The beast has urged us to move into the gate, saying it would lead us to trials that would provide the means for growth and power.
I was not really against it, wanting nothing more than to escape that monsters sights. Still, I expected here to have some sort of danger.
But nothing was seen, no living beings or monsters. Just an old failing building that seemed to break at slightest pressure.
I had run out of Vice after a while, so I did the usual and sat to rest by the wall. While waiting to recuperate, I opened up the book and began reading once more.
I was used to the murmurs and the whispers, so it did nothing to impede by just for knowledge.
After a while reading this book, I believe I have found a way to make up for my lack of power.
So far, my main weakness was the amount of Vice I am able to harness at any given time. I see two solutions to that from the book.
One was to share the Vice from another living body, while a dangerous process that could kill. It seemed relatively easy to execute.
The other was to become something called a lich, which would see me free from the failures of the flesh according to the book.
While I do agree that my own body has failed me, I was a bit wary to suddenly throw it out. Plus the method to turn into a Lich seemed too hard for me.
At least for now.
There was also something called an Ashenborn, it allowed me to keep my flesh and appearance. Seemed easy enough but it had a high risk to it.
The book even says that not many succeed when trying to become an Ashenborn. Very few make it but those that do are blessed with power beyond scope.
So that was three options laid out for me, each I assume with its advantages and disadvantages.
But what I am not sure on is which of these would mean greater strength for me, and how soon will it be achieved?
I've heard of tales and read about monsters like a Lich, humans who had abandoned their pride and humanity for longer life and strength.
While I have never encountered them, it is said that they live for centuries and become obsessed in ways to gather strength.
I haven't heard anything pertaining Ashenborn, I'm not even sure that it is a form of human. Could be a hybrid monster or worse, a hell creature of myths.
" I would say you have a better chance on your first option " A sudden voice suggested.
" Why would you say that " I asked, the first option seemed to be the one that would be the weakest.
Plus, it definitely would take a while to became very powerful since it probably required connected to me to grow naturally in power.
Very time consuming.
" It seems like the safest option. Liches are know to go mad with time, while an obsession with power is a commong theme. They mostly try to achieve immortality or return back to the flesh after a while " The voice explained.
This was news info, haven't heard about a being trying to reverse the process of becoming a lich. Pursuing immortality...now that I understood.
But the voice wasn't done as it soon continued its explanation.
" and they are commonly very weak physically, so weak that the idea of physical combat will be non existent with them " The voice said, quietening down after that last sentence.
Hmm, this was good. I wouldn't have known this info if not for that voice....voice?
" Ren?" Luthren called out as he recognised that voice which was less of a voice and more of the growls of a beast.
While he did understand it, it was odd he had missed the growl and simply taken the translation like it was a voice.
Still he was more concerned and pleasantly surprised to discover the beast was awake, the little fire did little to show his complete figure but it was enough.
As luthren looked into its eyes, he suddenly discovered that it looked really...scary. They way his teeth bared themselves, the way his eyes blended into his very skin.
He had carried something like that for more than a week, stayed with it for so long without ever realizing this discovery.
" Yes?" The beast replied with a low growl which he understood.
" Since when?" Luthren said, his words few but the point was quickly understood.
" Minuets at best but that's not important...I know what we must do " Ren growled, walking closer to Luthren before resting his eyes upon the book.
" What do you mean?" Luthren asked confused.
" The book you hold....it..showed me things, people...history " Ren growled, his body shifted uncomfortably as he eyes never left the book...they never looked at Luthren.
There was so many questions that plagued Luthren, he did not understand why the Beast spoke the way it did...he couldn't put it in words what exactly felt odd.
What did Ren mean by what he said, when did the book show him things? How would that even be possible, does it mean something else he didn't know?
" Do you remember my talks of duty...of purpose?" Ren asked, his figured stood still and firm upon the grown.
If one looked closer, you could see that he had grown bigger, stronger. His back was remaking the armour that had solidified itself into a firmer protective plate.
" I..I do "