The World's First Monk (OCs, Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy)

[Bigreader]

Laurelin was quiet for a moment, and then nodded. "I can sense your pure intentions. I will not cripple your understanding of your Earth Sciences, but know this: should you try to recreate your radioactive death bombs, your hand-held murder machines, or any other of the many devices you Earthlings use to slaughter each other, I will scrub your knowledge completely, and without warning.

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I admit I'm still in the first real chapter one but I do not think the goddess understands the assignment because part of the reason her Society is so stratified is that all the power and force is at the top and while guns would certainly not resolve this in a World of Magic it would put a lot of power back in the hands of the common Folk if any common folk could shoot a gun and shoot some kind of superhuman wizard, not as much as in our world, but still it would rebalance the system a little bit.

though I do understand not wanting nukes created. The reason her world is so stratified is because the power is concentrated in the hands of a few Bloodlines that have power from generation to generation.

 

[Sahqoreyth]

I admit I'm still in the first real chapter one but I do not think the goddess understands the assignment because part of the reason her Society is so stratified is that all the power and force is at the top and while guns would certainly not resolve this in a World of Magic it would put a lot of power back in the hands of the common Folk if any common folk could shoot a gun and shoot some kind of superhuman wizard, not as much as in our world, but still it would rebalance the system a little bit.

though I do understand not wanting nukes created. The reason her world is so stratified is because the power is concentrated in the hands of a few Bloodlines that have power from generation to generation.

Click to shrink...

Fair. But the power is at the top out of necessity. There's a Demon God after all, and giant hellpits (other flavors Are available) that spew Monsters everywhere. As you will perhaps learn soon...they're genuinely just the worst. In order for decent society to survive in this world, the power needed to be at the top, and while things have stagnated in a comparatively quiet age, it wouldn't be an isekai if the Demon God didn't start shenanigans in the wake of protag's arrival.

She's also the Goddess of Life. It's a large and vague spectrum, but i'll just say that, as she was orbiting Drake's Earth, much like ours, the amount of out of control gun death was abhorrent to her. And to be clear: she forbid Drake from creating or contributing with his Earth knowledge in any way to the creation of firearms, etc. Artificer is a class, and there's nothing technically stopping them from making guns. Arcadia has been very purposely steered towards like, magitech, lasers, energy weapons, though. But the surplus of magic means it all runs on magic. Even the technology.

 

[Sahqoreyth]

Chapter 22: Disciple of the Fist​

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Vaelroth City - Tharvoss​

Drake Long was surrounded by magic spells.

Fireballs detonated in the air around him, and a Lightning Bolt was just barely dodged with Step of the Wind. Next came what Drake classified as a Prismatic Spray, as a floating prismatic orb launched into the air and spewed multiple types of magic at him. He dodged and bended away each before descending another several hundred feet.

He'd forgotten how Falkor still looked to most denizens of Arcadia, and upon approaching the Adventurer City of Vaelroth, they'd both remembered that though most of Primus had at least heard about the Laurelin-blessed dragon, the rest of the world would take time to understand and not shoot draconic forms on sight. They'd also been quite low, and visible, as they'd been gathering seawater for their Leisure Sphere with Drake's waterbending.

He'd apologized to Falkor before hastily recalling him into the Leisure Sphere. Now he was descending towards the docks, but it seemed every Wizard in the city was shooting spells at him now. He'd wanted to keep his Dispelling Fist on the DL, but as a horde of Magic Missiles came for him, he had no choice.




Properly irritated now, Drake became a blur. With his airbending and his fists, he smashed through every single Drake-seeking missile, and then landed with enough of a gust to knock the casters off their feet, and interrupt their next spells. "Enough! Idiots! I'm one of you!"

The casters got back to their feet quickly, and one stepped closer. He was dark elven, and had a 'classic Wizard' vibe to his pointed hat and deep blue starry robes. "Monk…Hero!? Wait…are you the one who slayed the Demon Lord, and cleared the Wallow Dungeon on the same day!?"

Drake fixed his robes and nodded, lowering his fists. The casters slowly let their spells fade, the truth of his words as obvious as his class. "I am. Please, stow your weapons." Once the casters complied, Drake continued. "Now, I'm gonna let this slide, since I was flying in on a Dragon. However, he's quite a kind Dragon, and you all owe him an apology. Stay calm, don't attack him, and he won't attack you."




With that said, and before the seemingly lead Mage could stop him, Drake brought Falkor out again. He frowned at the group, but otherwise sat still, looking regal, with his golden horns and Laurelin's mark obvious and prominent on his brow. Drake gave him a nod, as having him introduce himself, they'd found, elevated his status from monster to sentient in the minds of those they met.

"I am Falkor, first of the Luckdragons. I will thank you not to shoot at me in the future."

While initially nervous, both the mages and armed guards with crossbows were starting to calm down. The dark elf spoke again. "My…apologies, Luckdragon, err, Falkor, was it? We're used to…very different Dragons down here. Your description will be passed to the other cities, and I will inform the Mages Guild that you are not to be targeted. Again, sincerely…we apologize." He bowed low, sincere and formal.

"You are forgiven." Falkor said, shifting to a kind smile. "I hope I can be of aid against the Dragons who dwell here. Perhaps, one day, Arcadians will no longer fear me."

The Wizard gave him a crooked smile. "If you're as powerful as Dagorath's Dragons are at your level, one day, Arcadians will follow you into battle. I look forward to it." He bowed again, and Falkor inclined his head.




At that moment, a new figure joined them. He was the same level as Primus's Guild Master, but where Guild Master Solus was full plate and had a legendary greatsword, this man, or woman (they were too androgynous for Drake to tell), was in high quality scale armor, and had an equally legendary longbow on their back. Drake saw their race listed as High Human. "I take it that's the Dragon." They said, grimacing. Their tone didn't give away their sex either.

"He's a Luckdragon. Specifically, in terms of the system, he's my familiar, and ally." Drake answered. He stepped forward and offered a hand. "I'm Goddess Laurelin's latest Hero. Drake Long."

The Guild Master's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And why have you come to my city with such firepower, Drake Long?"

Drake blinked. "Firepower…? Oh, you mean Falkor. He's my ride. Dragons fly quite fast."

The Guild Master stared at him in disbelief. "You? Ride a Dragon? Sure you do."

Drake gestured to his partner. "For what other reason would he have a saddle?"




By this point the Wizard from earlier approached. "I can confirm, Guild Master. We assumed it was a General of Dagorath at first, but it seems…we've a Dragon on our side now. Our survival odds just went up."

"Unfortunately, we're not staying…Mr. Wizard. I'm here to join the Monster Hunters Guild. But some day, when we graduate, I'll be joining the fight down here."

The Wizard sighed. "I'll just have to endure until then. Forgive our manners, Monk Hero. The Adventurer Cities care more about fighting Monsters than etiquette. I am Dorthaniel Darkbrow, and this is our city's leader, and strongest Arc Warden, Guild Master Teloneus."

"Overjoyed to meet another Hero that won't be staying to help us. Waste of fucking time…" They muttered, as they turned and walked away, their guards in tow. "Join the Guild, and then get out of my city. Everyone who wants to stay here, needs to go through the proper channels. And swear the oath."




Drake frowned as the Guild Master left. He wanted to help, but he didn't know if he was high enough level for Tharvoss monsters. Everything he'd read said they were built different down here. Even if he wanted to venture out, he didn't have supplies or his party. And he wouldn't risk Falkor.

"Don't be too concerned. The Guild Master just has their hands full with Castle Sanguivore." Dorthaniel said, stepping up beside Drake and gesturing to a large blackstone castle in the distance, built into a mountain. "Dagorath's Vampyr are quite cunning, and have been trying to destroy Vaelroth since it was established. It's a credit to the Guild Master that we've grown as large as we have, right on the doorstep of a high tier Dungeon."

Drake tilted his head. "What problems do this city, and the others down here face? I have some pull now, I could probably get you some assistance."

The Wizard rolled his eyes. "It's not bodies that are the problem. It's supplies. Every year they become more expensive, and without potions, we lose people out beyond the walls. But the government is apparently just too busy to help us. Especially with that recent business in Primus." He waved a wrinkled dark toned hand. "It's not your problem, Monk Hero. But our Guild Master might change their tune if you managed to get us potions. Anyway, the Guild Hall of the Monster Hunters is on the far side of the city, practically right next to Castle Sanguivore. You can find them there. Just follow your nose, and you'll know when you find it."




