Jannet stared into the other lizard’s cold eyes, his thoughts still ringing with the phrase he had willed into existence: Lizard together strong. The tension in the air was suffocating, each flick of the other dragon’s tongue sending shivers down his spine.
For a moment, nothing happened. The larger lizard held its ground, muscles coiled, and Jannet braced himself for an attack.
Then, slowly, the other dragon’s posture shifted. Its claws relaxed against the dirt, its tail swayed gently behind it, and the hard, territorial edge in its gaze softened.
Jannet felt the bond click into place, a strange sensation like a door unlocking in his mind. A connection hummed between them—tentative, fragile, but undeniably there.
Before he could fully process what had happened, the profile flared to life with a triumphant glow:
----------------------------------------
Congratulations!
You have unlocked the achievement: First of Its Kind
----------------------------------------
Achievement: First of Its Kind
Description:
"Against all odds, you have forged a bond of friendship with a species that has never before trusted another. Your compassion and perseverance have bridged the unthinkable, rewriting history in both their world and yours."
Requirements:
Successfully establish a meaningful bond of friendship with a creature or species that has no recorded history of cooperation or trust with others.
Achievement Rewards:
* Title Unlocked: "World-Bridge"
Grants a small charisma boost (+5) when interacting with other species or creatures.
* Skill Reward: "Harmony Pact"
----------------------------------------
Skill Unlocked: Harmony Pact
Type: Active Skill
Cooldown: Moderate
Effect:
* Shared Strength: Both parties receive a 10% increase to combat stats when fighting together.
* Lifeline Bond: If one member of the pact is critically injured, the other receives a temporary boost in power or healing.
* Communication Link: Enables deeper understanding between bonded creatures and people, facilitating more complex interactions and commands.
----------------------------------------
As the glowing text faded, Jannet’s mind buzzed with the implications. This wasn’t just a victory—it was a breakthrough. The skill had already activated, cementing the bond between him and the larger lizard.
His gaze shifted back to his new companion, who stood a little more at ease, its forked tongue flicking in a slower, almost curious rhythm. Above its head, an icon appeared in Jannet’s vision, glowing faintly like an overlay in a video game.
----------------------------------------
Varanus komodoensis
Level: 5
Age: 1 year
Size: 5 feet Gender: Male
----------------------------------------
The information sent a fresh wave of relief through Jannet. The lizard was slightly bigger and older, making it the perfect first ally. Its size and presence alone would be enough to scare off most predators that might wander too close.
For a moment, they simply stood there, tasting the air, sharing the space. Jannet felt a strange sense of accomplishment—not the cold, pragmatic satisfaction of surviving another day, but something deeper.
This wasn’t just about survival anymore. This was about building something, forging connections in a world that seemed designed to tear them apart.
The other lizard tilted its head slightly, the gesture oddly familiar, almost like a nod. Jannet’s instincts told him that this was an acceptance, a silent acknowledgment of their bond.
Jannet’s thoughts swirled as he processed the bond he had just formed with the other Komodo dragon. For a moment, his mind wandered back to his old life—to Walter, to Richard, to the constant weight of their judgment.
Walter’s condescending smirk flashed in his mind, followed by Richard’s booming voice. They had never approved of anything he enjoyed, especially not something as science fiction as this. Walter had scoffed at it, calling it “a waste of time.” Richard had been even harsher, claiming that “people should worry about Earth, not some stupid stories about space.”
Those memories, sharp and bitter, clawed at Jannet’s mind like old wounds. His chest tightened, his breathing shallow and uneven.
The other lizard reacted immediately.
It wasn’t a threat to Jannet—not directly. Instead, it raised its head, its tongue flicking rapidly as its body tensed, scanning the surroundings with sharp, calculated movements. Its cold eyes darted from shadow to shadow, its claws flexing against the dirt.
Jannet blinked, his spiraling thoughts snapping back to the present. He realized what was happening: his stress, his anxiety, had put his new companion on edge. The larger lizard wasn’t guarding against Jannet—it was guarding for him.
The realization sent a wave of guilt through him. I’m making him think there’s danger when it’s just my stupid old memories.
Jannet took a deep breath, willing his body to relax. Slowly, he lowered himself to the ground, flattening his belly against the cool dirt. His companion watched him closely, its tongue flicking less frequently as it mirrored Jannet’s movements.
“Sorry,” Jannet thought, though the word felt hollow. Still, the tension between them eased.
