-Twilight - Nefiru's POV-
I watch a sundown from the elevated expanse of grass dyed orange while giant wolves surround me whom after conversing for some time, show openness that made me feel less threatened. After hearing the drawbacks of remaining with a beast body at divine rank, a white and blue wolf arrived, then froze some distance away before he allowed to approach the injured darkness wolf by the river.
A Rank 6 healer? Probably going to treat Dark 9's rear. I noticed when green calls my attention.
"Mhn... I can see little Tenryuu is proud of his body as well, but don't fret since even at this rank, Earth magicians can reinforce our bodies with metal which admittedly have saved us a few times already." He consoled looking at the golden beast on my left. "The process can be...painful, and mistakes do occur... But as you can see...we have healers." The green wolf said before pointing his muzzle at the river.
"Yes, the holes in my back can testify to that," I remarked. "I had the same idea, but my affinities are no good." I then added.
"WOOUo...?" The golden wolf asked something next to me.
"She can enhance your body with Tilanium, but you'll need to stay in her Lair since it will take time and treatment is required because of rejection..." The green wolf translated scowling.
Eh, she doesn't know alloys? Titanium alloys have little corrosion inside the body... It looks like information barriers affect beasts more than people, but at least it's the right metal with a similar name, though the fact that some argue it originates from Tinkers increase my suspicions... However, I can't go through the procedure right now and I plan to use MIP anyway, but the claws will have no rejection... I asserted before answering.
"Hmm... My insides are no good since I still have growing to do, but I'll appreciate if you could do the tail tip, claws, and scales while keeping my awakening color as much as possible." I requested manicure showing her my tail.
The she-wolf nodded, then licked the lips and her tail noisily shaking sends gravel flying before she started concentrating.
Woah!? ...Titanium is filling the gaps, connecting and expanding. Ah, this is what Wind 8 warned...the pressure building up can rupture bones. I noticed with a magic probe before the edges of my arrow-shaped tail tip start changing. How strange... watching metal growing out of thin air and taking shape in mere seconds. I observe the phenomenon sharpening my tail tip with a silvery color replacing the white outline.
"Yes, it can be uncomfortable while growing which is why little earth refused, but not a big problem for high rankers, and I enjoy not breaking my limbs since my forte is speed." He announced showing off his massive silvery claws.
It looks like the survivors learned to seek advantages, but did their Divine not get the memo to prepare for war when in times of pace? I question the lifestyle.
"So... Your Divine didn't augment his body like this?" I probed hearing a protest from the wolf by the river.
"Mhn. There was never a need being part of a Beast alliance and magic training taking priority... But Tilanium wouldn't have mattered against a six-tailed firefox anyway." The wind wolf explained looking at Dark 9.
"Say what...!? Is divine fox Rank 6? That's bullying..." I remarked after realizing.
"Indeed. Ancestor was only rank 2, so the difference was great, and darkness also has a disadvantage against fire." He replied facing me once more.
Hmm... Is darkness really an underpowered affinity? It manipulates the low energy part of the light spectrum but the absorption property is higher than any other magic system and is available from low ranks, so there must be a reason. The big picture shows Light users good at producing quanta while darkness absorbs it, but why? I ponder on the affinity mystery.
"Although there was also the experience gap..." He admitted. "The Divine fox is quite old and has mingled with humans often when his tribe even has beast people, so his knowledge must be extensive." He revealed.
Ah! Kitsunes! I wanna eat--I want to see some... I affirmed realizing the difficulty of such endeavor.
"...Perhaps he would have been able to endure with Tunsgtenium armors until allies arrive, but Earth 9, unfortunately, couldn't help, and Ancestor didn't want to beg another earth magician or trade precious resources." The beast blocking the sun commented in a low voice.
Ah, right, only Earth users beyond Divine can make Tungsten and create Diamond if they are dual with fire, though I wonder how sturdy armors from Demigods would be considering that. Still, even if the bones are adamantium, there isn't going to be any flesh left after fighting that scary firefox... I asserted imagining materials that withstand high temperatures.
