Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 463: The Final Teammate

“HUUH?!”

“Thanks to that, I get to represent Forell Territory in the Prefecture Qualifier,” remarked Trantor.

“... Forell Territory?” Oli blinked again as the new information overloaded his mind. “When did that happen?”

“Rhyner Trighton took control of a region, creating the Rhyner Region...” Zelsh explained, giving Oli a subtle nod. “It was the Tranton Forell that claimed the territory with the support of local noble families. And Trantor has been named the official heir, hence him being allowed to join us in Avalanche City for a few moons to further broaden his horizons while he’s still young.”

Nodding and better processing the information, Oli bowed his head to Trantor, “Congratulations! I’m glad you brothers aren’t the center of family quarrels anymore.”

Trenk bowed in response. “Thanks! I’m glad too!”

“Someone’s just excited to leave and live in a new territory,” chuckled Fulkar, acting somewhat out of character but getting a laugh from Trantor.

.....

“Let’s explain as we walk. But we can’t forget our final candidate.” Zelsh walked to the door, pounding on it. “Hurry! Or you’ll be left behind!”

The moment Zelsh opened the door, a beast charged out and dropped to his knees. “I’m sorry, Master Zelsh! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me, don’t leave me behind!”

“Yeter?!”

“Huh?” The stallion blinked and abruptly turned his head to Oli, searching for the source of that familiar voice. “OLI!”

Thud!

Bulldozing the flabbergasted Oli to the ground, the three-krin stallion flopped over him. “OLI! Oli, it’s really you!”

Cough! COUGH! As Zelsh coughed, he gave Yeter a “soft” kick that hurled him into the nearby wall. Nothing was damaged and Yeter was uninjured, but it was enough to break the strange change in mood. “Yeter, show respect and do as you’ve been asked.”

“Y-yes, Master Zelsh!” Yeter bowed his head while scrambling to his feet.

Eeole’s casual voice entered Oli’s mind, briefly stiffening Oli’s spine, ‘Yeter and a select few know about your human form. After Netra learned you were alive, they begged and agreed to accept death in exchange for giving away your identity.’

“You two know each other?” Trenk asked.

Nodding, Oli answered before Yeter could shout out a crazy explanation, “Yeah. Back when I was a nomad, I ran into him and his tribe.”

“Clan!” Yeter corrected, puffing out his chest with pride. “We’re a clan now!”

Amazed, Oli smiled, “That’s great news!”

“We settled down in Iron Territory, back in Rhyner Region. But Master Zelsh agreed to train me, so I’ve been in Bore Cite for two years now,” added Yeter. “What about you? You must be crazy strong now, but not as strong as Netra I’d bet!”

Sighing, Oli shrugged, “At the moment... You’re probably right.”

“... What??”

“Let’s walk and talk,” Zelsh sighed and laughed. “The journey is instant thanks to teleportation circles, but we’ll immediately find lodging and cultivate for a few days while you adjust to the temperature there.”

As they followed Zelsh through the palace, Trenk and Yeter were the two who got closest to Oli.

Trenk asked, “He called you Oli. Is that like a nickname?”

“Yeah, but I’d prefer if you don’t call me that,” answered Oli. “And that goes for you too, Yeter. During the tournament, can you not, please?”

“Oh yeah, I can totally do that! My lips are sealed,” commented Yeter, nodding somewhat frantically to cover up his mistake.

“Oliver, you’re probably wondering why we chose people who know you?” Zelsh spoke up from in front, not turning around. “That’s because of the qualifier’s first round. It changes every year but there’s always a common theme, a group challenge. And to best guarantee that you make it to the second round, great teamwork is a must.”

Squinting, Oli asked, “Then... Does that mean they’re not participating to try and take a spot for themselves?!”

Zelsh answered boldly, “Nope! Not at all! They all acknowledge you. And even though some might want to test you out, they agree that you deserve that slot. So they’ll be depending on your guidance to survive the first round, Rot Team Leader.”

“Team Leader?” Oli knew Zelsh was talking about him. But it was still unexpected.

“With Oli-ver in the lead, we’ll make it for sure!” Yeter shouted, quickly correcting himself.

“Yeah,” Trenk cheered in agreement. “I’m coming to test myself. It’s a second chance to compete, so I’ll use it to grow before I leave for Iron Territory!”

Oli didn’t ask about Trenk’s statement at that moment but he committed it to memory.

Fulkar scoffed playfully, “Well, if I happen to get the chance and end up defeating you, Oliver, don’t blame me for taking your spot.”

“Hey, if you’ve got the chance, I won’t blame you for trying,” Oli replied.

“With our various essence types, I’d say we’re pretty well-rounded,” quipped Freele, holding her husband’s hand.

“Alright you kids, it’s time we leave...”

Zelsh stepped onto the teleportation circle and motioned for them to join him. Once everyone was quiet and ready, Zelsh poured his essence into the circle and engulfed them all in a pulse of spatial energy.

It ended as quickly as it appeared. But the moment the spatial energy dissipated and everyone felt their feet find solid ground, a rush of bone-chilling air fell upon them.

“Welcome, to Avalanche City!” boomed Zelsh, laughing as the others all experienced the torrential cold for the first time without warning.

Freele felt it the worst, but Trantor produced some heat with his fire essence to warm them both, as did his brother. Fulkar, despite having trained with ice, also found himself shivering where he stood. And Yeter’s hooves clattered as he was assaulted by the frigid air.

Surprisingly, it was Oli that handled it the best. But that wasn’t a surprise to Zelsh, someone who knew about Oli’s new bloodline and bestial origin.

Oli breathed into his hands and rubbed them together. “... So... This is it... The name is very fitting.”

“Thank you.” A woman walked up to them, receiving a bow from Zelsh. “I’m Jeerda, Provincial King of Permafrost Province. It’s a pleasure to meet the young candidates hailing from the renowned Rot Region.”