KiAera stood near the shelter's entrance, her satchel secured tightly across her chest. She adjusted the straps of her makeshift spear, and checked her provisions for the journey ahead.

Today marked the beginning of her venture into the Dareloop Dungeon.

The plan was simple: head out while the day was young, gather more resources, map uncharted areas of the UvoSath, and test her growing abilities. Although it troubled her, the Nexperbax triplets had been unusually quiet that afternoon, and she assumed at least Nex would be awake to make another sarcastic comment before she left.

But as she stepped back inside the shelter to give it one final look-over, she was met with an unexpected sight.

The bat monsters—Rox, Viz, and Nex—were sprawled out on a woven rug in the corner of the room, deep in slumber.

Rox's wings were tucked close to her body as her head rested on one claw, a quiet snore punctuating her otherwise rhythmic breathing. Viz was curled into himself, his frame practically cocooned as he muttered unintelligibly in his sleep. Nex, unsurprisingly, looked the least peaceful—his brow furrowed even in rest, as though he were arguing with someone in his dreams.

KiAera's ears twitched, her tail swaying as she crept closer to inspect them. "Day-sleepers, huh?"

She had expected them to be up early, ready to guide her into the dungeon. She stepped closer and nudged the pile of creatures with the edge of her foot.

"Alright, team," she whispered, crouching beside them. "Time to get up. We've got a dungeon to explore."

She reached out to nudge Nexsis—no, Rox now—and shook her lightly. "Rise and shine, Rox. Adventure awaits."

"Five more minutes, KiAera…"

Rox groaned, swatting at her with a wing but not waking. KiAera frowned and shook her harder. "Come on, don't make me get Amber involved."

Still, Rox didn't stir.

KiAera sighed, turning her attention to Viz, who seemed the least likely to put up resistance. She gave his shoulder a gentle shake. "Viz? You awake?"

The nexperbax barely moved, his ears twitching slightly before he snuggled deeper into the crook of Rox's wing.

Frustration began to trickle in as she stood up, walking toward Nex. She nudged him more insistently, but all she got in return was a grunt. "You guys are supposed to be my guides," she muttered, kneeling beside him and trying again, this time shaking his shoulder.

She poked his arm, then his shoulder, then his head, each prod firmer than the last.

Nex's eyes snapped open, but instead of meeting KiAera's with the sharpness she expected, they were dull with sleep, and his mouth opened in a huge yawn. "Whatcha want, KiAera?" His voice was groggy, thick with drowsiness.

She stepped back, a little bewildered. "It's time. The sun's up, and we're heading to the dungeon."

He blinked at her, still barely awake. "Dungeon? Right now?" His brows furrowed, and his head tilted back toward the pile of his siblings. "I thought we were doing that later."

KiAera's ears twitched. "Later? No, we're leaving now. You said you'd guide me through it."

Nex's half-lidded gaze shifted to his siblings, who were still deep in their slumber. "Not sure that's gonna happen. You see, KiAera, we're not really... morning creatures."

KiAera stared at him, blinking in surprise. "Wait, what? I need you to wake up now."

Nex yawned again, scratching at his head. "We're nocturnal, KiAera. We only get going when the moon's up. Morning's when we recharge."

It was as if a veil had been lifted, and KiAera suddenly understood the reason behind their odd behavior.

Her tail flicked in irritation as she planted her hands on her hips, scanning the three of them.

"Damnit, Nex... You're telling me that you guys sleep all day?"

Nex nodded lazily, stretching his limbs with a casual grunt. "Yup. Well, except for the occasional food break or when someone tries to force us into action." He glanced at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

She groaned, rubbing her temples. "Oh, come on."

Nex smirked. "Tell you what, KiAera, how about we rest up for a few more hours? When the sun's starts to fall, we'll be raring to go. In the meantime, you can go explore, do what you need to do. Just don't expect us to be any help until then."

"Alright, fine. I guess it's just my crew for now. But when night falls, you better be ready."

Nex gave her a lazy salute. "We'll be ready. Just don't forget the food when you get back. You know how we get."

Aggravated, KiAera straightened and crossed her arms.

Her gaze swept over her companions. Amber dozed in her nest, one claw resting protectively on the Liorex egg. The small osseods huddled in their usual pile near the hearth.

Amber stirred slightly in her nest, blinking at KiAera before letting out a soft chirp of amusement.

"Yeah, laugh it up, Amber," KiAera grumbled. She crouched back down and shook Rox one more time, this time with both hands. "Rox, wake up. Please. I'm not going into that dungeon blind."

Rox shifted slightly, her mouth parting in a sleepy mumble. "Too… early…"

KiAera sighed in defeat, sitting back on her heels. The triplets were out cold, and no amount of prodding or pleading seemed capable of stirring them.

