Chapter 1: Midnight's Lament

BOOM!

"That's a rank seven Dusklight Wolf! Focus or we'll lose this prize!"

Boom! Boom!

Explosions rocked Carihu Jungle as fifteen men in matching uniforms faced off against a magnificent monster. The monster, named a Dusklight Wolf, stood at three meters tall and had beautiful brown streaks lined across its night-black fur. The Dusklight Wolf was a feared Rare-ranked monster. In the forests surrounding Jiandao, it stood at the apex of all soul monsters.

This particular Dusklight Wolf had a distinct star on its forehead, that revealed it was an even rarer-ranked Star Dusklight Wolf - a legendary ranked soul monster. Although most people coveted this Star Dusklight Wolf, none in Jiandao had the guts or the guts to chase after it.

That was at least until today.

Thomas Blunt, leader of the secret task force sent to complete this mission gritted his teeth as he stared at the imposing Star Dusklight Wolf. He felt a chill all the way to his bones as he looked into the beast's enraged brown eyes. Thomas knew it was too late to back out now, so he waved his hands and shouted, "Come out Steelback Ape!"

Following Thomas' shout, his forehead lit up, and a bright ball of light shot out. The thin ball of light landed on the ground and then rapidly expanded.

"Gwuoooo!" Suddenly a 2-meter tall ape-like creature emerged from the light. The ape's silver back glistened under the afternoon sun, revealing why it was aptly named. The Steelback Ape was famous for its abnormal defense as its skin rivaled Jiandao's best-forged steel.

Following Thomas' summoning, the other soldiers promptly summoned their military-issued Steelback Apes and then sent them to attack the Star Dusklight Wolf. It was not like the military did not have other monsters, but the Star Dusklight Wolf's claws were too sharp for most monsters. Others would be torn apart before they could even join the fight.

The Steelback Ape, much like the Star Dusklight Wolf was a soul monster. In the world of Ilviri, soul monsters were creatures that humans could form soul pacts with. Soul pacts bound soul monsters to their human masters, allowing them to communicate and share emotions much more easily.

Soul monsters often grew faster and stronger when bonded to humans as their masters sought out the best medicines and techniques to grow their battle partners. In return, soul monsters not only helped their masters to fight their battles but also contributed to their masters' cultivation growth.

The Star Dusklight Wolf was a wild soul monster, as of yet untamed by any trainer. As a result, it did not have the advantage of the auxiliary spells cast by trainers when their monsters when out to battle. However, the Star Dusklight Wolf did not look the least bit concerned as it charged headfirst into the company of Steelback Apes.

Thomas retreated to a safe distance, and his brows furrowed as he watched the clash, "Jun Mo, Use Thunderclap!"

Thomas was not alone in his shout. Following Thomas' command, the other soldiers ordered their apes to also use Thunderclap.

Thunderclap was an intermediate technique used by most ape-like monsters. When ordered, the monsters would accumulate ki in their hands, and then explode it outwards by clapping their hands. This devastating move released a tremendous shockwave that could tear a monster's eardrums, or at least, leave them momentarily disrupted. However, because the technique did not differentiate between friend and foe, most Steelback Ape trainers wore a pair of noise-canceling earplugs precisely for situations like these.

Boom!

Thunderclaps released by fifteen Steelback Apes could not be underestimated. The waves superimposed on each other, resulting in an exponential increase in power as they bombed outwards.

Several tree trunks shattered under the immense pressure, and even the humans, several meters away, were forced to hang onto trees to prevent themselves from being uprooted by the force.

As for the Star Dusklight Wolf?

"Grr!" A low growl erupted from the Star Dusklight Wolf's throat as it shook its head to stave off the momentary confusion.

Thomas' eyes went wide in shock. "That monster!" It had to be known that fifteen thunderclaps would kill most monsters. Yet it was only stunned. And from the looks of it, the beast would regain its senses very soon. At this juncture, Thomas gritted his teeth and made the tough call. "Jun Mo, close in! We have to buy time!" At the same time, Thomas summoned a Rock Fairy and had it cast Stoneskin on his Steelback Ape.

Rock Fairy

Species Type: Fairy (Earth Elemental)

Rank: Warrior

Level: Fourth Phase, Stage Nine.

Rock fairies were an offshoot of the fairy class of monsters. They were considered uncommon, and like most fairies, often played support roles in trainers' compositions. [Stone Skin] attached a layer of loosely joined rock plates atop its target's body that significantly increased its defense.

