章節 74: Chapter 74: The Plush and The Beauty (II)

As they waited, Jasmine took the opportunity to ask Yun Che some questions. "So, you knew about Kon and Retsu. So, I take it you might know about her as well." She was referring to Nemu, who was floating in the bubble.

Yun Che looked at her and answered, "Yeah, sort of." Well, he did know her from the manga and anime, and perhaps a bit from the Bleach wiki on the internet.

"So, who is she?" Kon suddenly asked from his shoulder. Since Kon was a clean slate in this world, it was natural for him not to know her.

Then, Yun Che began summarizing her.

Kurotsuchi Nemu or Nemuri Nanago (Sleeping Number 7) is a complex character in the Bleach universe, known for her unique and tragic backstory. She is not a typical Soul Reaper (Shinigami) but rather an artificial soul created by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the enigmatic and morally ambiguous 12th Division Captain of the Gotei 13. Nemu's existence is deeply entwined with the twisted experiments and scientific pursuits of her creator.

Nemu's origins lie in her being a modified soul, designed to serve as a supportive entity on the battlefield. These modifications give her remarkable physical abilities, making her a formidable asset in combat. Her body is resilient and adaptable, traits that stem from the extensive experiments she endured. These experiments were conducted by Mayuri, who saw Nemu as a means to advance his scientific endeavors, often at her expense.

Despite her traumatic past and the inhumane treatment she suffered, Nemu maintained an unwavering loyalty to Mayuri and the Soul Society. Her calm and composed demeanor concealed the deep scars left by her abusive upbringing.

Nemu's fate remained uncertain after Mayuri extracted her brain and utilized her body's regenerative abilities to defeat his adversary.

Both Kon and Jasmine widened their eyes in shock. Jasmine turned from Yun Che toward the sleeping Nemu. Her name really matched her current demeanor. "Wow… If I ever see that Kurotsuchi Mayuri, I might give him a punch to the face."

"He might be the worst of the worst, but he ended up saving the realm in his own way," Yun Che spoke. Despite Kurotsuchi's reputation, he had his own genius ways of handling things.

"You mentioned before that she's an artificial modifiable entity. What is that?" Jasmine asked.

"An artificial modifiable entity is a being similar to Kon before he became a Super Rare character. These beings are created from regular deceased human souls, transformed into modified souls to assist Shinigami in fighting hollows. Essentially, they give these souls a new lease on life by enhancing their dead human bodies," Yun Che explained before continuing, "Kon's power was able to enhance a human's legs."

"Just legs?" Jasmine raised an eyebrow.

Yun Che shrugged. "Kind of. If Kon's soul was placed in a human body, his legs basically became his ultimate weapons." Hearing this, Kon smirked, reminiscing about his previous life.

Jasmine asked again, "So, Kon's power is different from his original world?"

"I don't know what it's going to be. Looks like we'll have to find out about it later," he replied.

Then, he continued, "Back to the story, an artificial modifiable entity is an enhanced form of Kon. It's a powerful entity enhanced in every way. But, Nemu is just a modified soul granted a living body. She couldn't even wield a Zanpakuto. That's the sad part about it. Powerful but not powerful enough to challenge a Shinigami with an active Zanpakuto."

Jasmine nodded and said, "I understand. Basically, she's powerful because she was modified?"

Yun Che simply nodded. Basically, Nemu relied on Kurotsuchi Mayuri's modifications to become stronger in battle. As she wasn't modified in the first place, there was no way she could take on an Arrancar or a Quincy back then.

As they waited, Yun Che decided to ask the system, "System, is there any reason why she's not awakening?"

------------------------

[Ding… As a gift from the system, the host can decide whether to awaken her. If she awakens now, she will become an artificial modifiable entity, regaining all her abilities and memories from her previous life. Her cultivation will depend on modifications.]

