CH 16: Tempest Monkeys

In a serene corner of the forest, a group of monkey-like creatures with fan-like tails lounged lazily under the shade of a towering tree. There were about five or six of them, peacefully munching on fruits and chattering amongst themselves.

Hidden in a nearby bush, a pair of keen eyes watched the monkeys intently. Those eyes belonged to Yohan, who had been left alone by Brian and Kyle to hunt on his own while they attended to some other tasks.

Yohan had grown accustomed to the rhythm of hunting in the wilderness. His current target: a group of wind-type monkeys known as Tempest monkeys. In this area near Dawn City, most of the beast population comprised wind, wood, and earth types. Thus, Yohan focused his efforts on hunting wind creatures to enhance his affinity with the element.

Yohan burst from the bush, his arm shimmering with a silver light as he summoned his companion, Bai, the metal-type white tiger. With a fierce roar, Bai charged at one of the tempest monkeys, catching it off guard.

The monkeys shrieked in panic as Yohan dashed forward, his movements fluid and calculated. With a swift strike, he took down the monkey with the lowest strength with a precise blow, cutting it's head off.

Meanwhile, Bai unleashed a relentless assault on the remaining monkeys, his powerful claws and teeth with shining metal glow tearing through their defenses with ease. One by one, the monkeys fell before his onslaught, unable to withstand his ferocity.

In a matter of moments, the skirmish came to an end, leaving Yohan and Bai standing victorious amidst the fallen foes. With a sense of accomplishment, Bai looked at him with a proud look.

"Don't get too cocky; these guys are just iron-level beasts, barely scraping by with moves like scratches and swipes. And we're already at peak iron. Our real target should be the stronger ones in the bronze level," Yohan remarked.

Bai gave a growl in agreement as Yohan scanned the area, searching for a potential location.

"I've heard tempest monkeys tend to settle around elemental fruit trees," he continued.

"If we can find their settlement and snag some fruit, it might just push us into the bronze stage."

EXTRACT

Extraction complete.

Gained:

[Wind Affinity] x 3

[Broken Memories] x 2

[Wind Energy Pack] (Iron) x 3

I'm only receiving half the affinities compared to before. Could there be an issue with my extraction panel, or is there something peculiar about this new land?

I'll address this anomaly later. For now, let's utilize these Wind Energy Packs and merge three Wind Affinities.

With the merging complete, his energy reserves surged, instantly filling up. The sensation of the wind element becomes palpable, resonating within Yohan.

STATUS

Name: YOHAN

Race: Human

Realm: Peak - Iron

Bloodline: [Human (Epic)], [Not Awakened]

Affinity: [Wind - (61%) Superior], [Metal - (65%) Superior]

Talent: Link

Finally, my Wind Affinity has reached the superior level, standing at a commanding 61%. Progress beyond 60% becomes increasingly challenging, requiring ten Wind Affinities for each additional 1 percent.

Through my contract with Bai, I've unveiled the nature of my talent:

Link. This unique ability enables me to merge talents with my contracted beasts. Thus, if I possess Wind Affinity, any creature I contract with will inherit this affinity as well. This grants me the flexibility to form contracts without worrying about affinity compatibility.

Furthermore, beasts are not constrained by affinity limits and can possess multiple advanced and above-level talents. This symbiotic relationship enhances the power of my contracted beasts, making them formidable allies.

Merge memories.

Some broken images started playing like videos in front of his eyes. Found it.

As Yohan looked through the broken memories, he found the settlement of these Tempest Monkeys.

"Let's go, Bai," Yohan said as he and Bai marched towards the direction he saw in the memories.

They finally reached a clearing near a large waterfall. Dozens of Tempest Monkeys could be seen. Among them was a particularly large Tempest Monkey that looked like the leader.

"The leader looks like a bronze grade, and I can see at least three peak iron-level monkeys. This looks like it will be very difficult with my and Bai's current stats," Yohan thought.

"Well, I already have a core, so I can merge with Bai, which will make us as strong as a bronze level," Yohan noted confidently.

Show me Bai's status.

STATS

Name: BAI

Race: White Tiger (Unique)

Realm: Peak - Iron

Bloodline: [White Tiger (Unique)]

Affinity: [Wind - (61%) Superior], [Metal - (65%) Superior]

Talent: Metallic Onslaught

Skills: Ironclad Aura (Intermediate)

Bai's Ironclad Aura proficiency has already advanced to intermediate. I think it's time to inscribe my first skill in my core.

When someone advances to rank 2 and forms their core, they get to inscribe one skill for each sub-level in their core, making them able to use skills of their contracted beast. This is one of the main reasons it is almost impossible for a rank 1 to defeat a rank 2.

However, I have already formed a core at rank 1, so I can start inscribing skills from rank 1, giving me three extra skill slots. Additionally, I'll have another core when I achieve rank 2, making me even more powerful.

"If I decide to inscribe Ironclad Aura, then I will be taking the enchanter path," Yohan thought.

There are two orthodox paths a beast master can take when inscribing skills: enchanter and conjurer, basically warrior and mage.

Enchanters mainly inscribe skills that strengthen themselves and their weapons, fighting directly with the beasts, while conjurers inscribe skills like spells, which they use by staying behind their beasts.

"Well, I have a dual core, so I can choose both paths if I want. I should first inscribe this skill and then think of a way to defeat the bronze-level leader of the Tempest Monkeys."

Seated beneath a nearby tree, I signaled Bai to keep watch as I focused on inscribing the Ironclad Aura skill into my core.

Closing my eyes, I concentrated on the task at hand. The process required a delicate balance of concentration and synchronization between Bai and me.

Minutes passed in focused silence, marked only by the rustle of leaves in the breeze. With a final surge of effort, I completed the inscription. Opening my eyes, I nodded to Bai, a silent acknowledgment of our accomplishment.