Drake thanked the level ninety seven Wizard, and began walking. Once again he had an experience of a city very different to Primus. There were no slums, no starving poor, just the occasional drunk adventurer that was sleeping it off in a gutter. Houses seemed to be occupied by one's party, and acted as a sort of base of operations.

Drake also noted a lack of skyscrapers or wealthy dwellings. Larger buildings had a purpose, though Drake couldn't always figure out what it was from looking. Eventually, he smelled the Guild Hall before he saw it, and realized his new schedule didn't really allow for lunch. Not when he and Falkor were crossing continents anyway. Normally Drake let him out to hunt the fauna, participate in life's cycle as the apex predator he now was, but that wasn't an option on Tharvoss. The apex predators here would wreck them.

As he entered what seemed to be a dedicated food portion of the guild, a cat person who was more cat than Human cheerfully greeted him. In fact, looking around, the food prep was being mainly done by sentients of similar size and surplus of fur. "Everything is Canon…" He muttered, before taking a seat.




The feline chef smiled at him. "Ooo I know You! The Grandmaster said you'd be stopping by…but you seem rather hungry. What would you like?"

"I'm fine with whatever you have that's easily made, and filling. Don't really need more than basic rations with some flare. My main request is for a…friend of mine. He can take his meal raw, I just don't want him to eat all your supplies."

The feline chef waved a paw without a care. "We have enough meat to feed a Dragon! We can handle your friend. All races are welcome."

"I'm glad." Drake answered with a smirk. "Because my friend is a Dragon. A Luckdragon specifically. He won't hurt you, I promise. In fact, he's quite friendly."




Causing another stir, Falkor appeared in the street, sitting, regal, and trying not to step on anything, or anyone. His tail curled around his legs to keep from accidentally smashing into anything. The feline leaned back as they looked upwards. "Wow! He really is a Dragon! Hi big guy! Want some dinner?"

"If it's not too much trouble." Falkor answered, inclining his head in respect to the high level Culinarian. "I'm quite hungry too."

"Meat is about the only thing we have a surplus of down here. When most of the planet is vegetarian, the people on the front lines get the leftovers. We'll have your meals ready in a few minutes."

Falkor was, as usual, attracting a crowd, but the Monster Hunters were more in awe of him than fear. The idea of a talking dragon was very interesting, but the Hunters lost steam when they realized he didn't really know about other dragons, or monsters, and was actually plying them for information on the dragons that plagued this continent.




They ate quickly, and with Falkor fed enough to get him home, Drake recalled him into the Leisure Sphere, and sought out the guild's receptionist. The registration process was easy, and instead of mockery from the higher rank Monster Hunters, he was eagerly welcomed. Apparently word of his hunt alongside the Grandmaster and his squad had already spread through their ranks, and they were always eager to welcome new Hunters.

The receptionist also gave him the rundown on what weapons Monster Hunters typically used, and to Drake's lack of surprise, it was typically giant versions of what lower level adventurers used against their tier of monsters. Giant hammers, two different kinds of swords, bows, hunting horns, lances. A few who, like him, used Dual Swords. There was something called an Insect Tamer stave, which he assumed would function similarly to the Kinsect Staff he was familiar with.

He noticed a lack of Charge Blades, and of course, the blowguns were missing. In their place was a style that used agility and dual repeating crossbows, and apparently that style was the newest. But the Hunters seemed well prepared to face Tharvoss, as they had no small amount of other tricks and traps that would take out groups of monsters before they knew what happened. As he left the guild, full of grilled meat and knowledge, he felt confident about his rank grinding.




Apparently new Hunters could only fight lesser monsters until they ranked up, and ranking up itself was a process. Thankfully, it was one he could do in Primus, and on the way there. Apparently just accepting a Hunt teleported one to the closest city/town to the reported disturbance, and even at low level, monsters classified as variants and strange enough to be reported to the Monster Hunters were always quite deadly. Once the monster was dead, the Hunters were teleported back to wherever they set their home point.

Unlike the system Drake was familiar with, hunting additional monsters was encouraged, and apparently clearing their dens granted experience and loot, automagically, per person in the party. Dens tended to spawn most around Dungeons, apparently, which had immediately made Drake concerned about the Wallow. If there were goblin dens around it the others had missed, they could already be repopulating the Dungeon, even though the entrance was technically a several hundred foot drop into the former second level. Goblins would find a way. He set Falkor's saddle as his return point, and let the dragon fly home, while he tested the new system he was part of.

He set the monster target choice as random, and then with a flash of light, he was gone.

Blood Gulch - Averion​

As Drake appeared again he heard the words. "And here's our fourth…oh great. A newbie."

"No, dude look at his level! Seventy five at Low Rank!? And that Class…"

A feminine voice spoke next. "Monk…Hero. Interesssting."

Drake appeared before a trio of adventurers in their thirties, in terms of level. Age wise, they seemed like young adults. The human one had a massive greatsword, the other human had an equally large bow, and the last and by far the most visually interesting was a snakekin woman, though unlike Class One's, she had snake features all over, but a body that was humanoid, and a long tail that ended with a 'rattle'. It swished slowly as the snake woman eyed him.

"So…you are the Life Goddess's chosen…what luck. This Hunt will be quite easy."




Drake looked the three over, with the two men being basic humans, albeit one had slightly pointed ear tips. "As you saw, I'm brand new to this. If possible, I'd like to try to solo this Hunt. You'll still get credit and a share of the loot of course. But I'm hoping to experience the difference between these Hunts and clearing a Dungeon."

The full blooded human gave Drake a look. "Like you know what clearing a Dungeon is like."

His friend cuffed him on the back of the head. "Imbecile. He's the one who basically led the Wallow Raid. The guy who recorded it."

"Really?" The greatsword using human squinted at Drake. "So you're the genius who made an acronym for his party that ended up being 'Goblin Slayers'?"

Drake chuckled. "That was more of a joke. That was actually our first time as a full Raid Party. We're still workshopping the name, and the actual members."




"Your firssst time!?" The snake woman hissed in surprise. "That'ssss unheard of. You musst have had good leaders."

Drake smirked confidently. "We're the real deal. So. What are we Hunting today?"

The snake woman and the human just shook their heads in disbelief. The Half Elf gave the debrief as asked. "That's what's strange. This area is referred to as Blood Gulch." Drake flinched as he gestured to the landscape, a boxed in canyon with rolling hills, and two visible bases. Now that Drake looked, he saw the uncanny and canonical similarities to the Halo map he was familiar with. "Typically home to some of the strongest unaffiliated fighters on Arcadia, they've split into two sides. Red, and Blue."

Drake interjected, out of burning curiosity. "Are they one specific race? Or is it a mix?"

"A mix." The Half Elf confirmed. "They're a…unique bunch. What's strange is that they called us in. Apparently neither team has been able to kill the Monster plaguing them. But by their description, it's just a Lesser Wyvern. They're tough, but not impossible, not for the warriors who live here."




Drake tilted his head. "Why? What makes living here special?"

The Half Elf continued, glad to exposit. "Blood Gulch is actually on top of a Dungeon. Both Red and Blue teams raid it regularly, so they're all experienced and pretty high level. Some are even higher than you. The point being…they should be able to handle a Lesser Wyvern."

The human huffed a deep breath. "Let's go already. Newbie, take the Wyvern. We'll focus on the nest. We get more stuff if we destroy the places they spawn from."

"My name is Drake, for the record. That's what you can call me."

The Half Elf spoke next. "Korrim. Pleasure to Hunt with you."

"Sszerah. It'sss a pleassure." The snakekin woman hissed.

"And I'm Gary." The human finished. "Now let's go already!"




With that, they split up, and Drake shot into the air. Thankfully, and hilariously to him, he already knew the layout pretty well, it was definitely unlocking some core memories from his first time through teenagedom. He activated Battlefield Awareness, and instead of overlapping with his Godsight, Godsight actually made the skill even more ridiculously useful. He could scan for miles, and see intimate details of whoever was in range of his sight.

He laughed, loudly, as his eyes saw that both Red and Blue teams had the same cast of names he was familiar with, as well as many more he didn't recognize. There seemed to be about just over forty inside each base.

As he floated above the Blood Gulch, he sensed it, a massive high speed object that really should not have been able to move that fast. Thus, he encountered his first problem with Godsight. He could see what was coming, but even while flying and airbending, he was moving too slow to dodge. It was a credit to how fast the Lesser Wyvern was, but even with that deadly speed, Drake did manage to dodge it, by a matter of inches, which honestly tracked with the Monster Hunter vibes of his predicament.

