Chapter 316: Beast Monarchs

Hoot turned toward Pipi, who responded with several hoots before falling silent. After listening to its companion, Hoot turned back toward Alex and began explaining.

"Beast Monarchs are individuals randomly chosen by the System. They possess considerably greater intelligence than ordinary Beasts and can temporarily increase their strength by ten levels. However, if another Beast kills a Beast Monarch, the title will transfer to the Beast responsible for its death," Hoot explained.

Alex was surprised by that information, since a temporary increase of ten levels was an enormous advantage. However, after considering it carefully, he realized that such an ability wasn’t necessarily impossible to overcome.

Levels primarily provided raw Stats, while Classes, spells, skills, techniques, and combat mastery could allow someone to defeat an opponent with considerably higher attributes. Someone with superior abilities could still overcome that difference, provided the gap wasn’t too overwhelming.

However, another question immediately occurred to him, especially after hearing that the title could be transferred through killing its previous owner. He wondered whether the System treated humans differently in that regard.

"What happens if someone other than a Beast kills the Monarch? From what I understand, if another pigeon or an aerial Beast kills an aerial Beast Monarch, it inherits the title. But what happens if a human kills one?" Alex asked.

Hoot was about to answer Alex’s question when Pipi suddenly hooted, causing him to stop. He turned toward Pipi and listened for a moment before looking back at Alex.

"If a human kills a Beast Monarch, they will receive a [Title], just not Beast Monarch. However, according to our Guide, you humans cannot unlock the ability to use Titles until much later. Even if you obtain one now, you won’t be able to use it immediately, since only Beast can use Titles from the beginning," Hoot explained.

Alex nodded. The System was likely doing this to compensate for the lacking intelligence of Beasts. That said his attention was more focused on the two pigeons’ behavior than the explanation itself. He had noticed that Hoot was about to answer before Pipi interrupted him, almost as though the latter had instructed him to reveal something he had originally intended to conceal.

’My guess might be wrong, but considering how much they know about Beast Monarchs and how Pipi seems to be directing this conversation, there’s a good chance Pipi is one,’ Alex thought.

He also wondered whether every species had its own Beast Monarch or whether the System assigned one to an entire genus, family, or even order of animals.

While Alex was considering these possibilities, Hoot continued speaking, bringing his attention back to their discussion.

"As for your second demand, we have no problem accepting it. We were already planning to leave this city because there are barely any of our brethren remaining here. However, in exchange for relocating, we want you to help us conquer our Base when the time comes. That will be our first demand," Hoot explained.

"All right, I can agree to that, provided you don’t ask me to do something unreasonable," Alex replied. He didn’t know what how difficulty conquering a base would be, but since he was already planning to conquer a city himself, helping them accomplish something similar didn’t seem particularly problematic.

"Then I believe we are now partners," Hoot said, sounding noticeably more excited than before.

Although his voice was transmitted directly into Alex’s mind, Alex could still distinguish the change in his tone.

"Aren’t you worried that I might go back on my promise when the time comes?" Alex asked curiously. Considering that they had only just met, he found it strange that the pigeons were willing to trust him so easily.

"We are not worried. You are the king of humans, and if you refuse to honor our agreement, it will damage your reputation among your servants," Hoot answered confidently.

"I’m not exactly..." Alex began before shaking his head. "Never mind. Fine, if that’s how you understand it."

After hearing Hoot repeatedly refer to other humans as servants, Alex had already begun suspecting that the pigeon understood human society through the social hierarchy of Beasts. Since they had apparently observed him leading other people, they had concluded that he was some kind of human king, which also explained why they had approached him to negotiate an alliance.

"As for our second demand, we would like you to teach us Magic," Hoot continued.

Alex was somewhat surprised by the request, although after considering it, he realized that the pigeons had probably observed him using spells and concluded that he was proficient enough to teach them.

"That should be possible, although I can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to learn everything I know," Alex replied. He was curious whether Beasts could learn magic through the same methods as humans, so teaching them might also provide him with some useful information.

With their initial agreement settled, Alex decided there was no reason to remain on the rooftop any longer. "Anyway, let’s head back now. I’ll introduce you both to the people at our Base so we can avoid any misunderstandings later."

The two pigeons agreed, and Alex created a Mana Shuriken beneath himself before rising into the air. They began flying toward the high school together, with Pipi and Hoot occasionally adjusting their speed to remain beside him.

After they had traveled some distance, Pipi suddenly hooted, causing Hoot to turn toward Alex.

"Human, my king would like to know how long it has been since you learned to fly," Hoot asked. Alex glanced toward Pipi, finally receiving confirmation that the silent pigeon was indeed the leader of the two.

"Only a few hours, actually. Why do you ask?" Alex replied, wondering whether they had noticed something unusual about his flying technique.

"Have you attempted to fly in Hell Difficulty yet?" Hoot asked, apparently relaying another question from Pipi.

"Not at high altitudes. Why?" Alex asked, looking between the two pigeons with growing curiosity.

..

Author’s Note: If you’re enjoying the novel, consider leaving a vote. It helps the novel a lot. Thank you!