Inside the Dire-Rat's dim consciousness, the Witchling-Worm was curled up with an expression of dissatisfaction in it's eyes. Even though this host had talent for magic, it still wasn't enough to appease the worm. Witchling-Worms liked hosts that possessed special innate spiritual and corporeal properties. Something like natural energy glands, or being born with a completely formed materialization field would peak their interest.
A creature that could use magic would be regarded highly no matter where they went, but this wasn't enough to qualify in the Witchling-Worm's eyes. Having magical talent was only among the basic requirements that it had for a host. With a crappy host like this rat, the Witchling-Worm knew it would have to do more work if it didn't want to be dragged down.
Seeing it like this, Raiken thought of something that could divert it's attention from it's poor conditions. "Come on, cheer up. Quit pouting, where you're going, there will be all kinds of interesting things to play with. There are even energy stones down there. You'll be able to use those to reduce your load while you're improving the quality of your host."
When this was pointed out, the gloom in it's crimson eyes receded a tiny bit. Energy crystals were a resource no refiner could resist, in fact none tried to resist it. Even beasts which hadn't formed structured thought instinctively knew that the crystals were the key to a new life for them. A creature like the Witchling-Worm who had divine abilities could do even more with the crystals!
After it easily took root inside the Dire-Rat's consciousness, the Witchling-Worm didn't do anything to effect it's will, a host would still be in control of their mind and body, the worms didn't seek total dominance. It would be better if their hosts did all the fighting while they focused all their attention on their own refinement. They would only take action when their host was on the brink of death, since a lot of work and energy was put in raising the quality of their hosts, the worm would be very reluctant to let them perish so easily.
Since the creature it presently inhabited didn't have any skills to speak of, the Witchling-Worm decided to leave it unconscious until it could bring it's refinement layer to a higher standard. Letting the rat be in control would most likely cause it to eat a loss somewhere along the line.
Crunching sounds came from the rat's body, ripples were going up and down it like it was being ran over by a stampede. While the other rats trembled with their bodies lowered in submission around him, Raiken watched curiously as the worm unleashed it's methods. One had to know that these worms were creatures that his ancestors created when the first shadow realm came into existence. Even Raiken didn't know the extent of their abilities, he only knew some things, which included the method to manifest them from the shadow worlds. That ability was linked to their bloodline, it reduced the interference of spatial transference using the Optic Demon's status as Lord's of shadows.
The Witchling-Worm was only one of many shadow creatures he could manifest!
As pops began to sound off across the rat's body, it's fur began to darken while it's body visibly lengthened. A dark mist started flowing on it's body, hidden beneath it's fur, materialization seals were taking form on it's skin. The rat's body was being refined by shadow energy, more access points needed to be materialized before the Witchling-Worm could start improving it. Spirit energy was drawn from the surroundings, making the mist covering the rat get even darker.
After the worm finished, it connected all the seals together with a symbol. When it was in place, all of the previously chaotic looking flows of dark light came together in a surprisingly neat network. The mist was sucked into the Dire-Rat's body, revealing it's form that was now much longer and leaner. It's eyes were now a pure scarlet color when the worm controlled it's body and opened them. As it stood up, long limbs that were straight with an elegant curve at the lower ends was seen.
It's previous modest size at barely over a meter was casted off, it now stood over two meters on it's four legs. Standing there with it's pitch black coat and firmly erect posture, the Dire-Rat no longer looked like an insignificant pest, no better than road kill. Right now, it looked like an elite monster that probably ruled it's own training ground.
Raiken regarded the energy seals that the worm enchanted it's host with. "I get it. This rat's body wouldn't be able to handle the cost of higher level seals, it would just get devoured by the activation symbol when it's vitality was tapped into as a energy source. This is the best seal network you could use in the short term. You should be able to put up quite a fight now".
Most beasts didn't have a method of circulating their energies other than when they were highly active, such as in moments of battle. They breathed in spiritual energy until their vessels reached full capacity, the energy would eventually circulate on it's own as their vessel's capacity naturally upgraded. It was a primitive, blind way of refinement. Where progress took longer, results wouldn't be seen until further down in the long run.
With the Optic Demon's gift of the penetrating divine eyes, locating the energy glands inside of a entities body wasn't an issue, the Witchling-Worm could transfer energy straight to the vessels without wasting any questing for them. This Dire-Rat was destined to reach a level no others of it's kind had ever achieved before!
"There should be more than a few useful refinement materials underground. That's usually where etheric doors could be found as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if spirit treasures crossed over from other realms. There's a bright side to this as well, once you make a move, mountains of spirit beads, and Aktiv spirit pearls will be available for your training", Raiken spoke grandly, using a clawed hand to emphasize the picture he was painting.
The Witchling-Worm was still indignant about being given a rat for it's host, it wanted to keep the attitude so it's displeasure would be deeply felt, but that was hard with the image of it curled up on a throne of energy crystals playing vividly in it's mind. Indeed, having a large amount of energy crystals to train with would vastly reduce the struggle, anticipated results could be experienced even sooner.
The Witchling-Worm wouldn't be sure if the benefits made up for the grievance of inhabiting a trash host until it made it underground and had a look for itself.
As a rookie who rarely got permission to leave his home, Raiken had zero experience being out on the field, the only things he knew were what he read about in books. There weren't many instructions he could give the worm beyond "secure a crystal deposit site, crush all obstacles that get in the way".
Like a general sending off his trusted officer, he waved as the expectant Witchling-Worm dropped down into the hole. It followed the other rats down, with their claws latched firmly in the walls of the tunnel, they were swallowed by the darkness as they descended.
He could communicate with the worm through a connection of their souls, it could inform him of any news instantly it had to report on the task he'd given it. After putting it on the job, the only thing left for him to do was to show up and collect once he was given the word.
After he decided on that, Raiken turned to regard the Earth-Child's corpse behind him. "I'll get somebody to cook this back at the wolf village. An adventure can't be called an adventure unless it includes delicious, steamy food".
