《Astrithon: Rise of the Zamongarai》 Chapter 1 - The Rebirth Excerpt 1 (Page 243, Section 4) The Zamongarai, a powerful subspecies of minotaur, are renowned for their immense strength and imposing physiques. Despite their raw power and capacity for tremendous feats of brute force, they are often overshadowed¡ªeven among their own kind¡ªdue to limited intellect and poor agility, which leave them struggling with tasks that require precision or finesse. As with most races, however, a rare few manage to rise above these inherent limitations. Source: Introduction to Creatures ¨C Biologist Ukan Excerpt 1 End ***** One of life¡¯s greatest mysteries is what happens after death. But for Hassan, that question had already been answered. The Heavens, the Hells, and all the realms in between were no myth¡ªthey were real, as tangible as life itself. And Hassan had earned his place in one of the Heavens. Throughout his life on Earth, he had avoided serious wrongdoing, treated others with kindness, and gave generously to those in need. He stayed on the right path, unwavering. In Heaven, one of the most cherished privileges was the boundless freedom to explore limitless possibilities¡ªprovided, of course, that your rank permitted it. After what felt like eons of peace and opportunity, Hassan craved something new. He chose to be reborn in a fantasy world of his own design. Among infinite worlds, realms, dimensions, and universes, he chose one world: Astrithon, a land of chaos and wonder nestled within the vast greater universe of Kaironexus. Astrithon stood apart¡ªrenowned for its intricate connections to countless planes and its endless wars. It was also famed for its astonishing variety of races. Some, like behemoths and dragons, were physically formidable. Others, such as elves, mind weavers, and soul-based beings like wraiths and nightmares, excelled in magic or soul manipulation. This diversity promised centuries¡ªif not millennia¡ªof entertainment. What set Astrithon apart even more was its refusal to remain still. Cataclysms, wars, and upheavals struck with relentless frequency¡ªand above them all loomed the trials: ancient, unyielding, and born from the will of Kaironexus itself. These trials were governed by Kaironexus, a vast and impartial universe whose Will shaped the very laws of existence. They were forged through its actions and guided by its core imperatives: to expand, evolve, and accumulate power¡ªimperatives born in the wake of catastrophe. That catastrophe occurred long ago, when Kaironexus collided with another universe¡ªan event that unleashed cataclysmic destruction and nearly led to its own annihilation. From that moment on, it embraced a single truth: survival demanded strength. Through endless observation, Kaironexus discovered that conflict bred innovation, and the pursuit of power fueled growth. By fostering these forces, it gradually amassed strength and knowledge across the eons¡ªand from this wisdom, the trials were born. Though unforgiving, the trials remained fair. Kaironexus had come to realize that neutrality best nurtured growth, while overt assistance often led to unintended consequences¡ªchief among them, rebellion against its very self. To preserve that balance¡ªand to prevent similar disasters from befalling itself or its inhabitants¡ªKaironexus enforced immutable laws. Direct intervention, especially during trials, was strictly forbidden. Even beyond the trials, no world, realm, or dimension was permitted to directly empower its inhabitants. Assistance was limited to the most basic knowledge, fleeting insight, or the faintest whisper of guidance. Knowledge capable of artificially enhancing strength through science or sorcery was also heavily restricted, as such shortcuts¡ªthough tempting¡ªoften crippled long-term growth and stunted potential at higher tiers. To avoid being seen as cruel or unjust¡ªand to prevent rebellion¡ªKaironexus carefully shaped the structure and rewards of the trials. Rewards were proportional to the difficulty faced, and they extended not only to the participants but also to their worlds, realms, or dimensions. To Hassan, the system¡¯s delicate balance of order, restraint, and reward was utterly fascinating. However, Hassan knew that retaining his knowledge of Heaven¡ªand his immunity to permanent death¡ªwould strip away the genuine fear and excitement he craved. To preserve the authenticity of the experience, he chose to enter Astrithon with only his earthly memories, frozen at age thirty-five. All knowledge of the afterlife would be erased. He also feared that carrying divine truths into a world of false gods and clashing beliefs might lead him to blasphemy¡ªor worse, compel him to betray his faith in the name of survival. To prevent such a fate, he chose to erase all religious knowledge and implement fail-safes, ensuring he could never unwittingly sin against God and risk forfeiting his place in Heaven. Then came the matter of choosing a race¡ªa decision that proved more difficult than he had anticipated. In Astrithon, no race was inherently weak, though hive-based species required far longer to grow stronger and were often born into servitude. Hassan decided to set strict criteria: his new race had to be humanoid, possess a physical body, mind, and soul, and avoid hive affiliations. Even with those filters, more than a hundred thousand species remained eligible. In the end, he left it to chance. In less than a heartbeat, his transformation was complete¡ªrevealing a bull-headed, fur-covered humanoid: a Zamongarai. A distinctive subspecies of minotaur, the Zamongarai were renowned for their formidable strength and impressive physique¡ªthough also infamous for their slower intellect. To avoid that particular drawback, Hassan opted to retain his human-level intelligence, as well as his mental and soul faculties. He had no desire