Menos' birthday concluded in a jubilant manner, symbolizing his passage into manhood. At last, he embraced the pleasures of physical intimacy, shedding his virgin status. His mother's unbounded joy manifested in unending laughter.
Lord Nuu bestowed upon Menos a completed Mirth Cloud Saber and Lord Oga gifted him a potent wyvern egg carrying a Peak Rank 2 Bloodline.
This act of generosity prompted Professor Zmos to inquire with Oga about his lavishness.
Nylah openly expressed her gratitude, while Zamira, Berta, and Priscilla pretended not to notice the subtle beauty taking cover beneath the table.
A few moments later, Nylah's hearty slurping, reminiscent of noodles in a bowl, filled the room, imposing an uncomfortable silence.
It was only after half an hour that Nylah emerged from under the table, resembling a squirrel preparing for winter.
Upon Nylah's reappearance, Sage and Yaya were suddenly absent, much like Nylah.
As for Hilda, despite her audacious nature, there was no way she could escape without facing consequences.
She settled for Nuu's playful fingers, attempting to stifle moans of pure pleasure as she atoned for her refusal to become a Night Wench.
The person most taken aback wasn't Berta, but Zamira, who couldn't help but curse this lecherous act. Simultaneously, she had no ground to voice her concerns, for her own husband had involved himself with the big-breasted maiden beneath the table.
Besides the scandalous behavior of Nuu and Oga, the pinnacle of celebratory happiness emerged when Priscilla and Berta announced their pregnancy, along with Berta achieving the esteemed rank of a Rank 2 Knight.
Nuu's fork clattered mid-bite, followed by his laughter of relief and the twirling of both his beloved women. Berta received an abundance of kisses, wiping away her tears.
The pain of losing her children and starting anew flooded in, but now she wasn't alone. She need not worry about their safety. Those were the reassuring words Nuu whispered into her ears, evoking more sounds of her heartfelt wailing.
Nuu's laughter of relief hinted at his worries during the past month living with the Mertaru tribe. He maintained a strict schedule, dedicating no more than five hours each day to his women.
A few of those hours involved intense lovemaking and intimate conversations. Whenever he wasn't engaged in these activities, he could be found meditating or working on Menos' blade.
It was strange they hadn't conceived a child, but he was relieved it wasn't the scenario he feared, them being unable to bear him children.
Not long after, another piece of news arrived, bringing a blend of joy and sorrow. Sir Phi had an unexpected reunion with his long-lost cousin, Sadi, who was a shipwright with a deep passion for crafting various kinds of ships. Unlike Phi, Sadi truly enjoyed the art of shipbuilding.
However, like Phi, Fyorc had numerous renowned shipwrights, and Sadi's talents weren't fully recognized.
So, he ventured out into the vast world to make a name for himself, hoping to gain the recognition he deserved. It was during this journey that he caught the attention of the Duchess's advisor, Knox. Consequently, he was apprehended, destined to become a tribute to her esteemed excellence.
Phi found himself at a loss for words, uncertain about how to express his gratitude to Lord Oga.
It had been a few decades since he had last seen his cousin and best friend. They had parted ways following a heated argument over his marriage to Madame Olivia, and regret had weighed heavily on him ever since.
Pride had kept him from reconciling with his first cousin, causing them to drift apart. Olivia, however, cast a questioning glance at Sadi's appearance, a glance that didn't go unnoticed by Oga.
Yet, this wasn't the only surprise for the night. The one who left everyone in awe was Yimir, a twenty-year-old with a remarkable ability:
Temporal Cloning. As long as Yimir had enough sustenance, this peculiar giant could replicate himself and others from different periods in their lives, albeit with some limitations.
No one was more intrigued by this news than Oga. "Have I been too self-absorbed? Why do people in this world possess such extraordinary abilities?" Oga had always believed that his Lucky Draw was something special.
Not only did he receive a rude awakening when his wife disclosed the existence of the Five Exalted Physiques—among those Five, the Primal Physique left him speechless, as it was simply a heavenly dual cultivation body.