-----------------------

Yun Che's hunch had been correct. Nemu would remain as she was from the day she was created unless they intervened. However, turning her into a perpetual project, dependent on modifications for growth, wasn't an attractive prospect. It reminded him too much of Mayuri's situation.

The system presented another option: to make comprehensive modifications to Nemu's abilities, memories, and personality, allowing her to become a real soul capable of birthing her own Zanpakuto. However, this process wouldn't be instantaneous, requiring time for the transformation. The best part is, Nemu could use her previous upgraded abilities as the system skill she can learn.

Yun Che nodded, deep in thought. "So, how long does it take for her soul to transform? Five hours? Five days?" he wondered aloud.

-------------------------------

[Ding… Three months.]

--------------------------------

"Three months?!" Yun Che exclaimed, surprising both Jasmine and Kon. Kon fell from his shoulder, landing with a thud, and demanded to know what was going on.

Jasmine, ever practical, inquired about his decision. She knew he had to choose wisely, but she had a hunch about his preference.

Yun Che informed them of the two options: keeping Nemu as she was and upgrading her gradually, or transforming her into a real soul but with a three-month waiting period. Kon struggled to grasp the details, but Yun Che simplified the explanation for him.

Jasmine urged him to make a choice, aware of what he was likely to decide.

Yun Che gave a determined nod and chose option two. Then, he accessed Nemu's details in the holographic interface provided by the system. He decided to erase all her previous memories, giving her a clean slate. Her personality remained unchanged since he thought the previous Nemu was admirable. For her abilities, he integrated her original capabilities into her soul. Some skills, like instant learning, were a default feature of the system.

Lastly, he removed the name "Kurotsuchi" from her real name, as he despised the man who had used her as a guinea pig. He couldn't bear the thought of her remembering the abuse she had suffered for the sake of research despite whether she consented to it or not. Her name was simply changed to her former name "Nemuri." However, she will still refer herself as "Nemu" once she wakes up later.

---------------------------------------

[Ding…modifications made. Beginning memory erasure, Erasing complete.]

[Beginning soul transformation. Estimated completion time: 2 months 29 days 23 hours and 59 minutes]

--------------------------------------

Yun Che placed his hand on the surface of the egg and looked at Nemu, still peacefully slumbering within it. He spoke softly, "I'll see you in three months, Nemu. I promise you'll have a wonderful life as a powerful, full-fledged Shinigami." As he uttered these words, the straps from the system enveloped the egg bubble and sent Nemu into his inner world. He had his Zanpakuto spirits keep a watchful eye over the egg in his inner realm.

"Now that's done. Let's see what you're made of, Kon." Yun Che proceeded to access the stats section and selected Kon's name. His eyes widened as he perused the information. "Wow, holy hell."

---------------------------

[Name: Kon] [Kaizō Konpaku]

Forms: Lion Plushy Doll, Winged Golden Lion God (Real Form)

Cultivation Level: None

Body Level: None

----

Lion Plushy Doll Abilities:

----

Plushy Form: Invulnerable to damage in this form.

Transformation: Can transform into a small pill and enter a host's body, taking control or enhancing them.

----

Real Form (Winged Golden Lion God) Abilities:

----

Form Transformation: Can transform into the formidable 'Winged Golden Lion God' depends on his level of cultivation.

- Beginner to True Profound Realm = Kitten Form

- Spirit Profound Ream to Sky Profound Realm = Cub Form

- Sky Profound Realm – Sovereign Profound Realm = Adolescent Form

---------

Divine Stage

--------

- Divine Origin to Divine Tribulation Realm = Adult Lion Form

- Divine Spirit – Divine King =???

- Divine Sovereign to Divine Master =???

- ???

--------------

Enhanced Physical Attributes: Increased strength, speed, and durability.

Energy Manipulation: Manipulation of spiritual energy for various attacks. Kon can transform into an energy streak but cannot initiate any attacks in this mode. However, his high-speed movement in this mode can easily ignore any defenses.