"Uh-huh... But isn't possible for a Divine to copy Fire resistant properties from creatures that excel at it? A permanent coat that can withstand high temperatures should've helped a little in unexpected fights." I posed an alternative.
"Modifying the life code huh?" The wind wolf said confirming. "Little Tenryuu.... A low ranking Divine would spend great effort merely deciphering the life code that makes such fire-resistant mechanism work, and wrong modifications may cause the body to fall apart. The reason being is that your mental capacity to process the information and memorizing only increases with Rank which is why continuing training magic is simply more beneficial in the long run." He explained.
As I suspected...decoding DNA isn't like playing with Legos. It must be another misconception born from the fact that it is possible but no one talks about the difficulty, and human Divines don't need to change... Though mending the body from tumors all the time like some old car mustn't be fun either. I affirm the complexity recalling Divine beasts who abandon their bodies.
"How about making a small and compact vessel embedded with tough material scraps instead of a crafted armor? Tungstenium isn't the most heat-resistant material, and this would be the next best thing to prepare for an enemy next door without losing a beast body like those who become humanoids." I proposed another method.
Ah! But he wouldn't be able to copulate with his mates being smaller than them, and Divines don't have extra bodies for some reason. I realized to have forgetten.
"Mhn... Yes, it's easy making a smaller version of your body, but a Divine covered with scraps is hardly something dignifying..." He affirmed before rebuking. "However, for a humanoid, it's best to search a beast person with similar life code as you since each experiences different degrees of difficulty when building a compatible vessel from scratch and it can take many years where luck plays a part. In the end, it largely depends on interpreting the life code, the method used and preparations, yet water users have the least trouble for some reason..." The green wolf elaborated.
So, I would need compatible genes for a medium between my current body and the humanoid I want to create because the other options are spending time learning instead of training magic or rank up until it's easier to play with DNA. I imagined remembering the famous ancients.
"I see... That's why everyone talks about Ancients like they are legends and their descendants are highly revered...." I muttered understanding.
"Oh! We have heard rumors that Ancients spend hundreds if not thousands of years mastering the life code, so naturally they are known to have highly talented offsprings. Although most of them are Demigods who are hard to approach, some races do achieve it secluded at Divine rank like Dragons for the pride of having their children stand atop of other beasts or some birds which have trouble raising their young." He happily explained.
Ah, maybe the eggs make it easier to modify? Though that also means many will be born with defects as they practice... However, analyzing DNA in seclusion to have superior offsprings would be a safer method for leaving descendants as opposed to a large tribe like this which produced high talents, but the Divine died protecting them. It's selfish, but an option for those who avoid fighting or can't strengthen their bodies enough to defend themselves. I conjecture.
"Beasts have it tough huh..." I muttered.
"That's undeniable.... In addition, we take longer to become Divines because great beasts like us possess larger souls compared to other creatures and we have limited access to resources or information." The wind user supplemented. "Nevertheless, beasts live longer and maintain an advantage in magic capacity at Divine rank, so even without fancy armors or swords, we'll be a powerful force with reinforced bones and altered flesh." The magical beast facing me revealed their plans.
Ah, that's why Dragons take so long to become Divines since a broader connection to the soul would require more energy, but could large souls lose the capacity to fit tiny bodies, or a great vessel acquires merely a proportional soul? Perhaps both possibilities take place... At this rate, Shaila will become a Divine long before me! I ponder.
The last vestiges of daylight already disappeared, but the sparkly firmament illuminates the night compared to a full moon on earth which is enough for beasts with a nocturnal vision to see at this hour.
These wolves are rather chatty, yet I can't help feeling afraid being surrounded in the dark by massive balls of fur which lying down are almost as tall as me standing up. I compare looking around. This is too unsettling; I need something to lean on... I affirmed getting up and approached the earthen she-wolf. Mmm... Erina feels safer...motherly, and she reminds me of the green dragoness, but this golden wolf must be much older... I contemplate snuggling on the golden wolf's side before wondering about the wolves age.
