Liozel growled while he was cradled in Ms. Loa's arms. He sat in her lap as she wheeled forward in her wheelchair. The tengu woman had evacuated the Zeldritch monsters that weren’t strong enough to fight, and she had taken it upon herself to lead them through Gilbud's emergency tunnels.

  But for Liozel—despite being a child—he disliked the notion of retreating from battle.

  He was a warrior too, a T-Rex infant born from a warrior species, and his big sis KiAera was fighting for them on the surface.

  He had to trust her. He also trusted Ms. Loa, their strategist, who had promised to ensure that everyone remained safe. So he resolved to be like his big sister, Ms. Loa, and the fighters on the surface. Even if he was small and a [Fledgling], he vowed in silence that he would protect his people.

  Ms. Loa muttered something that he barely caught with his sharp ears. She seemed to be talking to herself, but knowing her well enough, he realized she was not.

  "Be careful against that one, KiAera..."

  Ms. Loa was communicating telepathically with his big sis.

  "Blatt Knif is infamous for her many campaigns as a vanguard warrior. She hails from the Xulthrune region and has conquered at least one-fifth of its territory during her reign."

  He tried to use his keen ears to hear the other side of the conversation. That, however, would have been a silly and futile attempt, as he would only hear the words that Loa spoke.

  He wished he could be part of the mental conversation link. That sparked an idea. He often forgot about his own telepathic connection with his big sister, so he decided to initiate the conversation by contacting her.

  'This is Liozel, big sis!'

  'Liozel?!'

  That startled Loa as he interrupted their communication. She gave him gentle pat on the head, however.

  It took a moment before KiAera responded. She sometimes took her time doing so, perhaps due to the surprise of the connection.

  'What are you doing, Liozel? This is a dangerous time for you to be thinking about joining in!'

  'But I want to help! I'm not just a fledgling; I'm an [Alpha] Liorex! I can be strong like you!'

  There was a pause, a silence that wrapped around him like a blanket. He could almost feel his sister's concern pulsating across their link.

  'Being strong is not just about fighting, Liozel. It's also about knowing when to protect others and when to stand back. Do you understand?'

  He did, but in his heart, he craved action. He could sense the gravity of the battle unfolding above, the cries of his allies rising and falling like a tempest. The villagers he admired, the friends he looked up to—all fighting for their home.

  'KiAera, I know I'm small, but I'm brave! I want to fight with you!'

  He could feel his determination fueling their connection.

  'You are brave,' she replied. Then her tone softened.

  'But bravery requires wisdom. Right now, your strength is in staying with Ms. Loa and ensuring the others are safe. If the time comes when you can join us, I'll call for you. Until then, please trust me. We will finish this.'

  Liozel let out a frustrated huff, crossing his tiny arms. 'Fine!' he relented. 'But I will help in whatever way I can down here!'

  'That's the spirit, little Lio,' KiAera replied. A sudden warmth filled their connection.

  'I need you to watch over Ms. Loa and the others. Your courage will inspire them, even from here.'

  He could feel the gentle humming of magic from his sister's words. Even though she wasn’t physically with him, Liozel felt reassured. He nodded to himself, knowing he could do this. He would be the brave guardian he intended to be, even if it meant remaining in the shadows.

  As Ms. Loa wheeled herself further down the underground tunnels, Liozel peered around at the other Zeldritch monsters—some trembling, some murmuring amongst themselves. He could sense their fear, their helplessness, and he decided that he wouldn't let that overcome him.

  "Everyone!" Liozel's voice echoed off the tunnel's walls. "You are safe with me! You are my friends and I won't let anything happen to you all!"

  He could see the astonished look on Ms. Loa's as she peered down at him. For a moment, a flicker of pride danced in her eyes, and he thought she might say something encouraging. But instead, she was still focused on ensuring their safety and left speechless.

  A gentle smile formed on her lips.

  "You truly are a brave one, Liozel."

  The other Zeldritch monsters, though still frightened, leaned in closer, drawn by Liozel's unwavering spirit. They had seen his big sis in action; they had witnessed her strength and determination. They believed she would protect them like done many times before. So they gave their utmost trust to Liozel as well.

  "KiAera will win! She always does!" Liozel continued; his voice was steady and firm. "And when she does, she'll be back to fight alongside us. Right now, we need to protect each other.”

  His words seemed to ignite a flicker of hope among the group. One by one, the Zeldritch monsters looked up from their frightened whispers and began to nod in agreement, building a collective resolve.

  "We will stay strong together!" a small mouse-like creature said, her voice trembling but determined. Liozel recognized her as Nu Osseod.

  "Together!" echoed another, a stout, mouse-like being who was known for his resilience. He was Pi Osseod.

  "Yes! We won't let fear control us!" Liozel exclaimed, feeling the elation of camaraderie build strong within the group. "You are all heroes in your own right! We can be strong! We can protect our home, too!"

  "Delta Osseod fights for Crystal Village!"

  "Beta Osseod defends too like Oath!"

  Tailza nervously pumped her fist upward.

