Liam stood in awe as he watched Uncle Naro and Key land the finishing blow on the Deep Sea Angular Lotan Spawn. While he couldn’t see Uncle Naro’s movements when he fought he was able to get an idea of how he applied his tool weapons when attacking. He wasn’t sure if what he saw was right, but he could ask the man later when they had a moment.

The other thing he was surprised about was Key. The way she moved through the wave that was about to land on top of them and then both split it and separated the two halves to miss the ship…That was both amazing and frightening. Not only that, but the way she made all those frozen rapiers from shaping the Aqua Spheres…If that was a brief look into the path Avery was going to try to walk down then he was excited to see what the girl could do.

After Key and Uncle Naro arrived back at the ship, they looked at both Liam and Avery. Before anyone could say anything they swiftly approached the two. Liam got a good look at them as they moved. As he looked them over he noticed there were some subtle differences compared to how they normally looked.

Uncle Naro, a Bear-folk who stood taller than most people with broad shoulders, thick well-toned biceps, and a round belly looked a lot more muscular. His round belly looked slightly slimmer and toned just like his arms. Brown fur covered his arms, most of chest, and back. The soft jovial expression was replaced with a fierce bestial grin. He looked more predatorial than normal with this look as his tool weapons followed close behind him.

Key, while her physical looks didn’t change, had a powerful presence that exuded from her. It felt both wet and ice cold at the same time. Liam couldn’t understand why he felt that from the woman, but as he reactivated his Mana Sight he could see a multitude of different blue and white colors around her. He understood that they represented both Water and Ice Mana, but at the same time they also seemed like they were more than that.

As the two arrived in front of them, Uncle Naro asked, “Well? What did you think?”

Liam continued to stare at the man for a long moment before snapping out of it and saying, “What the hell?”

Uncle Naro let out a loud belly deep laugh. “Was it that impressive that you can’t put it into words?”

“It’s not that it’s just…I don’t know where to start,” Liam replied.

“I know what you mean,” Avery chimed in, looking just as awestruck. “The way the water just split and moved…or like when your Aqua Spheres formed and froze over…or how majestic you looked…”

Key let out one of her own laughs as Avery fumbled around trying to think of the right words.

Uncle Naro looked back at Liam waiting for him to say something similar. However, after Liam spoke up he looked a bit sheepish as he heard the young man say with narrowed eyes, “I can’t really say you looked majestic. You moved too fast for me to see your movements.”

Uncle Naro let out a chuckle as he stated, “Sorry about that. When I enter Bestial Takeover, my physical sub-stats increase a bit, and I can’t really slow down enough for someone your level to see…”

“I noticed,” Liam teased. He saw the apologetic look on the man’s face start to form. He decided to ask a couple questions he had after looking over the areas that were attacked. “That being said, I did look at the wounds you made and have some questions. For example, I noticed there were pound marks around the edges of some of the cuts you made…Did you use your hammer to tenderize the creature’s flesh before slicing those areas? Also, why were you eating the flesh of the monster? Is that a side effect of Bestial Takeover?”

Uncle Naro’s apologetic look turned into a surprised one before he grinned and replied, “You noticed that did you? Yes, I used my hammer to tenderize some of the areas of the creature’s flesh before I slashed at it to make it easier to strike and create wounds. When you have a creature with strong skin or scales its always best to take that kind of an approach if you have both a blunt and slashing weapon.”

“What about the other question?” Liam asked, still curious and concerned about if he received the field of study Uncle Naro had if he had to eat the flesh of the monster or enemy he fought.

Uncle Naro gave him another loud laugh. “No. No. The Bestial Takeover has nothing to do with eating the flesh of the creatures you face. That is more on the class I have.”

Liam was surprised to hear that. There was a class that required someone to eat the flesh of creatures they were facing? What kind of class would make you do that? Liam thought to himself. He was about to voice his question but before he could Uncle Naro answered it for him.

“I have a rare special class called Insatiable Gourmand. It’s a Chef Crafter type class that requires me to eat the flesh of monsters that I prepare to cook while fighting. By eating the prepared flesh I gain boosts in certain areas.”

“Wait, if your class is called Insatiable Gourmand. Doesn’t that mean you’re never satisfied with what you eat?” Mercer questioned as he stared at the man. “If that is the case then doesn’t it kind of contradict with the other half of your class. The Gourmand part that enjoys eating and eats too much? I can’t find a way that your class makes sense.”

