Chapter 1174: Rally The Beasts

Chapter 1174: Rally The Beasts



(A\N: In case of confusion with the events that will make up this and the next few chapters, consult chapters 1015&1018).

Tremur Forest...

"Karima. This cannot go on. As free-willed as we are, I think we need to step in this time. That is the purpose of our ascension, is it not?" Azila said.

"Yes! Thank you! We can't keep going back and forth for another week! It's not as though the role we are asking of you is too unreasonable!" Soidon cried with relief at seeing someone, rather, something, other than himself and Erlton persuade the beast seated atop a throne of luminous, abstract shapes to do the right thing.

Said abstract shapes, each of a different colour and strewn about chaotically in the deep, dark space of Karima's Dormant Territory, swam serenely, slowly, only trembling lightly at intervals where it looked as though invisible, silent bolts of lightning struck within the dark domain.

Aside from Azila, the Great Mane Mountain Ape, other figures could be seen on either side of Karima's throne. The Aqua Ripper, a great, blue aquatic serpent assuming a humanoid form where its scales covered its extremities, like clothing, could be seen seated opposite Soidon, a man with long, dark hair, and Erlton the Herald, his lute in his lap.

There was a clear division between the two 'humans' and three beasts, it seemed, mirroring how their opinions had differed very much for the last eight days.

Nothing had yet to enter or exit Karima's Territory other than Azila who had been on a journey to Agmold when the two 'humans' arrived.

"Not unreasonable, you say? Do I, again - for what might be the thousandth time - need to outline how tall of a task you are asking of me? It is no easy feat to rally the guardian beasts in all the Sacred Forests. There are many ascended beasts in those Forests that are equal to me or stronger than I am. You yourselves have even expressed that I am not mistaken in considering this. You are privy to the strengths of the Deities' creations, are you not?" Karima said in an exasperated tone, his words directed moreso towards Erlton than Soidon.

Karima was a rather short beast with matted black and white fur covering his entire body. His long arms were easily the most unique thing about him, that was, if one didn't count his face which was pink, raw and no different from a bat's.

There was wisdom that could be traced in his beady, black eyes, however, and quite like Azila, he also featured a ring of light above his head in which a brilliant star sat, giving hints of some imperial significance.

Erlton gave the ascended beast a deep look.

"It is not lost to me the fact that there are many beasts stronger than you are," he said, "but - and I hate to insult your intelligence - you are not so foolish as to not know that Tiers mean little to beasts like you" - he looked towards Azila - "Beasts who have interacted with the relics left behind by powerful humans are infinitely wiser and skilled."

Azila's expression grew severe.

He indeed understood what Erlton meant. He had heard it from Asthon himself, after all.

Azila took advantage of the silence that followed.

"Ashton, who has been keeping to a deal he made with the royal family of this human land would have gladly accepted your proposal. I'm sure he would have urged us all to as well. I admit, I'm reluctant. I was told that beyond our ascension, it is necessary for us beasts to draw close to humans and learn bits of their craft in order to truly reach our full potential. Perhaps for that reason alone, I might consider joining forces with human combatants and fight, but as for rallying the other guardians..."

Azila looked at Karima. The bat-faced beast said nothing to proceed the ape's slick segway

into his final decision.

Instead, he looked at Soidon.

"If I do as you ask, what will you do, REPENTED LICH? Will you stand and watch as always, or

will you join in this time?" he asked.

Soidon's face scrunched up.

He had opened his mouth to reply when Erlton suddenly interjected.

"He's here."

...!!!

"What?!" Azila asked with a note of intense anxiety.

The Aqua Ripper quivered.

Karima grunted and sat up straight.

"Boron?" he asked what everyone else seemed to be thinking.

"No," Erlton said, frowning and he turned to Soidon. "HE has just set foot in this forest."