He spun Prismrend as the wyvern came around again, and this time, he matched its speed and had Dual Swords ready to go. Drake's eyes burned crimson as he used Assassinate, and Beybladed himself along the wyvern's back. It was level fifty, and his much higher level and stronger skill absolutely wrecked the draconic monster in a single hit, but to its credit, it wasn't dead and it was nowhere near done.




With an enraged shriek even as it hemorrhaged blood from where Drake had struck its neck, inner thighs, and soft armpits, it launched a fireball at him, and surged forward through the air, claws extended towards the Monk. Unfortunately for the wyvern, it lost as soon as it brought an elemental attack into the mix. Drake shifted forms, bending, condensing, and then firing the energy back at the wyvern, directly through its skull, which shattered as it exploded in flames. Drake floated casually out of the way as the wyvern fell past him.

It was dead long before it hit the ground, and a minute after it landed, Drake's vision lit up with a system notification. The nest was clear. Not long after that, his party reconvened. "I wasn't sure what to do with its body." Drake started, as they approached. "I mean, I have some idea, but…"

"Now, we take it'ss partssss…" Szerah hissed, as she and the other two drew long carving knives from their belts.

Drake nodded. He'd been hoping the system did this part automatically, but alas, for the high quality monster mats, he'd have to get his hands gory.




With their mission complete and their questions unanswered about why eighty adventurers hadn't been able to handle one level fifty wyvern, Drake and his party were teleported back to their points of origin. Apparently monsters at this rank weren't usually so high level, and even though it hadn't been hard for Drake, he gained three levels from that single hunt. Satisfied for the moment, he stayed on Falkor, and shared how the draconic being had acted. Unfortunately, it had been exactly like the goblins and other monsters Drake had so far encountered. Barely any sentience, and bloodthirsty.

Seeing Falkor disheartened by that news, Drake said, "Y'know, I've been thinking about Prismrend, and why Laurelin would go out of her way to contact another universe's equivalent of a deity. You remember what I told you about Aurene, right?" Falkor nodded, still a bit confused by the concept of things his human friend had engaged in, that had been made up back on their world, were somehow now reality on a different world, with actual Gods involved. "Well what I didn't mention was that she had…offspring, I guess you could call them, that we got to train and ride on in game. Skyscales. Several other Elder Dragons made lesser dragons as well, so there's a good chance Laurelin asked Aurene how to make more." He patted Falkor. "Making another Luckdragon might be…rather difficult. But with Skyscales…you would no longer be the only good aligned Dragon, and, we'd have other riders before too long." Falkor seemed cheered up immensely by Drake's reasoning, and intended to ask the Goddess about it himself.

Drake separated from Falkor over Primus, leaving the dragon to return to Eldarheim. He came and went between the home of the Gods and the roost that Elowir had crafted for him in one of the academy's unused towers as he pleased.

Drake landed in the eerily quiet Wallow district, and glanced around. His godly sight revealed no one. Even the destitute who'd lived here were gone.




Then, he heard an intonation, and saw a blinding flash of light magic in the distance. Following it to the source led him to Aegis Bryllon, knee deep in low level goblin corpses, Divine Storming his way through the pack he'd found. Drake didn't wait for an invitation. As soon as the small mob took Aegis's attack, Drake landed in an Avenger's pose of fiery pain in their center, incinerating them all.

"Ahh. Drake Long! You are welcome on this hunt!" Aegis shouted, bringing his greatsword around through three goblins at once.

Drake summoned more fire, animated it with magic, and it took on Falkor's shape as it scorched and rampaged. "I learned that Dungeons can sometimes have den spawners around them. I figured the Wallow must've had a bunch."

Aegis nodded, slightly confused as to how Drake didn't know that already. "It did, and they respawned too fast to ever fully clear. But now that the Dungeon is empty, I was the only one willing to come out here and do cleanup. All those angry lower levels at the Guild would rather be mad at you than do their fucking jobs."

Drake tilted his head. "Angry low levels? Not the ones who were at the raid's beginning, surely…"

Aegis shrugged. "Some were there, quiet, but nodding in agreement. Quite a few of them just took cover and hid during the Pandarus Incident. And now they're angry at you, for clearing the best spot to grind low levels."




Drake sighed. "I'll deal with them when I go collect my reward for the Dungeon."

"I'm pretty sure that's what they're waiting for. Nobody in our Classes has had the fortitude to go and claim credit for the clear yet. They're waiting for you, I think." Aegis answered.

Drake sighed, and gestured to the goblin den, a hovel of mud and scrap built up between two buildings, long collapsed and ruined. "I'll send out a message. The fire dragon should be enough to take out the leaders if you keep the trash from running."

Aegis chuckled. "I'm surprised you can control it with no hand motions…"

Drake chuckled as well. "Magic requires Will…and my will to slay Goblins is quite strong."




As his aura farming dragon and Aegis cleaned up the low level goblins, Drake started individually contacting his former party members. Only Leif, Koreia, his own party of Rose, Lyria, and Garret, Varian Wrynn, and the Olephan Dragon Knight, Varan came to help search for goblin dens. The others were apparently heading to the Adventurer's Guild to claim their reward, and on hearing that, Drake and Rose decided to go with them, to make sure a fight didn't start.

By the time they rendezvoused with their raiding party, Drake received the all clear from Aegis. The Wallow's goblin dens were gone, and to no one's surprise, he was going to give the actual Dungeon a once over before personally sealing it off. Aegis had no interest in the Dungeon clearing reward, but thankfully his own party insisted they'd get his share for him. The guild was quite used to this.

With a louder bang than he'd intended, Drake airbended the guild's doors open, and strode in. He could feel the discontent, and his eyes showed him several of the lower levels reaching for their weapons, with anger in their eyes. For all the good they would do. Drake strode up to Kelista, the usual clerk, who met him with the usual fake courtesy smile. "Monk Hero. Goblin Slayers. I take it you're here for your reward."

"We are." Drake answered, as the others filed in behind him, most in their armor, and sporting their new weapons and higher levels.




Kelista looked them over with a sharp eye, and nodded. As you know…fully clearing a Dungeon is unprecedented. However, the Guild relied on the Wallow to train new-"

Drake held up a hand, cutting her off. "Galdurath himself ordered it purged. The atrocities the Guild has allowed, for millennia, are going to be something we discuss later, mark my words, but for now…the clear is complete. The dens are gone, and Aegis Bryllon is sweeping the Wallow one more time to make sure it's empty. The Adventurer's Guild has a long standing reward for parties that fully clear Dungeons. That's what we're here for."

"And what about us!?" Came an angry voice from the lower level adventurers. "Where's our reward!?"

Class One's leader, Rael, responded by scoffing. "A reward for what? Hiding while everyone else fought? I've spoken with our upperclassmen. The Orcs practically escaped the Filth Pit because they didn't have enough people. The majority of the lower level adventurers were at the Wallow. If you missed the call to action, it's because you chose to hide instead of fight."




A female low level stepped forward and spoke up then, a Light Cleric, like Rose. "How could we choose anything else!? Not all of us have powerful Attack Skills…and if Monsters get near a Demon Lord…we'd stand no chance."

Class Three's Leonid, Leander, answered her. "It doesn't matter what your chances are! Your city, your home was in Danger! And you hid! Some of you need to remember why you're fighting."

Drake put a hand on his shoulder, patted it, and the Leonid turned away and huffed. Drake stepped forward then, and patted the level five Cleric's shoulder as well. "You had the courage to step forward here and show your face. That's more than can be said of your peers. I think you would've stood more of a chance than you assume."

Drake turned to the crowd, then, and couldn't resist a light smirk as he said, "Where I come from, asking why we fight is…like asking why leaves fall. It is in their nature." He shook his head, as he continued shamelessly quoting some Monk wisdom. "The important question you should all be asking before continuing on this career path…is what are you fighting for?"

"Money!" Someone in the back shouted.

Drake rolled his eyes. "You think Guild Master Solus fights for money? What about Galdurath? You think the God of Magic spent more Magic Power than any of you will in your entire lifetimes, defending Primus, for glory and Gil?"




