Divine Beast Ascension

“Keep calm. If you’re not calm, then I won’t explain anything.”

“You...” Hurriedly taking some deep breaths, Ania did her best to not verbally lash out.

“Good. Now, I’ll answer you’re question,” the man stated, turning to face the motionless Oli. “This is the rawest form essence can take. It’s the very energy of the cosmos, the endless energy that spans the void. I made this formation to filter this world’s energy. This is how we’re forcing Oli’s body to have greater affinity for all three of his essence types.”

“Raw- void- THREE ESSENCE TYPES?!!!!?” blurted Bradok, not sure what to ask about first. His shifting gaze honed in on the figure calmly sitting within the raging energy. “And he looks human? But that’s fur, so-”

“His body has already undergone more transformations than you would ever guess,” continued the man. “Oli merged a soul jade with his mortal core, while also mutating his bloodline with the blood of the Toxic-shadow Dragons. There’s also his use of the Infinite Torture Technique and Infinite Compression Art to continuously strengthen his soul and body. Really... he’s been preparing for this since he came to this world.

“Right now, his body is trying to create an ideal form to bear the pain he’s feeling. And since he started in his human form, Oli’s body is subconsciously creating a hybrid form for the sake of his protection and survival.”

.....

“SURVIVAL?!”

“Yes, Ania, his survival...” Looking back to her, the man humbly bowed his head. “I’m sorry, but this was Oli’s decision. I told him of the possible outcomes and now everything is up to him.

“However, I never would have agreed to this plan if I didn’t think he could withstand this and surpass his predecessors. All of them...”

Worried regardless, Ania used all her available brainpower to not explode in front of the almighty stranger. “This... Tell me the terms of your and Oli’s arrangement. You said-”

“No, it’s not a contract. Oli will retain his free will for all his days,” answered the man. “If anything, we’ve only agreed to become equal partners, allies if you will.”

Scoffing, Bradok jumped forward, leading with his fist. “Ally? Would allies endanger each other?!”

CRASH!

“Hm... you’re as crazy as they come.”

Bradok’s punch was executed to perfection, throwing his complete mass and power into the blow. It landed cleanly on the stranger’s face. There was no movement to dodge and no effort taken to defend, as it wasn’t necessary in the slightest. Still, rage took over Bradok’s emotions.

“Hrrrr, WHAT ARE YOU-”

THUD! THUD! CRUUUNCH!

Before Bradok could think or blink, he found himself skipping across the rocky ground and crashing into the wall, leaving a crater with every impact.

“Zelsh has agreed to follow my plans. You fully understand that my strength is greater than his. Yet you still charged me without hesitation. You... Ha. Ha, ha, ha, HA!”

Everyone felt uneasy as the mysterious man turned hysterical. But it only lasted for a moment as he regained his usual demeanor. “Sorry about that. You just reminded me of some fond memories, that’s all.”

“Huh?!” Ripping himself out of the wall, Bradok spat a bloody loogie and barreled at the man for a second clash. “Well, maybe this will help!”

“Enough.”

Just as Bradok’s fist was about to reach the man’s chest, he froze. The gorilla couldn’t move a muscle, not even those on his face.

Sighing, the man began to slowly circle the belligerent ape. “I’m not like most people nowadays. I come from an ancient era. I hold you and your race in the highest regard. If there’s anything you must know, it’s that. Everything I do is for the best of your species, the Iron-body Gorillas. There aren’t many of you left, but I’m working with what I have.”

Snap.

With the snap of the man’s finger, Bradok fumbled and fell on his face. At the same time, Ania put her mind to work.

“Ask. Go ahead.”

First looking to Zelsh, Ania asked, “Do you know who he is?” When Zelsh nodded, Ania took in a deep breath. “If Zelsh is allowed to know your identity, then why not us?”

“Ah... Finally, we get to a good question,” chuckled the man.

“So you’ll-”

“I’ll say this. Knowing my identity will only cement your feelings of hopelessness in this situation. Also, the moment I share my identity is the same moment you accept the responsibility of participating in my plans.”

Shaking her head, Ania replied, “But we’re already a part-”

“No, you’re not.” Wagging a finger from side to side, the man explained, “You’re involved in my plans by default. You’re not participating in my plans. Dioro participated. As is Oli. Yet Dioro only learned one of my identities after he became strong enough.

“And yes, that was before he became a perennial,” added the man, answering Ania’s next thought. “... Knowing one of my identities does you no good, not at this moment in time. Perhaps in the future, but not now.”

“Then why tell Zelsh? Huh!?” barked Bradok, trying to make up for his physical loss with a verbal rebuttal.

Snickering, the man shrugged, “That’s because Zelsh has more to offer than either of you. Because I can help Zelsh in ways that neither of you could understand.”

“What’s it take?”

Looking at the balding gorilla, the man smirked. “To know me? Another good question...”

“You offered Jarrit a contract, so I’m sure you told him as well,” Ania added. “Then you should be able to tell people without too much trouble.”

“Ha! Bold of you to assume!” mocked the man. “Knowing my name will either bring you nothing, or cause the destruction of your species. Are you sure you want to take that-”

“I’M ALL IN!!!”

Laughing, the man looked to Bradok once again. Now, the aging gorilla was directly in front of him. Not bowing or taking a knee. Just standing face to face with the man, close enough to breathe on him. “You don’t know the meaning of-”

“I said, ‘I’M ALL IN!’ So hurry up and tell me, at least me,” bantered Bradok. “I’m allowed to die if I want to!”