The Seven Tails bore an uncanny resemblance to a fusion of a beetle and a moth. Its body was segmented, cloaked in robust green chitinous plates that imparted an aura of durability and menace. Numerous spindly legs adorned its form, granting it swiftness and agility, traits characteristic of a formidable predator.
Its head mirrored its insectoid nature, characterized by large compound eyes and a mouth adorned with razor-edged mandibles. Truly, it was a monstrosity capable of leaving devastation in its wake.
"I've delved into tales of diverse creatures across various dimensions, but to witness one in reality evokes both excitement and trepidation," John remarked.
"Throughout my seafaring life, I've encountered numerous sea beasts, but this one truly stands out," Corazon added, awe and trepidation mingling in his tone.
"Enough with the admiration. Our lives hang in the balance," Aoto interjected.
"If worst comes to worst, we'll withdraw," John suggested.
"And ensnare it here," Corazon chimed in, supportive of the idea.
"Yet, forsaking the use of the Mirror Dimension would leave it even more incensed when we inevitably resort to it again," Aoto countered.
"Still better than meeting our demise," John and Corazon retorted in unison, silencing Aoto's protest. Their predicament was clear – they lacked a strategy to halt the colossal creature that was now undergoing a gradual transformation. While John's proficiency in magic was noteworthy, it didn't imply the ability to perform miracles. His magical talents were advanced, but attaining god-level prowess was a process, not an instant achievement.
Roar
The Seven Tails emitted a reverberating roar, prompting the trio to instinctively shield their ears from the piercing sound. The sheer volume of its roar provided a glimpse into the impending ferocity of its assaults.
"Aoto, we must depart."
"Indeed, once we've amassed sufficient strength, we can return to subdue it. Our current vulnerability doesn't dictate our future potential," Corazon reassured Aoto.
Aoto heaved a weighty sigh. The contrast between living within an anime realm and residing in the real world was staggering. The hardships, anguish, and torment were undeniably genuine. Despite possessing a system, he grappled with his own weakness. His need to intensify his training had become evident. Months had elapsed, yet he had yet to access any specialized domain or ascend beyond a basic level. In contrast, Corazon had ventured into the eldritch section and exhibited competence within it. He wielded rudimentary eldritch magic, and although offensive spells were still a work in progress, his proficiency exceeded Aoto's own.
The challenges he faced were stark reminders that living a fantasy wasn't synonymous with transcending all adversities. As reality and fantasy converged, the gulf between them seemed even wider.
Simultaneously, the Seven Tails hurtled toward them, wings slicing through the air, and its gaze fixed intently upon them, brimming with aggression and hunger.
"We must depart immediately!" John urged.
"Yes, just a moment... Chomei... Chomei... Can you hear me? CHOMEI!" Aoto's body tensed, his courage swelling as he mustered the audacity to address the Seven Tails directly.
Chomei – the appellation granted by Hagoromo to the seven-tailed beast – had been poised to release a devastating tailed beast bomb, a cataclysmic assault that would likely obliterate them and grant it an escape. However, Aoto's fervent cry managed to sway its trajectory. The abrupt alteration in its flight path generated a powerful gust, causing the trio's clothes to ripple in the turbulent air.
In a defensive stance, John and Corazon prepared to extricate Aoto from the impending danger. Yet, Aoto had ceased moving, his attention unwaveringly fixed on Chomei.
Unbeknownst to his companions, Aoto persisted in his attempt to communicate. His voice, both desperate and resolute, reached out to Chomei with an entreaty: "I know you can comprehend me, Chomei. Please, I implore you, desist. We bear no ill will." His tone bore a blend of urgency and sincerity.
Chomei, momentarily arrested in its advance, offered no immediate response. Aoto sighed in a modicum of relief, noting the cessation of Chomei's hostile charge. The immediate peril appeared temporarily averted.
"Chomei, hear me out. We aren't your adversaries. The altercation we engaged in was a defensive response to ambush. Our intentions were never hostile toward you," Aoto persisted, his voice a gentle plea. Although Chomei remained unresponsive, Aoto clung to the hope that his words might eventually penetrate.
"Speak! By what means do you possess knowledge of my name?" Chomei's voice reverberated – an astonishing development that jolted everyone. None had anticipated the creature's capacity for coherent speech.
"It speaks?"
"It possesses cognition?"
Aoto pivoted to face his incredulous companions, his frustration palpable as he delivered a pair of well-placed punches to their heads.
"Naturally, they can communicate! Their intelligence far surpasses humans'. Don't assume they're mere brutes. After living for countless years, wouldn't they possess elevated cognition?" Aoto retorted, his words laden with exasperation. Chomei, observing this exchange, remained largely indifferent. The creatures discerned emotions, and Aoto's words held no weight as insults. However, when Aoto referred to them as having superior intelligence, a trace of discomfort brushed against Chomei's awareness.
"My apologies for their ignorance. To address your query, the tailed beasts possess the capacity to communicate and possess intelligence far beyond our own. Can you imagine that beings existing for centuries would remain devoid of intellect?" Aoto voiced, silencing potential skepticism.
Chomei's curiosity had been piqued by Aoto's discourse. It registered Aoto's guilt and reverence, which contributed to its contemplation.
"Why are you privy to techniques devoid of chakra manipulation? How did you confine me within this space?" Chomei inquired, demonstrating an unexpected fascination not only with the trio's tactics but also with the dimension they had summoned into existence.
It resembled reality yet deviated through its interplay of reflections and refractions, a world that confounded and captivated the seven-tailed beast. Within this realm, chakra remained undetectable, an enigma that prompted Chomei's heightened interest.
"Uh.. That is a long story.. But can you please not threaten us? We are victims of this mission." Aoto said.
"Humans are never victims. It's for you that the world is in the current predicament."
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