to spend years relearning language or struggling through basic reasoning¡ªthough he admitted, this was, in a sense, cheating. Still, it would ensure he could fully enjoy the depth of the experience. Zamongarai experienced their most intense development during their first thirty years, with growth slowing greatly after age 100 and regression beginning around age 300¡ªunless they achieved a high enough tier, which extended their lifespan alongside their growing power. This early window would largely shape Hassan¡¯s physical, mental, and soul-related potential. He chose to begin his incarnation at two weeks old. By that age, a young Zamongarai no longer required milk and could crawl with only moderate supervision, thanks to their naturally robust physique¡ªwhich made injuries less of a concern. However, oversight was still necessary due to their limited cognitive development. They were known to eat random objects or crash into walls, sometimes causing brain damage¡ªtypically until around age ten. With his past life knowledge, Hassan wasn¡¯t worried about those hazards. Walking normally, however, still depended on nervous system maturation¡ªparticularly the spinal cord and motor cortex¡ªso while it would take some time, his Zamongarai physique meant he¡¯d only be unsteady for a short while. Next, he planned his upbringing. He would be born as a random orphan in a modest town¡ªbut one equipped with everything essential for someone striving to reach the pinnacle of strength. At the same time, he ensured the region wouldn¡¯t face any destruction for at least ten years at the town level, and thirty years at the regional level¡ªall within the Golden Age of Astrithon. As for his caregivers and specific location, he chose not to interfere. He let those details unfold naturally, unconcerned with who his adoptive parents would be or where exactly he¡¯d be placed. In Astrithon, orphans of war were often cared for by local communities, charitable institutions, or extended family until they were deemed fit to fend for themselves¡ªallowing surviving adults to focus on defending their land. Such a setting would offer both basic stability and the freedom to explore his potential¡ªespecially since he wouldn¡¯t be tied down by obligations. At most, he¡¯d have a caregiver or a distant relative overseeing him. This carefully chosen starting point would allow Hassan to capitalize on the Zamongarai¡¯s rapid early growth, granting him more time to train¡ªand offering a significant long-term advantage, while also making the journey far more engaging and rewarding. Before leaving Heaven, Hassan selected four essential perks to make his journey thrilling yet feasible. First, he carried over his human intellect, soul, and 35 years of Earthly experience¡ªa time when he was at the peak of his adventurous prime. Second, he created a system panel and an internal space to track progress and assist with training. Third, he found the most advanced methods to maximize the potential of his body, mind, and soul¡ªensuring he could train each attribute efficiently. And finally, he safeguarded himself against external control and corruption, fortifying his will against all forms of manipulation. These foundational perks would define the extent of his ultimate potential. Moreover, the system and training space function on a level far beyond the detection abilities of Astrithon or even Kaironexus, eliminating any risk of being discovered. With everything in place, Hassan bid farewell to Heaven and embraced the vibrant unpredictability of Astrithon. As a fledgling Zamongarai in a world of endless peril and possibility, he was eager for the challenges ahead. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ***** On a grassy battlefield, drenched in blood and littered with the mangled corpses of Zamongarai, beasts, and monstrous foes, two opposing armies squared off. Each warrior sat astride a colossal bull mount, their towering forms tense, muscles coiled like bowstrings, ready to snap. The stench of iron and blood clung to the air¡ªthick and suffocating. ¡°I told you not to let your pride get the better of you, Rokface! You damn fool¡ªlook at what you¡¯ve caused!¡± War Chief Axes bellowed, his voice cutting through the howling wind like a blade. ¡°Hundreds of our warriors are dead, and countless others lie wounded because you charged headfirst into the enemy without a plan!¡± Breathing heavily, Axes glared at Battlelord Rokface, his expression murderous. Around them, surviving soldiers moved in weary silence, their armor dented and smeared with blood. Some leaned on weapons, barely standing. Others knelt beside the fallen, whispering last rites to comrades who would never rise again. ¡°And what of it, Axes?¡± Rokface snapped, his grip tightening on the reins of his mount. ¡°Winter is nearly upon us. We can¡¯t fight without supplies. If we had waited, they would have used that portal to reinforce their numbers while we were forced to shelter from the cold. We had no choice but to destroy it. Besides, we crushed their forces. The dead will be honored, their descendants cared for. And we, the survivors, will earn our merits¡ª¡± ¡°Enough, Rokface!¡± Axes roared, his voice trembling with fury. He thrust a hand toward the lifeless bodies beneath tattered banners, their frozen forms stiffening in the bitter wind. ¡°We could¡¯ve won without that reckless charge. Now, hundreds are dead, and our forces are stretched thin. If we take another hit like this, we won¡¯t be able to hold the line.¡± He leaned forward, voice raw with grief. ¡°Look around you! Your own brother. His wife. Both lie among the dead. And their son¡ªjust two weeks old¡ªis now an orphan.