Zumi left the house and ran to a nearby park, arriving in less than five minutes due to his speed. He sat on a park bench and quickly decided to look through his stats and system rewards since he had a little time before meeting the mysterious person from the text message under Queensborough Bridge. He had ten attribute points to allocate and two reward chests to open, and he was looking forward to seeing what he would get.
Before he added to his stats, he said, "System, may I see my stat window?" Just then, a green holographic screen appeared before him.
"Woah, cool," Zumi said as he read the window. It displayed:
The Charisma System
Host: Zumi Gold
Age: 24
Armor: Legendary Armor: The Veil of Ember
Titles: The Legendary Monkey King
Attributes:
Strength: 229
Dexterity: 222
Charisma: 242
Wisdom: 241
Intelligence: 241
Constitution: 240
Sub Points:
Charm: 240
Damage Points: 240
Legendary Qi: Level 10
He added 5 points to Dexterity, wishing for better and faster reflexes, as agility was always important. He then added 5 points to Damage Points. Now, his stats were updated to Dexterity: 227 and Damage Points: 245. Happy with this, Zumi decided to open his last two reward chests.
"System, open both reward chests," he commanded.
The system chimed, "Ping! The host has opened two reward chests. One moment, please." After a minute, the system sounded, "Ping! The host has received a Rare System Item, a Level 10 Request Card. Explanation: The host can use this card to request anything from the system, and the system will grant it. In addition, the host has been given a powerful item – the Barrier Ring. This ring automatically creates a shield around the user when they are in danger, but it can only block physical attacks and cannot be upgraded."
Zumi was excited to have such a cool and useful item at his disposal. He immediately put the ring on and decided to save the Request Card for when he truly needed it, storing it safely in his eagle storage bracelet. He then made his way to the designated meeting spot to meet his mysterious guest.
When he arrived beneath the Queensborough Bridge, he spotted a young girl with striking features—dark hair styled in pigtails and intense red eyes. Her outfit screamed rebellion, with a black and red color scheme and the bold word "GAMMA" emblazoned on her crop top. Her short skirt and knee-high socks added to the edgy aesthetic she was going for. As she spoke, her voice oozed confidence and playfulness, with an underlying hint of mischief. The dimly lit bridge only added to the dramatic atmosphere.
Suddenly, the system chimed a notification: "A vampire has tried to charm the host. Charm has no effect since the host's charm is higher." Zumi couldn't believe it—vampires actually existed? Memories of his past life as the legendary Monkey King flooded his mind, stirring up a deep connection to these mythical creatures.
Zumi pondered to himself, Things are certainly getting more intriguing. He replied to her question confidently, confirming that he was indeed Zumi but would go by Zumi Kogane from now on.
"Alright," she said, "I asked you here because the vampire queen has a special request for you. However, I will only deliver it if I believe you are worthy of accepting it."
Zumi's heart raced with excitement and curiosity at the mention of a request from the vampire queen. He gazed at the vampire girl before him, her red eyes seeming to pierce through his very soul. Despite feeling a tinge of fear, Zumi's resolve remained steadfast.
He nodded respectfully at the vampire girl and replied, "I am ready to hear the request and prove my worthiness. Do whatever is necessary to prove my worth."
The vampire girl's lips curled into a faint smile, exposing her sharp fangs that glinted in the dim moonlight. She couldn't deny the sudden attraction she felt toward Zumi, but at the same time, she couldn't ignore the conflicting emotions stirring within her. How could she be drawn to someone who was human? Yet, as they stood face to face under the bridge, she couldn't help but feel a pull toward him.
Her aura exuded power and mystery, adding to the enigmatic atmosphere of their meeting place. She spoke in a voice that was both alluring and chilling, "Before I deliver the request, you must prove your abilities to me. The vampire queen does not entrust her tasks to just anyone; you must prove your strength."
With a graceful flick of her hand, the vampire girl conjured an array of shadowy illusions around them.
