The Black Feathered Scavenger

Ding!

[Congratulations! You have fused two Novice-stage monsters.]

Ding!

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining an Apprentice-level chicken monster rooster.]

Ding!

[Since the host has chosen the random fusion function, the monster's gender and the fusion end product have been determined randomly.]

Ding!

[Congratulations, host, for obtaining an Apprentice-level rewards chest. Would you like to open it now? Yes/No]

---

The system notifications kept ringing one after the other, flooding Ray's screen. His heart trembled as he processed the implications.

"W-Wow! Fuck, it worked! Didn't the system say there was a limitation that opposite-gender monsters couldn't be fused? How… how is this even possible?"

Ray's thoughts raced, the realization hitting him. "Wait… is it because my system crashed? Maybe that's it. F*ck, why didn't I notice this earlier?"

Excitement filled him momentarily. He had finally succeeded. He had an Apprentice-level monster now!

"Maybe… maybe now I actually have a chance of destroying this python!" Ray thought, hope sparking in his chest.

But he didn't have much time to dwell on this revelation. Everything had happened in mere seconds, and the serpent, recovering from its confusion, was moving again.

The massive creature, with its sharp tongue hissing menacingly, began advancing toward Ray once more. Its two enormous, venom-dripping fangs glinted dangerously. The venom sizzled as it dripped onto the ground, eating away at leaves and soil.

Ray noticed this horrifying detail but didn't allow himself to freeze. His instincts kicked in. "Come out!" he screamed, his voice trembling, while simultaneously backing away to put more distance between himself and the serpent.

Suddenly, a 4-5 feet tall black-feathered chicken appeared from the shadows behind Lucian. Its presence was commanding, almost regal. The creature stood tall in a protective stance, its head held high. Its black feathers glistened like polished onyx, and sharp, colorful patterns shimmered faintly under the dim light. Its talons were long and curved, glinting like blades, and its piercing gaze radiated a surprising sense of intelligence and readiness.

"Pikk! Pikk! Pikkkk!" the black-feathered chicken let out a shrill cry, its voice sharp and echoing.

The Green Serpent, which had been ready to lunge at Ray, suddenly froze mid-attack. Its golden eyes narrowed in suspicion as it observed the new creature. Despite the vast difference in size the serpent being 40-50 feet long compared to the chicken's 4-5 feet stature it stopped, sensing something dangerous.

The serpent hissed lowly, its instincts kicking in. This wasn't an ordinary bird. Even with its low intelligence, it could feel the aura of strength radiating from the chicken. The two were on the same cultivation level Apprentice.

The serpent's focus shifted entirely to the chicken, temporarily ignoring Ray. Its body swayed cautiously, trying to gauge the threat. The unexpected arrival of this new, equally strong opponent had caught it off guard.

Ray, who had taken the opportunity to run a little farther, stopped at a safe distance. He leaned against a tree, gasping for breath as his heart pounded in his chest.

"I can't run too far… I'm in the middle of nowhere. There's no escape in this jungle."

His gaze flickered back to the standoff between the black-feathered chicken and the Green Serpent.

"This is it. My only way to survive is this chicken. I can't abandon it here."

Ray's grip on his sword tightened as he whispered to himself. "They're both at the same cultivation realm… Apprentice. Maybe the chicken has a small chance of winning."

He pulled up the system interface to check his newly fused monster's stats.

---

Name: Black Feathered Scavenger (Chicken-Mouse Hybrid)

Level: Apprentice

Size: 4-5 feet tall, 6-foot wingspan

Type: Beast, Agile

Grade: Low-tier Spirit Beast

Description:

The Feathered Scavenger is a bizarre hybrid creature with the body of a chicken and the traits of a mouse. Its body is feathered with patches of fur, sharp talons, and a rodent-like tail for balance. Known for its agility and cleverness, this creature thrives in scavenging and ambushing weaker prey.

Skills:

Wing Dash: A sudden burst of speed using its powerful wings to close gaps or evade attacks.

Jet Ambush: A short, explosive attack aimed at vital spots.

Evasive Scuttle: Quick, erratic movements to dodge attacks.

Scavenger's Instinct: Enhanced survival instincts and the ability to exploit weaknesses.

Sharp Claws & Beak: Razor-sharp talons and a hardened beak for piercing through tough defenses.

Ultrasound Senses: Acute hearing that can detect even the slightest movements.

---

"Y-Yes!" Ray muttered, a flicker of hope blooming in his chest. "This thing might actually have a chance to defeat the serpent… even if it's just a chicken."

He glanced back at the standoff. The serpent's massive head swayed back and forth, its forked tongue flickering out, tasting the air. The chicken stood firm, its feathers puffed out and wings slightly spread, creating an intimidating silhouette.

"Logically, this is insane," Ray thought, a grim smile crossing his lips. "The size difference alone should make this impossible… it's ten times bigger. But…"

His eyes narrowed. "The serpent's intelligence is low, and I'll be the one giving orders to the chicken. That means… there's a chance. A slim one, but it's there."

The serpent finally made its move, lunging forward with a hiss, its jaws snapping open.

Ray's instincts kicked in. "Dodge it!" he shouted.

The black-feathered chicken responded instantly, darting to the side with incredible speed. Its movement was fluid, almost graceful, as it avoided the serpent's deadly fangs by mere inches.

The serpent hissed in frustration, its massive tail whipping around to follow up the attack.

Ray took a step back, his knuckles white as he gripped his sword. "This is going to be close…" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his racing heartbeat.

This fight was just beginning.