Awakening of the Monster Taming System

The world had changed.

On Blue Star, monsters ruled the wilderness, and humanity had carved out cities to survive. In this new era, only Monster Tamers—those who could form contracts with powerful beasts—stood at the top of society.

At the heart of Blue River City, inside the prestigious Blue River Monster Taming Academy, hundreds of students had gathered in a massive open-air arena. Today was one of the most important days of their lives—The Monster Selection Ceremony.

Jiang Chen stood among them, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Unlike the others, there was no excitement on his face. His expression was calm, his posture straight. At sixteen, he was of average height, with black hair and cold, calculating eyes. He had neither fame nor wealth, and without a monster of his own, he was just another nameless student.

But today, that would change.

The academy's instructors stood on a high platform, observing the gathered students. At the center, Instructor Wei, a seasoned Monster Tamer with a scar across his cheek, raised his hand.

"The rules are simple," Instructor Wei's voice echoed. "Each of you will enter the selection grounds and attempt to tame a monster. You have one hour. If you fail, you must wait until next year's selection."

Excited whispers filled the air. Some students clenched their fists, determined to claim a powerful beast. Others looked nervous, glancing at the steel cages where the academy had prepared dozens of monsters.

These beasts ranged from the common Bullet Rat to the more dangerous Scythe Mantis and Silver Wolf. They were all Normal-tier, but within the same tier, their strength varied greatly.

The Monster Taming Ceremony was not just about choosing a beast—it was about survival.

—

Awakening of the System

As the students prepared themselves, Jiang Chen suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head.

A cold mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

[Ding! The Monster Taming System has activated.]

Jiang Chen's pupils shrank.

A translucent game-like window appeared before him.

[Welcome, Jiang Chen. As the host of the Monster Taming System, you have been granted the following abilities:]

Identify: View the hidden potential and evolution paths of monsters.

Enhance: Upgrade your monsters' tiers and grades beyond their natural limits.

Unlock Skills: Gain unique abilities for yourself and your monsters.

Jiang Chen's heartbeat quickened.

A system?

In this world, Monster Tamers had to rely on talent, resources, and luck to nurture their beasts. But with this system, he could directly upgrade his monsters, uncover their hidden potential, and even evolve them beyond their natural limits.

His cold expression didn't change, but deep inside, he felt a surge of anticipation.

[Would you like to activate the Identification function?]

Jiang Chen's lips curled slightly. "Activate."

At once, a new screen appeared, scanning the monsters in the cages ahead.

—

The Strongest Choice

The other students rushed forward eagerly, peering into the cages to choose their partners. Some were drawn to the Four-Winged Jade Mantis, others eyed the Red River Apes.

Jiang Chen, however, remained still. His system had already highlighted the monster with the highest potential.

At the far end of the arena, in a dimly lit cage, a massive creature sat hunched over.

Its fur was pitch-black, its skeletal frame covered in eerie bone armor. Crimson eyes glowed faintly in the darkness.

The other students ignored it—it looked weak, its bones too thin, its presence barely noticeable.

But Jiang Chen saw what they couldn't.

A notification flashed before his eyes.

[Monster Identified: Skull Ghost Ape]

Tier: Normal

Grade: Normal

Hidden Potential: ???

Possible Evolutions: [Red-Eyed Specter Ape], [Bone Tyrant Ape], [Abyssal Phantom King]

Jiang Chen's gaze sharpened.

Unlike the other beasts, the Skull Ghost Ape had no visible strength, but its evolution potential was terrifying.

"This one."

Without hesitation, he walked toward the cage.

—

Taming the Beast

The Skull Ghost Ape let out a low growl, its crimson eyes locked onto Jiang Chen.

A notification appeared.

[Would you like to initiate a Taming Attempt?]

Jiang Chen extended his hand. "Yes."

A glowing contract sigil appeared between them.

The Skull Ghost Ape resisted. It snarled, baring sharp fangs, its skeletal frame tensing.

[Taming Progress: 10%... 25%...]

Jiang Chen didn't flinch. His cold gaze met the ape's defiant eyes.

[Taming Progress: 50%... 70%...]

The beast trembled. Its resistance faded.

[Taming Successful!]

A deep connection formed between them. The Skull Ghost Ape was now his.

Jiang Chen clenched his fist. With this, his journey had begun.

—

A Name of Its Own

As the contract settled, a new notification appeared.

[Your Monster has been renamed based on its characteristics.]

[New Name: Battle Bone Death Ape.]

Jiang Chen frowned. "Battle Bone Death Ape? Too long. I'll just call you… Ghost."

The ape grunted in acknowledgment.

The system still displayed its race's name, but to Jiang Chen, it didn't matter.

"Doesn't matter what others call you. You're Ghost to me."

He turned toward the arena, where the other students were still struggling to tame their beasts.

This was just the beginning.

With his system and his monster, Jiang Chen would rise to the top—no matter what stood in his way.