"How old are you guys anyway?" I curiously asked feeling the heat through contact.
"Mhn... Dark 9 is the oldest of us passing 700, followed closely by Earth 9, then me in the 600s." The wind beast revealed.
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DANG!! This wolf I'm leaning on is seven centuries old!? Just how much has she seen of the world...what does she think of me? I marveled overtaken.
"You say that so casually, but that's many times my age." I shook my head dispirited. "Uh... How does it feel living so long? What of memories?" I inquired gazing at Erina.
"Mhn... I don't feel too different since my 200s. You experience much but also forget a lot, and recent memories stay clear while only important ones remain from older times." The green creature replied.
"I see..." I took the new information when Erina interjected.
"I'm not translating that..." The green wolf refused, but the earthen wolf insisted. "Have some dignity in front of your son." He reasoned to no avail. "She's...seen a lot and tried many things, but never an interspecies relationship or a same-gender pair we see around sometimes..." The wind user unwillingly conveyed.
Heh~ Erina is higher in the hierarchy than greeny here. But I don't sense total domination...maybe because ranking can change and they are family. I inspect their interactions realizing the underlying meaning when the wind wolf continued.
"However! Such practice only last until the desire to procreate wins, and each side seeks a partner to leave offsprings." The beast said his piece upset.
Yeah, I understand the concern of their declining tribe, and I am aware the intentions of this she-wolf since her magic is no longer hostile.... I wonder if she had that idea after hearing about Safi. I affirmed feeling my body getting hot and heart rate increasing. But this...might be a problem.... What!? I'm getting aroused!!?? I realized. OH, SHIIIIT!! Experiment canceled by Bonner warning! I panicked rejecting the influence and calming my body when the she-wolf twists her body. Tha-that was close-- Don't sniff me! ...Why do I feel like Shaila all of the sudden? I retorted staring at the giant nose inhaling my way before addressing the she-wolf.
"Fascinating interest you got there, girl," I said making her stop. "Sadly, we are physically incompatible, and you should have an idea how young I am after inspecting...it's too early for such activities." I turned her down shaking my head with eyes closed.
"WUu..." The she-wolf nodded dejectedly.
It's a shame to friend-zone a willing female, but I'm gonna save my urges for a dragoness, and I don't know what Erina expects me to do...she's frigging huge! I determined. Although she just confirmed how such relationship could even work...will it be alright to practice intent transmission with an ancient horny wolf? I wondered before consoling the saddened beast.
"Don't fret. I think we'll get along quite well, and who knows what may happen in the future." I cheered.
"WUWOoo!" She howled motivated while Wind 8 scowled.
"...Earth 9 hasn't had a mate since little earth's father died many years ago, but she keeps rejecting other choices in our tribe! " He justified her behavior.
"That's odd..." I muttered. "Are you tired of your race girl?" I casually asked.
"WUROU?" She uttered inquisitive before placing the head over her extended forelegs.
"She's unsure. No male from our tribe catches her attention anymore." The wind user translated.
So, someone new entered the equation, and she felt attracted? But being that old in this isolated tribe, many wolves should be her descendants--Ah... Inbreed. I discovered and decided to confirm.
"Say... Are any of your young born with defects?" I inquired receiving glares. "It's important. So, is there a difference compared to 50 years ago?" I asked again more explicitly causing the wolves to start pondering.
"Mhn... I suppose...there are more deformations now than before, but the weak perish and the strong remain, so it hasn't been an issue." The green wolf replied before waiting for my answer.
"As I thought. Your kind is suffering from genetic diversity, and that's probably why many wolves want to migrate outside...their instincts seeking new blood is supplementing the need to leave." I explained causing the canines to perk their ears and look at each other astonished.
"WHAT!? How can you be sure just from this?" He barraged on their behalf.
Dark 9 comes closer and lies down in front accompanied by the healer who looks around curiously after done with the treatment.