Uncle Naro gave Mercer a warm smile. “Sometimes classes just don’t make sense. Yes my class is basically equal to someone who is incapable of being satisfied with, but at the same time enjoys what they eat and eats too much. That’s why it’s considered a special rare class. If you can’t find ways to balance the two then the class could end up killing you instead.”

Liam and the others looked shocked at hearing that. With much concern in his voice, Liam asked, “Did you find a way to balance this class? I mean…I would assume so since you don’t look like you’re dying, but…”

Key let out a loud laugh of her own suddenly. While it wasn’t as loud as Uncle Naro and a lot more beautiful on the ears, it was still enough for everyone to turn their attention onto her. As her laughter started to come under control she said while placing a hand on the much bigger man’s arm, “Your little apprentice here is worried about you. That’s cute.”

Liam’s cheeks burned at her words. He then grumbled under his breath, “Well excuse me and I’m taller than you.”

Not commenting on Liam’s words, Uncle Naro grinned as he said, “Instead of finding a way to balance it, it’s more like I had the proper building blocks to make sure I was ready for it.”

Confused, Liam asked, “What do you mean?”

“Well, first I am a Crafter. The Chef Craft really comes in handy for this class since I have the proper knowledge on how to prep, cook, and identify edible parts of creatures bodies. This comes in handy so I’m not eating the flesh raw or anything poisonous that could fatally wound or kill me. Next, my tool weapons and Mana Types. I wield some unique Mana types that help me prep and cook the flesh when I attack once I blend my Mana Hands with them. I’m sure you noticed that I had several Mana Types right?”

Liam perked up at that. He had wondered what they were and wanted to ask about them. “Yeah, I did. I wanted to ask you about them after I saw so many different Mana Types forming over you before you formed the Mana Type Hands.”

“I knew you would,” Uncle Naro stated. “I’m not going to tell you what they were, but I will tell you that they are advanced types you will one day get after you start learning how to blend Mana Types together.”

Liam was shocked by this answer. While he wanted to know what they were, he had an inkling the man wouldn’t tell him. However, his disappointment from not being told what they were was replaced with excitement when he heard that it was an application of Mana Types being blended together. That was something he was getting excited to learn one day.

“Anyways, those two are examples of what one would need to be able to acquire the flesh, however, the class requires you to continue to eat parts of the flesh of the monster to keep the buffs going,” Uncle Naro started back up. “The next thing one needs in order to keep eating without getting stuff is a way to keep eating.” He paused to see the confused look on everyone’s face. Without waiting for a response he continued, “That’s where Bestial Takeover comes into play.”

Liam noticed the stern look on Liam’s face that suddenly appeared. “This is important to know for when you get the Field of the Beast. Some of the skills in that field requires a lot of stamina and burns a lot of…calories I guess you can say. Meaning you are going to be extremely tired and hungry after using them. For example, Bestial Takeover burns a lot of fat and calories. So I can keep eating however much I want since I will be burning off what I eat. Speaking of which.”

Liam watched as Uncle Naro deactivated his ability returning him to look back to normal. However, his stomach looked a bit slimmer than it did before using the ability. He could also hear the man’s stomach grumble.

Ignoring it, the man continued, “I can eat as much as I want and burn it all away while I’m in that form. It’s like the class and the ability were meant for each other.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Wait a minute,” Key said as she looked at Uncle Naro then to Liam. “You’re seriously trying to get him to learn Field of the Beast?”

Uncle Naro looked at her and nodded.

“Isn’t that a bit risky?” Key questioned. “I get that he’s a half bred Beast-kin, but there’s a reason why many of those who are half bred don’t get it.”

“What do you mean?” Avery questioned as she looked at the two.

Key looked at Avery and replied, “Most of the abilities put a lot of strain on the user. Full blooded Beast-kins can handle the strain due to their Racial Benefits, but many half breeds can’t. Not unless they…,” Key suddenly stopped as ideas started popping up. She swiftly turned her head and looked at Uncle Naro. “Is that why you’re having him train like that?”

Uncle Naro nodded his head as a grin formed on his face. He didn’t say anything as Key continued, “But that just helps part of the problem. What about the other issues?”

Liam looked very confused as he stared at the woman and then at Uncle Naro. He wanted to know what it was they were talking about and was going to voice his concerns but instead decided to keep listening.

“Those issues will correct themselves over time,” Uncle Naro stated, sounding like he didn’t want to give too much away.

