Caelum’s body trembled with exhaustion. His muscles ached from the strain of the battle with the Shadow Prowler, and the lingering sting from the creature’s claws still throbbed painfully. He wanted nothing more than to rest, to curl up and let his body heal, but the world wasn’t about to grant him that luxury.
From the shadows, another creature appeared, its sleek form blending into the dim light of the forest. It was larger, more dangerous than the last one, with piercing eyes that glinted with predatory hunger. Its body rippled with muscle, each step a calculated, deadly movement. Caelum’s heart sank—this wasn’t over yet.
His instincts flared to life, warning him of the danger even before he could fully process it. The new predator moved with terrifying speed, darting toward him before he could gather his thoughts.
[Appraisal Activated]
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* Name: Skulker Fangbeast
* Species: Nightfang Predator
* Level: 21/25
* Rank: E
* HP: 35/35
* MP: 25/25
* Stamina: 50/55
* Echo Skills: [Shadow Strike Lv: 6], [Razor Claw Lv: 7]
* Resonance Skills: [Darkness Manipulation Lv: 4], [Silent Hunt Lv: 5]
* Resistance Skills: [Poison Resistance Lv: 8], [Physical Resistance Lv: 6]
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The Skulker Fangbeast hissed, its sharp claws gleaming in the faint light as it closed in on Caelum with deadly intent. He had no time to think, only time to react. With a burst of energy, he forced himself to dodge, barely avoiding the razor-sharp claws that would have torn him apart.
His body screamed in protest as he pushed himself to move, fatigue and pain dragging at him with every step. His HP was low, and his stamina had been drained from the previous fight, but he couldn’t stop now. Not when the Fangbeast was circling him like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
Caelum tried to summon his magic, reaching deep within himself for a spark of fire, but his mind was clouded with exhaustion. The fire sputtered weakly in front of him, barely managing to flicker in the air before fading away.
The Fangbeast hissed again, its body coiling like a spring as it prepared to strike. Caelum’s many eyes darted around the forest, searching for anything that could give him an advantage. But there was nothing—just trees, shadows, and the deadly predator that stalked him.
With a roar, the Fangbeast lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. Caelum twisted his body, barely managing to avoid the deadly strike, but the force of the beast’s attack knocked him off balance. He tumbled backward, his small body rolling across the forest floor as the Fangbeast pressed its attack.
His HP dropped further, a sharp sting radiating from where the creature’s claws had grazed him.
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HP: 14/40
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Caelum’s breath came in ragged gasps as he forced himself to stand, his legs trembling beneath him. He couldn’t keep dodging forever—he needed to fight back. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he focused on his Fire Magic, trying to call forth a stronger flame. The warmth of the magic flickered inside him, and with a determined cry, he unleashed a burst of flames toward the Fangbeast.
The fire struck the creature’s side, causing it to hiss in pain, but it wasn’t enough. The Fangbeast’s dark fur absorbed much of the damage, and it recovered quickly, its eyes burning with fury. It circled Caelum again, its movements fluid and predatory, as if it were toying with him.
Panic clawed at Caelum’s mind. His magic wasn’t strong enough to take down this creature, and his stamina was nearly depleted. He had to think of something fast, or he wouldn’t survive this encounter.
The Fangbeast lunged again, and this time, Caelum couldn’t dodge fast enough. Its claws raked across his side, and pain shot through him like fire. His HP plummeted.
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HP: 12/45
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He gasped, his body trembling as the poison from the creature’s claws began to spread through him. His mind grew foggy, and he struggled to keep his focus. The Fangbeast was circling him again, preparing for the final strike, and Caelum knew he didn’t have much time left.
I have to end this.
Desperation fueled him, and he tapped into the last reserves of his strength. His body ached, his mind screamed for rest, but he couldn’t stop now. He focused on the magic inside him, calling forth everything he had. Fire Magic wasn’t enough, but maybe—just maybe—he could combine it with his Wind Magic.