----------------------------------------
Now calm, Jannet tried something new. He focused on the lizard, willing the bond they shared to strengthen. He didn’t have words—not like before—but he could gesture, project feelings, and send thoughts.
He moved cautiously, tilting his head slightly and flicking his tongue toward the other lizard in what he hoped was a friendly gesture. The larger lizard mirrored the motion, its body language cautious but curious.
It wasn’t speech—nowhere near it—but there was something there.
Jannet focused harder, trying to convey a simple idea: Friend. Work together.
The other lizard responded, though not in words. It was more like an impression—an understanding of cooperation, though tinged with territorial hesitation.
The two of them exchanged more gestures and thoughts, the communication clumsy and slow. Jannet tilted his head, pointed with his claws, and even mimed the sound of a bird’s flapping wings to indicate their next prey.
It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.
As they settled into their strange partnership, Jannet decided his companion needed a name. Calling him “the other lizard” felt impersonal, and Jannet was trying to build something bigger than that.
He mulled over the possibilities, his mind drifting back to his old life. A guilty pleasure resurfaced—his favorite sci-fi show on Earth, one about space exploration and the unity of a starship crew. Walter and Richard had hated it, of course, but Jannet had adored it, sneaking episodes late at night when the house was quiet.
The show’s captain always referred to their first officer as “Number One.” It was a simple name, but it carried weight—a sense of importance, trust, and partnership.
“You’re Number One,” Jannet thought, looking at his companion.
The lizard, of course, didn’t react to the name, but it felt right to Jannet.
----------------------------------------
Days turned into weeks, and the two lizards fell into a rhythm.
They hunted together, stalking prey through the underbrush and coordinating their movements with a surprising level of synchronization. Jannet’s Ambush Predator skill paired well with Number One’s sheer strength and size, allowing them to bring down creatures they could never have managed alone.
The hunts weren’t always successful, but they went hungry less often. Even if Jannet sometimes had to share a bit more food than he’d like, it was a small price to pay for the safety and companionship Number One provided.
Not that Number One was as generous. The larger lizard still hoarded its kills when it could, snarling softly if Jannet got too close. But even that was starting to change, albeit slowly.
When they weren’t hunting, the two lizards lounged under the tree, basking in the sun’s warmth or taking shelter from the midday heat. Jannet found comfort in these moments, the simplicity of their existence a stark contrast to the chaos of his old life.
----------------------------------------
Jannet leaned back against the tree’s thick trunk, watching as Number One flicked his tongue lazily in the air.
Walter and Richard would hate this, he thought with a faint smirk.
They’d hate the raw meat, the dirt, the lack of perfection. They’d hate that he was thriving in a world without their rules, their control.
Let them hate it, Jannet thought, the smirk growing. I’m doing just fine without them.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the jungle, Jannet closed his eyes, the presence of his first companion a steady reassurance at his side.
Status Update:
Varanus komodoensis
* Level: 5
* Name: [Unnamed]
* Stage: Hatchling
* Age: 8 months
* Size: 5.5 feet from snout to tail
* ETA until next evolution: 7-9 years
Stats:
* Health (HP): 200 → 220
* Stamina (SP): 160 → 180
* Mana (MP): 90 → 110
* Strength: 22 → 24
* Agility: 15 → 17
* Venom Effectiveness: 20 → 22
* Armor/Defense: 18 → 20
* Resistance: 11 → 13
* Perception: 18 → 20
* Stealth: 14 → 16
* Climbing Ability: 13 → 15
(Note: Stat increases doubled due to Wisdom of the Seeker.)
----------------------------------------
SKILLS
Innate Skills:
* Ectotherm: Regulate body temperature through external sources like sunlight.
* Short Sprint: A sudden burst of speed over short distances.
* Climbing: The ability to scale trees and rough surfaces.
* Digging: Create burrows or uncover prey.
* Claws: Sharp, durable claws for digging, climbing, and combat.
* Ambush Predator: Enhanced stealth and patience for surprise attacks.
* Stealthy Approach: Quiet movement for evasion or sneaking up on prey.
* Strong Jaws: Crushing force capable of breaking bone.
* Maiming Bite: Designed to disable prey and prevent escape.
* Infecting Bite (Deadly): Bacteria-laden saliva ensures fatal wounds.
* Expandable Jaws: Swallow prey larger than the head.
* Expandable Stomach: Hold large quantities of food for long survival periods.
* Carrion Eater: Safely consume decaying meat.
* Revulsion to Vegetables: Inefficient digestion of plant matter.