Key on the other hand didn’t care as she continued asking, “Over time maybe, but what about at the beginning? He’ll be left tired and weakened not to mention the aftereffects…he doesn’t have your class to help supplement those aftereffects…”

“Key,” Uncle Naro said. He didn’t say it loud, nor did he say it with much force. It was a single word that caught her attention and made her stop her shot gun questioning. She stared at him waiting for him to continue. When he did he kept his calm tone and said, “I have faith he will find a way to overcome those negatives. He’s already started working on one of the problems. As for the other…did you forget what he is?”

Key looked puzzled for a moment as she looked at Liam. Her eyes looked him over until they fell on something. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he saw recognition in them as she muttered, “That’s right. He’s a Crafter.”

“That’s right. He is a Crafter. One who has his foot in many different types already and isn’t looking to slow down,” Uncle Naro stated. “Once he reaches a certain point I plan on teaching him how to make those.”

Key looked back at him for a long moment. The look on her face was calm, but the look in her eyes told Liam that she thought Uncle Naro was crazy for even attempting it. After a long moment she let out a breath of air and asked, “Do ya plan on having him practice his Alchemy on my ship?”

Uncle Naro nodded his head as he answered, “Yes. Not right now though. I want him to level up his Construction Craft more, but I do plan on having him work on that.”

Key slowly nodded her head as she looked away, almost like she was considering some things. She then said, “Alright. I’ll allow it, but no Poison or Chemicalized Creation crafting. Can’t risk people getting poisoned or my ship exploding.”

Uncle Naro smirked, “That’s fine. I wasn’t going to have him focus on those while on your ship anyways. For what I have planned Potion Making and Medicinal Creations is perfect…along with his Chef Craft.”

Key looked over at Artem for a brief moment before looking back at Uncle Naro and asking, “You thought of it because of him didn’t you?”

Uncle Naro’s grin widened even more as he responded, “Not entirely, but having him around does make it easier. Plus he is wanting to work more on the Chef Craft anyways so that helps out.”

Liam looked at Artem who was already looking at him. They both had confused expressions but weren’t able to get anything out as Key stated, “You know…Sometimes I forget the lengths you’d go to help out someone who was in a similar situation as you were back then.”

Uncle Naro shrugged. “I wouldn’t look at it like that, but let’s end that conversation here for now before we get their curiosity too riled up.”

“A little too late for that,” Avery muttered as she stared at Liam, noticing both the excited and curious look in his eyes.

“Aye. I agree,” Key stated as she turned back to look at them. “But the bear man is right. So…for a shift in topic…” Key’s eyes locked on Avery as a wide grin grew on her face. She then asked, “What did you pick?”

Liam looked confused as he and the others looked at her. They all saw the shit eating grin on her face as she straightened her posture and announced, “Crimson Spellsword.”

Liam and the others grew even more confused, but before he could voice his question, Mercer looked like a light bulb turned on and shouted, “You evolved your class?!”

The others, now fully understanding what was going on, looked shocked and surprised as Avery explained, “Yeah. I evolved right before the monsters appeared. I didn’t have enough time to tell anyone since we were knee deep in monster attacks, but yeah…I have now joined the ranks of having an evolved class.”

Liam and the others let out a cheer of congratulations and questions about her class. Mercer prodded to know more about her new class and Avery obliged. Crimson Spellsword was a class that allowed her to blend Fire Mana with her weapon. Her attacks would have fire damage, and she would be able to do other things. She wasn’t entirely sure what all she could do, but thanks to Key’s subtle hints, they found out that she would be able to do almost similar things she was able to do with Water and Ice.

As Liam watched the girl talk about her class he started to notice something. There was something more she could do but was opting not to say it out loud. If he were to take a guess it probably had to do with a certain Field of Study of hers. His guess stemmed from part of the name of her class. Crimson. While many associated the word with fire, there was another thing the word was associated with. A certain color of liquid to be precise.

He didn’t say anything, figuring that she would tell them when no one who didn’t need to know wasn’t around. He was happy for her though. She was able to reach a new height. It was probably thanks to obtained that certain Non-class ability she was dead set on getting.

After the excitement finally died down a bit from Avery getting her class to evolve, Mercer asked the question he had when Avery told him what was going on. “So what was that whole monster attack about anyways? It felt like something you would find in a dungeon.”

Key looked at Uncle Naro, almost as if she was asking if he wanted to explain, but after he motioned that this was her expertise she turned to the young man and explained, “That was a Sea Parade. A Sea Parade is similar to a Wave type dungeon, but instead of it being in a dungeon its out here in the vast open waters.”