The magic surged within him, a chaotic mix of heat and air swirling together. He didn’t have much control over it, but he didn’t need finesse right now—he needed power. With a roar of determination, he unleashed the combined magic in one final, desperate attack.
The flames roared to life, fueled by the powerful gusts of wind, and the fiery inferno engulfed the Fangbeast. The creature howled in pain as the fire seared through its fur and flesh, the heat too intense for even its resistance to withstand.
Caelum watched, his vision blurring as the Fangbeast writhed in agony, its body consumed by the flames. He felt his magic draining, his strength slipping away, but he had done it. The creature let out one final, desperate scream before collapsing to the ground, its charred form lying still.
Caelum gasped for air, his body collapsing to the forest floor. He could feel his stamina draining, his HP dangerously low, but he was alive. He had survived. The battle had taken everything out of him, but he had won.
Just as his vision began to fade, a familiar sound echoed in his mind.
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Mystic Larva Level increased from 23 to 24
Mystic Larva Level increased from 24 to 25
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His body was flooded with a sudden surge of energy as the level-up notification blinked in front of him. He could feel the pain beginning to fade, his HP slowly recovering as his body healed itself from the damage.
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HP: 22/50
MP: 40/65
Stamina: 20/40
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Caelum lay there, panting as the warmth of the level-up soothed his aching body. He wasn’t fully recovered, but it was enough to keep him alive for now. A small, weak smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He had survived, once again.
As Caelum caught his breath, the adrenaline from the battle still rushing through him, a new screen appeared in his vision. The familiar notification of leveling up flashed once more, but something felt different this time—he could sense that something important was about to happen.
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[Level Maxed: 25/25]
[Evolution Available]
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The moment those words appeared, Caelum’s entire body felt a shift. The pressure that had been building inside him, the growing sense that he was on the verge of something big, finally made sense. He had hit the limit of his current form.
He had maxed out his level.
He lay there for a moment, letting the weight of that realization sink in. His entire journey had been leading to this point, to an evolution that would push him beyond the limits of the larval body he had lived in since being thrust into this world. It was exhilarating, yet terrifying. What would he become? What choices would define him now?
He stared at the screen in front of him, willing the next set of notifications to appear.
[Evolution Choices Unlocked]
His heart pounded as the evolution options flickered into view, the potential paths for his future laid out before him.
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EVOLUTION OPTIONS FOR CAELUM:
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1. SCHOLAR PUPAL LARVA
A mystic pupal larva with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, this evolution emphasizes intelligence, magical growth, and the power of perception.
Description:
The Scholar Pupae Larva form enhances the ability to learn, adapt, and master magic through his Apex of Knowledge skill. The focus on acquiring new information allows to wield complex magic with ease, while boosting magic-related skills at an accelerated pace. This form gains more MP and faster mana recovery.
Features:
* Significant increase in MP and mana recovery rate
* Faster learning curve for elemental magic and new spells
* Increased damage and efficiency for Fire, Wind, and Earth magic
* Gains skill: Arcane Insight (Allows the user to see hidden weaknesses in enemies or structures)
Special Skill: Memory Archive – Can recall past experiences to boost proficiency in any skill temporarily. The more difficult the past encounter, the stronger the boost.
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2. EMBERHEART COCOON
This evolution draws heavily on affinity for Fire Magic, focusing on rapid growth in destructive fire-based abilities while leaving the creature defenseless in its cocoon phase.
Description:
The Emberheart Cocoon encases the creature in a protective, fire-infused shell for 6 days. During this period, the creature cannot fight or move, but absorbs fire energy from the environment to increase its mastery over Fire Magic. The cocoon phase greatly enhances the creature’s offensive potential and resistance to heat and fire-based attacks.
Features:
* 6-Day Duration: The cocoon remains stationary and defenseless for 6 days, during which Fire Magic grows significantly more powerful.
* Fire Resistance Boost: Greatly enhanced resistance to heat and fire-based attacks.