Zumi's eyes widened in awe as he watched the intricate illusions dance before him. The shadows seemed to come alive, forming images of warriors and mythical creatures. He could feel the raw power emanating from the illusions, a testament to the vampire girl's formidable abilities.
Without hesitation, Zumi focused his energy and summoned his own legendary Qi. A radiant golden aura enveloped him, pushing back the darkness of the illusions. As the two opposing forces clashed, sparks flew, illuminating the space under the bridge with a celestial light that vanquished the illusions.
The vampire girl looked impressed as she observed Zumi's display of strength and magic. Her lips curled into a sly smile, acknowledging his prowess. "With just his legendary energy…" She then raised her hand, causing the shadows below her feet to dissipate into thin air.
"Well done, Zumi Kogane," she purred, her red eyes gleaming with newfound respect. "You have proven yourself worthy of the vampire queen's request."
Zumi felt a surge of pride at her words. In that moment, he was grateful to have the legendary Qi of the Monkey King. The vampire girl continued, "Before I tell you the mission, I have to share some history. In a time long forgotten, around 2000 years ago, the world was engulfed in a fierce war between humans and vampires. As the factions battled for dominance over the lands, the bloodshed reached its peak, and the very fabric of society began to fray. The vampire kingdom, led by Queen Seraphine, sought to protect their realm from encroaching human territories. However, betrayal lurked in the shadows of alliances, and peace seemed a distant dream."
The conflict culminated in the signing of a tenuous peace treaty, forged under pressure. A member of a powerful human mafia family—known as the Lartinos—betrayed the vampires, leading to a night of treachery where many vampire nobles were slaughtered, their blood spilling onto sacred ground. In the chaos, Princess Bethany, the daughter of Queen Seraphine, was captured and sealed away in a mystical dungeon, a prison designed to confine her immense powers. The seal was imbued with ancient magic, binding her for eternity and aimed at erasing the memory of her kind.
As darkness enveloped the kingdom, one human dared to stand against the tide of hatred: Wu Kong, a warrior gifted with legendary Qi energy. His spirit was driven by justice and a desire to right the wrongs inflicted upon the innocent. Wu Kong knew that the princess was not just a symbol of the vampire race but a beacon of hope to mend the rift between their peoples.
Rallying a small band of loyal warriors, Wu Kong launched a covert operation against the Lartinos family. In a furious clash, he confronted the betrayers. With every ounce of his legendary Qi harnessed into a blinding display of martial prowess, he vanquished the treacherous leaders who had orchestrated the massacre. Though he succeeded in avenging the fallen vampires, Bethany remained sealed, bound by the powerful enchantments that now cloaked the dungeon in darkness.
In a desperate attempt to free her, Wu Kong sought counsel from ancient texts and wise sages. He discovered that to undo the seal, a human with legendary Qi energy needed to be destined to break the enchantment—one who could bridge the animosity between humans and vampires. Wu Kong, understanding the gravity of the situation, made a fateful decision: he infused part of his own essence into the seal, rewriting its nature. With his legendary Qi, he altered the binding spell so that when the time was right—when balance and harmony might be restored—a human imbued with his energy would have the chance to unseal Princess Bethany.
With his sacrificial act, Wu Kong sealed his own fate. As time passed, he became a forgotten legend, a whisper in the annals of history. Yet his spirit lingered, waiting for the day when the world would need the strength of unity once more.
Zumi was moved by this tale, especially the moment Wu Kong's name was mentioned; he remembered every detail of the story, as this was one of the Monkey King's past lives. He vividly saw the images in his mind as though he had lived through it. Before the vampire girl could finish speaking, Zumi immediately declared, "I will do it!"
The vampire girl looked a bit shocked but smiled slightly. "When you return, call that number and ask for Raven—that's me! You have two weeks to accomplish the request. When you are ready, push this button." She handed him a small device with a black button. "It will teleport you to the dungeon location."
