The night was deep, but Jiang Chen showed no signs of stopping.
Ghost had improved significantly over the past few hours, its Phantom Step becoming sharper and more controlled. But Jiang Chen knew that mastering a skill wasn't enough. Strength in this world wasn't about just learning techniques—it was about pushing past limits.
He glanced at his system window.
[Monster: Skull Ghost Ape (Ghost)]
Tier: Normal
Grade: Excellent (Upgradeable)
Abilities: Phantom Step, Bone Claw
Potential Evolution Paths: (Locked)
The sight of "Upgradeable" beside its grade sent a ripple of excitement through Jiang Chen.
"System, how do I upgrade Ghost's grade?"
A blue screen flickered in response.
[Upgrade Requirements: Infuse Monster with High-Grade Spiritual Essence or Unlock Hidden Bloodline Traits.]
[Current Best Method: Bloodline Awakening Ceremony.]
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes. Bloodline Awakening? He had heard of it before—an ancient process that could unearth latent power hidden deep within a monster's genetic structure. But the academy only provided it to elite students.
His thoughts were interrupted by a low growl. Ghost was staring at him, its crimson eyes flickering with anticipation.
Jiang Chen smirked. "We'll find another way."
---
A Risky Plan
The next morning, Jiang Chen made his way toward the academy library. Unlike regular students who focused on surface-level techniques, Jiang Chen wanted something deeper—something that could help Ghost evolve faster.
He browsed through the ancient tomes, scanning texts on monster evolution.
Then, he found it.
"Awakening the Latent Beast Bloodline"
His fingers tightened around the pages as he read.
"Certain monsters contain dormant bloodlines of powerful ancestors. Through extreme stimulation—either intense battle or external catalysts—these bloodlines can awaken, granting immense power."
Jiang Chen's gaze sharpened.
Ghost was a Skull Ghost Ape, a rare variant of the Battle Bone Death Ape. What if its bloodline held something greater?
His system had already hinted at its potential evolution paths—Bone Specter Ape, Dark Revenant Ape, Abyssal Phantom King—each more terrifying than the last.
He needed a method to trigger the awakening.
The book detailed one dangerous solution—Bloodfire Essence. A rare natural resource that could awaken a beast's bloodline… but it was difficult to obtain.
Jiang Chen closed the book.
The answer was clear. He needed to find Bloodfire Essence.
---
Forbidden Grounds
The only place in Blue River City where Bloodfire Essence was rumored to appear was the Silent Bone Forest—an off-limits area filled with feral, untamed monsters.
No first-year student had the right to enter.
But Jiang Chen wasn't planning to ask for permission.
That night, under the cover of darkness, he left his dormitory and made his way toward the academy's outer wall.
Ghost followed silently, its Phantom Step making it nearly invisible in the shadows.
Jiang Chen leaped over the academy's barrier and landed lightly on the ground. In the distance, the towering trees of the Silent Bone Forest loomed ahead.
His heart pounded with anticipation.
Tonight, he would gamble everything.
And if he succeeded—Ghost would become stronger than ever before.