His body turned into a silver light as he flashed away through the sky, the Earth-Child's body became a huge shadow flickering in his wake.
Pernoaken and his two scouts were just finishing off a creature he killed with a punch to eat for breakfast. A small hill of thick bones was stacked in front of them, Wanka was in the middle of picking his teeth with one of the unfortunate creature's nails.
"A thought just came into my mind Lord. You don't think the little Deity has forgotten about us after getting preoccupied with something else do ya"?
The reason the Trollsbane willingly accompanied Raiken was because of the ease with which the child could subdue him. Not even their chief could render him that helpless, as bold as he was, Pernoaken wouldn't declare that he was the strongest, but he was confident that there weren't many who could toy with him. In his view, the Little Deity was a being who could easily dominate mighty warriors like mighty warriors dominated average warriors.
As his huge body that was bigger than a house sat there, he was suspecting that Raiken was off somewhere having fun and leaving him out of it. "I wouldn't put it pass the little monster. He's probably off somewhere right now causing havoc and burning down villages with a tender cackle", he replied, somewhat resentfully.
One of the main reasons he wanted to follow Raiken was so he could fight and rampage to his hearts content. It was better than being back in the House of Nar, under the disapproving eyes of those old shaman. The old shaman of the household always tried to force reading lessons on the Trollsbane, his total dismissal of their advice created a situation where both sides were having a silent battle of wills.
A shaman would have high status and many privileges in any supernatural tribe, at the same time, warriors like Pernoaken who can seal off a direction with his strength alone also needed to be treated with importance. Chief Merken naturally stepped in the middle to cool the situation. Or with the old shaman and their prideful attitudes, it wouldn't be surprising if they acted to teach the Trollsbane a lesson.
When they suddenly had the case of Raiken's appearance, Pernoaken was given a welcome diversion from the boring everyday perimeter patrols. Though his mind didn't think far enough to wonder about what involved Raiken's mysterious appearance, the Trollsbane was still able to realize with a creature in the big leagues like the Little Deity running around, there would surely be a commotion.
There might even be a chance for him to meet the rumored Angel Winged Valkyrie and force himself upon her if he followed the little Deity around. For an orc, he surely had a good imagination, perhaps his productivity would only be put to use when it involved combat and females. An image of what the Valkyrie looked like and how sexy she was had already been conjured in his lustful fantasies.
While he was busy thinking of nonsense, a humming sound came from the sky. The three orcs looked up to see a silver lizard appear in waves of scattering light. 9 cocoons of light hovered behind it, a huge body floated even further behind the 9 cocoons. Understandably, the sight froze these three mighty Nar orcs in their tracks.
Raiken took a few moments to savor their dumbfounded expressions, before he spoke up to alert them of who he was. "Hey big brute and two much smaller brutes! Did you guys miss me? Well I'm back, so you could quit worrying".
Putting the voice together with the crimson eyes, the orcs realized who had made such a startling appearance. 'As expected of the Little Deity, what a grand entrance' they thought as they stood up excitedly to welcome him.
"Ha, ha, ha, ha, it's you, Little Deity! How'd you get like that, is this your true form"? The Trollsbane wasn't too unfamiliar with such things, he knew about shapeshifting supernatural beings, Raiken's different form didn't surprise him for long.
As Raiken landed, Pernoaken's attention was immediately caught by the Earth-Child's massive figure. He could tell that the beast had terrorizing strength from it's size and the presence of slaughter leaking from it after all the strong creatures it had likely made a meal of.
Using the experience of an expert killer, he tried to look for signs that could give him hints about how this big fellow met it's end. Alas, after multiple close inspections where he even turned the body around to search, he still couldn't tell what killed it.
Taking in the undamaged corpse of this mighty creature, Pernoaken suddenly wondered if the Little Deity was a creature that had power over life and death. He could make one unable to grasp the details even when he killed.
It didn't matter how skilled a warrior was, they wouldn't be able to avoid leaving behind evidence of their killing stroke.
Whatever the reason for it's poor luck was, the beast most likely didn't even know how it died.
While the Trollsbane marveled at his awesome killing method, Raiken appeared on top of the orc's bald head in a silver flash. He pointed at the 9 cocoons he brought back with him. "There are nine humans inside those, I've decided to train them to see how far they could go. I'm looking forward to the outcome where regular pebbles could be polished into precious gems".
The Trollsbane observed the cocoons, he could see shadows curled up inside them. These cocoons of light were a sight that could easily capture your interest, making you wonder about them. After hearing that there were just some humans inside them, Pernoaken's curiosity vanished. "You're really going to waste your time developing these weaklings", he scoffed, "wouldn't you get more out of your efforts if you spent them strengthening a mighty warrior like myself"?
It would really be a waste if a big shot like the Little Deity invested himself into guiding some humans. There were humans in the Nar household too, they were responsible for keeping records of daily matters. Only humans that specialized in brewing alcohol could get a favorable impression from the Trollsbane. Like the Moonberry clan back home, who grew gardens of moon-berries and made strong ale that the orc lords loved.
"You aren't wrong. It would definitely save me alot of effort if I raised up someone with strong potential. An individual with good talents will naturally show results in their training, it wouldn't be too surprising seeing them dominate. I think it's more interesting to watch an underdog defy the heavens though".
Raiken patted the Trollsbane's head, "Assist me in completing some tasks, don't worry, with my status, I don't need to rip you off. If you perform well at your job, I'll teach you how to access the power slumbering in your body".
Showing this poor creature how to tap into the scattered innate vigor inside his body was easy for Raiken. All he had to do was give him a few pointers, the big brute would be very grateful when his power took a leap forward.