Rising to her feet, she glanced toward the faintly glowing sky beyond the shelter's windows. She'd have to wait for dusk—or brave the Dareloop Dungeon without them. Neither option thrilled her.

Amber chirped again, tilting her head as if to say, Told you so.

"Yeah, yeah, you're smarter than me," KiAera muttered, patting the LeapLeap's head as she walked past. "I'll figure something out. I always do."

With one last glance at the slumbering triplets, she stepped outside, the cool air brushing against her fur. Today wasn't starting as planned, but then again, it rarely did in this strange world.

Have a nice day, Big Sister, the Liorex egg's voice echoed in KiAera's mind.

Her ears perked at the egg's words, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, little one. You too," she murmured before heading out.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Later that afternoon, KiAera decided to push her usual workout routine to the next level. For the first time, she would train with a sparring partner—a chance to test her abilities against a monster superior than herself. She figured it was the best way to gauge her limits.

GamaGen had advised her earlier: "The fastest path to growth is facing a stronger opponent. Skill is forged in the heat of challenge."

The two combatants stood in a vast clearing a short distance from the Crystal Shelter, surrounded by the tranquil glades of the UvoSath Forest. Her sparring partner, the Zeldritch known as the Plelepun, let out a loud yawn, its large ears flapping audibly as it stretched.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Creature: Plelepun the Plelepun

Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…

Brief description: tunneling elephant calf.

APeX: [4689 Units]

Dominion: [Revise]

Attributes: [Terra]

Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)

Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

"Ready, yo. But seriously," the Plelepun straightened up and faced her, "are you sure this is a good idea? We’ve only known each other for a few days, and now you’re asking me to, like, throw down with you?"

KiAera nodded. "I'm certain. I want to test my limits, and who better to help me than someone stronger?"

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Name and Status: KiAera

APeX: [3300 Units]

Attributes: [Fire] [Beast]

Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)

Current Variant Grade: [Common]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

The Plelepun tilted his head, his trunk curling slightly. "Alright, I get that, yo. But how are we doing this? Do we just start swinging, or what?"

"No," KiAera replied. "Let's set some ground rules. For example, the match ends when one of us lands ten hits or is incapacitated. That way, we know when to stop."

"Sounds fair, yo. But, like, are you totally sure you can handle me?" The Plelepun smirked, flexing his trunk.

KiAera smiled. "Yep. But if you don't want to do this, I understand. Remember, no injuries. This'll be a fair sparring match between us."

The Plelepun huffed, shaking his head. "Alright, yo. Just making sure. Let's do this!" He flexed his trunk again, his stance shifting into a combat-ready position.

KiAera took a deep breath, settling into her fighting stance, her retractable ears poised and twitching. The much larger Plelepun lowered his shoulders and raised his trunk high, like a jousting lance.

And just like she wanted to confirm…

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

⚠︎ [Common] vs [Uncommon]:

★ 1.25x Power Boost

APeX Power: [4689 Units] > [5861 Units]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Without warning, the Plelepun trumpeted loudly and charged. His massive frame barreled toward KiAera with surprising speed.

KiAera leapt aside, narrowly avoiding the charge, and lashed out with one of her ears. The blow struck the Plelepun's trunk with a sharp snap, causing him to wince.

That's one, KiAera thought as she darted away, casting [MereSwiftness] to enhance her agility.

She kept her strikes light, aiming to land clean blows without causing harm. Her ears lashed out again, striking twice more.

Two, three, she counted.

The Plelepun grunted, unfazed by the hits. "Not bad, yo, but those attacks aren't doing anything to me!" he taunted, lowering his body for another charge.

This time, KiAera anticipated the attack, dodging at the last second and retaliating with a sharp strike to the back of the Plelepun's legs. "Four!" she called.

The Plelepun stumbled but managed to stay upright. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he stomped the ground, sending a tremor rippling through the earth. "Alright, yo! Let's see what you've got. I’m thinking victory cookies after this!"

KiAera grinned. "Not so fast. This fight isn't over yet."

The Plelepun smirked, lowering himself further. Then, the Plelepun stomped the ground, sending vibrations through the clearing. KiAera felt the tremor but kept her balance, her ears twitching as she prepared for its next move.

Suddenly, the Plelepun dove into the earth, disappearing from sight.

KiAera's ears perked as she scanned her surroundings, listening for any sign of movement. A rumble beneath her feet gave her just enough warning to leap aside as the Plelepun burst from the ground, hooves kicking toward her.

Rolling away, KiAera caught her breath. "Using the terrain to your advantage, huh? Smart move."

