Kyne woke up in the same place, his body intact. The gigantic moon was still shining above. He quickly turned around, searching for his attacker.
The creature was about five meters away, standing still, watching with yellow eyes that glowed in the darkness.
It was approximately the same height as Kyne, with a robust body covered in dark gray fur. But what drew attention were the horns. Two short, thick horns protruded from its forehead, curving slightly forward. Its hands ended in sharp, black claws.
The Horned Monkey seemed confused. It had just crushed the skull of this strange, hairless creature, and now it was standing again, without a scratch.
Kyne smiled.
"Hello." He said, his voice echoing softly through the night forest.
"You must be responsible for my last death. I thank you for that."
The monkey growled, beating its chest with clenched fists.
"Shall we do this again?" Kyne asked and began walking toward the creature.
Kyne walked toward the Horned Monkey, his hands open in a gesture he hoped was peaceful.
"No need to get angry." He said, keeping his voice calm.
"I'm just passing throu—"
The monkey was not interested in conversation.
With a dull grunt, it charged, moving much faster than its robust appearance suggested. Kyne barely had time to raise his arms in defense before one of the clawed fists struck his chest.
The impact was brutal. Kyne felt his ribs break again, but this time the pain was a little less. Maybe his impact resistance was already working.
He was sent flying backward, crashing into the trunk of a tree before falling to the ground.
Blood filled his mouth. He tried to get up, but the monkey was already on top of him. The claws came down, and this time his neck was opened with a clean cut.
Then, darkness.
[You were killed by a Horned Monkey.]
[Impact Resistance has been updated to rank (F)]
[Slash Resistance has been updated to rank (F)]
[You will resurrect in 3… 2… 1…]
Kyne woke up gasping, his body intact. The monkey was a few steps away, its yellow eyes wide with confusion. The creature sniffed the air, then looked at its own claws, as if searching for blood on them. And it found it, which was even stranger.
"I'm back." Kyne said, standing up. He analyzed the creature.
"You must be territorial, right? I must have entered your territory."
The monkey growled, slamming its hands into the ground.
"I understand, I understand." Kyne continued, as if speaking to an irritated pet.
"I'm the intruder. You're just defending your space. But look—
The attack came again, this time with the monkey using its horns. The creature lowered its head and charged, hitting Kyne in the abdomen. The penetration was deep, tearing through internal organs. Kyne fell to his knees, holding his open stomach.
"Interesting…" he whispered as life drained from his body.
"The horns are more efficient than the claws."
[You were pierced by the horns of a Horned Monkey and died.]
[You received: Piercing Resistance (F-)]
[You will resurrect in 3… 2… 1…]
On the third resurrection, the monkey's behavior changed. Instead of attacking immediately, it stepped back a few paces, eyes narrowed. A low, hesitant sound came from its throat. No longer an aggressive growl, but something that almost sounded like a question.
Kyne rubbed the spot where the horns had pierced him, now without any wound.
"Three times." Kyne said, smiling.
"Three times you killed me. And three times I came back. Will you keep going? Or is your little head starting to realize that I'm different?"
The monkey emitted another sound, this time louder. It sounded less aggressive and more… apprehensive.
Kyne took a step forward. The monkey took a step back.
Another step forward. Another step back.
"See." Kyne continued, his voice taking on an almost professor-like tone.
"I understand that you're defending your territory. But I think you've realized now that killing me is pointless. I just came back. So maybe we can reach an agreement. I pass through your territory, you leave me alone, and—
The monkey attacked one last time, but this time without conviction. The blow was weaker, and Kyne managed to partially dodge it. Still, one of the claws tore into his arm, opening a deep wound.
Kyne looked at the cut, then at the monkey.
"Well. It was an attempt."
He did not resist when the monkey charged again, this time attacking his throat. The death was quick.
[You were killed by a Horned Monkey.]
[Slash Resistance has been updated to Rank (F+)]
[You will resurrect in 3… 2… 1…]