Drake saw the goon from before about to answer again, and cut him off. "NO!" His voice rolled through the crowd. "We are in a new Age, ladies and gentlemen. The Age of Eradication. One way or another, things are coming to a head. You all need to decide if being an Adventurer is worth risking your lives for, because that's what this Age is going to be. The one that decides what happens to Humans and Monsters in the future. Adventuring is no longer an easy ride to fame, money, and power. You will end up down on Tharvoss, if you grow stronger. And even if you don't get that strong, the Monsters aren't going to quietly disappear from the rest of the world. They will attack villages, towns, and caravans that hire you as guards. Their goal is Eradication. You will be fighting these things, probably for the rest of your lives, as they try to completely eradicate everything we've built." He gestured at the door, "Make your decision."

"Who died and made you Guild Master?" Another goon, a friend of the money hungry one, called out.

As if waiting for his cue, the heavy steps of Guild Master Solus filled the chamber, as he descended from his office. "Drake Long has so eloquently said what I was about to announce. The Age of Dungeons is over, and the Guild has to take things a lot more seriously. That Demon Lord was a test from the God of Monsters. A probing attack to see if fabled Primus still stands as strong as it used to. As Monk Hero Long said…you need to decide if risking your lives for the planet is worth it. Because loss and death are the only rewards for Adventurers in this new Age. As it was in the Age of Murder. You will not be penalized for deciding not to adventure anymore, but leave your plates with Kelista before you leave us."




With that, fifteen teen to young adult adventurers walked out the guild's doors, after giving Kelista their Adventurer plates. The rest, to their credit, stayed. "What about us, Guild Master?" The Cleric girl asked.

Solus smirked, at her, and then at Drake and the party. "Well, with the Wallow cleared, the Filthpit is the only option for Adventurers at your levels to grow. Luckily for us, we have strong Dungeon clearing Heroes willing to run you through it until you're strong enough to fight elsewhere."

Class Three's Juggernaut, the Orca patterned whale sentient known as Orlok, snorted. "And why should we? They could take years to level. I have better things to do."

"You don't actually, Orlok." Solus said with a grin. "Not if you want to continue to use the Guild's services, and get your Dungeon Clear rewards. But for some extra motivation…let's go over just what those rewards are! Kelista?"




"Of course, Guild Master." She pulled down a large white screen then, and Drake peered at it. It was not unlike the large classroom maps that had been used by teachers on Earth until Smartboards had become the preference. Kelista started projecting magic images onto it from behind, like a movie projector.

"As you'll see once our heroic Monk moves his fabulous hair out of the way, a full Dungeon Clear, including all surrounding Monster Dens, is worth two million Gil. Per participant. You also get your choice of Magic Items the Guild holds on to once their former owners pass on. This, in addition to what you get from a Final Boss Chest, should be more than enough motivation to help the lower levels out. For a time, at least. We don't expect you to shepherd them indefinitely."

Solus turned to Drake's party. "Before you focus on clearing the Filthpit, consider that we need fresh Adventurers. They have to level up somewhere. Galdurath agrees, and before you start Drake Long, I understand your anger. Leaving the most vulnerable among us to struggle and live among Monsters is not going to continue. It…should never have started in the first place, but that's a conversation for another time. Kelista. Pay these Heroes."




She ended the magical projection of different levels of Dungeon Clears, and went into a room behind the counter. And came back with a fat sack of Gil that seemed enchanted. "This will deposit the Gil directly into your Primus bank account. Are you first, Hero Long?"

Drake blinked. "Bank account? What if I don't have one?"

Kelista scoffed. "Everyone has one! You get one when you're-"

Solus held up a hand. "He uhh…doesn't have one yet. Don't worry, Drake, we'll get you your cut. In the meantime, I have someone here who's been trying to meet you for quite some time now."




The Guild Master led Drake into the crowd of low levels with the nonchalance of people who were completely sure the low levels couldn't harm them even if they wanted to. Drake wasn't thrilled, and Solus barely even glanced at them. He was focused on their target. He was, to Drake's eyes, an Ape man, with brown and reddish fur, and a Chimpanzee face, but a build and body that was far more Homo Sapien. It still had Ape traits though, like nearly full body hair, long arms, and slightly bowed legs that were about the same length as an average human's. And of course, the slightly curled monkey tail.

"This, is Wu Kong. I know you're still new to the species names here, so know that he's what we call a Siminid, a rare offshoot of High Humans, and he has yet to choose a Class. He has great potential though, and has expressed interest in learning to be a Monk. Like you. Train him well, Grandmaster."

Drake frowned at the Guild Master. "And I'm just being forced to accept him?"

"Has anyone else offered to become your Disciple? No? I would think you'd want more Monks in the world." Solus chuckled.

Drake sighed, and muttered. "Every single thing is Canon. And that makes me Tripitaka. Apparently." Louder, he said, "Wu Kong was it? I'm going to need to test your skills, but I'll pose to you the same question I posed to these others. What is worth fighting for, to you?"




The Siminid pondered for a moment, or pretended to, and then said, with a higher but still very much male tone, "For me…Freedom. For my Clan. But, if I'm being honest, Grandmaster…" His monkey face pulled up into a grin, "I want to be the Strongest. In the World."

"And what would you do with such strength, Wu Kong?"

The monkey man's face fell, and his eyes narrowed. "I'd punch Dagorath in the face. Until he stops making Monsters and Arcadia is safe for everybody!"

Drake chuckled. "You're in. How old are you?"

Wu Kong puffed out his admittedly well muscled chest. "Fifteen. I'll be old enough to join the Academy next year. Then the Bards will sing about my fabulous hair!"

"Sure they will. Do you…have a place to stay?"

"Weeell, uh, I was gonna hunt some Goblins, do some low level quests, earn some Gil, but…you cleared the Wallow. And the quests have slowed since the whole Demon Lord thing…you wouldn't be able to…put me up, would you Master?" Wu Kong asked, eyes big and wide as his Class shifted to Monk before Drake's eyes.




Drake smirked. Wu Kong definitely had a penchant for mischief, but he also had the potential for greatness. It wouldn't do to just leave his first disciple homeless and wandering the city alone and unsupervised. And if he was anything like Sun Wukong, it was a miracle he'd journeyed here without dying or starting a war. "I have a place you can stay. We'll discuss rent once the jobs start returning." He held out the Leisure Sphere and his smirk turned a shade of sinister. "Tell Falkor that you're going to be staying, and that he should work with you on dodging attacks."

With his class now officially Monk at level one, Drake sent Wu Kong into the Leisure Sphere, and chuckled as he watched the monkey teen's reaction to Falkor. They seemed to chat for a while, and then they started training. Drake smirked. If he left Wu Kong inside long enough, he'd be ready to start at the academy. It was technically still early days in the semester. Maybe he could take Elowir's classes too. That might even make the old tree focus on pertinent events.

He turned back to his current predicament, though, as Guild Master Solus stared with interest at the sphere. "Fascinating. Found that in the Wallow, did you?" Drake elaborated on how he'd found it and what Chronogrin had used it for. "Amazing how Monsters with high levels think to use our creations. In your hands, I'm sure it will be put to good use."




Drake nodded in agreement. "Speaking of use…I have some materials I need gathered and a beautiful girlfriend I'd rather be hanging out with. Think these low levels would be up to the task?"

Solus chuckled. "Here a few weeks and already posting Quests. By all means, Monk Hero. As a Draconic Adventurer you are free to post as many Quests as you need. I'll leave them to you."

Drake nodded, as Solus ascended to his office again. "Alright people. You may not be able to kill Goblins anymore, but I, at least, have work for you. I'll be posting some Quests. They shouldn't be too difficult. See Kelista if you're interested." With that, he returned to the counter, and found his former party mates were already gone. In short order, he had low level to intermediate quests for the materials he still needed for the Leisure Sphere.

He met the others outside the guild, and found out everyone was hitting the Groove Nexus again. Drake didn't really care for dancing, even though zero G dancing was actually absurdly fun, but Rose's big green eyes were his weakness. In short order he was once again grooving and consuming questionable magical substances with his friends.

 

[Sahqoreyth]

Chapter 23: Měi Hóu Wáng, and the Power of Pizza
​

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Galdurian Arc Warden Academy - Primus, Arcathis

​

"Ugh! I'm tired of cleaning, Drake! Teach me something! Anything! How do I make those…awesome fucking…Ki thingies you shoot?"

Drake Long sighed deeply, rousing himself from the peaceful meditation he'd been enjoying with Rose, on their beach paradise. Wu Kong had once again given up on his chores to goof off, and complain. He didn't seem to realize yet that Falkor kept Drake informed of everything the troublesome monkey teen did, from his newly finished roost built into and above the beach-side resort house.

