I ran to where I heard Arlin's voice come from. I pushed aside rocks and trees or just crushed it under my weight as I ran. Everyone held on tightly to my fur as I increased my speed excited to see my friend once more.

Arlin: Devan! I'm over here!

Strange he usually stutters whenever he speaks. How did he even get here from Bellmount it's miles away. He should be dead if he tried to travel in this dangerous jungle.

Now I knew whoever this was, wasn't Arlin. If he entered this jungle alone he would've died. He should still be in Bellmount with his family as well. My speed went down significantly as I was now cautious of whoever this was impersonating my friend.

Arlin: Help!

Devan: I'm almost there!

I didn't want whoever it was to know I already knew it was a fake so I responded. It's voice was closer and so was it's weird scent. The smell was the same as the fox and bird so now I knew this was the skinwalker.

Devan: (Everyone remain hidden on my back, something doesn't feel right.)

They all gave me a concerned look before doing what I asked them to do.

Arlin: Over here, hurry!

I made one more turn and there he was. Arlin was standing there with his back turned to me blood all over his clothes. It almost made me forget this was the skinwalker and not Arlin. It turned to me but it didn't look me in the eyes favoring to look at it's feet. It then ran forward and wrapped it's arms around me in an embrace I forced myself to return.

Arlin: Devan! I was so scared. Something attacked me, but I didn't know what it was!

I reluctantly rubbed it's head to pretend to comfort it. As it still refused to look me in the eyes.

Devan: It's alright, Arlin. I'm here now don't worry.

I could feel it genuinely relax in my arms which almost made me feel bad for what I'm about to do next. I slowly wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed him close against me.

Arlin: What are you doing?

It sounded flustered but I ignored it's question as I slightly bent my head down to whisper in it's ear.

Devan: You'll pay for impersonating my friend, skinwalker.

It stiffened as I began to squeeze it in the now deadly embrace.

Arlin: No! Devan, it's me!

It saying that made me increase the pressure even more. I began to hear small cracks come from it along with some blood coming out of it's mouth.

Devan: You may perfectly take the form of his body, but you'll never replicate his personality.

Seeing that I wasn't going to be fooled it's body got smaller and smaller until it turned into a tiny mouse. It's new form was so small it escaped my bone crushing embrace as it began to run away. I was about to stomp on it until it's body changed once more this time taking the form of the bird from before. It flew on to the branch of a far tree before it showed it's true form. I couldn't see his face only those pale white eyes.

Skinwalker: You're a smart one, Devan. And mighty strong too, you almost snapped my spine in half.

Devan: And you're a fool for impersonating someone I know, skinwalker.

Lazarus: I have a name Devan, there's no need to call me by what humans call my kind. It's Lazarus Grimsbane.

Devan: Keep saying my name and I'll rip your tounge out.

He let out small chuckles before standing up on the tree branch.

Lazarus: I don't wish to fight you, Devan but I will if you don't leave my territory.

He then morphed his body to have a tiger like appearance. He even had ears and a tail that completed his look. I rose to my full height and pounded my chest challenging him.

Devan: I was coming here to kill you anyway, you just made my search easier.

Lazarus: Heh, you still need to kill me to complete your hunt, ape.

With that he jumped off the tree and charged at me on all fours like a tiger.

He must be a fool to charge straight at a silverback. But he may put up a good of a fight as Ariel and Voytek did.

He was now a few feet away from me, so I slammed one of my fists down where he has going causing dust and rocks to fly everywhere. When the dust cleared I lifted my hand but there was nothing there.

Lazarus: Wow, one hit from you could kill me in this form.

I turned to my left to see him right next me staring into my eyes, but his eyes weren't white anymore they were a blood red. He did a small wave before I tried to backhand him with the back of my left fist. But like last time I didn't make contact with anything, instead I just sent a wave of dirt at some trees knocking them down.

Lazarus: You're like an open book to me, ape. What other secrets are you hiding?

He's predicting my moves isn't he?

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Not entirely, it appears he's reading your mind each time he gazes into your eyes. When his eyes glow red he's reading your thoughts thus knowing what your next attack is.

I tried to hit him by swinging my arm at an arc, but he jumped over it and onto my shoulders. He raised his hand about to slash my head until Alyssa grabbed his leg and slammed him to the ground. Even though she looked small she was still an ape capable of ripping limbs off especially when enraged. Seeing him on the ground I raised my foot intending to crush him, but he moved away before I could kill him. He was now a few feet from us staring at Alyssa making me slightly growl.

Devan: Keep your eyes off of her, skinwalker before I gouge them out.

He broke his staring contest with Alyssa as he turned to me, sounding shocked.

Lazarus: You brought your mate to a battle she could die in?

