After taking some rest, Aion walked towards the white monkey.
The soft breeze carried the faint scent of spirit fruits and wild herbs around them. Seeing the little time left in his 6 hour quota , he knew it was time to leave.
He looked at the white-furred monkey and asked gently,
"Are you ready to form the contract?"
The monkey gave a calm nod, its golden eyes shining with quiet understanding.
Seeing this, Aion smiled faintly. "Then let's begin. But first," he said, glancing around, "what about the resources?"
The white monkey let out a sharp screech that echoed through the grove. Moments later, dozens of Jadevine Monkeys appeared from the surrounding trees, their emerald fur glimmering in the light. Each carried bundles of rare herbs, ores, and spirit fruits—mostly of Rank 1 and Rank 2 quality.
Aion's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You've gathered all this… impressive," he murmured, watching as the white monkey's followers laid the treasures before him with cheerful chirps.
The Rank 3 Jadevine Monkeys had also brought a few Rank 3 resources, which made Aion's heart leap with excitement. He carefully placed all the treasures into his Spirit Ring, the very same one he had received as a reward from the trial.
As he looked at the gathered group of Jadevine Monkeys, an idea struck him. He turned to the white monkey with a mischievous grin.
"Hey… what do you think if I—uh—bring these monkeys along as well?" he asked, choosing his words carefully.
The white monkey stared at him with a strange, almost skeptical look.
Not missing a beat, Aion hurried to explain. "Think about it—they're trapped here too, right? I'm a shop owner and a breeder. In the outside world, I can help them find good companions. You know how beasts grow faster when they form bonds with humans, and humans grow stronger with them too. It's… uh… mutually beneficial."
And it'll probably make me some money too, he thought, quietly.
The white monkey seemed to consider this for a moment, then nodded. With a screech, it called to the Jadevine Monkey leader, seeking the opinions of the group.
The response was unanimous. The moment the monkeys realized they could explore the wider world, they erupted in joyful cheers, leaping and chattering excitedly.
The white monkey conveyed their thoughts to Aion. He chuckled, shaking his head at their enthusiasm, and carefully absorbed them all into his Beast Ring.
This ring had truly arrived at the perfect time. With such convenience, carrying resources and beasts had never felt easier to him.
After everything was settled, it was time to form a contract with his third spirit beast. Aion took both of his pets into his Beast Space.
He turned to the white monkey and said firmly, "Don't resist," and began forming the contract. As he extended his spirit, a soft golden light flowed from him, connecting to the white monkey. Its soul opened willingly, meeting his without hesitation, and the bond formed smoothly. Streams of light danced between them, weaving their wills and hearts together as if they had always been in harmony. The connection was strong and equal, filled with trust and understanding.
The moment the contract was complete, Aion felt a sudden surge of strength. The power of the contract boosted him to Level 39 (Rank 3 Peak), matching the white monkey.
There was no time to savor the moment. Aion immediately sensed a strong malice emanating from the surroundings. The will of the Secret Realm had detected him and was now repelling him. Staying any longer could be dangerous.
Without hesitation, he took the white monkey into his Beast Space and commanded the system to return. In the next instant, he vanished from the Secret Realm.
When he opened his eyes, he was standing in front of the Realm Voyage Gate, its light dimmed. Checking the cooldown, he saw that he would only be able to use it again in three days.
After returning, Aion released his pets along with the newly contracted beast. Excitement bubbled within him—he could finally see exactly what kind of spirit beast he had bound.
After a contract, a tamer could discern the skill levels and basic information of their newly bonded pet. Aion focused and activated his Insight Eye with this he could know all the information.
Immediately, a row of glowing data appeared before his eyes.
Species - Spiritbrew Monkey King
Level - 39( Peak Rank 3)
Affinity - Illusion, Power
Potential: Early Sovereign( Early Rank 8)
Aptitude - 78
Overview: The Spiritbrew Monkey King is a rare beast among the spirit brew monkey tribe destined to be king , the tribe was known for its mastery over illusions, spirit energy, and alchemy of brewcraft. It has pure white fur and often seen with a jug of its self-made spirit wine, this beast is both philosopher and fighter.
Skills:
1.Adamant Hide (Rank B, Advanced) – Temporarily hardens its fur and skin into a near-impenetrable layer. Physical and elemental attacks lose effectiveness during the duration.
2.Divine Brewcraft (Rank A , Perfect) – Grants the ability to craft perfect-quality Spirit Brews with diverse effects such as recovery, focus, vitality, or illusion enhancement.
3.Phantom Step Dance (Rank A, Proficient) – Moves with extreme speed, leaving multiple illusionary afterimages.
4.Hypnotic Gaze of Mirage (Rank S, Advanced)-- Uses its glowing eyes to hypnotize targets and drag them into an illusionary world. Victims experience disorientation, confusion, and false attacks.
5.Spectral Bomb Burst (Rank S , Proficient)
-- Fires a condensed energy sphere from its mouth that detonates upon impact, causing immense destruction and releasing shockwaves of spiritual force.
6.Fury Surge ( Rank SS, Proficient) -- Triples its overall strength for 15 minutes, enhancing both physical and spiritual might. Duration and effect increase with mastery.
7.Imperial Domain ( Rank Unique) – Unleashes a kingly aura, forming a domain where its strength doubles and all enemies within have their power halved. Cooldown: 30 minutes.
2nd effect: Can command and suppress lower-ranked monkey-type spirit beasts inside the domain.
Looking at the row of data and the skills, Aion realized just how lucky he was. This monkey was truly made for fighting. If he had faced it in battle, he would have had no chance—and surely wouldn't have made it into the Secret Realm trial.
Though Hazel had higher skill ranks, she wasn't built for combat. The Spiritbrew Monkey before him was even king among its tribe. He truly had gotten the best deal.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Aion turned to Hazel and Umbry. "This is your new family member," he announced.
The monkey looked a little surprised. Having just formed the bond, it now felt a special energy flowing into its body through the contract—pure and immensely beneficial. Instinctively, it knew it had made the right choice. When it sensed Aion introducing it to his other companions, the monkey nodded in approval.
Aion continued, "Now, it's time to name him."
The monkey told Aion through their bond "My father named me Aurin."
Aion nodded towards it and announced ."From now on, I will call you Aurin."
Both Hazel and Umbry cheered. Hazel circled around Aurin's wine gourd curiously, and Aurin offered her a tiny sip with a playful grin, as if teasing her. Hazel sniffed it carefully, while Aurin tilted the gourd toward her in a mock ceremony. Umbry looked equally interested, but Aion quickly pulled it back. "Drinks aren't for newborns," he said with a chuckle.
Umbry gave him a confused look, but without explaining further, Aion placed it into the Beast Space. "You should go and rest," he said.
Now, before returning back to Bridgetown city, he still had to see exactly what he gained in the secret realm.