Upon learning there were powers he could grasp, the Trollsbane's attention immediately narrowed on it. Although he had figured out a way to increase his body's physical output, killing his way to the orc lord stage, he secretly wished to float around like a leaf and slash out beams from his blade like a refiner. His physical output technique wasn't as relaxed or was applied with as much ease as energy techniques. A human wouldn't be able to survive the exercise required to surpass their physical limits, Pernoaken himself had to eat huge amounts of supernatural flesh to heal his bones and muscles after crawling away from deadly battles.
"I hope you aren't fooling with me Little Deity. You're saying I can train like those energy users? Why couldn't I feel it before whenever I tried to"?
Chief Merken had tried to explain to him the way of harnessing energy, but none of his attempts at bringing it forth lead to anything.
"Your sensory capabilities aren't attuned enough. It's more easier for some than it is for others to use the inner sense, locating energy passages and centralizing the energy is less of a struggle".
It was unknown if the orc lord could set aside some time to properly learn the ways of developing his senses. It would pain him if he had to work his mind figuring out how to apply the methods.
Before long, Raiken and the orcs were on the move. With Raiken taking a place coiled comfortably on his head, the Trollsbane's lengthy stride covered long distances, the two scouts had to maintain a near sprint to keep up. Their stamina was pretty high, so it didn't phase them a bit.
The rays coming from the two suns above became more piercing as noon approached. After exiting a passage where the ground began to tilt toward a drop, a high wall that had been sculpted out of rock could be seen ahead of them. Raiken raised his head up to look around.
There was another passage neighboring the one they came through. A group of hummingbirds riding on beaked lizards emerged from it, they stiffened with startled expressions upon seeing Pernoaken's giant form.
When the Trollsbane caught sight of these birds, his eyes lit up, giving them looks as if he were measuring the amount of meat on their bodies. A brown skinned young man with wings on his back was in the lead. The others in their group had features of hummingbirds, their bodies were covered in feathers. He was the only one with a human resemblance if you ignored the wings.
Raiken's crimson eyes studied them curiously, their refinement layers weren't too low. Amongst this group, the winged young man in particular had an interesting musculature and skeletal system. He saw a bunch of scattered energy that was left out of the refinement circulation of the young man's energy channels. His control hadn't reached the stage where he could seal and give the energy stable form.
It was a situation where none of the mystical maneuvers he utilized would show their highest performance. Yet it wasn't just that, there was plenty of energy which wasn't being refined. In other words: he wasn't able to make use of the strength idling in his body.
Crossing paths with a huge orc like this made the hummingbirds freeze. They kept their eyes focused on him and the table sized sword on his back, if he attacked, they would need to react fast to survive it. More than likely they would die even with just a graze.
Terrifying yellow fangs were exposed when the Trollsbane grinned, moving his gaze between the hummingbird group.
Without even needing to pay attention, Raiken saw through his intentions. "Forget about them, look ahead. There appears to be something happening at the entrance of the wall".
The baby demon didn't spend too long looking over these low level birds. Motion at the opening in the rock wall stole his attention away. There were groups of creatures coming from the entrance, those that were of the same clan moved together, while those who were from a different species kept their distance and stuck to their own unless necessary.
There were surprised expressions in their eyes, as if they were trying to figure out what was going on. Grey-Wolf village was an important trading center for these supernaturals. Items which could aid refiners were available, these supernaturals had no choice but to set aside their differences in the interest of becoming stronger. They traded items they had no use for with other parties for ones that suited their needs.
Some individuals were agitated as they were escorted out of the gate by creatures with the heads of rottweilers. Their bodies rippled with solid muscle, stretching the leather armor on their chests and arms. There was no need for them to act tough, their faces already had a menacing look that seemed permanently etched on.
Their hands hanging at their sides had claws that looked like they'd shred your meat down to the bone. From the years that Grey-Wolf village had cemented it's status as a trade center, these supernatural traders were familiar with how it operated. While their guard squad members looked quite menacing, the village didn't have a bloodthirsty reputation. No one had ever heard about them taking advantage of their visitors to plunder their valuables, or their lives.
On the central mountain, the Grey-Wolf village was able to establish a trade center among a bunch of monster and beast clans. With the strong dog clans and Grey-Wolf family, they were able to maintain a hold over their position. Anyone who wanted to cause trouble just had to look at the four huge dog clansmen watching over the operation of seeing off all visitors who were from outside of the village, and they would immediately have second thoughts.
These four had huge heads, with ferocious looking jaws that you surely didn't want trying to take a bite out of you. They had the new Iron Sheet cloth which was designed by the Smelting Palm clan draped over their massive figures. These four fierce jawed dogs were young masters of the Beast-Master clan, the one with the measuring gaze walking at the front was the older brother, Grim-Jaw.
He was the captain of the village guard squad.
As he and his brothers walked towards the gate with it's tall entrance, a group of red skinned men in furs approached them. Stragglers were still leaving the different sized sculpted buildings inside the village. There were traders who came to sell items, what they made from their ventures would be used to purchase mystical powders that could increase their refinement states.
Some of these traders sold talismans that could unleash energy attacks, such individuals usually worked for certain businesses, or independent symbol inscription practitioners. If you didn't understand the field and could make them yourself, you had to travel to a city or town where the study of energy utilization was higher if you wanted some.
All kinds of items that practitioners valued passed through Grey-Wolf village. The usual atmosphere where transactions were being conducted everywhere was suddenly absent. It caught the traders by complete surprise when the village guard squad came to announce that the village would be closing for business. With the four Beast-Master brothers looking on, no one was bold enough to complain too loudly.
"Aye, guard captain Grim-Jaw, what's the problem? I have an important order I'm waiting on, why is the village closing shop so early"?
Of course, there were those who had less misgivings.
The bushy fur on Grim-Jaw's face made his eyes look small, as if he was always squinting. His two clear eyes watched as the red-skinned people walked towards them. He waited patiently for them to make it to him before addressing a handsome youngster among the red-skinned folk. "Keeke, you're a valuable friend to my Grey-Wolf village, it's unfortunate. And I'm reluctant to say it, however, the orders of the village heads are unquestionable".