Devan: She can easily rip apart creatures twice her size.

He let out small chuckles while backing up a bit.

Lazarus: Watch over her Devan I might bury her under the earth,and I don't think apes can dig too well.

I was confused by what he meant until his limbs came together and seemingly fused as his body began to grow. His skin became darker as it began to be replaced by several large scales. The form he took was that of a giant snake.

He then burrowed into the ground leaving a giant hole where he entered.

Wystan: Careful, master. He's going to attempt to attack from beneath.

I nodded at Wystan before trying to locate where the skinwalker would appear from. I felt small vibrations at my feet as the surrounding rocks began to shake violently. Sensing danger I quickly moved away from the vibrations, but they seemed to be following me. The snake then launched out the ground in my direction with his mouth wide open. I swiftly dodged him as he dissapeared back into the ground just as quick as he came.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Shake the earth, user. Disorient the enemy then go in for the kill.

Taking his advice I slammed my fists into the ground causing it to shake and break. The intense vibrations caused the snake to surface and thrash around seemingly in pain.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Strike it's head.

I ran up to him while avoiding his flailing tail and delivered a devastating uppercut under it's jaw. Not only did I break his jaw I also managed to launch him a few feet in the air. While he was airborne giant wings sprouted from his sides as his mouth formed into a beak. The scales became lighter in color and turned into large feathers, he was now a giant hawk. He turned and dived down at us with high speed, but since my speed outmatched his I dodged him rather easily. The area I was once in was completely destroyed as the trees were broken and scattered everywhere. He flew back into the air as everyone watched soar back into the sky.

Voytek: Coward, he won't even fight on the ground.

Ariel: I wonder how his body can even transform into a creature so large.

Wystan: His wings look soft and fluffy, but I bet my master's fur is the softest.

Alyssa: (Now what? We can't attack him from all the way down here.)

Devan: (Don't worry I have an idea on how to deal with flying creatures.)

I went over to a nearby tree that was still rooted into the ground while keeping an eye on the sky for the eagle. I wrapped my hand around the base of the tree and pulled it out the ground with ease. A hawk's call echoed from above as he came through the clouds straight at us.

Wystan: What do you wish to do, master?

I lifted up the tree and used my other hand to help me aim.

Devan: I got this.

He was getting closer and I could feel everyone's fear seeing as I wasn't moving out the way. I just stood there still aiming the tree waiting for him to get closer.

Voytek: You know the giant chicken is getting closer, right?

I know, I'm going to skewer it. Maybe I'll  make a delicious feast from the corpse.

My mouth slightly watered from the thought of eating a giant roasted chicken. The want of food from my stomach fueled my strength and determination to skewer the big bird. He was now close enough to my liking so I threw the tree at him.

A shriek from the bird confirmed it was a direct hit possibly in a vital location. He barreled down from the sky and into the dirt shaking the surrounding area from the heavy impact. I slowly walked over to the downed bird while taking out my katana to finish him off incase he was still alive.

That battle was a lot easier compared to my other fights, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little disappointed. But I'm strong enough to destroy several trees with one swipe of my hand, so what did I expect?

I was now in front of the skinwalker as he slowly reverted back to his original form, but the tree's branches were skewering him all over his body.

Devan: Hey, you still alive?

He slowly lifted his head up to look at me as he let out a small cough.

Lazarus: Unfortunately...

He then coughed out some blood, and I still couldn't see his face.

Devan: Don't worry your suffering will end soon.

I gently placed one hand on his shoulder while grabbing the trunk of the tree. I guess he knew what I was about to do as he placed his hand over mine before closing his eyes bracing for the pain. As quickly and carefully as I could I pulled the tree and it's branches out of his body while he grunted in pain gripping my hand tightly. I tossed aside the tree before gently rubbing his back.

Devan: You alright? I removed the branches so the pain will soon be gone.

Lazarus: Yes... I'm better now, thank you.

I smiled at him before getting up and raising my katana ready to end his anguish, until he raised one of his hands up stopping me.

Lazarus: Before I die can you take my hat and cloak off so I may rest in peace?

Devan: If that is your final request I'll grant it before sending you to the underworld.

He lowered his head as I gently took off his hat and cloak which seemed to be attached together. Before I could finally see his face he took out a small ball and slammed it on the ground. A purple could then emitted from it as I fell to my knees coughing and crying as it overwhelmed my senses. It seems everyone was affected by it as I could hear them coughing and crying as well.

What is this?!

S.Y.S.T.E.M: It seems to be a crude mixture of various poisonous plants infused with some trace of magic. In other words it's this worlds equivalent to tear gas but less potent.

I clapped my hands causing the cloud to disperse allowing us to breathe again. But when our sight returned Lazarus was nowhere to be seen, not even his scent remained.

