The Hyanids reveal their origins: they are descendants of humans who underwent successful full-body flesh alteration millennia ago. Their creator, a powerful flesh alterer, initially raised them but was eventually overthrown by his creations who seized his research. The Hyanids then revealed their methods for increasing their numbers, including abducting humans to use their wombs and creating more feral Hyanid-like beings through altering existing humans with Cryanid parts.
"Full-body alteration? I had thought such a feat was impossible unless one utilized the womb-fusion method," Amon inquired.
"No one had achieved it before," Xlasstazh stated. "Observe them; their minds are utterly shattered."
Amon perceived the truth in Xlasstazh's words. The Hyanids concealed behind the latticework appeared more akin to wild beasts than sentient beings. Unfazed by their guttural growls and agitated shouts, Xlasstazh continued his advance, with Amon following closely.
After a considerable period of walking, Amon discerned that the Hyanids confined within the cages at the deeper section of the enclosure exhibited less feral tendencies than those nearer the entrance. Though the Hyanids in this area were more subdued, Amon did not equate their docility with Xlasstazh's inherent nature. Xlasstazh was a Hyanid by birth. In contrast, the beings behind the trellis here were former humans who had undergone alteration. Amon could clearly observe the multiple physical deformities marring their once-human, now insectoid, forms.
"How do you manage to keep them so docile?" Amon inquired, approaching the latticework.
The Hyanids within the cages showed no reaction to his proximity, remaining seated on the ground. Amon's initial assumption was that they were under the influence of sedatives, given their extreme stillness. However, upon closer examination, he noticed a talisman affixed within the chest cavity of each Hyanid. These talismans were difficult to spot, being partially obscured by the creatures' rigid exoskeletons.
"Are these talismans what keep them calm?" Amon asked.
"To some extent, yes and no," Xlasstazh responded.
Amon remained silent, awaiting Xlasstazh's further explanation.
Xlasstazh let out a chuckle. "Allow me to revisit your earlier query regarding our escalated conflict with humanity ten years prior. The reason was the maturation of two Hyanids within our brood, who manifested extraordinary abilities that propelled our ambition to seize this realm from human control."
"Abilities?"
"Similar to humans, we Hyanids possess rare individuals who develop unique gifts. I believe your kind refers to these as special constitutions."
"Does the special constitution of those two young Hyanids relate to these talismans?"
"One of them does," Xlasstazh confirmed. "This particular young Hyanid's special constitution grants him the capacity to command creatures with minds similar to, yet less developed than, his own, with the assistance of these talismans. This is why we intensified our conflict with humans and began abducting them indiscriminately, regardless of gender. We can utilize all abducted humans, transforming them into Hyanids. These altered beings, with their minds broken, are then controlled by the young Hyanid possessing the special ability. Through this method, our numbers grow exponentially. If this progress continues unimpeded, we anticipate initiating territorial expansion within several years, thereby accelerating our conquest of this realm."
"An ingenious strategy, yet it possesses numerous flaws."
"Such as?"
"You underestimate the established factions. They are not a force that can be overcome solely through sheer numbers. Numerous cultivators operate at high levels, not to mention the domain lords and the supreme ruler of this realm. Should they intervene, your forces would undoubtedly be annihilated."
"It is you who underestimates us."
"Is that so?"
"We have been systematically fortifying our strength throughout this entire period. The core members of our brood do not lag behind the human factions in terms of cultivation levels. You have already encountered Ublaith Kahn; we possess numerous Hyanids who are his equal or even superior in power. Our supreme leader, in fact, operates at the Intermediate Unholy Monarch Stage."
'That represents a higher cultivation level than Yao Ai,' Amon mused. He had not anticipated the Hyanids harboring an individual at the domain lord's level.
"Furthermore, I mentioned our young Hyanid's ability to control those with weaker minds. This control transcends the subject's cultivation level."
"You cannot mean..."
"Heh. Our incursions into human settlements near the border are not solely for abducting individuals for the alteration process. They also serve to draw powerful humans to the frontier. Warlords, I believe your people call them. For your information, we have successfully subdued one such individual and transported his severely injured body here. He is currently undergoing the full-body alteration procedure. Upon its completion, our gifted young Hyanid will dominate his mind, assimilating him into our ranks. You see, these altered subjects retain their original cultivation levels and techniques. Moreover, the alteration process enhances their physical attributes, transforming them into superior combatants."
"I comprehend. You mentioned two young Hyanids with special constitutions that aid your cause. What about the other one?"
"That detail remains a secret I am not yet prepared to divulge."
"Very well. Let us discuss my involvement. What did the creator reveal regarding my role in assisting your race?"
"The creator did not convey specific details to me. I was merely informed that collaborating with you would pave the way for our dream of openly residing on the mainland to become a reality."