  "M-my Dad and Mina are fighting valiantly for us! W-we'll need to be strong together too!"

  The other kobolds joined her in cheering, their spirits lifting with each affirmation. The once-foreboding tunnel felt like a sanctuary of camaraderie, a bulwark against the uncertainty that loomed above.

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  Liozel's chest swelled with pride as he led the chorus of support, his voice threading through the voices of his friends.

  "Exactly! Every single one of us has a part to play! We may not be fighting on the front lines, but our resolve gives them strength. We are a team! We're the Chimera Crew!"

  The energy in the tunnel lifted with excitement as each Zeldritch monster felt empowered by the collective conviction. Even Ms. Loa couldn't help but beam at the display of unity.

  Her wise eyes glistened, and she offered soft encouragement, "Together, we will shield each other from fear. Remember, courage is a light in the dark."

  Suddenly, as if echoing their sentiment, Liozel envisioned his sister fighting valiantly, her arms wielding ribbons woven from pure determination—a hero amidst chaos.

  "I can't fight with her yet," he reminded himself, squeezing his little fists. "But I can still help!"

  Liozel glanced over at Ms. Loa, who was meticulously surveying the situation. "What else can we do, Ms. Loa? I want to contribute more," he implored with genuine earnest determination.

  She bit her lip, pondering for a moment. "You are doing wonderfully, Lio."

  Still inspired by Liozel's unwavering spirit, she continued, "That's the essence of our community. We are all linked, fighting for each other. Let's prepare ourselves. When the time is right, we may need to join the battle in our own way."

  He agreed with her response, but there was more that he could've done. Previously, he failed miserably to protect his friend Denji and his mother once before. His face scrunched up as he thought harder.

  An idea sparked in his mind like the glow of a lantern, illuminating a path for him to follow.

  Professor GamaGen had taught him so much. He missed the old raven. Ever since his big sister, Oath, and Zest underwent that ascension trial, GamaGen had vanished. Liozel did not know what had caused his disappearance; it was so unexpected and unfortunate.

  However, he realized that through Professor GamaGen's lectures, he had learned he was capable of incredible things thanks to his bond with his big sister, KiAera.

  He squinted at Beta and Delta Osseod and saw something vague.

  That vagueness appeared to him like a form of glass. It resembled one of those things his sister referred to as a screen. He read the words on it.

  ???

  [Status Analysis] Beta the Osseod

  Faux Nym: [Beta]

  Species: [Osseod]

  Evolution: Awaiting Confirmation…

  Alt Species Name: "Crystal Mouse Zeldritchmon"

  Dominions: [Perceive] [Generalist]

  APeX: [25,112 Units]

  Attributes: [Ore]

  Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

  Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

  ???

  ???

  [Status Analysis] Delta the Osseod

  Faux Nym: [Delta]

  Species: [Osseod]

  Evolution: Awaiting Confirmation…

  Alt Species Name: "Crystal Mouse Zeldritchmon"

  Dominions: [Perceive] [Generalist]

  APeX: [30,336 Units]

  Attributes: [Ore]

  Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

  Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

  ???

  It was just like the text he had seen when he was observing Saptal and Sapshorla some time before… when he verified their evolution while his sister was away. He had been a proxy for her.

  He looked over to see that the same "Status" was available for Tailza, Pi, and the many other kobolds in this tunnel.

  He blinked a few times, the glowing words floating before his eyes like fireflies. They weren't just pictures—they were data, just like the ones KiAera used when she trained with Professor GamaGen.

  "Wait…" he whispered to himself.

  He'd seen these screens once before—when his sister was away, and GamaGen asked him to "check" on Sapshorla and Saptal. The professor had looked really surprised when Liozel managed it, like he hadn't expected him to pull it off.

  Back then, Liozel thought it was just a fluke, or maybe GamaGen had done something. But now... No GamaGen. No KiAera nearby. And it still worked.

  Maybe it was because of KiAera.

  Maybe when she left for the Trial, the system noticed they were connected. Maybe… it listened to him because he was close to her.

  He scratched his snout, a habit he'd picked up from watching Amber think.

  'Is it because I'm her little brother? Or… maybe something more? Like… a part of her power stayed with me?'

  The thought made his stomach flip. It caused a churning of nerves and excitement there. He wasn't just tagging along anymore. The world, or whatever ran this 'status thing', recognized him.

  He didn't fully understand it… but he knew it meant something.

  Something big.

  He glanced again at the shimmering screen, its details updating in real time. [Fledgling]. [Ore]. [Uncommon]. The words looked like truth itself, floating in front of him.

  This wasn't normal.

  But somehow, it felt normal. Like breathing.

  Maybe it was because he and KiAera were so close. She had always said their bond was special. And maybe the world agreed.

  Maybe when she's not around... I become her eyes.

  That thought made his heart thump with pride—and a twinge of worry.

  He didn't know how it worked. Not really. But he knew enough.

  'If I can see these screens... then maybe I can help them evolve too. Just like she does.'

  But why could he see them?

