by Ivory Scott
"This mental cultivation method is called the Bright Star: Battle Book, but I have only given you the first two stages." Grandpa Geb hid his surprise at his grandson's resolute personality, and spoke in a serious tone, "The first two stages will set a solid foundation for you. After that, you must rely on yourself to find a more suitable method. Well, I believe you can do it. Today will also be the day you receive your shadow."
"My shadow?" Jodye Trill instinctively looked at his own shadow on the ground, "What do you mean by this, gramps?"
Grandpa Geb's eye twitched slightly after being labeled "gramps," but he found himself unable to feel any anger towards this kid. His face grew solemn as he spoke again, "Here is what I mean. Ke Si is your father's shadow. He will forever remain a vassal to your father. Today is the day you receive a vassal of your own."
Jodye Trill's eyes flashed with the light of understanding, "So what you mean is, my brothers and sisters will receive one as well? A shadow vassal?"
"Well...no, not likely. Perhaps little Kamila," Grandpa Geb scratched his nose, embarrassed, "Promise Grandpa to never repeat the things I tell you today."
"I promise." Jodye Trill had no hesitation in his response, as he finally felt he was going to get some answers.
"Then it is fine. Your true surname is Goldwolf. As for your brothers and sister, all except young Horus and Kamila, they are not all my kin, they will likely not enter the family registry. One must possess a Sky Wolf bloodline to take my name, and for our vassal force to pledge an oath to them. Likely, you will need to demonstrate the power of your Sky Wolf before you are even proven worthy in their eyes. Of course, this shouldn't be hard for the one with a grimoire. Here take this origin gem. Holding it will provide you the energy necessary to summon your Combat Soul during that demonstration," After Grandpa Geb finished speaking Jodye Trill sunk into contemplation.
Surnamed Goldwolf? It seems there were secrets in this family he was totally unaware of. Nonetheless, Jodye was excited as he looked at the origin gem in his palm. It was like a piece of milky white jade, and Jodye felt his body bursting with energy as he held it. Jodye Trill was inwardly astounded.
Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open. Lady Isis slowly sashayed her way next to Jodye, bringing with her a bone-chilling air that managed to spread everywhere but avoided little Jodye Trill like the plague. Jodye noticed that his mother and Grandpa Geb neither looked at nor spoke to each other, it was as if they were incapable of perceiving each other's existence. Jodye Trill found this strange. Lady Isis, as if reading his mind, placed one finger over her lips. Shortly after Isis Trilleck entered and put her arm around her son, a collection of steps were heard coming down the hallway.
Walking into the room, Abercorn Trilleck was the first to speak, a hint of urgency in his voice, "Ancestor, we must make haste to the Cave of Myriad Wonder's auction house. The event will begin soon."
Grandpa Geb merely winked at Jodye Trill, before glancing at the ape on his shoulder. Immediately after, the ape vanished, and the room was shrouded in shadow. Now, the only thing the nine people in the room could see and hear was each other.
"Kneel, Joseph of clan Goldwolf, and Sek of clan Si." Grandpa Geb released an overwhelming oppressive aura that immediately sent Jodye Trill and the lad clad in black to their knees.
"Ah.." Ke Si, who seemed startled at the shift in events, let out a small sound while taking half a step towards that lad clad in black, before similarly being brought to his knees by the oppressive aura. Ke Si kowtowed three times before speaking to Grandpa Geb, "Grandmaster, please forgive this humble one's insubordination. Sek Si is the pride of my family. My older brother bade me to protect her interests. She is above our clan's fate."
"Your...fate? Tell me do you see this as a punishment? You are a disgrace to your ancestors," Grandpa Geb waved his hand, and Ke Si was sent hurtling backward, tumbling along the ground until Lord Osiris appeared behind him and caught him.
"I will not force this decision on anyone. Sek Si, are you willing to submit to the will of your ancestors? Serving and protecting my young descendant Joseph in eternal Dao companionship?" Grandpa Geb had his arms crossed as he casually asked a life-altering question. However, his voice had unshakable authority within it. Sek Si felt like the whole world was bearing down on their shoulders.
"May I ask a question?" Sek Si's voice was melodious and hypnotic, giving Jodye Trill goosebumps uncontrollably.