Flight: Ability to fly with golden wings. (Accessible in Cub Form's Sky Profound Realm). The wings can also be used for his plushy form.

Soul Overpower: Can take control of a host's body if their soul is weaker or possesses a higher cultivation.

Skill Mimicry: Can use the skills of the host while in control.

Invulnerability: While in plushy form, Kon is immune to damage.

Host Cultivation Level: Varies based on the host's cultivation when taking control.

Notes: Kon's abilities depend on his form. In plushy form, he lacks offensive capabilities but is invulnerable. In his real form, the Winged Golden Lion God, he becomes a formidable combatant with increased physical attributes and energy manipulation abilities. Kon can also temporarily take control of a host's body, gaining access to their skills and cultivation level.

------------------------------------------

"What is it?" Jasmine and Kon inquired simultaneously, eager to know what had surprised him.

"Kon basically has two forms. His original form, which is right in front of us, is a mere lion plushy doll. In this form, Kon can't engage in combat at all, which is quite obvious," Yun Che began.

"Bastard," Kon muttered and playfully punched his face, resulting in a soft plushy sound.

Ignoring Kon's antics, Yun Che continued, "However, in this form, he gains additional skills. Kon can transform himself into a small pill and place himself within anyone's body, whether they are alive or deceased. If the person he controls has a powerful soul, he must rely on his cultivation to overpower their soul. But if the person's soul is weak, he can take control of them as usual and assume their cultivation. While in control, Kon can utilize their skills, and his strikes become even more potent."

Jasmine nodded in understanding and asked, "So, this ability originates from your home world?"

"Yeah, sort of. Basically, all modified souls can use this ability, but they usually don't last long. Kon is one of the modified souls that can exist for an extended period," Yun Che explained.

Jasmine turned her attention to Kon and inquired further, "So, Kon can take over anyone?"

Yun Che nodded, affirming, "Yes, anyone, as long as the person's soul is weak or Kon's cultivation is higher. It doesn't matter if they are alive or dead."

Kon couldn't help but wear his smug expression and chimed in, "Not a bad ability, I must say."

Yun Che continued, "And one more thing, while in this plushy form, Kon is invulnerable to damage. No matter how hard we punch or kick him, he'll still be able to survive. However, if he takes over someone, he'll be ejected from their body if the damage is too severe." This revelation likely explained why Kon had survived Yun Che and Jasmine's earlier attacks.

"So, I can use him as a punching bag?" Jasmine asked with a mischievous grin, playfully punching her fist into her palm, which sent a shiver down Kon's spine, if he had one.

Yun Che chuckled, replying, "Yes, he'll never die, and he's invulnerable in this form. So, knock yourself out."

"Korra, I am not a punching bag. Please have mercy," Kon pleaded comically while kneeling on the floor, his plushy form appearing rather pitiful.

Both Yun Che and Jasmine laughed at Kon's antics, but Yun Che continued, "So, those are all the skills he has in his plushy form. But his real form brings out his most powerful ability. According to this, he can transform into a 'Winged Golden Lion God.' I don't know what that is." He stopped and observed Jasmine, whose eyes widened with disbelief.

"Impossible... Impossible... It couldn't be," Jasmine murmured in a tone of disbelief, ignoring Kon's concerned inquiry.

"Nee-san, are you okay?" Kon asked, his plushy face reflecting genuine concern. Somehow, he started to refer to Jasmine as Nee-san.

Jasmine disregarded Kon and turned to Yun Che with an anxious expression. "It's impossible, are you sure it's the 'Winged Golden Lion God'? Are you really sure?"

Yun Che simply said, "It's said so in here. Why?" He was quite shocked. Why would Jasmine react so strongly to a 'Winged Golden Lion God'?

Jasmine was too shocked and couldn't calm herself down. It took a while for her to regain composure and continue, "The Winged Golden Lion God is the most powerful primordial beast ever to exist in this universe. It once reigned supreme as the conqueror of the primordial beasts that once terrorized the Realm of the Gods millions of years ago. The book I found in the hidden archive said that. However, there are almost no records of its existence, and some said the beast was just a legend."