"It's highly probable since it's a fact that you are mating with your own family over and over yet nature doesn't encourage this unhealthy practice, and at some point, your children won't even be born alive." I elaborated creating intense discussions that echo in the falling night.
"How can we not realize this before.... The divine never allowed a close family to mate saying it was wrong but never said why, nor was our place to question him." The wind wolf lamented.
"You let anger and conflict cloud your instincts, but Erina probably had enough when she's instinctively rejecting mates while showing interest in a young beast that's not even the same species," I spoke my view.
"HIUUuu..." Dark 9 wailed covering his muzzle with the paws.
"He's mating with a daughter isn't he?" I guessed the possible cause.
"With three...this year." Replied the green wolf.
"Damn Darky... I ruined sex for you...again. Though the good news is that more talented with your affinity are born." I remarked as the golden wolf showed me a smirk.
Hmm... Beasts don't seem fond of laughing...my sister never does and showing teeth on the muzzle side is all I got from these wolves too. I muse the behavior before advising.
"At any rate, I strongly recommend exchanging wolves with other tribes as soon as possible." I announced.
"But we are surrounded by territories and the war going on..." The translator resumed their situation.
"Then wait until it's better before teaching other wind wolves human language to ask permission for crossing human lands with a squad. Nonetheless, it'll be quite dangerous since the other wolf tribes are far." I revealed, and the golden wolf showed interest.
"Unfortunately, we can't spare high ranks for such a perilous trip, and not many would dare come to our tribe under these conditions..." The wind wolf said helplessly, and Erina bent her ears. "But I must say, you seem quite knowledgeable for a human pet..." He spoke impressed with a hint of mockery.
"Took you long enough to realize that I know too much for my age..." I said shaking my head then looked at Erina. "You figured something out, right?" I asked her.
"WOOF!" She confirmed nodding her large head repeatedly.
"It's not exactly what you are thinking, but it's something similar, so I can indeed help your tribe," I spoke staring into her unblinking eye.
"What is it? What are you two thinking about? How is a young beast going to help us?" The green wolf interjected puzzled switching his gaze between us.
Hmm... It should be safe saying anything so far away from the mana vein... I asserted deciding to reveal.
"Appearances can be deceiving," I said with a smirk. "How old do you think I am?" I asked the green wolf.
"Not sure... Thirty to forty years? Your talent is not bad since little Earth 5 is in that range too. "He compared after guessing.
"Midas should remember my Rank was lower than his in out first meeting," I announced looking behind me while his mother translates.
"WROouf..." The golden wolf in question affirmed.
"He's not sure, but you are much stronger now than during the rescue of those other dragons." The wind wolf conveyed.
"Well, those dragons are my elder siblings, and the fire dragon is my father... I am only half a year old." I revealed surprising the beasts.
"NOT POSSIBLE!" The green wolf strongly denied. "We can't believe this lie!" He answered for the rest. "You are an odd beast, but even achieving this rank with the help of humans is too unnatural!" He added.
"I told the fire dragon that I was his son who left the nest early, and that's how I convinced him to let Midas live, but there should be wolves who saw me growing up in the forest to the south before getting captured by humans like an idiot." I recount the events.
The wolves discuss with Erina for a moment who explained her findings before glaring at me intently as if wanting to devour while the healer wolf looks around having fun without saying anything.
"...The rumors exist, and Earth 9 insists your claims seem believable." The green wolf informed while Erina consoles the depressed Midas. "It would explain your size despite being a dragon, but how is that even possible? The only thing that comes to mind is an Ancient's child, yet we haven't heard they can rank up so fast." He puzzled consulting with the others.
"Knowledge... I know the properties and application of many phenomena which are unknown even to Divines." I disclosed.
"Mhn... How bold, revealing something which many are willing to obtain by any means..." He said with greed in his eyes.
"I'm edgy about betrayals, and wouldn't mind ending my life before spilling information, but I took risks because I want a permanent alliance with you guys," I announced.
"I see... Then you plan on sharing this knowledge with us if we accept?" He asks confirmation while many eyes point at me.