Rose sighed as well, and put a hand on Drake's shoulder. For reasons that deeply irritated the world's first Monk, the world's second Monk listened to her far more attentively than him. She turned and hit the teen with a genuine beaming smile that practically radiated light. Wu Kong flushed, not because he was attracted to Rose, but because he had no social defenses against a woman of her beauty and simply didn't know how to react to her kindness. The women of his clan were nothing like Rose Valcrest.

"It's not something you can learn over such a short span, Wu Kong. I'm sure there's a reason Drake is having you do all these chores…?" She turned to regard her Monk, and it was at that point he remembered that she, and Wu Kong, did not have The Karate Kid here. It was easy to forget some times, all the things he knew and had experienced that his friends and lover had not.

​

Drake rose to his feet, groaned, and stretched as he muttered, "Time to pull a Miyagi Do…" He stretched out his arms and legs, before regarding Wu Kong. "You want to see what I'm teaching you, impatient Disciple? Fine. I'm going to come at you with a simple punch. Wax the doors."

Drake made to strike Wu Kong, and though his thick monkey brow was furrowed from processing Drake's words, in the moment the fist approached, he started to understand. He moved his own hand in a circular motion, redirecting and blocking Drake's punch. "Good. Again. Faster!" The punches increased in speed, but Wu Kong matched them, waxing on and off as he'd been taught. "Good! Now paint the walls!"

Drake spun into a simple but rather fast kick, and again, Wu Kong countered. Over and over, fists and kicks, he began incorporating the motions he'd been repeating into his fighting style, and after a minute, Drake nodded for him to stop.

"That…that was genius! I was learning the whole time!? You're a visionary, Master!" Wu Kong bowed low.

Rose chuckled, coming up behind him. "I agree. Using chores to teach. I thought only Clerics did that. And the only lesson we get from it is humility."

​

Drake chuckled. "This trick is not one I'm taking credit for. A…Martial Arts master I know of from my home used this teaching method. All I'm doing is passing on some wisdom, it's you, Wu Kong, who made use of it. Even if you complained constantly and goofed off every single chance you got."

Wu Kong rose from his bow, and met Drake's eyes. "I won't ever doubt your teaching methods again, Master. On my honor as the most Handsome Monkey King, I will master everything you teach me!"

"Good." Drake said, taking Rose's hand. "The balcony deck needs sanding too. Get to it." He led Rose inside then, and the flush on her cheeks suggested she knew his intentions. First, he'd see to her, and then, he could start properly training the monkey teen. His entire reason for incorporating some Miyagi Do was to ensure that his cocky student didn't constantly second guess him when he started explaining how Ki worked. Now that the lesson had been ingrained, they could move on to more advanced tricks.

Some Time Later…

​

For the first time since he was reincarnated, time began to pass quickly for Drake, as the days were far less eventful despite Dagorath's declaration of eradication. Everything was quiet, for weeks, even the Dungeons were reportedly spawning less random monsters outside of them. After speed-aging Wu Kong (with his eager consent) he emerged from the Leisure Sphere sixteen years old, at level ten, still low on actual skills, but high enough in level to convince the Headmaster to enroll him. Apparently his clan hadn't given him nearly enough Gil to enroll, but Drake was able to pay for his disciple, once the Headmaster informed him that it wasn't unheard of for Grandmasters to pay their student's way. Drake suspected he just wanted more money, but he didn't care. He was, officially, a multi-Gillionaire.

Technically speaking he had twelve million in Primus's bank, two from the guild and ten from the Wallow's chest. He and Wu Kong were set for their education. But Drake knew he'd always need more. Until he had the clout to outright abolish currency as a system, he would need to participate in said system. This, led to the brilliant idea of putting Falkor and his disciple to work on the project that would ensure their Gil never ran out.

The low levels from the guild had gathered the materials he'd asked for quickly, and even now were tracking down specific ones he needed for more complex furniture and building layouts, but what he had so far, was enough for the pizzeria he'd been planning. And all it needed, was a chef. It turned out that Laurelin's blessing could also provide raw dough, and both Drake and Falkor had taken the hint when they found the pizzeria magically stocked one morning with ingredients. In short order, they were flying the hungry, pregnant Goddess's meals up to her regularly. Drake had eventually asked for Lyria's assistance, and for the chance to meet and chat with the Goddess of Life, she was happy to teleport both the meal and herself back and forth to Eldarheim. Laurelin, naturally, was overjoyed to meet more of his friends, and Drake ended up promising he'd bring all of Class Seven eventually. Laurelin waved that suggestion away though, instead suggesting he bring everyone who'd raided the Wallow. In fact, she insisted they all join the Gods for Everfeast, which was apparently the Arcadian equivalent of Thanksgiving, essentially a food-sharing related holiday after the yearly harvests that thanked Laurelin herself, and promoted equality and good vibes among all her creations.

​

Breaking up the monotony of training with Prismrend, learning with Wu Kong under Elowir, and grooving at Groove Nexus, were Arcadia's other holidays. In Arcadia's equivalent of October, they had Dagor's Eve, where the littles dressed up in costumes and played Heroes and Monsters, while everyone older held a rather somber memorial for the millions of Arcadians who had lost their lives to the Dark God's monster armies. Apparently, it was held on the very day that Dagorath had openly rebelled against his parents, and created his first monsters. Drake found it somewhat ominous that it coincided with Halloween almost perfectly, being on the last day of the second of the three 'harvest months'.

The Arcadian equivalent of November saw Drake rapidly grinding his Monster Hunter rank into the thirties, which meant he started facing larger monsters. It was some time though before one of the larger ones actually challenged him. By this point, Papa Falkor and Wu Kong had become famous at the academy, and as Drake had predicted, pizza, and the absurd amount of toppings he could add to it, made it ridiculously popular. Several people tried to copy his success, and though it made Drake feel dirty, he did forcibly outprice and outmaneuver his rivals. Arcadia lacked monopoly laws, and he had more than enough Gil to lower his prices for weeks at a time, effectively keeping his customers coming to him.

He also had Earth knowledge of how to make multiple different types of pizzas, deep dish, stuffed crust (which became insanely popular overnight), and even cheesy breadsticks had made it onto the menu. He did have to warn people about overeating at one point, but instead of inflicting a product on the population that caused weight gain, health problems, and acne, he cut down on the oils and grease, and used healthier ingredients, like lighter types of cheese that he simply hadn't had back on Earth. It also helped that his Omnicrafting told him the exact caloric contents of any food he made.

(From this point on, for your sanity and mine, I'm just going to refer to the months by names we already know.)


​

By the time the Everfeast began as a three day celebration at the end of November, Papa Falkor's was an established presence on the academy quad, and even the Headmaster, for once, approved of Drake's shenanigans, if not his business tactics. He knew better than to let the pizza market get away from him though, and since they exclusively served students and staff of the academy, outside parties were unable to acquire his product. He had Falkor and Wu Kong ensure every slice went to the mouth that bought it, but every week there were more students attempting to bring the pizza off campus.

Drake was ready for this, though. Starting in the poorer districts of Primus, he'd bought several spaces from Denarius Talmar, one of Arcadia's rulers, the High Logothete, and by the end of the month, his grip on the making and selling of pizza in Primus was ironclad. Moreover, he had discovered that patents (they had a different name for them) were actually a thing, usually handled by Galdurath, and though there had never been one for food, pizza had become so absurdly popular that he'd allowed the Monk to have one for the recipe to create it. This actually forced the system to comply as well, making it so only officially hired Culinarians could create the pies. Once again Drake did not care for these monopoly tactics, but for now at least, he had to use them to fund his epic quest.

Using a teleportation system created by Vincent (who wanted a reasonable piece of the absurdly lucrative profits), Papa Falkor was soon servicing the entire megalopolis of Primus with his favorite food. Naturally, he could also make his own pizza whenever he pleased, within reason. Drake promised he'd go without pizza for months if he got fat off it, and that kept his appetite in check. Naturally, he needed employees as well, and thanks to an exorbitantly expensive Ring of Thought Detection, he was able to hire genuinely decent people to deliver his culinary delights, and he could pay them quite well, too. The serving and delivery staff were all former residents of the Wallow District, and Drake had been very clear that they were to be valued, not overworked.

This would, inevitably, not last but Drake was confident his hired Culinarians would treat them well for now.

​

A week before the Everfeast, Drake was yanked back into focusing on his studies. Elowir said his final test, four hours and twenty straight minutes of sustaining the First Flame, would act as his Final Exam for this semester. That was the longest Galdurath was allowing them to use it, as he had since discovered Elowir's shenanigans. Similarly, Aslan decreed that he needed to reach rank fifty before winter began.

