"As a Demon-level monster, your rank will be elevated, and with that, your missions will also increase."
"No problem," Hans agreed without hesitation.
A higher position meant getting closer to the Monster Association's core, and more resources. He had already expected this.
He paused briefly before adding, "But I have one request."
Psykos had already guessed Hans wouldn't be that obedient. Holding back the urge to rub her temples, she maintained her cool and aloof tone through the Evil Eye: "Speak."
"I want to keep my job of preparing food for Lord Pochi. If someone else takes over, I'm afraid Lord Pochi won't like the change." Hans's tone was earnest. "Also, I'll need more Monster Cells."
Psykos: ???
'Keeping the feeding job made sense, it helped maintain his rapport with the Dragon-level powerhouse Pochi. Understandable.'
'But "afraid Pochi won't get used to it"? That was a new kind of excuse.'
Still, knowing how to make use of every available resource was a sign of an intelligent monster, and Psykos was always short on that type.
However, his request for more Monster Cells…
She recalled Hans's file. This guy could absorb Monster Cells without any side effects, and did it with absurd efficiency, as if they were just some kind of nutritious supplement.
That strange body of his was getting more and more intriguing.
'The path from Wolf-level to Demon-level may have been smooth, but beyond Dragon-level… the wall gets a lot steeper.'
'Fine then, let's see how far this new "Bug God" can go with enough resources.'
"…Granted. Starting today, your supply of Monster Cells will change from once a week to once a day."
After a short silence, Psykos finally agreed. Little Eye's single iris gleamed with mysterious anticipation.
"Fufufufu~ Don't disappoint me, Bug God."
The villainous laugh echoed. With one last meaningful glance at Hans, the pinkish-purple form slowly melted into the shadows and vanished.
Hans stood still, feeling the lingering psychic waves fade from his mind. A grin of excitement spread under his black faceplate.
Once a week turned into once a day!
That's like getting paid daily instead of weekly, and with a raise on top!
'Jackpot.'
'Absolute jackpot.'
Psykos probably thought this was an investment, a test of her "tool's" potential. But for Hans, it was more like a gift from the heavens.
With a steady "salary" and his two broken UR abilities, Trillion-Level Division and Fusion Merge, a bold new plan formed instantly in his mind.
He'd stay in the Association as his main body, collecting his daily "paycheck" from Psykos…
Then send countless clones out to hunt, stir trouble, and earn massive "extra income."
Just thinking about it made his blood run hot. Power surged through every nerve in his body.
'This wave, right here, Wuhu, time to take off! '
During his first week as a newly promoted Demon-level combatant of the Monster Association, Hans's life was… surprisingly comfortable.
First off, the living conditions had improved drastically.
His cramped, dark cave had been replaced by a large suite, complete with a bed, sofa, and even a bath. Like going from a caveman's den straight into a luxury villa.
Aside from not having Wi-Fi, there was nothing to complain about.
His territory expanded several times over, his Tiger-level subordinates multiplied, and there were now too many Wolf-level minions to even count.
But the real perk was his salary.
Every day, a stone-type monster would deliver a cloth bag filled with 100 Monster Cells right to his door.
That's 700 Monster Cells a week, a steady 70,000 Source Points income!
On top of that, his "official" job remained the same, bringing snacks and meals to feed Pochi.
He'd make his rounds, patrol his turf, and casually squash any unlucky monster that annoyed him, all while watching his Source Points steadily climb.
Truly, fighting and killing were overrated.
Networking and routine work were the real career meta!
Just as Hans was planning how to convert all that income into combat power, a familiar psychic wave silently filled the air.
He stopped twirling a Monster Cell between his claws and looked up.
At the entrance of his lair hovered a pinkish-purple, one-eyed creature flapping its wings, Little Eye.
"Bug God," a deep, dramatic voice echoed in his mind, "there's a mission for you."
"Follow this clone, come see me."
Without another word, Little Eye turned and floated toward the darkness.
Hans stood, brushed nonexistent dust off his armor, and followed at a steady pace.
This would be his first time entering the Monster Association's core sector.
The corridors grew wider, their rocky walls showing marks of human construction. Torches and oil lamps cast eerie glows, and powerful monster auras pulsed in the distance, much stronger than anything he'd encountered before.
Finally, Little Eye led him into a massive underground chamber resembling a palace.
At its center sat a colossal pink-purple four-armed monster with a single eye, lounging on a floating throne-like couch.
Just by sight, its height was at least twice that of Hans's.
The Dragon-level monster, the Evil Eye.
Overwhelming psychic pressure flooded the entire hall like a dark-blue tsunami, crushing the air with sheer dominance.
But Hans, calm as ever, walked forward and bowed slightly. The black mask betrayed no emotion.
He knew that beneath this massive body was a curvy esper woman in control, and this "pressure" was likely just a show of dominance.
Seeing Hans remain perfectly composed, Psykos, hidden behind the Evil Eye's form, let out a small, amused sigh.
So he's restless, yes, but his nerves are made of steel.
"Bug God, you've come."
Though the Evil Eye had no mouth, its eerie voice resounded nonetheless.
"A new member recently joined the Association, Gale Wind. He's recommended another recruit, Hellfire Flame."
"He's a rare human who willingly underwent monsterization. With him and Gale Wind, our Association's reach will grow further."
"However, Gale Wind is currently focused on merging his ninjutsu with monster power and can't leave his post."
"So, you'll take some Monster Cells, head to M-City, and bring this Hellfire Flame into our fold."
"Any questions?"