Yun Che and Kon kept quiet as she continued her story. Yun Che was thinking, "Okay, this is something new and way different from the original series."

"As a member of a high-ranking family, I was able to find just one book in that archive containing legends of the primordial beasts when I was a little girl. I even thought this beast was just a ruse from ancient times. Besides, it's a story from millions of years ago. No one wanted to know more about it, so over time, the records slowly diminished until just that one book was the only thing left." Then she slowly looked at Kon with widened eyes.

Then, Jasmine, with an air of excitement and fascination, began to recount an ancient legend to Yun Che and Kon. She spoke of a time long ago when the cosmos were in their infancy, and the boundaries between divine and mortal realms were nebulous and intertwined. It was during these primordial ages that the myth of the Winged Golden Lion God emerged, captivating the imaginations of beings across the celestial expanse.

The legend described the Winged Golden Lion God as a celestial entity of incomprehensible magnificence. Its resplendent coat shimmered with a brilliant golden hue, reminiscent of the sun's radiance. Towering above all, it possessed majestic wings that spanned the entirety of the heavens, their feathers glistening like the stars themselves.

But it wasn't just the creature's awe-inspiring appearance that earned it reverence—it was its unparalleled power, wisdom, and ferocity that set it apart. The legend spoke of how the Winged Golden Lion God roared with a voice that shook the very cosmos, and its celestial presence could influence the fate of realms.

In the annals of cosmic history, this divine being had led a monumental and cataclysmic war against both gods and devils, reshaping the very fabric of the universe. Its battles were said to be legendary, with the clash of titanic forces causing cosmic upheavals and the birth of new galaxies.

As eons passed, the once-vibrant legend of the Winged Golden Lion God began to fade into the obscurity of time. Some believed that it had ascended to an even higher plane of existence, transcending the boundaries of mere mortals and deities. Others speculated that it had become one with the very cosmos it had once influenced, its essence forever interwoven with the tapestry of creation.

She continued, "To think that Kon is actually 'The Winged Golden Lion God.'"

Yun Che and Jasmine looked at Kon at the same time. To think a 'Winged Golden Lion God' became his companion. Yun Che tried to ask the system if there were any records on the 'Winged Golden Lion God,' but all the system showed him was nothing.

-----------------------

[Ding… There are no records on the existence of the Winged Golden Lion God. The system requires an upgrade before accessing the hidden archive.]

------------------------

Yun Che sighed as he met a dead end and closed the interface. He faced Kon and said, "Wow, never expected you're more than meets the eye, Kon. No wonder you were summoned as a Super Rare character. What did you do before you died?"

"Who knows, I can't even remember anything," Kon said with his hand on his plushy chin.

"Died?" Jasmine asked, surprised.

"From what Retsu told us before, Yachiru knew her from the day she was born until the day she died in her previous world. If Kon was summoned, it means Kon died before he came here. Wonder what happened before he was summoned?" Yun Che pondered. He was aware of the story of Bleach up until Yhwach's defeat and the manga's epilogue. As for what happened afterward, it remained unknown. Probably hundreds or even thousands of years had passed since the epilogue. While he knew how Retsu died, Kon's fate was shrouded in mystery.

Yun Che couldn't help but wonder about the circumstances that had led to Kon's demise in his previous existence. What kind of extraordinary encounter could have resulted in the Winged Golden Lion God's soul being transferred into Kon, a mere plushy doll?

The Winged Golden Lion God, as per the legend Jasmine had just recounted, was an entity of unimaginable power and majesty. Its very presence could shape the fate of entire realms, and its roars could reverberate through the cosmos. The idea that Kon, in his plushy form, could absorb such an entity's soul seemed utterly implausible.

