As I began my evolution it felt at times, that it might feel like sharp, tearing pains coursing through my body, as if every fiber was being pulled and stretched beyond its limits. The feeling of my muscles protesting against new growth, almost as if they are resisting the changes forced upon them. But the change was happening no matter what.
Then, interwoven with the pain, are moments of strange warmth and tingling, like energy pulsing through my veins and nerves. It's as if my body is awakening to new potentials, each cell vibrating with the excitement of renewal. This could be the feeling of my body adapting, reshaping itself to accommodate the evolving form. This was all too much for me causing me to pass out.
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As I slowly awakened, my mind felt like a foggy abyss, struggling to grasp any semblance of reality. The transition from my old self to this newfound form was disorienting, to say the least. I could sense a raw power coursing through me, unfamiliar and yet strangely enticing. My senses were heightened, every sound reverberating with newfound clarity, every scent sending ripples of sensation through my being. The world around me seemed sharper, and more vibrant, as if I had gained a new layer of perception.
But along with this heightened awareness came a sense of detachment, as if I was observing everything from a distance, disconnected from my own body. My limbs felt foreign, movements uncoordinated and clumsy. It was like trying to navigate a new landscape with an outdated map. And then there were the hunger pangs, deep and insatiable. It wasn’t just physical hunger but a primal craving that seemed to emanate from the very core of my being. A hunger that whispered of sustenance not from food but from something deeper, something more primal.
Standing up for the first time in this new form was a revelation unlike any other. The weight of my body distributed across these newfound limbs sent waves of exhilaration through me. It was as if I had been reborn into a body that was simultaneously familiar and utterly alien.
Gazing down at my limbs, I marveled at their structure and flexibility. No longer confined to a simple, wriggling body, I now possessed appendages capable of precise movements and deliberate actions. Each movement felt deliberate yet instinctive, a testament to the integration of this new anatomy with my consciousness.
And my eyes! Oh, how they had changed. Where once there were only rudimentary light sensors, now I beheld a world of detail and color previously unimaginable. The world seemed to unfold before me in layers of depth and nuance, every hue and shade a symphony for my enhanced vision. With limbs that obeyed my commands and eyes that saw beyond mere shadows, I embraced this new chapter of my existence with determination and curiosity, eager to discover what lay ahead.
The hunger gnawed at me relentlessly, a primal urge that demanded satiation. With the bear cub's carcass still warm and inviting, I wasted no time in satisfying my ravenous appetite. Its brunt orange fur, a stark contrast against the forest floor, reminded me of the recent kill and my newfound capabilities. Approaching the cub, I could feel the residual heat emanating from its body, a reassuring sign that it hadn't been too long since my evolution. The scent of blood and flesh filled the air, drawing me closer with each step.
Without hesitation, I tore into the carcass, the flesh yielding easily to my sharpened senses and enhanced strength. The blood, warm and rich, flowed into me, revitalizing and invigorating my being. It was a primal feast, every bite fueling not just my physical hunger but also a deeper, more profound craving.
Reaching the heart, I knew instinctively that there was more to be gained from this act than mere sustenance. My previous evolution had been marked by consuming the heart, and I couldn't shake the feeling that doing so again would unlock further potential within me or strengthen them. As I devoured the heart, a surge of energy coursed through my veins.
By the time I finished, a sense of satisfaction mingled with anticipation. The hunger was sated, for now.
With my belly full and my senses heightened, I felt a surge of confidence and readiness.
Opening the status page felt like unlocking a treasure trove of revelations about my newfound abilities. As I scrolled through the details, each line confirming the extent of my evolution, I couldn't help but be amazed at just how strong and capable I had become.
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My strength stat had skyrocketed, surpassing anything I had ever known as a mere leech. It was as if every drop of blood from the bear cub had infused me with unparalleled vigor and might. But it wasn't just strength. My agility, previously limited to wriggling movements, had now elevated to levels that defied my old understanding of mobility. I could sense the newfound flexibility in my limbs, and the precision in my movements, all reflected in the stats on the page. As I absorbed this wealth of information, a sense of excitement and determination welled up within me. I was very happy with the gains I had gotten.
