Divine might revealed, bound in life and death

Just as Wang Wu and his men lunged at them, something suddenly changed!

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, standing at the very front, all shuddered violently!

Liu Bei felt a warm current brimming with vitality pour into the crown of his head, instantly flooding his entire body! His steps, previously unsteady from hunger, immediately became firm and strong, and an indescribable sense of affinity and peace rose within him. He instinctively took a deep breath. Even the foul air around him seemed much fresher, and he could vaguely sense the faint vitality of a few tenacious blades of grass growing between the paving stones beneath his feet. Above his head, a phantom pair of rainbow-crystal antlers flashed briefly, radiating a faint glow of life.

Guan Yu felt the air currents around him become unusually docile. His body seemed much lighter, and an instinctive desire to soar through the heavens awakened in his soul. A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes. Everything around him seemed to slow down, and his opponents' movements became clearly discernible. He instinctively stepped forward, his foot landing soundlessly yet stirring a faint but unmistakable whirlwind that swept up the dust. The phantom of an emerald-green divine dragon flashed behind him, its eyes majestic.

Zhang Fei's transformation was the most obvious and violent! His feet suddenly felt heavy, as though they had formed an incredibly close connection with the earth beneath him, and endless power surged into his body from underground! His originally scrawny frame seemed to swell, his muscles bulging as a savage, scorching aura burst from him. He roared, and the sound actually made the two thugs at the front falter! Dark-red light flashed beneath his skin, vaguely forming ancient, primeval markings. The phantom of a mountain-sized beast appeared behind him with a roar. Though it lasted only an instant, its terrifying presence nearly froze the air!

[Liu Bei favorability +20. Current favorability: 65 (friendly)]

[Guan Yu favorability +20. Current favorability: 70 (friendly)]

[Zhang Fei favorability +20. Current favorability: 75 (friendly)]

The natural increase in favorability from granting the templates took effect immediately!

All of this happened in a flash!

Wang Wu and his men were stunned by the sudden change. Their charge involuntarily slowed, uncertainty and alarm appearing on their faces.

"M-monsters?!"

"What happened to them?!"

After their initial shock, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei immediately felt unprecedented power surging within them! Though it was still faint, it was more than enough to deal with these thugs!

"Yu! Fei! Get them!" Liu Bei reacted first. Though the power of Xerneas he had received currently leaned toward life and support, the improvement in basic physical abilities was universal. Spotting a thug swinging a club at him, he sidestepped and struck beneath the man's ribs with his palm. The thug felt a gentle yet unyielding force hit him. Unable to keep his footing, he staggered several steps backward and landed on his backside, his face filled with horror.

Guan Yu showed even less restraint! With Rayquaza's template, his speed and ability to track moving objects had increased dramatically. He moved like the wind, plunging straight into the enemies, dodging a thrusting dagger, and delivering a precise knife-hand strike to its wielder's wrist. With a sharp crack, the thug's wrist broke, and he screamed as the dagger clattered to the ground. Guan Yu kept moving, weaving among them like a roaming dragon, striking with fists and feet. Every blow carried a fierce blast of wind, beating the thugs into howling misery and keeping them from getting close.

The most ferocious of all was Zhang Fei! Groudon's Earth Power gave him a tremendous boost in strength and astonishing defense. He made no attempt to dodge, meeting an incoming wooden club head-on with his fist!

Bang!

The sturdy wooden club actually snapped under his punch! The web of the wielder's hand split open, blood streaming down. Looking at Zhang Fei, who resembled a war god descended to earth, the thug was frightened out of his wits. Zhang Fei laughed heartily and charged like a tiger among sheep, dropping them with a punch apiece. Every thug he struck suffered torn tendons and broken bones and went flying backward. Still feeling unsatisfied, he stamped his foot!

Thud!

With a dull impact, fine, web-like cracks actually appeared in the ground around his foot! Though they covered only a small area, the display utterly shattered the remaining thugs' courage!

Watching this unbelievable scene, Wang Wu's jaw nearly hit the ground. How had these three orphans he routinely bullied suddenly become so formidable?! The red-faced one flitted about like a ghost, the dark-faced one possessed monstrous strength, and even Big-Eared Liu, who looked easiest to bully, had become exceptionally nimble!

"Monsters! There are monsters!" someone shouted. The remaining thugs forgot all about Wang Wu and scattered with a yell, scrambling for their lives.

Wang Wu wanted to run too, but Zhang Fei already had his eyes on him. He lunged forward and lifted him like a chick, raising a fist the size of a cooking pot before his face as he bellowed fiercely, "You scoundrel! Still dare to bully innocent folk?!"

Wang Wu lost control of his bowels and bladder in terror, repeatedly begging, "Spare me, good sir! Spare me! I was too blind to recognize your greatness! I'll never do it again! Never again!"

