Rasoul Encounters the Saintbeast - Lara

Following the one-sided battle that saw the victory of Tigerkin Lara, numerous changes swept through the Dark Forest. A palpable shift occurred as many beasts refrained from attacking others, driven by the fear that even a remote affiliation with the supreme one could bring doom upon them. The prophecies surrounding the supreme one were diverse, yet a common thread emerged – the arrival of the supreme one would herald imminent changes. Some races would become eternal enemies, while others would willingly become devoted followers.

The Royal TigerKin, in particular, held a significant role in the rise of the supreme. Lara, belonging to a lineage that had passed down the mantle of safeguarding precious items for the supreme one for generations, became the last of her bloodline when she failed to bear a child, and her entire family was wiped out. Tormented by her perceived failure, Lara punished herself for years until she finally embraced her destiny. Determined to meet her fate on her terms, Lara set out on a solitary journey.

In the current moment, after Lara teleported away from the battlefield, she landed with a resounding thud in the quadrant of the lightning race not far from Rasoul—the nearby monsters scattered in fear. A few minutes later, Lara, now in her human form, spotted a young man running in her direction. A beautiful smile played on her lips. She immediately recognized the young man.

Rasoul paused just a few meters away from her, caught between rushing to the apparent damsel in distress or hastily retreating. However, a gentle voice echoed in his mind, dispelling any notion of fleeing.

"You don't have to be afraid; I don't bite," the lady said reassuringly.

'This isn't a horror movie. No need to fear, Rasoul,' he reassured himself, determined to overcome his trepidation.

"Um... Who are you, and why do you resemble someone from the afterlife? What happened to you...Rasoul asked, still showing a light hesitation in his tone.

"I am Lara Durin Tigerkin, the last of the House of Durin, protectors of the Golden Tiger Bloodline, devoted followers of the Mighty Supreme One. I am but a humble servant who bows to my Lord. 

Rasoul was taken aback, He found himself gazing at her, rendered speechless. How could this majestic being humble herself to interact with someone like him, who had recently met his end over a craving for pancakes? Conflicted, Rasoul's mind grappled with a question that the system had failed to answer.

"You called me a Supreme one. Mind explaining who a supreme is and why I am being referred to as one?"...Rasoul asked with a smile. He knew he was about to win one over the system.

[Shit]..The system suddenly realizes that Rasoul is on the brink of obtaining the answers to the questions it intended to play around with him.

"Oh, sorry, I assumed you already knew. Let me explain. Eons ago, the universe was vast and teeming with life, spanning the infinity of space. Different races flourished in various corners of the cosmos, living happily and peacefully. There was no concept of magic or Mana, no cultivation, and no energies. Life was harmonious until Mana and other energies descended upon everyone. Chaos spread, and many perished, many transformed, with the most significant change being the emergence of newfound strength that could be achieved through what we now call cultivation. With the rise in strength and the thirst for power, races began to assert dominance over others, leading to many casualties. While some pursued power, others sought refuge in leading simpler lives.

For years, people perished, but eventually, they adapted and started living a semblance of a peaceful life. However, since nothing good lasts forever, another force emerged called Anti-matter. It swept through the universe, causing death and destruction on a galactic scale. The universe plunged into chaos again, with some races on the brink of extinction. Suffering spread far and wide, and many races succumbed to its power, transforming into a race we now know as the Dark Race, followers of the Anti-God.

But one day, an entity descended from the heavens, bringing a prophecy that ignited hope in the hearts of the afflicted. He spoke of the Supreme One, destined to come and deliver us from the clutches of the dark force. Hope reignited in the hearts of many but that wasn't long until something else happened.

The universe reformed itself and expelled the Anti-Matter, again bringing much-needed peace to the entire cosmos. However, many knew that a day would come when the Anti-Matter would return, and their only hope lay in the hands of the one the Prophecy spoke about - the Supreme One.

"The Prophecy about the Supreme One spread far and wide. But It wasn't just words; it came with some necessary resources that were and still are safeguarded by certain races and families until the Supreme One awakened. My family, for example, received one of these prophecies. Since then, our sole purpose has been to protect the Golden Tiger bloodline and the Supreme Ring destined to pave the way for the Supreme One.

As to who the supremes are, According to what I've learned from my family, the Supremes exist beyond this universe. I don't know much about them, but they are more powerful than even the Gods."

"I witnessed your arrival, so I came to hand over what is rightfully yours before I depart this world. As you can see, I am on the verge of death."

After hearing what the beautiful lady said, Rasoul realized that his life was not as easy as he thought. He understood that he wasn't just a nobody who miraculously got a second chance after encountering another person who seemed part of his soul.

Rasoul's encounter with Clay in the Soul Realm wasn't a coincidence. He knew that much, but his will to live prevented him from asking essential questions, such as why he was a half-soul or unexpectedly transported from Earth to a new world. He knew the Tiger lady in front of him had answers to his questions, but her situation wouldn't allow her to live much longer.