Poison resistance increased

Alyssa: (Look, there's something written in the dirt!)

Sure enough there was something written in the dirt and it read:

"You should have killed me when you had the chance, but I'm glad you didn't. Keep my cloak if you want let it be something to remember me by. Until we meet again".
~Lazarus Grimsbane

!Quest Failed!
To kill a king
Reason: Target escaped

So he's gone and I failed that quest, but at least I have a hat now.

Before I could admire the hat a loud roar echoed throughout the entire jungle from the great trees. It was loud and full of power causing the trees and ground to shake.

!New Quest!
Battle for the Throne
The apex heard your cries of victory over some powerful creatures throughout the jungle. Sensing your power it has challenged you to a battle to the death. This battle will determine who rules this jungle as it's true apex predator.
Reward: King of the Jungle
Failure: Death

Voytek: The apex calls for a battle! No doubt it's a challenge to you, małpa!

Ariel: Agreed, but please be cautious, Devan. The apex's power could rival yours.

Devan: (Well let's head over to the giant trees to take on the apex predator.)

Voytek looked at me shocked which I responded with a confused look.

Devan: (What?)

Voytek: You're just going to let your enemy go?!

Wystan: I have to agree with Voytek on this one, master. Shouldn't we go after the skinwalker first for you to gain it's power?

I began to walk in the direction of the giant trees while inspecting my newly acquired hat.

Devan: (No, let him go. I was the one trespassing on his territory with the intent to kill him. Apes kill to survive and he clearly isn't a threat anymore. Besides we shouldn't keep something like the apex waiting, it may come after us if we don't show up.)

I went back to intently inspecting Lazarus' hat wondering if it would even fit my head. It seems Alyssa wanted me to wear it as well since she poked my cheek to get my attention.

Alyssa: (Try it on, I bet you'll look great in it.)

Nodding at her I placed the tiny hat on my head and when I did I felt myself gradually shrink. Instead of being 12 feet tall I was down to what I think to be 7'2 standing on both my legs. I even felt my fur disappear and be replaced by smooth skin and my now smaller muscles. I was now a buff naked human with an ape, bear, cat, and a golem on my back.

(There's a picture at the top for an image of what he looks like now.)

I heard several gasps from behind me and when I turned to face them, Voytek and Ariel looked at me with burning rage in their tiny eyes.

Voytek: What did this human do with the, małpa?!

Ariel: Bring back, Devan!

They both began to strike my hat with their small paws while Alyssa sniffed me and Wystan closed his small eyes concentrating. Even though they were both trying to kill me I couldn't help but find their rage adorable.

I think I still have my endurance in this new human form since I can't feel the pain they're trying to inflict on me. I wonder if I still have my strength as well?

Alyssa: (Stop! You're hitting, Devan!)

They immediately stopped as they turned to her confused.

Voytek: How do you know that?

Ariel: If I'm not mistaken Devan is much larger than this human, and he's an ape.

Alyssa: (I can recognize my husband no matter what form he takes. He's still giving off the powerful musk every silverback releases, even in this strange form.)

So I look human but to other animals I still smell like an ape.

Wystan then opened his eyes seemingly finished with whatever he was doing.

Wystan: The mistress is right. I feel the connection with my master from this human.

I reached a hand behind my back and rubbed my now smaller finger on Wystan's tiny head. He let out small giggles as he grabbed my finger.

How did I even turn back into a human?

S.Y.S.T.E.M: The hat you're wearing allows skinwalkers to transform into any creatures. Although it appears they can transform regardless if they have it on or not.

Does that mean I'm able to transform into anything I want now?

S.Y.S.T.E.M: No, it seems you may only be able to transform into this new human form when the hat is worn.

Well at least I can pass for a human with it on. Maybe I can go back to Bellmount and visit Arlin. Is he even still there?

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Would you like to go visit him soon?

Of course. But I need to kill the apex predator and establish a home first.

I removed the hat and placed it in my inventory for safekeeping. With the hat off my head I changed back into my silverback form. It was a weird feeling having your body shrink and grow in a matter of seconds. Once the process was complete I continued walking to the giant trees to take on the apex.

Even without the skinwalker's ability I think I can take on the apex with ease. I'm strong enough now that one powerful punch should end the fight quickly.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Agreed, but the apex may have the same physical strength as you.

Maybe, we'll see when we get there.

With that I began to run back in the direction of the giant trees to finally confront the apex.

- .. -- . / ... -.- .. .--.

We were finally getting close to the base of one of the giant trees. But a huge smell of blood and rot invaded my sensitive nose. It seemed to have effected everyone else as well since they tried to block out the smell by burying their faces in my fur. I guess it must've worked as they seemed to be relaxed now.

