Rejected Vassal

"Surnamed Goldwolf? It seems there were secrets in this family I was totally unaware of…" Nonetheless, Jody was excited as he looked at the origin gem in his palm.

It was like a sapphire casing full of milky white jade, and Jody felt his body bursting with energy as he held it. He was inwardly astounded.

Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open.

Lady Isis slowly sashayed her way next to Jody, bringing with her a bone-chilling air that managed to spread everywhere but avoided little Jody like the plague.

Jody noticed that his mother and Geb neither looked at nor spoke to each other. It was as if they were incapable of perceiving each other's existence. Jody found this strange.

As if reading his mind, Lady Isis placed one finger over her lips. Shortly after Isis entered and put her arm around her son, a collection of steps was heard coming down the hallway.

Walking into the room, Abercorn Trillwolf was the first to speak, a hint of urgency in his voice, "Ancestor, we must make haste to the Cave of Myriad Wonder's auction house. The event will begin soon."

Geb winked at Jody before glancing at the ape on his shoulder. Immediately after, the ape vanished, and the room was shrouded in shadow. Now, the only thing the nine people in the room could see and hear was each other.

"Kneel, Josiah of clan Goldwolf, and Sek of clan Si." Geb released an overwhelming oppressive aura that immediately sent Jody and the lad clad in black to their knees.

"Ah.." Ke Si, who seemed startled at the shift in events, let out a small sound while taking half a step towards that lad clad in black before similarly being brought to his knees by the oppressive aura.

Ke kowtowed three times before speaking to Geb, "Grandmaster, please forgive this humble one's insubordination. Sek is the pride of my family. My older brother bade me to protect her interests. She is above our clan's fate."

"Your…fate?" Geb waved his hand, and Ke was sent hurtling backward, tumbling along the ground until Lord Osiris appeared behind him and caught him. "Tell me, do you see this as a punishment? You are a disgrace to your ancestors. I will not force this decision on anyone. Sek Si, are you willing to submit to the will of your ancestors? Serving and protecting my young descendant Josiah in eternal truth companionship?"

Geb had his arms crossed as he casually asked a life-altering question. However, his voice had unshakable authority within it. Sek felt like the whole world was bearing down on their shoulders.

"May I ask a question?" Sek Si's voice was melodious and hypnotic, giving Jody goosebumps uncontrollably.

He could not help but be shocked by this. Was this Sek Si a female or male? Even if it was a little girl, how could a child's voice be so enthralling? Jody was no longer sure, but he hoped like hell it was a female. He didn't know what to think about himself if his body's first time reacting this way was to a male.

"Ask, why not ask?" Smiled Grandpa Geb.

"Is he even worthy? Will you still continue to help me take my revenge if I refuse?" asked Sek softly.

She apparently had some reservations about this arrangement. Why should she become some weakling's shadow? The boy couldn't even control his mana, which constantly leaked.

"I am helping you take your revenge as we speak," Geb still had that pleasant and warm smile on his face, and his tone seemed to reflect a pearl of deep wisdom.

Sek was startled by his response, not totally understanding.

However, Jody understood his Grandpa Geb's unspoken meaning. Merely he didn't honestly feel like he needed a shadow. Especially not a cross-dresser with heavy lip.

"Gramps," Jody suddenly looked at Grandpa Geb. "It seems he doesn't want it. Can I rise now?"

Sek heard the word 'he' and frowned deeply.

Geb looked puzzled for a moment and then amused before resuming his smile, "Little Jody, you have no idea how advantageous it would be for you two to stay together. Trust this old man, just this once."

"Grandmaster, what do you mean by this?" asked Sek Si in confusion.

She was stunned by how kindly the grandmaster spoke to this boy.

"I mean precisely what I said, little raven," said Grandpa Geb simply, "If there is anyone who can help you, it will be this young pup, Josiah."

"Well..." Sek Si seemed quite reluctant still, "Be that as it may, I still have some conditions..."

"You see, gramps? If the person himself does not wish to participate, then I can not be bothered. What conditions? I never asked him to be here! I do not want a subordinate who is unwilling," said Jody imperiously, as if it were common knowledge. "Honestly, Grandpa, you already gave me what I asked Ke Si to bring me here for. I don't need anything else."

Sek Si frowned behind the cloth covering her mouth. This brat was insulting her with every word.

Meanwhile, Geb pondered for a few breaths. Even though these brats were quibbling, there was a certain logic in the boy's words, causing Geb to pause before he sighed lightly.

"Perhaps we will choose another shadow for you, then. Ke Si, my apologies. You may take your niece and..."

"No, please, grandmaster, I am willing! I am willing!" For a reason that couldn't be understood by herself, Sek instantly panicked when young master Josiah immediately rejected the proposal before even hearing her condition.

She didn't actually plan to reject this arrangement, as she had already figured out her purpose in being invited by the old man when she first saw the boy arrive. She just wanted to negotiate a little! Maybe even leave the back door open...

Who knew that this brat was so domineering?

"I only live for this debt of blood! To repay it, I will face anything!"

"It is no longer me you must convince," Geb shook his head helplessly, releasing the pressure binding the two children.

This situation wasn't the ideal one he had planned.

But inwardly, he was pleased with his grandson's temperament. The dynamic of their relationship could have been quite unbalanced if he stood by and let Sek Si be willful. However, as he was younger, Geb had expected Jody to do precisely that. He had been satisfied with having someone who could keep the boy in line, but this composure was even better.

