Stepping into the secret realm for the very first time, Aion looked around with wide eyes… and in his eyes this looks no different from outside.
Then , the calm voice of the system echoed in his mind:
"Reminder: if the host or the host's contracted beasts die or suffer severe injuries, you will be automatically transferred back to the Origin Pet Shop plane."
Aion let out a long sigh of relief.
"Ohh, so I basically have one chance of revival, huh? That's not too bad…"
Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "But hey, why not give me unlimited revivals? That way I'll explore like a man with no shame!"
The system remained quiet. Very quiet.
"…Tch, silent protest again? Fine, fine."
With a shrug, Aion pressed on. He summoned Hazel, his fluffy cotton jacket , and little Umbry, his shadow companion. Aion felt The realm richness of five-element energy in the secret realm buzzing in the air.
Aion looked at Hazel fondly. "Hazel, you're the strongest one here. So, you take care of me and Umbry, alright?"
Hazel puffed up proudly, tail swaying, as if to say leave it to me!
The three began their exploration. Not long after, they came across a small forest. Hazel darted about, sniffing happily at herbs, while Aion spotted clusters of spirit fruits: Greenveil Grapes, Sproutheart Plums, Mossheart Apples—all Rank 2 treasures ripe for the picking.
But what caught his attention most were the small monkey-like spirit beasts leaping around the trees. Curious, Aion used Origin Insight on one of them.
---
Species: Jadevine Monkey
Level: 29 (peak Rank 2)
Potential: Mid Rank 4 (General)
Aptitude: 62
Skills:
Echo Cry (Rank D, Perfect): Emits a sharp, piercing cry that stuns nearby foes.
Razorleaf Shot (Rank D, Perfect): Fires hardened leaves like knives.
Vinewhip Tail (Rank C, Advanced): Elongates its tail into a whip-like vine to lash or entangle enemies.
---
Aion's jaw tightened. There were dozens of them some are even Rank 3 , and Hazel was Rank 3 High-level (37), yes, but Umbriss could only handle weaker Rank 2s with a surprise strike. As for Aion himself… well, he was a Rank 3 beast tamer, but his talents weren't for direct frontal attack.
He was just about to back off when the screeching stopped. Two monkeys stepped forward.
One was mid Rank 3, Level 35. Manageable.
The other, however… Aion's Origin Insight only showed:
Level: 39 (Rank 3 Peak)
Other data: ??
An adult-sized Jadevine Monkey and other Monkey with snowy white fur. In its hand was a small bottle, radiating a deliciously enticing aroma.
Aion gulped. The situation is not looking good for himself and his pets.
---
Hazel, however, suddenly stepped forward. Gone was her usual cuteness. For Hazel, Aion was family—and now she had a little junior to protect too. She remembered Aion's words: "You're the strongest among us, so take care of us."
Hazel planted her little feet firmly on the ground. Aion's chest tightened, his eyes moist. He knew he could always revive, but Hazel didn't. She stood bravely anyway, willing to fight over a dozen beasts.
Then Hazel's aura flared. The forest quivered. The air itself seemed to bow. All beasts present trembled and some even collapsed—except the white-furred monkey.
Aion blinked and was shocked . "W-wait, what!? Since when could Hazel do this?"
The system chimed in cheerfully:
"Congratulations, host! Your pet beast Hazel has learned a new skill—Sovereign Aura (Rank A, Beginner). This is the pressure of Sovereign potential beasts. All lower-ranked beasts lose the will to fight, while those of equal rank have their strength cut in half."
Aion's jaw dropped. Then he grinned. "My little cotton paddy jacket is reliable after all!"
Now, facing just one foe which is better than facing more than a dozen some time ago , he felt confident… until the white monkey screeched. Instead of collapsing, the other monkeys stirred awake, almost comforted.
Aion's brows furrowed. "This one's not simple…"
Then, suddenly, a calm voice entered his mind:
"Human."
Aion nearly tripped. "Wh—what the—are you talking to me!?"
"Yes. I never intended to fight you. If you can trust me, listen. I wish to make a deal."
The white monkey gestured, and the other monkeys retreated. Aion blinked in disbelief. A talking monkey. Directly to his mind. Truly, this was new.
"What kind of deal…?" Aion asked cautiously.
"My master was a peak Saint-rank beast tamer (Rank 9 Peak). Before his death, he used his power to create this secret realm to preserve his inheritance. At the center lies his legacy, protected by five guardians of Peak Rank 3. When the secret realm start opening 2 days ago , we started awakening from our slumber "
"I awoke yesterday. But this realm restricts me—I cannot grow beyond Rank 3. My offer for you is that I will allow you to directly enter the secret realm trial. If you succeed, you'll gain resources far superior to anything outside. In return, once you leave, you must contract me and take me out of this realm."
The monkey's voice softened. "You have two beasts. That leaves a third slot empty, does it not?"
Aion's eyes narrowed a little and he asked suspiciously. "This deal… sounds very beneficial. Too beneficial. What are you hiding?"
There was a little pause. Then the monkey admitted, "…After contracting me, you will no longer be able to re-enter the secret realm. Its will would reject you."
Aion sighed. Even so, the deal was golden. He had only five hours left in this sneak entry. The realm would fully open in two or three days, and the Clark family would surely watch it like hawks. Trespassing later would be suicide. This might be his one last shot as the realm Voyage shop function will be in cooldown for 3 days after today use and then the secret realm will be officially opened.
"…Fine," Aion finally said. "But one condition: have these monkeys gather some herbs and fruits of this region for me before I come back from the trial . This way he will get some Origin Points out of this. He rubbed his cheek with a grin calculating this way even if he can't grab the resources outside these little monkeys will be free labour for him.
The white monkey smiled faintly and agree to this request of Aion.
Then It led Aion deep into the forest. After half an hour, they arrived at an ancient platform. The monkey placed its hand on the surface.
"The restriction is lifted. Normally, one must defeat or subdue the guardian to enter. But in your case, I surrender. So you can now step forward."
Aion glanced at Hazel and Umbry. "Well, here goes nothing."
Together, they stepped onto the platform—and vanished into the trial for the inheritance of a Saint-rank beast tamer.