An undeniable surge of power coursed through my veins as the battle against the Makaqoves and Barbapts raged on.

This rising power increased in a rapid, but steady pace. I had been pushed to my limits, awakening a dormant power within me, breaking through a barrier within myself. I could feel it—my rank ascending, my potential expanding!

< RANK POWER INCREASE >

COMPLETE

F → F+

I knew better than to stop and evaluate the new increase in power that I had, yet I came to notice that my fur pattern had changed as swirls of blue were mixed with the grayish pelt that I had.

The Makaqoves were cautious as the simian creatures below the (F+) rank took several steps back. But their superiors had a different mindset than those lesser than them as they made several hand gestures toward their lower counterparts.

Just like that, the Makaqoves proceeded with a new strat as the central command hollered and called out for their forces to take a different approach to fight me.

I was prepared as I gritted my teeth as the Makaqoves charged forth, their fists aglow with heat.

Enhanced with MereSwiftness, I was caught off guard as I darted far more rapidly than I anticipated. Despite that, I was quick to catch my bearings.

Paws pressing down the soft, reds and blues of the jungle's foliage I struck the Makaqoves within vicinity and was swift in passing through and piercing sizable chunks through their forms where abyssal particles erupted from the wounds.

With each swing of my crystal-tipped spear, I could hardly feel the spear within my grasp as it fell the Makaqoves in sight. The drain from passively using my [Lightning] was almost nonexistent and I could notice a huge difference in the arcing of lightning that radiated around the length of the spear. It was amplified to a significant extent, but I could tell there was a lack of control to how I handled this lightning—it seemed raw and wild.

It was clear that I no longer had finesse over this level of lightning, but it was not a negative. It was good as I resumed to blast through the chaotic fray, my strikes grew swifter and with the heightened strength of my Merecritt ears, I was able to send dozen of Makaqoves flying with each swing of my ears. Those in the F:Rank and F+:Common-Rank were incapable of withstanding the strikes and lightning strikes I struck heavily with.

Their stronger counterparts were quick to respond to this, as the Makaqoves in the (UnCommon) variation took charge and tried to fight amongst their weaker peers. Their arms sizzled and with a punch, their scalding chains clashed with my crackling lightning, creating an explosive resonance of elemental energy.

I engaged them in a fierce exchange of blows with a particularly formidable group of (UnCommon) F+ Makaqoves. Highly coordinated, and very effective in their tactics, the Makaqoves were capable of pushing me while I bounded and snapped my ears in a coiling disaster.

I may have transcended my previous limitations, ascending from an F-Rank Merecritt to an F+ Rank, but there was no doubt that the Makaqoves were the most skilled fighters among all the Eldriyssal that I had ever fought since my time in this realm.

They were well practiced, and they had a martial sense to the way they fought against me. I was impressed, but it wasn't the time to be bedazzled by their efforts. I had to end this quickly!

Shouting, I caused the Makaqoves around me to stumble upon the [Melodious Shout] reaching their ears. In turn, I kindled my spear with ghostly [Fire] and [Lightning] before jabbing a flurry of blows at the (UnCommon) Makaqoves.

The symbol on my forehead glowed with a renewed intensity, pulsating with the resonance of my growing strength. The eldritch energy flowed through me, merging with the sparks that crackled along my fur.

The (UnCommon) Makaqoves, though remaining fierce, now seemed to falter under the weight of my assault. Their attacks became predictable, their once-daunting scalding techniques losing their edge. I leaped and dodged with lightning reflexes, my movements arose to become more fluid and precise.

I moved with heightened agility, evading the Makaqoves' attacks with formidable grace and clarity. Every strike I delivered carried an intensified force, empowered by the revitalized energy coursing through me. The battlefield became my canvas, and I painted it with swift, electrifying movements—thrust! Slice! Punch! Punch! Grab! Slam! Throw!

The Makaqoves, sensing the shift in power, recoiled momentarily, their fury tempered by an increasingly emergent caution. They recognized the rise of a formidable adversary.

Embracing my elevated rank, I channeled the lightning within me, infusing it into every strike. My spear crackled with a surge of power as it sliced through the air, piercing the scalding chains that once menaced me.

Sparks of [Doom Zaps] flew, illuminating the battlefield with flashes of brilliance.

One by one, the Makaqoves and the Barbapts fell before my electrified onslaught, their once-mighty forms reduced to smoldering remnants. With each victory, I grew stronger, my power continually rising with the fall of every defeated foe.

But this was not the end. I thought. My ascent to the F+ rank was just the beginning—a stepping stone towards greater power and my first goal and achievement towards contending with the Unique Venolisk.

However, the relentless onslaught and numerical advantage of the Makaqoves and Barbapts still posed a danger. I needed a plan, a way to turn the tide in our favor. As I glanced at Zest, a spark of inspiration ignited within me. With a nod of understanding, we locked eyes, sharing an unspoken agreement.