¡± His defiant glare wavered, faltering beneath the weight of truth. His eyes drifted toward the lifeless rows, scanning faces frozen in final dignity. There¡ªhis brother and sister-in-law, still and solemn in death. His gaze caught on the familiar weapon gripped in his brother¡¯s hand, a flail half-buried in blood-soaked mud. Nearby, his sister-in-law¡¯s staff lay beside her, silent witness to their end. Rokface froze. His mount shifted uneasily, sensing the weight of his silence. For a moment, he clenched his jaw, hands trembling slightly on the reins. Then, slowly, he exhaled¡ªa bitter, hollow sound that seemed to drain the fight from him. ¡°They died an honorable death,¡± he said at last, his voice quieter now, edged with something weary and final. ¡°I¡¯ll raise their son in their stead. I¡¯ll make him a great warrior.¡± He raised a fist to his chest in silent vow, then turned his mount away¡ªoffering no further words to Axes. He lifted his gaze to his troops, his tone regaining its commanding steel. ¡°Soldiers, we return. This invasion is over.¡± Axes watched him go, jaw tight, frustration burning in his chest. But as Rokface rode farther from the battlefield, disappearing into the fading light, Axes felt something else¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t expected. A trace of pity. He didn¡¯t know if it was for Rokface, for the dead, or for all of them¡ªbut it was there. Axes turned back to his soldiers, the fire in his voice returning¡ªnot from anger, but from duty. ¡°Bury our companions where they fell. With their armor. With their weapons. They fought as Zamongarai should¡ªand they¡¯ll rest as they deserve.¡± The warriors stirred¡ªsilent at first, then began to move. Slow. Steady. Burdened by the weight of loss and responsibility. ***** My head... Hassan struggled to open his eyes as the world spun violently around him. After what felt like an eternity, the dizziness began to fade, and he was finally able to take in his surroundings. To his shock, he wasn¡¯t in his bedroom. Instead, he appeared to be inside a primitive, medieval-style tent. The space was adorned with bundles of leather hides¡ªeach crafted from creatures he didn¡¯t recognize¡ªarranged so meticulously that they seemed to tell silent stories of their own. A soft, ethereal white light bathed the room, emanating from a luminescent plant nestled in a tall pillar-like mound of earth at the center. Its delicate, frosted-glass-like leaves shimmered with a magical glow, casting soft shadows across the pristine canvas walls. Remarkably, everything seemed untouched by time¡ªnot a speck of dust in sight. Even the air felt warm and strangely inviting. He opened his mouth to speak¡ªbut the sounds that emerged were slurred and mangled, distorted by unfamiliar vocal cords. He paused, frowning. My voice... it sounds wrong. Fortunately, he wasn¡¯t in the habit of speaking his thoughts aloud anyway. Hassan¡¯s astonishment deepened as he realized just how clearly he could see every detail. Colors were unnaturally vivid, sharper than he had ever experienced before, as though his eyes had been enhanced. Reaching up instinctively to touch his face, he froze. There were no glasses perched on his nose, no VR headset strapped to his head. Instead, his fingers brushed against smooth yet hairy skin. His heart sank. Could this be a dream? Desperate to understand, he looked down at his body. What he saw made his breath catch¡ªhis skin was a deep, grayish black, cloaked in a sleek coat of black fur. Every inch of him felt alien, as if he had been transplanted into someone else¡¯s body. Then, a strange sensation tingled at the base of his spine. Turning slightly, his eyes widened. I even have a tail. Taking a shaky breath, Hassan forced himself to stay calm. If this is a dream, he thought, it¡¯s alarmingly real. Once the dizziness subsided further, and the reality of his situation refused to change, Hassan decided to explore his surroundings. Rising to his feet¡ªor at least attempting to¡ªhe felt unsteady and weak, his balance foreign and fragile. Glancing downward, his stomach turned. Instead of toes, hooves met his gaze. A jarring realization struck him: his body wasn¡¯t his own. This has to be some kind of nightmare, he thought as he cautiously stepped off the bed. The tent¡¯s interior loomed around him, everything appearing enormous. Rough pelts from strange, unknown creatures hung from the walls and ceiling, their arrangement evoking the aura of trophies¡ªor perhaps some form of decoration. Before he could inspect further, the sound of heavy footsteps made him freeze. A towering, robed figure entered the tent, its presence filling the space. Hassan''s throat tightened as he stared, his breath catching. Even concealed beneath the heavy fabric, the creature''s humanoid form was unmistakable. Each bulging bicep, nearly rivaling the new size of Hassan''s entire frame, strained against the robe¡¯s confines. Its face, shrouded in coarse brown fur, bore an air of primal regality, further enhanced by two majestic horns that arched elegantly from both sides of its head. The creature''s cloven hooves met the ground with uncanny grace, each step resonating in a soft, rhythmic cadence that seemed to echo through the earth itself. They stared at each other, the silence thick with tension. Finally, Hassan broke eye contact, backing away instinctively, hoping the creature would ignore him. That hope was short-lived. The bull-figure approached him, its expression unreadable. To Hassan, the faint curve of its lips looked more like a devilish grin than anything else. Panic surged through him. He stumbled backward, lost his footing, and crashed to the ground. Crap! What kind of nightmare is this? Eyes wide with alarm, Hassan watched as the giant reached toward him. Instinctively, he curled into himself, shut his eyes, and braced for impact. Instead, two enormous hands scooped him up with surprising gentleness. He remained tense, expecting the worst¡ªbut moments later, he found himself