Chapter 1493 - Masters And Apprentices (Part 1) (1/2)
”I spent the last few months studying Lilia's and Leran's hybrid forms to see if I can at least reach their stage, but even if I did, I had no idea what to do next.
”Lith is now a perfect being whereas you are still at the stage that a hybrid needs to undergo to make their essences merge instead of discarding one of them.” Nalrond said.
”What do you want me to do?” Tista asked.
”Nothing much. Just shapeshift along with me after I cast the Body Sculpting diagnostic spell, Scanner, on the both of us. That way, I can study the difference between our hybrid life forces.” He replied.
Tista needed to get used to her new abilities and she had no reason to refuse. They shapeshifted in unison until the Rezar ran out of focus. Studying the process down to the finest detail took a huge toll on his mind.
”Thanks a lot.” He said while massaging his temples to fight a massive headache. ”We might have to do this again in the future, but for now I have everything I need.”
”No, you don't.” Only after switching from one form to another several times did Tista start to understand what Lith meant when he said that he felt more than human yet less.
Somehow, all of her senses seemed to have gotten sharper, yet her mind had also grown more detached as if most of her usual worries were now beneath her.
”If you don't want to screw things up halfway through, you better study Morok's life force as well.” She said.
”Why? Protector or Faluel are Emperor Beasts too and much less annoying at that.” He asked.
”Because they are Emperor Beasts from birth whereas Morok was a hybrid until a few years ago.” Tista replied. ”From what I understood, you want to become like Lith, correct?”
”Correct.” Nalrond nodded. ”After living for so long with my two bodies, losing either of them would be akin to be maimed for life.”
”Then your plan is to make your life forces become like those of Protector's children first, then like mine, and lastly like Lith's.” She said.
”Correct again.”
”Yet if you are not careful, you might mess up and become like Morok instead. By studying his life force, you might be able to gain insight about what went wrong with him once he reached the twenty years of age.” Tista said.
”Excellent idea.” Nalrond hugged her in one of his rare affectionate moments, creeping her out in surprise. ”Having to deal with Morok will be a hassle, but still better than failing. How do I contact him?”
”No need for that, he'll come to Faluel's lair today. The news that Quylla is alive has spread and he's dying to meet her again. You can use the opportunity to get Quylla's contact rune again.” She got free from the embrace before gently but firmly sending him away.
***
Later that same day, at Faluel's lair, the Tyrant jumped with so much joy and held Quylla while shedding so many tears that she couldn't bring herself to push him away to regain a shred of personal space.
”I still can't believe you're alive. Please, kick me in the nuts so that I know it's not just a dream.” He said while squeezing the air out of her lungs.
”I beg your pardon?” The insane request flabbergasted her.
”It's how we first bonded so I find it kind of romantic.” A powerful slap by an Adamant-covered hand gave Morok plenty of assurance that he was wide awake.