The forest was quiet again, except for the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of birds. Through Soul Vision, Taisho detected the familiar presence still moving nearby — the same curious monkey from before.
It had been circling around him for hours, climbing fallen logs and hanging from vines, occasionally stopping to stare at his trunk. There was something about this creature — not fear, but curiosity.
Taisho focused on it, sending a mental command. "System, initiate Familiar Bond Protocol."
[Request Acknowledged.]
[Scanning Target...]
The signal pulsed. The system analyzed the creature in seconds.
[Target Species: Forest Primate]
[Intelligence Level: Moderate]
[Emotional State: Alert Curiosity / Mild Hunger]
[Attempting Connection...]
A faint energy ripple extended from his roots — invisible to sight, but tangible enough for sensitive lifeforms to feel. The monkey froze mid-step, glancing around, ears twitching.
Taisho projected calmness through his intent — no aggression, no threat, just quiet stability. He remembered how lab animals reacted to fear and tone. Maybe instincts worked the same way here.
The monkey hesitated, then slowly approached. It placed one hand on his trunk, sniffing the bark as if sensing life inside.
[Mutual Contact Established.]
[Awaiting Consent from Target Lifeform...]
Seconds stretched out. Then —
[Target Has Recognized Host as a Source of Energy and Protection.]
[Consent Granted.]
[Familiar Contract Established.]
A pulse of warmth spread through his structure — subtle but distinct. He could suddenly sense the monkey's emotions: curiosity, relief, and faint hunger.
"So it worked," Taisho murmured, a little surprised.
[New Familiar Registered: Forest Monkey][Bond Level: Basic]
[Contract Benefits Activated:]▸ Familiar Gains Partial Passives — Minor Vitality Boost, Limited Environmental Awareness.
▸ Host Gains Shared Awareness (Short Range).
▸ Evolution Points and Skills obtainable upon Familiar's Death or Evolution.
[Additional System Data:]▸ Current Familiar Capacity: 1/3
▸ Capacity increases with Evolution Stage.
Taisho reviewed the data carefully. "So… I can form up to three familiars at this stage," he muttered. "Not bad for a start."
The monkey didn't linger. After spending a few minutes exploring his roots and branches, it climbed down and wandered off toward the deeper part of the forest. The connection between them remained faint but stable — like a soft heartbeat in the background of his consciousness.
"Well, looks like it doesn't need babysitting," he said. "Fine by me."
The system chimed softly again.
[Host Condition: Stable. No immediate growth required.][Would you like to enter Hibernate Mode?]
Taisho thought for a moment, then nodded inwardly. "Yeah. Might as well rest for a bit."
[Acknowledged. Hibernate Mode: Active. Auto-Pilot Engaged.]
His senses slowed. The forest faded into a distant hum — still present, still alive, but no longer demanding full attention. It wasn't sleep, but it was close enough.
His consciousness drifted just enough to rest while his body worked on its own — absorbing light, strengthening bark, extending roots. Far away, he could still faintly feel the presence of the monkey moving in the forest.
"Guess we'll both keep growing," he thought as his awareness dimmed.
The system's quiet hum lingered in the background. For now, everything was peaceful.