Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 293: More and More Drinking

“Understood...”

“Good. Then consider yourselves knowledgeable about Devil’s Canyon.” Zelsh enjoyed chugging another round of wine, satisfied with his explanation.

Kraz asked, “But... That’s not a lot of information.”

“Compared to how many people don’t even know it exists, you’re all scholars on the subject!” Bradok laughed as he filled up his tankard to enjoy a round with Zelsh.

“I may ask for more information later...” Jeminine stated with a sigh, getting a slow nod from Zelsh. “Either way, thank you for telling me about such a place. And thank you for not telling Korvik about it.”

“Any time. Now... We need to celebrate my son finally getting himself a woman!” Zelsh cheered, pouring more wine into Donovan’s glass. “Congrats!”

Bradok lifted his cup, adding, “To the long night ahead of them!”

.....

“I–”

“I’ll cheer to that!” Jeminine raised her glass as well, interrupting Donovan’s objection. She smiled back at him before downing her glass along with Zelsh and Bradok.

Donovan sighed, “I’m not against this, but isn’t this too fast?”

“Naaahh...” Patting Donovan on the back, Zelsh clinked his tankard against Donovan’s glass. “You think she has plenty of options, but it’s the opposite. Do you think she finds plenty of men worth her time and reputation?”

Jeminine shrugged and mentioned, “I’m not desperate, but I won’t miss a chance when I see it. And though that means I’ll be related to you, old man, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Does it?”

“Technically speaking, you could merge the territories but that may be too much work. Just make sure to treat each other fairly and I’ll be happy to have you join the family,” jeered Zelsh, elbowing his son.

Donovan asked, “And what about me? What if I want to take it slow?”

“Then take it slow, all night long!” Bradok laughed before downing another tankard of wine.

“Mind if I excuse myself?”

Everyone blinked and turned to Oli. Bradok was the first to speak up, “Come on, brat. We’re just getting started!”

“But I should get some rest. I’ve learned a lot of new things today that I want to take in and I could use the rest before training starts tomorrow.”

Agreeing, Zelsh nodded. “Go right ahead. I’m glad to see you’re responsible, a rare trait to find in young cultivators.”

Before taking a farewell bow, Oli put his hand on the bulky gorilla’s shoulder while standing up. “I look forward to sharing wine and stories next time. I’ve tried to mimic gorillas a lot with some battle arts, so getting your opinion would help a lot.”

“Really? Why didn’t you say so?!” Bradok then stood up, still holding fast to his tankard. “Hit me!”

“I’m sorry but–”

“Hit me, brat! You think I let everyone do this?!” Bradok roared with a chuckle.

But Zelsh intervened. “Sorry, Bradok, but not tonight. Let the boy get some rest. I’ll make sure Oliver visits you at a later time.”

“Fiiine...” Bradok sighed but didn’t seem at all depressed. His tankard reached his lips before any disappointment could set in. “Then train hard and maybe I’ll feel your weak fists next time we meet and drink.”

“Thank you, Master Bradok,” Oli replied with a humble bow, putting a massive grin on the gorilla’s face. “Master Zelsh, Master Donovan, Master Jeminine, thank you.”

“Enjoy the rest while you still can,” Donovan laughed, watching Oli turn and leave the table. He used that moment to look at his younger brother. “Shouldn’t you be doing the same?”

“I suppose...” sighing, Kraz lifted his torso and backed away from the table.

Tilgron did similarly, outright bowing to those still at the table. “Thank you for your wisdom and time. It’s an honor to have shared a meal with so many dignitaries.”

“Stop kissing up and get out of here! If you’re not drinking more, then sleep!” Bradok laughed, shooing them away.

“Thank you, Dad, Brother. It was a pleasure, Lady Jeminine. And the food was marvelous as usual, Chef Bradok.” After saying his goodbyes, Kraz promptly left with Tilgron.

Alone, the kings and Bradok spent less time discussing anything serious and more time chatting the night away.

Eventually, Jeminine and Donovan were shooed off by Zelsh and Bradok. They claimed the night was dragging on too late for the new couple and there was no point wasting it further. And once it was just Zelsh and Bradok, the drinking only ramped up. It was a rare chance to find Bradok in the palace while Zelsh wasn’t busy entertaining other guests. And they both made the most of it, plowing through wine as fast as they could open new bottles.

As morning hours were upon them and both men were enjoying the fine drink, Zelsh eventually stood up. He also had a long day ahead of him. With Oli just arriving and the deadline Oli faced, Zelsh would be spending the next day evaluating everything Oli had to offer.

The two old friends said their momentary goodbyes and parted. Bradok kept drinking his thoughts and unmentioned worries away. Zelsh left for his private study in silent thought.

Reaching his study, Zelsh entered and activated the silence formation, but he couldn’t help but laugh. He spotted the splintered desk in the corner. Immediately, plenty of stress formerly drowned out in wine began to bubble and surface anew.

“Good job...”

Zelsh’s body tensed up as he heard clapping and the subtle appearance of that familiar voice. Turning back, Zelsh was floored further, speechless.

Out of Zelsh’s shadow arose a man in a white cloak with shadows concealing his face. The same man who had attacked Nightscape City.

“Which form do you prefer? This... or this?”

Before Zelsh could blink, the cloak suddenly changed colors and the shadowy aura in the hood dispersed. It still hid the top half of the man’s face but Zelsh could never forget the pale-skinned chin beneath that black cloak.

“It was you?” Zelsh asked, taking a single step backward.

Nodding, the cloaked man replied. “Of course. Someone had to help you get Lord Treeda out of Rot Region.”