There was a solemn tone in his voice as he spoke. "The village will be closing for today. We promise and give our word to compensate you if have orders that have been left unfulfilled. We'll double your orders as an apology for the inconvenience. The village heads have ordered a shutdown of the village to all visitors from outside of the village. I ask that you exit in an orderly manner".
His voice rumbled like a collision of boulders. Standing there with his hands behind his back, he actually towered over everyone on the scene.
Only the red-skinned folk and a few others weren't intimidated. Everyone else started moving towards the gate at a quicker pace.
Each of the 5 red-skinned people were attractive. The youngster, who wore a coyote fur robe, was the most handsome and could make any village girl wet. While his gaze looked sure and confident, he didn't dare to treat Grim-Jaw with dismissal.
Even though he had the appearance of a brutish beast, Keeki knew the dog couldn't be toyed with like he toyed with wild spirit beasts.
As he was opening his mouth to offer his assistance if the village had a problem, a commotion erupted at the gate.
"Shit, there's a huge bastard coming this way"! A voice from among the crowd screamed in horror.
In a sudden wave of panic, the traders that were the first to make it outside of the gate quickly turned back around. None of them even thought about rallying when they saw the three grey-skinned hulks coming towards the village.
Because of everyone wanting to have as much distance as possible between them and the percieved threat, a wide space was cleared at the entrance of the village in less than a minute.
Grim-Jaw sent his brothers out to make sure that the traders didn't leave their surveillance and they were kept accounted for. He couldn't be bothered with them at the moment, whatever it was that had them tucking their tails in concerned him more.
Keeki and some others who came from forces that dominated their territories also seriously wanted to know what was blocking their only path back home.
If it were not something very dangerous, these monsters who liked acting tough would never let others see them getting scared.
Since wagons and carriages often came through, the village entrance was slightly broad. Grey-Wolf village wasn't that far off from a town with the amount of business and resources it could generate. All important places had impressive, broad gates. Their village would be looked down on if they failed to meet this standard.
As their heavy footsteps filled the quiet, three monstrous figures appeared at the gate. There was plenty of space even though their frames took up a lot of it.
When he saw the massive figure who was way bigger than the other two, Grim-Jaw's small eyes narrowed, nearly disappearing. Everyone always talked about how big he was, but this fellow stood higher than him.
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Size wasn't always an accurate indicator of strength, though big frames usually did have power behind them. The huge sword on the giant's back seemed to be there to show that he was one that truly picked on those that were his own size.
Their eyes met at a distance of a few dozen meters from each other, Grim-Jaw sensed a pressuring battle intent from the other male's gaze. As the captain of the guards, such a threat was his responsibility to take care of.
Grim-Jaw had seen regular orcs and orc elites when the Grey-Wolf family replenished their stock of moon-berries twice a year. Until now he only heard things about Orc Lords and how some of them could even rival giants in battle.
He grinned, showing a huge mouth of fangs that looked even more lethal than Pernoaken's terrible set.
There weren't many chances for him to face opponents that put him on edge with his position as a gate guard. While Ruffin the Flaming Blood-Hound, and others of his generation among the dog clan households could come and go as they pleased, he was stuck watching the gate.
The Beast-Master clan was more of a security force with the strict duty of protecting the village. While it was an honorable role and position to take pride in, Grim-Jaw desired glory. He wanted to pass his position to one of his brothers and go seek his fortune out in the expansive Sky-Whale mountains.
As he watched the orcs step inside the gate dragging a huge corpse with them, his passion for adventure and thrills made his blood start to heat up.
While all this was going on, Raiken was still coiled on top of Pernoaken's head. He didn't care about these brutes sizing each other up, his crimson eyes immediately began to scan through the village. Because he didn't want to keep dragging the cocoons the humans were being refined in around, Raiken shrunk them and made a bracelet to go on his wrist out of them.
Two terrifying monsters were accumulating momentum to launch deadly attacks where he could get caught in the crossfire. Raiken would've continued ignoring them if it hadn't occurred to him that creating a bloody scene here might ruin his recruitment mission.
He narrowed his eyes, looking towards the big dog beast, an oversized mutt with muscle brains as he'd come to expect from warriors. This brute actually knew how to harness his innate vigor, unlike Pernoaken and his pitiful results. Being huge while also being able to use the mystical methods of energy users, these attributes would make the dog monster a nightmare among mortal beings.
The level of Grim-Jaw's deterrence didn't merely stop at the mortal level, many supernaturals would be reluctant to take him on as well.
"Hey there doggy, you and my subordinate can fight after I'm done with what I came here to do".
Hearing a voice with the chirping tone of a child come from nowhere, speaking gnome, brought Grim-Jaw to a stop for a second. Finally, he noticed a silver sparkle on the Orc Lord's head when he looked around strangely.
Upon getting a better look, he saw a tiny silver lizard sitting comfortably on the Orc Lord's head. It actually looked auspicious, as if just having it around would increase the odds of victory and good fortune. The way it's crimson eyes slid pass him, it was more like it looked through rather than at him.
Grim-Jaw shivered, his battle intent rapidly cooled as instincts of self preservation brought his mind back to earth. A sinking feeling appeared in his gut when he fought to maintain eye contact with the little lizard.
When he noticed these signs on him, the Trollsbane didn't take advantage of the dog monster. He experienced the same thing himself when he confronted the little Deity's aura. Of course this didn't mean he wasn't taking delight in others misfortune. 'Yes', he thought, 'come join me and thoroughly taste the feelings of helplessness of being an ant like others are but ants to us'.
Although they hadn't fought yet, Pernoaken's instincts told him that the dog monster could wound him if he was careless. All it took was letting the Beast-Master land a good blow, there were other experts here besides him to take into account as well.
Now that his thoughts had calmed down some, Grim-Jaw noted a few details. These orcs were very quiet and well behaved, plus the Orc Lord was letting a lizard sit on his head like it was a throne.
There wasn't any reluctance on his face at all, where was the pride of a lord class monster? He was letting someone treat him like a steed, which meant that the little lizard was too strong for him to put up a fight and the Orc Lord's life was probably in it's hands.
Grim-Jaw might have fantasized about being a veteran of the mountains who fought epic battles, but he didn't want to be a tragic hero. Something was definitely odd about this silver lizard, it even had a group of powerful orcs carrying it around as if it was their king.
If he recalled it correctly, the lizard itself even called the Orc Lord it's henchman, speaking as if it could decide things for him without even having to ask for the orc's opinion on the matter.
Some monstrous figures had appeared at the gate, this small lizard was apparently the root cause of the occurrence.
"Bring me the best cook you have in the village. Let them know that if they work for me, power beyond their wildest dreams can be within their grasp"!
Hearing the silver lizard issuing such a declaration, Grim-Jaw didn't know what to make of this development. There were no introductions at all, it just barged right in without a thought, interrupting their work.
"You'll have to forgive me, esteemed guest. Our village has an important matter to see to, so I'm afraid we're unable to properly receive someone of your status. If you were to return another time we'll be glad to provide you with our local specialties".
No matter how politely this fellow tried to word it, Raiken still identified the refusal to comply in what he said. A frown of displeasure made the thin lips on his snout curve down. "Even if you don't want to say it, I have my ways of digging it out of you".
When this was said in such a clear threat, the time for talking had reached it's end.
Grim-Jaw refused to believe he couldn't hold them off at least until reinforcements arrived!
"Ha, ha, ha, ha! Now this is a setting that I like. Little Deity! Do you want me to take care of this mutt for you"?
Although he couldn't understand the words being passed between them, Pernoaken was able to pick up the signs that Grim-Jaw's muscles were winding up. He might've looked like he was just standing there, but the dog monster could quickly enter a battle ready state if he needed to.
"No need. Your kind of work isn't clean enough. I have some plans that involve this place, so don't make any trouble here or I'll turn you into a magic talisman for some human underling of mine to play with".
The grin was immediately wiped off Pernoaken's face when he heard Raiken's strict tone. It was quite cruel of the Little Deity to threaten to turn him into a toy for humans.
As they were having their exchange, Grim-Jaw raised a claw. A bright flash passed along his palm, going down his knuckles, fingers, and finally to his sharp nails.
It was an impressive opening stance, Pernoaken couldn't help but take notice. Two jets of twisting air surged from the dog's nostrils.
"Since you guys won't leave willingly, it looks like I'll have to take it upon myself to see you out".
Under the eyes of a diverse crowd of monsters, Grim-Jaw's intimidating show of force left it's mark before he even made a move.
His focus was concentrated narrowly on the lizard and Orc Lord's movements. The two lesser orcs in their group won't be a problem, just one of his brothers should be enough for them.
While he was prepared to spring the moment Raiken made a move, he still failed to react in the end when a crimson light blinked in Raiken's eyes.
A hand made of black symbols reached down for Grim-Jaw's head, his orginally small looking eyes widened, revealing their actual fist size behind all the fur.
His arm moved at the same time his heart leapt at being taken by surprise. The claw he swung out went through the black hand with no effect. Before he could make a move to block, the dark fingers of the hand made contact with his skull.
His eyes rolled back as the hand drew out a clear film with vivid scenes being played out across it from his head. Loud snores came from him when his body collapsed, shaking the ground.
Everything was deadly silent, as the monsters looking on in the surroundings stared at the scene in astonishment.
"Elder brother"! The three Beast-Master brothers could no longer bother with monitoring these outsiders. Wind whistled as their bodies moved surprisingly swift despite their size, appearing beside their brothers body.
After confirming that he was still breathing, they heaved breaths of relief. Blizt-Jaw leaped up, yelling to Raiken in frustration. "Don't think you've won yet, ya damned silver noodle! No one can come to Grey-Wolf village and do as they please"!
Listening to this guy daring to call him a noodle, Raiken was immediately offended. "The smart thing to do was for you to bring me a cook as I asked. You guys keep asking for beatings".
He plucked a finger in Blizt-Jaw's direction, no one was able to see what it did, but the Beast-Master still went flying like he was struck by a visible object. His big body skipped across the ground, when he finally came to a stop, there were no further movements from him.
Another Beast-Master clansmen was knocked out cold without being able to put up a fight. After the remaining two brothers made sure Blitz-Jaw wasn't dead, they only glared in rage at Raiken without daring to challenge him. It would be a shame if the story of how the Beast-Master brothers were all beat to sleep by a lizard that was only a little bigger than a toddler spread out.
After looking through the clear film he pulled out of the dog monster's head, Raiken knew where to find his cook. It was a matriarchal household where women provided for the total livelihood of everyone, creating a sizable market for their cooking services. A wide variety of different creatures from different areas of the mountain came to their dining hall to try their famous food.
Their place was always packed, a group of humans like them wouldn't be able to enjoy the fruits of their success without the Grey-Wolf village behind them. There were plenty of stories of humans slaving, forced to use their gifts for greedy masters who took full advantage, never letting them benefit off of the achievement of their efforts.
Raiken might've been young, but he still had enough understanding to know that it might not be easy to convince someone who knew nothing about him to follow him. He'll have to offer something they can't refuse if he wanted them to work wholeheartedly at their job.
Now that he knew where to go, Raiken finally spared a thought for the group of monsters scattered in the area. Everyone flinched when his gaze landed in their direction. These guys were all here to sell their merchandise, he gathered. Creatures like them should be mostly interested in objects that had pure energies inside them.
Picturing all the business that took place here gave Raiken an idea. He needed to create a market for himself, where souls were the currency. All beings weren't born with souls, some people were born with them, others had to train and reach a certain refinement layer before they could form a soul.