Bounding through the dense undergrowth, we led the horde of furious Makaqoves and Barbapts towards the shimmering pools that dotted the forest floor. The air crackled with anticipation as we reached the water's edge, the Makaqoves and Barbapts closing in on us with gnashing teeth and menacing howls.

Without hesitation, Zest and I plunged into the depths, our bodies breaking the surface with a splash. The water embraced us, cool and refreshing against our battle-weary forms. Swiftly, the Makaqoves and Barbapts followed suit, the commotion sent ripples through the tranquil pools, disturbing the calm that once prevailed.

The Makaqoves, driven by their ferocious instinct, followed us into the waters first, their fiery presence casting eerie reflections on the tranquil surface. Once the first of them entered the pool, the water erupted with a sizzle, steam rising as their scalding bodies met its cool embrace. The horde hesitated for a moment, their glowing eyes filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

But the Barbapt, following right behind them, nudged the Makaqoves forward, their eyeless faces uncaring to the impending doom for their merciless pursuit.

Positioning ourselves strategically amidst the swirling currents, we prepared for the culmination of our plan. The Makaqoves and Barbapts encircled us.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The Makaqoves realizing they had been placed into a compromising position, lengthened their arms, the watery chains between their elbows and forearms glistening ominously in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. Their limbs prepared to snap at us.

I remained calm, my eyes locked upon our various adversaries.

Standing in the midst of the swirling river, I felt a surge of electricity coursing through my fur. Bolts of electricity surged and sparked across my body, their vibrant glow reflecting in the reflection beneath me. I was ready to unleash the full power of the storm.

Zest, by my side, channeled their own electric prowess, their antlers ablaze with lightning. Crimson bolts shot forth from their majestic crown, striking the water. The Makaqoves realized the danger immediately and tried to escape, but the Barbapts behind them struck and kept the Makaqoves as they tried to shove themselves forward.

"This ends now!" I shouted with a thunderous roar as I thrusted my spear into the water, sending forth a torrent of azure lightning that surged through the river's depths.

In unison, Zest and I synchronized our [Lightning] to our fullest extent. We unleashed our [Doom Zap] into the waters, the raw power cascading through the liquid medium. The entire pool transformed into a spectacle of crackling energy, vibrant arcs of electricity intertwining and lashing throughput the currents.

The pool became a battleground of tendrils of azure and crimson electrical power, the surface frothing and churning with raw energy. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt fur and ozone, mingling with the invigorating fragrance of the forest.

The Makaqoves and Barbapts recoiled as the electrified water surged around them. The Barbapts' abominable forms and the Makaqoves' scalding bodies met the coursing electricity, resulting in a cataclysmic chain reaction. Agonized howls filled the air, blending with the crackling of lightning and sizzling water.

Their struggles grew desperate, their attempts to escape the electrified waters in vain as each one soon became a series of clustered displays of illuminative particles.

Zest and I watched, as the Makaqoves and Barbapts succumbed to the forces unleashed upon them. Their once-mighty forms reduced to mere charred remnants.

The pools now crackled with the surplus of electricity; the air heavy with the aftermath of our joint assault. As the last echoes of those within our proximity faded, we emerged from the electrified waters, our bodies drenched and tingling with residual energy.

I felt something amiss. The Plelepun head emerged from the ground. "Yo! That tact was awesome, but you guys need to give that group of Makaqoves some extra consideration!" The Plelepun alerted us to a battalion of Makaqove that lurked nearby, while the river rushed behind us.

G.A.I.A. ANALYSIS

— Eldriyssal Detected!

— Species: Makaqove

— Sub-Name: "Scald Monkey"

— Rank: F+

— Classification: Uncommon

— Title: "Battalion Commander"

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

One Makaqove, its fur blazing with vibrant hues, separated from the group, eyeing us with a calculated intensity. It moved back and forth with a deliberate steps on its knuckles, its watery tail extending and retracting in a mesmerizing rhythm. Its fiery fists glowed with an ominous heat.

The Battalion Commander of the Makaqoves kept it forces distanced from us, and from their body language, I could tell that those Makaqoves were preparing a ranged assault against us, their watery tails swaying side from side, the very air shimmering in mirages of heat. It was clear that we needed to outwit them if we were to emerge victorious.

"Zest. Plelepun. Watch carefully for their tails." I warned my two companions. Zest nodded in response.

"Yo, got it." The Plelepun started, "I'm ready for the onslaught." It flapped its large ears.

Seeming to realize we had a plan of our own, the Battalion Commander among the Makaqoves howled, and on command the other Makaqoves swiftly followed their instructions. The Makaqoves glanced at another before adjusting their stances and with a lash of their watery tails, the Makaqoves unleashed bullets of scalding water droplets in our direction.

"Zest! Prepare our barrier! Plelepun take cover!" I called out.

Taking the initiative before the bullet hail came in collision with us, I created an electrical sphere of energy between my palms, I expanded it out until it enclosed me and fused with Zest's crimson [Electro Barrier]. And before I knew it, the Makaqoves [Torrential Assault] collided with our electrical shield, and gritting my teeth, I continually pushed myself, pouring energy into our [Electro Barrier].