Jody was expressionless as his eyes met the child dressed as an assassin.

"I only have one request from you, young master Josiah," Sek Si walked up to Jody and bowed low in respect.

"It's young Lord Trill," said Jody indifferently. "Or just call me Jody."

'Trill? Jody? Lord? Is he intentionally making things difficult for me? Would he just change it back like a petty child later?' Sek Si gnashed her teeth disdainfully before grunting out a response, "May I please see your Sky Wolf, young master Jody?"

"Which one?" asked Jody without a change in expression.

He had expected this outcome eventually, as Grandpa Geb already told him what the Si clan respected most. He was thrilled to hear the word "niece" from before, though.

Other than Geb, this casual statement of Jody's caused all the adults in the room to wear dumbfounded expressions.

Shocked!

They were definitely shocked. Did he ask which one? Didn't this imply he had multiple Sky Wolves? The only ones who could remain composed were Lord Osiris, Lady Isis, Abercorn, and Geb. Even Ke Si was a little shocked, a reverent look appearing in his eyes. How foolish he felt for his earlier interference. This boy had long since shown his potential!

Of course, possibility meant nothing if one died too early...he didn't want his niece facing such dangers as this boy would surely face one day.

"Um…maybe...both...or, I mean, all...I think?" Sek Si was flustered, not knowing how to respond.

She seemed to have never heard of one man having more than one S-class combat soul.

Little did she know that the boy in front of her had three!

Holding onto the origin gem, Jody felt immense power filling him just as quickly as it drained away. With a thought, Jody summoned the Cosmos Revolving Grimoire in a burst of purple light. His minor atmosphere became dark and mysterious as he said, "Summon Guardian!"

The grimoire magically flipped open to the second and third pages. The silhouette of a divine-looking winged wolf with dazzling platinum fur was illustrated on the second page. On its coat was a power symbol that appeared to be made of serenity runes. Two celestial ribbons orbited around the wolf, and an emerald flame accompanied the wolf in howling upwards. On the third page was a beautifully designed grand claymore, radiating a life-like might. The shadow of a peerless expert existed behind the sword, but it faded in and out of existence.

[Guardian 1: Cosmos Devouring Sky Wolf, Compatibility rating: 54%]

'Current Form: Infant.'

'No Skills Unlocked.'

'Summon Time: Two minutes.'

The second page released a dazzling light, and a cute yet strong howl reverberated in the group's ears while green and black flames exploded on top of Jody's head, transforming into a howling sky puppy. The wolf pup had metallic black fur and sat up on its hind legs with perfect posture.

The wolf pup was aloof and did not make eye contact with anyone. He seemed indifferent to the world as he released a mysterious wave of pressure and observed the surroundings. Small rebirth and serenity symbols were on its left and right sides, and one little black eagle wing was on its right shoulder.

Upon contact with that pressure wave, Ke and Sek Si immediately fell to their knees in respect. This action seemed involuntary, as if it came straight from their souls. Sek was startled. Not even the grandmaster's sky wolf form made her heart and soul stir like this.

"Amazing! Even at the Sophomore rank, others shouldn't be able to see your combat soul. What an interesting source artifact," commented Osiris.

"This can only be achieved with a legendary Grimoire. To think we'd have one in our House, the heavens truly smile at us," said Fontaine from next to Osiris.

"How can it be so heaven-defying!? Can it attack or aid in battle?" asked a short but stocky man in black robes with low-cut grey hair, hazel eyes, and a thick beard.

He had a rough and gravelly voice as he spoke with disbelief all over his tone. This was Greater Earth Max Dirt, an Honored Elder of House Trillwolf and Five Element Wolf pack brother. His official title was Greater Earth, while Max Dirt was his actual name.

Geb's hazel eyes shined as he observed this infant-stage Sky Wolf.

He seemed impressed yet perplexed, "Is it a variant species?"

A voice in Geb's head responded, "Responding to host: all sky wolves are technically variant species of Infinity Jackals. This species, in particular, resembles the World Devouring Sky Jackal. However, as the World Devouring Sky Jackal bloodline is exceedingly pure and rare, there are no recorded variants with this bloodline. Also, this little origin god beast appears to have more than one bloodline limit. Unfortunately, the barrier of the artifact prevents any further probing."

"Hmm?" Grandpa Geb raises a brow in surprise.

After all, his current level could be considered quite profound. Was the source artifact of this kid so powerful that it could even block a perception at his level? Geb glanced at the Sky Wolf pup and noticed, to his shock, it was staring him right in the eyes. The mischievous little thing even appeared to be sneering at him as if aware of his attempt to probe.

Geb was speechless.

"Get off of me!" At this moment, Jody tried to swat Sylvester off his head. Unfortunately, he only hit the air, as Sylvester suddenly defied gravity by casually floating upwards with a mere twitch of his wing. Jody ignored Sly and tried to regain his previous composure, "Anyway, this is my Cosmos Devouring Sky Wolf. Next..."

However, just when Jody was about to summon Xavier, Sylvester asked him not to telepathically.

This caused Jody to pause and glance at the single-winged wolf pup, who chose this moment to land once again on Jody's head. This time, the puppy stretched out and yawned. This caused Jody's eye to twitch slightly.

Regaining his composure, Jody asked Sek Si, "Well, are you unsatisfied with this?"