He could not help but be shocked by this. Was this Sek Si was a female or male? Even if it was a little girl, how could a child's voice be so enthralling? Jodye was no longer sure, but he hoped like hell it was a female. He didn't know what to think about himself if his body's first time reacting this way was o a male.
"Ask, why not ask?" Smiled Grandpa Geb.
"Is he even worthy? Will you still continue to help me take my revenge if I refuse?" asked Sek Si softly. She apparently had some reservations about this arrangement.
"I am helping you take your revenge as we speak." Grandpa Geb still had that pleasant and warm smile on his face, and his tone seemed to reflect a pearl of deep wisdom. Sek Si was startled by his response, totally not understanding.
However, Jodye Trill understood his Grandpa Geb's unspoken meaning. Merely, he didn't honestly feel like he needed a shadow. Especially not a cross-dresser with the lip.
"Grandpa Geb," Jodye Trill suddenly looked at Grandpa Geb. "It seems he doesn't want it. Can I rise now?"
Grandpa Geb looked puzzled for a moment, and then amused, before resuming his smile, "Little Jodye, you have no idea how advantageous it would be for you two to stay together. Trust this old man, just this once."
"Grandmaster what do you mean by this?" asked Sek Si in confusion.
"I mean precisely what I said, little raven," said Grandpa Geb simply, "if there's anyone who can help you, it will be this young pup, Joseph."
"Well..." Sek Si seemed quite reluctant still, "Be that as it may, I still have some conditions..."
"You see gramps? If the person himself does not wish to participate, then I can't be bothered. I do not want a subordinate who is unwilling," said Jodye Trill, as if it were common knowledge. Sek Si frowned behind the cloth covering her mouth. This brat was insulting her with every word.
Meanwhile, Grandpa Geb pondered for a few breaths. Even though these brats were quibbling, there was a certain logic in the boy's words, causing Grandpa Geb pause, before he sighed lightly.
"Perhaps we will choose another then. Ke Si you may take your niece and..."
"No, please grandmaster, I am willing! I am willing!" Sek Si, for the reason that couldn't be understood by Sek Si herself currently, instantly begin to panic when young master Joseph Goldwolf immediately rejected the proposal before even hearing her conditions! "I only live for this debt of blood! To repay it I will face anything!"
"It is no longer me you must convince," said Grandpa Geb helplessly, releasing the pressure binding the two children. Inwardly, he was pleased with his grandson's temperament. Jodye Trill wore an expressionless face as his eyes met the child dressed as an assassin.
"I only have one request from you, young master Joseph," Sek Si walked up to Jodye and bowed low in respect.
"It's young master Jodye," said Jodye Trill indifferently.
Jodye? Was he intentionally making things difficult for her? Would he just change it back like a petty child later? Sek Si gnashed her teeth disdainfully before grunting out a response, "May I please see your Sky Wolf, young master Jodye?"
"Which one?" asked Jodye Trill without a change in expression.
However, inwardly he was thrilled to hear the word "niece" from before.
This casual statement of Jodye's caused all the adults in the room to wear dumbfounded expressions. Shocked! They were shocked. Did he ask which one? Didn't this imply he had multiple Sky Wolf Combat Souls? The only ones who were able to remain composed were Lord Osiris, Lady Isis, Abercorn Trilleck, and Grandpa Geb. Even Ke Si was a little shocked, a reverent look appe
aring in his eyes. How foolish he felt for his earlier interference. This boy had long since shown his potential! Of course, possibility meant nothing if one died too early...
"Um...maybe...both...or I mean all...I think?" Sek Si was flustered, not knowing how to respond. She seemed to have never heard of one man having more than one S class Combat soul. Little did she know that the boy in front of her had three!
Holding onto the origin gem, Jodye Trill felt immense power filling him just as quickly as it drained away. With a thought, Jodye Trill summoned the [Cosmos Revolving Grimoire] in a burst of purple light. His aura became dark and mysterious, "Summon Guardian!"
The grimoire magically flipped open to the second and third pages. Illustrated on the second page was the silhouette of a divine looking winged wolf with dazzling platinum fur. On its coat was a power symbol that appeared to be made of serenity runes. Two celestial ribbons orbited around the wolf, and a green and black flame accompanied the wolf in howling upwards. On the third page was a beautifully designed grand heavy-sword, radiating a life-like might. The shadow of a peerless expert existed behind the sword, but it faded in and out of existence.
