Chapter 25 - Kuys Monster Summon!
Upon hearing that last piece of words, Ban could not help but feel astonished. He did not know that Grandpa Kuys had such a background.
If only he also just awakened late and summoned his monster during a danger, he and Kuys story might be the same. However, he did not awaken in the end and only managed to become a summoner with the Almighty Summoner System's help.
For his two years stay at the Kuys Bar, he did not see any of his summons. He thought that Kuys must have hidden them somewhere.
However, that thought was suddenly interrupted by the next words of Kuys.
"And just like you, I also have a Monster Tattoo!"
Ban's eyes went wide in surprise again. 'So Grandpa Kuys must be one of the five people that have a Monster Tattoo in the city that Boss Mario mentioned before.'
Grandpa Kuys then slowly rolled his suit over his shoulder.
And on Grandpa Kuys broad shoulder, a black and white tattoo of a roaring panda monster could be seen clearly. The tattoo was quite life-like that Ban even thought that it would pounce on him at the next moment.
He gulped a mouthful of saliva as he stared at the monster tattoo in nervousness. Unlike his Beast Tattoo, Grandpa Kuys Monster Tattoo was clearly more defined and life-like.
"Summon!"
Grandpa Kuys suddenly shouted before a blacklight was emitted from the tattoo.
A while later, a fat panda suddenly materializes itself in the counter table that they were using.
The panda was lying on its back lazily as it sucked the bamboo leaf on its mouth.
However, even though with its carefree attitude, Ban still did not dare to underestimate it, as he could vaguely feel the threatening aura that surrounded it.
And when he asked the Almighty Summoner System about the information of the panda, the name itself already gave it away.
'Berserker Panda!'
As if hearing his thoughts, Grandpa Kuys also spoke about his Monster.
"This is my summon that I managed to awaken at that time. I was also in danger from a panda beast during that time when this little Berserker Panda got awakened inside me and then helped me win the battle by an inch margin."
"I have asked about it from some of my friends and they told me that it must be because my monster needs another catalyst before it gets fully awakened. Ban-kiddo, I also suspect that you and I have the same case." Grandpa Kuys said.
"M-maybe!" Ban replied with his head lowered.
He then added, "Grandpa Kuys, if you have that panda, why didn't you become an Adventurer?"
"Who said... I did not become one? I just got tired of being one so I decided to set up this Bar." Grandpa Kuys answered. Ban noticed that his voice cracked a little bit upon recalling that piece of information, Ban guessed that he must also have some painful memories during his time as an Adventurer.
Ban no longer asked another question, afraid that he might hit some sour spots on Grandpa Kuys' past.
"Unsummon!"
Grandpa Kuys uttered as the Berserker Panda disappeared completely out of Ban's sight. The tense feeling that he was feeling also disappeared together with the fat panda.
After he unsummoned the Berserker Panda, Grandpa Kuys proceeded to explain how the Monster Tattoo works.
Even though he doesn't need it due to the existence of the Almighty Summoner System, Ban still listens to Grandpa Kuys intently, just like a student learning about something for the first time.
A while later, Grandpa Kuys finally finished his lecture. Ban did not regret listening to it as compared to what Boss Mario told him, it was more detailed and concise as it came directly from a Monster Tattoo holder himself.
Even though there was still a possibility that Grandpa Kuys was lying, Ban did not take it to mind as he highly doubted it as Grandpa Kuys would literally gain nothing even if he did so.
Grandpa Kuys was a very gentle and kind man. At least for Ban, that's how he felt.
"Now let's move on to the next topic! Ban-kiddo, are you sure about registering as an Adventurer? You must know that it is a job full of danger."
"Not only beasts, you might also encounter and fight Summoners on your journey. You will experience killing first hand, depending on the circumstances. Even killing your comrades was also not out in the option. You might even experience and witness more brutal and gore sights. Knowing this, Ban, do you still want to become an Adventurer?" Grandpa Kuys seriously said as he glared at Ban.
If ever he sees an even slight hesitation on Ban, he would also not hesitate to stop him on becoming an Adventurer. After all, his good friend left Ban in his care. He had also grown attached to Ban himself, he even already treated him as his own grandson.
Ban lowered his head for a moment before he stared straight at Grandpa Kuys eyes. There was no longer any hesitation on his eyes as he firmly answered, "Yes, Grandpa Kuys. I'm already aware of it and I still want to become one!"
In fact, he was already aware of it years ago. The moment his gramps was taken in front of him forcefully 2 years ago, he already resolved himself for revenge, even thinking about killing those who beat his gramps into a sorry state.
The resolution in his eyes could not be faked, nor was it fake in the first place. Kuys observed him for a second before finally releasing a sigh in defeat.
Boss Mario even nodded his head upon seeing Ban's resolve.
"Alright, however, I must tell you this. In a week or so, there might be a Beast Tide that will occur. And being an Adventurer, you are obliged to fight, and defend the city from those wild beasts. Retreat and cowardice is not an option and anyone who flee will be executed on the spot without delay. An Adventurer should be brave enough to confront danger the same way they feel delighted with the rewards..."
"In this period, I want you to strengthen your summoned monster, Demon Ant to the next rank, namely, the F-Apprentice Rank! That way, you should be able to survive during the Beast Tide."
"You must note that improving a Monster's Rank was by no means easy, some even took months just to upgrade their Monster to the next rank. However, with the help of my Monster Tattoo, I was able to achieve it within a week, so I also expected for you to be the same."
Grandpa Kuys stated earlier that those who have a Monster Tattoo will have an easier time advancing their Monster to the next Rank.
However, there was also a limit to that, as it purely depends on the Monster, and the holder.
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