[Challenge details: The original wielder of the weapon would be degraded ording to the Host''s level. Until the host doesn''t defeat the original owner in full strength, the weapon will not submit to the hostpletely.]


    [However, defeating each stage of the original wielder would allow the host to unlock the different features/usages of the said weapon/relic.]


    [Ding!]


    [After calcting the Host''s current strength and stats, the opponent is degraded to rank D and upon defeating the host would earn:


    1. Staff Maniption


    2. +20 Quest Points.]


    [Best of luck, host!]


    Reading those texts, Richard heaved a sigh.


    He was currently inside a space that was detached from the original world. He was standing outside of what seemed like a cage, and inside the barrier, was that mythical legend against whom he had to fight.


    ''System, will I get killed here?''


    [Ding!]


    [The general duration of each session cannot exceed two hours, and utilizing the Soul Resonance can only be done twice a week. Another factor, if the host dies in this realm, he would be sent back to his conscious self.]


    Understandable. If Richard could have used this skill any time of the day without going down, then he might have gotten addicted to it. Or maybe not.


    "Do I get any weapon to fight that is waiting inside for me?" Even when Richard can''t see the figure of Wu Kong, he can feel the ominous sensation, arriving from someone who gained enough strength to challenge the Gods.


    [Since this is the Host''s subconscious, any weapon the host has previously used can be summoned and potions as well.]


    Richard sighed in thankfulness before he finally collected his nerves and got mentally prepared.


    ''Let''s see...'' Summoning his favorite batons in his hands, he stepped inside the cage.


    **GRRRRR**


    Suddenly a wave of strange energy assaulted him, making Richard shield his face and stop himself from getting thrown away. Utilizing enhancement, he increased his body weight and somehow withstood the wave without getting thrown out.


    Across him, a name shed in purple shade.


    [Monkey King]


    In the thick of the darkness, Sun Wukong stood tall, his gleaming armor catching the faintest traces of light, creating a haunting contrast to the void around him. His powerful form, unarmed yet brimming with an unspoken menace, radiated a force that seemed to challenge the very shadows themselves.


    His sharp eyes pierced the gloom, reflecting a primal intelligence and untamed strength as if the darkness itself trembled in his presence.


    He didn''t wield his legendary weapon and was currently empty-handed. However, that factor alone couldn''t have pushed Richard to make any rash decisions.


    The being was eight feet tall at least and radiated an intimidating aura. Everything that could scare away a man was being possessed by the Stone Monkey.


    However, Richard didn''t cower away.


    Clutching his baton strongly, he ran. Strengthening his legs, he dashed in an arc, not aiming to be near Wu Kong; rather, he circled him.


    Gaining enough kic energy, Richard finally changed the trajectory of his movement, leading directly towards Wu Kong. He had to make an opening so he couldunch another attack.


    *SLIDE*


    Bringing his body to a sliding halt, Richard pulled the left baton apart, and just as he was about to strike it, something grabbed his hand.


    "Huh?" Under Richard''s astonished gaze, he found Wu Kong standing inches away from him with his hands grabbing Richard''s, preventing him from striking the batons.


    Wu Kong''s eyes glowed ominously before he tilted his head back—ringing several sirens in Richard''s head—before bringing his head down to crash against Richard''s.


    **TIIIIINNNG**


    A golden halo erupted from the collision and blood exploded from Richard''s nose and ears.


    The battle concluded in thirty-two seconds.


    ---------------**--------------


    With his eyes slightly open, and a gloomy look adorning his face, Richardid down inside the carriage.


    He was...suddenly reminded of that day when he faced his first zombie. The helplessness he felt at that moment was nothing inparison to what he faced today.


    Wu Kong was at the mountain''s peak and Richard was standing at the bottom of the sea.


    [Ding!]


    [A suggestion arrived!]


    [Wu Kong: One must be quick against an unknown enemy. Letting your strategy be obvious would cause your demise ten out of ten times. ]


    Richard raised his brows. He never expected to receive something out of the one-sided beatdown he just went through.