But now he stood face to face with a young man capable of replicating others. If he could nurture such a talent, wouldn't he gain another powerful force?
The more Oga explored this vast land, the more fantastical it became, and the less impressive his Lucky Draw seemed.
Even the ability to rebirth—now he no longer doubted the possibility of others having something similar, the best example of this is Micah the hundred petals barbarian.
_________________________________
A few days after Menos's birthday, Lord Nuu found himself submerged in a roiling vat. This container held not water or any ordinary substance but a peculiar mixture of three mystical elements: Blood Vines, Glowcap Mushrooms, and Trollwood Hearts, all blended with a generous portion of his own blood.
Throughout the past hour, Nuu immersed himself in this elixir, and his life force had been intricately interwoven with these pilfered ingredients.
The potent sap of the crimson Blood Vines penetrated his flesh like a relentless leech, infusing both him and Bonari with undeniable vitality.
Following this, the luminescent aura of the Glowcap Mushrooms enshrouded his body, intensifying the flow of energy.
These captivating mushrooms enhanced the connections between his Nodes and innate abilities, preparing him for his impending ascension.
Concerning the Trollwood Hearts, they acted as the catalyst that linked Nuu to the levitating Great Leap Stele, a meditation technique passed down through generations.
The ominous Bonari rested upon his lap and continued its eerie, melodic hymn, while its master, was undergoing a grand transformation.
A million Aether Crystals dissolved into a surging stream, seeping into every pore within Nuu's body, launching an assault on the unyielding gates.
The sound of thunder and cumulus clouds stretched endlessly across the horizon as if bearing witness to the dawn of a new existence. Fortunately, this remote region was far removed from bustling towns and cities.
A fierce inferno raged, its intensity never waning, while the Great Leap Stele hovered above a simmering cauldron.
"It is time," Nuu declared.
Every requisite condition had been surpassed, Nuu bloodline exceeding the 90% threshold and comfortably settling at an impressive 97%, a mere three percent shy of the elusive peak. Nuu's heart brimmed with gratitude for the steadfast support of his wives and Hilda during these recent days.
Bonari's physical form slowly melded with Nuu, an inevitable union unfolding with each passing moment.
A resounding boom pierced the clouds, revealing a dazzling white light. Nearby, Oga, who had kept watch, withdrew as the radiant beam engulfed Nuu. Soon, a cocoon enveloped the levitating Nuu—the Nephilim's baptism was in progress.
Intrigued, Oga mused, "So, this is how it unfolds. In our lineage, no one has ever attained such high potency as I have. I couldn't even speculate about the flame or power we might achieve." Oga pondered further.
Just like Nuu, his bloodline's purity was halted by an invisible force at 99%. Regardless of the sessions or indulgence in debauchery after Menos' Coming of Age Ceremony, Blood Spawn's assistants, he couldn't breach that barrier.
[Oga and Nuu were blissfully unaware that throughout the entire history of the Nephilim, no individual had ever achieved a remarkably high level of purity.
The pinnacle of attainment was exemplified by 'that man,' yet even he could not surpass a purity level of 90%.]
Realizing he could no longer assist Nuu, his best course of action was to secure the perimeter. But just as Oga was about to do so, his gaze shifted towards the distant sky.
"You've done exceptionally well," Oga praised, his voice fading into the background as a blond-haired man descended.
Yanis, with his unmistakably demonic appearance echoing the Demonic Order, had ascended to the rank of Demon Lord. His dual horns, akin to Jayla and Priscilla, along with wine-colored eyes and blood-stained lips, adorned a visage devilishly handsome.
Contemplating aloud, Yanis questioned, "What should I do if she arrives earlier than expected?"
A moment of silence echoed through the vast mountainous field before Oga chimed in, offering advice, "Don't panic. She won't; this should take no more than a day or two."
Yanis refrained from further inquiry, understanding Oga's meticulous nature.
Oga left no stone unturned and wouldn't let others easily interfere with his plans—a trait his master lacked.
"In three days, a shipment will arrive on the outskirts of Durk Town," Oga instructed as he handed Yanis a Holding Bag containing the promised reward.