* Sun-Aided Digestion: Solar energy speeds up digestion.
* Slow Metabolism: Reduced energy consumption during inactivity.
Gifted Skills:
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
* Memories of the Soul: Access fragmented memories and insights from past lives.
* Reptile Memetics: Implant ideas, instincts, or emotions into reptilian minds, success increasing with genetic similarity.
* Morphic-Field Manipulation: Influence biological and instinctual behavior of creatures through unseen energy fields.
* Wisdom of the Seeker: Doubles experience gained from actions for faster growth and learning.
* Fabled Prodigy (Monster Trait): Enhanced growth rates, skill acquisition, and influence over creatures.
Unlocked Skills:
* Harmony Pact (Active):
* Shared Strength: Both bonded creatures gain +10% combat stats when fighting together.
* Lifeline Bond: Boosts power or healing if one bonded party is critically injured.
* Communication Link: Enables deeper understanding between bonded creatures, allowing more complex commands and interactions.
The glowing text faded from Jannet’s vision, marking yet another milestone in his strange, reptilian life. Eight months since hatching, his partnership with Number One had grown into a seamless rhythm of survival. The territory beneath their sprawling tree had become their shared domain, and even the once-daunting horned rabbits were now manageable prey.
Jannet and Number One stood amidst the aftermath of their latest hunt. The scent of blood lingered in the air as Jannet clamped his jaws onto the limp form of a rabbit, its curved horns broken in the struggle. Number One, larger and more powerful, finished off another with a crushing bite. Together, they were a formidable team.
As they prepared to feast, a sharp, anguished hiss sliced through the stillness of the jungle. Both lizards froze, their tongues flicking out to catch the scent of distress. The noise was close, urgent, and unmistakably Komodo.
Number One’s head whipped toward the sound, his body coiling with readiness. Jannet tensed, instincts screaming caution. Another lizard meant danger—competition for territory, food, or worse. But the cry wasn’t aggressive. It was pained, desperate.
Jannet’s thoughts raced. “We have to see,” he thought, gesturing with a flick of his tongue. Number One hesitated but followed as Jannet cautiously led the way toward the source of the sound.
----------------------------------------
They found her not far from the edge of their territory, trapped and struggling in a jagged contraption that gleamed cruelly in the filtered sunlight. The other Komodo dragon hissed and thrashed, her powerful tail slapping against the ground. Blood smeared the dirt beneath her broken front leg, pinned between the sharp metal jaws of a trap that looked eerily like something Jannet remembered from his human life.
The sight made Jannet’s stomach twist. He edged closer, his movements slow and deliberate. The trapped lizard was massive—larger than both him and Number One—her scales dark and glistening despite the dirt and blood. She flared her throat in a warning display, her tongue flicking wildly as she tried to assess the newcomers.
Number One hung back, his body tense, his instincts wary. Jannet could feel the weight of the decision pressing on him. This wasn’t just a matter of survival anymore. It was something bigger.
Lizard together strong, he thought, the words echoing in his mind. They had worked with Number One, and now he needed them to work again.
----------------------------------------
Jannet turned to Number One, projecting calm and reassurance through their bond. He gestured with his body, a slow, deliberate signal that said, “Let me handle this.” Number One’s tongue flicked in acknowledgment, but he didn’t relax, his gaze fixed on the struggling lizard.
Jannet approached cautiously. The trapped lizard hissed again, her panic rising. Her sharp claws scrabbled at the dirt, her tail whipping in frustration. Jannet paused just out of reach, feeling the resonance between them as he focused his thoughts.
Calm. We are not enemies. Lizard together strong.
It was harder this time, the trapped lizard’s fear and pain creating a wall of instinctual resistance. Jannet pushed harder, drawing on the bond he had with Number One and the months of partnership they’d shared. He projected images of cooperation, of hunting and resting together, of safety and strength in numbers. Slowly, the lizard’s thrashing lessened. Her breathing slowed, her tongue flicking hesitantly in the air.
The moment clicked, the resonance settling like a calm wave. A faint glow appeared above her head:
Varanus komodoensis
Level: 8
Age: 1 year
Gender: Female
Jannet’s thoughts reeled. She was even larger and stronger than Number One, though her broken leg and the bloodied trap dulled her ferocity. Still, this wasn’t just another lizard. She could be an ally—or a deadly rival if things went wrong.
