Chapter 126: Ibtep

Chapter 126: Ibtep

On the way back Zac wasnt accosted by any Zhix warriors, leading him to believe the Zhix had some sort of non-verbal form of communication. He already suspected it when he saw the so-called holiness summon Ibtep by just turning toward the entrance to the hive.

It turned out they possessed some sort of sonar sense and could create small vibrations that were too subdued for human ears but could be picked up by the Zhix though a unique organ. It was also this organ that helped them sense Cosmic Energy, or corruption as they called it, since the energy caused interference to their sonar sense.

It was a bit jarring to speak with the Zhix, who seemed to only follow its own conversation flow. For example, a question regarding leadership in human society was immediately followed by Do humans poop?.

What about genders? How do I tell whos male and female? Zac asked.

Gender? Explain? Ibtep asked, looking confused.

Zac did a simple explanation of the mammal reproductive system, and Ibtep seemed to understand.

The Zhix are neither. Or both. We both carry the seed of life and possess the ability to germinate it, but we need the blessing of the Anointed to create life. Without their blessing no child can be conceived, Ibtep explained.

So you give birth? Zac followed up.

No, we create eggs, Ibtep answered.

Zac glanced over at the Zhix, having a hard time imagining it squatting over a large egg like a bird.

It was clear that their society was more humanoid than ant-like, though the holiness was some sort of equivalent to a hive queen. However, there were no worker-Zhix or warrior-Zhix, as everyone except the holiness, or the Anointed as they were collectively called, were the same.

Unfortunately, any further questions about the Anointed were unhesitantly rebuffed. The only real information was that the hive on the island was quite small, only having one Anointed. The large hives could have quite a few of them, one of which would be the alpha.

That information was quite troubling since the leader of a small remote Zhix hive was far stronger than any human hed encountered so far. He wondered just how strong one of these so-called alphas would be, as they might even eclipse his own power. That might only go for attributes though, Zac still had the advantage of multiple Dao Seeds and a Rare class.

Do you have a Nexus Node? Zac asked next.

What is that? the Zhix answered, to which Zac simply explained the appearance of the crystal.

Yes, it appeared next to the holiness soon after the integration. However, it was sealed away, as it reeked of corruption. I wanted to study it, but it wasnt allowed, the Zhix answered. Tell me, what does it do?

Well, it has a few functions. It can sell skills, and- Zac started, but was interrupted.

Like that large blade of corruption you created? Ibtep interrupted.

Yeah, although I got that one from my class. You get a class from the crystal as well, he explained.

Can anyone get a class? the insectoid continued.

Yes, at level 25, Zac nodded.

I want to use your crystal later.

Sure, Zac answered with some surprise.How did you reach level twenty-five already?

Emily, come down here, Zac said with some embarrassment.

Only after some time did the teenager climb down the tree from what looked like stairs naturually growing out of the tree trunk.

Is this a young of your species? Ibtep aksed as it turned to Zac.

An adolescent. Emily is soon 16, Zac answered.

Hello young human. Here, have a snack, Ibtep said as he took out a dead grub from his backpack.

Both Zac and Emily blankly stared at the large larvae for some time, until Zacs mouth started tugging upward.

Dont be rude, have a snack, Zac said smilingly and received a scathing glare in return.

I am not sure if we can eat that, humans have a more delicate palate, Zac could only say before things got awkward.

How inconvenient, these are very tasty, Ibtep said as as it chomped down on the fat larvae. I had to hide this from the others, saving it for a special occation.

This is Ibtep, an ambassador for the Zhix hive on the neighboring island, Zac explained to Emily who was still warily examining the Zhix.

Your constitutions look a bit different. Is this due to the genders you mentioned earlier? Ibtep asked.

Yes, Emily is a female while I am a male, Zac explained.

So this Emily will take your seed and bear children in the future? the Zhix continued Zac to cough uncomfortably.

Chough Well, no. Not in this case. You generally only do that with your mate, he helplessly explained before he turned to the teenager, eager to change the subject. He could only thank the stars that neither Emily or the ambassador had the language skill yes. Where is the Nexus Crystal?

Emily quite wary of the Zhix, and kept a constant vigil at it while she quickly led them to the largest building in the area.

We had to take down all the arrays while rebuilding, the poles are over there, Emily said as she pointed toward a closet.

The crystal is in there? Iptep asked, following Emilys finger.

No, I keep a few arrays in there, Zac answered.

Arrays? Ibtep asked, curious about the new word.

I can show you later, Zac said as he led the Zhix to the crystal.

It will automatically start when you touch the crystal. If it works the same as for humans for you, it will give you five choices. Increased rarity of the class will generally mean it is stronger, but it will also be much harder to upgrade in the future. Some classes are meant for combat, some are meant for other things, such as crafting, Zac briefly recapped how it worked.

The Zhix didnt hesitate, and just walked straight up to the crystal and placed its hand on it. It stood still like that for a few minutes until it let go and move away.

So, what did you get? Zac curiously asked, but was only answered by a toothy grin.