  Was it just him? None of the others were reacting. Not even Ms. Loa, who was keener than a predator in the dark.

  "Uh, Ms. Loa, question… Do you know anything about this 'Status Analysis?' I'm not sure if I am seeing something weird."

  Loa stiffened for just a breath, but her expression remained unreadable.

  She gave him a very perplexed look. Her brow raised as she gave him an uneasy smile. She was quick to correct it. She gave him a soft pat on the head, but her eyes lingered on him a little too long—as if she was calculating something.

  "That's not something I've ever heard of—"

  Before she could finish her response, a sudden vibration echoed through the ground. A tremor that felt all too familiar.

  Ms. Loa's tone shifted from nurturing to serious.

  "The battle above is escalating. We must stay vigilant. If the enemy pushes too far, we might have to relocate to the next safe zone…"

  Liozel noticed the faint noise before her—the reason her voice trailed off as her feathered ears twitched at the buzzing that sounded like it was getting closer by the moment.

  The unsettling hum intensified, rising to an ominous pitch that resonated within the walls of the tunnel.

  Liozel felt the vibrations travel through his body, a telltale sign of enemies approaching. He exchanged worried glances with the other Zeldritch monsters, who instinctively huddled closer to one another.

  "Everyone, quiet…!" Ms. Loa commanded in a hushed voice.

  "We need to remain still and listen. If they find us down here, we must be ready to defend ourselves."

  Liozel squeezed his eyes shut, willing his heart to calm down, focusing on the sounds beyond.

  The chaotic sounds of battle above faded into a distant memory, replaced by the distinct thrum of wings—heavy, deliberate, and menacing. He could almost make out the cadence of marching, a synchronized rhythm that spoke of an organized force seeking them out.

  Ms. Loa murmured, "Blatt's forces are relentless." Her tone was threaded with urgency.

  "They must sense we are hiding here. We have to create a diversion to pull them away from the main entrance."

  Liozel whispered, while keeping his fists clenched at his sides.

  "What can we do? I want to help!"

  Ms. Loa paused, her eyes lidding slightly as she weighed her options.

  "It won't be long before they arrive at our position. Liozel, you might be able to use your connection to inspire the others. If we can amplify our morale down here, we may be able to push them back."

  Liozel looked around at his friends, their wide eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. But deep within him, a spark of defiance ignited. He had already rallied them once; he could do it again.

  "Okay! Let's do it!"

  He pried himself from Loa's arms and made his way past the crowd of monsters. Most of them loomed larger than he did, but he knew the weight on his shoulders was greater than his size.

  The same could be said for his heart.

  "Beta! Delta! Pi! Zolrak!" he called out. His voice rang with great purpose and enthusiasm. "You four will need to evolve! I believe in you! Believe in yourselves! That's Big Sis's motto!"

  In that same moment, the first shadow of a wasp-like monster was cast on the walls at the entrance of their tunnel. But at the same time, a light emanated from the forms of Zolrak the kobold, as well as from Beta, Delta, and Pi Osseods.

  The four monsters unwent metamorphosis into their respective [Emergent]-stage evolutions.

  Just as they evolved, several Ezeszap wasp monsters fluttered into view. Liozel growled as he felt the tremor of spatial energy rising in his throat. He was going to use his [Rift Roar] attack. But unlike before—

  —he could control it.

  That was his resolve: to not cause damage within the tunnel itself!

  "On my mark, we all need to make as much noise as possible. Maybe if we start making a ruckus, we can attract them down here!"

  Liozel's voice grew stronger as he encouraged his friends.

  "Ready? One… two… three!"

  "ROOWWWR!"

  Liozel let out his best war cry, a sound much larger than he was, resonating through the tunnel.

  The Zeldritch monsters chimed in, each one adding their unique calls, creating a cacophony of noise—squeaks, roars, and screeches blending into a symphony of defiance.

  But it was Liozel's [Rift Roar] attack that led to the obliteration of the first dozen enemies, each possessing APeX power exceeding [50,000] Units. With a single blast of his roar, he caused them to shatter into a mass of particles.

  ???

  [Status] Liozel the Liorex

  APeX: [540,000 Units] → [555,000 Units]

  Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

  Current Variant Grade: [ALPHA]

  ???

  Ms. Loa sees in Liozel the rising flame of a future leader—and it fills her with cautious hope.

  Follow the life of Idalia, a T. rex cub born into the blazing pools of Mount Vulkhanzhar. From her very first moments, she only wants naps, snacks, and playful adventures.

  ──── ? ────

  Monster Evolution: Watch a T. rex cub ascend into a berserker powerhouse, fueled by evolving LitRPG skills!

  Coming-of-age Chaos: Sass, friendship, and lava swims in a warrior society of shifting alliances.

  Tactical Mayhem: Clever planning, daring adventures, and occasional “oops” moments with space-warping powers.

  Epic Challenges: From wholesome beginnings to dangerous trials where brains, bravery, and ROAR matter most.

  ──── ? ────

  ? New chapter every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday!