“Woah…”

“Unbelievable…”

Raphael and Lu Jade stared at their new serpentine forms in disbelief. Qi Hawk’s ‘Reality Thwart – Prosopagnosia’ had worked wonders. Those golden hooves and emerald scales had been replaced with an imposing black hide. It felt oddly comforting, these new, slick scales.

Raphael slithered experimentally, marveling at how easy it was to move those muscles through this body. It reminded him of a time when he'd seen a group of black vipers hunting a deer back in those human territories. They’d moved with an uncanny, almost graceful swiftness.

“Magnificent technique, Your Majesty!” Lu Jade bowed his head, humbled by the Emperor’s prowess, and even a bit envious, because those spells of his were nothing compared to something as powerful and subtle as this.

“Ahaha! It’s child’s play.” Even Qi Hawk couldn’t hold back his own sense of accomplishment at having such talent. This ability, combined with others, was something to brag about, but now was not the time.

His head shook to rid himself of distracting thoughts as a more important issue came to mind.

"Do not get too distracted. In these forms, some of your abilities will be restricted. My Prosopagnosia technique is based on manipulating perceptions of others. Those who gaze upon you will see snakes, but to maintain the illusions, refrain from taking unnecessary risks." He arched an eyebrow at the bull, who instantly grasped those limitations.

Raphael nodded, "So I won't be able to use ‘Gold Press’ or ‘Helios Stream’. It'll break the disguise and alert them, right?” He glanced down at his ‘phantom hooves’. Gone. “So much for my trump cards… Guess I'll have to rely on my new venom-fangs and perhaps that sword I conjure earlier… IF those are still available?”

He’d hoped those blood arts were part of him now.

Before his contemplation could turn into anxieties…

“Of course they’ll still be at your disposal. I merely disguised you physically, not alter your essence,” Qi Hawk confirmed with a roll of his eyes, then with another gesture that sent those wings flapping majestically, two objects appeared before him.

“Those…" Lu Jade couldn't hold his hissing from the sight of treasures.

Qi Hawk explained, "These items will be crucial for your mission. Consider it added incentive, ahaa!"

The first was a curious, eight-sided device; a octahedron with orange faces and yellow glowing edges. Qi Hawk gently pushed the octahedron toward Lu Jade with one talon.

“Thisss…?”

"It’s a human invention. We call it the ‘Octahedron Communicator’. With this… You can contact me directly should you encounter unforeseen complications.”

“Directly?” Lu Jade stared in fascination. “Doesss this mean you can also watch everything we…?"

“Yes and no. I won’t see those things your eyes witness. This magnificent creation allows me to monitor the energy surrounding those who carry it.”

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The other object floated a short distance from Raphael's jaws; a small, intricately woven nest, made entirely from pure white feathers.

A realization hit Raphael.

Weren’t these… Qi Hawk’s very feathers?! The audacity of even creating such a sacred thing was a power he couldn’t comprehend, much like all the others events today. He wondered what use it held.

“Hmm? Feathers…?”

“That Is the ‘Rou Lin Nest’. A repository I've infused with my own essence.”

He gestured for Raphael to open his massive black jaw which was instinctively obeyed. Then, with a wave, the nest was tucked carefully behind those terrifying fangs.

Raphael was bewildered. “Those feathers? Why would… you… I mean… What are they even meant for?” It seems all logic had fled his human mind today because surely a ‘nest of feathers’ wouldn't stop those venomous serpent bites.

Qi Hawk replied patiently, “Your eyes are truly dim, bull. Those feathers are meant to keep a very precious possession safe. More specifically, my Void Eye.”

He pointed towards his black eye patch before adding: "You can store it inside. Now go, right now. Those disguises will not last forever. Time is not our ally.”

“W-wait a minute! What do you mean RIGHT NOW?” Raphael hissed back in panic.

“You've come to a deal already and my patience is thin today!” Qi Hawk hissed menacingly, frustrated. His right foot was tapping impatiently against that smooth, polished white jade. He couldn't afford any delays.

“Those snakes are in mourning. Lu Ignis is probably still upset. Now is the best time to strike before he has the time to recover his pride and send his legions into my territory looking for you.”

Both Raphael and Lu Jade stared, stunned and terrified, at the urgency. They'd hoped to have at least a day to prepare themselves, practice their arts, and refined their Solar Essences

Qi Hawk swooped down upon them like a hunting bird going for those juicy worms in the morning. He’d grab their serpentine forms and then mercilessly shove them with his talons, urging them through those imposing doors while yelling.

“Get to that snake’s treasury and retrieve my eye, Now! Those details are engraved on the ‘Octahedron’, don't lose it! And remember, if the mission goes sideways and you get caught, don’t mention my name nor the true reason you are there. However, if you succeed in recovering my left eye, just make sure that you contact me as soon as you escape Lu Ignis’s domain and I’ll send back up. Do you too understand?”

Qi Hawk didn’t wait for their response and immediately kicked them out. “Get going now. Make sure you succeed before daylight.”

Raphael stumbled out of the imposing black doors, still feeling somewhat unfamiliar in this new form, however, he would grow accustom to it, just as he did with the Golden Bull Thork.

Beside him, Lu Jade hissed nervously. They had been tasked with an impossible mission—infiltrate Lu Ignis's treasury, steal a Void Eye, and all before sunset. The pressure was immense, the odds stacked against them.

“Did that just happen? It’s like a fever dream…” Raphael mumbled. His disguised wouldn’t last, the Emperor made sure to emphasize that fun fact.

“Hmm… those two?” Qi Fenwei stood a short distance away and noticed their presence. She regarded those imposing black serpents with narrowed eyes.

"Intruders? They're bold indeed. But they won't make it past these swords of mine.”

She quickly unsheathed her broadsword completely and swung it in an arc before Raphael even had time to explain who he was. Her intent was evident: Annihilate!

"Wait! Wait! Stop! It’s me! Raphael! The Bull!” he hissed in a panic.

The princess paused, but those eyes behind her mask were skeptical. The audacity of this creature. To think her a fool by proclaiming such blatant lies? Who was this serpent, and what tricks were they playing?

“You’re that bull? What a preposterous lie!” Those blades buzzed with electric fury as she prepared to strike her mark.

“Fenwei, lower your weapon and escort our guests to the ‘Skybridge Dais’. They are leaving."

Her father’s voice came through those open archways nearby with an unquestionable command. It shattered her doubt instantly. And though reluctance clawed at her warrior spirit, Qi Fenwei bowed respectfully.

“As you command, Father."

After sheathing her blade, she gestured towards those rainbow-colored winds that danced above. Her cold gaze then settled on the trembling forms before her.

‘So they were telling the truth?’

She would let them go, for now. However, something was amiss…

“This stench… why…?”

She caught a whiff of her father's feathers, emanating from their direction. There was an aura of potent power swirling around them.

“This is... What in the heavens is Father planning?" she murmured softly.