"Alright," Zumi said. Then the vampire girl vanished in a puff of black smoke as though she had never been there. Zumi put the device in his storage bracelet and thought, Before I go, let me visit that monk's monastery and see what that's all about.
Zumi took out the monk's card with the address to the monastery and gazed at it thoughtfully. The intricate calligraphy on the card seemed to shimmer under the faint sunlight as a gentle breeze ruffled his hair. Suddenly, his system chimed, "Ping! Speedster Proficiency activated."
Without hesitation, Zumi tucked away the card and felt a surge of energy course through him. In a blur of motion, he sped through the bustling streets of the city, his surroundings becoming a mere blur of colors and lights. The wind roared in his ears as he navigated through the maze of buildings until he finally reached a clearing where a large monastery loomed before him.
The monastery was a grand structure, its ancient stones whispering tales of wisdom and tranquility. The air around it seemed charged with a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that plagued the world. As Zumi approached the towering gates, they creaked open slowly, as if he were expected.
Zumi stepped through the grand gates, his eyes scanning the courtyard that sprawled out before him. Monks in flowing robes moved gracefully through the space, tending to gardens with meticulous care or engaging in silent meditation under the shade of cherry blossom trees. The air was thick with the scent of incense, carrying prayers heavenward with each wisp of smoke.
As Zumi made his way further into the monastery, he felt a sense of peace settle over him, a respite from the turmoil and uncertainty that had plagued him for so long. The sound of trickling water drew his attention to a serene koi pond, its waters reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. He strode through a desolate expanse, the only sound accompanying his footsteps being the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet. In the distance, a towering temple loomed, its grandeur and age evident even from afar. The air hung heavy with an eerie stillness, broken only by the distant call of birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind. As he approached the temple, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and awe at the sight before him. The intricate details of the structure were mesmerizing, each column and arch telling a story of its own. It was as if he had stepped into a different world, one filled with ancient mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Suddenly, a gentle voice called out to him, breaking through his reverie. Turning, Zumi saw a young-looking monk with long, white hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a dark, traditional outfit featuring a high collar, complemented by large red prayer bead bracelets on his wrists. A small red mark was visible on his forehead, adding to his distinctive look. His hands were positioned in a prayer-like gesture, suggesting a sense of calm and focus.
Upon seeing him, Zumi's face sparked with excitement and happiness. Recognizing him, Zumi exclaimed loudly, "Nyx!"
Nyx's serene expression broke into a warm smile as he recognized Zumi. The monk's piercing blue eyes softened with familiarity and kindness as he embraced Zumi in a gesture of old friendship. "Zumi, my dear friend, it has been too long," Nyx greeted him warmly, his voice a soothing melody amid the tranquil surroundings of the monastery.
Zumi felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he reunited with Nyx, a trusted companion from his past adventures in the slums. They had shared countless trials and triumphs together, forging a bond that transcended time and distance. "I never thought I'd see you again, especially in a place like this," Zumi remarked, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness.
Nyx let out a soft chuckle, and it felt like his laughter transported them back to their childhood days spent together. "Fate has a way of guiding us to where we are needed most," Nyx mused cryptically, hinting at the mysterious ways of the universe. "But enough about me. What brings you here?"
Zumi told Nyx everything that had happened to him over the past couple of days, and Nyx listened intently, his expression growing thoughtful as Zumi recounted the extraordinary events that had unfolded in his life. The tale of Princess Bethany and the legendary warrior Wu Kong resonated with Nyx, stirring a sense of ancient knowledge within him.
After Zumi finished speaking, there was a moment of silence between them, punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Nyx's gaze held a depth of understanding as he spoke, his words carrying a weight of significance. "The threads of destiny are woven in mysterious ways, my friend. It seems that you have been called upon to embark on a journey of great importance, one that may shape the fate of not just one kingdom but the balance of worlds."
