When the specimen was presented to him, Daiyon Shar was mildly disappointed. He asked for something in the mold of a King Jaw. Large and reptilian, the sort that towered over others and sported a terrifying figure. Instead, in front of him was something else. The fur and body shape gave it away as an obvious mammalian. It was around 6 zik in length, perhaps more, and looked to be able to dominate even a man in armour. Dangerous, the Daiyon easily could tell. But it was not what he asked for.
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"I believe this does not fit the specifications I gave you. Explain yourself, Gitou Rotir."
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"I apologise," answered the advisor. "It seems that your exact orders are not yet possible. Reptiles are currently difficult to work with and the King Jaw has not undergone enough experimentation to properly be utilised.
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It took a while to notice that there were only four of them. She was missing.
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"Where is Lady Xue? I expected the head of this organisation to be the one to try and persuade me."
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Rotir coughed. "She told me that there were important matters to attend to. But she had full confidence that you would not need her assistance for you are an expert on animals yourself. If the need for further information arises, these two men by the beast are the project heads and far more involved in the actual procedures than her."
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"I see. That is a shame."
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The Daiyon studied the outline of the creature. There could be some merit to deviating from his orders. But he would need to assess things further. He walked to get a closer look at the specimen. A musky scent came from the wet coat; it was pungent but Shar had smelled worse. The odour could not compare to the one his father carried shortly before his death, when the flesh had rotted over and various maggots made their home in the meaty caverns. Even the palace had to be treated regularly, with spells reinforced to keep the odour from turning it into a compost pit.
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"Is this alright to touch?"
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On both ends of the beast were the two "zoologists", part of the team that designed it. At least, that was what Rotir had told him. Animal scientists. They wore sable-coloured robes of unknown material, with golden embroidery that formed symbols unrecognisable to Shar. Though the advisor called them zoologists, the Daiyon took that as a euphemism. Many organisations that were similar existed across Takarahana; Shar had gotten used to being faced with dubious groups.
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The Zoologists looked at one another upon thinking the request over. Instead of saying anything, they placed their hands on the beast. Was it an affirmative? Shar heard that some of had taken vows of silence, preferring to show their academic practise over saying it. The Daiyon could respect that, he did not care for the talkative sort. But it was surely difficult to convey thoughts without a voice.
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Shar decided to play it safe, not touching. Instead, he loomed closer. Distinct ridges marked separation. A strange sight.
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"There seems to be sutures of some kind littering the view. It lookd to me like low quality patchwork, sloppy craftsmanship."
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Rotir stepped to his Lord's side and traced one of the lines with his shriveled finger. He was as old as Shar's father but seemed to have aged far more in the same amount of time. Any traces of the powerful court mage that he used to be had disappeared. Rotir once told Shar that he was sustained only through complex techniques. Shar had a hunch that the same methods that created the creature before him kept the old man together.
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"These lines mark the spaces between the different parts. This is just a prototype, like an architectural blueprint before making the building. The final product will likely not be too different but a major change you will notice is that these lines will be replaced by coursing, pulsating circuits of a special liquid. I assure you, this will look better in time."
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"I see."
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Rotir's actions did not get a violent reaction. The Daiyon took this as permission.
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Shar slowly moved his hand up the beast's limb, squeezing it in short intervals. Impressive. Hidden under the layers of fur and thick, leathery skin were muscles that would make even his burliest soldiers jealous. He was pleased with the bulk that he felt. There was a good thickness to it, a swipe from such an arm would easily break bone or dent armour. While it was not what he wanted, there was no doubt that they had listened to his request for power.
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The Daiyon felt around more, letting his figers squirm and feel. He had a pet once, a large Knucklewalker that had a bulky, muscular body. Shar had thought it to be the perfect companion for battle. Before him was a creature that had the same imposing figure and none of the weaknesses of a Knucklewalker. Its body shape resembled that of a bear's but with well-developed hindlegs that marked a powerful jumping ability. A great leap to tackle a foe or help the beast land a direct attack to a vital spot like big cats do.
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"What do I call this, Rotir?"
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"Lintanxi is the term for creatures such as these, hybrids born of intricate magical research."
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"I see. However, I was referring to this creature in particular."
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Rotir glanced at the zoologists, meeting their cold gaze. Shar had just realised it, that Rotir could communicate with them wordlessly. He had heard of similar techniques being used by the nomads south of his territory but had not seen it in action. Rotir's eyes were squinted, like when he would struggle while reading. Was the vision an important element of the method?
