I did my level best to ignore the sounds of bones cracking behind me, I did my best to keep watch for any late night dangers. Three more people were undergoing their evolutions as Jeremy had pointed out, with some serious difficulty considering his tooth overstuffed mouth, that since people undergoing evolution were vulnerable for a minute or two before the rainbow appeared it would be best to evolve in shifts. I'd be kicking myself for missing something so obvious if I still had legs. I might try and blame stress or the late hour for the oversight, but I knew it would just be another excuse deep down.
Besides, it gave a bit more time to put off having to undergo the change myself.
Sure there was always the chance of acquiring arms or legs from the process, but I was still actively choosing to willingly mutilate my already transformed body further. It was theoretically an option to simply not evolve, but practically it wasn't an option. We'd only just been managing to hold our own so far using either numbers or coordination to overcome our obstacles, not only was that less likely to be the case as time moved on, I was planning to strike out alone and would not have such advantages to fall back on. I was basically a soviet soldier with the commissar's gun to the back of my head, the option of certain death or less certain death with a high chance of mutilation.
"Alright, that's us done!" Michelle chirped happily, having nearly doubled in size and developed both a beak full of teeth and long impaling claws growing out of her flightless wings, "Everyone in group two ready?"
I gave a silent nod and slithered into the middle of the defensive circle we'd formed to protect our insensate members from attack. I'd elected to put myself in the second group in an attempt to both keep from appearing too eager, and to prevent time enough for my spiraling dread at the process to become too visible. I'd probably already shown too much weakness to these people and I needed to at least continue projecting confidence so they wouldn't likewise lose confidence in their survival and do something dumb and get themselves killed. I gave a last look around at those in the circle and in my evolution group before taking one last fortifying breath and taking the plunge.
–Evolution Available–
Just get it over with you bastards.
Before the thought could even finish the entire world drew to a complete and utter stop. The scorpions, wind, friends, sound, and even my own body were all abruptly as mobile and fluid as stone. That same horrid bubbling numbness returned, this time beginning inside my head throwing me into a wild panic as my hells damned brain was being fucked with. The color blue creeping slowly in at the edge of my vision did nothing to help things as I flailed uselessly inside my own mind. A spreading numbness left me feeling like my body was crumbling away to ash as the blue slowly overtook the entirety of my vision and began to mix with a wild menagerie of colors until it all mixed together in a faint misty grey.
I found myself once more in a place devoid of physicality and time that I had not seen since the Event itself. The realm of endless fog, broken up only by a lone blue screen floating before my perception.
Beginning Evolution.
You have 32 points available.
I read over the box with casual interest before realizing something rather odd, I felt more human here than I had all day. Not only that, but the nearly all consuming terror I'd been in just seconds ago was now gone outside of my usual baseline of mistrustful caution. That cold icy hatred that had manifested upon my last trip here also remained, hissing softly in the background even as the blue screen flickered with a new message.
Evolution System Initializing
Collecting LifeStage Data…
Analysing LifeStage Data…
SysAutoGen_GigaboaEvo…
ERROR: SPECIAL_EXCEPTION
Retrying
ΑSysAutoGen_GigaboaSpecialEvΩ
|Adamant Adder| Α
|Sawscale Serpent| Ω
|Commissariat Cobra| ϑ
Continue →
Then something else burned its way into my perception. A second message that briefly obscured the screen and set the cold hatred ablaze as it was given fresh fuel for the fire.
**Communique**
Salutations, Joe!
As a participant in Wave_1 of this Integration, your Life Stage has been closely scrutinized to aid your world further moving forward! As fewer than 5% of Wave_1 participants have now secured a level-based evolution, and fewer than 2% have currently completed (4) or more quests, we have begun to move forward with dataset adjustment.
Due to your continued high cooperation and interaction metrics, we have intervened to offer a Special Evolution. We sincerely hope that you continue to provide a wealth of data moving forward as we continue with the Integration of Earth.
Ω
**END Communique**
Fuzakeru na you vittusaatana fotze! You can cooperate with my shit! Himmiherrgotzaggramentzefixallelujamil-extamarschscheissglumpfaregtz! Strewth! Why don't you come out from behind these fucking screens and square up you derro dicked dullard! Que te folle un pez!
I waited for several imagined breaths, my non-existent arms thrown wide and waiting for any and all responses from the blue box or the surrounding mist. Nothing happened and no response came, leaving me feeling both a bit foolish for basically swearing in five and a half languages at what amounted to an automated text message and good for knowing that I at least had enough spine to call these demons out on their bullshit. If I could I'd be pacing to try and work out the remaining frustration at that spasti message.
