"...His potential is much greater than you expect," Nima finished, her voice laced with a hint of possessiveness. "So, back off, Reina. He's with us now."
Reina stared at her cousin dead in the eyes, her own gaze unwavering. "We'll see about that, Nima. Talent like this shouldn't be wasted on… paperwork and fancy dinners."
Knowing that this would take a long time, he decided to fuse the two techniques. He felt like he was caught in the middle of a catfight, and he was pretty sure he was going to lose either way.
If he faints right here, then, the two would definitely stop. It was a desperate plan, but it was the only one he could think of.
A massive headache descended on him but he didn't faint. He gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain. He wasn't going to let these two powerful women fight over him.
[Fusion complete.]
It was quite fast compared to what he experienced yesterday. He felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, a tingling sensation that spread from his core to his fingertips.
Meanwhile, back on the pet shop, Wuk suddenly stops as another stream of information flashes in its mind. It was like downloading a new operating system, but for monkeys.
An image of a large roaring ape appears. It was a vision of power, a glimpse into Wuk's potential future.
Unconsciously he starts moving, the muscles on its body tenses, as if they are working at overtime. It was like Wuk was possessed by the spirit of a thousand apes.
[Synching martial art with contracted mystique creature.]
[Wuk has learned Monkey Body Tempering Technique.]
Back on the pet shop, Wuk who was playing with his playmate suddenly pauses. It was like he'd been struck by lightning.
A stream of information is suddenly inserted on its brain. It was a flood of knowledge, a torrent of techniques and strategies.
It writhes in the ground in pain as it was bombarded with information. The other monkeys started to gather around it, looking at it with fear and concern. It was like Wuk was having a seizure, but with kung fu.
The other monkeys starts to gather around it, looking at it with fear and concern. They didn't understand what was happening to their friend.
After a while, Wuk suddenly stands up and starts doing weird stances. It was a bizarre and hilarious sight, a monkey practicing martial arts.
Back at home Sean, was very pale, he feels weak, it seems that the system doesn't just magically create a technique out of thin air. He felt like he'd run a marathon, but without any of the fun or exercise.
He walks down wobbly as he feels hunger assaulting him. His stomach was growling like a caged beast.
"Big brother?" When he got down, he saw a girl rummaging at the refrigerator. It was Yana, his aunt's daughter, a tech whiz and a secret foodie.
It was Yana, she was Tsuki, his aunt's daughter, unlike him and Hina, she is rather interested at studying technology. She was the brains of the family, the one who knew how to fix everything from broken computers to broken hearts.
He supported her decision but he still forced her to train for at least three days a week. He wanted her to be well-rounded, both physically and mentally.
"Hi, Yana, it seems that both of us are hungry, huh!" He jokes but clearly his appearance is quite concerning. He tried to play it off, but he knew that she could see right through him.
"Are you okay, big brother?" Unlike his mother who always worry about her future, her sister that demanded her to focus on martial art, only he was different. She was the only one who truly understood him.
Unlike his mother who always worry about her future, her sister that demanded her to focus on martial art, only he was different. She was the most perceptive member of their family.
Sure, his change only happened two months ago but still it was a positive change for her stressful life. She was glad that he was finally taking his life seriously.
"Yeah, I was just trying some martial arts that is quite demanding, I just need to rest and replenish my energy to recover," Sean said, forcing a smile. "It's like… my body is rebooting."
His sister believes him as this was the personality of the former Sean in the past. She was used to his eccentric behavior.
"You really are uncle's son, the two of you always try to learn some strange martial arts," She teases before taking some food from the refrigerator and gives it to him. "Here, eat this. You look like you're about to faint."
She teases before taking some food from the refrigerator and gives it to him. She was always looking out for him.
Just as he sits down, he feels a soft hand on his shoulder. It was Yana, her eyes filled with concern.
"You don't need to work so hard big brother, I had passed the test and can finally start earning some money for our household," She said, her voice filled with pride. "I got a job as a… uh… technical assistant."
She is proud of her accomplishment, sure, the money that she can earn can't compare to the amount he is now earning working at the pet shop, she still feel satisfied that she can earn some money in her age. She was determined to contribute to the family.
"No need, you just need to go to school and study, I was promoted today and will be earning more, you, on the other hand need to use your time proactively," Sean said, gently pushing her hand away. "Your job is to learn, not to earn."
Sensing a sermon coming on her way, she tries to sneak away, only to have her hand grabbed by him. She knew that he was going to lecture her about the importance of education.
"Since you decided to walk this path, you had to work twice as much, once you reach Vital Realm, let's search for a suitable mystique creature to help you study," Sean said, his voice softening. "Imagine, a sentient textbook! That would be amazing!"
Hearing his words, she feels warm, others were trying to push her to focus on martial arts, he's the only one supporting her interest. She was grateful for his understanding.
