4. Worthy Opponents

Jake finishes a brutal fight by killing a lvl 128 Tri-Lighttail Dervish with Touch of the Malefic Viper amid a devastated, poison-soaked forest. He drinks potions, heals deep wounds, and levels his class to 103. Recognizing speed as a limiting factor against Dervishes, he commits 105 Free Points to Agility, accepting a break from his Perception-only habit to keep pace with higher-level foes.

After recovering through meditation and potions, Jake avoids minor skirmishes. While hiding from a small patrol, his casual camouflage triggers a skill upgrade from Advanced Stealth (Common) to Expert Stealth (Uncommon), slightly enhancing Agility and Perception while undetected.

Pressing deeper into Lighttail territory, Jake encounters a massive ancient temple complex functioning as a nursery, crowded with D- and E-grade monkeys. He identifies four Tri-Lighttail Monkey Matriarchs (lvls 142–147) overseeing the brood. When a golden, five-tailed figure emerges, he uses Identify: a Penta-Lighttail Monkey Prima (lvl 131). Despite its lower level, Jake senses superior threat and potential, marking it as his first truly worthy D-grade prey.

Scene shift: Miyamoto trains in his courtyard, executing a flawless Sword Dance and contemplating his awakened ancestral blade, now a soulbound artifact. At class 99 and profession 95, he focuses on Perfect Evolution rather than political office. Using Supreme Sword Meditation (Ancient), he pursues enlightenment, reflecting on adaptability as strength.

Miyamoto recalls securing pylons for his clan—first with heavy losses, second alone, third achieved by descendants—while planning for the World Congress. He resolves to protect and grow his clan through personal mastery, embracing change as the path to their most fruitful season.