Chapter 25: Beast Training

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Beast Training

Once all three members of the Ryker family drank the water, they sat just as Penelope instructed. Each one felt as if they were being pricked by a thousand needles. Penelope kept circulating around them, making sure they were still conscious.

She knew how important this was for both Erik and Kai. They were both very protective of Aunt Mary and herself. She knew how much they would blame themselves should anything happen to them. Only by being strong could they have a greater chance at survival.

While she was waiting for them to awaken, she decided to mentally check on Alyanna. It was like this whole domain had invisible security cameras. She could see Alyanna sleeping. It was like all she did was sleep.

"Oddy, is it normal for her to be sleeping so much? Should I go and check on her?"

’Master, she’s actually gathering energy. She’s preparing for the awakening. Her strength is equivalent to yours and vice-versa. Both of you must advance at the same time, and match each other’s strength at all times. Should either of you advance while the other is not ready, you would face serious punishment from the heavens. The heavens believe in equality among soul contract beast and it’s master. It basically means that you are one with each other.’

"So, does she meditate while she sleep?" If that was true, then she’s one lucky beast.

’Yes, contract beast do not meditate like humans. They just need to sleep and eat. Humans must train everyday in order to advance.’

"Wouldn’t it be better to train, otherwise how do they get combat experience?"

’master, beast are natural born fighters. You can train with her and coordinate your fighting abilities with each other if that’s what you mean. However, even without training, she could survive without it.’ Oddy said in an exasperated tone. He thought his master was silly.

"oh" that was all Penelope said and turned back around to check on her family. Erik’s brows were furrowed while Kai was biting his lower lip. Surprisingly Aunt Mary was handling this better than them. She had no expression on her, the only thing that gave it away was that her face was red. She was keeping it together.

"Oddy, you said that I could limit how much time an individual could spend here?"

’Yes’

"Can I also allow someone to live here indefinitely" Penelope was thinking of keeping Aunt Mary inside the space. It would be best to ensure she was always safe. She didn’t want to risk losing her adopted mother.

’Master, yes. With the new energy source provided, the space upgraded to allow living conditions for up to 20 individuals. This indicates that you and 19 others can live inside the space for up to 10 years. However, I must advise against it. Training is the only way to become stronger. Although this place is packed with spiritual energy, it does not provide enough training targets.’

"I’m aware of that. I do not plan on living inside. I just wanted to ask if it was possible. I was considering maybe letting my aunt stay inside the space." Penelope felt there was no need to keep her thought hidden from Oddy. He was clearly a reliable system.

’Master, if you do wish to keep her here, I would suggest collecting enough construction materials and energy stones.’

Oddy was right, she needed to go to the construction stores soon. Although she had a bamboo house here, it was quite small for a family of three. She also had to consider Ben’s mother. If Ben was trustworthy, she could form a contract with them as well. She had a vague memory of them.

Penelope did not consider herself a saint, but she was no devil either. She believed that if you were to form a team, you had to have trust. If she could feel the honesty in both Ben and his mother, she had no qualms in given them access to her haven. Loyalty was important and showing sincerity went both ways.

She knew that if the tables were turned, she could not trust someone who had a way of keeping her teammates safe and didn’t use it. She didn’t think there was anything wrong with this.

Penelope was lost in thought when she heard a cry come from Aunt Mary.

"Ahhh, what this this?" she said as she caught a pungent scent coming from her. Aunt Mary looked like she wanted to vomit. She body was full of grime.

"What the hell! This is all the impurities in my body?" Kai said as he sniffed himself. "I read about this in the novels, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad" He stood up and started stretching

"I need a shower" Aunt Mary said. standing up with the help of Erik. Erik did not comment. But the look on his face was screaming ’Shower, now!’. I was quite funny to Penelope.

"Okay, come on. Let’s go back to the bamboo house so all of you can take turns bathing." Penelope made sure to keep a certain distance from them. She felt that he strong sense of smell accompanied her to this world. Her parents always liked to joke that she had a "dog’s nose’.

Her nostrils were burning at the smell of them. She started to walk away quickly.

"Hey Penny, wait up! Why are you running away just because we smell!" Kai said as he ran after her. Trying to grab her arm. She kept dodging, telling him to stop.

Erik sneaked-up behind her and hugged her, rubbing his chin on her hair. "Penelope would never dislike us over a scent. Right P?" He said grinning.

"Eww, gross!!!! Let go! you stink!!!!!" Penny yelped. Aunt Mary burst out laughing. She thought her kids were so adorable.

Kai was quick to grab Penelope as soon as Erik released her. "Penny, you couldn’t possibly dislike us. Could you?" He said in an aggrieved tone. If one didn’t know better, you would think he was being bullied.

Penelope just laughed and ran to the bamboo house. Once they were home, she allowed Aunt Mary the first shower. "Okay, Aunt will go first, then I, Erik and finally Kai." She said in a righteous tone.

"Wait, why is Erik before me?" Kai asked. Indignant that he was last.

"Because I’m older, obviously." Erik said as he rolled his eyes at Kai’s tantrum.

"If that’s the case, Penny should be after you and before me" Kai, once again, said.

"Mom and Penny are woman. Why should they wait on us males? Where are your manners?" Erik said, this time exasperated.

"Damn it, I should have been born a woman! I would have gone before you" Kai said sulkingly. Honestly, his train of thought was really....different. Penelope couldn’t help but burst out laughing. These brothers were very different from how the book described them.