The Rock Fairy's spell pushed the Steelback Ape's defense to the high end of level six. This should be enough to withstand the Star Dusklight Wolf's Assault. Following this, the humans ordered their apes to attack.

"Grr... Rhaff!" The Star Dusklight Wolf, let out an enraged bark, and then charged at the Steelback Ape.

Seeing the wolf's daring approach, four Steelback Apes struck at the Star Dusklight Wolf. Bam! The attacks, however, struck the ground, as the Star Dusklight Wolf suddenly disappeared from sight.

"Big Dipper Dance!" Thomas' brows rose in disbelief. Big Dipper Dance was an advanced evasion technique learned by Dusklight Wolfs. Through complicated footwork, they created an illusion in their attackers' eyes, allowing them to not only dodge but slip through undetected. Realizing, the Star Dusklight Wolf's intentions, Thomas quickly shouted, "Jun Mo, watch out! Steel Defense!"

Jun Mo, Thomas' Steelback Ape acted decisively. It stood in place, and hardened its skin, causing the silver shine to seep through the rock plates' cracks. With this defense, it was certain the Star Dusklight Wolf could not do it much harm.

Gaah!

Unfortunately, the Star Dusklight Wolf, as if realizing Jun Mo was the strongest Steelback Ape, decisively attacked the other Steelback Apes. Unlike Thomas, the other soldiers realized the Star Dusklight Wolf struck by the apes was fake a second too late. They too ordered their Steelback Apes to use Steel Defense, but the Star Dusklight Wolf did not give them that chance.

The Star Dusklight Wolf's Claws glowed with a sinister light as it jumped onto a Steelback Ape's back. Punishing Claws was a beginner monster technique. Beast type monsters usually learned a variant of this basic skill that gathered ki into their claws to strengthen them. However, just like with all skills, a beginner skill in the hands of an expert could achieve terrifying results.

Puchi!

Gaaah!

Blood burst like a fountain as the Star Dusklight Wolf cleaved through the Steelback Ape's neck. The rock plates and the hastily assembled Steel Defense proved useless before the Star Dusklight Wolf's claws.

"Argh!" Elsewhere a trainer clutched his head and let out a pained shout. Soul monsters were linked to a trainer's soul. As a result, soul trainers suffered a heavy backlash when their soul monsters died. In light cases, it caused headaches, but in severe cases, it could result in concussions, fainting, and in some extreme and special cases, death.

The Star Dusklight Wolf paid no attention to the humans' screams as it tore into the Steelback Apes. Like a demon bloodhound, it charged through their ranks, dodging and tearing the Apes.

Naturally, everything was not as easy as that first kill. For the rest, the Star Dusklight Wolf took advantage of its demon bloodline to cast confusion spells that allowed it to slowly wear

own the apes.

Along the way, the Star Dusklight Wolf unavoidably suffered some hits. Especially, from Jun Mo, Thomas' Steelback Ape. Its trainer's instincts were a notch above the other soldiers, and that allowed him to often order Jun Mo into excellent positions to launch an ambush.

The most vexing thing about Jun Mo, however, was its long-range skill. Like most Steelback Apes, Jun Mo learned [Stonetoss]. Like its name implied, Stonetoss was a simple skill where Apes picked up stones and flung them at dangerous speeds at enemies. The Star Dusklight Wolf could ignore most Apes' throws, but Jun Mo was like a professional pitcher!

Direction, Speed, and Power. Jun Mo lacked none, as it sniped the Star Dusklight Wolf during its slaughter. Because of Jun Mo's interference, the Star Dusklight Wolf was forced to tank more hits than it normally would. Thankfully, the Star Dusklight Wolf had a mid-rank Level 8 defense. Due to that, it could barely endure the strikes.

"Argh!" "My head!" "Damn it!"

Thomas scowled as more and more of his men clutched their heads in pain. Although its pace was slow, the Star Dusklight Wolf was smoothly dispatching the Steelback Apes one after the other. If it weren't for their absurd defense and long-range attacks, Thomas was certain the fight would not have lasted ten minutes. Thankfully, the Steelback Apes managed to drag the fight out to over an hour.

"Captain, I'm sorry."

Unfortunately, the inevitable eventually occurred. Although the soldiers and soul monsters tried their best, within a few more minutes, only the Star Dusklight Wolf and a severely injured Jun Mo remained. Jun Mo warily watched the Star Dusklight Wolf as it clutched the bloodied stomp where its right arm used to be.

