"This is your home." Shuwrak Zahara said as he pointed Inala to a large stone boulder atop which a Decodus Tree was growing. The roots of the tree had spread across the boulder's surface, at places digging into it.
A section of roots had dug into one side and excavated a large, open space within. It was the home meant for Inala.
"That's nice," Inala walked in through the entrance and observed the ground had been dug up to create more space within. In terms of height, there was around 200 metres between the ground and ceiling, enough for even an adult Brully to move about freely.
There was a small corner where a thin waterfall cascaded down, forming a pool wide enough for a Brully to dip inside. There was another spot nearby to take a shit, obviously veiled behind a curtain of roots.
Moss grew on the walls, purifying the interior and keeping it fresh. In the centre, there was a large stone table that could act as an anvil or the Brully. The arrangements were simple and satisfied Inala, "It's a good place."
"Most of the effort had been done to increase the robustness of this dwelling." Shuwrak Zahara said with a tinge of pride, "Even if you were to bash into the walls, it will withstand over a couple dozen attacks."
"That's pretty tough," Inala nodded as he felt the walls, observing that the boulder was artificially created by compressing a tough mineral resembling granite and strengthened to the limit. The roots spreading within it acted as shock absorbers, able to increase the structural strength.
'It can withstand a couple dozen attacks not from me, but from an adult Brully. That's awesome.' Inala thought as he analysed the structure, 'A Clumped Finger's Nature of Imprison had been used. But there are also a few other Natures involved in its creation. The Wean Clan has been experimenting and growing at an excellent pace too, it seems.'
"Well, we have quite a few competent architects." Shuwrak Zahara grinned and then stared at Inala, "It has been a day since your arrival. So, how is it?"
"The Gold Varahan Library, I mean."
"You'll be making the Pranic Beasts more dominant than at present." Inala stared at Shuwrak Zahara and expressed in all seriousness, "Are you alright with it?"
"Just the information in the Gold Varahan Library currently can raise the strength of all Pranic Beasts by at least a quarter."
"Currently, which force do you think is the strongest?" Shuwrak Zahara turned silent in response to Inala's question and asked after a few minutes of consideration.
"Clansmen, obviously." Inala said, "Overall, the Pranic Beasts occupy most of Sumatra. However, in terms of individual strength, the Clansmen stand at the peak."
"Mammoth Clan, Cooter Clan, Quip Clan, Wean Clan..." Shuwrak Zahara nodded,
"Individually, they are the strongest force. Currently, the fastest growing among them are the Wean and Quip Clans."
"But just like how the Wean Clan is kept in check by the Varahan Empire, the Quip Clan is also being targeted by various forces that haven't received their support." He continued, "So, even if they continue to grow in strength, they'll never dominate Sumatra."
"That's exactly my point." Inala nodded, "Whatever you're doing will only benefit us Pranic Beasts."
"Your gains won't be all that much."
"You're right, but it is what it is." Shuwrak Zahara shook his head, "If the Pranic Beasts grow stronger, let them. Sumatra needs all the strength it can muster to face an invasion from other Continents."
"I see," Shuwrak Zahara stared at Inala with a knowing gaze, "It seems you're aware of it too, considering how you're not in a state of shock."
"How did you figure it out?"
"I learnt it from the Quip Clan," Inala scratched his cheek, "I encountered some of them and beat them up."
"Hah! As expected of a Brully." Shuwrak Zahara burst into laughter. Once he had calmed down, he observed Inala and nodded, "Mystic Sumatra Art is the strongest cultivation technique, even among all the Mystic Grade cultivation techniques. Its potential is limitless, since it's versatilely applicable to all Pranic Beasts."
'Even then, it won't make complete sense...unless!' Inala's eyes widened as he observed Shuwrak Zahara and uttered solemnly, "You're preparing for Transcendence."
"The seat of authority for Mystic Sumatra Art is left vacant."
"You..." For a moment, killing intent churned out of Shuwrak Zahara before he calmed down, "You're one scary Pranic Beast."
"That I am," Inala shrugged and eyed Shuwrak Zahara, "Well, are you planning to silence me now?"
There was tension in the air as the two individuals calmly stared at each other. A clump of Prana gathered within Inala's right hand, ready to enter Shuwrak Zahara's body and make a Spirit Weapon out of the mineral forming the latter's Human Avatar.
With that, he could easily counter the opponent before him. However, just as he became ready, the presence accumulating within Shuwrak Zahara calmed down.
"There's no need to fight. After all," Shuwrak Zahara grinned upon facing Inala, "You cannot reach the Transcendence Stage."
As long as a Wean Clansman reaches the Transcendence Stage, they'll gain authority over Mystic Sumatra Art, similar to how the Mammoth Ancestor had authority over Mystic Bone Art and the Cooter Ancestor had over Mystic Mist Art.
Originally, either Brangara or the creator, Yarsha Zahara would have occupied this seat of
authority. But since they died, the Wean Clan was planning for one of them to take that seat. Once they do that, they'll be the one every Pranic Beast on Sumatra Continent communicates with upon satisfying the conditions to communicate with a Transcendent through Mystic
Sumatra Art.
That Transcendent will become synonymous with Mystic Sumatra Art and enjoy benefits with the constant improvement to the cultivation technique. In the future, as more and more Pranic Beasts figure out ways to enter the Mystic Grade, they'll belong to the Wean Clan's faction in the Transcendent Worlds.