The Plelepun smirked, wiggling free from his tunnel. "What can I say, yo? I'm a natural."

He burrowed back into its depths after causing the ground to spike upward with earthly pillars. KiAera had no choice but to dash to evade the rising spikes of stone. She focused her energy, attempting to predict the Plelepun's next move. Every shift of the ground beneath her feet felt like a heartbeat, and her instincts sharpened.

The Plelepun's voice from below. "Getting nervous yet, yo?"

KiAera laughed. "Hardly. But you'll have to do better than that."

As she dodged another spike, her mind raced with strategies. I can't let him dictate the flow of this fight, she thought. I need to stay on the offensive.

KiAera's ears twitched as she scanned her surroundings, sensing subtle vibrations beneath the soil. Using her prior teachings, she could somewhat feel the Abyssal Ambience radiating off from the Plelepun.

Timing her movements carefully, KiAera prepared for the Plelepun’s inevitable eruption. She steadied herself, crouching low as she awaited his reemergence.

The earth trembled once more, and she felt the vibration echo through the air like the warning beat of a drum.

With a powerful thrust of her legs, she leaped skyward, just as the Plelepun burst out of the ground again. He charged upward, and KiAera executed a perfectly timed strike with her ears, aiming for his side.

The attack landed solidly, and she counted, "Five!"

The Plelepun let out a surprised grunt, his own momentum carrying him slightly off balance. KiAera seized the opportunity, landing gracefully and pivoting to face him as he regained his footing.

"Yo! Okay, okay! Getting a little serious now, huh?" he said while shaking off the impact. "But that's only five! You’ll need a bit more if you wanna win! I want those cookies!"

KiAera cracked a determined smile. "I plan on taking those cookies. Just watch."

The Plelepun straightened, digging his hooves into the earth. "Alright, yo. Time for me to show you my real power!"

With a growl, the Plelepun's markings began to glow as he summoned energy from the ground. The landscape shifted, and two massive stone pillars erupted from behind him, poised to smash down on KiAera.

"Uh-oh!" KiAera exclaimed as she sprang to the side, narrowly avoiding the pillars crashing down where she had been standing. The force sent splinters of earth flying through the air. The Plelepun appeared in her peripheral and smacked her with his swinging nose.

"Yo! That's one!"

Her heart raced as she regained her balance. "Impressive! But I've got something for you too!" she shouted, channeling her inner fire energy. She called forth a plume of dazzling flames, sending a fireball hurtling toward the Plelepun.

Suddenly, the ground exploded, debris flying as the Plelepun emerged with a blast of rock and earth. KiAera rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the attack, but the Plelepun continued his onslaught, hurling a shower of dirt and soil her way.

Pain flared in KiAera's torso as a few strikes landed, but she kept moving, her ears snapping out to deflect incoming debris.

"Whoa, yo! That's some spicy stuff!" he laughed.

"You're good," she called, dodging another barrage. "But relying on the terrain won't always save you, Plelepun. What happens when you can't burrow or create cover?"

The Plelepun clicked his tongue. "What are you saying, yo?"

KiAera planted her feet firmly and let out a sharp howl, startling the Plelepun. She clasped her ear-fists together and slammed them into the ground, sending a shockwave that obscured the area in a cloud of dust.

The Plelepun's voice echoed from the haze. "Yo, I can't see a thing!"

KiAera grinned. "Exactly."

With a powerful leap, she propelled herself into the air, her ears spinning to generate a vortex that cleared the fog. Spotting the Plelepun, she launched herself toward him at terrifying speed.

"Here I come!" she shouted, her ears blazing with energy.

The Plelepun scrambled, but KiAera was too fast. She struck the ground with enough force to launch him into the air like a ragdoll.

"KIAAEEERRRAAAA! WHY!?" the Plelepun bellowed before KiAera's extendable ears wrapped tightly around him midair, pinning his limbs.

★ [Ear Grapple] - Beast - TECH: 9 -> TECH: 10

"Do you surrender?" she asked with a triumphant grin, paws on her hips.

The Plelepun struggled briefly before slumping in defeat. "Ugh, fine. I surrender, yo. Now let me go!"

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera's Status

🌀 [Uncommon] Particles invigorated from sparring with an uncommon monster…

…has been Cultivated Successfully!

Development from [Common] to [Uncommon]. Progress: 2% → 4%

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera blinked in surprise as the notification flashed before her eyes.

"Did I just…?" she processed the implications of what she had just achieved. "That's possible?"

The Plelepun, still ensnared in her ear grapple, groaned dramatically. "I'm not sure what you're rambling about, but can you let me go already? This is totally not how I pictured my day going."

KiAera laughed, releasing her hold on him.