upright again. Or rather, standing on hooves. Slowly opening his eyes, he was startled to find the giant¡¯s expression softened, a strange sadness flickering across its features. Before he could process what it meant, the creature lifted him once more, holding him as if he were something fragile. A deep, guttural murmur reached Hassan¡¯s ears. The creature was speaking, but the words were incomprehensible. Then, with careful precision, it set him back onto the bed. Hassan watched in bewilderment as the bull-figure turned to a nearby table, where it began chopping herbs at an incredible speed, mixing them with practiced precision in a small bowl. When it returned, it sat beside him, holding a wooden spoon filled with the mixture. The creature¡¯s gaze was soft, almost expectant, as it raised the spoon toward him. Hassan hesitated. What¡¯s the worst that could happen? Taking the hint, he leaned forward and tasted the herbal mush. To his surprise, it was palatable¡ªthough far sweeter than he had expected. As he ate, a troubling thought gnawed at him. Why is the giant treating me like a child? Piece by piece, unsettling details began to fall into place. First, the creature had seemed overjoyed to see him. Then, it had picked him up gently, placed him down with care, made him food, and now watched him eat with almost parental patience. And the creature itself... covered in fur, with hooves instead of feet, and a tail swaying behind it. A cold realization crept over him. Had I somehow become a monster like the one before me? Did this creature think I was its child? The thought froze him, fear tightening its grip on his mind. But he forced himself to stay calm¡ªpanicking wouldn¡¯t help. Perhaps this is still just some terrible dream. As the meal ended, the giant gently lifted him again. Hassan fought the urge to struggle, his heart pounding as he willed himself to stay composed. Placing him down carefully, the creature kept a firm grip on his arms, its enormous hands steadying him as if afraid he might fall. Confused, Hassan stood motionless until the bull-figure began murmuring again and nudging him forward with gentle, deliberate pushes. It took him a moment to realize what was happening. It¡¯s trying to teach me how to walk, he thought, a mix of disbelief and unease settling over him. As he took a few shaky steps, the creature loosened its grip, towering over him like a patient instructor. Hassan¡¯s legs wobbled under the unfamiliar weight of his new body, but with each step, he grew slightly more stable. After a few successful strides on his own, the giant released him entirely, stepping back. Its lips curved into what Hassan initially perceived as a fiendish grin¡ªbut this time, the expression seemed softer. Almost proud. Like a parent watching its child¡¯s first steps. A chill ran through him. It didn¡¯t bring comfort. It only deepened his suspicion. This creature really thinks I¡¯m its child, he realized, his mind racing to piece together how or why this could be happening. For a while, Hassan paced the tent, his hooves clacking softly against the ground, each step a little more confident than the last. The unfamiliar weight of his new body made movement awkward, but he was adapting¡ªslowly. Then his eyes fell on the curtained exit. A flicker of hope stirred in his chest. If I step outside¡­ maybe I¡¯ll wake up. It wasn¡¯t logical, but dreams rarely were. Back on Earth, his worst nightmares always ended the same way¡ªfalling, dying, or simply hitting a moment too intense to bear. Then he''d wake up, drenched in sweat, heart pounding. Maybe this was the same. Maybe this whole surreal world would collapse the moment he passed through that curtain. Driven by desperation more than belief, he acted on impulse. His hooves stumbled awkwardly as he broke into a clumsy dash, the sound of his movement echoing off the canvas walls. He pushed through the curtain, bracing for anything¡ªlight, falling, pain¡ªsomething to snap him back to reality. Instead, the moment he stepped out, two massive hands caught him mid-stride and lifted him into the air as if he weighed nothing. Hassan froze, limbs tense, breath locked in his chest. That tiny sliver of hope¡ªthe idea that this might be a dream¡ªshattered in an instant. The scene that unfolded before him was unlike anything he could have imagined. Dozens of tents sprawled across the landscape, with many more dotting the distance¡ªforming a loosely organized settlement. Massive, bull-headed creatures moved with purpose: hauling supplies, maintaining weapons, tending fires. Most shared the same towering, fur-covered features as the one holding him. Yet they weren¡¯t mindless brutes. They spoke to each other in a deep, guttural language, their tones carrying inflection, their body language deliberate. One laughed. Another pointed toward a distant tent. The air vibrated with a sense of culture, structure¡ªintelligence. They¡¯re not beasts, Hassan realized, a chill prickling the back of his neck. They¡¯re people. His heart sank. The vibrant colors, the strange yet intoxicating scents in the air, the contrast between the creature¡¯s warm hands and the cold bite of the outside air¡ªeven the overcast sky and the earthen ground¡ªeverything felt far too vivid, too real to be a dream. His gaze swept across the camp, eyes scanning for anything¡ªany glitch, flicker, or inconsistency that might prove this world false. But all he saw was life unfolding around him. This isn¡¯t a dream. This is another world. And this... this isn¡¯t my body. A wave of panic welled up inside him, hot and suffocating. But before it could fully take hold, the bull-figure cradled him closer and turned back toward the tent. Its presence, strangely enough, exuded calm. Warmth radiated through its fur and muscle like a blanket fresh from the sun. Back inside, the giant set him down