Vampiric Bolt Lv1/10 intrigued me immediately. The notion of channeling some form of vampiric energy into a focused bolt hinted at a predatory nature, a way to harness the life force of others for my recovery or empowerment. It was a skill that promised both offense and sustenance, a tool to be wielded with precision and cunning. I tried to conjure a bolt to see if I could and found it hard to even call it out.
It took quite a while to even figure out how to use the skill. Since I have never had anything to even use my MP for. But once I figured it out I found out that it takes 5 MP per shot of the skill. Next, I began to test out another one of my skills Hemorrhage Lv1/10 since this one was a curse one I would need a live target to use this against but could see how much MP it uses. It uses around 10 MP to cast the skill so that is fine.
Sanguine Surge Lv1/10 This skill can be used to empower the other skills so I tried once again to see its cost, the cost for that one is around 20 MP per cost with an additional 5 per second to keep the skill active. I used all of the skills once again and saw a minor improvement in the skills. Maybe since the skills are so low-level there is not that much of a difference in the power of the skills.
Regal Drain Lv1/10 didn't use any MP or any resource. But there was a range limit of 5m away from me. I watched as the last of the blood from the cub flowed into my hand.
Looking through my other skills I finally saw the skill I tried so very hard to get so I read the description of it. Lesser Heat Resistance Lv8/10 a tolerance for extreme temperatures, a resilience forged through adaptation and torture, allowing me to endure the scorching heat of the sun with ease.
But the last skill I had no idea how to use or even control it Royal Aura Lv1/10. I need to figure out how to control this fast or I might starve to death. Or maybe not since the cub also had a skill like this since I felt its presence and it was constantly attacked by things in the forest.
As I pondered the implications of my new skills and traits, a sense of anticipation stirred within me.
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The forest enveloped me in its embrace as I ventured forth, my senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and shift in the natural symphony around me. My newly evolved body moved with a grace and purpose that felt both exhilarating and unfamiliar, a testament to the changes that had taken place within me.
My goal was clear—to find a hidden sanctuary where I could establish a home base, a place of refuge and exploration in this vast wilderness. The image of a small cave with a deceptively modest entrance but a spacious interior lingered in my mind, a perfect blend of concealment and space. Navigating through the dense foliage, I scanned the surroundings for signs of hidden caverns or secluded spots that might harbor such a hidden gem. Every rock formation and every cluster of trees held the potential to hide the entrance to my future sanctuary.
As I moved deeper into the heart of the forest, the terrain shifted, presenting new challenges and opportunities. I climbed over rocky outcrops, squeezed through narrow passages between ancient trees, and listened intently to the sounds of the forest for any clues.
After what felt like hours of exploration, I finally stumbled upon a promising location—a series of moss-covered boulders nestled beneath a towering canopy of trees. There, partially concealed by trailing vines and ferns, was a narrow opening that seemed to lead into darkness. Excitement surged within me as I approached the entrance cautiously, my enhanced senses alert for any hidden dangers. The opening widened as I entered, revealing a passage that sloped gently downward, promising a hidden world beneath the surface.
Carefully navigating the twists and turns of the natural corridor, I soon found myself standing in a chamber that exceeded my expectations. The ceiling rose high above, adorned with stalactites that glistened in the dim light filtering through cracks above.
The space was perfect—large enough to accommodate my needs yet concealed enough to remain hidden from casual observers. With a sense of satisfaction, I began to envision how I would transform this natural haven into my home base, a place where I could rest, heal, and learn the full extent of my evolved abilities.
Setting to work with a newfound purpose, I reinforced the entrance with natural materials like rocks, creating a sturdy yet inconspicuous barrier. Within the chamber, I cleared space for resting quarters, storage of essentials, and even a designated area for training and honing my skills.
As I settled into my newfound sanctuary, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. Here, in this hidden cave beneath the ancient trees, I would chart the course of my evolution, embracing the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead in this untamed world.