    ''Be quick and don''t let them predict your first move eh...'' He summarised it like that. Naturally, no one would like their foe to know what one is going to do, however, Richard has be so reliant on his batons that he could only think of using them to create an opening.


    Unpredictability is your greatest strength against an enemy who is stronger than you.


    With those thoughts and while formting his next battle against the Monkey King, Richard fell asleep.


    There was no teleportation portal avable around the capital since many of the high-ranking nobles had already fled earlier. That''s why, after making a reservation for early in the morning tomorrow, Berine led her baby to the nearest motel.


    "Mom, you need to visit the pce right?" While she was tucking him inside the nket, he asked.


    However, Berine shook her head, "I want to be with you right now. Leaving you in this condition would not let me concentrate on anything even if I leave."


    Just as she spoke those words, someone knocked on the door.


    Berine frowned; she had clearly instructed the soldiers stationed downstairs not to disturb them.


    Berine slowly got up and walked towards the door.


    Richard wasn''t able to see who was standing on the other side when Berine opened the door. But suddenly, she looked at him over her shoulder and apologetically said, "I need to step out a little. Just give me ten minutes."


    Richard nodded without much thought; guessing that the person must be from the royal court who might have brought some message from the Emperor.


    After closing the door, Berine walked downstairs with the hooded figure, and they both entered the eatery, which was situated in the same building.


    Naturally, since the Duchess was staying there, the other guests were kicked out, so there was no one in the restaurant when the two entered.


    Taking a random table, Berine sat across from the person before asking, "So...what do you want to talk about, Princess Elizabeth?"


    Removing her hood, Elizabeth smiled softly in her direction before asking, "You seem to have changed your attitude toward me, Your Grace."


    "You can say, my rtionship with the royal family has now changed entirely." Crossing her legs, Berine indifferently stated.


    Elizabeth barely stopped herself from grinning. This is exactly what she wanted.


    "Then...you won''t mind destroying my father and his subordinates with me, right?"


    Berine frowned. This was the first time for her to witness this side of Elizabeth. Although the Duchess knew that the Princess was a little spoilt and moody, this was still quite shocking.


    ''No...wait...why does this look familiar?'' Berine felt the headache returning. It''s been quite often recently that she felt something banging on her head like some sort of memory was trying to resurface.


    Berine ignored the headache and asked the girl, "Why this sudden urge for patricide?"


    Elizabeth''s eyes fell on the table as she solemnly replied, "When someone harms the person you love more dearly than your life....nothing but the intent of ughter remains."


    Berine couldn''t discern about whom Elizabeth was talking about, however, looking in those eyes—those mes of vengeance—she knew that this girl was serious.


    However, "I don''t think it''s wise to act on a teenager''s impulse. Why should I help you?" Berine shrugged and leaned back.


    Elizabeth clicked her tongue, but couldn''t say anything careless here. Berine was not someone she could talk carelessly with. If on her side, then Berine would be the strongest ally, but against Elizabeth, Berine would prove to be the most annoying opponent.


    After thinking for a bit, suddenly Elizabeth grinned before she extended a document in Berine''s direction and uttered, "I don''t think you would say the same thing, after seeing this."


    Berine took the file with a frown and read thebel,


    [Possible subjects]


    Upon flipping the cover, the first picture she saw turned her head numb, and the world around the two began to shake.


    --------------**--------------


    A/N:- Oh no....two yandere one target. I feel bad for that guy already.


    Anyway, about the soul resonance, Richard wouldn''t get thrashed every time like he got in this one. Naturally, fighting against a deity who has faced countless battles wouldn''t be easy. Remember, Richard would be learning from them, so if some readers expected that MC shouldn''t lose to anyone, then sorry, my friend, I might disappoint you.


    But be assured, he won''t be losing against those whom he would meet in the real world.


    Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Drop somements to let me know your thoughts.