Sharp Fang's mention had been useful—the ingredients for Lord Rover needed Monster Cell modification.
So Jack didn't convert everything. He set aside a dozen Cells, tucked them into his armor's seams. Ready for use.
Still no spatial storage. Inconvenient. If I ever encounter a space-type ability? Copy it instantly.
Mental note made.
But priority one remained: solidify the Rover relationship. No amount of point-hoarding was worth jeopardizing that.
Noise flooded his perception. Returning hunters.
His form blurred—gone.
Rumble...
Heavy footsteps. Ground vibrations. The hunting squad emerged from darkness, dragging carcasses.
The prize piece? A massive brown bear. Mostly intact—except its caved-in skull. Violent death, Monster-style.
"Well done."
Jack approached the bear. Plucked a Monster Cell from his armor.
Under the curious, awed gazes of every monster present—he pierced the corpse. Pressed the Cell in.
THUMP.
THUMP.
THUMP.
The dead bear's heart seemed to beat again.
Distorted flesh proliferated—spreading, consuming. The corpse twitched. Swelled. Flesh buds erupted beneath the skin. Chaotic monster aura bloomed.
Moments later? Transformation complete.
The bear was now a bloated, grotesque thing. Unrecognizable. Perfect.
Just like yesterday's "exclusive cuisine."
Jack's gaze swept the crowd. Casual. Picking.
"You. You. And you three. Come out."
Four Wolf-level. One Tiger-level. The chosen ones.
Ecstasy exploded on their faces.
The Tiger-level "Three-Eyed Giant" puffed his chest. Finally—appreciated!
They remembered Sharp Fang. Weak little rat. Now general manager. If he could rise...
Support Character Self-Cultivation.
Jack's order was crisp: "Drag this. Follow me."
"YES, BOSS!" x5
Three-Eyed Giant volunteered for the bear's head—heavy, prestigious. Shot triumphant glares at the Wolf-level grunts.
The four grunts huffed and puffed, dragging the rest. Following their new boss.
Destination: Rover's territory.
Sharp Fang watched them go.
The other monsters? Envious. Resentful. Lucky bastards.
Sharp Fang swallowed hard.
A flicker of fear. Of relief.
Good thing I'm scrawny. Not much meat on me.
His awe of Jack deepened another layer.
Familiar passage. Deathly silence.
The five chosen monsters' excitement cooled. Then faded. Then curdled into... unease.
Especially Three-Eyed Giant. Something felt... off.
Then—
Pressure.
Ancient. Terrifying. Dragon-level.
Six burning eyes ignited in the darkness. Swept over them.
The five monsters froze. Ice in their veins. Horror beyond words.
D-Dragon... Dragon-level... LORD ROVER!!!
How did he just... stroll in here like that?!
"ROAR—!" (YOU'RE HERE—!)
A low rumble. Hot, bloody wind blasted the five monsters—fur flattened, bodies swaying.
Reality: Rover was just happy. Greeting Jack.
Jack stepped forward, unafraid. His dark faceplate curved into a sincere, friendly smile.
"I'm here, Lord Rover."
Rover leaned in. Sniffed. Yep. Still has my scent. Good dog.
"ROAR—? ROAR!" (You're taller than yesterday—? Kids grow fast!)
Jack: "..."
Good heavens. It really DOES see me as a pup.
Brief "friendly" reunion over. Jack glanced back.
Five "lucky ingredients." Trembling like leaves in a storm.
White light erupted.
Screams—brief. Swallowed.
[ Killed Wolf-level monsters x4. Origin Points +9. ]
[ Killed Tiger-level monster x1. Origin Points +23. ]
Five lucky souls? Gone.
Gurgle...
The scent of char hit Rover's nose. His throat worked. Impatiently—he lowered his head. CRUNCH. Bone fragments flew. Chewed with relish.
Finished. Satisfied. His thick tail wagged.
He lowered his massive head—rubbed his rough, furry cheek against Jack's dark armor. Purred.
"Awoo awoo awoo~~"
Jack understood perfectly now. Beast Instinct had made Rover's language second nature.
The excited "explanation" that followed? Left him equal parts amused and resigned.
Rover loved his "cooked food." Not because Jack was some grill master.
Because Rover's own Scorching Heat Bullet was too powerful. Every hunt? Overkill. Either vaporized prey—or charred, inedible lumps.
Until yesterday? Raw meat only.
Jack's scaled-down version? Perfect. Crispy outside, tender inside.
Jack: "..."
So I survived because my attack was WEAK?
Where's the logic?!
But bond strengthened. Another successful feeding.
Jack remembered normal pet owner duties. Strike while iron hot.
"Lord Rover... your fur looks messy. Need a cleaning?"
Rover's six eyes blinked. He twisted—inspecting himself.
Dust. Gravel. Dried mucus. Blood clots. Disheveled. Dirty.
He tilted his head. Confusion. When was his last bath?
Hmm... very, very long ago. Before he was this big.
To the "little one" who provided delicious cooked food and smelled familiar? Guard? Mostly lowered.
He nodded.
"AWOO—! AWOO!" (Come on! I know a good bath spot! I'll take you!)
Rover lay down. Lowered his head. Invited.
Jack: ???!!!
〣 ( º Δ º ) 〣
DRAGON-LEVEL MONSTER.
ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE.
OFFERING A PIGGYBACK RIDE?!
Dignity? Where's your dignity?!
Our relationship developed HOW fast?! A billion times?!
Rover's six eyes darted. Expectant. Impatient.
Jack exhaled.
What bad intentions could a good boy have? Wants a bath buddy.
Let's do it.
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