Finally actually looking at the blue box, I eyed the symbols sitting next to the three options. The symbols for Alpha and Omega were instantly recognizable, I had no clue what the third one was, I supposed it would be odd if all of these demons stuck to the roman alphabet. Still it gave me more targets for my eventual vengeance against these cockless cuckolds. I was sorely tempted to try backing out and seeing if there was a way to evolve without accepting these pity prizes for the dicking they had inflicted upon my species, my world, and me in particular. However, in order to survive until the point that I might actually have a chance at them I'd probably need to take one of these options, that didn't mean I had to even consider his option. No matter what was offered I'd never accept anything from the apparent ringleader of this travesty. So what did his backup dancers have to offer me?
|Adamant Adder| A
Few gigaboas can claim to hail from peaceful climates, yet some few are born to a particularly hostile climate that forces them to weather the harshest of conditions and most aggressive of prey. Those that survive their earliest days tend to evolve into an Adamant Adder.
The Adamant Adder is large, aggressive, and slow species armored to weather the most hostile of environments and prey. These bullish reptiles tend to simply advance through any attack and drag their exhausted foes down their throat.
Bloodline Bonus: Physical status resistance +33%, Tempered Defenses
Offense: ****
Defense: *****
Speed: *
Regeneration: ****
So a blunt simple beast that simply ignores attacks by being too dumb to die. I can't say the strategy doesn't have its appeal. The main problem is how slow the stupid thing is. Yes I've got both Lunge and Leap to help boost my effective speed and mobility, but they might be hindered by that stat for all I know. However, there is the fact Damian mentioned we can spend points to boost stats so I can probably get that speed to a respectable place, assuming I don't want to render myself invulnerable by just maxing defense to a silly degree. Should probably see what the second valid option offers before deciding though.
|Commissariat Cobra| ϑ
On rare occasions the usually solitary gigaboa will form knots with its siblings or, on even rarer occasions, other species. Taking advantage of their size and durability the gigaboa tends to become the leader of the knot and evolve into a Commissariat Cobra.
The Commissariat Cobra specialize in command, strategy, and terror, commanding their thralls using a mix of fear and leadership to tackle otherwise insurmountable threats. These rare and powerful creatures tend to lead from the back, driving forwards their thralls in powerful charges to either kill or weaken foes before advancing themselves to finish off any stragglers.
Bloodline Bonus: Forced Rally, Summon Cost -33%
Offense: ***
Defense: ***
Speed: ***
Regeneration: ****
Ah, an evolution based entirely around leading from the rear. Neat. I couldn't deny a certain appeal to the idea. Especially in my current situation as temporary de facto leader of my little group of lost souls. Applying buffs and calling out orders before darting in to deliver a decisive strike just sounded like fun to me. I wonder if this evolution came with a dapper storm cloak and hat?
Were this a video game I might very well take it. However, this was real life and I'd be leading actual people who wouldn't just respawn in thirty seconds. Moreover, to get the full benefit of this evolution, I'd have to stick around. Was I really willing to write off my parents and anyone else who made it to the farm, leaving them to wonder if I was even still alive, in order to play pretend warlord? No. I was not as selfish as my brother.
Well, that only really leaves one option, don't it? Gimme dat Adder.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
|Gigaboa| → |Adamant Adder| A Confirmed
You have 32 Points.
Users may spend Points to purchase Teratogenic Enhancements before finalizing Evolutionary Path selection.
A 1 * increase may be purchased for 3 Points at Juvenile.
Limit: 2 *, Maximum 5* Rating at Juvenile.
Do you wish to purchase Teratogenic Enhancement?
Damn only two more pips and system to prevent pure min maxing. Still leaves me 26 points to play with which should be enough for me to snag a max level skill or mutation along with a mid tier and maybe a couple bottom of the barrel things for later fusing. Certainly not bad. Alright, let's slap a real engine in this heavy tank of an evolution and start browsing a few thousand abilities for two or three I wouldn't mind.
You have selected:
|Adamant Adder| A
Bloodline Bonus: Physical status resistance +33%, Tempered Defenses
Offense: ****
Defense: *****
Speed: ***
Regeneration: ****
You have 26 Points remaining.
Accept and proceed to Mutagen/Ability Purchase?
Yes, send me to... The Cube!
Without delay the screen vanished and I was assaulted by the queer sensation of simultaneously barely moving and moving at horrific speeds. It was likely an effect of rocketing forwards through a nigh on endless expanse of grey fog with nothing to use as a reference point, no matter how fast you were moving, if everything looked the same it doesn't feel like you're moving with much alacrity. Still, the fog seemed to be whipping past me at hurricane force speeds so yes I probably was moving rather quickly. Unless everything else is moving? Is it easier to bring me to The Cube or The Cube to me?
Philosophical navel gazing was interrupted by the appearance of and rapid approach of, The Cube. The massive rotating box of lights came forth so suddenly I half expected to hear a sonic boom and a rush of wind like one saw in some superhero flicks. The damned thing could move when it wanted to.
