Ke Si couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at Jody's boldness. Despite his young age, the boy was fiercely determined to reach his goals. He knew that this trait would serve him well in the treacherous world of cultivation. The negus may promote peaceful progression and prefer to use different terms, but Ke felt that cultivate was an apt term to use when nurturing youth. They must cultivate this young seed well so that he may grow into a mighty tree.
"Very well, Young Lord," Ke Si replied with a bow. "I will take you to your parents."
They left the room without another word and approached the mansion's entrance. Two unnoticed jackal god statues suddenly moved, breaking their ancient salute and following after the pair by merging into their shadows. As they walked, Jody couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He would finally get the answers he had been seeking for so long. As they passed through the gates of the mansion, Jody noticed that there were several guards stationed outside. They all bowed respectfully as he and Ke Si walked by. Jody felt a sense of authority as he realized that these men answered to him.
They continued down the road, passing by other mansions and estates. The streets were bustling with people, some of whom Jody recognized as fellow Origin Scholars. He felt a sense of camaraderie with them, knowing that they were all working towards the same goal. Soon, they passed the private training ground for newly advanced truists. The grounds were filled mostly with young saints, though many rising nobles were mixed within.
"Josiah! Today is the day I defeat you!" The annoying voice of a brat that Jody didn't feel like entertaining came.
Jumoke Trillwolf was Jody's newly awakened fourth brother. He was about 122 cm, which was impressive for his age, but still fell short of his elder brother. His hair was low-cut black and wavy, with a styled fade. His handsome little face had lime green eyes similar to his mother, but seemingly full of red veins that changed the impression completely. Besides his eyes, he was the spitting image of his beautiful mother, Enora, even though he had some angular features that easily pegged him as a male.
Ever since the brat awakened from his rukh body rebirth, he had been relentless in his pursuit of taking Jody's title as the most gifted child. Jumoke had endured the humiliating comparisons to his older brothers all his life. This third brother, who was barely a year older than him, was even an imperial medjay! He entered the longest dream, going onto the platform of destiny two years before Jumoke but awakening like a week prior! What kind of unfair joke was that? His second sister was even an imperial princess who had been in her destiny dream for three years already!
What was up with these freaks he had to call siblings? He wanted to live up to his mothers expectations, but this was downright daunting.
"Head Butler Si, it seems I have to entertain a fly," Jody said in exasperation. "I can't really control my power fully right now. Will you make sure I don't hurt him?"
Ke couldn't help but feel slightly touched by Jody's trust in him. He had been with the boy for years and always cared for him as if he were his own child. He knew that Jody was still young, but he was also brilliant and determined. Ke would do anything to help Jody achieve his goals, as the former believed the latter to be the future of his clan.
"Very well, Young Lord Trill," Ke said with a small smile. "But we must be careful; do not get injured. There are many dangers out there that we must avoid."
Jody nodded in agreement, but Ke saw a mischievous glint in his eyes that made him wary. He knew that he would have to keep a close eye on the boy if he was going to prevent him from causing any trouble.
"Little Mokie, aren't you still sore from the earlier beating?" Jody replied to his younger brother indifferently. "How about we fight in a couple of days? I already have plans today."
"You!" Jumoke was flustered and infuriated. How dare this jerk call him by his pet name in front of all these scholars. Well, that bastard also had a pet name! "Jody, you're not that tough! Today, I'll win!"
Jumoke intended to upset his brother by calling out his pet name. But Jody just smiled calmly at the address, further infuriating the boy.
"Hmph," Jumoke glared at his older brother as he marched onto a training platform. A silver atmosphere burst out from his form. Within Jumoke's atmosphere were five little white lights.
Jody couldn't help but grow annoyed as he looked at his little brother's ever-increasing skyland phenomenon. There was nothing he currently hated more than Sly being right. It was already too reoccurring! If one just looked at the power of their origin, Jumoke, with 5 bp, seemed much more talented than Jody, who barely had 1 bp.
Especially since Jody had awakened first, it was no wonder so many rumors were flying.
"It seems you've been training really hard," Jody narrowed his eyes as he also ascended the battle platform and threw a movie line out. "I might make a soldier out of you yet."
"Hmph, I don't know how you managed to defeat me with your pathetic force before, but my force has already reached 5 bp," Jumoke said smugly. He broke through this morning. Yesterday's defeat had indeed stimulated him. "Try not to die too quickly!"
Jumoke lunged at Jody immediately after speaking, leaping into a spinning dropkick.
"Ah, little Mokie..." Jody sneered.