"Awooo!" The Star Dusklight Wolf howled proudly and then slowly approached Jun Mo.

Thomas' face paled, and his lips trembled. He knew from the beginning that this was a suicide mission. But at the very least, he'd wanted to accomplish the mission objective before he died. 'Is this the end?'

Bzzt!

Suddenly, static traveled through the receiver in Thomas' left ear. The middle-aged man's face lit up as the words he had been waiting for, finally came through, "Package Secured. Beginning Retreat. Keep Midnight occupied for as long as you can."

Dwuooom!

"Urk!" The smile instantly disappeared as a bone-crushing pressure forced Thomas to his knees. Thomas struggled to lift his head, and his heart chilled when he saw the Star Dusklight Wolf glaring at him. "No, it can't be."

Thomas did not want to believe it, but the Star Dusklight Wolf's next action confirmed his bad feeling.

"Awoooo!!!" The Star Dusklight Wolf let out another howl. However, unlike the previous triumphant one, this one was extremely loud and far-reaching. So much so that Thomas felt like those back in the city probably heard it. "Awoooo!!!" When the Star Dusklight Wolf did not get the response it expected, it once again let out another howl.

Unfortunately, just like the first time, the second howl once again received no response. This confirmed the Star Dusklight Wolf's fears―something had gone wrong at the den! The Star Dusklight Wolf angrily glared at the fifteen soldiers. These men had been distracting it while someone conducted mischief at its den.

"Grr Rhaff!" The Star Dusklight Wolf took a step and released a terrifying bark. [Terror Howl] was an intermediate skill that inflicted terror on a target, and caused them to have nightmares. The Star Dusklight Wolf's howl was on another level altogether, causing the trainers to fall to the ground, convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Afterward, perhaps only half would survive, and of those who did, only one or two would emerge with intact minds.

Such was the terror.

The Star Dusklight Wolf ignored the broken humans and then sprinted south in the direction of its den. The panic in its eyes revealed the fear that the most important thing in its life would be taken away.

Meanwhile, amongst the humans, Thomas got up with a groan when the Star Dusklight Howl had sprinted far out of reach. Damn it! Who would have thought the Star Dusklight Wolf could understand human language? And what was with that hearing ability? The intel was all wrong.

Thomas' brows creased as he watched his men writhing on the ground. There was nothing he could do for them. Each individual could only rely on themself. "Thank heavens I bought that soul-calming jade." He reached into his pocket and took out a translucent bead. This thing cost him half of his life's savings, but he unhesitantly purchased one when he heard they were going to battle Midnight.

Crick! Pshhh...

Thomas let out a wry smile as he watched the bead break into dust. Indeed, Midnight was too strong for someone like him. If it were not for her habit of enjoying fights, she could have ended them the moment they met.

That's right. Midnight, the Star Dusklight Wolf was famous in the kingdom for her love of battles. Even though she could kill most soul monsters with her abilities, she preferred fighting without skills. No one knew what caused this strange habit, but Thomas' team took full advantage of it to lure her away from her den, and occupy her with tough-skinned enemies.

Thomas looked at Jun Mo, who wore a pained expression. "Come on Jun. We need to get out of here before she gets back." With those words, Thomas put Jun Mo back into his soul space and then fled in the opposite direction.

Dudu Dudu Dudu Dudu...

Midnight's paws kicked up dust and earth as she tore through the jungle. Angered monsters roared around her as she intruded into their territories, but she paid them no heed. She did not have the time to care about the jungle's rules.

Ksshhh!

Midnight suddenly skidded to a halt as the heavy stench of blood assaulted her nose. NO! Midnight's eyes turned blood-red and she practically transformed into a dark line as she pushed her speed to the limit.

Whoosh!

Midnight emerged from the dense thickets into a clearing near a cliffside. A few hours ago, when she left, dozens of Dusklight Wolves were playing, fighting or sleeping. Some emerged from the cliffside caves to greet the morning, while others walked back in to continue sleeping.

However, now, the scene was entirely different.

Red had blotted out the once green scenery. Laughter and Joy were replaced by broken bones and mutilated flesh. Dozens of mutilated body parts were strewn across the woods, and for some, it was impossible to tell just what they originally were.

Midnight's gaze trembled as she stood amongst the blood and gore. Why? Why did they do this!? Midnight could not understand. Dusklight Wolves did not actively hunt humans unless provoked. Furthermore, these weak Dusklight Wolves would not produce the crystal cores humans coveted. She was the type of monster that would have that. Finally, if the humans wanted soul pets, then they would capture lone Dusklight Wolves, not engage in this senseless slaughter.

