"Ok guys, can you excuse us a minute? I have some tasks I have to accomplish on this trip and I wish to get them done right away."
Dez pushed back his chair and stood up. Turning to his friends he pointed at the tree folk servants.
" you guys can ask them to show you around the palace and have fun here for a minute and relax ill be back shortly."
After Dez spoke Raisel also stood up. Walked closer to Dez and offered her hand. " shall I take you there master Dez ?"
Dez didn't think twice about it and grab her hand. " I was counting on your help from the very beginning Raisel."
Seeing Dez's easy-going Demeanor Raisel thought that the situation that just happened between Dez and his friends didn't seem to affect him too much. "It will be my pleasure young master"
At that moment, a green glow enveloped them and Dez and Raisel disappeared from the Sakura palace.
Suki who was sitting there watching them leave felt a bit uneasy.
Dez easily brushed it off, but she felt something wasn't quite right about him.
"Ethan, do you think he's angry with me?"
Ethan was looking at the desserts and was wondering Which one he should eat next when he heard Suki's concern and thought about it for a second.
"I do not believe that is the case, I think Dez can understand the position you are in. He may have been more sad than angry in my opinion."
Those words first comforted her but later made her even more anxious.
What if he is disappointed in me and doesn't want to see me anymore?
Ethan who was still deliberating on his dessert options was started to get annoyed with all this interruption.
Girl, seems you lost your ability to listen, and somehow became even dumber.
I said sad. not because you didn't agree but sad because you couldn't and he knows he can't do much about it. Calm down we know.
We can understand we are not stupid.
In the meantime, Dez was moving to the deeper part of the dream forest. His face wasn't smiling anymore but had a serious look to him.
He was thinking. Pondering on the words Suki just spoke to him.
Indeed only those who held tremendous power can walk the vast lands of this world.
But Dez knew of a way to get tremendous power. A way available to all but still only those who are desperate would take.
It was to go to a forbidden zone.
That zone can be found in various parts of the world. People say they are left by human ancestors who were unmatched powerhouses who left their legacy for those who are worthy. Others say it's the will of this world the manifestation of Hetrea will itself. Blessing those who are willing to sacrifice themselves to change their destiny.
Others think that those forbidden zones are just lands of death and that others are just stupid to believe opportunities lays in them.
But Dez knew the truth. Or part of the true story. That opportunity does indeed lay in them. And that each forbidden zone is different and has different laws and rules.
Dez had his eyes on one particular forbidden zone. One that allowed only those who have not awakened to enter. And it's called the undying trial. A trial said to break the most strong-willed and unyielding of them all. Leaving 99% of those who ender crazy and Demented.
But this was exactly the same trial that the first ancestors of the Selklor family took. And came to a meteoric rise in power.
"Raisel I do not want to dedicate too much time on this just find me the closest and weakest beast you could find and let's get this over with."
Raisel didn't even waste a second and immediately executed her new orders.
Changing direction they came in front of a sleeping young wolf.
This wolf had leaves covering his whole body like they were its fur.
Dez look at the sleeping wolf In front of him and remembered his studies.
This beast In front of him was a leaf wolf. They are docile in nature and are pact-oriented beasts. This beast thrives in numbers. A pact may consist of a few hundred to a few thousands. you will rarely find a leaf wolf alone. they are very good at camouflaging. In the forest, the leaves around their body can blend easily and perfectly between other leaves. they prefer to ambush their prey instead of having a frontal confrontation. In the forest, they are very fast and tricky enemies to deal with. The leaves around their bodies are used as means to camouflage, defense, and attack.
Dez walked closer to the leaf wolf. He had nothing to fear with Raisel there. he took out the potion his father gave him, pour it into a bowl, and left it on the ground.
The leaf wolf was already keeping his eyes on Dez the moment he appeared But didn't run away. the moment he took the potion out of his ring the wolf felt a tremendous desire for the content of that potion. An internal thirst that clouded his mind. The moment Dez left the bowl on the ground the wolf dashed and consume the content with a lot of fervor.
After drinking the potion the wolf felt satisfied. The leaf wolf turned around and was ready to walk away but strange things started to happen. The leaf wolf started to twitch and whimper it started slowly and soft. But it soon turned into violent spasms and his whimpers became outright painful cries. Blood started to flow from his orifices and even the leaves that cover his body like they were its fur started to be soaked in blood. Seeing the horrific transformation Raisel took action and decided to send a mental message to Emperor Kaihen.
3 seconds later a portal opens before them. Emperor Kaihen appears before them.
He first took a look at his son seeing the calm demeanor he nodded and then look at Raisel and later the bloody mess on the ground.
