the user of the Law of Pride? Humility? Certainly not! The laws of darkness had certain appeal. He knew that himself after becoming a tainted. But however, the laws of darkness as much as they empowered the negative aspects of reality, also turned the users into irrational and mindless creatures off less worth than animals. But, he was not here to give a lecture. "Your arrogance will be your undoing, Eleventh Born, for I am weary of you." Snapping his hands together, the Solitary rulers hands flexed as he weaved a construct with the speed of light. Just then, the treant grew its arms into the ground, forming a streaking and twirling rush of growing roots towards Bello. "Law of Annihilation, Come Forth! Goodbye, Ascender." Bello slammed his left hand forward, using the right hand to channel energy out of his soul. In a split second, light energy and dark energy appeared, fusing into each other, causing a whiplash of furious winds to shoot about. Dust swirled as Bello grimaced lightly before shooting out his right hand. Energy shot forward towards the treant like a meteor, sucking out the air in the atmosphere, in one straight flash of blinding light. "Finally!" The treant grunted. "I see the Law with my own eyes." Slamming a hand forward, extra branches shot out from his trunk, swiveling before twisting into huge knots of wood. In a second, a compressed net of wooden knots had formed before the treant as it air became increasingly hot. Just then, the energy blast slammed home, tearing through the wooden knots like paper, towards the Treant. "Well, how far you reach?"The treant smiled, using both hands to push at the air. The action seemed to slow the movement of th energy beam, allowing him time to jump back but not enough time for anything else. Still the Beam Tore Through... Quickly, he slammed his fingers together forming a replica of him as he jumped back again. KAZZZAAAAT... The beam tore through, scattering everything it touched into splinters before pulling them together and slamming the pieces back to each other till the pieces disintegrated into nothing. No chaff, no dust. Nothing. Like nothing had ever being there. "How long does this thing take to burn out..." The treant muttered, jumping back and replicating himself to take the hit with hope of causing the beam to burn out its energy. The eleventh born weaved his hand again, desperately forming another replica, but he was too late. The energy split itself, circling around the replica before homing on his chest. BOOM! KAZZZATT!! The energy exploded, a swirl of opposing energies scattering his body and dragging them back again before exploding once more, each time making less and less of the remnant of the treant remain. In a flash, white and black light had exploded outwards, licking everything it could find into nothingness. In the Treant''s position now was a gaping hole of a crater. Exhausted, Bello huffed, resting on his staff. Seconds later, he gripped at his head, stifling a groan as he coughed. The whole worlds had come to know him as a legend. But what the worlds hadn''t known, was that with great power comes greater danger. He was dying but his house was not set. He would keep strong, until his realms were in other. And then, he would rest. This life, it simply was fatiguing. A figure walked forward, cat ears sprouting from the curl of black hairs on her head while her red kimono swirled noiselessly in the air. "You need rest, Lord Bello." She said, patting his back. "It''s nothing." Bello waved a free hand dismissively. "Lady Grant, Prepare me a record of all sightings of unusually powerful creatures. over the last two weeks." "Why, Sir?" "When I destroyed that creature, he called himself an Ascender." "Anyone can give themselves title sir.." "Not that alone, I felt traces of the soul of Trixius within." Bello said, turning away from the battle scene as Lady Grant gasped. "I need that report, as soon as possible." Bello said, walking off with support of his staff. Just in front of him, a raft of bamboo with a circular red rug in the middle hovered into view. "B-but, Lord Bello, That could as well be a result of your Trixius Paranoia. Don''t you think so?" Lady Grant said, turning towards Bello. The Solitary hulking bull of a ruler stopped, puffing heavily, his aura rising slightly. "What commander beast posted you to the Twin Realms, Lady Grant?" Bello heaved. "Shadowbeast commander Kai." "Did you know how he got that long never healing scar on his face?" Bello turned his head to look back. "I-I do." Lady Grant winced. Commander Kai''s unhealing scare was a result of his opposition to the ruler''s command. When Lord Bello has paid the Commander a visit, he had been stopped by warriors at the gate of the command center. Enraged, Lord Bello has bulldozed his way to the Commander asking for an explanation only for the commander to walk him out. Lord Bello surprisingly turned around, walking a few feet''s away before swirling around and slapping Commander Kai. A week later, the Commander was found at the outskirts of the First Heaven. That story had remained as a bitter reminder of the power behind Lord Bello''s form and only fools had tried to challenge him. Like the treant earlier. "Lord Bello, I will do as you said." Lady Grant bowed slightly before jumping up and vanishing in a poof of smoke. A twig of wood suddenly turned green and flexible. It burrowed into the ground, vanishing from sight. Just then, Lord Bello turned, a slight smile on his face. "Ascender Helios." Bello muttered, stepping onto the raft. He settled down in a meditating pose, huffing once more as he watched the environment. For about 50 meters or so, vegetation was absent, a visible crater remaining of the forest expanse that had once occupied the place. Shrugging, he knew that wouldn''t matter. With the aid of Agbara infusement, the land will respawn once again. But that would require heavy funds to pull off. Something that he didn''t really have time for. For now, the Ascenders were his focus.