Prime Skill—Mind Slip!
There was a sea of information bubbling forth before him, seemingly sentient, surprising him, 'Even information could become a living being?'
The information cluster had taken a form similar to an Empyrean Tusk, roaming about in the space it dwelled. Inala appeared before it and touched it, noticing it resisted in response. "Don't bother!"
He grunted and absorbed a portion of its information, taking a breather before absorbing another portion. The information cluster tried to enter his mind in an instant and destroy him, the same as it did to the Empyrean Zinger.
But the Mind Slip Prime Skill was like a powerful filter that blocked it, only allowing portions of its body to seep through as Inala intended. Half a day later, he finished absorbing its entirety, muttering after comprehending it a bit, "Dance of Annihilation?"
"A dance?" He frowned, "That's the Mammoth Ancestor's legacy?"
However, upon observing that this information cluster gathered in his mind into one and took on the form of the Empyrean Tusk once again, Inala noticed some familiarity, 'It's similar in essence to the Mystic Path.'
Even though it wasn't on the level of the Mystic Path, it was still in the same vein. Meaning, by charging it up with whatever is necessary, Inala would be able to unleash the Dance of Annihilation.
But as he comprehended it a bit further, he clicked his tongue in annoyance, "This is useless."
He observed that to unleash the Dance of Annihilation, he needed a certain catalyst. And as to what that catalyst was, he didn't know, only having an inkling that it was the Mammoth Ancestor's Primary Nature. As a result, it was useless. Inala intended to simply take advantage of the essence of this information cluster to hasten the construction of his own Mystic Path.
"It can generate it again?" He was surprised to see another Empyrean Tusk information cluster form in the severed tusk, soon condensing on the same level as the one he had absorbed. Upon seeing it, he stared at Gannala, "You can absorb it too. I'm not sure where it would benefit you, but its structural makeup is similar to the Mystic Path. So, it might be useful later."
"Alright," Nodding as such, Gannala too activated the Prime Skill of Mind Slip and absorbed the Empyrean Tusk information cluster. "Dad, another one is forming in it."
"Your turn, Asaeya." Inala stared at her and pointed at the broken tusk.
"If it has no use, I don't need it." Asaeya shook her head, only to see Inala place her hand on the broken tusk.
"Just absorb it. I'll figure out a way to make it useful." Inala said and urged her, smiling as she activated the Mind Slip Prime Skill and absorbed the same.
Asaeya then observed for a while and commented, "It's forming once again, but it's a lot slower this time."
"Hmm…" Inala observed the broken tusk, noticing that it suddenly sported a few more cracks and signs of damage, muttering after some observation, "I think it can generate it two or three more times before the tusk shatters."
"Let's leave it as is then."
Inala grabbed the duo and slowly climbed up the cliff, waiting patiently to slip into the peak when the mist washed into the region. But as they made their way deeper into the city on the peak of Karuta Hill, they noticed a large commotion.
People were buying up Spirit Weapons in large numbers from all available shops, stockpiled food, water, and medicines. The affluent people even purchased Elixirs. The level of activity displayed enough signs of an upcoming war.
'Wasn't everything fine just yesterday?' Inala approached a passerby and asked, "Sir, what is the reason for this commotion?"
"You don't know?" The man stared at the trio and clicked his tongue, "This is why tourists…oblivious idiots…"
After cursing a bit, the man ran away, confusing Inala who then approached a shopkeeper, "Sir, what's the reason…"
"War, brother." The shopkeeper said in excitement, "A Parute Tree unlike anything has appeared beyond our Empire's borders. Based on the scout report, a single fruit from it can grant us one Prana. Absurd, right?"
"Yes, that's absurd." Inala said as his eyes widened in realisation, understanding who the culprit was, 'So, Blola has arrived.'
"But it's the truth. It has already been verified by a Royal who went to check up on it. But due to the competition, he had to return. He called it the Parute Tree King. As it had taken root on a boulder, we can transport the boulder into the Empire without causing issues to the Parute Tree King." The shopkeeper laughed, "And now, to claim it, our Empire has declared war on the Pranic Beasts that have sought ownership of it."
"Wouldn't only raid teams be sent out, just like usual?" Inala frowned, "But why is everyone preparing for the worst?"
"You have to understand, brother." The shopkeeper explained, "The raid teams will succeed in obtaining the Parute Tree King. The war will start following that as we'll have the strongest horde of Pranic Beasts barging into the Empire to reclaim what was theirs. There's a solid chance our defences will be breached, since they'll be climbing over the Lotus Range too."
"So, everyone's getting ready to fight." He laughed.
"Is it possible to cross the Lotus Range without being destroyed?" Inala asked, feeling the absurdity of the situation. The Lotus Range was a natural barrier. Just positioning an army over its peak and guarding it was simple.
The Pranic Beasts would have to take pains to climb up its steep walls, only to face attacks flying towards their faces. Even a simple rock hurled from the peak would pack enough impact to kill a Silver Grade Pranic Beast.
"This is a blessed land." The shopkeeper said as he began refining his Spirit Weapon, "That's not limited to the Brimgan Empire alone but extends to its surroundings too. There are at least four hundred Gold Grade Pranic Beasts recorded to be present in the vicinity. Even more might come upon knowing about the existence of the Parute Tree King."
"The Empire's defences have been breached a few times in its history. Even though we are powerful, our Royals are the only ones capable of facing a Gold Grade Pranic Beast. So, it's for the best to be careful." The shopkeeper then displayed his array of Spirit Weapons, "On that note, do you want to buy some Spirit Weapons?"
"Sorry, I don't need any." Inala shook his head.
"Don't waste my time then," The shopkeeper waved his hand, "Go and prepare to fight. This is a great opportunity to bring out the bloodthirst in you and have some fun in slaughter."
"…Yeah, I'll do that." Inala replied and boarded a carriage to Fentan City, speaking once the carriage started descending Karuta Hill, "It's Blola."
"I thought so." Gannala clicked her tongue, "This chaos can disrupt everything."
'I'm not sure if the entrances to the Attribute will change because of this, but if there's enough damage and bloodshed, the Prana in the blood might seep through the porous land and cause some changes.' Inala thought, 'There's no guarantee of it happening, but the chances aren't zero either. If it happens, getting into Arlfarah Mansion would just be a waste.'
"Upon winning, the Brimgan Royalty will bring the Parute King Tree to the Capital and place it in their treasury." Inala was able to quickly picture Blola's plan, "He'll take advantage of the opportunity to sweep the treasury clean. Any Minor Treasures in their possession would become his for the taking. He's already the strongest among us,"
"If he gets multiple Minor Treasures, he'll be unstoppable. Attribute will become his." His eyes glinted as Inala got up and stared at Gannala, condensing his stomach biome to say, "Transfer me some of your resources."
"I'll head out and assassinate Blola before he messes up my plans."