Sean knows just how terrifying technology can be and hopes that his sister can find a brand new path for humanity, combining both science and spiritual energy. He wanted her to use her knowledge for good.
His lied about his promotion but not about him going to earn more money. He was willing to do whatever it took to provide for his family.
If he can leverage Nima's connection, he can use the Black Ape Dojo to help him acquire a mercenary license. It was a risky plan, but it was the only way he could see to achieve his goals.
Earning from hunting mystique creatures and monsters would definitely help him grow, both financially and as a martial artist. He needed to become stronger, and he needed to do it fast.
Only by gaining some experience can he truly say that he is a warrior. He wanted to prove himself, to show that he was worthy of this new life.
The next day, with him having excuse himself from school, he directly went to the Black Ape Dojo. He was eager to start training, to hone his skills and unlock his full potential.
Just as he got there, his phone starts ringing. He sighed, wondering who was calling him now.
"Hello, who is this?" It was a number that he didn't know. He braced himself for another sales call.
"Sean, this is Nima, I know that someone like you wouldn't waste time sitting at home, are you already in the Black Ape Dojo?" Nima's voice was playful, but there was a hint of steel in her tone.
"No, not yet, I'm walking there, I'm at the market," Sean said, rubbing his nose. He felt a bit embarrassed having his personality being seen through by a friend. He was a creature of habit, and Nima seemed to know him better than he knew himself.
He rubs his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed having his personality being seen through by a friend. He was an open book, apparently.
"You just need to wait there, my father and I are going to escort you on our car," Nima said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Consider it a VIP treatment."
He was speechless, he feels that he doesn't warrant such a attention. He was just a regular guy, not some celebrity or dignitary.
"Okay," Sean said, relenting. He knew that arguing with Nima was a losing battle.
No matter what, he still needs Nima's help in order to get acquainted with the members of the dojo. He needed her connections if he wanted to succeed.
In just a short while, a car pulls up, unlike his former world, most of the cars built in this world is durable, the tougher it is, the more luxurious it is in the eyes of the rich. It was a sleek and powerful machine, a symbol of wealth and status.
"Hop in, your sister is already waiting at the dojo," Nima said, gesturing to the open door. "She's been practicing her stances all morning."
"My sister? You mean Hana? Is she a member of the dojo!?" Sean asked, his voice filled with surprise. He had no idea that his cousin was involved in martial arts.
He was shocked, he hasn't heard anything from this cousin of her. He was clearly out of the loop.
"Surprised?" With a mischievous smile, she pats the seat besides her. "We've been keeping it a secret."
Bowing slightly to the man sitting besides her, he went inside. The car was even more luxurious on the inside, with plush leather seats and a state-of-the-art sound system.
"I heard from my daughter that you are a naturally awakened Spiritual Tamer, is that true?" The man asks calmly, his words stunned him but he quickly recovers. "It's not every day that we meet someone with your potential."
The man asks calmly, his words stunned him but he quickly recovers. He was clearly being assessed.
"Yes, I just awakened yesterday," Sean said, bowing his head. He didn't want to appear arrogant or boastful.
He bows his head but the term "naturally" seems to hold a special meaning. He wondered what the man meant by "naturally awakened."
The man smiles as he looks at him with an appreciative look. "Good, prove your worth young man and our Gold Family will not be stingy towards you." He was clearly offering Sean a deal, a chance to rise through the ranks.
"Stop talking about business in the car, shouldn't there be a time and space for everything," Nima complains as she pouts at her dad. "Let the poor boy relax for once."
The old man can only cough, trying to save him some face, Sean decided to change the topic. He felt uncomfortable discussing business in front of Nima.
"So, is it true that Hina joined the Black Ape Dojo?" Sean asked, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.
Nima starts laughing loudly. "Of course, with my help, she became a disciple under Reina, it won't be long until she reaches the Vital Realm, probably two or three years top," She said, her voice filled with pride. "She's a natural talent."
Sean raises his eyebrow, it seems that he underestimated this cousin of her. He was impressed by Hina's dedication.
"It seems that we are going to be fellow disciples," Sean said, smiling at Nima. He was looking forward to training with her.
"Hahaha! Not just her but me too, I am also a member of the Black Ape Dojo, come to me when you need some mentoring," Nima said, winking at him. "I'm always happy to help a fellow disciple."
Hearing her words, her father starts coughing, he looks at Sean with warning in his eyes. He didn't approve of Nima's offer.
'Do not listen to her! She's unreliable!' The old man's eyes seemed to say.
Sean can only smile awkwardly, he didn't expect that even her father doesn't believe in her. He was starting to get a sense of the family dynamics.
Their journey was quite short as the Black Ape Dojo is situated quite near the market. They arrived at their destination in no time.