Raiken thought of making use of this large gathering of creatures to promote his own business. He was even prepared to give a little demonstration that would make their hearts yearn for the things he had to offer.
Seeing that he already had their undivided attention, Raiken began his sales pitch without a hint of stage fright. "It must've been fate that brought us here today. You don't have to be so worried. I just wanted to inform you of the things I have for sale that might interest you. I'll let you know in advance though, all of my products are high quality, so they won't be cheap".
Each of these creatures here were the sorts with active minds, they weren't like other monsters who didn't think beyond what's in front of them. Over time, many supernaturals discovered the benefits of established trade systems. These supernaturals went out everyday to build a stock of objects that could hold energy, even if they didn't know how they could be put to use, the existence of trade centers provided a way for them exchange useless things for something that had value.
Multiple pairs of eyes looked at Raiken's group uncertainly. These guys were always open for doing business when materials that could improve their refinement was made available. The issue was that they were concerned that Raiken wouldn't just kill them and take their valuables. Arrangements such as these were done with the faith that both parties were around the same level of strength, where the losses would outweigh the gains, both sides had to lack confidence in being able to bare the cost of their greed.
Even the monstrous guard captain was put out of action by the little lizard with ease. None of them were confident in making it pay up if it decided to stage a robbery.
After having his eye contact avoided when he wanted to pick someone for a demonstration, Raiken guessed what bothered them. "You lot are getting ahead of yourselves. I hope you don't think with your mediocre refinement layers there will be something in your possession that could make me stoop down to the level of a bandit".
He sent a disdainful look at them, whatever they felt about his utter dismissal had to be bottled up in the face of superior strength.
Seeing them still behaving like statues even after he guaranteed their safety irritated Raiken. Pointing a slim finger towards a group he took particular note of earlier, he chose them because of the herbs they had on them. They were of a higher quality than what anyone else here had.
The group of creatures he centered out were a party of green skinned folk. They were a group of 4 females and a male. The male had a basket of woven rope like sticks on his back. Startled expressions were already on their face when Raiken pointed at them, when green lights suddenly started pouring out of the basket on the green skinned male's back, their eyes widened even further as they screamed in surprise.
Countless lights with perfectly rounded shapes left trails in the air before arriving in front of Raiken. They came together and took on solid form again as different plants floating before him. As everyone watched his impressive start off, Raiken didn't bother explaining what he was doing.
He separated the plants on two sides for the different products they could be refined into. His movements were sure as he flicked a golden ember at the group of herbs. With a fluid twist, the golden ember became an astounding amount of miniature seals that came together as the parts of a whole symbol. Even when it was just the size of a finger nail, tens of thousands of seals was what it was made of.
The little ember made circles around the herbs until they were melted to a bright liquid. One of the liquids was a deep blue, the other one was golden. Raiken didn't do anything else, he just watched the process being done, just as highly curious as everyone else.
After all the herbs were liquefied, the ember circled around the two balls of liquid that they had become. Following it's circulation this time, the balls began to take on a quality like jelly. A brighter glow also began to shine from them then.
Wind was sucked towards the balls of jelly, then it was pushed away. The crowd of captivated traders who were unconsciously leaning forward inhaled nostrils and mouthfuls of it, nearly losing their footing as a sensation that they were surging towards the sky took hold of them.
After recovering, expressions of shock and wonder could be seen in their eyes as they stared at the two balls of jelly like parents nervously awaiting the birth of their child.
Upon looking around and taking in their expressions, Raiken chuckled to himself. Before the demonstration was even done, he had them squirming with eagerness. Even the two Beast-Masters were distracted from their angry thoughts, wondering about what awesome treasure was about to take form right before their eyes.
Once the two balls finished the process of becoming a jelly like substance, Raiken poked a claw at them. They separated into droplets that hardened and became like marbles under the circulation of the ember. It didn't take him much time to do at all, he made it seem like something anyone could do.
A total of twenty marbles twinkled as they fell into Raiken's hand. There were 10 deep blue ones, and 10 golden marbles. They were lesser versions of two different kinds of spirit pellets he knew how to refine easily.
Taking out one of the golden pellets, he held it up between his fingers. "This here is a Solar Materialization pellet. It could strengthen your body, purify your energy, and improve your capacity. Those are just a few benefits, it could also make your body's circulation more smoother. Whatever techniques you use to activate your abilities will see a higher performance if you take this pellet".
These lesser pellets were of no use to him, but to lower level refiners, they were treasures that they might even sell their daughters to obtain.
Again he looked towards the green skinned folk speculatively, then ultimately chose one of them as a target to present his demonstration.
The green skinned people were another beautiful humanoid species. Their hair was braided at the front like roots in the earth, with the back hanging down in wrist thick cords.
Choosing randomly among them, Raiken flicked the golden pellet towards one of the females. "Here, give it a try".
Before the female could react, the pellet had already made contact with her tongue. It rapidly melted, touching the back of her throat and causing her to swallow reflexively.
Her beautiful hazel eyes were opened wide in panic, fearing she might've been given something harmful. In the middle of her panic attack, she felt a surge of heat passing through her body. An urge to reach for the heights and drink in all the light struck her. The look of panic in her eyes soon changed into a withdrawn one, as if her mind no longer registered what was outside of her.
A white hoop of light materialized behind her head. The other green skinned folk hovering around her were stunned by the aura that was coming from her body.
They didn't understand what was happening, but they could still tell it was something good. The female's aura seemed to be getting washed by a wave of purity. Their expectations were getting higher, though if you looked, the only sign that they were getting worked up was the twinkle glittering in their eyes.
As a golden light was released by the green skinned female, the earth beneath her bare feet became soft. Her feet sunk down to her ankles in the earth, pulsing gold lines began spreading out from them.
Initiating such a deep connection with the earth couldn't be done easily for the green skinned folk. A deep insight into higher possibilities and applications was neccessary, your understanding of a particular law of possibility had to reach a point where you could put your self there physically to get a sense of how it effected energy.
