Chapter 36: New Hatchling
"[Your egg is on the verge of hatching. Please retrieve the egg and prepare to welcome the newborn into the world.]"
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The system took me by surprise, nearly causing me to forget that I had an egg in my possession. My thoughts had been consumed by worries about my mother. The egg I had obtained from the Monster Trader, upon reflection, was initially dismissed as a feeble creature. Given that it hadn't existed in my previous timeline, I harbored no great expectations. However, even a seemingly ordinary and weak monster could transform into a formidable companion as it leveled up.
With cautious anticipation, I accessed the Pet Interface and carefully retrieved the egg incubator. One wrong move and the fragile egg would remain forever unopened. It quivered, signaling its readiness to break free from its shell. I couldn't be certain of the exact creature that would emerge, but from my recollection, eggs like these typically yielded horses, ponies, or even dogs. The concept of such animals hatching from eggs might seem bizarre, but that's precisely how Egg Gachas were designed. I hadn't dabbled in these before and had simply acquired this one on a whim.
The eggshell began to crack and emit a soft, ethereal glow, filling me with eager anticipation. In this curious game of chance, hatching an egg from the gacha could yield either a timid creature or a formidable beast. As the egg's fractures expanded, it finally yielded to reveal a magnificent creature.
Before me stood a wondrous fusion of an eagle's head and talons with a powerful lion's body. The creature was a Gryphon, a majestic hybrid that took my breath away. My heart raced as I read the name of this newborn being.
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Name:[Undecided]
Species: Gryphon
Level: 0
Tier: Legendary
Status: Newborn (Happy) (Note: Newborns cannot engage in combat or gain experience until they reach 10 days of age)
Stats:
HP: 5000/5000
MP: 3000/3000
STR: 99
AGI: 99
DEX: 99
END: 99
INT: 99
Skills:
Level 0: Air Wing: Conjures magical wings from mana, summoning gusts of wind. Inflicts 500-1500 HP damage on enemies within a 100-meter radius; damage decreases with distance. Cooldown: 10 minutes.
Skills: Locked (Level 10)
Info:
Gryphons are mythical beings, soaring high above the clouds, their regal heads, powerful talons, and mighty wings reminiscent of an eagle, while their lion's body exudes strength and grace. Riding one of these majestic creatures is a privilege reserved for the fortunate few.
Owner: Bladeheart
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Did I just hit the jackpot this time? A Gryphon! Damn! It's unbelievable! Who would have thought I'd score a pet, mount, and a flying companion all in one? This Gryphon is only available through taming, and if memory serves me right, the Gryphon is a Wild Boss that only appears during the Monsoon Season in the game. I must be incredibly lucky!
Excitedly, I accessed the pet renaming interface and changed its name to Leona. My eyes widened as I examined Leona's stats, all neatly set at 99. While a pet's stats may not directly mirror a player's, those impressive numbers unmistakably marked her as an exceptional companion. Achieving 99 stats without leveling up is a feat only legendary pets can boast.
As per the information I found on the forums, newly tamed pets must remain outside for a straight 10 days and cannot be recalled until they pass this threshold. During this period, they focused on eating and sleeping, so I didn't expect Leona to engage in combat right away. She fluttered her tiny wings and gracefully landed on my head, nuzzling my hair. It seemed I was being imprinted as her guardian, a behavior common in many animals towards the first creature they encounter.
Even though Leona couldn't assist in battles just yet, I couldn't have been happier to have her. I knew that training her to be my personal mount and battle companion would be a rewarding experience. Having a loyal pet at your side during perilous adventures is an invaluable asset. Despite her appearance, with a body resembling that of a lion, I couldn't help but wonder whether I should refer to her as a chick or a cub.
The hatching egg event ended swiftly, but I'm far from disappointed with the outcome. If I aim to make quick money, having a companion who isn't driven by wealth is paramount. Leona fits this role perfectly, both as an NPC and for her formidable strength, which will prove invaluable in defeating bosses and accelerating our earnings.
With the [Poison Sac] securely in my possession, I'm now only missing two essential components for completing the quest: the [Moss Shell] and the [Nose Ring]. Unfortunately, the [Moss Shell] necessitates confronting an underwater boss, so I'll have to put that on hold for now. As for the [Nose Ring], it can only be obtained by prying it from the nose of a Minotaur boss. It's exclusively a boss item and won't drop from ordinary monsters, making it a unique and valuable item.
With everything in order, I left the location and continued my journey toward the next boss encounter.
[Player has discovered an area: Minotaur's Lane]
Before me stand an expansive meadow, a vibrant sea of green that mirrors the untamed beauty of an Earth unspoiled by pollution. Don't let this idyllic landscape fool you, for serenity is not the order of the day. Cast your eyes across this tranquil vista, and you'll spot a chilling presence amidst the splendor: monstrous figures resembling humanoid bulls.
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[Lesser Minotaurs]
Level 12
HP: 1000/1000
Attribute: Humanoid/Beast
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These creatures, known as Lesser Minotaurs, may pale in comparison to the menacing spiders I have encountered. Armed only with rudimentary stone hammers, their combat prowess is decidedly lacking. Yet, remember, they are but the underlings of a more formidable adversary.
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[Greater Minotaur]
Level 15
HP: 3000/3000
Attribute: Humanoid/Beast
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And looming above the Lesser Minotaurs is the Greater Minotaur, a hulking embodiment of might. With their superior size and strength, these towering beings present a far more menacing challenge.
This time, these Minotaurs prove to be a formidable challenge compared to their lesser kin. Clad in sturdy leather vests and armed with menacing Iron Hammers, they resemble an intimidating horde. Their helmets, reminiscent of Viking headgear, add to their fierce appearance. But my focus remains unwavering; they may bear the Minotaur name, but they are not my quarry.
Within the treacherous confines of the Spider's Lair, avoiding confrontation is a luxury I cannot afford. Stealth here is a fleeting hope, as Minotaurs possess not only brawn but also acute senses. Their hooves, surprisingly sensitive, can detect an intruder within a mere few meters, triggering their immediate aggression. To locate my elusive target, there's but one choice: I must clear the entire Minotaur's Lane.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone