MTLNOVEL Chapter 36: Chapter 35:Back to the Basics
The soft morning light filtered through Kai's dorm window as he sat cross-legged on his bed, a faint hum filling the room. It was the sound of his system interface, glowing faintly in his mind like a trusted companion. His head tilted slightly as he scanned the latest updates. The underground tournament had been a whirlwind of chaos, glory, and stress, but now that it was over, he could finally reassess his progress.
"Alright, system," Kai muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's see where we stand."
---
### **[System Interface – Kai Anther]**
**Name**: Kai Anther
**Title**: Challenger of Titans, Insect Tamer( beginner)
**Level**: 7 (EXP: 600/4,000)
**Beast Taming Points (BTP)**: 900
**Gold Coins**: 2,000
---
#### **Skills:**
1. **Swarm Commander (Passive)** – Boosts coordination and effectiveness of all bonded beasts in battle. (+10% speed, damage, and defensive response when commanding multiple insects.)
2. **Luminous Shield (Active)** – Creates a glowing barrier of light that absorbs damage for a short time. *(Cooldown: 5 minutes)*
3. **Pack Tactics (Passive)** – Enhances teamwork among bonded beasts, increasing their synergy and effectiveness during coordinated attacks.
4. **Radiant Flare (Active)** – Releases a blinding flash of light, disorienting nearby enemies and improving visibility in dark environments. *(Cooldown: 3 minutes)*
5. **Iron Resolve (Passive)** – Increases the durability and stamina of all bonded beasts during extended battles.
6. **Beast Synchronization (Passive)** – Allows temporary synchronization between the tamer and bonded beasts, enabling enhanced coordination and shared instincts during battle. *(Cooldown: 1 hour)*
7. **Tactical Coordination (Passive)** – Grants a small boost to reaction time for both tamer and bonded beasts during combat.
8. **Predator's Insight (Active)** – Temporarily reveals the weakness of a targeted enemy beast. *(Cooldown: 10 minutes)*
---
#### **Bonded Beasts:**
1. **Fortress Ant (Tiny)**
- **Level**: 4
- **Condition**: Restored (Armor integrity: 100%)
- **Skills**:
- **Iron Bulwark (Level 1)** – Temporarily grants immunity to all physical attacks for 15 seconds. *(Cooldown: 5 minutes)*
- **Harden (Level 2)** – Temporarily increases durability, reducing incoming damage. *(Cooldown: Ready)*
- **Mandible Strike (Level 1)** – A powerful melee attack using its razor-sharp mandibles. *(Cooldown: Ready)*
- **Acid Spit (Level 2)** – A ranged corrosive attack that melts armor and flesh. *(Cooldown: Ready)*
2. **Blitz Hornet (Stinger)**
- **Level**: 3
- **Condition**: Fully Restored (Speed and stamina at peak)
- **Skills**:
- **Blitz Dive (Level 2)** – A high-speed attack that deals critical damage to a single target. *(Cooldown: 20 seconds)*
- **Poison Sting (Level 2)** – A venomous projectile that weakens enemies over time. *(Cooldown: 10 seconds)*
- **Aerial Dash (Level 2)** – Increases speed and evasion in midair. *(Passive)*
**Tamed Creature
1. **Luminous Silk Moth (Glow)**
- **Level**: 2
- **Condition**: Restored (Light output at peak)
- **Skills**:
- **Radiant Flare** – Releases a blinding flash of light, disorienting nearby enemies. *(Cooldown: Ready)*
- **Luminous Shield** – Creates a glowing protective barrier around an ally. *(Cooldown: Ready)*
---
Kai let out a low whistle as he finished reviewing the numbers. "Not bad," he muttered, leaning back against the wall. "Level 7, some solid skills, and Tiny's looking like a real tank now. Stinger's speed is insane, and Glow's support abilities are really coming together."
Still, it wasn't enough. The underground tournament had taught him that there were tamers out there far more dangerous than he realized. Victor Thane's Shadow Dreadwyrm had been a wake-up call—Kai might have won, but only by the skin of his teeth. If he wanted to survive in this world, let alone thrive, he needed to keep pushing.
The system interrupted his thoughts with a familiar chime. **"Reminder: Classes begin in one hour. Attendance is recommended to maintain academic standing and access to academy resources."**
Kai groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Right. Class. Because that's exactly how I want to spend my morning."
Tiny clicked its mandibles in what sounded suspiciously like a laugh, while Stinger buzzed from its perch on the windowsill. Glow, ever the quiet one, simply fluttered beside him, its golden light casting soft shadows across the room.
"Alright, alright, I get it," Kai muttered, standing up and stretching. "Let's get this over with."
---
The campus was alive with activity as Kai made his way to the lecture hall. Students milled about in small groups, their beasts trailing behind them or perched on their shoulders. Conversations buzzed around him—excited chatter about the upcoming Beast Taming Exhibition, rumors of new dungeon expeditions, and, of course, whispers about the mysterious "insect tamer" who had somehow defeated Victor Thane in the underground tournament.
Kai kept his head down, not eager to draw attention. The last thing he needed was someone connecting him to the illegal fights. Sure, he'd walked away with glory, but if the academy found out, it could mean expulsion—or worse.
"Hey, bug boy!" a familiar voice called out.
Kai sighed, stopping in his tracks as Arden Stormfang strode toward him, his ever-present thunder wolf padding silently at his side. The beast's glowing eyes locked onto Kai like it wanted to tear him apart, but Kai barely spared it a glance.
"Arden," Kai said flatly. "What do you want?"
Arden smirked, crossing his arms. "Just wanted to see how the big tournament champion is holding up. Must be hard, lugging that giant ego around."
Kai rolled his eyes. "Funny. You should try stand-up comedy. Maybe then you'd actually win something."
Arden's smirk faltered, his expression darkening. "Watch it, bug boy. You got lucky in that fight with Victor. Don't think it'll happen again."
Kai shrugged, stepping past him. "Luck's all about making the right moves at the right time. Something you might want to work on."
Arden's growl followed him, but Kai didn't look back.
---
The lecture hall was already half-full when Kai arrived. Rows of desks stretched across the room, each one equipped with a small glowing interface for note-taking and research. At the front of the room, Professor Lira Duskshade—a stern woman with sharp features and an air of authority—was preparing her notes for the day's lesson.
Kai found an empty seat near the back, slouching into the chair as Tiny settled on the desk in front of him. Stinger hovered above him, its wings buzzing softly, while Glow perched on the edge of his chair, its light dimmed to avoid drawing attention.
As the room filled with students, Kai couldn't help but notice a few curious glances sent his way. Whispers floated through the air—snippets of conversations about the "insect tamer" and his unexpected rise to fame.
Kai ignored them, focusing instead on the system interface still glowing faintly in his mind. His thoughts drifted back to the Verdant Core, the underground tournament, and the path ahead. There was still so much to learn, so much to achieve.
But for now, he had a class to survive.