Zumi nodded, feeling a surge of determination coursing through him. He knew that he was standing at a crossroads, faced with a choice that would define his path moving forward. "I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead." Nyx took him on a tour of the monastery, showing him all the places the past Monkey King had spent time in until they arrived at a large double door. The doors were adorned with relief carvings of trees, likely cherry blossoms, beautifully detailed to create a sense of depth. The wood had a warm, reddish hue, enhancing the elegance of the design. At the center, the trees intertwined, symbolizing harmony and nature. The door handles were also elaborately crafted, adding to the overall aesthetic.
Nyx spoke, "Only the Monkey King and those he approved of were allowed through this door. The only person known to be alive who can enter is currently inside. Her name is Bia." With that, Nyx took his leave. Upon hearing the name, a memory triggered in Zumi's mind: this woman was the past Monkey King's lover, and her true identity was The Goddess Bia, the Goddess of Force and Strength. Just like Wu Kong, she reincarnated every couple of thousand years. It seemed she had reincarnated first and had been waiting for Wu Kong's current reincarnation. Zumi became excited to see her now.
As he approached the door, it began opening with a low, ominous creak. The heavy doors swung inward, revealing a chamber bathed in soft, golden light. Zumi hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, feeling a sense of reverence wash over him. The room was adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles and heroic feats, each thread telling a story of triumph and sacrifice. At the center of the chamber sat a young-looking woman who appeared to be in her early twenties. She had long, light pink hair styled in two braids and a serious expression, with sharp purple eyes that conveyed a sense of determination. She wore an oversized beige sweatshirt and was seated cross-legged in a relaxed yet confident demeanor. She looked tough and fierce.
Zumi immediately recognized her aura from the past Monkey King's memories; it was truly Bia. A slight smile graced her face as she saw Zumi walk in. The doors closed behind him as he entered the room, and he sat before her cross-legged, saying, "It's been a while, Bee Bee!" while patting her head.
Bia's eyes sparkled with a mix of fondness and amusement as Zumi affectionately called her by her favorite nickname, which he had also used in their past lives. She reached up to playfully swat his hand away from her head, a small smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Kong, always so bold," she teased, her voice holding a melodic quality that resonated through the chamber. Despite her playful demeanor, there was an underlying strength and wisdom in her gaze that spoke of centuries of existence.
As they sat facing each other in the golden-lit chamber, a comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth. Zumi couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and ease in Bia's presence, as though he had known her for lifetimes. "I have been waiting for you, Wu Kong," Bia finally spoke, her tone soft yet carrying a weight of certainty.
Zumi replied, "I'm sorry for taking so long! I'm here now!" Bia's gaze held a mixture of emotions—understanding, forgiveness, and a hint of unspoken sorrow. She reached out a hand to gently grasp Zumi's, her touch warm and reassuring. "It matters not how long the journey takes, only that you have arrived." She got up and sat on Zumi's lap and said, "Please hold me like you used to." Zumi embraced her, and she melted into him, satisfied. "I missed you!" she mumbled as she fell asleep in his embrace. Seeing this, Zumi smiled and instinctively kissed her forehead.
The system chimed: Ping! You have fulfilled a 1000-Year Promise Quest of reuniting with Bia, the 3000th Monkey King's Lover, and accepting her in this lifetime as well. You now have 100 points to each stat and have achieved a Level 10 Request Card! Congratulations, Host. Bia has automatically become a system character; no physical changes will happen to her as she is already at the level of Godhood.
Zumi thought, Godhood level? What are the different levels of strength? As if hearing his thoughts, the system chimed: Ping! There are 10 different levels in the universe, with number one being the most powerful and ten being the weakest. All beings that are born start at the lowest level, Level 10. From Level 10 going down to one, the levels are as follows: Feeble, Weakling, Average, Novice, Adept, Fighter, Warrior, Champion, Titan, and Godhood. For more information, please see the menu.