gently on the bed and, with practiced care, ran a large hand over his head. Then it stepped back, watching him in silence. Its expression was unreadable¡ªnot angry, not pleased. Simply... watching. Hassan lay there, unmoving. The phantom sensation of those massive hands still lingered on his arms, grounding him as his mind tried to catch up. What he had just seen¡ªand what it meant¡ªsettled on him like a weight he couldn¡¯t yet name. This sort of thing only happens in fiction... right? The thought clung to him like a lifeline, even as reality continued to press in from all sides. He grasped at the hope that this was all some elaborate dream¡ªsomething his brain had conjured up after too many books, games, or a really bad meal. But the weight of exhaustion pulled at him, heavy and relentless. His head throbbed, his body still felt foreign and wrong, and the world around him¡ªtoo vibrant, too loud, too real¡ªwas overwhelming in a way no dream ever had been. His limbs sagged into the bedding as if surrendering to gravity itself. He stared up at the softly glowing ceiling, the light from the strange plant casting gentle light across the canvas walls. When I wake, I¡¯ll be back in my real body. My real life. I have to be. He clung to the thought like a lifeline, but deep down, a quiet voice whispered the unsettling truth¡ªwhat if this is it? ***** Chapter 2 - The System Excerpt 2 (Page 33, Section 1) Humanoid creatures are remarkably adept at acquiring language, especially when young and small. Goblins raised from infancy, for instance, can form rudimentary sentences within just two months. In contrast, giants, ogres, trolls, and other large-bodied species¡ªdespite their humanoid forms¡ªmay take years, even decades, to develop basic language skills. Their slower maturation and uniquely structured brains, which prioritize physical strength over cognition, contribute to this delay. Meanwhile, many non-humanoid creatures may never develop the ability to speak at all. Source: Deep Language Studies ¨C Linguist Rawp Excerpt 2 End Hassan awakened to the sound of what seemed to be an argument¡ªthough the language was completely unfamiliar. Slowly opening his eyes, he turned toward a humanoid figure resembling a bull standing nearby. Beside it stood another figure¡ªlarger, more imposing, and emanating an unmistakable sense of power. Its piercing blue eyes glowed faintly, and a pair of massive horns curled upward and forward. Muscles rippled beneath its thick black fur, its physique nearly double that of the smaller one. It wore reinforced leather armor and carried what appeared to be a spear, wrapped and secured to its back. A chill passed through Hassan. This was no dream. A deep unease settled in his chest as the realization solidified: he had truly been reborn. The distant hope of waking up in his bed on Earth evaporated. He couldn¡¯t help but question the logic of it all. Why this form? Why this place? He had lived a conscientious life¡ªavoiding harm, offering help freely, and giving regularly to charitable causes. Rebirth as a bull-headed creature felt disconnected from any moral logic he understood. Lost in reflection, Hassan didn¡¯t immediately notice the two giants had turned their attention to him. They had gone quiet. The larger one spoke briefly, then departed, each step resonating heavily against the ground. The smaller one remained. Before Hassan could collect himself, the being approached and gently lifted him¡ªnot with force, but with deliberate care. At first, it seemed like an embrace, until Hassan became acutely aware of the uncomfortable sensation that confirmed he¡¯d lost control of his body in his sleep. There was no dramatic breakdown¡ªjust a quiet, internal acknowledgment of the situation and a growing awareness of the vulnerabilities that came with his current form. Without a word, the being retrieved a rag, dipped it in water, and methodically cleaned him. It then returned to preparing a familiar herbal paste. Hassan, now calmer, took the opportunity to examine the creature¡¯s face more closely. Its mannerisms suggested familiarity and responsibility. It wasn¡¯t unreasonable to assume this individual was either his parent or assigned caregiver in this new life. For clarity and emotional distance, he decided to refer to the being as the caregiver. The titles of mother or father remained tied, in his mind, to his parents on Earth. The caregiver soon returned, feeding him once more before retrieving what appeared to be a book from a nearby table. Every so often, they glanced over to check on him. Now alone with his thoughts, Hassan began analyzing his situation. Why had he been reincarnated in this form? His mind drifted to the stories, manga, and games he¡¯d encountered over the years¡ªmany of which featured reincarnated protagonists, often gifted with abilities or system-like powers. If this world followed similar logic, there might be a structure in place¡ªperhaps even a system awaiting his input. It was worth testing. Closing his eyes, Hassan reached inward, trying to sense anything instinctively. He found nothing at first. Unshaken, he tried the most straightforward approach. System, he whispered in his mind. Instantly, something responded¡ªetched not into the air, but directly into his consciousness, vivid and undeniable. ##### Name: None Race: Zamongarai Age: 14 days Tier: 0 Attributes: Physique: 0.10 Mind: 10.45 Soul: 9.13 Talents: Human intelligence (Rank 3: 13%) ¨C You possess exceptional learning abilities, quick comprehension, and an extraordinary capacity for memory, creativity, and problem-solving. This talent grows stronger through focused training and enhancement of mind attributes. Human Soul (Rank 2: 73%) - Your willpower, wisdom, and spiritual resilience are remarkable. You demonstrate advanced control over energies, emotions, and thoughts. This