In a sense, Usato did not lie to his newly promoted soldiers. Sky had researched the tokens and then formed them using nanobots, engraving them into Usato's energy. The moment his energy was depleted, the nanobots would naturally dissipate. This was unlike when totems were awakened using Ancestral Altars, which would be engraved into their DNA, or in modern Earth terms, permanently bound.
Usato shifted his focus back to the core of his earlier statement. "Alright, let's temporarily leave this topic and return to our previous topic – why I said Totemic Awakening is a limited path!" He directed his gaze toward Kael. "Kael, what is your Ancestral Totem?"
"Red-furred lion," Kael replied, a hint of confusion in his voice.
"What is its element?" Usato pressed.
"Flame," Kael answered.
"Can you use the water element?"
"No, it counters my element," Kael stated, his confusion growing.
"Exactly!" Usato exclaimed, his tone emphasizing his point. He then turned his attention to Vala. "Vala, what is your totem and element?"
"Shadow panther, Dark Element," Vala responded.
"Can you use light elements?" Usato asked.
"No," Vala affirmed.
Usato didn't wait for further elaboration. He moved his attention to the next awakened warrior.
Usato continued, his gaze sweeping over the awakened warriors. "The reason I asked about your Totems and elements is to emphasize that the moment you chose your Totem, you also chose your element."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Now, why does this limit yourselves? What if you encounter an enemy who knows how to counter you? What would you do? You are already limited by your element!"
A ripple of contemplation went through the awakened warriors. They had always considered their elemental affinity a strength, the very core of their power. They hadn't fully considered the inherent vulnerability it also presented. While they understood that certain elements had advantages over others, they hadn't framed it as a definitive limitation before.
Disappointment flickered across their faces as Usato presented another aspect of his reasoning. "Another reason why I said that Totemic Awakening is limited is because, during your coming-of-age ceremony, you are required to hunt your own beast, right? Now, by that age, what can you usually hunt individually? Common beasts, right? What if you outgrow your totem's power level? Does it make it a boon or a burden?"
Disappointed, the crowd realized that Usato was right. Looking at the crowd's forlorn expression, Usato decided to give them good news in exchange for the negative realization they had experienced. "Don't be sad everyone, as the saying goes, 'Heaven doesn't close all doors.' When one door closes, another will also open." Awakening your totem doesn't mean it's the end of the road for you; it only means you need to find or carve another path. Since you can't change Totems, find a way to enhance it. Fellas, I created body and energy cultivation to enhance all our aspects naturally. You can use that to fix Totemic Awakening's inherent flaws. And to the unawakened ones, I'm not discouraging or encouraging you to take or not to take this path. After all, it is your life. What I want you to do is to find a beast suitable for the long term, like this Alpha Dark Wolf. It has innate skills, and if I were to categorize it, I would put it in the unique beast category.
After lecturing them for a few minutes, Usato decided to call Ren. "Ren, come forward!" Confused, Ren immediately came forward. "Because of your excellent display of bravery, courage, and intelligence in this fight, I, the Tribal Chief of the Evergreen Tribe and your current Commander-in-Chief, bestow upon you the body of the Alpha Dark Wolf. You may do what you see fit with this corpse."
Ren was shocked. "But Chief, you hunted this beast; by right, it is yours." "Yes, it is mine, and now I'll give it to you as a reward." No one will oppose it, right?" Glancing at all the crowds, no one opposed Usato.
After Ren received the corpse, Usato asked, "Ren, do you want to undergo Totemic Awakening?" A few moments passed, Ren's brow furrowed in thought before he finally nodded. "Yes, Chief, I do." Usato smiled reassuringly. Sky, conjure the devoured Ancestral Awakening Altar. As if by magic, a shimmering altar materialized in thin air before their eyes. It pulsed with a soft, ethereal light. "Ren," Usato gestured towards the altar, "please sit at one of the spots near it. This is where your awakening will begin." Ren cautiously approached the altar and settled into one of the designated positions. Usato stepped forward, preparing to officiate the ceremony. Okay, Sky, walk me through this. What do I do? Internally, Usato listened intently as Sky relayed the information it had gleaned from devouring the original altar, guiding him through the steps of the ancient ritual.