Using a pellet which was obviously effortless for it to make, the silver lizard casually assisted one of their kind in achieving this greatly sought after state. The green skinned folk watching fretfully over their sister were sending looks of fervor Raiken's way. They recognized him as someone who could give them access to the higher states of power.
Not only them, the other traders also realized that a character with the little lizard's ability to create treasures out of basic materials truly wouldn't need to resort to forceful measures if it wanted something.
All it had to do was refine a few pellets on the spot like it just did, by then there wouldn't be any need to worry about attracting customers.
As beings with the respectable identity of traders themselves, these monsters were suddenly regarding Raiken as an esteemed figure of their profession. They were no longer afraid that the lizard would harvest their lives, now they were just worried that they might've offended it with their prior wimpy attitudes.
Raiken had already anticipated these low level supernaturals would react intensely to these ordinary matters. He planned to use this event to make his presence known in the trader community. With the retelling of it, more powerful traders would come to know of him. The more powerful, the better, it would only mean the things they have to offer in exchange for his products will be of a higher grade.
After Raiken, the green skinned female was the star of the show in this moment. Everyone here was familiar with their kind, on account of them all being competitors for the resources of central mountain.
"These Crying Dart tribesmen really struck it big this time. With this, a new elite has assuredly risen. It won't be good for us if she attains a level where she could suppress other forces, we might even end up having to tribute refinement resources to the Crying Dart tribe to keep them off of us".
A guy with two slashes on both of his eyebrows in Keeki's group spoke up. The way he slashed his eyebrows made his attractive face look roguishly handsome. "Hunt Leader, we've got to get our hands on one of those pellets even if we have to sell a precious item or two. Otherwise the other forces who go all out to obtain them will have even more elites in their ranks".
A scenario of everyone else suddenly sprouting experts like grass while they were slow to grasp some fortune of their own had to be avoided at all cost. Or they risked getting crushed being in the middle of a clash of superior forces.
"You don't have to tell me. I can already guess that the esteemed lizard and the appearance of it's spirit pellets will tilt the balance of the central mountain uncertainly".
As the youngest ever Hunt Leader of the Three-Fold Shift tribe, Keeki wasn't the average youth. His thoughts were even able to see a few steps ahead, if they failed to purchase the pellets, yet some scoundrels managed to get one, who knows what kind of tragedy they could be forced into? Possibly their homes being invaded and their women toyed with next to their family's corpses.
On one hand, he was excited as well about the pellets appearance, yet on the other, he shivered as he thought about the bloodshed it could cause as people fed their egos after gaining strength.
The young Hunt Leader's sight couldn't resist sliding towards a hobgoblin wearing a surprisingly well crafted cloth which zipped up at the sides. Seven lesser goblins stood around him.
That hobgoblin's was called Blahma, from a lowly goblin he managed to climb through the ranks, reaching the hobgoblin stage. He was a subordinate of one of his most deadly enemies, the Terroryote tribe!
This tribe of supernatural coyotes were another strong contender on the central mountain. They viewed the Grey-Wolf family and the dog clans as their cousins, so they didn't fight them over benefits whenever they crossed paths during missions.
Anyone else they ran into would be treated as far game. They stripped you of all your valuables on these capers, those who resisted too strongly were killed. It was best to just give everything up obediently, because the Terroryote tribe weren't a benevolent bunch by a long shot.
As if he felt someone's gaze on him, Blahma looked around until his gaze connected with Keeki's. With a flash of black fangs, Blahama chuckled, he stared at him with a sinister expression before turning back to observe the Crying Dart tribe female's situation.
Everyone's breath caught when the image of a delicate peach colored tree covered the Crying Dart female. It's fragile looking branches were bare, going by it's appearance, it gave the impression that it would easily snap.
Their eyes told them the tree was weak, but the supernaturals looking on could sense how strongly it sucked in spirit energy. This fragile looking tree had an abortion force that was way above theirs.
Golden light from the sky and ground was being drawn in by the peach colored tree. It carried on like this for an hour before the tree became completely solid then retreated into the Crying Dart female's body in a flash that lit up the surroundings.
As she slowly rose to her feet, multiple eyes were focused on the young woman. She had to be stronger after that intense scene she put on just now. Although she'd come back to herself, she seemed reluctant. An option to get ahead was made clear for her in that special state. It was less clear in her waking state how to access that energy, but at least she was able to materialize a spiritual tree.
Her companions surrounded her with desperate looks of curiosity as they watched her returning to clarity. "Yotta, is everything fine? How are you feeling after that dramatic scene you just caused"?
One of the females asked, studying her with a pair of big pretty eyes.
Spiritual trees that could refine energies were regarded as sacred by the Crying Dart tribe, who were deeply connected to nature. The gorgeous peach colored tree from before that had gone into Yotta's body was obviously a spiritual tree. Did that mean Yotta herself had become like a spiritual tree, destined to reach great heights, casting everything in her shadow?
Yotta's eyes looked at everything blankly, she was still experiencing the after effects of the deep state she'd gone into. When the silver glare given off by Raiken's scales from the evening sun's rays caught her eye, she woke up completely.
She hadn't forgotten the memory of him shooting the golden pellet into her mouth. In a single step, she slid across the ground leaving behind a trail of shadows. Her blurry figure became clear again, down on her knees in front of the Trollsbane's hulking form.
Her eyes didn't look his way at all, they were drawn like a magnet to the little lizard coiled on his head, looking like it was covered in precision metal. The little lizard's expression hadn't changed at all during all that was going on, everything seemed to be within it's ability to grasp.
Even now it had a casual expression as it watched her kneel before it. As if the commotion it was responsible for kicking off had nothing to do with it. That innocent expression in it's crimson eyes gave off the impression that it was merely another bystander.
"Esteemed Silver Lizard, I, Yotta, thank you from the bottom of my spirit for revealing the way forward for me. You've given me a more secure future. I won't have to worry myself to death over the results of my training".