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"They had not thought of one yet, apparently. It would be the highest of honours for the Daiyon of Akalen to name their creation."
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"Let me take some more time to study it, then I will come up with my answer."
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The idea of touching the claws sent a shiver of delight through Shar's body. Premier cutting tools, from just one look of it. He gave in to temptation and slid his finger on the tip. The sharp edge drew blood, spilling some of the Daiyon's on the specimen. The zoologists did not seem to mind what happened. Shar then started to move the digits around, feeling their articulation. He did the same for the wrist area, the arm, then the shoulder. These beasts would probably be able to climb and traverse difficult terrain. A variety of attacks were available; Shar could think up of at least three dozen ways that the beast's limbs could take down an opponent. The method that amused him the most is raking at the head with the sharp claws, peeling off the face in the process.
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Above the shoulder was a grand mane, similar to that of a lion's, if the cat would be able to produce brilliant blue hairs to display. It was an impressive neckpiece, perfect for framing the beast's most striking feature-- a skull that was much like a canid's. Strong jaw muscles complimented the bone crushing teeth that was obviously inspired by those of a hyena's. Not quite a King Jaw's bite but certainly more than enough to kill. Shar could already imagine the crisp, crackling sound of bones snapping from the tremendous bite force.
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Satisfaction curved his lips into a smile. Perhaps this would be better suited for his purposes than a few giant lizards. Mass producing this beast and taming them for combat alongside soldiers would be easier.
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One of the zoologists, a young man with a stoic face that looked to be about Shar's age, looked at Rotir and raised his hand. The advisor met his gaze and their wordless coversation began. The other zoologist was an older man who seemed to be scrutinising his own work, Shar could identify the eyes of a critic. A desire to improve upon a masterpiece, that was the sort of attitude Shar wished his own personal artisans would have.
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"Apparently, they are looking to add venom to its arsenal. The only problem is the fact that these creatures would likely be unstable due to their makeup. Alterations would rock the very fragile balance they currently have and reduce the chances of it being trainable down to 20 per cent."
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Loose cannons were not something that Shar tolerated in his army and state. He liked soldiers that were focused and loyal, he wanted all things under his thumb. Unstable and chaotic variables were difficult to account for. He sighed. Risk management is part of leadership. An unavoidable circumstance. Shar decided-- even if these do not turn out tameable, he would use them. Unleash them upon the opponent as frontliners to thin opponent ranks before following up with his own soldiers. The ideas of having them as mounts or battle partners would need to give way for effectiveness.
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"I have decided. Shamarzup. I believe this to be most fitting for a creature with a bite as formidable as this." Shar turned to the zoologists. "If you can add venom, do so. As long as we can ensure that they do not attack us somehow, it does not matter how uncontrollable they are. You have my respect and admiration. This is a beautiful beast, that you have made."
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Shar grabbed the Shamarzup's head and raised it, forcing its still-lifeless eyes to look straight into his own. In his head, he imagined what it would be like alive. Snarling, on edge, ready to take one bite of his noble face and run into the wild dragging the rest of his bleeding body along. On the Daiyon's face, his expression lit up. A chuckle came from the young Lord. He could work with this. The zoologists had successfuly convinced him.
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"Rotir, this partnership is sealed. You impress me once more with your astute assessments. This will surely be the key to our conquest."
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"I am glad you think so highly of this work," a voice said. There was a distinct melody to her speech. Shar recognised it quickly. It was about time that she appeared. Etiquette demanded leaders to confront one another on important discussions.
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"Lady Xue. I was beginning to wonder if you would even show up at all. The deal being sealed without your presence is a blight upon my record of partnerships."
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The Lady Xue was clad in the same robes as her fellow zoologists but it had instead been worn as a cape. Her arms, pale and slender, were not covered by the robe's long sleeves. She wore a dress that was of modern fashion trends in Wuchang-- Shar had seen them before on ambassadors and nobles who came for trade. Material harvested from their unique silkworms and woven by some of the most skilled tailors and seamstresses to be found in the East. He would have liked to touch it; but the Daiyon was wary that his actions may either be rebuked or too accepted.
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"These two are almost extensions of myself, they speak for me as much as my own mouth does."