----------------------------------------
Jannet turned his attention to the trap, examining it closely. It was rudimentary but effective—two jagged metal jaws clamped shut by tension, its edges biting cruelly into the female’s leg. It reminded Jannet of bear traps he’d seen on Earth, though it was rustier and more primitive. His human memories tugged at him, filling his mind with frustration.
“I don’t have hands anymore,” he thought bitterly. But his claws and jaws would have to do.
Searching the ground, he found a thick, sturdy stick—a piece of fallen branch that seemed strong enough to wedge the jaws open. Gripping it in his mouth, Jannet turned back to the trapped lizard. He sent a wave of reassurance through their tenuous connection, trying to convey his plan.
Wait. Trust me. Lizard together strong.
The female’s body remained tense, her eyes wary, but she held still, her instinctual panic giving way to cautious hope. Number One hovered nearby, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of curiosity and unease.
----------------------------------------
Jannet moved quickly. The stick slid between the jagged teeth of the trap, and he braced his claws against the mechanism. It took all his strength—and more than a few moments of grunting effort—but the jaws began to loosen. The trap creaked and groaned, the rusted metal protesting against the pressure.
Finally, with a snap, the trap sprang open.
The female darted out in a blur of movement, her injured leg dragging awkwardly behind her. She hissed once, a sharp sound of pain and relief, before retreating to a safe distance. Jannet stepped back, his body tense, watching her carefully. If she decided to turn on them now, there would be little he could do to stop her.
But she didn’t. Instead, she settled into a crouch, her injured leg tucked close to her body. Her tongue flicked slowly, tasting the air around Jannet and Number One. The tension between them eased, replaced by a tentative understanding. Relief washed over him as the immediate danger passed, but before he could process what had just occurred, the familiar glow of the system filled his mind.
----------------------------------------
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: FORGING A NEW PATH
Achievement: Forging a New Path
Description:
"With ingenuity and creativity, you have unlocked the potential of a species or being by introducing them to the use of tools. This marks the dawn of a new era for them—and a legacy for you as the catalyst."
Requirements:
Successfully teach a species or individual how to use a tool for the first time in recorded history. This could involve crafting a tool and guiding the creature in its use, sparking their understanding of how to manipulate their environment.
Achievement Rewards:
* Title Unlocked: "Innovator"
* Grants a small intellect boost (+5).
* Grants a 10% bonus to crafting success rates.
* Skill Reward: "Toolmaster's Insight"
----------------------------------------
SKILL UNLOCKED: TOOLMASTER'S INSIGHT (PASSIVE)
Effect:
* Enhanced Innovation: Boosts creativity and effectiveness in crafting and tool use.
* Improved Tool Durability: Tools crafted or used by the skill user last 20% longer.
* Enhanced Combat Tools: Tools used in combat gain a 10% damage bonus and a chance to trigger unique effects (e.g., blinding enemies with a hammer strike or creating a gust with a shovel).
* Teaching Synergy: Creatures or NPCs taught by the skill user gain a 10% efficiency boost when using tools and may develop unique abilities based on the tools they wield.
----------------------------------------
The glowing notification faded, leaving Jannet momentarily stunned. The magnitude of what he had done wasn’t lost on him. Using tools had been an instinctive solution to a problem, but the system’s reward hinted at something far greater. He wasn’t just adapting to this new world—he was changing it.
Jannet turned back to the injured lizard, who was watching him with a mix of wariness and curiosity.
For the next few hours, the three lizards lingered near the tree. The female—Jannet needed a name for her, but nothing came to mind yet—was cautious but didn’t leave. Her injury made movement difficult, and she seemed to recognize that, for now, safety lay with them.
Jannet felt a swell of pride—and something more. This wasn’t just about survival anymore. With Number One and now this new companion, he wasn’t just scraping by. He was building something.
But as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the jungle floor, a new thought gnawed at him.
The tree wasn’t enough. Not for three of them. They needed something better—somewhere safer, more permanent.
Shelter. A home.
For the first time in months, Jannet’s mind buzzed with the possibilities. Lizard together strong, he thought again, the words carrying a weight they hadn’t before. Together, they could survive. Together, they could thrive.
Status Update:
Varanus komodoensis
Level: 6
Stage: Hatchling
Age: 10 months
Size: 5 feet from snout to tail
ETA until next evolution: 7-8 years
Jannet lounged under the now-familiar tree, his mind buzzing with ideas. The tree had served him, #1, and Rose who Jannet had named after his favorite flowers from earth well enough for the past few months, but it was becoming increasingly apparent that their growing size and numbers demanded something more permanent.
