37 The Black Turtle (1/2)

Fang stared at the duo stupified.

'Another... divine beast?' he thought.

Staring at the two, he noticed a dark presence behind them. It seemed like a dark void that would suck in every ounce of energy that came close to it.

Staring at the object carefully, Fang noticed that it was a... rock. It was rough and patterned with diamond-shaped spikes.

”Is this... a rock?” he asked.

The duo screeched in laughter.

”Silly human!” Suzume crowed.

Fang frowned.

”This is the Black Turtle! It's another divine beast!” Toru bellowed.

Fang nearly stumbled as he heard the true identity of the presence. Looking closely, he could see small limbs, the color of a dull jade, poking out from various crevices. A small and sharp head poked out, staring back at him with beautiful dark eyes. Around the shell, a small black snake entwined itself. Its fangs glinted and it gazed back at Fang with the cool and calculating gaze of a master strategist.

”Apologies for the mistake, my lord,” Fang spoke reverently.

The turtle shifted slightly and nodded, the serpent nodding along.

”Genbu! Relax dude! Anyway, wanna form a contract with this dude? We both did it!” Toru spoke.

Fang nearly spat blood. Was this how divine beings talked with each other? Where was the power, the magnificence, the majesty?!?!?

A black scroll formed before Fang and he absentmindedly nodded, giving his agreement. The contract disappeared into the shadows as Genbu nodded and smiled.

”Greetings Fang,” it spoke.

Fang smiled and greeted his new friend.

'System? What exactly is this divine mountain that you gave me?' he questioned as he walked back to his abode with the three animals.