I took a minute to simply admire the great shifting obelisk for a moment. Observing it as it floated, alone in an endless expanse of mist, filled to the brim with hundreds of thousands if not millions of glittering lights that were all fragments of some vast unnamed power. Again there was almost a sensation of artificial life to the thing as the movements of the internal lights almost seemed to move in vein-esque patterns or carry some illusion of conscious thought. Again I was reminded of a major city when viewed from above at night or an animalistic robot, something that wasn't truly alive but could convince you it was for a moment.
Shaking off the feeling I gazed deeper into The Cube. The lights I knew represented skills and mutations seemed to slow slightly, as if taking notice of my observations and ready to rush forwards for selection at a moment's notice.
Any of you give me any arms or legs? I thought at the lights. Several of those brilliant sparks rushed forwards to try and be the first to present themselves and their offerings.
|Crura Mutation D(5pts): Your form gains twice its current number of legs, increasing speed and stability.|
|Brachium Mutagen D(5pts): Your form gains twice its current number of arms, strengthening your body.|
|Manus Mutagen (35pts): Your manipulators become astonishingly precise and dexterous, allowing for unparalleled manipulation of the world around you.|
|Hominid Mutagen B(14pts): Your form becomes akin to a creature of legends, opens the way for limitless potential.|
I looked at the collection of mutagens in utter silence. It is amazing how you can feel like wanting to tear your hair out by the roots despite not having hands or hair. Scheisse! Verdammt! Verfickter Blödsinn! Why do all the mutations that give you more limbs require you to have limbs already!? Fuck! Grah~!
A good solid five minutes of screaming into the void helped me calm down, and also vent a little bit of the stress of the day. No one around to be disheartened by me having a meltdown here. I had all the time in the world to get it out without having to worry about anyone I gave the slightest of whit's about seeing me. After letting it all out I turned back to The Cube and brushed away the still waiting mutagens.
Alright, show me everything you have of at least A rank. I'm looking for something good today.
I began to slowly browse through the entirety of the list, having to stop myself dozens of times in my window shopping as I stumbled across something or another that made me start cackling at the thought of using it or drooling over it like a particularly beautiful gun. Every time I tore myself away from it, after pulling it out of the line up for later review of course, and continuing to browse. Mind this wasn't overly helpful as by the end I still had hundreds if not thousands of options to pick from, the 'A' ranks just had too much good stuff! Yet after almost a day here I had narrowed it down to three real options.
|Hyper-Regenerative Mutation A(16 Pts): Your body is able to rapidly recover from traumatic injuries, allowing one to quickly regrow even lost limbs. High Stamina cost.|
|Myoelectric Mutagen A(16 Pts): Your muscle fibers gain the ability to generate and store small electrical charges, enhancing strength and potentially stunning enemies on contact.|
|Shed Clone A(18 Pts): By quickly shedding skin, you leave behind a living husk that can fight in your stead. High health and stamina cost.|
Alright you three, I've been at this for way too long and among all your siblings, I dub thee the current best of the best for me. You're all bloody fantastic in your own ways. HRM, you are an amazing catch all ability that mixed with my sky high defense would render me effectively unkillable. Sadly, that's all you are, I don't see much other utility to you beyond the morbid ability of being able to literally feed people with chunks of myself and then healing the damage, which is mediocre at best. Not to mention your high stamina cost is a major weakness for my small pool.
Myo, you are stupidly cool. More than that you are a utility juggernaut. Enhancing strength, potentially inflicting stun on contact, becoming a living generator, not to mention you no doubt grant some level of resistance to electrocution as well. Adding to my protective arsenal while also increasing my offense and bestowing limited control debuffs, that is a LOT of bang for my buck. If you can be further enhanced by that focusing trick or moderated to recharge batteries you are an absolute game changer. However, if you can't be modulated, it basically means I can't safely touch people and will need to pay more attention to natural hazards I could otherwise ignore.
Shed, as cool as Myo is, you are somehow even cooler! I slip out of my skin and it starts fighting in my stead? That's just peak! Add in just how tough my scales are, plus my new tail blade, and the clones you produce are basically unbreakable berserkers. And if I can pop off multiple of you in quick succession then I'll be able to basically solo bosses like that benighted scorpion. I'd be basically a fucked up hydra, but constantly growing disposable bodies instead of new heads... Huh, I wonder how you'd stack with that Mutilative Regeneration skill that got washed out a few rounds back. Still that health cost makes me think that using you would be a bit of a bloody process that might leave me a bit defenseless as you literally rip the skin off my muscles. As quickly as we heal now, you might not be viable without pairing you with something like HRM.
So I want you all to know that while I consider you all winners, Myoelectric Mutagen, you grant the most options with the fewest drawbacks so get your butt in here!
