SS Awakening: My Monster Merging System!

The group of three advanced through the final corridor and reached a large stone door covered in strange ape markings. A faint smell of herbs drifted from the gap beneath it. Without hesitation, his palm pressed against the surface as he pushed, and the door opened slowly.

Inside was a priest-like chamber filled with stone bowls, hanging silver fur, and bones arranged near the walls. At the center stood a tall ape with pale silver fur and black markings across its chest. A crooked staff made from bone and stone rested in its grip, with several small skulls hanging from its waist.

Its eyes glowed with a deep red light.

A screen appeared above it.

[Boss Monster]

[Silverback Ape Shaman Lv 20]

The sight held Zich’s attention as the boss slowly turned its head. Long fingers tightened around the staff, and the air inside the chamber grew tense. Slimy stopped moving for a moment, while Blood Leech lowered its body.

His grip tightened around the iron sword before he roared, "Attack."

All three summons rushed forward simultaneously.

A heavy slam echoed as the shaman brought its staff down, sending a silver shockwave across the floor that struck the Silverback Grunt first. The summon stumbled but forced itself forward and swung its club. At the same time, Blood Leech used Silent Step to circle to the side, while Slimy spat poison from behind.

One hand lifted, and a silver barrier flashed before the shaman’s body, blocking the poison.

Zich’s expression stayed cold. A boss monster was never going to go down that easily.

Fortunately, they had the number advantage.

A small ball of silver light formed above the staff and shot forward. Reacting instantly, he threw himself aside as the blast struck the floor where he had been standing.

Boom!

From the side, Blood Leech reached the boss and stabbed forward with its proboscis, but the shaman struck it with the staff and sent it rolling across the chamber. The Silverback Grunt roared and used Heavy Swing.

BANG!

The hit cracked the barrier.

"Slimy, keep spitting! Grunt, hit again!"

Both hands rose as the boss released several silver bolts across the room. One struck Slimy and scattered its body across the floor, while another hit the grunt in the chest and forced it back.

Seeing the opening, Zich rushed in, mana gathering around the iron sword.

"Blood Arc!"

The slash tore across the cracked barrier and broke it. From the side, Blood Leech sprang up again and stabbed its proboscis into the shaman’s shoulder, making the boss screech.

Closing the distance, he ignored the pain in his ribs.

"Too late."

Mana poured into the blade until the red light thickened again. The shaman lifted its staff to block, but the swing came without hesitation.

"Blood Arc!"

The attack cut through the staff and struck the boss across the chest. The Silverback Ape Shaman froze as a deep wound opened from shoulder to stomach. Its red eyes flickered once before its body collapsed onto the chamber floor.

[Ding! You have killed Boss Monster: Silverback Ape Shaman.]

[Ding! You have leveled up.]

[Level: 5 → 6]

[You have gained 5 Free Attribute Points.]

A slow breath left his lungs as the sword lowered. His gaze moved past the corpse to the back of the chamber, where a treasure chest had appeared.

"Heh."

Without wasting time, Zich walked toward it, ignoring the tired state of his summons. His hand gripped the lid and opened it.

Inside the chest was a saw, two skill scrolls, one red fruit, and a small handband with strange markings.

[Ding! You have obtained dungeon clear rewards.]

[Saw]

[Skill Scroll x2]

[EXP Fruit]

[Lucky Handband]

The first item made him raise an eyebrow, wondering why a saw was included and what use it could have.

[Saw (Normal)]

[Details: A mana powered saw used for cutting]

Unimpressed, it was stored away for selling later before his attention shifted to the next item.

[Silk Barrier LV 1]

[Summons a semi hard silk to block attacks. Tip: Compatible with slime type monsters.]

"A barrier type skill?" His eyes shone with interest. So far, dodging had been the only option, but this could allow him to take attacks head on when movement was not possible.

"But... more compatible with slime types." His gaze shifted toward Slimy, who had already reformed and looked disoriented and slightly dumb.

"I will not be greedy. If it is more compatible, then Slimy should learn it."

With that decision made, his focus moved to the next scroll.

[Super Soldier LV 1]

[Details: Master all weapons and fighting techniques]

His breath caught the moment he read it.

A skill like this could turn him into a combat genius without years of training.

"I am certain if I sell this, it would be worth millions of dollars."

"If I do that, I will be very wealthy and finally afford a mansion in the inner ring."

Excitement filled his eyes as thoughts of the future ran through his mind.

Still, a deep breath followed as he forced himself to calm down.

With his class, wealth would come eventually. There was no need to rush.

For now, he would learn it.

The scroll activated, flying into his chest as excitement surged through him.

Once the skill settled within his body, his gaze moved to the next item.

[EXP Fruit]

[Details: Contains a stored amount of EXP in each bite]

However, out of everything, the last item shocked him the most.

[Lucky Handband (Rare)]

[Upon wearing it, it increases the user’s luck exponentially for 24 hours.]

[It can also trigger lucky events.]

....

Treasure ranks and more world info will be included in the aux Chapters coming soon.

Don’t go anywhere, two more Chapters coming up today!