Shelter, he thought, his tongue flicking out instinctively as he scanned the terrain around him. The wilds offered little in terms of safety. Even the larger predators prowling at night made privacy and warmth a fleeting luxury. Something better had to be made, and Jannet was determined to be the one to create it.
The idea of building entirely with sticks was laughable. Without hands to bind them together, creating anything complex seemed impossible. Yet Jannet’s reptilian mind was resourceful.
His claws dug absentmindedly into the dirt, and a thought struck him. Sticks. Sticks could serve as rudimentary supports, just as wooden beams did in the houses he once called home. Walter and Richard’s cold, impersonal mansion came to mind. It had never truly felt like his space.
This time, though, the home would be his—a place built not for obligation but for comfort and survival. He’d do it for himself, for #1, and for Rose.
A network of tunnels and rooms, supported by carefully wedged sticks, seemed achievable. The ground would retain heat during the night, providing much-needed warmth, while the dirt walls would give them privacy and safety. His claws and strong jaws, along with his digging skill, would be his tools.
He shared his idea with #1 and Rose the only way he knew how: through shared gestures and the faint impressions sent via Morphic-Field Manipulation. Though they didn’t fully grasp the details, their willingness to follow his lead was enough.
And so, the work began.
The next two months became a grueling cycle of digging, hunting, and resting. Jannet’s claws ached from the constant excavation, and his stomach growled with hunger far more often than he liked. The physical toll was immense, but the progress he made spurred him on.
By the time he finished, the underground structure had taken shape. It was rudimentary but functional—a simple network of three main chambers, each serving a purpose.
* The Sleeping Room: A quiet, cozy space lined with soft moss and dry leaves that Jannet had painstakingly gathered. It would be their safe haven during the nights.
* The Kitchen: A central area where they could store extra food, shielded from scavengers and the elements.
* The Living Room/Entrance: The largest chamber, serving as both an entryway and a communal area where the three could bask in the warmth of their shared presence.
Jannet stood at the entrance of the completed shelter, dirt clinging to his scales and exhaustion weighing heavily on his limbs. He glanced back at #1 and Rose, who had been observing his efforts with a mix of curiosity and admiration. Their presence reassured him that all the effort had been worth it.
“Home,” he thought, pride swelling in his chest. The word felt more significant than it ever had before.
----------------------------------------
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: PILLAR OF CREATION
As Jannet stepped back to let #1 and Rose explore the finished structure, the familiar glow of the system filled his mind, its text unfolding in a triumphant cascade.
----------------------------------------
Achievement: Pillar of Creation
Description:
"Through vision and craftsmanship, you have introduced the art of architecture to a species, transforming their shelters into sanctuaries, their villages into civilizations. The foundations you have laid will stand for centuries as a testament to your influence."
Requirements:
Successfully inspire or guide a species or individual in constructing a structure with advanced techniques or materials for the first time.
Achievement Rewards:
* Title Unlocked: "Architect of Ages"
* Grants a +5 boost to creativity.
* Grants a 10% increase in structural durability for Skill User-built or influenced constructions.
* Skill Reward: "Blueprint of Potential"
----------------------------------------
SKILL UNLOCKED: BLUEPRINT OF POTENTIAL (PASSIVE)
Effect:
* Structural Stability: Buildings constructed or influenced by the Skill userr are 20% more resistant to damage (e.g., weather, combat, or erosion).
* Enhanced Auras: Nearby structures grant minor buffs to allies within range (e.g., faster stamina recovery, reduced incoming damage, or boosted crafting speed).
* Design Synergy: Teaching architecture to NPCs or creatures increases their productivity by 15% and unlocks the potential for unique, self-evolving designs (e.g., creatures developing personalized homes or fortified bases over time).
----------------------------------------
A Text appeared Upon the Unlock
"Stone by stone, beam by beam, you’ve transformed the dreams of shelter into the reality of civilization. Where once there was wilderness, now there is permanence."
----------------------------------------
Jannet watched as #1 and Rose moved cautiously through the chambers, their tongues flicking as they explored. The dirt walls were sturdy, the stick supports wedged firmly into place. It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs.
For the first time since his rebirth, Jannet felt a sense of permanence. The jungle was still dangerous, and the challenges ahead would no doubt be immense, but now he had a foundation—both literal and metaphorical.
As he settled into the sleeping room that evening, Rose and #1 resting nearby, a new thought took root in his mind: If I can build this, what else can I create?
The possibilities felt endless.