'We cannot simply stand here…' I thought as if the forested landscape was pelted with heated water droplets and filled with mocking chorus of the Makaqoves early celebration. The Makaqoves wouldn't relent as the simians swished their watery tails to endlessly assault and overcome our barrier.

Suddenly, the ground caved in under the Makaqoves' feet and an opportunity presented itself.

"Go!" I shouted to Zest. Our hesitation was dialed to zero, and we dashed across the jungles' shredded flora.

Using my stretchable ears to my advantage, I extended them, gripping tightly onto my makeshift crystal-tipped spear. The lightning coursing around my body surged into the weapon, empowering it with crackling electricity. I took a deep breath, centering myself amidst the chaos, and launched myself into action.

With nimble footwork and lightning-fast reflexes, I evaded the Makaqoves' watery onslaught, darting between their fluid projectiles. Each flick of their tail created a scorching pellets of heated water that threatened to singe my fur, but I, Zest, and the Plelepun managed to avoid the worst of it.

My ears became extensions of my spear, maneuvering it with looping precision and striking at vulnerable points whenever the opportunity presented itself.

I knew that I needed to stay one step ahead. Their scalding attacks were swift and deadly, capable of inflicting searing burns upon contact. I had to find a way to counter their techniques, to protect myself, Zest, and the Plelepun from their relentless assault.

In a split second, I leaped into the air, my elongated ears extending to their maximum length. With a powerful swipe, I intercepted the scalding projectiles, using my ears and miniature [Electro Barrier] as a shield against the searing heat. The projectiles still struck my ears, but I held firm, enduring the scalding water soaking my fur and skin.

As the Makaqoves prepared for another scalding assault, I braced myself, my eyes tracking their every movement.

I dived into their battalion and jabbed at the Makaqoves with furious lightning strikes. Pseudo-fists engulfed in lightning and fire, punching and eradicating the Makaqoves without a second thought. I followed through by twirling and twisting the Merecritt ear holding my spear, and I splashed ghostly fire at my adversaries to cleave deeper into their forces.

In a flash, some of the Makaqoves launched themselves into the air while others remained on the ground, their watery tails whipped out like elongated tendrils. But this time, I was ready. I leaped into the air once more, mirroring their movements with my own agile finesse.

The Makaqoves reacted by swinging their water-structured tails towards me. Quick to retaliate, I twisted and twirled my body, narrowly evading their scalding projectiles.

With each leap and dodge, I began to decipher their tactics. The Makaqoves relied heavily on their ability to strike from unexpected angles, using their flexibility to catch their opponents off guard.

But I refused to be caught in their trap. I used my smaller stature and nimble Merecritt form to my advantage, swiftly maneuvering through the tangled growth of the jungle, always staying one step ahead.

I evaded their attacks, and I noticed another pattern in their movements. The Makaqoves had a split second of vulnerability after each strike, a point-in-time where their limbs were momentarily extended, leaving them exposed. It was in this moment that I seized the opportunity.

A [Doom Zap] was fired from my paw and I exploited their vulnerable moments, striking with my crystal-tipped spear. Each time the Makaqoves lunged, I countered with a swift thrust, unleashing lightning, aiming for their exposed forms.

The lightning from my crystal spear pierced through their watery projectiles, dispersing their scalding attacks and I swiftly created a [MereSphere] which I turned into a flash-bomb. This left the Makaqoves momentarily stunned.

And by opening my mouth, I unleashed another [MereSphere] upon the Makaqoves who were being commanded into a new formation. Their Battalion Commander and the other Makaqoves under its command scattered with haste as the intensified [MereSphere] collided with the ground and exploded.

Zest then galloped forth zapping the disorganized Makaqoves. Bolts of lightning rained down upon the Makaqoves, each strike finding its mark, eradicating them in an instant.

G.A.I.A. ANALYSIS

— Eldriyssals Detected!

— Species: Makaqove

— Sub-Name: "Scald Monkey"

— Rank: F+

— Classification: Uncommon

— Title: "Assault Commanders"

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

— DANGER ⚠️ DETECTED

The atmosphere crackled with charged anticipation as the earth itself seemed to quake beneath our feet. With a ferocious roar, three figures burst forth from the thick foliage, a trail of shattered branches and debris in their wake. These were no ordinary Makaqoves; they were the apex, the elite, a breed far apart from their lesser kin.

Their thick-neck fur bristled with untamed power, fur patterns like streaks of raindrops that marked their elite status. As they charged forward, their scalding water-chained arms swung with an almost primal rhythm, each one carving a path through the air. The Assault Commanders locked their eyes upon us, their fiery gaze searing with an intensity that mirrored the scalding waters they controlled.

Zest ran alongside me, and I sprinted on my paws with heightened swiftness; side by side, we were ready to face this formidable trio of Makaqoves head-on.