"Alright, alright. You can get up," KiAera said, stepping back and allowing the Plelepun to right himself. He huffed out a breath, shaking off the remnants of their spar.

"That was pretty intense, yo! You've got some moves! Not what I expected from a Common."

KiAera beamed at the compliment. "Thanks! I was really nervous going against a creature like you. I wanted to learn my limits, but I didn't think I'd gain this much progress so fast."

The Plelepun nodded, his large ears flopping with enthusiasm. "Progress is no joke. Just remember, with great power comes even greater snacks—err, delicacies!" He winked, and KiAera couldn't help but laugh.

"Food is definitely on my mind now," she said, her stomach letting out a small growl. "How about we scrounge up something to eat together? I owe you for the spar, after all."

The Plelepun’s eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Yo! Now we're talking! There’s this great spot not too far from here, just past the stream. They’ve got the best wild berries and nuts. You’ll love it!"

"Sounds like a plan!" KiAera said as she brushed off the dust from her fur. She felt lighter, more energized, the day no longer feeling like a waste while she waited for Nex and the others to wake.

Her brow furrowed as her gaze lingered on the Plelepun, a thought pressing on her mind. "Hey, Plelepun, quick question. Do you see notifications whenever you succeed in doing something?"

The Plelepun tilted his head, his trunk curling as he pondered the question. "Notifications? Yo, what do you mean by that?"

KiAera waved her paws as if gesturing to an invisible menu. "You know—like messages in your head. They pop up and tell you when you’ve improved or gained progress. It's like… a game system."

The Plelepun's ears flopped down, his face scrunching in confusion. "Yo, I have no idea what you're talking about, KiAera. That sounds... weird? Like, do you hear voices or something? Should I be worried, yo?"

KiAera blinked, caught off guard. Wait... he doesn't know what I'm talking about?

"I—uh—" she stammered, searching for a way to clarify. "Never mind that for now. Let's just… focus on the food."

But as she tried to dismiss the subject, the Plelepun's gaze narrowed, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Yo, hold up. You're not getting out of this that easily. What do you mean, messages? Are you some kind of oracle or something? Like, yo, are you special?"

KiAera hesitated, suddenly feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny. Her paws fidgeted at her sides. "It's not that big a deal," she murmured, looking away. "I thought you would know what I meant. Guess I assumed wrong."

The Plelepun squinted, scratching his head with his trunk. "Yo, you've got some strange ideas, KiAera. I've never seen or heard anything like that. If something's leveling me up, it sure isn't sending me any love notes about it!"

She snorted at his phrasing but couldn't shake the lingering thought. Why would I see these notifications and not him? Was this the same for the other monsters?

As the Plelepun's teasing tone softened, he tilted his head again. "But, yo, maybe you're just built different? Like, maybe that mark on your forehead is doing some magic stuff, huh? Could be why you're stronger than you look, yo."

KiAera instinctively reached up to touch the Chimera's Mark. It could be connected to the mark... or GamaGen. I'll have to ask him about it later.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the Plelepun waving his trunk in front of her face. "Yo, KiAera! Earth to KiAera! You still with me, or did those notifications fry your brain?"

She swatted his trunk away with a laugh. "I'm fine. Just thinking. You know, Plelepun, you're not half-bad at this whole sparring thing."

"Yo, of course I'm not bad! I'm the best!" he declared, puffing out his chest. Then he paused, tilting his head again. "Wait, why do you keep calling me Plelepun?"

KiAera tilted her head, puzzled. "Because… that's what you are?"

The Plelepun groaned, slapping his forehead with his trunk. "Yo, you've been calling me by my species this whole time? No wonder it feels so… bland. Don't I deserve a name, yo?"

KiAera's ears twitched as realization dawned on her. Oh. Oh no. She felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "I—I haven't given you a name, have I?"

The Plelepun huffed, crossing his stubby legs dramatically. "Yo, you think!? I’ve been running around, doing all this cool stuff, and you couldn't even bother to name me? What am I, chopped carrots?"

KiAera winced, rubbing the back of her neck. "I… guess I've been a little preoccupied. I'm sorry, Plelepun. You're right. You deserve a name."

His trunk curled up smugly. "Yo, finally! About time you acknowledged my greatness. So? What's it gonna be? Something cool? Something legendary? I'm all ears, yo." He flapped them for emphasis.

KiAera crossed her arms, tapping her chin as she thought. Something fitting for him… playful but strong. Maybe something inspired by his personality?

The Plelepun leaned in, anticipation practically radiating off him. "Yo, don't keep me waiting! I've got a reputation to uphold here!"

KiAera grinned, her tail flicking with excitement. "Alright, how about…"