Walking closer he extended his hand and a green vine stretched out of his palm into the body of this leaf wolf.
At that moment the leaf wolf seems to be even more in pain. Noticing that now you can even see a lot of vines wiggling his way under his skin now that his leaves have all fallen from its body.
"interesting"
"Very interesting, it seems this beast is too weak for this potion and it has come to this result. Guess I need to give him a helping hand."
After saying that Emperor Kaihen pours a large amount of life essence into the leaf wolf's body.
A light greenish glow envelops the beast.
This process went on for about 10 minutes. During that time the " cocoon" seem to grow from about 1.5 meters to about 3 meters.
When the energy disappeared the leaf wolf wasn't there anymore. Instead, there lay a humanoid beast with a dark brown pelt covering his body and on his back greenish tattoos in the shape of leaves adorning his back all the way to the end of his tail.
It didn't take long for this 3-meter tall beast to wake up.
Looking around him the beast set his eyes on Emperor Kaihen.
His eyes had wisdom in them and seem to be thinking.
What was the beast thinking no one knows.
But the beast stood up. Then he lowered himself to the ground prostrating himself wiggling his tail.
" don't worry you can go, live your life I won't interfere."
After hearing those words the beast that look like a werewolf with leaf tattoo stood up and ran away when it moves green glowing leaves appear around him and he Disappeared like the wind.
Father, what beast is that? Dez looked at the beast disappearing in astonishment. That was a completely different beast. He was wondering what just happen.
Son that's a leaf storm werewolf. A Lineage much higher than just a leaf wolf. I guess it was his luck you chose him for the test and I came to help him today to see the result of the potion. The potion was far too strong for it and was destroying himself trying to absorb it but not having the capability to cope with its boosting effects. and I had to help him or he would have died.
Wow, dad that its amazing did your potion really transform that beast?
"Well, son yes and no. I believe that potion tapped into his potential and his bloodline but that was not the main point of the potion that's just a side effect. That potion's goal is to boost the soul power refining one's soul essence. it seems that storm leaf werewolf got a very high boost in wisdom. I guess he tried to hide it to keep his life safe but he couldn't hide it from me. Regardless I have already promised I won't interfere and use him for study. The thing that intrigues me is how much wiser is he. Raisel I wish you keep an eye on that leaf storm werewolf for me."
"Yes, master."
-------- conversation between Dez and his Father------------
Father did you just say refining soul essence or did you mean soul energy. Like spiritual energy?
No son, not the spiritual energy. I did say it correctly refining the very essence of one's soul.
But dad that is impossible!
Son nothing in this world is impossible. Don't think too much about it for now. how has your day been so far?
I have had a good time. I really enjoyed myself today.
Now that we are talking about this, father can I visit Dream with my friends?
Dream hmm. I guess I can allow you to have your first visit. It seems you like those friends quite a lot.
Yeah, I do I even wish for them to follow me. After we awaken.
Did you intend to make them your crewmates?
Yes
Did you tell them already?
Yes just a moment ago.
And, what did they say about it?
Ethan seems willing but seems to be tight by his family maybe you can give me a hand with that?
Sure son no problem. I'll be speaking with his father on your behalf. And what about your little girl?
Well, that's a little complicated. She will be going to the holy empire and study at the holy Academy.
Hmm
Do they have dealings with the holy empire? Strange how did I not know of this?
Dad, I guess it just happened she told me it was a decision they took very recently.
Son, I'm just telling you now, for your own good. Nothing good will come dealing with the holy empire.
Does that mean Suki and the Loong family are in danger?
Son, come on, think. It seems they are trying to seek power to rise above our empire. Why do you think we didn't accept that Marriage proposal?
Do you remember what I always say?
Yes, keep my eye out for girls and especially from a powerful family.
Son, A man can fight a thousand battles and win but if he losses his heart to his enemy it will be his end. And woman's are the easiest way to a men's heart. Be Vigilant. Sorry son but when you're in a position of power things like this tend to happen. I just hope I'm wrong.
I hope so too father I kind of like her.
Don't think too much about it, let me play this game. You just enjoy your time. If she really has love for you I won't get involved. But just so you know dealings with the holy empire will always end in trouble.
It's easy to know even if it's unethical but ill let dream check her heart.
Dad but that's bad, isn't it?
Son your underestimating dream. It's not a soul reading. She won't even notice. Dream will only look for evil intent. But I honestly believe if the dragon emperor is planning something he would never tell his own daughter.
What's with that face relax son it's just a "dream". She will even benefit from it.
Ok, it's time for me to leave I have to document my discoveries.
Raisel, take the kids to see Dream and then let them come back.