Comprehending what was presented in front of me, my bewildered eyes couldn't help but involuntarily blink a few times.
Did it just say... I now possess the Beastsoul Ability of the cursed beast, Acoponda?
It was only then that an imaginary bulb above my head shattered, realizing the gravity of information displayed by this unfamiliar wobbling amethyst-hued light elemental-like screen.
Authority!
One could say that a Beastsoul Authority was a unique, more potent kind of Beastsoul Ability—something that couldn't be acquired by simply capturing, taming, or forming a Soul Pact with a beast.
After all, the ability bestowed was mainly dependent on several key factors such as the Beast Classification, Beast Hierarchy, and Beast Core Classification.
Just like how humans from birth possessed Soul Cores—the place in which "mana" or defined as the natural energy of the world was naturally stored—beasts also had something similar known as Beast Cores.
That being said, according to the scholarly studies about beasts, it was believed, or in fact proven, that Beast Hierarchy would "sometimes" correspond to Beast Core Classification.
And as far as I knew, just like how the Shadow Commander had such a fraudulent ability, beasts from High-rank would at least be the starting point of possibility in which someone could be bestowed a Beastsoul Authority.
I looked at the emanating ring as if she was satisfied with her meal, my expression depicted that of anticipation.
A possibility of a High-rank beast! If cultivated the right way, I'll trample those bitches who wronged me and my beloved mother!
"...Hey, I almost forgot... You said you will answer my questions the moment I feed you, right?"
"..."
"Can I ask again... Void?"
A palpable silence pervaded my room; it seemed this entity was also thinking and somewhat expecting what I would ask.
Even before I received a go-signal that I could ask a question or two, my mind already racked itself, trying to find the necessary...
No, the priority questions!
Almost everything was just straight-up mystery—
Who are you?
What's your relationship with the gigantic eye that is presumably the reason for my regression?
Are you even aware that I regress?
If so, what are you?
Is this window displaying my information a sort of blessing?
But most importantly...
...Why me?
As my mind wandered, as this anomalous entity remained ominously silent, I carefully selected the words to pull out of my mouth...
"...Void..."
"...?"
"Even if I have many questions, I just want one thing..."
I took a deep breath, gazed at the mysterious ancient ring, and continued.
"Tell me about you. I want to know you."
I refrained from asking. Instead, I decided to let Void open up.
In this way, I just hope our bond will naturally be strengthened.
"...Zil..."
My ears absorbed the serene feminine voice, and at the same time, a considerably wide and lengthy [ Status Window ] appeared before me.
Swallowing with anticipation, realizing that Void couldn't vocally express what was on her mind, at least not yet, I slowly read the significant amount of valuable information presented to me.
[ Status Window ]
Beast Name: Void (via Zil), Legacy of the [???]
Age: ???
Race: Beast of ??? (F)
Beast Classification: Primordial Beast
Beast Core Classification: Divine Core
Beast Rank (Hierarchy): ???-rank Beast
Beastbound Status: Eternally Bound (to Zil van Avernus)
Beastsoul Authority: Devourer, [???], [???]
Beastsoul Ability: [???]
Hatch Status: 1.67%
—[ Void's Message ]—
[ I know you have many questions. Unfortunately, I will not be able to tell you everything because a portion of my memories are currently sealed.
[ However, if there are things I can readily divulge, it's that I am aware that you are a regressor. And I am the sole legacy of the forgotten being that no human mind would dare to fathom; truly eternal, boundless, and everlasting.
[ The concept of time was merely an amusing illusion, so whether you regress or not, I can and will walk with you.
[ Our fate is weaved to intertwine. If it is the will of divinity, then so be it. I am lost in the cold standstill cosmos. You are lost in the cage of the past and worthlessness.
[ We found each other. We are meant to give each other meaning.
[ That's why we are eternally bound.
[ Praise be the Void. ]
***
I was utterly at a loss for words; I didn't expect Void to become incredibly poetic!
However, such a heartfelt message struck what's intended—everything of me—and also raised another stack of questions such as the identity of the forgotten being, and the origin of my regression.
If I am right, whatever the cosmic eye I saw, or whoever it was, it forcefully bound Void to my soul.
After all, based on the standard of the Soul Pact Ceremony, consent between the contractor and the beast must be upheld.
Because of this norm, I could confidently believe that this forgotten being one-sidedly tied Void to my entire existence.
I momentarily closed my eyes, let out an expressive sigh, and joked in response to her long message.
"That sounds like a confession, Void."
I chuckled.
"...Zil...Silly!"
But behind this mask of silliness, I tried to refrain myself from exploding in delight due to bubbling ecstasy after confirming the status of the entity that now belonged to me!
A Primordial Beast?! What the hell was that?! I didn't know such a thing existed! Also, her Beastcore's Divine! It's similar to some renowned beasts throughout the continent such as the Aetheris Empire's Phoenix Queen!
"...Haha! Anyway, Void, it seems my mother just arrived. Let's go. I need to explain why the main chef suddenly disappeared..."
Raising my body from the bed, I left my room to find my mother.
After asking a few maids in the vast and intricately neat hallway, I arrived at the main hall.
From upstairs, I lowered my gaze, eventually seeing my mother, Syr, and another maid. In their grasp were a few plastic bags of necessary and clean ingredients for everyone to enjoy with the right cooking.
However, at that moment, as though this person was late, I saw someone familiar enter the main door of the Shadow Palace.
I instinctively gnashed my teeth and clenched my fists as my heart began to tremble.
At the same time, I was filled with genuine relief...
Yes, that's right.
I wouldn't need to hunt some of you since you would come to me with open arms.
As if sensing my expectant gaze, the man in his early forties raised his head, seeing me who flashed a teenage-like, innocent smile.
"...Zil, did you prepare for our next lesson?"
It was the voice of my mentor responsible for teaching me how to tame a low-rank beast.
And the very reason why I was labeled my whole life as the talentless bastard of the Avernus Clan!
With my smile not leaving my lips, I casually answered.
"Of course, more than you can imagine..."