* Fire Magic Mastery: Fire spells become stronger, burn hotter, and spread faster.
* Gains Skill: Flame Mantle – Creates a protective fire shield around the user after evolution, damaging anyone who comes near.
* Special Skill: Inferno Surge – Releases a burst of fire magic upon emerging, igniting everything in a small radius for offensive and defensive purposes.
Vulnerability:
While in the Emberheart Cocoon, the creature is completely defenseless and must rely on the environment or allies for protection.
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3. MINDVEIL COCOON
An evolution focused on the power of the mind and telepathy, amplifying psychic abilities during a vulnerable cocoon phase.
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Description:
The Mindveil Cocoon encases the creature in a psychic barrier for 8 days. Immobile and defenseless during this phase, the creature strengthens its Telepathy and psychic skills. The cocoon period boosts mental resilience, allowing the creature to manipulate thoughts and perceptions with precision after evolution.
Features:
* 8-Day Duration: The cocoon remains stationary for 8 days, enhancing mental abilities while leaving the creature defenseless.
* Amplified Telepathy: Increases the range and strength of telepathic communication, allowing perception of hidden thoughts after emerging.
* Mental Resistance Boost: Increases resistance to mind-altering effects like Fear, Confusion, and Sleep.
* Gains Skill: Mind Trick – Allows the user to implant illusions into the minds of weaker enemies.
* Special Skill: Psychic Web – Creates a mental link with enemies, tracking them, predicting movements, and even controlling weaker minds for short durations.
Vulnerability:
The Mindveil Cocoon leaves the creature defenseless and fully reliant on external protection while it strengthens psychic and telepathic abilities.
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4. STONEWEAVER COCOON
A transition phase where the creature enters a defenseless cocoon to rapidly increase its level and enhance Earth Magic.
Description:
The Stoneweaver Cocoon encases the creature in a solid, stone-like shell for 7 days. During this time, the creature is completely immobile and defenseless but absorbs elemental energy from the earth to boost its physical resistance and Earth Magic. It cannot fight but passively levels up while regenerating HP and MP at an accelerated rate.
Features:
* 7-Day Duration: The creature remains in the cocoon for 7 days, gaining levels and Earth-based skills such as Quake Core and Rock Armor without active combat.
* Immobile and Defenseless: The cocoon must be hidden or protected during this vulnerable phase.
* Rapid HP/MP Recovery: Natural regeneration is greatly enhanced as the creature prepares for its next evolution.
The Stoneweaver Cocoon focuses on leveling up and increasing Earth Magic, but the creature is vulnerable for the entire 7-day duration.
Vulnerability:
The Stoneweaver Cocoon leaves the creature defenseless and fully reliant on external protection while it strengthens psychic and telepathic abilities.
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5. LUMINAR PUPAL LARVA
A form that focuses on healing and light magic, allowing to become a powerful support figure while still maintaining his elemental abilities. This evolution prioritizes recovery and survival in difficult situations.
Description:
The Luminar Pupal Larva taps into the elemental magic of light, allowing it to heal injuries, dispel harmful magic, and protect allies. Though not as offensive as the other options, this form balances utility with resilience, making it ideal for long-term survival.
Features:
* Gains Light Magic, including healing and protective spells
* Faster natural regeneration for HP and MP
* Boosts to support spells (e.g., healing, barriers)
* Gains skill: Radiant Glow (Create a field of light that boosts morale and speeds up the recovery of anyone inside it)
Special Skill: Sanctuary – Can create a protective dome of light that heals all allies within and repels enemies for a short duration.
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Caelum stared at the five evolution options, each representing a distinct path for his future. His thoughts raced as he considered the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
Would he choose the Scholar Larva and focus on mastering magic? The Emberheart Cocoon to boost his firepower? The stealth and trickery of the Mindveil Cocoon? Or perhaps the solid defense of the Stoneweaver, or the healing and protection of the Luminar?
Wait a second…Cocoon?
Completely defenseless!?