If this tale held any truth, it implied a remarkable twist of fate, an encounter beyond the boundaries of comprehension. Yun Che contemplated whether Kon had somehow crossed paths with the soul of the Winged Golden Lion God and, through an inexplicable turn of events, had absorbed its essence and powers.

Such an encounter would have been fraught with peril. The soul of a primordial being like the Winged Golden Lion God could easily obliterate any ordinary creature, let alone a plushy doll. Yet, Kon not only survived but managed to absorb this awe-inspiring soul and transform himself into a Super Rare character.

The mystery surrounding Kon's origins deepened with each passing moment. It raised questions about the nature of their current world and the role Kon was destined to play in their unfolding adventure. Yun Che couldn't help but be intrigued by the enigmatic circumstances that had brought them together, and he knew that the answers lay ahead, waiting to be unveiled as they ventured further into the unknown.

Yun Che and Jasmine gazed at Kon, their expressions a blend of disbelief and curiosity. The jovial, plushy lion suddenly seemed more imposing. The very air around them seemed to ripple with the weight of the legend Jasmine had just recounted.

"Imagine, the mighty 'Winged Golden Lion God,' reduced to this adorable form," Jasmine said, half teasingly, trying to lighten the atmosphere. But her voice had an undertone of awe.

Kon, sensing the shift in mood, struck a pose, trying to look majestic. "Well, it's not every day you get to meet a legendary figure like me."

But Yun Che wasn't entirely convinced. "I mean, it's one thing to be legendary, but do you remember anything about being the 'Winged Golden Lion God'?"

Kon shrugged, looking almost sheepish. "Honestly, I can't remember anything. It's like I woke up one day and, poof, here I was."

Yun Che decided to dismiss the thoughts of digging into Kon's past as that past is now meaningless in this new realm. There was little he could do about it now. His focus was on forging his own story in this new world and bringing his new companions along for the journey.

Kon climbed back onto Yun Che's shoulder and asked, "By the way, how do I access my powers?"

Yun Che replied, "Hmm, it says here that your powers will be accessible once you break through into the cultivation realm. However, your lion form will progress from a cub to an adult over time. So, you won't be able to immediately access your full lion form."

Kon sighed in disappointment. "That'll make me weak."

"Deal with it, dumbass," Yun Che retorted, earning a chuckle from Jasmine.

Jasmine sighed at Kon's predicament. Despite being the Winged Golden Lion God, Kon was relatively weak at the moment. She pondered for a while and realized that once Kon arrived in the Realm of the Gods, he would undoubtedly be targeted. As the only existing Winged Golden Lion God, there was no way those in the Divine realms could resist the urge to acquire him or prevent him from becoming stronger. Jasmine resolved to have Yun Che hide Kon's Divine aura to protect him from detection by the powerful beings in the upper realms.

Yun Che decided it was time to proceed with the trial. He inquired whether Jasmine and Kon wanted to stay and watch or return to the inner world, as the trial only allowed one participant.

Kon was curious about the inner world and asked, "You have an inner world?"

Yun Che nodded. "Yes, but I'll let Jasmine explain it to you." Kon nodded and cautiously maintained his distance from Jasmine, just in case she decided to punch him again.

Jasmine chose to stay and investigate the reason behind the Phoenix God's trial in the lower realm. She was intrigued by the fact that this place belonged to the Phoenix God itself, and she believed there must be something special about it.

Kon also decided to stay, mentioning that he could ask Jasmine to explain what was happening. However, Jasmine responded with a wicked smile, warning him, "I could, but if you're thinking something perverted, my fist really needs a workout."

Kon shivered and quickly bowed his head. "Hai, I understand."

With that settled, Yun Che remained in the center of the arena, while Jasmine and Kon took their seats in the empty spectator area. Despite the small audience, Yun Che was ready to face the Phoenix God's trial.

As he looked at his companions, Yun Che couldn't help but smile, knowing that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together. The journey in this new world was becoming more intriguing by the moment, and he was determined to see it through.