A faint glow flickered in Qalish's mind.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[New Quest Available][Quest: First Evolution Path Initiated]
Objectives:
Evolution Aura: 0% → 100%
Fire Element Material: 0/1
Dark Element Material: 0/1
Monster Points: 0 → 100
Rewards:
+100 Monster Points Evolution
Efficiency Boost (First Evolution Only)
Hidden Reward (?)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qalish stared at the panel.
"…So this is the condition."
This was the first time he had seen a Quest system.
Unlike the other system functions, this one…
Gave him a clear direction.
A goal.
A path forward.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Perfect timing…"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Next Morning
Students gathered in front of the academy gates.
A long transport vehicle—similar to a bus—waited nearby.
Today…
They would enter Verdant Hollow Forest.
Qalish stood quietly as Aiden approached.
"Hey. You ready?"
Qalish nodded.
But his eyes flickered slightly.
Monster Analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🔍 Aiden's Status
Name: Aiden
Level: 1
Crystal Type: Beast Crystal
Crystal Rank: B
Monster List:
Iron Fang Wolf
Contract Skill: [1 Slot Available]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qalish frowned slightly.
"Have you bound a contract skill yet?"
Aiden scratched his head awkwardly.
""I… I don't know which one to choose…""
He sighed.
"Monsters at this level aren't that smart. It's like talking to a kid."
"Hard to understand what they can actually do."
Qalish nodded slowly.
"Then what skills does it have?"
Aiden replied,"Steel Bite… and something like Iron Body."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🔍 Skill Details :
Steel Bite
Close-range physical attack. High damage output. No defensive utility
Iron Body
Temporarily hardens the user's body. Greatly reduces incoming damage. Short duration, high durability boost
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qalish already knew the answer.
But he spoke naturally.
"Pick Iron Body."
Aiden blinked."Why?"
"You fight at close range," Qalish said calmly."You need durability more than damage."
Aiden paused.
"…That actually makes sense."
Ailyn's voice suddenly came from behind them.
"Hmm… ignoring me now?"
She crossed her arms as she stepped beside them.
"Why didn't you ask me?"
Qalish glanced at her.
"No need."
Ailyn raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"You're not stupid like him," Qalish said casually.
"You already chose the best skill."
Ailyn froze.
"…How do you know?"
Qalish shrugged.
"Just a guess."
But in reality—
He had already seen her panel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ailyn's Contract Skill:
Wind Blade
Area-of-effect wind attack. High-speed ranged damage. Can hit multiple enemies simultaneously
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A perfect damage-dealer skill…
Like a mage.
Ailyn looked at him quietly.
For some reason…
She felt slightly happy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrival at the Forest
The vehicle stopped.
Students stepped out one by one.
Before them—
A massive forest.
Verdant Hollow Forest.
Then—
A familiar voice echoed.
"Well, if it isn't the F-Rank loser."
Qalish didn't even turn.
Nateant.
"You really came?" Nateant sneered."Trying to die early?"
Qalish remained calm.
To him—
Nateant was just a noisy child.
But—
If he crossed the line…
Qalish wouldn't hesitate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Entering the Forest
The air inside Verdant Hollow Forest felt different.
Cool.
Dense.
Alive.
Tall trees blocked most of the sunlight.
The ground was covered in roots and fallen leaves.
"Stay alert," Instructor Kael's voice echoed.
"Do NOT leave the designated area."
"If you cross the boundary—"
"You are on your own."
"Form groups of three to five."
Naturally—
Qalish, Aiden, and Ailyn formed a group.
No one else joined them.
After all—
Qalish was F Rank.
Aiden stretched his arms.
"Finally… some action."
Ailyn scanned the surroundings.
"Don't let your guard down."
Qalish remained silent.
This is where it starts.
First Encounter
A rustling sound.
"There!" Aiden reacted instantly.
A Thorn Rabbit jumped out.
"Go! Iron Fang Wolf!"
Slash!
The rabbit was instantly killed.
Qalish frowned slightly.
Too fast… I couldn't analyze it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another movement.
Second Encounter – Qalish's Turn
A second Thorn Rabbit appeared.
"This time…"
Qalish activated:
Monster Analysis.
[New Monster Data Recorded][Database Updated: Wild Monster Identified][System Update: Monster Levels Unlocked]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species: Thorn Rabbit
Level: 1
Rank: F
Element: Nature
Skill: Thorn Spike
Weakness: Soft under-neck
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qalish's eyes widened slightly.
"It even shows weaknesses…"
Attack
"Foxy."
The fox moved like a shadow.
Shadow Bite!
The rabbit collapsed instantly.
But before dying—
It launched Thorn Spike.
A small projectile grazed Qalish's arm.
A shallow cut formed.
[Monster Defeated]
[+6 MP]
[+10 EXP]
Qalish's eyes flickered.
But something else caught his attention.
