Chunho's body convulsed as the transformation took hold. His muscles expanded, his chest broadening as the strength of the dragon deity fused with his own. His hair grew longer, darkening to a deeper, more ominous shade. The pain was almost too much to bear, but somewhere in the depths of his consciousness, Chunho knew that this was what he had agreed to. This was the price of power, of becoming the new Yooshin.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the pain began to subside, the searing heat in his veins cooling to a simmer. Chunho collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath, his entire body trembling from the ordeal.
Yooshin withdrew his fingers, stepping back to observe the transformation.
Chunho staggered as the transformation took hold, his body undergoing a painful and drastic change. Scales began to form, creeping over his entire arms and half of his face, their texture rough and metallic. His eyes hollowed out, the whites turning a deep black while his irises glowed gold. His fingers elongated, hardening into sharp claws. He felt his body expanding, muscles bulging as he grew two inches taller, the fabric of his robes straining against his newfound size.
The agony was beyond anything Chunho had ever experienced, as if his very essence was being torn apart and remade. But he gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness before Yooshin.
Yooshin watched with a detached expression, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Your body was strong, but now it will be divine. You will carry my power, my essence, my knowledge, my memories and most especially my soul. You will be the new god of Goyeo and the your original soul will be lost. Don't worry I'll be sure to keep whatever feelings you have for Jeoyoon in your heart despite not having memories of it"
Chunho's breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to adjust to his new form. He could feel the raw energy coursing through his veins, a power unlike anything he had ever known. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.
"You are the perfect vessel," Yooshin continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "You are no longer a man, in days you will lose your worldly impurities and become a true deity."
Chunho's vision blurred as he tried to focus on Yooshin, his mind struggling to comprehend the full extent of what had just happened. He could feel his consciousness expanding, the boundaries of his old self dissolving as Yooshin's essence merged with his own.
"What do you want from me?" Chunho managed to ask, his voice strained.
Yooshin's lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and something darker. "I want you to fulfill your role as the new Yooshin. To rule Goyeo as its god, and to protect Jeoyoon as his destined partner. But know this, Chunho—your fate is now irrevocably tied to mine, and Jeoyoon's fate is now tied to yours. You will carry out my will, and in return, I will give you the power to reshape this world as you see fit."
Chunho's heart pounded as the implications of Yooshin's words sank in.
Yooshin stepped back, his form beginning to fade as he spoke his final words. "Embrace your new role, Chunho. For you are now the god of Goyeo. And with that title comes a power that few can comprehend. Use it wisely or not I'd love to see how it would all play out"
As Yooshin's presence dissipated, Chunho collapsed to his knees, his body still throbbing with the aftershocks of the transformation. He could feel the weight of his new responsibilities pressing down on him, but he also felt an overwhelming surge of power, one that threatened to consume him if he wasn't careful.
As Chunho underwent his transformation, Jeoyoon found himself in a different part of the dreamscape, enveloped in a mist that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. He felt weightless, as if he were floating in a vast ocean of calm, yet there was a subtle undercurrent of tension beneath the surface.
The air around him was warm, almost comforting, but there was an inexplicable sense of longing tugging at his heart. Jeoyoon's thoughts were clouded, his emotions in turmoil as the effects of his fertility cycle continued to take a toll on his body and mind. He could feel the heat coursing through him, intensifying his instincts, heightening his awareness of every sensation. His heart ached, and his body felt like it was being pulled in a million directions at once.
Suddenly, the mist began to part, revealing a figure standing in the distance. The figure was tall and imposing, but there was a gentleness to its presence that immediately put Jeoyoon at ease. As the figure approached, Jeoyoon could see that it was a man, his features sharp and regal, with eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages. He was dressed in robes that shimmered with the colors of the dawn, and his hair flowed like liquid silver.
Jeoyoon instinctively knew who this was but chose to mask his emotions behind a facade of coldness and composure.
"Yooshin," he said, his voice steady but lacking the reverence he felt internally. "I didn't expect to meet you here."
Yooshin's gaze was warm and knowing as he looked upon Jeoyoon. "You are in a difficult state, my child," Yooshin said, his voice resonating with calm. "But you need not suffer alone. I am here to offer my assistance."
Jeoyoon's eyes remained guarded, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. "I can manage on my own," he said, though he couldn't fully suppress the strain in his tone. "What exactly are you offering?"
Yooshin stepped closer, his presence radiating a soothing energy. "Your suffering is not just a personal struggle but a reflection of the greater bond you share with your destined partner. You are experiencing the effects of your cycle, a powerful force that can overwhelm even the strongest of wills."
Jeoyoon's heart ached, but he refused to let his guard down. "And why should I trust you to help me? What do you want in return?"
Yooshin's smile was both understanding and enigmatic. "I am here to provide balance and guidance. Your instincts are heightened, driving you towards your partner. But this period is also challenging, and it is not something you must face alone. The help I offer is to ensure you find peace and control during this time."
Jeoyoon remained cautious, his voice cool. "And what if I refuse your help? What if I choose to rely on my own strength?"
Yooshin's eyes held a hint of sadness as he regarded Jeoyoon. "Refusing my aid will not alleviate the difficulties you face. The cycle you are experiencing will continue to exert its influence, potentially causing you more pain and confusion. My guidance will help you manage this period more effectively."
Jeoyoon's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his mind. He was torn between his desire to maintain control and the need for relief from his current suffering.
"Very well," Jeoyoon said, his voice still guarded. "What do you propose?"
Yooshin's gaze softened, and he extended a hand towards Jeoyoon. "I will ease the turmoil within you. My presence will help you find balance, allowing you to regain control over your instincts and emotions. In return, trust in the guidance I provide and know that I am here to support you."
Jeoyoon took a deep breath, his resolve firm despite the unease he felt. "I will accept your help, but I expect nothing less than sincerity in return."
Yooshin nodded, his expression resolute. "You have my word.."