Zumi immediately said, "Show more information, please." Suddenly, a screen appeared before him with more details on each level. In summary, this is what the system explained:
In a world where strength determines hierarchy and power, there exists a ranking system that categorizes individuals based on their abilities. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy is "Godhood," an extraordinary level of strength that grants its wielder god-like powers, making them unrivaled and capable of altering reality itself.
Descending from this ultimate level, the "Titan" stands as a colossal figure, revered for their immense aura and strength, which can reshape landscapes and defy natural laws. Following closely is the "Champion," a master strategist and fighter, known for their combat skills that enable them to overcome numerous foes with ease.
Next in line, the "Warrior" boasts advanced physical abilities and combat training, making them formidable in battle. Meanwhile, the "Fighter" shows strength surpassing that of an average individual, possessing basic fighting skills for self-defense.
As the levels progress, the "Adept" demonstrates enhanced physical capabilities, while the "Novice" represents a beginner, showing potential but lacking experience. The "Average" individual has typical strength and abilities, while the "Weakling" and "Feeble" levels depict those struggling with physical challenges, with the latter being the most vulnerable and easily overpowered. People rarely reach Godhood, and it is rare to ever meet an individual at the level of Godhood.
After reading through this, Zumi again thanked the past Monkey King in his heart. Zumi had never had a chance with girls in the past; once they found out that he was poor and had no money, they all paid him no mind. Yet now he had Ana, Cathy, and Gia, who loved him more than anything and did not care about his wealth, even giving him money. And now, on top of that, he had Bia sleeping in his arms, and she was literally a goddess—a very beautiful one at that. Zumi took some time to process everything as he sat there holding Bia in his arms.
Three hours passed quickly, and Bia, too, had fallen asleep. She smiled and lightly kissed his lips, waking him up.
Opening his eyes, Zumi said, "Hey, Bee Bee!"
She replied, "May I come with you on your journey? I want to know more about you in this era!"
"Of course! For starters, this body I reincarnated in is called Zumi, and it's not exactly a full reincarnation."
"What do you mean?" Bia asked.
Zumi then told Bia everything about who he was before the system, how he got the system, and everything that had happened to him until now. She listened attentively, taking in every word Zumi said. She sat in silence for a bit, as if processing everything, and spoke, "Regardless of who you are now, you are still you, and I will always love you in every timeline, no matter how you re-enter this world. I will also do my best to jog your past memories for you about things."
Thank you," said Zumi. Bia stood up from Zumi's lap and said, "Come, I want to show you something. You left a weapon of yours with me, and I was told to give it to you when you came back!"
Standing up and following her, Zumi was slightly shocked; she was shorter than he expected, reaching just below his chest. She led him to the very end of the opulent room, where a long box sat atop a raised platform. The box was ornately decorated with golden accents and intricate carvings, giving it an air of grandeur and mystery.
As they approached, Zumi delicately unlatched the lid, revealing the contents inside—a massive warhammer, intricately crafted and resembling a stone or metallic material with a rugged, jagged surface that suggested immense power.
Bia said, "We found this together and realized it was meant for you, a weapon fitting for the Monkey King himself."
Zumi's eyes widened in awe as he gazed upon the magnificent warhammer. He could feel a surge of energy emanating from the weapon, as if it held a piece of his true essence within.
Grasping the warhammer in his hands, Zumi felt a connection unlike any other. It was as if the weapon had been waiting for him, calling out to him across time and space. With a sense of purpose and determination burning in his heart, Zumi raised the warhammer high above his head, feeling its weight and power coursing through his veins.
Bia watched with pride and admiration as Zumi wielded the warhammer with ease and confidence, a glint of recognition shining in her eyes. "You were always meant for greatness, Wu Kong," she said softly, her voice filled with unwavering happiness.
Zumi asked, "Do you want to come with me on my journey to help the vampire queen? I should head out now."
"Yes!" she replied excitedly.