At the same time, Astaroth's words echoed in Ashton's head.
Moments ago...
"I have to do something... but what even my pathetic ass can do?"
[There is something you can do. Remember what I told you about the Carbon-based Space Farer race?]
"About getting a 20% stat boost?"
[Not that... I told you they can also adopt characteristics, abilities, or classes from any race they come in contact with. However, they can only do it once until you evolve again. You get what I'm saying?]
Ashton did not have to think twice about it. Astaroth clearly wanted him to use Beelzebub's strength against him and in doing so, he would get possibly the best characteristics he could, based on all the species living in the galaxy.
However, there was one thing bothering Ashton. Actually, two things were.
"But didn't you say-"
[You are not evolving into a Xyran. You are merely renting the genes till the next evolution. Therefore, the Xyran would not be able to limit your growth. Now go before it's too late.]
With finally having a plan of action in his mind, Ashton rushed over to where the fight was going on. Well, it wasn't a fight anymore considering Beelzebub was doing whatever he wanted to with his enemies.
"Why don't you do it yourself?"
[What?]
"Why don't you take care of Beelzebub yourself?" Ashton rephrased his question.
[You know I can't take over your body-]
"That's bullshit and we both know it," Ashton said with a serious expression.
He had known it for some time now. Astaroth could lie all he wanted but the blessing didn't lie. The first time he took control over their body, Astaroth had established partial ownership over Ashton's body because his organs also contributed to the metabolism of Ashton's body.
It was for that reason he was able to freely communicate with Ashton while he couldn't do so before.
In a similar manner, Astaroth could also take over their body as he already had some control over Ashton's body. But he wasn't. Whenever he had the urge to, he would take 'consent' from Ashton. However, it wasn't an ironclad rule but merely a formality which Astaroth could have skipped anytime he wanted using his 'ownership'.
But he never did. At first, Ashton thought Astaroth wasn't using it in hopes of blindsiding him. But as time passed, he realised Astaroth wasn't necessarily an evil part of his mind. He had his moments, but as a whole, Astaroth was a dependable guy.
[I guess you're not that big of a fool.]
"Being around you had its advantages. So tell me."
[If that bastard senses my presence, he would stop at nothing in order to destroy you and by extension, me. At the moment, we aren't strong enough to defeat him on our own. So, it's better if you do not mention me.]
"Wait a minute... if he can sense you, then why hasn't he-"
[Because I was suppressing my presence. Why do you think I have been silent till now?]
Astaroth had a point. Just like he always did. With that, all of Ashton's questions were answered, at least for now. Now he had to focus on the perilous task ahead of him.
Ashton knew if he revealed his presence a tad bit sooner, he would get annihilated instantly. Beelzebub wasn't someone who would entertain him by asking questions anymore.
The progenitors were getting thrashed in front of him. Watching something like that happen would have sent anyone on a downward spiral. Let alone an E ranker like Ashton. He might be one of the strongest people on the planet, but on the scale of the galaxy, he was nothing more than an insect.
'Well, it isn't like he would leave me alone after dealing with them.' Ashton tried reasoning with his fear, 'And if I'm going to die, either way, I better go out fighting to my last breath.'
***
Back in the present time...
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The genetic code sequence has been copied successfully.
Carbon-based Space Farer Skill: [Species Adaptation] activated.
Required gene to learn the skill: Space Farer.
Genes are present in the host's body. Proceeding with absorption.
The user is trying to adapt to a higher civilization than permitted.
Administrator override protocols have been instated.
Would you like to receive basic stats, attributes, skills and the current class of the Donor?
__
"Yes!"
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Beginning transformation. Please wait...
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"What are you doing!"
Beelzebub grabbed Ashton's neck and tossed him away from him. In his eyes, Ashton was an insect and just like any normal being, he hated being touched by insects. Without his consent, at least.
As for Ashton, he might have been hurled away with all of Beelzebub's might, but his mission had been completed. Soon the transformation began and with it came pain. However, in front of walking death, the pain was barely noticeable.
__
You have learned: [Top-tier Demonification].
Demonification in progress.
__
Beelzebub could feel something was off. The brat had been scared of him not too long ago, and yet he attacked him so boldly only to bite him? It didn't make any sense. The brat must have some sort of goal behind his action.
Thinking so, Beelzebub ignored all of them and focused his attention on Ashton. However, the progenitors and Aamon weren't going to let him do so that easily. While they didn't know why Ashton did what he did, they knew one thing... they had to protect the kid at all costs. Even if it meant dying for real.
"We're your opponents, remember?" Lycaon smirked, "Imagine what would happen to our egos if you ignore us for a brat."
"You dog... talk about yourself." Dracula chimed in while kicking Frank's severed hands towards him, "My ego is too big to be hurt by this demonic shit. But damn, these broken bones do hurt like a bitch."
"Ah, now I know what I wasn't missing." Frank reattached his arms as if nothing had happened, "Your whiny voice."
Beelzebub was surprised to see how resilient these idiots were. He had not expected them to go to this extent all to protect a child. At the same moment, he thought maybe the kid had to be somewhat special... or must know something that these pirates wanted to get their hands on.
"Fine... I'll deal with you lot first."