"Yep. But I want access to the mana vein, and cooperation from your tribe leader to alert us if a Divine is probing around since this knowledge is quite valuable..." I declared causing a discussion among them again.
"We understand this proposition is worth such price, but our tribe leader would kill you on the spot, so give us some time to persuade her." He explained.
"Ah, right, it's your mating season, so she must miss her mate to be in a bad mood." I nodded once and closed my eyes sympathizing.
"Correct. They were together for hundreds of years, so her grief will last longer than ours...." The green wolf affirmed. "She closes in the vein chamber all the time, and we have to bring her food, but she might start considering your help after showing some results." He pressured.
"All in due time. But be careful saying or doing things that may arise suspicion." I instructed then turned to the female earth user. "Erina, can you build me a lair in the middle of the river?" I requested.
"WUOOF!...." She replied interested adding something else.
"She will build a lair big enough for the two of you closer to her son's." The wind user conveyed her decision. "Also, Lightwater 6 here will heal you..." He said pointing to the healer slowly approaching my right side.
"I don't mind, but not too close to noise since I want some privacy." I approved.
"Oh, you are definitely not getting that--OMPH!" The green wolf spoke before an earth pillar rose from the ground under his muzzle. "Ouch... Aren't you too possessive?" He reproached Erina.
"WROUOF!" She scoffed contemptuously.
"Well, she earns points for seeing my value, so... I will indulge her desires...most of them anyway," I interjected before she started licking me again.
"Ah, you are a water user too..." He asserted observing me wash my neck and head of the slubber.
"Yes, and the lack of water elementals slows down my magic progress, but I have one more affinity..." I spoke before shining a multicolored light ball between us.
"Tri-affinity!? What sort of creature are you!??" He retorted as his snout twitched.
"Sighs... A complicated one with secrets you don't qualify to know. So, I will disclose personal affairs only if necessary." I explained turning off the light source.
"...Are you not an Ancient's child?" He reaffirmed.
"Not quite, but we share some similarities, and just like them, I might need allies in the future," I answered.
"Mhn... As long as it doesn't get us all killed..." He muttered in discontent. "And by any chance, do you intend to become our leader?" The green wolf asked.
To be an alpha again...? Nah, pass...I'm not even a wolf anymore, and it's better to push responsibilities onto others. I imagined.
"No, I won't take on all your problems, but I'll call when you can help since I'm not one to painstakingly nurture others just to use as mere disposable tools." I elaborated my intentions.
"Sounds fair to us. But most beast wouldn't mind having a strong backer with the ability to take charge...." The green wolf transmitted their acknowledgment.
"Nah, staying in one place won't work for me since I'll move around the world..." I turned down the flag. "Also, I'll be traveling very far with my human companion in three days, and don't know when to return, but don't fret since three days will help you a lot." I addressed the worried golden wolf.
"Human companion?" The wind wolf questioned before sniffing my way. "Ah, the strong scent of a female... But we rather not associate with their kind." He expressed reluctance.
"Fair enough. However, She's not an ordinary human and can probably become a Divine in less than a hundred years with access to your resources." I surmised.
"Are you mocking us?" He barked with a hint of anger.
"Do I look that bored?" I glared back. "That girl's talent is monstrous for a mono affinity light user and her knowledge is enough to help you in my absence." I refer Shaila.
"Mhn... We could make an exception..." He nodded once. "Well, with everything said.... Dark 9, you should go see tribe leader while Dark 8 and I carefully patrol the north since Erina will be busy with the dragon tonight." Wind 8 said before the three large wolves got up. "See you later, little Tenryuu. We'll introduce you to the tribe sub-leaders tomorrow. "He said dispersing.
"Yeah, try not to die since you are splitting up," I spoke before they went out of view.
The healer stayed behind after healing my wounds a little, then moments of silence later, the remaining wolves got up and moved upstream.
"WAUF!" Erina called my attention to follow Midas.
Hmm... I guess I won't sleep for the next three days since she probably wants to make the most of it... I realized walking behind the giant wolf wagging her tail.