[Guardian 1: Cosmos Devouring Sky Wolf, Compatibility rating: 54%]
‘Current Form: Infant.’
‘No Skills Unlocked.’
‘Summon Time: Two minutes.’
The first page released a dazzling light and a cute yet strong howl reverberated in the group's ears, while green and black flames exploded on top of Jodye Trill's head, transforming into a howling sky wolf puppy. The wolf pup had metallic black fur and sat up on its hind legs with perfect posture.
The wolf pup was aloof and did not make eye contact with anyone. He seemed indifferent to the world, as he released a mysterious wave of pressure, and observed the surroundings. There were small rebirth and serenity symbols on both it's left and right side, and one little black angel wing on its right shoulder.
Upon contact with that wave of pressure, Ke Si and Sek Si immediately fell to their knees in respect. This action seemed involuntary as if it came straight from their souls. Sek Si was startled. Not even the grand master's sky wolf made her heart and soul stir like this.
"Amazing! Even at the Sophomore rank others shouldn't be able to see your combat soul. What an interesting artifact," commented House Lord Osiris Trilleck.
"This can only be achieved with a legendary Grimoire. To think we'd have one in our house, the heavens truly smile at us," said Fontaine Trilleck from next to House Lord Osiris.
"How can it be so heaven-defying!? Can it attack, or aid in battle?" asked a short but stocky man in black robes with low cut grey hair, hazel eyes, and a thick beard. He had a rough and gravelly voice, as he spoke with disbelief all over his tone. This was Greater Earth Max Dirt, an Honored Elder of House Trilleck and member of the Five Element Wolf pack. His official title was Greater Earth, while Max Dirt was his actual name.
Grandpa Geb's hazel eyes shined as he observed this infant form sky wolf. He seemed impressed, yet perplexed, "Is it a variant species?"
A voice in his head responded, "Responding to host: all sky wolves are technically variant species of Infinity Jackals. This species, in particular, resembles the World Devouring Sky Jackal. However, as the World Devouring Sky Jackal bloodline is exceedingly pure and rare, there are no recorded variants with this bloodline. Also, this little origin god beast appears to have more than one bloodline limit. Unfortunately, the barrier of the artifact prevents any further probing."
"Hmm?" Grandpa Geb raises a brow in surprise. After all, his current level could be considered quite profound. Was the source artifact of this kid that powerful that it could even block a perception at his level? He glanced at the sky wolf pup and noticed, to his shock, it was staring him right in the eyes. The mischievous little thing even appeared be sneering at him, as if aware of his attempt to probe.
Grandpa Geb was speechless.
"Get off of me!" It was at this moment that Jodye Trill tried to swat Sylvester off his head. Unfortunately, he only hit the air, as Sylvester suddenly defied gravity by casually floating upwards with a mere twitch of his wing. Jodye ignored Sly and tried to regain his previous composure, "Anyway, this is my Cosmos Devouring Sky Wolf. Next..."
However, just when Jodye was about to summon Xavier, Sylvester asked him not to telepathically. This caused Jodye to pause and glance at the single-winged wolf pup, who chose this moment to land once again on Jodye's head, instead this time the puppy stretched out and yawned. This caused Jodye's eye to twitch slightly. Regaining his composure, Jodye Trill spoke to Sek Si, "Well, are you unsatisfied with this?"
"No, young master please, I am humbled," responded Sek Si softly. Jodye was almost unable to resist blushing when hearing her enchantingly gentle voice speak to him so meekly. How could this little girl possess such appeal? Was he the only one affected in this way? Wasn't this what a crush felt like?
Jodye Trill hurriedly replied, "Ahem. Alright, alright, less of this. Gramps, shall we continue?"
"Hm?" Grandpa Geb was deep in conversation with the voice in his mind. Of course, no one knew this. To the crowd, he just seemed to be lost in thought, "Ah! Of course."
Instantly, pressure bore down on the two children once more, forcing Sek Si to her knees. Jodye Trill, on the other hand, experienced no changes. Geb's eyes widened in shock before he noticed an ethereal barrier centered around the grimoire floating directly in front of the boy. He was genuinely astounded by this book.
"Cough, cough. Ahem. Joseph, could you dispel your grimoire there?" Asked Grandpa Geb, scratching his nose.
