Yuji's gaze lingered on his siblings as he read through the quest notification. His two monkey siblings were still sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, small bodies trembling as they struggled to stabilize their own beast cores. He suspected it wouldn't take them long to complete—both had progressed far faster than he'd anticipated.
With a focused look, he thought back to the Submission ability the system had granted him. Once their cores were formed, he'd place his mark upon them. They'd be his first allies on this journey, his companions as he rose through the ranks of the beast hierarchy.
Minutes passed, and finally, one of them—his larger brother—opened his eyes, their depths gleaming with a new sharpness. Only seconds later, the smaller sibling followed, her eyes flickering with a similar glint as she took in her surroundings, as if seeing everything anew. Both were buzzing with energy, moving about and chattering with excitement, seemingly as thrilled with their progress as Yuji had been with his own.
"They had both changed, but how much"? Driven by curiosity, Yuji looked at each sibling, wondering what abilities or strengths they might have gained. As if responding to his intent, the system presented their stats, each in a neatly designed display.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Name: —
║ Race: Red Monkey
║ Age: 2 days
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Rank: Stage 1 – Infant
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Attributes:
║ STR (Strength): 13
║ AGI (Agility): 7
║ DEX (Dexterity): 11
║ Spirit Power: 9
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Innate Ability: Rage Burst
║ - Temporarily boosts strength to extreme levels for a short
duration, but leaves the user fatigued afterward
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Race Description:
║ Red Monkeys are a rare type of low-grade spirit beast. Known for
heightened agility, they are faster than other beasts of similar rank
but physically fragile.They are elusive and often overlooked within
║ the beast hierarchy.
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Yuji's eyebrows raised. His brother's stats were impressive for his level, especially that staggering Strength of 13. And Rage Burst… it seemed his brother had inherited a powerful skill most likely after he formed his beast core, it was one that could turn him into a formidable fighter, albeit with a temporary limitation. It was exactly the kind of ability that could be a trump card in battle.
He turned his focus to the smaller of the two, and her stats screen appeared next.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Name: —
║ Race: Red Monkey
║ Age: 2 days
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Rank: Stage 1 – Infant
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Attributes:
║ STR (Strength): 6
║ AGI (Agility): 9
║ DEX (Dexterity): 10
║ Spirit Power: 14
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Innate Ability: Vital Touch
║ - Allows the user to heal others injuries by transferring spirit
║ energy, though limited by theirown spirit reserves
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Race Description:
║ Red Monkeys are a rare type of low-grade spirit beast. Known
for heightened agility, they are faster
than other beasts of similar rank but physically fragile. They are
elusive and often overlooked within the beast hierarchy.
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Yuji glanced between his siblings, feeling a surge of satisfaction as he considered what they brought to the table. A powerful fighter and a healer—two essential roles that would strengthen their group. His brother's raw strength would serve them well in combat, while his sister's ability to heal would ensure they stayed in fighting shape, even in the face of tough odds.
With a steadying breath, he walked over to them, his face calm but resolute. "Listen," he began, chattering even though it only came out as typical monkey sounds he could only hope they understood. His siblings looked up, curiosity flickering in their eyes as they hung onto his every word.
"We're stronger together. Each of us has a strength the others don't. I don't know what lies ahead, but I know that if we're going to survive, if we're going to rise… we'll need each other." His eyes held a glint of determination as he extended his hand. "So, will you help me? Will you stand by me?"
His siblings glanced at each other, then back at him. Without a word, they reached out, placing their small hands in his, their expressions filled with a mix of excitement and loyalty. Yuji couldn't help but smile as he placed his hand over theirs, feeling the bond form.
He activated Submission, feeling a pulse of power course through him and a bright yellow aura entering there bodies. As the energy settled into each sibling, his brother's chest bore a mark—a flaming crescent moon, glowing with quiet intensity. His sister had the same mark, imprinted on her shoulder, pulsing faintly before fading beneath their fur.
Instantly, Yuji felt an awareness settle over him. He could sense their feelings—steadfast loyalty and a fierce commitment to their bon an invisible line connecting him to each of them. Their energies were strong, buzzing like live wires. And their loyalty? Unbreakable. They both knelt before him, heads bowed in silent agreement.
Yuji straightened, looking at his new allies with a smirk. "This world doesn't know what's coming."