Guan Yu walked over and said coldly, "Fei, let him go. Teaching him a lesson is enough. Don't kill him."

Zhang Fei snorted, tossed Wang Wu onto the ground like rubbish, then kicked him. "Get lost! Don't let me see you again!"

As though granted a pardon, Wang Wu scrambled away without looking back, unable even to spare a thought for his men.

The fight had begun suddenly and ended even faster. The seven or eight thugs who had been so menacing moments earlier were now either lying on the ground groaning or had fled out of sight.

Silence returned to the alley entrance. Only Chen Yu and the three men, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, remained, with faint fluctuations of energy still lingering around the latter three.

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei exchanged looks, seeing utter shock and bewilderment in one another's eyes. They lowered their heads to look at their hands, feeling that unfamiliar, powerful force within them, then turned toward Chen Yu, who stood behind them with a calm expression, as though he had expected everything.

That power had undoubtedly come from Chen Yu! They had never heard of any method that acted directly upon the soul and transformed one's very nature!

Liu Bei took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within him, and approached Chen Yu. He bowed solemnly, his voice full of gratitude and awe. "Brother Chen! No, Elder Brother... Chen! Thank you for saving our lives and granting us such divine power! I cannot thank you enough!"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also approached. Guan Yu cupped his fist and bowed. Though he said nothing, his narrow, upturned eyes were filled with shock and curiosity, along with a trace of heartfelt respect. Zhang Fei scratched his head and looked at Chen Yu, his gaze full of curiosity and a belated hint of awe. In his deep voice, he said, "E-Elder Brother Chen, was that... did you cast a spell just now? I feel like I could kill an ox!"

Chen Yu hurriedly helped Liu Bei straighten and smiled at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He knew the most critical moment had arrived. He had to offer a reasonable explanation to fully win the hearts of these three future star generals.

He looked around and said quietly, "Brothers, this isn't the place to talk. Let's head into the mountains and find somewhere safe to settle first. Then I'll tell you everything, exactly as it happened."

The three now trusted Chen Yu wholeheartedly, without the slightest doubt, and immediately nodded.

Without further delay, the four quickly left Bluestone Town, following a rugged mountain path deep into the dense forest.

Once they entered the forest, the air immediately became much fresher. With his body repaired by the system, Chen Yu found the mountain path easy to walk. Empowered by their divine beast templates, the other three walked with even lighter steps. Zhang Fei in particular led the way, sometimes using brute force to clear thorny bushes from their path with remarkable efficiency.

All three remained silent along the way, clearly still digesting their unbelievable experience and occasionally studying Chen Yu out of the corners of their eyes.

Chen Yu was also thinking rapidly. Tell them directly about the system? That would be too shocking, and difficult to understand. This world has Devil Fruits. Perhaps I can use that to explain it.

After walking for a little over two hours, they were deep in the forest, with no sign of human habitation anywhere, only birdsong and the roars of beasts. They found a relatively flat, open clearing beside a stream.

Liu Bei took the initiative to gather dry wood, while Zhang Fei used the power his template had granted him to light a campfire. Excitedly showing off his newfound strength, Zhang Fei punched through a small tree and dragged it back for firewood. Guan Yu went to the stream and, relying on his tremendous strength and timing his movements for when the current slowed, actually slapped several plump fish out of the water with his bare hands.

They sat around the campfire roasting fish, the aroma wafting everywhere. Though seasoned with nothing but salt, the fish were a supreme delicacy to the four famished men.

Once they had eaten and drunk their fill, the atmosphere relaxed considerably.

Liu Bei rose again, facing Chen Yu and preparing to offer a formal bow. Chen Yu hurriedly stopped him. "Brother Liu, we can simply address each other as brothers. There's absolutely no need for such ceremony!"

Liu Bei insisted, "Brother Chen, you have given us new lives. Your kindness is like that of our parents! Please accept another bow from me."

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also stood and bowed solemnly.

Chen Yu knew this was also a suitable time to lay his cards on the table. He motioned for the three to sit, his expression growing serious.

"Brothers," Chen Yu said, his gaze passing over Liu Bei's, Guan Yu's, and Zhang Fei's young, resolute faces, "I know you have many questions. About where I came from, and about the methods I used just now."

All three held their breath and listened intently.

"I'm indeed not from Bluestone Town." Chen Yu began weaving an explanation that was half true and half false. "My parents died early, and I wandered from childhood. By chance, I ate a peculiar Devil Fruit."

"A Devil Fruit?" Zhang Fei exclaimed. "One of those legendary treasures of the sea that give people miraculous powers?"

Understanding appeared in Guan Yu's eyes. "No wonder... that power was truly extraordinary."

Liu Bei looked thoughtful. "I've heard Devil Fruit abilities come in all sorts of forms, but I've never heard of one like yours, Brother Chen, that can grant power to others."