All refiners were concerned with the improvement of their practices. Every higher stage they achieved, they became a greater version of themselves. Their influence over reality would grow. A minor advancement was already a reason to celebrate. Let alone Yotta's case, where she had materialized a spiritual form.
Raiken accepted Yotta's bow, with a flash of his needle like fangs, he grinned. "That's nothing. I have even better products than this available. Spread the word, I'll also be giving out missions, there will naturally be rewards that leave you satisfied upon completion".
Yotta's hazel eyes sparkled as she raised her head to look up at him, "Esteemed Lizard, I'd like to learn more about sun energy. Is there a way for me to earn that as a reward"?
Raiken eyed her critically for a moment, causing Yotta to quickly duck her head nervously.
"You smell much better than this guy, and you look less fearsome. I've noticed that going around with a monstrous guy like this makes people nervous. It just so happens that I'm short of hands and can use an attendant. I'm pretty sure you won't stir the crowd as much as him if they see me with you".
This female's kind had a strong connection with herbs, with some guidance from him she could be trained to nurture entire spiritual gardens!
Other than that, she could speak the gnome language, unlike these muscle heads he was stuck with. Taking action against supernaturals with puny strength wasn't in his taste either, he gained nothing from bullying them. It wouldn't hurt to have this plant girl there to slap them around since they weren't worth him raising a hand.
Yotta's mouth and eyes made big round shapes of surprise, by working as it's attendant, she could go straight to the silver lizard if she was lost about something in regards to her refinement practice. She expected it to reject her when she asked about learning the methods to harness the sun's energy from it. After all, esteemed beings were high quality figures, many creatures wanted to work for them but the chances of getting a position were usually low.
When they saw their companion breaking the ice, the other Crying Dart tribe members leap forward like energetic rabbits to introduce themselves. Raiken didn't bother trying to remember their names, he only gave them a nod.
"You guys can wait off to the side, I'll get back with you in a bit". He decided to do another demonstration since there was another material that wasn't of too pitiful a grade.
This time, he singled out the hobgoblin Blamha. There were a few wooden sticks with hard sheens in a cloth bag tied to his waist. Anybody that laid eyes on them would feel like the glare on them wasn't ordinary. One wouldn't be able to help picking them up for further study if they say them somewhere.
Raiken saw in his thoughts that he wanted to have the sticks crafted into a magic wand, but the Smelting Palm clan didn't have a strong enough fire to melt it down to a moldable state. He could go to a gnome weapon smith, but that will be very expensive. The fees he'll have to pay to get them to do the work wasn't something a hobgoblin like him could afford.
Since he was able to come here to do business, that meant he understood the gnome language.
At this moment, the hobgoblin had a frown on his face as he stared at the Crying Dart tribe members. He knew these tree lovers would be trouble later now that they'd gotten in good with such a grand merchant.
When he was trying to come up with a good plea bargain that would ensure he walked away from this alive, his body flinched as lights began flying off of him.
It was the same scene as with the Crying Dart tribe, so he and everyone else quickly caught on, holding their breaths in anticipation for what this grand merchant wanted to show them next.
Looking around at his captive audience with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Raiken suddenly felt it would be very fun to bring this gathering to a roaring closer. "This will be my final demonstration! If you guys really want to power up, go home and gather the best items you have in storage. I provide only the best, so I expect my customers to prepare the highest quality items possible"!
With that, the tiny golden ember that was little more than a spark appeared again. The grey green sticks were melted in no time, Raiken split the thick liquid into six parts, then blew at them to rapidly cool them as he molded them into the shape of balls.
The golden ember shined brighter as it proceeded to burn seals which radiated different colors into the balls. As they cooled off, multiple seals formed the body of a symbol, standing out on the surface of the six gray-green balls.
A cloud of smoke gradually covered them, making everyone strain to get a look, moving their necks from side to side. Without turning to look at what he was doing, Raiken plucked a hair from one of the beasts in the crowd. It simply appeared in his fingers when he willed it.
A flicker of red light left his hand, bathing the hair, stretching it out and making it into a tough string. The light on it was vigorous, giving off a sharp hiss before fading.
Raiken flicked the string a few times as if testing it's quality, before begrudgingly accepting it. He cleared the smoke around the balls with a wave of his hand. The six gray-green balls were the size of a fist after going through Raiken's forging process. They each had symbols on them that brimmed with brutality, seeming to be encouraging you to get intimate with the beast hidden within you.
After poking a hole in the wooden balls that were like metal, he slipped the string through them. It turned out Raiken had made a necklace out of the hobgoblin's material instead of the wand that he wanted.
Raiken sent a gaze at the hobgoblin that was like he was entrusting the monster with an important responsibility. "Now listen well Mr. Green Head. This is a important turning point in your life. The treasure I'm about to give you is called the Ogre Shaman channeling beads. Use them well to gather better objects with energy capacities. Don't die a disappointing death after receiving good fortune".
In his astonishment, Blamha nearly let the Ogre Shaman channelling beads fall when Raiken throw it towards him. It was understandable for him to be overwhelmed at obtaining a magic treasure out of nowhere. His mouth trembled as he stumbled toward Raiken, giving a clumsy bow.
"Esteemed great merchant, I promise to give my all and slaughter my way into the prized lands. That is where the most coveted spiritual treasures are known to be found".
"Prized lands huh", said Raiken thoughtfully. "Sounds fun as well as interesting".
Blamha choked hearing the prized lands everyone treated as a danger zone they had to put their lives on the line to plunder be described as fun. "Not exactly great merchant. They are a place where many opportunists leave their corpses behind to feed the bugs. Normally I wouldn't dare to go near one, but meeting you here has me feeling lucky".
"Those beads should make life a little easier for you now. Your luck is indeed good, otherwise, if you hadn't met me, you would've probably ended up dying working for those of superior power".