The fox moved forward—
And bit into the fallen rabbit.
Qalish paused.
"…Foxy?"
[Foxy consumed target]
[+5% EA]
Qalish's eyes widened slightly.
"So that's how it works…"
Without consumption—
No EA.
Ailyn and Aiden simply watched without reacting as Foxy began to consume the fallen Monster.
To them, this was nothing unusual.
In this world, it was natural for Monsters to devour what they defeated—
A way to recover energy… or grow stronger.
Even their own Monsters followed the same instinct.
Qalish checked his status.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Viridis Qalish
Crystal Type: Typeless Crystal
Crystal Rank: F (SSS+ Potential)
Level: 1 (10/100)
Monster Contract Limit: 1
Monster List:
Ember Shade Fox (EA: 5%)
Monster Points (MP): 6
System Skills:
Monster Analysis, Evolution Path, Rank Upgrade
Contract Skill: Flame Heal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So there's level progress too…"
"You good?" Aiden asked.
Qalish didn't answer.
Flame Heal.
Warm energy spread through his body.
The wound slowly closed.
Aiden froze.
"…Wait."
"You can heal?"
Ailyn narrowed her eyes.
"That's not normal."
Qalish shrugged.
"Foxy is a mutated Monster."
"I got this skill from her."
Both of them froze.
A fire-based healing skill…
Was extremely rare.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three small creatures rushed out.
Monster Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species: Stone Rat
Level: 1
Rank: F
Type: Beast
Element: Earth
Skills:
• Bite
• Harden
Weakness:
• Soft belly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Careful!" Ailyn shouted.
Wind Blade!
Steel Bite!
Shadow Bite!
After a short fight—
They were defeated.
[Monster Defeated]
[+12 MP]
[+20 EXP]
[Foxy consumed target]
[+8% EA]
Qalish checked his status.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status:
Level: 1 (30/100)
MP: 18
EA: 13%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Still far from leveling…"
After journeying deeper into the forest, a strange silence fell around them.
A plant-like monster attacked from underground.
Aiden struggled—
Monster Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species: Vine Creeper
Level: 2
Rank: F
Type: Plant
Element: Nature
Skills:
• Root Trap
• Vine Whip
Weakness:
• Core root
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qalish guided:
"Cut the root!"
They won.
[Monster Defeated]
[+8 MP]
[+20 EXP]
[Foxy consumed target]
[+7% EA]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A heavy presence appeared.
Monster Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species: Stone Fang Boar
Level: 3
Rank: F (High-tier)
Type: Beast
Element: Earth
Skills:
• Charge
• Stone Hide
Weakness:
• Neck joint
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The boar charged.
BOOM!
Aiden blocked—
Aiden gritted his teeth as he was pushed back.
Good thing I listened to Qalish…
If he had chosen Steel Bite instead—
He would've gone all-in on offense.
No defense. No protection.
That charge just now…
Would have seriously injured him.
A cold sweat ran down his back.
I would've been done for…
He tightened his stance, the effect of Iron Body still lingering.
"…Damn."
"Listen to me!" Qalish shouted.
"Trust me."
They hesitated—
Then nodded.
"Foxy flank left!"
"Aiden hold!"
"Ailyn—ready!"
"When I give the signal—aim for its neck."
They moved. Perfect coordination.
The boar lunged—
Missed—
"NOW!"
Shadow Bite!
Wind Blade!
Steel Bite!
Critical hit—
The boar collapsed.
Foxy immediately moved—
And devoured part of the body.
Her body glowed slightly.
[Monster Defeated]
[+24 MP]
[+55 EXP]
[Foxy consumed target]
[+25% EA]
A sharp chime echoed.
[Level Up!][Viridis Qalish → Level 2]
A surge of strength flowed through his body.
His breathing became lighter.
His senses sharpened.
Aiden grinned.
"We actually did it."
Ailyn looked at Qalish.
Longer this time.
He's different…
He's not fighting like a beginner…
Qalish checked his system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Viridis Qalish
Crystal Type: Typeless Crystal
Crystal Rank: F (SSS+ Potential)
Level: 2 (3/200)
Monster Contract Limit: 1
Monster List:
Ember Shade Fox (EA: 45%)
Monster Points (MP): 50
System Skills:
Monster Analysis,Evolution Path,Rank Upgrade
Contract Skill: Flame Heal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone smiled.
From their reactions, both of them also leveled up.
Their first level-up.
"Not bad…"
Qalish analyzed quietly:
Higher rank monsters… give more EXP, MP and EA.
As the boar dissolved—
Something remained.
A glowing red shard.
[Fire Element Material Detected]
Qalish's heartbeat quickened.
"One step closer…"
The system flickered again.
[Hidden Condition Detected][Dark Element Resonance Nearby]
Qalish froze.
"…Dark element?"
Deep within the forest—
A pair of glowing eyes slowly opened.
Locked onto him.