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The younger zoologist raised an eyebrow and coughed. That was the first vocalisation that the Daiyon had heard from him. Xue laughed, then playfully pushed his back. Shar could hear a soft apology from her. "Shundi" was what she said, though Shar was not familiar with the word. Was it his name?
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"If there are no more issues here, I would like to discuss the terms of our partnership in my estate. All three of you, with Rotir and myself. There shall be a banquet prepared, as well. Only the finest of foods."
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Xue looked at the old man, he shook his head in response. "We accept your offer. But before we leave, my uncle Yanzu has given me the clearance to tell you of our upcoming project. Call it a sign of our trust in your goals and character."
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The young Lord was curious. What did the Lady have in store for him? He could not think of a construction that could rival the Shamarzup. "Lead the way. I would like to see this experiment of yours."
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The hallway to the experiment was long and dark, with muliple doors that had to be activated one at a time. Shar did not know how big the underground complex was but it seemed to almost be as large as his resort house all the way in Techin. Some armed men guarded the doors, each one equipped with a blade and spear.
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A room awaited the end of the hall. It was well-lit, with numerous writing materials sprawled about on the floor and desks. Many were on shelves as well. Opposite the door was an entire wall that was made of glass, an almost comically large window. Shar looked through it and saw numerous lumps of flesh, slowly sliding on a granite floor. Strange appendages hung limply on their sides, positioning random and only sometimes managing to move.
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They were in the observation deck of an enclosure.
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"If you would like to hear their vocalisations, all you have to do is to rub this symbol right here." Xue walked towards the edge of the glass wall and pointed to a symbol etched onto the surface. It pulsated with a deep, blue colouration. She rubbed it and the light's colour shifted to a bright green.
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Moans. Wails. Screams. They were almost like those of a human's, only distorted to grotesque sounds. Shar immediately realised that it came from the lumps that moved around. Some of them dragged their featureless bodies leaving behind a pale, clear liquid as a trail. Others repeatedly banged their heads onto a mirror, shrieking as they did so. Littered around them were many that did not move; Shar could not tell if they were asleep or dead.
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The sound of a horn echoed through the room. Rumbling followed. Xue and the zoologists did not seem alarmed, so Shar did not say anything. He only watched.
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A door that was on the wall parted. The Daiyon had not seen it earlier. Out of it came a trio of Knife-Footed Lizards. He had only ever been shown one as a stuffed trophy, this was the first time he had seen it alive. A common predator in the hotter regions of the continent, yet treated as almost legendary by those not native to their territory.
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"This is the person we wanted to show you."
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"Who?"
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One of the lumps burst, mounds of sickly-looking flesh and good sticking to the surroundings. Shar reeled from disgust but soon found himself fixated. From where it once was, a man appeared. What was he doing there? The lizards spotted him and began to circle, their natural method of taking down an opponent. He stood up from his kneeling position and turned to look at the viewing deck.
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The man was lean, standing taller than even Rotir. His hair was long and dark grey, edges uneven. Shar guessed, from the locks of hair on the ground, he would rip parts of it off. Most striking was the man's skin, sporting patches of black inhuman skin contrasted with the swathes of awfully pale skin. Like a Lintanxi, he looked like patchwork, the remains of a man killed in a fire sewn onto another.
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One of the Knife-Foots leaped at the man, its claw ready to dig into flesh. He moved to the side before contact could be made, sending the lizard clattering on the floor. Eerie laughter came from the man. The second one charged and tried to take a bite at the neck. Not fast enough. The man narrowly dodged, ducking at the right time. He then lifted the reptile and tossed it over to the wall.
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Lady Xue must have read Shar's expression, she guessed exactly what he was thinking. "It is not over yet. These reptiles are used to being thrown around by larger and stronger animals. But our experiment has more tricks to show."
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The man screeched, a guttaral sound that intimidated the lizards. Even from the observation deck, the voice shook Shar's bones. Some of the shelves shook but none of their contents spilled out onto the floor. It must have been a common occurence, if there were such countermeasures. A crimson, translucent smoke emanated from the man's skin in streams, leaking from the spaces between his regular and darkened skin. His back hunched over and his his body seemed larger.
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He dug his nails into his arm. Sharp points then rushed out from the site, piercing his skin. Where the man had pinched, blood-coloured spikes emerged. They were like glass, glistening. The lizards attempted to rush him down but the man fought like a beast. He allowed their claws to scratch and draw blood, which only added to the structures in his body. The moment right after an attack is a window of vulnerability. It was not wasted; the pain of the claws were returned tenfold with puncture wounds to the torso.