"So, why are you dying?" Rasoul inquired.

"Oh, I had to settle a minor conflict before my untimely exit," she replied with a faint smirk.

'System, tell me there is a way to save her...' Rasoul inquired from the system. He wanted to rescue her as if the system noticed his emotions.

[There is a way, but not now. I will save her soul and preserve her body and core. All you have to do is end her life. Know that I can only save a soul once every 10 years]

'That won't be a problem. Just make sure you save her...' Rasoul responded immediately. He wasn't new to killing, so there was no need to dwell on it much.

[Soul energy discovered.]

[Does the host wish to extract and save this soul?]

Ding...

[System storage enabled]

'Wait for now.'

"You mentioned something about a bloodline. What is that?"

"Bloodlines encapsulate traits that, when absorbed, enhance physical strength, Mana, Energies, and even intelligence. In short, you will inherit all the attributes of the Legendary Celestial Golden Tiger."

"Huh? How convenient.

"Let's set that aside for now. I'd like your opinion on something. I have a method to save you, but for it to work, I have to kill you and take your soul. I can't resurrect you immediately, but I will soon. Are you willing to let me do it?"

A faint smile graced Lara's lips as she gave Rasoul the green light. It was part of her plan, but now that Rasoul asked, she knew today wouldn't be the day she died, kinda.

"Accept this ring and make it yours by entering into a soul contract. It's a storage ring capable of holding both inanimate and biological beings. Its spatial capacity is unknown but believed to surpass that of most empires. The bloodline should be absorbed upon entering the Saint Realm. This ring has substantial gold coins – use it at your convenience.

"That is all. I hope I didn't disappoint you, Supreme One.

"Are you kidding me? You're amazing...I mean, you were terrific. I promise to do my best and resurrect you in no time. For now, rest and enjoy a sound sleep. We'll meet again soon.

"Thank you, my Lord...She replied with a smile.

"See you soon, Lara...

"Infinity strike...Rasoul swiftly killed her using his newly acquired ability.

Ding

[You have defeated a variant of the Golden Tiger Race - Lara Durin Tigerkin]

[Realm: Saint Beast]

[Rank: 2]

WARNING! WARNING!! WARNING!!!

[Influx of Attribute points received. The Host can't absorb them now; the Host will implode due to the difference in realms]

As Rasoul faced the repercussions of his encounter with Lara Durin Tigerkin, an overwhelming surge of Attribute points bombarded his body. These points, rich with Mana energy and Cosmic Energy, were beyond the immediate capacity of his current state. The disparity in realms threatened to unravel the delicate fabric of his existence.

In response to this critical situation, the system swiftly initiated the Supreme storage protocol. A specialized storage facility capable of containing the volatile influx was activated, safeguarding against the imminent implosion.

Ding...

[Supreme storage enabled]

[960,000,000 fire points stored]

[1,000,000,000 Exp stored]

[400,000 attribute points held]

This newly enabled storage mechanism served as a reservoir for the excess Attribute points, allowing Rasoul to avoid the dire consequences of absorbing them prematurely. The accumulated fire points and attribute points lay dormant within the Supreme storage, awaiting the opportune moment for deployment or conversion.

Ding...

[Supreme Converter enabled]

>> Host can now convert Fire points to attribute points and vice versa.

- Conversion rate

[1000 Fire Points = 1 Attribute point]

Ding...

[Soul Extractor enabled...]

>> Host can now extract souls from deceased beings

Ding...

{Soul Extraction Sequence enabled... Complete: 10 minutes]

Ding...

[Soul extraction Complete]

Ding...

[Body and Core of the Saintbeast Stored]

"Thank you, system; that was a close call. 

"Wait, what is that shiny thing? Can you identify the system?

Ding...

[Identification in progress...]

Ding...

[Shiny Object Identified: Supreme Soul Essence Crystal]

>> A rare and potent crystal containing condensed Supreme Soul Essence.

>> Highly valuable for enhancing spiritual power and unlocking advanced abilities.

>> Handle with caution as it radiates immense energy.

[Does the Host wish to absorb this bloodline..]

"No, Kindly store it. It doesn't belong to me. I will use it to resurrect Lara once I am strong enough.

[How Righteous]

[Host is advised to leave this place. Monsters are closing in on your location.]

Rasoul swiftly dashed back to his hideout, focusing on becoming stronger to navigate the challenges of the forest to make his way to human civilization. Unbeknownst to Rasoul, the system could quickly teleport him out, but adhering to the God of War's strict instructions, it would only intervene in moments of mortal danger.

Upon reaching the hideout, he assumed a lotus position, embarking on his cultivation journey.

Meanwhile, back in the Rainy Village, Master Julius, now a Grandmaster, set out to uncover the culprit behind his disciple's murder. Little did he know that his pursuit would unravel a much larger conspiracy.