Mission: Demon Beast Cores
Sitting across the table which had ancient engraved carvings of Dragons, sat Alestar with a smile.
Before him, he saw both teens giving a slightly wary look as he mentions the trial.
" Don't tell me the lot of you are scared?"
He playfully spoke seemingly basking in their unbridled curiosity.
" It's not about being scared, but one must always take care in certain matters. "
" Before you stated the first main trial will be leaving this forest. I'm guessing this is somewhat related right?"
Taf tried recalling the information previously disclosed concerning the trial, then highlighted a detail once brought forth.
" Well, that is the main trial. I guess there is no point in being mysterious with you both"
" This forest spans approximately one-third of the territory they call Fu."
When the two heard his words they were caught off guard for a second. They were previously given a slight introduction by Nisha. Within her speech, she briefly discussed the vastness of the Fu providence.
For one forest to span, such a large distance... far-reaching would be an understatement.
They were then quickly drawn back to conversing with the Draconian Alestar.
" This so-called Brave Mans Graveyard plays host to Demon Beasts whose realms are equivalent to cultivators. "
" For instance, the equivalent to the qi condensation realm is qi stage demon beast realm. While Lord realm has the similar Lord beast etc"
The two keenly listened absorbing all the new information given as a new world had opened its gates to them.
" There are varying species ranging into the thousands. Some of these species are loners while others are more social creatures"
"Unlike demonification cultivator who develops a core when crossing the threshold of Lord realm. Demon Beast cores are formed from birth"
" This is where your trial comes in the fold."
May and Taf ears were slightly perked as they heard the last part of Alestar speech.
" The cores...?"
May slightly exclaimed after this bit of information was disclosed.
" Yes indeed..."
" There is an area within the forest I have special reserved for you both. Within, there are 500 qi stage demon beast ranging from levels 1-9."
After hearing May's question, Alestar acknowledged while providing additional information that caused even more confusion.
" This is some form of survival challenge ?"
Taf asked as his curiosity was peaked. If he said he wasn't exciting that would definitely be a lie. For the past 6 months, he has been dying to have some blood rushing thrills.
The same could be said for May as well. Though she knew that Taf was completely confident in her ability. To put it frankly, she would rather achieve that confidence by showcasing her abilities when facing adversity.
" What did you say they range from 1-9?"
After a second Taf recalled that small detail. They were only at the 6th level of Qi condensation. How could they possible confront demon beasts at the 7th, 8th and 9th level?
" Yes, I did indeed. Don't tell me the God slayer is scared now of some measle qi stage demon beasts"
Alestar smirked as the youth predictable questioned his words. He then continued with the details of the trial.
" Your task is quite simple, within the next six months I want you to recover all 500 demon beast cores through a complete slaughter"
Both Taf and May sat quietly as they tried to ponder over the details of this trial. This did not seem to be something that could be achieved easily.
" Since he was the one to set this trial, I'm sure it's filled with danger but it should be passable. If not what would be the point of sending us to our death?"
After thinking it through Taf became more confident in his analysis.
" How will it be arranged? I'm guessing it would be reasonable for us to assume these demon beasts will not attack all at once"
May asked as she too thought of the trial that loomed.
" Think of the forested area as being a circle in which the trial will take place.
You will be placed within the centre of the area disclosed. "
" Within the inner radius are the lower level beast and as you progress outwardly there are the higher ranking beast"
" Quite simple when you think about it huh..?"
Alestar continued disclosing more details however something in his words made Taf have a slight foreboding.
" what's the catch..?"
He then asked suspiciously as he viewed the Draconian.
"Oh not much....do you always have to be so suspicious young one"
Taf eyes still sought to pierce throw those disguised words previously uttered. Seeing his reaction Alestar laughed.
" Hehe.., Now I remember with each month that passes the area becomes more condensed. Forcing the demon beasts to charge towards the centre."
" I wonder if the six months will be enough then.."
Alestar playful replied while sipping a glass of red wine. The teens both looked at the other knowing this task had just gotten a lot more difficult.
"There are positives however as you will find that these beast cores offer benefits for your cultivation.
Hearing his words May felt slight relief that at the very least something was going in their favour.
" How is it beneficial?"
She then asked the question that both her and Taf were thinking.
" These cores can act as substitutes for Affinity stones. Although they are beneficial to you May, the effects are quite negligible."
" Taf, on the other hand, will see himself basking in paradise. Stored in each core is mainly demon/beast affinity qi with slight elemental qi"
Hearing his reply lightning struck within Taf's mind for a second.
" Wait is this one of the reasons you didn't want me using the affinity stone?"
" So I could instead use the demon beast cores"
He then asked curiously after the realization dawned on him.
Alestar nodded in agreement as Taf received the answer he sought.
" Those affinity stones though beneficial to you are lacking in comparison. The beast qi they absorb is not as beneficial as that of Demon Beast cores."
" You have 100% demonification affinity. Being as such your core that will be formed in the lord realm needs to be perfect. Absorbing the qi from these demon beasts would be the best fit"
At this point, Taf could only take the words of the Draconian. After all a few days ago he was but a spec on the back of the frog at the bottom of a well in terms of knowledge.
" If your trial is passed you will both receive items I think you will find to your liking. "
" What you will be given will only be known if the task is complete"
After Alestar briefed the two on the trial ahead, he then asked how they felt their training went.
They each went on in detail about the problems they faced while performing the different cultivation arts/ techniques.
He then told them his philosophy about training.
" The best thing about training and cultivating by yourself is though the road might be foggy and but a blur. You learn to depend on yourself to charge forth"
" Some might say this is wrong. How can one progress blindly while not knowing the way ahead? They might find themselves taking a wrong turn on the journey ahead "
" I say however those turns are necessary for one to truly know the true path ahead. They provide lessons that will fortify you within the future.
" You don't reach my previous level through just the teaching of others. Though it might be advantageous in the beginning, it becomes a shackle as you try to barge in the other realms."
" This is the reason I did not offer any guidance with your arts, allowing you to train on your own. Even the most outstanding of geniuses sometimes are left to the wayside due to this"
For the first time, they heard the Draconian with a serious tone in his voice as he lectured. He continued to eye the two then directly spoke to Taf.
" Though you are exceptional, you have to work just as hard as those who lack your talent if you seek to reach the peak."
" You can't gauge your progress on the standards of this mere lower plane. There are millions like it and most are far stronger too."
" Your eyes should be ascending the world of Gods"
" Hee hee, I've gone on and on haven't I. You both should get some rest as it will be required for tomorrow".