"Hm... I informed Ublaith that I could offer intelligence to facilitate a more effective assault from your side.
"Perhaps that is how you intend to assist us," Xlasstazh remarked with a shrug.
"Excellent, then we have reached an understanding," Amon stated.
"Not so quickly," Xlasstazh countered. "I am merely an elder among my people, not their ultimate commander. As I mentioned, many of my peers harbor doubts about my prophecies. For any alliance with you to proceed, the approval of the other elders and our supreme leader is essential. It is for this reason that I dispatched Ublaith to notify the other elders. Speaking of which..."
A piercing sound echoed. It seemed to emanate from numerous small apertures distributed across the walls and ceiling. This noise was then succeeded by a sequence of sharp clicking sounds.
The cacophony persisted for a duration. From Amon's limited comprehension, it appeared to be a form of broadcast, with the clicking sounds representing the Hyanid language.
Once the audible transmission concluded, Xlasstazh declared, "We have been summoned to the chamber of judgment. Our decision regarding your fate will be rendered there."
"My fate...?" Amon questioned, a touch of uncertainty in his voice.
"Your survival hinges upon my ability to convince the other elders to cooperate with you. Conversely, should I fail, you will be subjected to alteration and transformed into one of our unthinking drones. After all, we cannot permit a human to depart freely after discovering our sanctuary."
"In essence, my destiny rests solely within your hands," Amon summarized.
"Indeed, it does," Xlasstazh affirmed.
*
Xlasstazh guided Amon through a labyrinth of corridors, eventually arriving at a circular chamber. The central floor was devoid of any features. Towering walls, arranged in a circular configuration, enclosed the open space. Elevated upon these walls were numerous seats, all oriented to face the floor where Amon stood. A multitude of Hyanids occupied these perches. Amon noticed Ublaith among them.
"Remain here," Xlasstazh instructed Amon. He then ascended, taking his place amongst his kin. The chamber soon resonated with the distinctive clicking utterances of the Hyanid tongue.
Amon clasped his arms before him and maintained a patient stance. His inability to converse in their language meant he could exert no influence over their deliberation. He was uncertain if every Hyanid present possessed comprehension of human speech. Consequently, he opted for silence and anticipation.
The council proceeded for a considerable time. Despite his lack of linguistic understanding, Amon could interpret their non-verbal cues. These Hyanids, being partly human, exhibited gestures akin to those of humans. From his observations, the discussion grew noticeably heated. Divergent viewpoints were clearly being debated. Xlasstazh was advocating for a particular stance, one that undoubtedly favored Amon. Judging by their body language, a significant majority, exceeding three-quarters of those present, opposed Xlasstazh's position. Ublaith, meanwhile, maintained a conspicuous silence throughout the entire discourse.
The passage of time continued. Amon estimated approximately seven hours had elapsed before the intensity of the debate seemed to subside. It appeared either sheer exhaustion from arguing had set in, or a consensus was finally within reach.
One hour later, a universal quiet descended upon the assembly. Xlasstazh emitted a peculiar sound, which Amon interpreted as a clearing of his throat. He then began to speak.
"Human Amon, we have arrived at a resolution... Regrettably, my peers assembled here are not in agreement to forge an alliance with you. The potential risk of your treachery is deemed too significant, even with the aid of my foresight. They are disinclined to embrace such a gamble..."
Amon attempted to present his perspective. "Pray, allow me the opportunity to articulate some..."
"Silence, human! You have not been granted leave to speak!" Ublaith's voice boomed, cutting Amon off.
Xlasstazh also signaled for Amon to cease speaking. Amon complied. Xlasstazh then resumed his address.
"The majority of my peers advocate for your immediate execution. However, they do harbor a apprehension regarding the repercussions of defying the Creator. While they do not wholly subscribe to the notion of the Creator as an all-powerful, omniscient deity, they do acknowledge the existence of a mysterious and potent entity responsible for my divinations. They wish to avoid open defiance of this being. Therefore, our decision is for you to undergo the Trial of Worthiness. Should you emerge victorious from this trial, an alliance will be established. Should you falter... well, you will be beyond the capacity to act."
Xlasstazh concluded his statement. Since no one else offered commentary, Amon interpreted this silence as his cue to inquire.
"What precisely does this Trial of Worthiness entail?" Amon asked.
"Your sole objective is to endure and survive."
"Against what opposition?"
"You will confront a cohort of adversaries. Five are beasts, transmuted from Higher Mythical Beasts; one is a Hyanid at the Zenith of Fiendish cultivation, and the final opponent is a Lower Primordial beast."
"... Will I face them in sequence?" Amon inquired, seeking clarification.
Xlasstazh responded directly, "No. You shall face them all simultaneously."