talent improves with dedicated training and strengthening of soul attributes. Zamongarai¡¯s Physique (Rank 0: 10%) ¨C Your vitality, physical strength, defense, and healing capabilities are immense. Additionally, toxins, poisons, and venoms have minimal or no effect on you. This talent can be enhanced through targeted training and improvements in physique attributes. Zamongarai¡¯s Sense (Rank 1: 83%) ¨C Your sensory abilities vastly surpass ordinary limits, greatly amplifying your vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and other sensory perceptions. Improvement occurs through continued training and development of both physique and soul attributes. Zamongarai¡¯s Soul (Rank 0: 1%) ¨C Your soul is exceptionally robust, unwavering, and potent, granting you heightened awareness and sensitivity to nonphysical phenomena, such as energies, spirits, and danger. This talent increases with consistent training, as well as enhancements to physique and soul attributes. Vessel control (Rank Unknown) ¨C You are entirely immune to external attempts at controlling, corrupting, or manipulating your body, mind, or soul without your explicit permission. You instantly recognize any such attempts, granting you the immediate choice to allow, deny, or manipulate the incoming action. When targeted, time will pause, and if no choice is made within 30 seconds, denial occurs automatically. This talent cannot be upgraded. Skills: None System Training Space ¨C Time remaining until reset 13 hours, 7 minutes, 43 seconds ¨C Current Mode: Tutorial Note: You possess three gifted training manuals: Basic Physique, Mind, and Soul Manuals. You may access the knowledge contained within these manuals at any time. ##### Was this some kind of twisted joke? How could any of this possibly be real? If he had simply been reincarnated as a monster¡ªno, correction, a Zamongarai¡ªperhaps he could have accepted it in time. But reincarnation combined with an actual system? Impossible. Hassan was convinced he was being manipulated by something¡ªor someone. Had an advanced artificial intelligence taken over the world, dragging his consciousness into this bizarre scenario? He tried questioning the system mentally, but no response came. It appeared capable only of displaying information. Frustrated, he issued mental commands¡ªexit, log out, and even an explicit refusal of consent to remain¡ªbut nothing happened. After a moment¡¯s reflection, Hassan came to a sobering conclusion: if the system had malicious intent, there was little he could do to resist it. Instead of spiraling, he shifted focus toward what he could control¡ªthe information available to him. Still, one part stuck with him. No name? Did his past life''s name not transfer? And if he had no name now, did that mean he hadn''t been named yet? He reviewed what he¡¯d learned so far. First: he was a Zamongarai, only fourteen days old, and tier zero¡ªwhatever that meant. Second: his physique attribute was exceptionally low, but his mind and soul attributes appeared well-developed, likely remnants of his past life. Third: his talents were unusual. Possessing both human intelligence and a human soul, alongside a Zamongarai soul, was a perplexing concept. Did this mean the soul''s existence was scientifically validated in this world? And if so... did it even make sense to have more than one? He didn¡¯t fully understand the nature of a soul, let alone how to interpret the presence of two. Still, the Zamongarai soul registered as far weaker than his human one. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Could the retention of his human soul or intelligence explain why he maintained cognitive function and self-awareness, despite his body being merely two weeks old? And why wasn¡¯t there a corresponding talent for Zamongarai intelligence? The deeper he delved into these thoughts, the more questions surfaced. Though the Zamongarai physique was said to embody great strength, it had yet to demonstrate such qualities. He remained unable to stand or walk properly, though likely because it had not even reached rank one. For now, its potential and true capabilities remained unknown. But one thing was immediately clear¡ªhis senses were enhanced. With Zamongarai sense, his vision was sharper, more vibrant, and far beyond anything he remembered from Earth. Even at rank one, the baseline enhancements of a Zamongarai exceeded human norms. As for his other senses, he hadn¡¯t had the time to test them thoroughly. However, hearing, taste, and touch felt noticeably enhanced. Smell, on the other hand, remained uncertain. Among his talents, one stood out: Vessel Control. The very existence of such a talent defied logic. Wasn¡¯t this talent proof that he was in some kind of simulation¡ªor worse, a controlled environment? Time manipulation? The ability to pause time was far beyond anything remotely natural. The only explanations were advanced technology¡ªor magic. Refocusing, Hassan noted that he had no starting skills. His cybersecurity knowledge hadn¡¯t transferred as a skill. Was there a specific condition required to unlock skills? The system training space intrigued him. Should he use it immediately, or wait until he grew stronger? Would it require food or water inside? The uncertainty was frustrating. And the gifted manuals¡ªhow would they manifest? Would they appear physically, through the system panel, or in some other form? As his thoughts spiraled, Hassan made a decision. He planned to retrieve the training manuals as soon as the caregiver left¡ªjust in case they materialized in physical form. If they did, he could hide them somewhere in the tent. Even if they were discovered, it would be difficult to trace them back to him. With that plan in mind, he waited. Time passed as he paced and explored the tent, increasingly annoyed by his inability to even glimpse outside. The