To reach the Transcendence Stage, a Pranic Beast had to reach the Mystic Grade. Currently,
only Empyrean Tusks had a proper channel. Wally from the Cooter Clan might create one for the Empyrean Snappers. The Quip Clan could also reach the 10-Life Stage, so they had no issues reaching the Transcendence Stage.
These three Clans had their respective cultivation techniques. So, for the Wean Clan that could reach the 10-Life Stage, they had no worries, since there was no Pranic Beast apart from the Clans that could compete with them in terms of Mystic Sumatra Art.
'So, that's your confidence. Even if you cannot make an Empyrean Boar King reach the
Transcendence Stage, even a Boar King would do the job. A Gold Grade Transcendent can create their own Transcendent World and cement their authority.' Inala nodded, "It seems you're confident."
"Is your Boar King already at the 10-Life Stage?" Inala asked and then chuckled, "I see, so you're waiting for a second Boar King to appear so that the current one could enter the Transcendence Stage."
"Are you that confident in becoming a Transcendent?" Inala asked, "The chances of a Gold Grade existence surviving the process and becoming a Transcendent is a pitiful amount."
"You're right," Shuwrak Zahara shrugged, "Even the Brimgan Empire's Royalty with its long history only have two Transcendents, one Gold, and one Mystic."
"But we're confident." Shuwrak Zahara grinned, frowning upon seeing Inala walking in the direction of the Gold Varahan Library, "Are you not interested in hearing the answer?"
"Is there any use even if I were to hear it?" Inala waved his hand, "I don't care about all that, since all my race cares about is to fight strong beings."
He turned around and stared at Shuwrak Zahara, "One year."
He pointed at the library and proclaimed, "After a year, I'll fight you. Once I win, let me fight
your Boar King."
"If you can win against me, I'll let you have an audience with the Wean Clan's leader." Shuwrak Zahara expressed his confidence, "That is, if you can win against me."
"Then," Inala pointed his warhammer hand at Shuwrak Zahara, "Begin training. I'll swiftly catch up to you."
"I don't even think Leukeu's lying." A tinge of sweat dripped down his forehead as Shuwrak Zahara wiped it clean, "It clearly believes it can win against me."
"Well, a sense of competition is exactly what I need too. Otherwise, I'll grow stagnant."
Shuwrak Zahara shook his head as his eyes burst with fighting spirit, "This is exactly the environment we need to constantly grow stronger. A Brully's endless energy is our boon."
With a vigour to grow stronger, Shuwrak Zahara left to train, all while Inala slowly walked towards the Gold Varahan Empire, 'They are ambitious, alright. There's only one thing that can give Shuwrak Zahara his confidence.'
Major Treasure-Seat of Transcendence!
If the Wean Clan's Boar King obtains it, he was guaranteed to reach the Transcendence Stage.
Moreover, the power of the Seat of Transcendence will elevate his strength to his maximum
potential, allowing him to become a Transcendence after exploring every possibility of strength he could accumulate.
He'll be the strongest Gold Transcendent. And that would also cement his authority over all Pranic Beasts who begin using Mystic Sumatra Art.
Even at its early stages, Mystic Sumatra Art could strengthen the genetics of a Pranic Beast and slowly erase its genetic defects. Every Pranic Beast cultivating it would eventually become a perfect genetic being of its race, creating a beneficial cycle of growth and stability until stronger variants begin popping out among them.
As long as one of them succeeds in mutating, that path would become open. Currently, among
various races on Sumatra, the Centingers had a clear path to become a Millinger. Followed by them were the race of Enrinos who mutated into Enrans.
In the future, every Pranic Beast race would have a solid path to Mutation. Meaning, there
would be larger and larger population of Pranic Beasts with two Natures. This was merely one of the first benefits of learning Mystic Sumatra Art.
In the Gold Varahan Library, there was a Glove Slip Skill, activated through Mystic Sumatra
Art. Once that were to be released outside, communication between all Pranic Beast races would become damn simple.
'All Pranic Beasts would become a collective force, and the one leading them would be the
individual who becomes the first Transcendent using Mystic Sumatra Art.' Even if he wasn't originally interested, upon figuring out Shuwrak Zahara's plan, his three hearts thumped in excitement, 'Indeed, every adventure needs a goal.'
"Alright, so this is what I'll be aiming for," Inala muttered as he entered the Gold Varahan
Library, 'Before the Fourth Major Disaster starts, I'll complete my build and attain a State of Unity. Then, I'll obtain the Seat of Transcendence. Without it, the Wean Clan won't risk an attempt to the Transcendence Stage. That'll give me the rest of my life to explore Sumatra
without worries.'
'Do I want to do it?' Inala thought for a moment, considering otherwise before shaking his
head, 'I'm not being pressured or anything. So, other than my desire to explore Sumatra, this is also exciting. It's all part of the same goal anyway.'
"Well, a challenge is always fun. It'll be a good adventure." With that, he whistled and
entered the library, now motivated to begin preparing in earnest, 'Will I be able to succeed?'
'My previous self became the Royal Zinger in two decades. I have a bit over twice the duration
this time.' Inala whistled, "It seems I can."
"Haha!"