I swear I saw the icon's spark do a happy little twirl before entering a slow orbit around the general area my non-existent form inhabited. That leaves me with ten whole points to play with, which was still a solid C ranked buy. Which was probably nothing to sneeze at considering my stupid busted titanium scales were somehow only a D. I'd also need to keep in mind that if I wanted to use any of these I'd have to either fuse it with something or fuse something else to make room for it. I'd already been eyeing the possibility of fusing Stalk and Respiring mutagen together so it was certainly an option of getting a stand alone, still maybe something that would do well if mixed into one of my other skills or mutations sounded prudent at this point.
As I started flicking through all the C grade mutations I found myself pausing at one in particular, Aquatic Mutagen. While simply becoming an adept swimmer didn't sound overly useful since I'm pretty sure I was dense enough to pull a hippo and simply slither across the bottom of rivers and water rather than swim, it still tickled my pickle. Specifically it tickled the foggy fact I'd picked up Fossorial mutagen recently. Now what would happen if one were to fuse those two together? Would it just let me both dig and swim with one mutagen? Or something more exotic? Mayhaps, were I to fuse the pair, I might gain the ability to swim through the earth like it was water, or perhaps dig through water, effectively being able to treat fluids like solid ground. Oh the mere possibility made me sorely tempted to buy the mutagen there and then. Yet I managed, with great difficulty, to move on down the list. Tempting, yes, but that was pure conjecture, best to leave it on the back burner for when I had more resources to burn and settle for something more certain.
I eventually found and settled for a more bland, but more ideal skill for fusing.
|Hunker Down C (10 Pts): Stop moving and take a defensive stance to ride out all but the most powerful blows.|
That would fuse very nicely with Stalk I think. So with that I'd be able to raise my attack, defense, and stamina recovery rate, all by simply not moving. Yes, that would go very nicely with both leap and lunge allowing me bursts of overwhelming speed and offense before falling back to recover my stamina. As an added bonus, thanks to Myoelectric, attacking me in my 'defensive phase' was more likely to cost my attacker more than it cost me. Yes, this seemed like a solid early game build for a game where you still didn't know all of the rules. Here's hoping it didn't bite me in my new scaly ass.
User: Joe Palmer
Species: Adamant Adder
Rank: E
Health 458/458 (+++)
Stam 100/100
Level: 9
Exp: 325/350
Special: Tremorsense F Traits: 4/4
Grappling Strike: Your strikes now inflict the Grab condition.
Next Upgrade: E
Tremorsense: Feel out low frequency waves through solid objects you're touching to see with more than just your eyes.
Next unlock: E
Constrict: Allows you to inflict additional ongoing Impact Damage to targets afflicted by your Grab. Moderate Stamina drain. (Health+)
Next Upgrade: D
Large (long): Your form is large sized and very long, weighing no more than 20000 lbs. (Health++)
Next Upgrade: D Abilities: 4/4
Prehensile Tail E : Your tail is flexible enough to carry or manipulate simple objects.
Next Upgrade: D
Stalk F (Passive) : Staying still and watching your prey increases the damage of your next strike.
Next Upgrade: E
Lunge E: Hurl yourself at your enemies and deal extra damage. Modest Stamina Cost.
Next Upgrade: D
Leap C: Jump great distances and use your resulting momentum as a weapon. Moderate Stamina Drain.
Next Upgrade: B Mutagens: 5/5
Wolfram Mutagen D: Your entire body is coated in a dense metallic substance that is highly resistant to various forms of damage. Upgradeable.
Next Upgrade: C
Respiring Mutagen E: When holding still your stamina recovery increases drastically. Upgradeable
Next Upgrade: D
Fossorial Mutagen C: Burrow quickly through earth and stone. Upgradeable
Next Upgrade: B
Sabertail Bloodline A: Ancestral memory of blade bearing brutes capable of cleaving through the hardest of defenses.
Cutting and piercing attacks natively bypass 75% of physical defenses. Provides greater control over cutting surfaces. Tailsaber A long sharp blade naturally grows from your tail. Will regrow if damaged or removed.
Myoelectric Mutagen A: Your muscle fibers gain the ability to generate and store small electrical charges, enhancing strength and potentially stunning enemies on contact. Inventory: 1 fusion tokens, Hunker Down C (Skill)
Accept and proceed with Evolution?
Not seeing many better improvements I can make with what I got to hand. Wait does that say-?
I recoiled as the gentle grey fog I had grown used to these last dozens of hours was suddenly and brutally intruded on by a bright menagerie of unnatural colors from that hauntingly familiar realm many spent their lives convincing themselves didn't exist. They swirled and flowed with an irresistible current that swiftly carried me out of The Cube's realm and back to one far more familiar.