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The battle ended with the man victorious, his body covered with the strange blood structures. He turned to look at the observation deck again. Shar wondered if he could talk. The man then returned to a kneeling position. Around his body, lumps of flesh began to form. They looked like bubbles of meat and blood. They grew large and eventually broke off the blood spikes, causing them to fall onto the floor. The process continued until the man returned to his state at the beginning-- a flesh being like the others.
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"I do not know what to say about this. I do not even know what I have just witnessed."
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"The future of human enhancement," Lady Xue replied. "The original version of the a magic native to the savage nomads. This is what our work entails. Arcane arts of old that were lost the time, recreated through study and experimentation."
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Rotir stepped up beside Shar, placing his hand on the Daiyon's shoulder. "If even a small portion of our army were half as powerful as this man, we would be able to expand our territory to as far as the Mazukair Ido."
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Arakusanami gai dorī. There was no reason for me to refuse. Shar had decided he would use these to conquer and fulfill his destiny.
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"This is where the legend begins. Shikanira united under my command, then the rest." He placed his hand on the glass and looked at the flesh mound the man was hidden in.
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"I would like to speak to him.
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-°-°-°-
A/N:
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Several terms have been introduced in this Prologue alone. To help with this, each chapter will have a Glossary of new terminologies. It will have a simple explanation of terms. Eventually, the goal is to create a Zelpedia, which will further explain various things.
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Daiyon: This is the leader of a Shikaniran state, which is semi-independent. It is a gender neutral term and Daiyon can be picked in many ways.
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King Jaw: A large lizard with powerful jaws but underdeveloped arms. Fearsome predators that are feared by even the most skilled hunters.
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Zik: The basic unit of measurement in Shikanira, which is approximately 1/3rd of a metre. Most other nations use a similar unit, the Zik is a unit that has obscure history but is confirmed to be ancient in origin.
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Gitou: A chief advisor to a Daiyon, though there may be multiple. The right-hand man or woman.
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Takarahana: The name of the continent this book will focus on. It is unknown where the name had originated but the oldest known documents have already used the name almost universally. Usually translated as "Land of Precious Flowers", referencing the unique flowers onthe continent that serve as the calendar markers.
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Knucklewalker: A large, herbivorous creature known for walking with its knuckles. Its most obvious features are its well-developed and elongated arms, which dwarf its hind legs. Often used as mounts when horses are not strong enough or height is a necessary.
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Lintanxi: A word from Yuanzhin, the language of the Three Yuan Kingdoms. It is the name of a children's tale story character that steals parts from other living things. It has gained usage among "zoologists" as a word for chimeras.
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Akalen: A large state that lies on the "Western Section" of Shikanira. Due to the quality and abundance of metal in the area, they are known for heavy infantry that are well-armoured and equipped. They are relatively isolated due to the deep trenches cutting them off from most contact.
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Shamarzup: A combination of the words "Shamari" and "Azup", meaning "dangerous" and "tooth" respectively. They are words from Ukarinku, the language used in Shikanira. The name Shamarzup appears in an classic children's poem as a "scary beast" that eats the parents of naughty children.
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Wuchang: A nation in the Eastern section of the continent. It is known as one of the Three Yuan Kingdoms and is unrivalled in the art of making clothing. Most fashion trends emerge from Wuchang and their materials are used all over East Takarahana.
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Shundi: A word in Yuanzhin. It means "eldest brother".
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Techin: A city in Hanshu, one of the Three Yuan Kingdoms. Known as a resort spot to nobles in Shikanira because of its beautiful beaches and relative accessibility.
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Knife-Foot Lizard: Formidable lizards with a single dagger-like claw on their feet. They hunt in packs and are effective hunters, utilising team strategies to take down large prey.
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Mazukair Ido: "Mazukair Lake", a large lake that is a main feature of Shikanira. Its name has an ancient, unknown meaning.
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Arakusanami gai dorī: "Entrance of the bear den". Similar to "the edge of glory". It describes a situation that looks dangerous or uncomfortable but is definitely a prerequisite to a large reward.
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Shikanira: The Northernmost nation, also the largest in terms of territory. It is composed of multiple semi-independent states, which share a common ancestor in the Ukari people. The name Shikanira comes from the words "Shikani" and "Ainira", which mean "Silver" and "Country".
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