Bab 11: Price

You see, my transformation is far from ordinary. When I undergo a transformation, I assume the complete embodiment of whatever form I have taken. For instance, if I transform into a snake, I adopt the exact behaviors and characteristics of a snake, blending seamlessly with the rest of its kind. Instead of resisting or suppressing the animalistic nature within me, I embrace it, allowing it to guide my actions and ensuring that I do not stand out as different.

" How am I different ?

She moved closer to me touching my face and body, I let her do what she wanted before she sat back down " You look like everyone but at the same time, you look like you don't belong here"

She said and pointed down the tree where the other primates were, she then continued " You blend in perfectly with the surrounding like it was meant to be but when you gather with us a flaw appears"

Interested in what she is saying I said " Flaw?

"Yes and a deep one at that" she paused and then pointed at herself and the other primates.

"I am different from them, yet I remain connected to their essence.You, on the other hand, are not one of us because I feel like them when you are around. It is clear to me that my situation is rare within my species.

When you appeared I thought maybe I am as unique as I thought but with further observation something seems off and your peculiar abilities, such as the one we are currently employing, serve as confirmation of your dissimilarity to us. So, I am compelled to ask: Who or what are you?"

Not in a hurry to answer hear " What do you mean when you said that you feel like them when i am around"

"I am different from them because of my intelligence but with you around, my intelligence seems like nothing, also because your eyes around us are the same eyes I have when I talk with them"

"Oh, what type of eyes is that"

"The type that says, these dummies can't understand me"

That made me laugh out loud and it seems she also found it funny because she also started laughing.

" I can tell you what i am but you still won't understand it" I said, which caused her to stop laughing.

Telling her that I am a god while she has no idea what a god is makes the whole explanation useless. " But i will try to give you an explanation"

I raised my arm and the same healing magic she used appeared in my hands. She was shocked and drew closer, seemingly compelled to experience the energy for herself. Without hesitation, I tossed the healing energy towards her.

" An explanation of what i am is what you hold in your hand, your healing abilities comes from a derivative of the wooden element and my nature grants me extensive control over such elements"

She had a perplexed expression as my words sank in. "So, does this imply that you possess dominion over the wood element, and what I utilize belongs to you? Is that the reason for your presence here?" she inquired, seeking clarification."

Shaking my head in response to her words, I clarified, "I do not possess ownership of the wood element itself, but I was born with a certain inherent authority over it. Your ability to heal, which is derived from the wood element, may not be easily replicated by other users of this element. However, due to my unique authority, I do not encounter such limitations."

Seeing her nodding her head in understanding I continued "There are others like me who are also born with inherent authority over certain elements, and we are collectively referred to as 'Gods.'"

"I believe I now have a partial understanding of what you are," she said.

" No,no, you don't. My explanation merely scratches the surface of the complexity of our existence. Authority over elements is not the sole aspect of our power. Certain facets of life are also under our domain, but let us leave it at that."

Taking a deep breath "The reason for my presence here is because of beings like you, Creatures possessing a particular level of intelligence. Among all the group of creatures that i have observed, you turned out to be the most unique one"

Curiosity filled her expression as she asked, "Now that you have found me, what is the next step?"

" No need to be in a hurry, you already have a preliminary understanding of what I am. Being a god, i have some responsibilities I have to fulfill and you can be of a help to one of this obligations"

Now she looks even more intrigued " What is it that i can be a help of to someone of your power"

Meeting her gaze, I decided to be forthright. "I require your partnership in procreation."

Confusion washed over her face, and she responded, "That's it?"

"Yes but it comes at a price"

"What's the price"

"You dying in the process of birth"

Seeing her fall into silence, I sensed that she needed some time for contemplation. "Take your time to think it through, and let me know your answer," I said before swiftly descending from the tree, leaving her to her thoughts.

Crepuscular made it sound easy when he told us the creature he found was totally with the idea but I guess that the creature intelligence wasn't as high as this female primate.

Fear of death is a characteristic that sets most intelligent creatures apart from normal animals. If she doesn't agree to the proposition, I will have no choice but to return to the tigers. While they are not what I desire, their powerful bodies and combat instincts can compensate for certain aspects.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly sensed a projectile launched in my direction. However, before it could hit me, it was swiftly halted mid-air. I looked towards the source and saw the female primate gesturing for me to come.

With a spring in my step, I swiftly ascended the tree, filled with anticipation for her response. Finally reaching the top, I found her seated there. I walked closer and took a seat beside her

She began speaking, "I have witnessed many of my kind perish, and I've always known that death was a natural part of life, something they didn't fear. But the more I witness it, the more death itself terrifies me. So, when death is presented to me in the form of a proposition, I find myself frozen in hesitation."

With no immediate response, I remained silent, allowing her words to settle in. Her questions about the impending outcome weighed heavily on my mind. "How will I die? Will you be the one to kill me?" she asked, seeking clarification.

I explained to her, my voice filled with a mixture of gravity and understanding, "The child will be the one to bring about your demise, not out of its own will, but because you will be giving birth to a half-divine being. The energy required for its birth cannot be sustained by your body alone, leading to your body burning itself out to ensure the survival of the baby. It is through this process that your life will come to an end"