Chen Yu nodded and followed his lead. "Exactly. The fruit I ate could perhaps be called the 'Source of Mythical Pokémon' fruit. It doesn't directly grant me formidable combat strength, but it gives me the ability to awaken the bloodline corresponding to a certain legendary Mythical Pokémon within another person's ancient ancestry."

He pointed at the three. "And the moment I saw you, I sensed immensely powerful Mythical Pokémon spirits sleeping within you, each perfectly suited to its host! Brother Liu, yours corresponds to a sacred beast that governs life and creation; Brother Guan, yours corresponds to a divine dragon that soars through the heavens and rules the sky; and Brother Zhang, yours corresponds to an ancient titan that commands earth and fire!"

This explanation disguised the system's abilities as a Devil Fruit power and attributed the source of their strength to their own ancestral bloodlines. It greatly accommodated their pride while also sounding reasonable.

Sure enough, the three were initially shocked, then their faces filled with excitement and pride.

"So... we actually possess such potential?" Guan Yu stroked his chin, his narrow eyes gleaming.

"Haha! I always said I wasn't an ordinary man! Turns out I'm a titan reborn!" Zhang Fei waved his arms and stamped his feet in excitement.

[Liu Bei favorability +10. Current favorability: 75 (trusting)]

[Guan Yu favorability +10. Current favorability: 80 (trusting)]

[Zhang Fei favorability +10. Current favorability: 85 (trusting)]

Their favorability continued to rise!

Liu Bei was the steadiest. Suppressing his excitement, he asked the crucial question. "Then... why did you choose us, Brother Chen? Why grant us such a precious ability? How should we repay your kindness, sir?"

Chen Yu looked at Liu Bei, then rose and walked over to the campfire. Gazing at the dancing flames, he spoke in a low but powerful voice:

"Because, like you three, I have witnessed the injustice in this world and felt deep anguish! Flower Country calls itself a nation, yet its nobles wallow in luxury, its officials are corrupt, gangs run rampant, and its people are treated like dirt! And the so-called Happo Navy, though it calls itself a navy, is no different from pirates. Upon these seas, might is justice, and weakness is the original sin!"

His voice gradually rose, carrying an unquestionable resolve. "I, Chen Yu, refuse to accept this! I refuse to remain a fish on the chopping block, and I refuse to keep watching ordinary people suffer! I intend to change it all! To sweep away the filth of this world and build an ideal nation where the weak have protection, the young are cared for, the strong observe order, and all people can live happily!"

He turned and looked fiercely at the three. "And I see in you great talents trapped in shallow waters, as well as the ambition to set the world right and save its people! Our meeting today was heaven's will! I wish to join hands with you and accomplish something great! Not as master and followers, but as brothers! Working as one, sharing life and death!"

His words rang out with conviction, striking the hearts of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei like the peal of a mighty bell!

Liu Bei shuddered. Chen Yu's words had spoken directly to his heart! Since childhood, he had aspired to save the world and help its people, but had lacked the power to accomplish it. Now the opportunity lay before him! He looked at Chen Yu, whose eyes burned with ideals and conviction. These were no empty words!

Guan Yu stopped stroking his beard, a brilliant light bursting from his eyes. What he pursued was righteousness, an honorable and upright path! Chen Yu's ideal was exactly what his heart desired!

Zhang Fei's face flushed red with excitement, and he slapped his thigh. "Well said! Brother Chen! No, Elder Brother! I'm with you! I've had enough of this damned humiliation! Let's do something great!"

Liu Bei took a deep breath and exchanged a glance with Guan Yu, each seeing the other's resolve. He stepped forward and clasped Chen Yu's hand, saying excitedly, "Brother Chen, your ambitions are lofty, and you hold the whole world in your heart. You have my deepest admiration! If you'll have me, I'm willing to serve you with all my strength, follow you, and build a great undertaking together!"

Guan Yu also cupped his fist. "I am willing to follow you, Brother Chen, serving at your side without hesitation, even if it costs me my life!"

Excitement filled Chen Yu's heart. He clasped Liu Bei's hand in return and looked at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. "Good! With you three brothers helping me, how could we fail to achieve great things? From today onward, we are brothers, bound in life and death!"

Four pairs of young, strong hands clasped tightly together. The campfire illuminated their resolute faces as an alliance that would change the world took its first shape deep within this mountain forest.

Afterward, Chen Yu explained in detail that their "Mythical Pokémon Power" needed to awaken gradually, and that what they had received was only its most basic strength. They still had a long road ahead. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were both excited and full of anticipation.

As the night deepened, the four took turns keeping watch, lying beside the campfire fully clothed. Chen Yu gazed at the star-filled sky, his heart full of anticipation for the future and fighting spirit.

Flower Country was only the starting point. His goal was that vast, boundless sea, and the World Government that stood high above everyone!

And these three brothers beside him, who would soon become renowned throughout the world as their divine beast powers awakened, would be his staunchest support!