Yanis, with a hint of hesitation, responded, "I already possess a Holding Bag."
"That one is for Nori," clarified Oga. "This is your reward for your remarkable breakthrough. Should you ascend to the rank of Divine Knight within five years, I will fulfill any of your desires, provided it does not jeopardize the clan."
With a casual flick, Oga handed Yanis a test tube filled to the brim with Divine Blood, none other than that of the Savage Queen Stella.
Yanis' pupils contracted at the sight, his mouth salivating involuntarily. It was only natural for a mortal to covet the blood of a divine lifeform. With this essence, it would shorten his next breakthrough by at least a year.
Seeing Yanis' reaction, Oga couldn't help smiling.
Without waiting for Yanis to express gratitude, Oga retrieved the other half of the Great Leap Stele and the Ancient Tear of Gertaul.
Unlike Nuu, he had no need for an herbal bath, nor was he attempting to merge with his blade.
Oga's breakthrough was much simpler than Nuu's. For those born with a bloodline and walk the path of Magic, the process was straightforward.
Acquire the ingredients, Spiritual Force must be 14 to 20, and ensure Mind Runes meets the requirements of 30, and that's it.
Oga had continuously fortified his Sea of Conscience and elevated his spiritual force to the highest requirement of 20.
He didn't need to worry about burning his life force like standard Alcolytes transition to Magus.
Within Oga's Sea, an intricate structure resembling a Rubik's Cube floated above a mighty current.
The structure comprised thirty intricate components, each playing a vital role similar to that of a high-processing computer. Oga meticulously re-examined his creation, reinforcing the necessary parts.
Oga finally poured the Ancient Tear of Gertaul into the Sea. In a matter of a few breaths, raging tidal waves surged one after the next as the gate of Divinity began to crack, the angelic hymn serenading in the background.
Oga gazed up at the materialized Great Leap, his mind slowly drifting into a deep meditation, transporting his consciousness into a timeless realm. His eyes could only narrow onto the grand palace ahead. Shortly after, a second pillar of light descended, enveloping Oga completely.
____________________
A week later, Yvette's absence became noticeable.
"It seems I must reward this Consort of mine," Oga mused to himself. It has been a while since he was last intimate with Zamira.
Perched on the edge of a towering mountain, Oga, Nuu, and Yanis gazed down at Jocelyn's Rock. The appearance of these three men would leave any woman's knees to buckle.
A great change had come over their dispositions and appearance.
Yanis, though choosing to remain silent, couldn't help but steal glances. The profound disparity struck him like an invisible wall. No matter how many simulations he ran through his mind, a crushing defeat followed one after the next.
Nuu appeared to become a desolate blade, unlike Lord Oga's wife. It was like gazing upon a boundless void, not truly knowing what lurked within the shadow.
"Yanis, when you arrived at the location, did a woman named Vivian give her reasoning for the extension?" Oga inquired.
"Not before cleaving at me with her glaive."
"I expected much," Oga couldn't help chuckling, but was slightly surprised with her choice of weapon.
Yanis could only sigh, with such a response he could guess somewhat- what had transpired, but this was rather surprising, he would expect this behavior from Nuu.
"As for their reasoning, a fight ensued within the Valley of Despair, and it spread to the neighboring region, making it harder to capture the female Mature Void White Eye Snake. They had already secured 700 human slaves and the male Adolescent Void White Eye as proof of their commitment to the transaction. She and her companion insisted I take back the slaves and snake," Yanis reported.
Nuu interjected, " Did you agree to the extension?"
"Of course, but I deposited half of the payment only withholding the recipe you told me about," Yanis replied. "But was the Enchanted Carsoule truly necessary?" He murmured
"...."
"You've done well," Oga said. "I assume they're being kept by Zmos?"
"Per his lordship's instructions, all should have arrived at Higrave Castle. The sole exception was Phi and his son, as they ventured forward to conduct a land survey.
According to Gregor's message. he informed me that Consort Zamira had indeed returned to Higrave, bringing along an unfamiliar woman in chains.