Drake had been putting off his Hunter Rank advancement test, but Aslan had kicked his pizza baron ass into high gear. With his monopoly on pizza cemented, Drake registered to take his Hunter Rank advancement test, scheduling it for the end of the week, on an afternoon where both Aslan and Theron were busy, leaving him with free time.

Rose, Garret, and Lyria were all quite eager to come along for this one, so he let them. Falkor was making pizza, but Wu Kong was on stand by in the Leisure Sphere, as backup, if needed. Once everyone was geared up and ready, Drake activated the Monster Hunter's teleport, and in an instant, they were somewhere else.

Huaguo Shan -The Island of Aolai



​

Used to the abruptness of teleportation by now, Drake stepped forward once they materialized to the cheering faces of an entire mountain's worth of Siminids. Their clothes and homes were simple and extremely low tech, but Drake knew that was because they had never had monsters here on what could only be the 'mountain of flowers and fruit' that Wu Kong claimed to come from.

An older female Siminid hunched by age, hobbled up to them on a cane, with a younger female keeping her steady. "You…are the Monster Hunters?"

Drake nodded. "Yes ma'am. There should be one more coming…" This of course would be the higher ranked Hunter who would be evaluating him. Sure enough, a moment later, another figure materialized from a flash of magical blue light. One that Drake actually recognized. He stepped forward, and offered the red armored Grandmaster his hand. They clasped forearms and shook them once. "Grandmaster. I didn't expect you for my low level test."

The first Monster Hunter nodded his armored head, and spoke in a low voice muffled by the helmet. "You've been soloing your Hunts so far…so I deemed this rank up as special. Just like this Hunt, which I will only be observing. Show the same prowess here that you have on your other Hunts, and I will make your rank fifty. You should start actually needing your team for those Hunts, and you won't end up getting used to fighting alone." He glanced at Drake's companions. "I see you've brought your own Party. Do they desire to join the Guild as well?"

​

Drake turned to them and shrugged, letting them answer for themselves. Rose spoke first, "I was under the impression that Monster Hunters don't allow casters in their ranks."

"A common misconception. Because we specialize in weapons and melee, many casters assume that's all we use. Casters can join like anyone else. Few actually have." The Grandmaster answered. "Obviously, should you wish to join, I will consider this Hunt your test as well, and rank you all appropriately."

Rose, Garret, and Lyria murmured amongst themselves for a moment before Rose spoke again. "We'll take you up on that offer, Grandmaster. Working with your Guild will only make us stronger."

The Grandmaster nodded slowly in response. "Done. You'll be set to Drake's rank for this test. Proceed."

​

Drake turned back to the patiently waiting Siminid elder. "Please…there are Monsters on our island. For ages we have lived isolated and free of Monster brutality…but in the past week, we have found three of our own…their remains savaged, and eaten. Something evil lurks atop our mountain. Please. Kill it."

Drake nodded. "We will." He turned to the Grandmaster. "Do you mind keeping the village safe while we Hunt?"

The red armored Hunter nodded. "These innocents have lost enough. I will keep them safe."

It had been around the afternoon when they left Primus. Here, in the far east, the sun was just about to set. Drake's brows furrowed. It would be dark soon. He turned to the elder. "Two questions. Do other Siminids live around the island, and do you know Wu Kong?"

​

The old woman's eyes widened. "Yes, there are clans across the island…wait, did you say Wu Kong!? You have seen our wayward warrior?"

Drake nodded. "He's in my Pokéball. One moment." Drake and Vincent, after fixing the peeking in from the outside issue with the Leisure Sphere, quickly realized they needed a real time clock, and a way to signal individuals inside to come out. This was easily done, and Vincent had enchanted the new beach-side clock tower to magically announce and spell out the desired denizen's name with a brief pulse of magic, and one's focused will.

A moment after Drake poked the magical ball, Wu Kong emerged, dressed now in a black Gi that Drake had tailored to his unique body shape and movement. "I'm here, Master! Ready to lay down some Kong Fu!" Drake had accidentally mentioned what some people called the martial arts where he was from, and ever since the teen had refused to call it anything but Kong Fu. Even now, he was chuckling about it.

The old woman huffed. "I think that might be the most respectful tone I've ever heard him use. Just who are you, young man?"

"Drake Long, Hero of Goddess Laurelin and Grandmaster of the Monks. At your service ma'am." Drake bowed the way Rose had shown him. The woman may have been old, but her class was Seer, which was apparently a rare path Sages could specialize into, and her level was the highest in the village at forty five.

​

"No need to be so formal, Master. She's just a crazy old lady." Wu Kong snarked. He winced then, as Drake was suddenly behind him with the speed of the wind, and had cuffed his head just as quickly.

"Rude! She's your elder, Wu Kong. A little respect goes a long way." Drake replied.

Wu Kong was still salty and rubbing his skull. "Never did nothin' for me…Ow!" He looked hurt, as Drake cuffed him again.

"Your respect towards me is why you aren't currently sleeping on the streets of Primus. Why you're the first Disciple I decided to take, despite my young age. Your tone and your words can be the key to solving problems without a fight, or opening doors that would otherwise be closed to you. Never forget that."

​

The old woman, for her part, was enjoying Drake's antics. "It's about time that braggart found someone to respect! Hit'im again!" She laughed, and devolved into a coughing fit.

"So what are we even doing here anyways?" Wu Kong said, frowning at the home he was in no hurry to return to. He'd just left, after all.

"Three villagers have been killed, apparently by Monsters." Drake said solemnly. "I thought you'd want to be involved."

Wu Kong turned to the old woman. "Who!? Who'd they kill?"

The old woman let out a sigh that shook her brittle body. "Samu, Mao, and the latest was Lii."

Wu Kong blinked. "Which Li? There's like a hundred."

"The one that you bullied, until I smacked you silly."

Wu Kong's face fell. "I played with him, there's a difference…maybe I was rough sometimes but…it was fun. He was fun. And now he's gone." A change came over the teen. The mischievous spark had ignited into a flame of revenge. "Master. Let me take the lead on this! Nobody knows this mountain like me."

​

Drake shook his head. "This is my Hunt. Here's an idea though." He pointed to the Grandmaster of the Monster Hunters. "If he says you can join the Monster Hunters, I'll take you with me against the big boss. Falkor is handling the pizza, so we don't have Draconic backup for this. It's just me and you."

Wu Kong smirked wide, practically oozing overconfidence. "Two Monks is all we'll need! Probably." He glanced at the rest of the party. "Any of you Bards? You can catalogue my Greatness!"

"Drrrake…" Garret rumbled as he stomped up behind Wu Kong. "Who even is this Monkey?"

"Ahh, right, I forgot most of you guys haven't met him yet. Behold my friend, my first Disciple! Wu Kong. Despite his attitude…he has great potential."

"Cockiness and bravado get people killed. Good people." Garret growled. "You had better take this seriously, Monkey…or you'll find yourself without a Tank to take the heavy hits."

​

"I can take a few hits!" Wu Kong crowed, chest puffed out. "Monks don't even need Tanks!" He looked at Drake. "Right?"

Drake just pinched the bridge of his nose. "What part of 'unarmored physical striker' did you not understand, Wu Kong? We would die, very easily, without Tanks and Healers." He cuffed his disciple on the back of his head again. "Apologize for your rudeness, and maybe they won't leave you to be swarmed, before bleeding to death."

Wu Kong bared his fangs as Drake cuffed the same spot again, but did turn towards Garret and Rose. "Sorry…I speak before I think, sometimes."

Garret snorted in disapproval, and started onto the trail leading from the village. Rose chuckled. "Just try your best, Wu Kong. You've trained hard for this. I'll keep you up, just punch anything Garret draws in."

Wu Kong gave her a thumbs up. "That, I can do." He turned to leave with the party, when the old Seer's attendant tugged on his Gi.

"A moment, Wu Kong…" The old Seer said, slowly hobbling over to the young teen. She handed him a yellow piece of folded parchment. "When your power is inadequate…and your quarry is about to evade you…shout this. As loud as you can. It may be helpful."

Wu Kong took the parchment, opened it, and read the single word upon it. "Wait…is this-"

"You will know the time to summon it." The Seer replied cryptically, as she hobbled away. "Stay alive, Po-hou." Wu Kong stared after the old woman for a moment, and then dashed after the party, who had already left.