He may not have formed a battle force, but still had astral power. If Jody didn't open his astralis, his little brother would thrash him. So, Jody didn't hesitate to open three astralis, raising his power level to seven and leaving the last two dormant. With a physical power level of seven, even Jumoke's level five battle power would not easily harm him. Jumoke's dropkick connected with Jody's chest, but instead of knocking him off the platform, Jody stood his ground.
Jumoke's eyes widened in surprise as he realized his attack had no effect on his brother.
"You're not as weak as I thought," Jumoke said through gritted teeth.
He quickly regained his composure and launched himself at Jody again, this time with a flurry of punches and kicks. Jody dodged and weaved around Jumoke's attacks effortlessly. His movements were fluid like water, and his strikes were precise like a surgeon's knife. Jumoke was getting frustrated as he couldn't land a single hit on his brother, who kept slapping him gently.
*Pah*
*Swish*
*Swish*
*pah*
Jumoke felt like he might really flip a table soon.
"You're too slow," Jody said with a smirk. "You need to work on your velocity and agility."
Jumoke's high kick was met with Jody's raised forearm, blocking the attack effortlessly. Jumoke stumbled back, surprised at the ease with which Jody had defended himself. The silver aura around him flickered slightly as if unsure of what to do next.
Jody shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "You still have a long way to go, little brother."
Inwardly, Jody felt relief. Luckily, this kid didn't know how to use any force techniques, nor did he have any battle experience. If he did, Jody might have to open another astralis. Jumoke gritted his teeth, feeling his anger rise again. He charged at Jody again, this time with a flurry of punches and kicks. But each one was deflected by Jody's astral power, leaving Jumoke feeling frustrated and helpless.
"Is that all you've got?" Jody taunted, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "I expected more from someone with five bp."
Jumoke growled with rage, his silver aura pulsing with renewed energy. He knew he had to try something different if he wanted to win. So he concentrated all his power into one final attack, a massive fist of energy that he sent hurtling towards Jody.
'Watch out, kid, this brat can somehow use outer force.' Sly said, sounding a little surprised.
This feat shouldn't be possible. It had to be a special constitution.
But Jody was actually ready for it, which received a nod of recognition from Sly. Jody crossed both hands before his face, deflecting the blast back towards Jumoke. The young boy tried to dodge, but they were too close. The blast force hit him squarely in the chest, throwing him off the platform and onto the ground below.
Jody descended from the platform, a look of concern on his face. "Are you okay, little brother?"
Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, Jumoke groaned while clutching his chest. "Yeah... I'm fine. I swear I'll beat you tomorrow!"
"You still have a lot to learn, little Mokie," Jody said calmly, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Battle power is not everything. Strategy and technique are just as important."
Jumoke quickly got up, his cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. He had never felt so powerless before.
"I'll get you next time!" Jumoke yelled again, charging at Jody despite the House rules prohibiting fights outside the battle platforms.
Luckily, Jody understood how Jumoke thinks and was prepared. He waited until Jumoke was within arm's reach before sidestepping and delivering a swift punch to his stomach. Jumoke doubled over in pain, gasping for air.
"Enough," Jody said firmly, walking away from the training grounds. "We'll continue this another time. But remember, Mokie, true strength comes from within."
Jumoke watched as his brother walked away, feeling both resentful and grateful. He was resentful because he had been defeated so easily but grateful because his brother had shown him that there was more to fighting than just battle power. He would not easily forget this lesson. One's physical strength could play an important role as well. From this day on, Jumoke decided work on his technique and strategy, determined to become a better fighter.
As Jumoke got up from the ground, he couldn't help but feel frustrated. He was tired of always being in his brother's shadow, always playing second fiddle to him. But he refused to give up. He would continue to train harder and push himself further until he could finally surpass Josiah.
"You may have won this time, but I'll be back and stronger than ever," Jumoke said with determination in his voice.
Jody chuckled, impressed by his brother's resilience. Even though he has long walked away, his spiritual perception was exceptional. The kid wasn't a sore loser like his mother. This was good. Perhaps this pup could avoid the recklessness of its bitch mother.
"I look forward to it, little brother," Jody said, turning back to face Jumoke before turning around and continuing forward.
Jumoke watched as his brother left, feeling both inspired and frustrated. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to become the strongest warrior in the land. Meanwhile, Jody had confirmed one thing after smelling Jumoke's blood just now. It smelled different from his own, Kamila's, and his father's blood. It was a subtle difference, but the absence of that scent sent the youngster's mind reeling.
What was really happening in House Trillwolf?