As we got closer I got used to the horrible smell so I could see what was the origin of the stench. It turned out to be several fresh carcasses littering the base of the tree.

Voytek: How can so many strong creatures perish in the same area?

Alyssa: (How long have they been here? The bodies are already rotting yet they look like fresh kills.)

She was right the area around their wounds looked like rotten meat. They must've fell from the tree as well since the ground was caked in so much blood.

Devan: (You guys stay here I'm going up there to take on the apex.)

Alyssa: (Bu-)

Devan: (No arguing, please. This creature's power is probably the same as mine so he could slaughter you all. I don't want that to happen so once you hear my roar of victory you may climb up. Protect each other until I return from securing our new home.)

I reached both my hands behind my back and picked them all up before placing them on the ground. They all gave me concerned looks but they soon replaced their concern with admiration.

Voytek: Tear the crown off it's head, małpa!

Wystan: It will cower the second it sees you, master!

Ariel: Show it no mercy Devan, it will surely not show you any.

I turned to Alyssa just as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I returned the warm embrace as she raised her head to look in my eyes.

Alyssa: (Please come back to us safe.)

I gave her a small kiss on the head which she seemed to have liked.

Devan: (I will.)

Alyssa: (I'm going to have to groom you once you come back. There's bugs all over your fur.)

She proved her point by taking out a handful of bugs from my fur.

Alyssa: (And one more thing.)

Devan: (Wha-)

She cut me off by pressing her surprisingly soft lips to mine. A tingling feeling then spread across my entire body as she removed herself from the kiss.

!Temporary status affect gained!
Princess ape blessing
Effect: The user has been blessed by the princess of the royal ape family. This enhances all of the user's skills tremendously.

Alyssa: (Just want to make sure you come back to me safely. Now go beat up whatever foolishly challenged you.)

I gave her a slight nod still dazed by the surprise kiss. She giggled seeing how it effected me as she hopped out of my arms and walked back to stand with the others. They all gave me one last good luck yell which snapped me out of my dazed state.

I gave them all a small smile as I moved over to the base of the tree. I took a deep breath in before I began to rapidly climb the gaint tree determined to kill the apex. The climb seemed it would take a while so I took this time to think.

Wow, my first kiss.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Congratulations, user. Make sure you triumph in this next battle so you may return to your wife alive.

I didn't expect to get married when I came to this world as an ape.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: You also didn't expect to be chosen to fight gods.

Yeah, but it keeps things interesting. I wonder how Arlin is doing back in Bellmount.

S.Y.S.T.E.M: They more than likely increased security and are keeping a closer eye on every citizen. And as Arlin was seen with you he'll more than likely be under constant watch.

I made them scared that bad, huh?

S.Y.S.T.E.M: Apparently so.

Our conversation ended by me finally reaching the top of the tree. It was a beautiful view, but I didn't have time to admire it as a voice came from in front of me.

???: You've finally arrived, good. I was about to go looking for you myself.

I pulled myself up and on to the top of the giant tree. The top was completely flat almost like it was cut off while the branches and leaves acted as a roof. In front of me bones scattered the area some big and some small, with a huge pile in the center. And on that pile was the one who spoke, the apex. It rose up and spread it's wings before landing right in front of me. My katana began to slightly glow and shake but I ignored it keeping my eyes on my opponent.

???: Yes you're the one I sensed unlike the rest of these fools.

He gestured over to the various bones scattered everywhere using his head.

Devan: So you killed all of those creatures, why?

???: They tried to accept the challenge I called out for you, saying they could beat me.

He walked a few feet back crushing the bones he stepped on into dust. He stopped and turned to face me before roaring loudly. Gold armor then appeared on various parts of his body as his eyes glowed yellow. My sword was now shaking violently as the glow began to intensify.

Balthazar: My name is Balthazar, king of this jungle. I was put here as the ruler by the gods and granted power to secure my rule here. But you have natural strength to rival mine. I'm sorry to say this ape but only one of is going to leave here alive.

I took out my katana which caused my Gorilla armor to appear on my body. But this time it was glowing blue as my katana bursted into bright blue flames.

This should only glow in the presence of gods or godlike beings which means he is a god.

Devan: My name is Devan, soon to be king of the apes. And you're right only one of us is going to leave here alive. But I have a family to get back to and a promise to keep.

I stood on my legs and began to pound my chest challenging the king of the jungle. He roared once more before flapping his wings causing the air around us to move violently as he rose high into the air.

Balthazar: Entertain your king monkey!

He then launched himself at me starting the battle to determine which of us will be the next king of this jungle.

(Apologies for the very late update. Wow, about 7 days late.)