caregiver rarely took their eyes off him, and every object within reach felt impossibly sturdy¡ªor he was simply too weak to affect anything. Worse, he soon realized he lacked control over basic bodily functions. Another accident confirmed it. But then, something unexpected happened. The dirt beneath him shimmered, vibrating faintly before absorbing the mess entirely, while a soft light pulsed from the heart of the tent. Startled, Hassan turned his gaze to the glowing plant at its center. Magic. He froze. It had to be magic. Driven by curiosity, he waddled toward the plant, eager to inspect it. Nothing happened. Disappointed, he struck the earth beneath it¡ªonly to recoil as pain shot up his arm. The caregiver swiftly intervened, lifting him gently and placing him a safe distance from the plant. I¡¯ll examine it again¡ªwhen I¡¯m taller. Sometime later, a soft bell rang. The caregiver placed him on a makeshift bed, performed a final check, and approached the tent¡¯s exit. Hassan watched closely. The caregiver whispered something¡ªan incantation, perhaps. In response, the glowing plant pulsed, and the dirt near the entrance shifted, sealing the exit. Hassan tensed. Then, something unexpected: excitement. That was magic. It had to be. But another thought followed¡ªmore analytical. Was this really how the caregiver ensured his safety? Sealing the exit and assuming nothing would go wrong? It felt... careless. Hassan rose, resolute in his decision to test whether that was truly the case. He took a single step toward the entrance. Instantly, the earth responded. Tendrils of soil rose, wrapped around him like a cocoon, and gently returned him to bed. Strange... but efficient. Of course, he reasoned, no rational adult would leave a child unsupervised¡ªeven a Zamongarai. Still, one inconsistency bothered him. Why had I been able to move freely the first time I woke up? Why didn¡¯t the plant react then? Was it because the caregiver was nearby? Or had something changed since? The logic didn¡¯t add up. Minutes trickled by. The caregiver hadn¡¯t returned. His gaze shifted again to the plant. Is it sentient? Or just following commands? The uncertainty grew tiring. If he spent all his time worrying about being watched or monitored, he¡¯d never take action. Hassan needed to learn. He needed to train. The manuals and system training space were the best path forward. He didn¡¯t intend to remain in this world longer than necessary¡ªthough the thought of learning magic did make him hesitate. Still... my family is probably waiting for me back home. If the knowledge from the manuals or learning magic could help me return to them, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to pursue it. Of the manuals, the Mind and Soul Manual for magic tempted him most. But based on every book, story, and game he¡¯d ever encountered, Hassan knew that magic rarely came easily¡ªunless there were shortcuts like cheat skills or point systems, and he had seen no signs of those in the system panel. This didn¡¯t feel like one of those scenarios. Still, there was a chance he was missing something¡ªor perhaps he had no significant advantages, and only sheer determination would lead to progress. After all, the manuals, judging by their titles, didn¡¯t seem to promise any straightforward or effortless rewards. Furthermore, he knew he needed to strengthen his physique. The simple fact was: he could barely walk properly. It was better to start with something familiar. With that, he made his choice. Taking a slow, steady breath, Hassan mentally requested: System, give me the Basic Physique Manual. ##### Initiating transfer of the Basic Physique Manual ##### Even with all he¡¯d witnessed, Hassan was unprepared for the sudden shift in sensation¡ªthe system¡¯s strange otherworldliness still catching him off guard. Before he could orient himself, darkness consumed everything¡ªthen, a metallic, ancient-looking book emerged from the void. Its text was foreign, yet the meaning flowed effortlessly into his mind, as if the system whispered the translation directly into his understanding. A brief glance around the void revealed no discernible floor or surroundings, leaving Hassan with little to explore. Accepting the strange environment, he focused his attention on the manual and carefully opened it. The book began by detailing the physiology of the Zamongarai¡ªa powerful subspecies of minotaurs. It outlined their strengths and vulnerabilities, along with foundational exercises designed to cultivate balanced growth. Unlike conventional bodybuilding guides, this manual prioritized agility¡ªan essential combination of balance, stability, and flexibility that is often overlooked. It stressed that developing these foundational qualities should precede more advanced training. To support this approach, the manual introduced specific methods aimed at enhancing agility, positioning them as the groundwork for long-term physical development. While it also covered strategies for building muscle, strength, and endurance, these were presented as goals that could only be effectively pursued after achieving a solid base of physical control and coordination. Additionally, the manual highlighted the benefits of starting training at a young age, noting that early development significantly improves agility, dexterity, and flexibility¡ªattributes that become increasingly difficult to cultivate with age. The manual explained that a Zamongarai''s peak physical development occurred before the age of 30, after which growth slowed significantly. Because of this, it stressed the importance of training during those formative years, as the progress made early on would lay the groundwork for future advancement. Building on this foundation, the book then introduced vireth energy¡ªa life force that flowed through the body, passively sustaining it and