At the entrance, an image of a giant black ape can be seen, it was holding a staff that looks like a pillar, thrusting it to the sky. It was an imposing sight, a symbol of power and strength.
Seeing this, he was surprised. He hadn't expected the dojo to be so grand.
He turns to the Nima and asks. "I thought that the Black Ape Dojo mainly focuses on fist techniques," He was clearly misinformed.
"That is also the misunderstanding of majority of people, our dojo is actually a weapon-based dojo, mainly focuses on heavy weapons," Nima explained. "We believe in using whatever tools are at our disposal."
"What about greatswords and maces?" Sean asked, curious about the dojo's arsenal.
"Yes, they can also be used but the main martial art that is passed down by my uncle to relatives and core disciples has an accompanying technique directed to staves," Nima said. "It's a versatile weapon, capable of both offense and defense."
He nods his head as he feels that joining such dojo wouldn't be a waste of his time. He was starting to feel excited about training here.
"Where do I sign up?" Sean asked, eager to get started.
"No need, father already talked to uncle and he had you signed under the bodyguard training of the Gold Family," Nima said, smiling triumphantly. "You're basically a VIP member now."
'As expected, with a backer, most things would be solved quite easily,' He thought as Nima lead him inside, the sound of people shouting and fist hitting the air can be heard throughout the large compound. He could feel the energy in the air, the dedication and passion of the practitioners.
He thought as Nima lead him inside, the sound of people shouting and fist hitting the air can be heard throughout the large compound. It was a vibrant and bustling place, filled with the sounds of training and competition.
As they passed through the outer compound, Sean can't help but ask. "Why is there so little number of female practitioners?" He was curious about the gender dynamics of the dojo.
Nima can only smile bitterly. "The entry martial art of the Black Ape Dojo is the Black Ape Fist, training this would increase your muscle mass, especially in your arms, most females wouldn't accept that," She explained. "They prefer to maintain a more… feminine physique."
Sean scratches his head, it seems that he's still too naive of this world's culture. He was still learning the ropes of this new society.
He thought that regardless of appearance, everyone would strive for strength but it seems that no matter where he is, appearance truly matters. It was a disappointing realization.
Entering the inner compound, Nima smiles in a teasing manner before bringing him inside a certain room. She had a mischievous glint in her eyes.
There, he saw females practicing martial art stances. The room was filled with the sounds of grunts and heavy breathing.
Two individuals immediately catches his eyes. Reina and Hina. They were both beautiful and powerful.
"Hey Hina, look who I brought!" Nima was practically bouncing as she pulls him to the front. She was clearly enjoying this.
Reina frowns seeing a man in their private room. She didn't approve of men intruding on their space.
Everyone here is picked by her to practice their secret martial art. She had carefully selected these women for their talent and dedication.
The stances that they do in order to train this martial art is quite difficult and can be seen as provocative to lustful eyes. She wanted to protect them from unwanted attention.
Sean coughs awkwardly seeing just how taunt the clothes the girls are wearing. He felt like he was intruding on something private.
"I think that I don't belong in this room, maybe I should leave," Sean said, turning to go. He didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable.
Just as he was about to leave, Nima grabs his hand. "Nonsense, I brought you here to be taught by Reina how to execute the Black Ape Fist," She said, pulling him back. "You need to learn from the best."
She winks at him, causing him to recall Flowery. He was starting to see a pattern.
'Are all daughters of rich people acts the same?' He thought. He wondered if it was a genetic thing.
Shaking his head. "It would be my honor but I don't think that I am worthy of such a favor," Sean said, trying to politely decline. He didn't want to impose on Reina.
"You are boring, come one, just one session," Nima said, giving him puppy eyes. "Please? For me?"
Reina steps forward. "I think that you should start practicing right now, nothing would sway that devil head out hers," She said, resigned. "Might as well get it over with."
He can only sigh in helplessness, the girls were curious to see the person that Nima has brought. He was clearly the subject of much speculation.
This is the first time she brought a boy that she seems to like. They were all eager to see what he was like.
She doesn't treat him like the boys she introduced before. He was clearly special.
Her smile is genuine, not to mention, she messes with him, things she do to people she actually likes. He was starting to feel flattered.
He had already seen Reina's performance but copying stances isn't enough to quantify as learning one's martial art. He needed to understand the underlying principles.
He also needed to follow a set of rhythmic breathing and distribute any heat to certain body parts. It was a complex and demanding process.
The heat is basically vital energy coursing through one's body. He needed to learn how to control his vital energy if he wanted to master the Black Ape Fist.
As he performs the Black Ape Fist, he's confused to notice that it seems natural for him. It was like he was born to do this.
[Learned Black Ape Fist, martial art is compatible with Monkey Body Tempering Technique, fuse the two to create a skill?]