Transformation Mechanism:

[Shape-shifting Core] – Adapts to the essence of captured creatures, allowing for various transformations. Each form provides unique abilities that enhance the wielder’s skill set based on the specific creature captured.

**Mana Core?**

I have this legendary artifact now?

With the Beastmaster bloodline, it means that as long as I continuously capture other beings, I can gain their abilities and enhance my skills—just like the fabled Druids!

[Mana Core]

[Acquired Creature Soul Crystal: Unknown Hound (Red)]

He caught a glimpse in his mind—surrounding the Mana Core was a red crystal, slowly floating?

Where did this captured creature come from?

In a moment of confusion, Oliver suddenly remembered that when he was struck down by a stray bullet in his previous life, there had been an unfortunate black dog lying in a pool of blood beside him.

Could it be from that time?

From his understanding, his Mana Core captures creatures to enhance himself without needing to kill them.

Of course, if the captured creature is already dead, it wouldn't affect his gains.

[Would you like to refine its abilities?]

A notification rang out.

Oliver hesitated but looked around at his shabby dwelling and then at his empty self.

In truth, he had no other choice, did he?

This world is truly fascinating. Those who possess Mana Cores can summon elements, soar freely, and wield immense power. How could he not yearn for that?

It was decided. Starting today, he would embark on the path of magic!

As he contemplated this, he saw the red crystal quiver slightly before transforming into a red light that fused into his Mana Core.

A wave of warmth began to surge from the core, coursing through his body and limbs!

Having just traversed into this world, he felt weak and on the brink of death.

But now, with this new warmth flowing in, he finally felt strong and robust, no longer frail!

However, the warmth was fleeting, dissipating quickly, leaving him still not as powerful as he hoped.

Yet, the system's notification soon chimed in.

[Refinement Successful]

[Mana Core 1 – Red –Elysian Nexus Core - Current Form: Hound Form.]

[Captured Creature: Unknown Hound (Red), Fusion Level: 10%]

[Life Essence: 0]

[Forest Favorability: 0]

[Evaluation: A strange hound of unknown origin; its abilities are yet to be fully developed.]

Oliver noticed that while his Mana Core remained red, it now faintly exuded a hint of black mist, as if a hound's form flickered on its surface!

When he clicked on the captured creature section, more information popped up, drawing his full attention.

[Unknown Hound (Red): Capable of searching forests, locating treasures, and detecting danger!]

[Current fusion level is low, capable of enhancing stamina, and providing night vision.]

[Consuming Life Essence can upgrade it to Orange, gaining new abilities; upgrade to Yellow for Blood Wolf Claws.]

“Consuming Life Essence can enhance fusion levels, thereby boosting my Mana Core. But what exactly is Life Essence? How do I acquire it? And what is this Forest Favorability?”

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Excitement mingled with confusion filled Oliver's mind. His Mana Core was quite extraordinary!

Just capturing an ordinary hound granted him such potent abilities.

If he could capture magical creatures in this world, how powerful could his Mana Core become?

This world was filled with deep forests stretching endlessly, fraught with danger.

Countless magical beasts, treasures, and mineral veins lay hidden within.

Yet, acquiring treasures in the woods was extremely challenging.

The magical beasts therein were far beyond the capabilities of ordinary humans.

Furthermore, deeper within the woods, toxic mists lingered; anyone who ventured too far met only death.

But now, with a Mana Core as a Beastmaster, Oliver was confident he could navigate the wilderness like the beasts themselves.

When that time came, wouldn’t the treasures hidden within the forests be his for the taking?

He recalled tales of someone from the neighboring village who had found a dead saber-toothed kitten, its broken body selling for thirty silver coins!

One silver coin was worth one hundred copper coins; thirty silver coins represented an ordinary farmer's monthly income!

“Now I have night vision and can detect danger—does that mean I can head into the mountains to hunt for treasure?”

Oliver was filled with anticipation, unable to sit still.

His Mana Core's hound form was merely red for now.

If he could upgrade it to orange, yellow, or even higher forms like green, azure, blue, or purple—how powerful could he become?

Taking a deep breath, Oliver stopped hesitating and began rummaging through his home.

This dilapidated house was empty, but he managed to find a rusty sickle.

The moonlight shone brightly.

From a nearby thatched house, he heard faint sounds of weeping.

Clenching his fists, Oliver set out toward the forest.

As he walked, he took in the unfamiliar world around him.

His village, named Greenwood Village, was about as ordinary as one could get.

The transport here was extremely backward, with only a muddy path for villagers to traverse.

Above the village lay a small town called Eccleston, where the villagers went to sell grain and pay taxes.

Beyond that town was Glensorne City, a place he had always looked up to in memory, vibrant and prosperous.

Of course, it was filled with all manner of wizards and knights.

Once he grew powerful and wealthy, he would definitely explore it.

This world seemed far grander and more exciting than he had imagined.

At that moment, with light footsteps, Oliver walked for a long time, finally reaching the edge of the forest.

Breathless, he gazed into the dark woods, hesitating to venture deep, instead meandering along the outskirts.

With his danger-sensing ability, he clearly felt that the depths of the forest were still beyond his reach.

After wandering for about ten minutes, he suddenly felt a stirring in his heart and pounced towards a shadowy thicket.

To his surprise, within the darkness, a yellow-furred rabbit was quietly munching on grass.

Hidden well beneath the thicket's cover, the rabbit was almost undetectable.

But unfortunately for it, Oliver now possessed night vision, making it impossible for such a creature to escape his notice.

Realizing it was being hunted, the rabbit leapt away in panic.

But it was far too late.

In no time, Oliver had captured it with some twine and tossed it into the linen bag slung over his shoulder.

“Indeed, night vision is impressive, and my body has been strengthened by the Mana Core. My physical abilities are far superior to an average person, and I strike fast and accurately!”

With this catch, he could certainly enjoy a hearty meal.

With that thought, he continued wandering along the forest's edge.

The darkness of the night posed no hindrance to him.

He moved like an elf walking through the night.

Along the way, he effortlessly spotted various nocturnal creatures—rabbits, squirrels, even foxes.

However, after catching a few of these small animals, his interest waned.

Aside from filling his stomach, they weren't particularly valuable.

Of course, he also sensed several alarming dangers; had it not been for his special warning ability, a common person would have likely met their demise by now.

Even the forest's edge was this perilous, which was truly frightening!

Finally, after some searching, Oliver spotted a suitable target!

A small, sharp-toothed weasel!

This weasel was about the length of an adult's forearm, weighing around three kilograms.

Due to its extremely sharp teeth and special meat, it was once a popular item in town for purchase.

This one could fetch at least five silver coins!

Of course, although this creature was valuable, it was also difficult to catch.

Its speed was impressive, and its sharp teeth resembled small daggers—very dangerous.

Taking a deep breath, Oliver knew the opportunity was fleeting. He carefully approached, then suddenly swung the sickle with all his might.

The weasel, startled by the unexpected presence of a human at night, tried to flee in panic.

But Oliver's speed was too swift; his sickle struck true, severing its tail in one blow.

The small creature screamed in pain and attempted to escape, but Oliver had anticipated this, stepping forward and pinning it down with his foot.

Five silver coins, secured!