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Transformation Mechanism:

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

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A Mana Core?

I’ve got a legendary artifact now?

With the Beastmaster bloodline, I can keep capturing creatures, gaining their abilities to boost my own—just like the legendary Druids!

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[Mana Core]

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

He caught a glimpse in his mind—a red crystal floating slowly around the Mana Core.

Where did this captured creature come from?

Suddenly, Oliver remembered that when a stray bullet had taken him down in his past life, a black dog had been lying in a pool of blood beside him. Could it be from that time?

From what he understood, his Mana Core captured creatures to enhance himself, without needing to kill them.

Of course, if the creature was already dead, it wouldn’t affect his gains.

[Would you like to refine its abilities?]

A notification chimed.

Oliver hesitated for a moment. He glanced around at his shabby dwelling, then at his own empty self.

In truth, he had no other choice. Did he?

This world was fascinating. Those with Mana Cores could summon the elements, soar freely, and wield immense power. How could he not want that?

It was settled. Starting today, he would walk the path of magic!

As he thought about it, the red crystal shimmered, transforming into a red light that fused into his Mana Core.

A wave of warmth surged from the core, spreading through his body and limbs!

Just having arrived in this world, he had felt weak, as if on the verge of death.

But now, the warmth flowing through him made him feel strong, revitalized—no longer frail.

However, the warmth didn’t last long, fading quickly, leaving him still not as powerful as he’d hoped.

But the system's notification chimed again.

[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, although his Mana Core remained red, there was now a faint black mist around it, as if the hound’s form flickered on its surface!

When he clicked on the captured creature section, more information appeared, drawing his 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, unlocking new abilities; upgrade to Yellow for Blood Wolf Claws.]

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

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Oliver’s mind raced, a mix of excitement and confusion. His Mana Core was extraordinary!

Just capturing an ordinary hound granted him such powerful abilities.

If he could capture magical creatures, how strong could his Mana Core become?

This world was full of dense, dangerous forests.

Magical beasts, treasures, and mineral veins hid deep within.

But acquiring treasures in the woods was no easy task.

The magical beasts were far beyond the strength of ordinary humans.

And deeper in the woods, toxic mists lingered, killing anyone who ventured too far.

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

And when the time came, the treasures hidden in the forests would be his for the taking.

He recalled stories of someone from the neighboring village who’d found a dead saber-toothed kitten. Its broken body had sold for thirty silver coins!

One silver coin was worth one hundred copper coins—thirty silver coins was a farmer's monthly income!

"Now I can see in the dark and sense danger. Does that mean I can head into the mountains to hunt for treasure?"

Oliver’s heart raced with excitement.

His Mana Core’s hound form was only red for now. If he could upgrade it to orange, yellow, or even higher forms—green, blue, purple—how strong could he become?

Taking a deep breath, Oliver stopped hesitating and started searching his home.

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

The moonlight shone brightly.

From a nearby thatched house, he could hear faint weeping.

Clenching his fists, Oliver set out toward the forest.

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

His village, Greenwood Village, was as ordinary as it got.

Transportation was primitive, with only a muddy path for the villagers to use.

Above the village was a small town, Eccleston, where people went to sell grain and pay taxes.

Beyond that lay Glensorne City, a place he had always dreamed of—a vibrant, prosperous city full of wizards and knights.

Once he grew powerful, he would definitely visit.

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

After a long walk, Oliver finally reached the edge of the forest.

Breathless, he gazed into the dark woods, hesitant to venture too deep. Instead, he wandered along the outskirts.

His danger-sensing ability told him that the deeper parts of the forest were still too dangerous.

After wandering for a while, he suddenly felt a stir in his heart and rushed toward a shadowy thicket.

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

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

But with his night vision, it couldn’t escape his notice.

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

But it was too late.

In an instant, Oliver had captured it with twine and tossed it into the linen bag slung over his shoulder.

“Night vision is amazing, and the Mana Core is making me feel stronger. My physical abilities are far beyond those of an average person. I can move fast and strike with precision!”

This catch would make for a good meal.

With that thought, he continued walking along the forest’s edge.

The darkness of night held no fear for him.

He moved like an elf in the night.

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

But after catching a few of them, his interest began to fade.

Aside from filling his stomach, they weren’t worth much.

Of course, he could still sense danger in the air. Without his special ability, an ordinary person would likely have died by now.

Even the forest’s edge was perilous. It was truly frightening!

Finally, after some searching, Oliver spotted a more suitable target.

A small, sharp-toothed weasel!

About the size of an adult’s forearm and weighing around three kilograms, its sharp teeth and special meat made it a popular item in town.

It could fetch at least five silver coins!

But it wasn’t easy to catch.

Its speed was impressive, and its sharp teeth were like small daggers—dangerous.

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

The weasel, startled by the sudden appearance of a human, tried to flee.

But Oliver’s speed was too much. The sickle struck true, severing its tail in one blow.

The small creature screamed in pain and tried to escape, but Oliver stepped forward and pinned it down with his foot.

Five silver coins, secured!