Mercer nodded as he began writing it down.

“What happens is, a strong monster that escapes from a random wild dungeon that appears somewhere in the waters, swims around and collects other monsters and adds them to their school. They move around and collect more or when they come across ships like ours they send out waves of monsters until either the ship and the people are destroyed, or the school of monsters die. When the last weak aquatic monster dies the one leading the school makes its appearance.”

“Interesting,” Mercer muttered. “Next question. That monster, the Deep Sea Angular Lotan Spawn. The word spawn in its name states it’s the child of something. In this case Lotan. What exactly is a Lotan? That monster looked to be a crossbreed of a deep sea fish and a snake. Is it similar to this Lotan?”

Liam noticed Omira suddenly stiffen as Key went silent. He then noticed Key’s eyes briefly look at her before looking back at Mercer and answering, “We don’t really know what Lotan is.”

Mercer’s brows furrowed at this answer. He looked at her as he asked, “Why’s that?”

“There isn’t any records of the creature anywhere that we know of…,” Key looked back at Omira again for another brief moment as the younger girl remained silent. “There is, however, a tale and a certain…ritual that certain people follow that does have some clues as to what it was, but no real proof or recollection.”

“How is that possible?” Mercer asked, pressing for more information.

Liam noticed Omira had swiftly and sharply shake her head right before Key said, “Sorry, but that’s not for me to say right now. All that you need to know is that We’re probably going to run into more Sea Parades and the final monster will be some variant of a Lotan Spawn.”

Mercer opened his mouth again to protest and ask more about it, but Key cut him off swiftly as she said, “Sorry, but we need to get something done before we move on from this location. With the blood of the monsters floating around it will attract creatures we don’t really want to deal with. So for now we’ll have to stem your questions for another time.”

Mercer opened his mouth, stopped, and closed it. he then gave a smile with a defeated look in his eyes as he said, “Alright. I’ll take the hint.”

Key nodded an appreciative nod as she said, “I thank ya.” She then turned away from them and made her way over to her crew who had been working on cleaning the deck while they talked.

Key started barking out orders. Her orders had her crew members gathering the creatures that were killed on the ship so they could be looked through to see what they could harvest from the creatures. The giant creature that was laying on its side in the water looked to have been carved out in several different areas already when Liam looked over the edge. Uncle Naro gave him a wink indicating he had a hand in that.

They spent several hours going through each creature and harvesting them. Liam had joined the ones doing the harvesting and learning quite a bit on how to not only properly harvest sellable parts but also was informed on how to recognize what parts of the bodies were edible. Uncle Naro promised both Artem and Liam that he would teach them recipes around their levels they could use for those ingredients.

True to his word, Liam and Artem learned a new recipe that night. They didn’t know that Narwhale would taste so good especially when you added certain sauces and spices to the meat. Before taking a bite, Liam was going to make a joke about it tasting like chicken but decided against it since he’d be the only one who would understand it. However, after he did take that first bite he was surprised that it had a hazelnut taste to it. he wasn’t expecting that, but through the spices and sauces he could taste the hazelnut taste.

After dinner was done, Liam made his way back down into his little training room. There he spent a few more hours working not only on his Shadow Manipulation, but also on his Grasp of the Shadows and Veil of Shadows. He was able to level up those three a few levels and was about to call it a night when he made an accidental discovery.

He was playing with his bigger blob of shadows and had thrown it on the wall with a poorly made chair close by it. He decided it would be funny if he was able to have a tendril come out of the blob and wrap around the chair, so he chanted the spell and pointed it at the blob. To his surprise, two tendrils did appear from the blob and wrap around the chair. Not only that, but the tendrils were darker in color and look livelier than usual.

That wasn’t what shocked Liam though. When the two tendrils went to pull down like they normally did, to snare whatever they had wrapped around in place, these two didn’t stop there. These darker tendrils pulled the chair towards the blob, the shadow of the chair caused by the light in the room made the blob grow even more as the chair got closer. Right before the chair hit the wall, the blob suddenly expanded and grew jest enough for it to pull the chair right into it, eating it whole.

Liam quickly stood up and was about to back away right before the blob quivered and spat out chunks of the chair into broken pieces onto the floor. A couple of chime sounds echoed in his mind as two notifications suddenly appeared.

[Congratulations! You have unlocked a Racial Benefit that was sealed on your ?????? racial side.]

[Unsealed Racial Benefit. Enhanced Shadow Application.]