No, wait. Why did the Dusklight Wolves not run away? No matter how strong the humans were, the Dusklight Wolves should have been able to scatter and flee once the power difference was apparent. Only one thing would make these Dusklight Wolves stay and fight to the death.

A threat to the den mother...

No! Midnight's eyes were overcome with panic! She sped into the cave system and ran through the confusing maze-like systems to a hidden cave. Midnight could confidently leave the caves because she was certain no one would find this location. But, as she stared at the empty stone enclosure where her cub was asleep in when she left, she realized that the humans did this for him.

The humans did in fact want a soul monster. However, they set their sights on the one with the most potential. The cub of a Star Dusklight Wolf. Under the right trainer, it had an eighty percent chance to evolve into a Star Dusklight Wolf, and perhaps even further!

Midnight was instantly enraged!

Those monsters! They dared!

Midnight tore out of the caves and then chased after the one unfamiliar scent amongst the deluge of blood. She once more cut through the forest in a straight line until she arrived at the edge of the forest.

Beyond, Midnight glared at a massive fifty-meters metal wall that towered into the sky. Numerous humans walked in and out of a gate to the side, but Midnight's attention was drawn to a beautiful Gold-tipped Condor that flew over the city wall. "Grr... Rhaff!" Midnight's bark shook the condor, causing it to almost lose its composure. Unfortunately, due to the distance, her bark was not as effective. As a result, Midnight could only glare at the human seating atop the condor and slowly burned his features into memory.

The youth looked to be about 14-15 years of age and had an arrogant look in his eyes as he looked down at Midnight. The youth's golden eyes gleamed as he raised his left hand, revealing a beautiful cub nestled in his embrace, desperately trying to free itself. An image of a two-clawed dragon clutching a golden pearl was emblazoned on the youth's ostentatious robe, suggesting he was of a very high class.

Midnight glared at the youth as he, the condor, and her child disappeared beyond the city walls. Midnight reared her head back and let out a pained howl. No matter how strong she was, she did not dare to charge into the city. She wouldn't last a few minutes before thousands of experts surrounded and destroyed her.

As a result, Midnight could only howl painfully once more and then made her way back to the den. By the time she got back, she noticed a few soul monsters standing in her territory. These were the monsters, whose territories she so rudely trampled past while running.

The first was a 4-meter tall ape that closely resembled the Steelback Apes. Only, this one's hands and feet were as white as snow, and its back looked like glass. This was a Diamondback Ape, the evolved form of a steelback.

Next to the Diamondback Ape floated five beautiful fairies. The female sprites which were just below 30cm tall had beautiful, glowing brown skin, and translucent wings that shimmered in the light. The group of forest fairies wore pained expressions as they looked around at the carnage.

Finally, the last monster was a terrifying Blue-Eyed Devil Tiger. The Blue-Eyed Devil Tiger was a hybrid beast-devil. Of the four hegemons, it was the only monster that occupied territory by itself. The Blue-Eyed Devil Tiger glanced at the corpses with anger in its eyes and then growled at Midnight.

Midnight shook her head, conveying the answer that the humans got away.

The Diamondback Ape shook its head and then let out a calling roar. A few minutes later, a dozen or so Steelback Apes entered into the clearing but kept a respectful distance. The Diamondback Ape, upon receiving Midnight's permission, then ordered the Steelback Apes to clean up the scene.

Midnight watched with downcast eyes as the Steelback Apes gently carried the corpses and then buried them in graves opened up by the forest fairies. When the burial was complete, the fairies cast a spell, summoning rainfall to wash away the blood before it congealed.

Unfortunately, despite the fairies' best efforts, splotches of red still remained, a permanent reminder of the carnage and loss.

A listless Midnight thanked the Hegemons and then retreated into her cave. Powerful monsters like Midnight did not breed easily. It had taken her many years to finally conceive a child, only to have it snatched away. It felt like a part of her soul had been torn off.

Indeed, as Midnight laid her head on the hard earth, the pain in her heart intensified to unbearable levels, and her body began to heat up. At this rate, she would most likely pass out from fever and maybe even go into shock.

Krsh...

Shifting rocks interrupted Midnight's suicide attempt. The enraged wolf charged out of her cave, blood-red eyes ready to murder any intruder.

Thud!

However, Midnight's eyes shifted when she saw the intruder. And even more so, when she saw what it rushedto deliver with its last breath.