​

Progress up the tropical mountain was slow. The heat was intense, and even with Drake and Lyria waterbending and misting the party, they were just hot, sweaty, and wet. Mercifully, the heat lowered when the light of day shifted to night, but the climbing became difficult for their dress wearing members. Garret and his superior night vision led them, while Drake and his Godsight kept the ladies from rolling ankles or falling back down the steep mountain's slope. Several times, they'd had to help Garret as well, as his armored bulk was too heavy for him to claw his way up exceptionally steep inclines with just his empty sword hand.

Eventually, when they were finally in sight of the summit, Garret held up an armored fist, the one carrying his shield. Everyone but Wu Kong stopped, as he continued spinning some clearly made up story about his 'exploits' to Lyria, who like Garret, was rapidly tiring of the monkey's bravado.

"So then Lii, utterly defeated, said- Ow! Fuck! That hurts when it's always the same spot!" Wu Kong complained, loudly, as Drake cuffed his skull again.

"Then shut the fuck up and pay attention." Drake hissed. "What is it, Garret?"

​

"Loudmouth attracted at least eighteen enemies to our position. Monsters incoming!" Garret readied his skills as his shield began shining.

Out of the foliage then, came a black armored, four armed, tiger-faced monster. Two smaller axes were in its lower arms, while the upper arms had proper axes, still covered with dried blood. Seventeen pairs of eyes lit up behind it, as it spoke.

"Are you the Monkey'ssss ssstrongesst warrior? My victims prrromised I would meet their King soon…"

"Drake? Can you see its info? There's a spell hiding it." Rose said quietly.

The tiger monster apparently heard her. "Your System is blind to my attributes! I am beyond your ability to read! Not even the God of Magic's tricks can-"

Drake smirked as he interrupted the monster. "Race: Monster, Rakshaza Raja, Class: Sorcerer, Level: Sixty five. Proficiency in magic and martial skills. I've seen tougher honestly."

Lyria chuckled as well. "Yea, the Raiju was a lot higher level. And scarier. This is just a mutated Tigrid with a few axes."

​

The Rakshaza snarled, and the crimson eyes around him encircled them in the foliage. Drake could see each belonged to a lesser monster, of the same race. "Arrogance…" The monster hissed, his eyes flashed, and though Garret raised his shield, Drake leapt in front of him, catching a beam per hand, and diffusing the heat with his firebending. Unfortunately, the already humid air around them became even worse, but they were alive.

"He has seventeen weaker minions. Garret, don't tank his eye beams. They'd damage your shield." Drake shouted. Lyria filled their back line with a pair of lesser earth and water elementals, and a greater earth elemental.

Before she could conjure even more, the Raja roared, "Kill them! For the Dark God! The Monkey King must DIE!"

"What? We don't have a King…" Wu Kong muttered, "Unless he means me?" His quip was drowned by the sound of breaking foliage and combat, as Drake summoned his images to help their back line and keep the ladies covered as they cast.

​

The jungle was complete chaos, and despite his bragging, Wu Kong was underleveled and out of his depth. A Rakshaza leapt seemingly out of nowhere, this one with dual swords, and Wu Kong focused. Everything Drake taught him came flooding back, and as he waxed off the tiger monster's powerful arms and delivered a Flurry of Blows, Garret roared at his target, drawing it and all the others to focus on him.

They swarmed Garret, and the giant magical blue shield he was using to tank all that considerable damage. "Now!" He roared.

Wu Kong slid in and hammered several monsters in their kidneys, ribs, and other soft spots. "Wu Kong! Get out of there!" Drake shouted, and the monkey teen backflipped away. Only to widen his eyes as his teacher lit up the Rakshaza with a massive Ki beam, and a mighty shout of 'HAAAAAAH!'

The energy beam decimated just over half of the monsters, and just like that, the tables turned. With Drake's Mirror Images, the tricksy tiger monsters found themselves outnumbered, and severely outmatched. Each of the minions was only level thirty, or just above it, so even Rose was doing fatal damage. She frowned, as another Rakshaza fell to her Divine Smite, and the stench of sulfur became even more potent in the air. "I think…I think these are Demons…my spells are having an increased effect!"

Drake grimaced. Demons were a kind of monster personally enhanced by Dagorath, and different enough to lesser monsters that they needed their own classification. The Malblin Tyrant he'd faced in the Wallow, had become a demon after empowering itself with Dagorath's essence. They were a direct upgrade of lesser monsters, but those abilities came with drawbacks. Many demons were almost mindless, just rage-fueled monstrosities that the monsters of Tharvoss liked throwing at the Adventurer Cities every few weeks. They also took quite a lot of damage from magic originating from Laurelin.

​

As if waiting for Rose's revelation, the lead Rakshaza started laughing, and as he did, the destroyed black smoke essences of his followers flooded into him. He grew larger, taller, and his level rose to seventy. "You are correct, little treespawn…but I am not here for you…rejoice. You get to survive another day."

As the lord of the Rakshaza started to flee, Drake acted, activating two skills in succession. The Way of the Inevitable Fist, which ensured his Quivering Palm would hit even the shadowy form of the fleeing tiger demon.

"Just where the fuck…"

The Quivering Palm hit, and sent the Rakshaza Raja slamming into the ground.

"Do you think you're going? We're not done here, Stripes."

A series of elemental attacks hammered the demon. The earth rose and tried to slam onto him, but he became shadowy and dodged through the mound of dirt and stone. Flames and water passed through him, at which point, he laughed, opened his toothy maw to taunt some more, only to find his lungs suddenly lacking air.

Drake smirked. "Air is useless, if you phase right through it. For you, though…I removed it completely, from your lungs." A blob of shadow formed around the tiger demon's claws, and reached for Drake's hand, the one responsible for drawing the air away from the demon, but the Monk vanished as he stepped with the wind.

​

A moment later, Garret was in his face. "Right here, Traitor!" His shield hammered the tiger demon's lungs, knocking any remaining air from them. The force of the blow knocked him into the titanic earth elemental, the only one still intact. Garret drove his blade into the demon's midsection, and activated one of his Knight skills that would stun it, and lock it in place. With a vengeful roar, the greater earth elemental raised a fist and brought it down.

The Rakshaza tried dodging, but the boulder-fist landed on one of his legs with a snap that made Drake briefly empathize with the creature. The empathy evaporated, as Rose struck it again with a Divine Smite, and the demon attempted to retaliate. Black cloaked Drake was there, and with a one-two flame and stone fist combo, he sent the demon into the other Drakes, and Wu Kong, who all got in more hits.

This was also increasing the power of Quivering Palm's damage, and as the clever cat demon realized that, it leapt. Somehow, even with a thoroughly fucked up leg, the demon was suddenly fifty feet in the air, and headed for the summit. It couldn't fly, but its intangible shadow form apparently let it glide from elevated heights.

"Oh no you don't…" Wu Kong shouted, stepping forward, and raising the parchment from earlier above his head. "I've got this, Master. I'll get him low enough for Quivering Palm to finish him!" Absorbing the other Rakshaza had healed their leader up to seventy five percent of his health, and the current damage inflicted wasn't enough for the instant kill skill.

​

"Wait, Wu Kong-" But it was too late.

The cocky Siminid teen shouted over him. "NIMMMMBUUUUSSSS!" And the party stared in disbelief as a slightly golden tinted cloud descended from the atmosphere, to surround Wu Kong's feet. Then, with ridiculous speed, he was in the air as well, rocketing towards the summit, barely able to control his new flight speed of one hundred and fifty feet every five seconds.

"Fucking idiot monkey…" Drake snarled. Splitting the party never ended well. "I need to make sure he doesn't kill himself. Catch your breath, and fly after us when you can." Lyria nodded, still winded from summoning elementals and her rather potent spells. She needed a minute before she could focus. Drake shot into the air, but the mountain was quite a bit larger than he'd first assumed, and his robe's flight speed was nowhere near Wu Kong's cloud.

​

Wu Kong arrived at the summit's peak quickly, just in time to see the trail of darkness the Rakshaza left vanish into a waterfall. The roaring water made him pause briefly, as it was quite powerful. The demon made it through thanks to his level and his intangibility, but Wu Kong was still a fleshy monkey.

He snarled, and moved the magic cloud forward without fear. Surprisingly, he shot straight through the roaring water, so fast that he zoomed straight into the waiting Rakshaza's chest, and completely on accident, knocked the health potion from one of his hands. It shattered on the ground, but Wu Kong didn't have time to look around. The vastly higher level demon occupied his focus.

