SSS-Rank Talent: Super Upgrade System-Chapter 169: Treasure Aardvark!

The tension in the newly dug cavern was thick enough to chew.

On one side stood the massive, armored aardvark, its metallic scales still trembling from the impact of Daniel’s punch, its small eyes narrowed in a mix of anger and confusion.

Opposite it, the small, almost absurdly tiny form of Nyx, the Shadow Wolf Pup sat poised and still, her glowing blue Soulfire eyes locked onto the giant beast with a steady, intelligent stare.

It was a bizarre standoff, a scene of David and a very confused Goliath.

Daniel watched from a safe distance, his own power held in reserve, his curiosity piqued.

He had expected Nyx to immediately transform into her terrifying, two-headed draconic wolf form to intimidate the aardvark.

Instead, she remained in her small, unassuming pup state, as if intending to handle this with diplomacy rather than overwhelming force.

Nyx let out a series of soft, low whines and growls, sounds that were not aggressive, but inquisitive.

She tilted her head, ears flicking, and gave a single cautious wag of her tail.

The aardvark let out a low rumble, its tense posture easing ever so slightly.

It was a strange, silent conversation, a primal communication that bypassed words entirely, flowing between the two beasts on a level of pure instinct and shared experience.

A wave of understanding, a series of vivid images and raw emotions, flowed from Nyx to Daniel through their familiar bond.

He saw, through her senses, the aardvark’s story.

He saw a thriving underground cavern, a peaceful den lit by the soft glow of origin crystals, the aardvark’s true home.

Then came the terrifying arrival of the human miners, their massive drills shook the earth, tore through rock, shattered crystals, and destroyed the den, forcing the frightened aardvark from its ancestral home.

He felt its fear, its loss, and its desperate, defiant anger.

The wailing cry he had heard wasn’t just a random sound, it was a cry of grief, a lament for a lost world.

The pieces clicked into place. The aardvark wasn’t a monster preying on the mine, it was a victim, a refugee.

It had been desperately trying to scare away the miners, the ’ghostly’ wails a bluff, a desperate attempt to buy itself time to dig a new home and recover a fraction of what it had lost.

The massive pile of refined ore wasn’t a hoard born of greed, it was the carefully gathered foundation for a new beginning.

Daniel’s expression softened.

The cold, analytical predator within him gave way to a flicker of genuine sympathy.

He had seen enough of the Verge’s cruelty, enough of the strong preying on the weak, to recognize a kindred spirit in this displaced, defiant creature.

He saw not just a beast, but an opportunity, not for conquest, but for alliance.

Its immense defensive power, its unique ability to locate and refine precious ores... it was an invaluable asset.

"It’s a Treasure aardvark," Daniel murmured to himself, the name coming to him with a sudden clarity, a gift from his [Omniscient Insight].

A creature born to find and protect the earth’s riches. He had to have it on his team.

He stepped forward, projecting an aura of calm reassurance, not the overwhelming pressure of a combatant.

"Your home was destroyed," he said, his voice soft but clear, his intent flowing through Nyx to the aardvark.

"You are alone. But you are strong. You have value. Follow me. I can offer you protection, a new purpose. You will never have to fear the miners’ drills again."

The Treasure aardvark looked from the tiny, strangely empathetic wolf pup to the powerful human who had just punched it with the force of a falling star.

It let out a low, questioning growl. The offer was tempting, but its pride, the pride of a creature that had survived alone in the dark for so long, demanded proof.

It needed to know that this human was not just another threat, but a true alpha, a leader worthy of its loyalty.

It communicated this through a series of sharp, challenging snorts directed at Nyx.

Nyx relayed the message: Prove your power. Not just strength, but true, undeniable power. Show me you are a king, not just a conqueror.

Daniel grinned. A test of strength. He could respect that. He could have activated his S-Grade [Earthquake Colossus Form] or his [Solar Flare Fist Art], but the aardvark had already tasted his physical might. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

It wanted to see something more, something that spoke of a higher authority. He turned to his familiar, who was looking up at him with expectant, glowing eyes.

"Alright, Nyx," Daniel said, a predatory glint returning to his gaze. "I believe it’s time for the main event.

Show our new friend what true power looks like. Full transformation. No holding back."

Nyx let out a single, triumphant yip. Then, she exploded.

"BOOM!"

A shockwave of pure, untamed elemental energy erupted from her small form, a swirling vortex of shadow, ice, and fire that shook the very foundations of the cavern.

The wind howled, a fierce display of her unleashed power.

Her body expanded at an unnatural pace, muscles swelling, bones stretching, her fur darkening to midnight black, now laced with glowing veins of soulfire and crackling frostfire.

Her second head, a perfect sculpture of crystalline ice, solidified beside her fiery one, its eyes glowing with a chilling, intelligent light.

The two small, draconic horns that had sprouted during her battle with Sango were now more pronounced, sharp and menacing.

She rose to her full height, a colossal, two-headed pseudo-dragon, her SS-Grade potential now on full, terrifying display.

The raw force of her bloodline, ancient, draconic power from the Abyssal Maw Leviathan, crashed over the Treasure aardvark like a tangible wave.

The aardvark’s aggression, its pride, its defiance, all of it vanished in an instant.

It was replaced by raw, primal fear.

It let out a small, pathetic squeak and immediately dropped to the ground, its massive, armored body prostrated before Nyx, its head pressed to the stone floor in a gesture of absolute, unequivocal submission.

It had challenged a king and found itself face-to-face with a god.

The message was clear. Any being who could command such a creature was not just a leader, they were a force of nature.

Daniel smiled, the show of force having worked perfectly.

He walked forward and placed a hand on the trembling aardvark’s head, initiating the familiar contract.

A gentle light pulsed between them, and the bond was sealed. He was now the master of this unique and powerful beast.

He immediately checked its status.

[Familiar: Treasure Aardva]

Species: Gilded Earth-Eater aardvark

Grade: A (Potential)

Level: 12

Talents:

[Ore Sense (A-Grade)]: Can sense the location and purity of rare minerals and ores within a wide radius.

[Fortified Carapace (A-Grade)]: Possesses immense natural physical defense, highly resistant to blunt force and piercing attacks.

Skills:

[Burrowing Blitz (B-Grade)]: Can tunnel through rock and earth with surprising speed.

[Iron Headbutt (C-Grade)]: A surprisingly effective headbutt.

Loyalty: 95/100 (Utterly terrified and deeply impressed.)

"An A-potential Treasure aardvark," Daniel murmured with satisfaction.

"Welcome to the team." The quest for the Luminark stone had just gotten a whole lot easier.

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