While the beast babel was unconscious, I had collected the beast cores of beasts I have killed, and after absorbing their souls, I had accumulated +35,000 soul force.
I sold some of the beast core to merlin and got +1,000 fate points from the system.
I stayed in the open wilderness for an entire day as babel evolved or most specifically not just evolved but gained some additional traits which are described as 'mutation' in this world.
Merlin had informed me while training in sea of consciousness, a normal evolution would provide enhancement to the abilities already possessed by the beast, but some beast gained additional traits from the core they have consumed, which is called mutation.
In the current situation, babel has manifested the black scales all over his body while his previously ugly face has changed into a humanoid face, which didn't fit me but it was bearable, compared to before.
A unique black gem has manifested on his forehead which is a special ability of naga race, the gem has the ability to absorb all type of poison attack aimed at user and convert its power into host's own strength.
After continuously lying unconscious for whole day the beast woke up from his sleep and was dumbfounded by his newfound strength and looks.
"Thank you my lord for giving me this opportunity, I will never forget this debt." The beast babel said bowing his head.
"You can prove your loyalty and resolve by signing this mana contract." I said and a golden scroll presented itself in front of the beast.
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Mana contract Duration: Infinite
Parties to the contract: Eric Grace & Babel briskoli
Conditions:
Babel briskoli will forever obey every command of Eric Grace and they will never betray each other.
Both parties with mutual consent can annul the contract.
(Unique ID: *@^&&^%$$$*)
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"What is this mana contract my lord and what is written in it?" The beast asked me with questioning gaze.
'I forgot to tell you but mana contracts are not known in this word, as only gods and their messenger such as us can initiate them, therefore you should refrain from using it in outside world or others will recognize you.' Merlin said.
"It is called mana contract, consider it as a bond between us which will prevent us from betraying each other and if you violate the conditions in it, you will lose the power to wield mana forever." I said and beast once again took hold of mana contract but wasn't able to read it.
"It is written in mana contract that you will obey my every command from the moment you sign it till you or me die, and we both will never be able to betray each other." I said.
"Lord wasn't our partnership limited till you have helped me ascend the throne, why do I have to serve you for the rest of my whole life?" The beast asked me but did not dare to look into my eyes.
"Your vision is too short babel, are you satisfied with being the king of this small dimension pocket or do you want to rule all the beasts on this planet.
You may not believe me now, but once you have evolved into a rank 12 beast or have surpassed that rank, you yourself will leave this small place.
I am just offering you that opportunity little early because by becoming my follower, you will take your first step toward world domination with me and let me tell you, the core I have given you, that was just the starter."
As I finished speaking, greed took over his thought process once again as he held the mana contract.
"How do I sign it?" He asked.
"Just will yourself and imbue your mana in mana contract." babel did as I told him and soon the mana contract dissolved into golden particle entering both our bodies.
"Merlin show me the disguise mask available with you." Now that the matter regarding beast babel is finished, I should finish my own preparation.
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[Store: Weapons - -> Disguise mask)]
[Beast mask]
[Human Mask]
[Demon Mask]
[Other Masks]
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'Why do you have so many masks?' I asked after seeing merlin's collection.
"In my various adventures, I have guided many heroes, and out of many necessities, the one common thing they all require is a good disguise, I don't collect them for fun." Merlin gave a satisfactory reply.
[Chimera mask: -500 Fate point]
'These masks are purely for disguise purpose and therefore there defenses is almost non-existing, so try to avoid damaging them in fight.'
'Also what you have bought is a cheap disguise mask and therefore people with powerful detection skill will be able to see through your disguise.' Merlin voice resounded in my head.
'Okay.' I said.
I wore the cat like mask on my face and when I imbued it with mana, it started to expand and cover my entire figure.
I manifested additional set of arms while my bodily features changed from human to mixture of many beasts.
My one hand was like a tiger claw while other was that of bear, my eyes changed to green from golden and I manifested a platypus like tail but with poisonous spikes at its end.
I can only use my original hands for casting spells and move my fake hands for show.
"Let's head toward your kingdom, we have wasted enough time." I said climbing on top of babel's head.
"Should I take my remaining forces?" The beast asked.
"What difference will they make in upcoming fight, they will just slow us down, instead order them to follow your trail and meet at the kingdom." I said.
Babel spread his soul force in surrounding 1 kilometer of area and beast that have scattered during our fight started approaching our location, but without waiting for them he started moving in north direction, where his kingdom was located.
After leaving the ruins we marched toward the ophidian kingdom and on the way we tested our new powers on stray beasts.
After the continuous journey of 20 hours and 900 kilometer, we arrived at the edge of a mountain from where only a desolate land was visible.
"Why have you stopped don't tell me someone wiped out your kingdom before we reached it." I asked babel.
"No, my kingdom is not on surface but underground this desolate land." The beast babel replied.