"Huh? Oh yeah sure. I can only summon for a short period anyway," With a thought, the grimoire closed shut, and instantly, the pressure started to affect Jodye Trill. However this time, he was only forced down to one knee. Sylvester was forced to land on the ground beside him. Following this, the two children repeated the oath Grandpa Geb taught them,
"With this oath, may we tie our fates!" exclaimed both children.
Following this Jodye Trill pinched his skin, drawing a drop of blood. Sylvester released a howl and serenity and rebirth runes condensed in the air and flew into that drop of blood, making it glow in violet and crimson light. Jodye was shocked by this, but he didn't doubt Sylvester at all.
Geb, Abercorn, Osiris, Isis, and Ke Si all had their eyes almost pop out their sockets. It was evident to them that the combat soul had done this of its own volition.
"A heavenly grimoire indeed..." whispered Lady Isis privately.
The last part of the ceremony was for the master to form a blood contract with the servant. However, as soon as this drop of blood glowed on Jodye's finger, the scent that entered Sek Si's nose made her eyes glaze over and become heated in passion. This look startled Jodye Trill, as he had been looked at like this by many women in his former life. Merely, this was a strange look to see from a child.
Jodye had an ominous premonition as those eyes locked on too his blood. Sek Si slowly approached him, with the feverish look in her eyes, as she stared at the drop of blood. Caught off guard, Jodye Trill no longer thought it wise to let his blood come in contact with this girl, and he immediately put his finger in his mouth, sucking the blood off.
Jodye Trill assumed that this trick would work on any five-years-old, even one from a different world. It's not like she would go crazy and wrestle with him for the blood right? Sadly, this action ultimately backfired on him. Sek Si rushed to pounce him, placing her little lips on his as she used her tongue to part Jodye Trill's lips and capture his tongue that still had the blood on it.
She started sucking on his tongue slowly and deeply. The child's eyes became enthralled like she had tasted candy for the first time, and her actions became even more feverous. Jodye didn't know whether to be delighted or distraught. Although he was also a child himself, this was only on the outside. He closed his eyes helplessly as mysterious hieroglyphics and curse marks begin spreading from their mouths to all over their bodies.
While most of the crowd of elders were speechless at this turn of events, Jodye Trill's arms flailed around for a moment before dropping to his sides, hanging loosely. He felt as if his soul was being sucked out through his mouth, and then tied around hers before returning to his body.
This, in fact, was similar to the reality of what happened. This contract bound Sek Si's soul to Jodye's indefinitely. Her soul would always carry his brand, and her bloodline was now connected to his own.
"What's going on? A moment ago Sek Si seemed almost..possessed," Ke Si was much frightened, inwardly praying to the heavens that his niece was okay.
"It would appear to me, that apart from her bloodline, the combat soul she's fused with has some resonance with the boy's Sky Wolf," Abercorn Trilleck assessed while preparing to glance at First Lady Isis for the briefest of moments. However, he was immediately startled. The current First Lady Isis looked ready to kill. How could she be calm watching her dear five-year-old son be corrupted by this smutty Si clan girl? She dared bond herself to their noble blood? She dared molest her child?! This was worthy of torture and death. Something in Isis head that she wasn't wholly aware of snapped, and so did she!
She dashed forward before anyone could react!
However, there was one person here who was fast enough to react late. A shadow swiftly appeared in front of lady Isis two meters away. A young man with a bald head, brown eyes and a tall, muscular build moved like the wind and held lady Isis' arms at her waist desperately. This man was Disaster Myth Kwamé Swift, an Honored Elder of House Trilleck and member of the Five Element Wolf pack. His official title was Disaster Myth, while Kwamé Swift was his true name. Kwamé's arms were surrounded in mysterious scarlet-golden energy that was near invisible but made the space within itself scrambled like a Picasso painting.
Kwamé Swift pleaded with her, "Wait, wait, wait, my lady, please, please, please, they are mere children, do not react so harshly!"
"Remove yourself Kwamé, or I will remove you on my own!" screamed lady Isis, showing absolutely no fear as an invisible pressure begin to build around her. The chaotic distortion around Kwamé's arms slowly became docile. After this, his arms slowly froze, the purple frost building at a visible rate. Kwamé instantly paled at this!