Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 427: Toseko’s Offer

Within the past sun, Treeda was lucky to have been visited by the mysterious man. It was then that, like Zelsh, she was given more information regarding himself and his plans. Though, of course, nobody knew the full scope of the man’s plans as everyone was only told the information relevant to their role.

But that meeting was enough for Treeda to understand Netra’s role. And though she expected God Toseko to make Netra an offer, Treeda never dared to assume it would be an offer so grand.

“Netra, please, give me your answer,” Kartzal stated kindly. “For perspective, this offer is the highest possible award for mortal champions. But I’m so impressed that I wish to offer this to you now, as there’s still a matter of luck in the Mortal Championship. This allows me to gain a promising subordinate while raising you and your clan as you would want, regardless of how lucky or unlucky you may be in the Mortal Championship.

“So, please, tell me your answer.”

“... Your omnipotence, must I give an answer at this moment?”

Shaking his head softly, Kartzal replied, “No. You can be allotted a few minutes. And you may meet with your mother and master as well, seeking their guidance. I’m sure they better understand the scope of my offer. Also, I did forget to mention this, but your master is also welcome to join you and your clan, should you accept my offer.”

Bowing deeply, Netra replied, “Thank you, your omnipotence. Then, I would like to speak with my master and mother.”

.....

“So be it.”

As Netra stepped aside from the others in the arena, Slazza motioned to Vloz and Puula, letting them jump down from the audience.

“Alright, let’s speak quietly.” Vloz spoke first but quickly shifted to telepathy, ‘Netra, what are your feelings toward the offer.’

The fox girl blinked for a moment. ‘... The offer is amazing. But it’s not aligned with my ambitions. I don’t seek to rule a prefecture. I’m perfectly happy living in Iron Territory, or wherever the gorillas decide to go and rule. Given their current strength, they could soon make a move on a region. So why bother governing a place when I have somewhere safe and comfortable to call home?’

Chuckling, Puula spoke up, ‘Netra, don’t worry about me or the clan. It would be amazing to become a king, but even God Toseko said they could only try to help me. It was not a guarantee. And the clan’s overall strength is already on the rise with Vloz’s and the gorilla’s help. So think only about yourself.’

‘There’s one more thing you could do instead...’

The mysterious voice caught their attention instantly. All three of them listened carefully, and quickly came to an agreement.

Netra soon walked back to Slazza and Narja, prepared with her answer.

Still smiling warmly, God Toseko asked, “So, what have you to say, Netra?”

Netra bowed her head and replied, “If this is the highest reward offered to mortal champions, may I also ask for the second option given to mortal champions, to have a single wish granted?”

Kartzal’s smile didn’t waver but he blinked in thought for a moment. “Are you saying that you don’t like my offer?”

“No, your omnipotence. But I would prefer the second option, to have a wish granted.” Netra followed the mysterious man’s instructions and carefully explained, “I’m still young, a mere low-elder. My ambitions do not live up to your grand offer, your omnipotence. For now, I have no desire to govern or rule. I’m merely intrigued by cultivation and growing stronger. And as an assassin in training, I like the ability to roam the world to help broaden my horizons or cultivation.

“Your offer is spectacular and generous, your omnipotence. However, it’s not well suited for me and my lowly ambitions. I would only disappoint your omnipotence in the future.”

“...” Kartzal took in a gradual breath, thinking over his response without ever dropping his smile. “Netra, I’m willing to offer you the second option and grant a wish of yours. However, in exchange, you still need to become my private candidate. Then, after you’ve ascended, you’ll have my support and backing to cultivate and roam the world. How does that sound?”

None of the prefecture lords were surprised by the rebuttal. But they were surprised to see Netra turn the first offer down. And they were even more startled by Netra’s following response.

“Your omnipotence, I must apologize. I don’t wish to accept those terms.”

Treeda was stupefied to hear such a phrase come out of Netra’s mouth. But the other lords were in utter disbelief that such words were just spoken.

The other contestants were extremely envious to hear the god’s offers and completely furious to hear that Netra turned them down. Hathal was the only contestant with no change in expression, all while laughing in heart, trying to imagine how his father felt to be turned down for once in the god’s life.

“... Are you sure about this, Netra?” Kartzal asked. “I can understand and admire the loyalty you have for those around you. From what I’ve heard, this small territory has done everything it can to support your growth and is the very reason you’re speaking with me today. Such loyalty is incredible. But I believe even the territory leaders understand the opportunity you’re asking to throw away. Isn’t that right, Leader Bradok?”

Sighing, Bradok stepped to the edge of the stands. “I agree, your omnipotence. We admire the loyalty, but to turn down an offer would be a foolish mistake.”

“Your omnipotence, this decision is mine alone,” Netra stated confidently, flooring the prefecture lords listening in. “My master and mother have stated that I may decide selfishly, not worrying about them. That is why I must decline your incredible offer, as it doesn’t match and even vastly surpasses my ambitions.”

Still determined, Kartzal sighed, “... Young girl, do you understand the height of the heavens? The depths of the seas? You cannot. So, take the advice of a man who dwells above the heavens. Accept my offer, and you’ll become the finest assassin in all the West Quadrant, and perhaps the entire world of Dominus.”