actively enhancing strength and vitality through dedicated training. Interestingly, the book revealed that vireth energy capacity was directly tied to the Physique attribute¡ªthough reaching its full potential was anything but easy. According to the text, the body¡¯s ability to gather and generate vireth energy depended not only on intense physical training, but also on the development of both the Soul and Physique attributes. That revelation caught Hassan¡¯s attention. Until now, he hadn¡¯t understood the purpose of the soul stat¡ªbut now, at least, he had one clear function tied to it. Another concept introduced in the book that puzzled him deeply was the so-called base physique attribute. According to the manual, the body would naturally develop its foundational attributes over time¡ªprovided it remained free of excessive vireth energy. Too much vireth energy led to energy overload¡ªa state in which energy spilled out of its designated pathways and leaked into surrounding cells, permanently enhancing their strength and function overtime. The manual explained that these pathways typically included veins, arteries, and other structures responsible for transporting blood and channeling vireth energy. However, once energy overload began, the body¡¯s natural growth¡ªoften referred to as the Base Physique Attribute¡ªslowed dramatically. At that point, the body shifted its focus to rapid enhancement fueled by excess vireth energy, boosting attributes at a much faster rate but at the cost of limiting further development in raw size and structural integrity. This trade-off was considered a fundamental flaw in the body¡¯s design. The Base Physique Attribute acted as a vital multiplier: the stronger it was, the more efficiently the body could contain and circulate vireth energy. This not only increased the available overflow but also amplified the body¡¯s enhancements and expanded its overall physical potential. A larger overflow meant greater increases in attributes, making a strong base physique essential for long-term growth. It was a paradox: gaining power too quickly could ultimately limit one¡¯s potential. In this world, patience wasn¡¯t just a virtue¡ªit was the foundation of lasting strength. Hassan recalled a basic math principle: even if someone started with a higher number, a smaller multiplier would eventually fall behind a larger one. If two people began with different base stats and one surged ahead early, they might seem superior at first. But with a stronger multiplier, the other would inevitably catch up¡ªand surpass them¡ªso long as the initial gap and difference in potential were great enough. That, he realized, was why the manual stressed early development. Delaying training came with consequences, the most critical being the inability to close a widening gap in growth. In this world, a solid start wasn¡¯t just helpful¡ªit was everything. The manual didn¡¯t stop at exercises. It included a comprehensive dietary guide, adorned with illustrations of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and meats¡ªthough most were inaccessible in Hassan''s current situation. He learned that the Zamongarai were omnivorous beings with robust digestive systems, even capable of breaking down grass¡ªthough the thought of resorting to that was far from appealing. The manual also warned of the dangers posed by potions, pills, and artificial enhancements, which could compromise the so-called vireth energy purity, ultimately stunting long-term progress. Impure energy disrupted the body¡¯s natural energy overload state, sometimes causing cells to rupture from a rapid, uncontrolled surge of energy¡ªor, conversely, triggering uneven or incomplete growth. He looked for more detail on purity¡ªwhat might compromise it, and how to avoid it. But the explanation was vague: as long as no unnatural methods were used, purity would remain intact. Hassan took that to mean he should avoid anything resembling steroids¡ªor magical shortcuts¡ªthat artificially accelerated physical growth. The manual also revealed that a Zamongarai¡¯s size was directly proportional to their base physique attribute. Male Zamongarai typically stood an impressive 3.5 meters tall, while the elite among them could reach staggering heights of 4 meters¡ªand battlelords or chieftains even taller, up to 4.5 meters. This sheer scale emphasized their overwhelming presence and raw, physical power. Abruptly, the text came to an end, revealing the average lifespan of a Zamongarai to be around five hundred years. At the bottom of the page, a single title stood out¡ªBasic Physique Manual: Zamongarai Edition. No author was credited, which struck Hassan as odd. What stood out even more was his perfect recall of the entire book¡ªfrom beginning to end, every word etched clearly into his mind. But that didn¡¯t mean he had mastered its contents. It was memory without practice¡ªknowledge without experience, like owning a map but never having walked the path. Unfortunately, the manual offered no method for training vireth energy¡ªlikely something covered in higher-level manuals, since this one was only basic. Still, even if it had, Hassan now understood the importance of building a solid foundation first. Rushing into energy overflow as a baby and stunting his growth would¡¯ve been... well, incredibly dumb. That said, having the method in advance would¡¯ve at least prepared him for when the time came. Now, he had no idea how to obtain the next level of the manual¡ªor when he¡¯d even get the chance. ##### Transfer of Basic Physique Manual complete. ##### The oppressive darkness around him suddenly twisted and shifted, and in an instant, Hassan found himself back inside the tent. A wave of exhaustion hit him like a crashing tide, as though he¡¯d been awake for days on end. Unable to fight it, he succumbed to sleep without resistance.