Usato nodded, understanding the importance of the gift. He instructed Ren, "Before we begin, place your hands on the Alpha Dark Wolf corpse." As Ren complied, Usato internally instructed Sky, Sky, channel the residual energy signature of the Alpha Dark Wolf through the altar, focusing it on Ren.
Usato then focused his internal energy, guiding it to flow towards the Ancestral Awakening Altar. He visualized the altar not just as an energy conduit, but as a medium to bridge the connection between Ren, his latent Totemic potential, and the powerful essence contained within the wolf corpse. He directed specific energy frequencies, dictated by Sky, towards the altar. This energy, now imbued with the wolf's unique signature, was then channeled towards Ren.
The low hum from the altar intensified as it processed the dual streams of energy – Usato's directed frequencies and the residual essence of the Alpha Dark Wolf. Ren's body responded, his connection to the wolf corpse deepening as the altar facilitated the transfer. The energy patterns resonating within Ren began to align with the dominant signature of the Alpha Dark Wolf, its innate skills and potential acting as a catalyst for his awakening.
Above Ren, the spectral wolf began to form, its dark light now tinged with a hint of the raw power emanating from the physical corpse. The manifestation was not just of Ren's inner energy, but a fusion, guided by the altar, of his dormant Totem and the potent essence of the Alpha Dark Wolf, offered as a sacrifice and a guide for his awakening journey. The process was a deliberate, almost scientific channeling of energies, using the altar and Usato's control to bridge the gap between potential and manifestation, with the Alpha Dark Wolf corpse acting as a vital link.
After a few minutes, as the spectral wolf above Ren solidified slightly, the physical corpse of the Alpha Dark Wolf began to subtly shimmer. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the material form faded away, dissipating into nothingness like dust in the wind. Simultaneously, the ethereal glow surrounding Ren intensified, a visual manifestation of the wolf's essence merging with him. Usato, observing this phenomenon with keen interest, felt a surge of understanding. So, it's as I theorized... the moment the energy of the hunted beast fully transfers to the new host through the altar, its essence imprints itself onto the DNA of the receiver, becoming a part of them. The disappearing corpse was tangible proof of this process, the physical matter no longer needed once its essential energy had been absorbed by Ren.
"Ren," Usato said, his voice serious, "the Totemic Awakening we're about to undertake using the essence of such a powerful beast is not without its risks. The Alpha Dark Wolf was a formidable creature, and a fragment of its awareness, its instincts, and even its will, might linger within its essence. During the awakening, this lingering awareness will likely try to assert control over your body and soul. Be prepared for a struggle, Ren. Be prepared to fight for yourself."
Ren nodded, his initial excitement now tempered with a determined resolve. He placed his hands firmly on the Alpha Dark Wolf corpse as instructed. Usato then initiated the energy flow towards the altar. As the residual energy signature of the Alpha Dark Wolf began to envelop Ren, a subtle shift occurred in his demeanor. His eyes, previously focused, now flickered with an unsettling wildness.
Within the depths of Ren's soul, a fierce battle began. The lingering awareness of the Alpha Dark Wolf, powerful and primal, clawed and snarled, attempting to dominate Ren's very being. Ren found himself in a shadowy landscape, facing a monstrous, spectral wolf with eyes that burned with ancient power. The wolf lunged, its intent clear – complete takeover.
Just as the wolf's shadowy fangs seemed about to tear through his soul, fragments of memories flashed before Ren's eyes. He saw the faces of his lost family – their smiles, their encouraging words echoing in his mind. Fight back, Ren! Don't let despair consume you! Their love and support fueled a surge of defiance within him. He roared back at the spectral wolf, pushing back against its oppressive presence.
Yet, the wolf's power was immense, and Ren felt himself weakening, his will beginning to crumble. Just as darkness threatened to engulf him completely, a vision bloomed in his mind's eye. It was Usato's face, his expression calm and filled with a benevolent strength that resonated deep within Ren's soul. A wave of warmth and reassurance washed over him, bolstering his resolve. With newfound strength, Ren focused his will, pushing back against the wolf's lingering awareness. The spectral wolf recoiled, its power finally broken by Ren's determined spirit and Usato's subtle, unseen influence. The wildness in Ren's eyes subsided, replaced by a hard-won clarity. He had faced the darkness within and emerged victorious.