Your wife stayed for only a day or two before departing, leaving a message that she was on her way to the Broken Starfield to ensure the safety of Phi and his son." Yanis confirmed
"Sigh, she is quite stubborn. I advised her to rest," Oga complained, though he couldn't help but smile.
"What are your thoughts on establishing another City of Commerce similar to Bervin?" Nuu interjected.
"Not a bad suggestion. Given Starfield's location, we could certainly consider it. Let's delve deeper into this once we grasp the situation back home. A decade has passed, and much could have changed," Oga said.
"Fair point. But who is this Vivian?" Nuu followed up, intrigued.
Ignoring Nuu's curiosity, Oga turned to the matter at hand. "What were the results of Fabian's test?" he inquired eagerly.
Nuu teased, "So, you're really going to keep it a secret?"
"You need not worry about it; unless you desire to fill another slot," Oga replied.
Nuu's curiosity grew even more intense as he prodded, "So she's that captivating?"
"You need not worry about it," Oga dismiss
" Aren't you being secretive…..As for Fabian's test, he does bear a connection to the Khan, but I cannot determine precisely to whom….
Although there was a certain resonance in his blood with the Ninth Prince's essence, it fell short of providing conclusive proof of his status as the legitimate son of the late Emperor or even a member of the main branch. Acquiring the essence of that man, as we are well aware, is an insurmountable challenge," Nuu said.
"That's acceptable. Once we receive confirmation, I'll have Nori conduct a more thorough investigation into this claim about the late Emperor.
It's rather difficult to believe that an ailing elder managed to move around during the night," Oga replied.
"Why not consider the possibility of him faking his ailment? What's your thought on breeding Fabian?" Nuu stood up and began stretching in peculiar positions.
"You may be correct, and while that option does possess its allure, our understanding of the Khan lineage is limited to what they have publicly shared.
The sole record in our possession pertains to the Khan: their formidable Sword God and their inherent Foresight, which hasn't manifested since the Year of the Unyielding Beast.
Perhaps they also possess the ability to sense their offspring... However, it's likely that they keep a close eye on their promising descendants.
Fortunately, Fabian has led a relatively uneventful life and appears to be unaware of his true significance. At this juncture, our priority should be to extract more of Fabian's essence.
When it comes to the idea of breeding Fabian, I would prefer not to explore that path we already have one of the void eyes snakes. And Let us not forget that his mother, lovers, and children are still alive... Furthermore, we remain in the dark about his father."
"At the very least, we can rule out the Ninth Prince as a potential father, given that their blood merely resonated and did not merge," Yanis murmured.
"Indeed, it would be wise to approach Fabian with an air of friendliness. There's no need to needlessly make enemies.
From this point onward, he should be treated as an honored guest, allowing him the opportunity to reunite with his family once we have siphoned enough essence, how long did you say this mission to capture Priscilla should have lasted?" Oga inquired
"The deceased girl hired them for a three-month mission," Yanis replied
"So no one should actively search for Fabian, since none of their party member was killed, right?" Oga's gaze narrowed unto Nuu.
"Do you take me for a bloodthirsty fiend? No offense Yanis."
"...."
"And I might have killed the two Knights." Nuu shamelessly murmured
"...."
"I'll consult with Zmos to explore our options regarding Jocelyn's Sea…. Now, concerning the spoils: Xena and her companion, what's your plan for this Sylvanid woman?" Oga said
"And what about Yaya?" Nuu's smirk turned toward Oga, amusement flickering in both their gazes.
"You—" Oga began.
"Are you really questioning me about that?" Oga chuckled.
"Of course, we must clarify this, lest misunderstandings arise," Nuu replied.
"Sigh... Yaya will remain as a Night Wench. You needn't worry about me taking her as a concubine. However, I do plan to have her participate in the upcoming experiments. It would be a waste for such a strong-willed woman to follow the path of Nylah and Sage and become a Rare Human."
"Then we have no issue. Such a woman becoming a proper housewife would be a waste. Sharing is caring, don't you agree, Yanis?" Nuu teased.
"...."
"...."
"Now, what about Xena?" Oga revisited the earlier question.