The demon chuckled, and his voice echoed in the stone cavern. "Stupid little Monkey King…you came right to me…and now your pathetic teacher cannot save you…"

​

The tiger demon raised his hand, and sealed the waterfall covered entrance with his magic. While he was distracted, Wu Kong remembered his training, and examined the environment. Stone tables lined the cavern, along with stone chairs, and even stone utensils. At the far end, was an ancient stone throne, elevated and seemingly important. Wu Kong smirked, chuckled, and devolved into an almost manic monkey cackle.

"Idiot Monster…" Wu Kong countered. "You have no idea where you are!" He launched forward, and noticed that even while not riding his nimbus cloud, it was still speeding him up, like a pair of magic boots in the form of tiny wisps of golden cloud clinging to his ankles. He wasn't as fast as he'd been while flying, but it was still a significant increase, and the one advantage he had over his opponent who was sixty levels higher. Drake had faced a similar situation once, and lived. Barely.

Wu Kong wanted a similar feat for his legend. He looked at his stats as he dodged bolts of sparking red and black shadow, and did a double take at his skills. Summoning the nimbus had unlocked new ones. Rage/Roar of the Monkey King, and Berserker Rage, a powerful skill which only activated with the Rage stance.

​

"ENOUGH!" The Rakshaza roared as Wu Kong dodged him again. This time, his arms became covered in crimson shadows, and surged to grip the Siminid's neck, their forms blurring together and strengthening the hold on him. Wu Kong dropped his staff, as he struggled to find a grip on the tentacles. "You have one single chance, Monkey…right here…right now…join the God of Monsters. Dagorath himself has offered you a high seat in Golgorrath…an honor unfit for your Mongrel race..." One of his hands shifted, and pulled out a golden circlet that, for some reason, inspired an instinctual but inexplicable fear in the young Monkey King. "Wear this…and you will be changed by His power…wear this, and all of Arcadia will remember your name. For eons."

Wu Kong stared at the circlet, and made his choice. "Ask me again in twenty five seconds…" He activated the stance skill. If he was unable to get Quivering Palm past the threshold in this brief window of time…accepting that offer might be the only way out of this situation alive.

Wu Kong's eyes burned with crimson, and his enlarged hands gripped the shadowy arms, yanking them apart, and freeing his neck. With an enraged roar, he ripped them from the Rakshaza, but the tiger demon ended the spell before their removal caused him damage. Wu Kong's form started growing, taller, more muscled. His clothes somehow magically expanded with him, and once he finished going berserk, he leapt at the Rakshaza.

​

He struck the demon mercilessly, but he was also struck in return, and thanks to the skill, he was quite easy to hit. In the depths of fury, Wu Kong activated his only encounter tier skill: Mountain Crushing Blow. He was using everything he had, and hoped it would be enough. Had he struck normally (2) he would've missed, but his reckless rage gave him a better chance of hitting (20), and as the blow from the Monkey King connected, the Rakshaza Raja's eyes went wide, as it actually did quite a lot, given that the damage had been quadrupled thanks to the skill. Even sixty levels lower, the tiger demon felt that one.

The Rakshaza went rolling across the cave, straight through the spell he'd put on the door as the inertia of his body smashed through it. Yet, despite that truly brutal critical, he was not yet dead. Wu Kong saw his body fly even higher, to the true summit of the mountain, and with an enraged monkey shriek, he grabbed his staff, leaped through the waterfall again, and climbed to the top of the mountain.

The hunched demon tiger was casting some sort of spell, but Wu Kong didn't hesitate, enraged as he was. Drake saw him by this point, as for some reason, he'd been unable to see where he was moments before. Something that blocked the sight of the Gods was unheard of, but there was his apprentice, leaping straight out of a waterfall, and looking like a passable recreation of Akira Toriyama's style of Great Ape.

​

Drake winced, as he saw his student land on the Rakshaza, and start hammering his body into the ground. First with his staff, and then with his fists, once the staff struck something hard and was flung away. Drake caught it, and once the Quivering Palm threshold was met, he activated the skill, but Wu Kong didn't seem to notice his quarry was dead. Like the Hulk smashing around Loki, he grabbed the limp demon's legs and repeatedly slammed him into the ground, before raising his lifeless body up in the air, and ripping the skin straight off the demon's back. After that, the demon's body became black sludge, and disappeared from sight.

A few seconds later, the enraged state seemed to end, and Wu Kong was left panting, bloody, and holding a trophy that he actually found quite fitting. He stuffed the Rakshaza Raja pelt into his martial pants, and crouched under the single fruit tree that bloomed at the mountain's peak as Drake landed before him and tossed him his staff.

Wu Kong caught it, and rested it on his shoulder, smirking confidently. "Master. I was able to kill him. My people are avenged…and now, they will be safe, as well."

"I don't know…if another Monster shows up, they seem pretty ill equipped to fight." Drake said, looking down at the small collection of wooden homes bound together by vines and sticky, water resistant coatings.

​

Wu Kong shook his head. "No. You don't understand. I found it! The Water Curtain Cave... An ancient hideaway that's so old…we kinda forgot where it was. Until now! No idea who made it, since…we're not great at making stone things, but now we can learn again. I'd say our mission is accomplished."

"It is." Drake agreed. "Well done, Disciple. Tomorrow, after we both return to our assigned classes following Elowir's final exam…we will begin your training with Ki. Oh, and we'll be visiting the Tower of Knowledge as well. Congrats on hitting level thirty."

"Wait, what!?" The young teen checked his status, and grinned. Seventeen level thirties and one level seventy had gained him tons of experience. "Wow. That Boon of yours is…powerful." Wu Kong muttered. "Oh. Seems like I have a Class choice to make."

"Hence our visit to the Tower of Knowledge…wait, how'd you know you had a Class choice?" Drake said, squinting at the Status Magic that Wu Kong was using. "I've never seen that screen before…"

Wu Kong gave his teacher a look. "The notification system? It's not hard to find…"

​

Wu Kong showed him how, and Drake's brow furrowed. "I tried pressing that icon before…but it did nothing. Just brought up a box and a bunch of numbers, but I didn't know what to enter."

Wu Kong gave him another look. "Your date of birth…have you really not had notifications for seventeen years?"

"Something like that…" Drake muttered, but he was already lost in thought. He realized in that moment that he knew very little about his new body. He'd just assumed Laurelin had poofed it into existence, since she was the Goddess of Life. That seemed like a power she had. But then, that was not how bodies were formed, and Laurelin was a patron of natural life.

He input the date of his arrival on Arcadia, but the screen flashed red. He tried a few slightly earlier dates, but those came back negative as well.

"You know how to harness an energy nobody else on Arcadia uses…but you don't know your own birthday?" Wu Kong said in disbelief.

"Yea…my uhh…history is a bit complicated, Wu Kong. Someday, I'll tell you about it, but for now, it's better to keep it quiet." Drake was fairly sure there were at least rumors about his origins by this point. To an Arcadian's perspective, a Hero who had helped clear a Dungeon and slay a Demon Lord on the same day just popped up almost from nowhere, and anyone who investigated, probably found a very short but no less impressive record of quests completed for the Adventurer's Guild.

The mystery had likely already gained the notice of Primus's best reporters or investigators. And his pizza baron status would only add to that mystery. The creation of a food nobody seemed to know about, and the business acumen to monopolize the market for it. While he was still a teenager. Drake winced. Subtle, he was not. But maybe that wasn't a bad thing.

​

They rendezvoused with their group, congratulated Wu Kong on cementing the kill, and then returned to the village. Wu Kong flew ahead on his absurdly fast nimbus cloud, which was apparently a magic item owned by a past Monkey King. Drake grimaced, and knew as he watched his impulsive disciple fly away from them that he needed a way to catch the hot-headed monkey.

By the time they found him again, he'd declared himself the Monkey King, and was encouraging the villagers to abandon their homes and move into the cave he'd discovered. Most were skeptical, and seemed like they'd probably ignore their 'king' and his commands.

Drake met the Hunter's Grandmaster, who elevated his party to Hunter Rank Fifty, which would allow them absurdly easy access to high quality materials, and would let Lyria save a slot without having to burn her own Teleport. They returned to Primus victorious, and Drake let Falkor continue his pizza making. The Luckdragon seemed to have found his calling, and his Culinarian level was now higher than Drake's Omnicrafting. He chose to fly on his own power to Eldarheim. Once again, he had questions for his Goddess.

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And here's Wu Kong's skills

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