"Uh... um... 8051, I'm back again."

[...]

"Uh-oh, is it awkward now?"

"Forget it, the system's reaction time is really quick this time," 8051 couldn't help but remark.

"So then..." Observing around, Jia'er noticed the scenery remained unchanged, "After completing the phase, shouldn't the space evolve? Why hasn't it changed?"

"Are you someone who only focuses on appearances?" 8051 pondered, feeling it might have misunderstood the primary consciousness.

"What do you mean by that? I'm an exemplary creature who values inner qualities the most!"

"Oh, really? Then tell me, what inner aspect of space evolution do you value?"

"..."

"Nothing, right."

"Tch... isn't it your job as a helper to tell me about these changes?"

"In the end, it still relies on me," 8051 commented on the fact.

"..."

"Alright, let's stop teasing you..."

Teasing ==#

"This time, the system upgrade hasn't brought much change to the space's appearance. In fact, it's constantly changing according to your external environment. But you shouldn't focus on the space's environmental changes; those are auxiliary aspects. So, what is the main function of the biological editing space?" 8051 prompted.

"Biological editing."

"Correct. Looks like you still remember. The main evolution of the space is related to biological editing capabilities. Hmm, since your body is still being perfected, let's put that aside and check out the other features." 8051 suggested.

"The other features?"

"Yes, let's first talk about the titles you earned in the last phase. Starting with the Healer title."

"Healer

Awarded for the primary consciousness's excellent performance in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses during biological evolution.

Primary consciousness title."

"The Healer is a primary title but still quite useful. Nature holds countless dangers, not only from animals but also from plants that have evolved various abilities to survive, such as toxins. With the Healer title, the primary consciousness can instinctively sense if nearby plants pose a threat and has a certain probability of detecting plants with healing properties when injured or poisoned."

"A certain probability... does it only work for the primary consciousness?"

"Yes, because it's a primary consciousness title, not a species title."

"It would be great if every species member could use it, but it's still a good self-defense ability."

"Miner Seeker

Awarded for the primary consciousness's valuable experience in mineral searching during biological evolution.

Primary consciousness title."

"Miner Seeker is also a primary title. Every planet contains a vast array of minerals. With this title, the primary consciousness can determine the direction of the nearest concentration point of minerals by evaluating environmental factors like soil, plants, and air content. I don't need to explain its importance, right?"

"Indeed, this way, at least I won't have to worry about the scarcity of calcite for my species, reminiscent of past troubles. Plus, before entering this space, the low egg-laying rates due to mineral shortages were a concern."

"However, it would be better if these were species titles. It would make exploration much easier." Jia'er thought about how much simpler life would be if Healer and Miner Seeker were species titles. "By the way, how is it decided whether it's a primary consciousness or species title?"

"Primary consciousness titles are based on the actions of the individual consciousness, while species titles are based on the species group's performance. You should understand this."

"Hmm, I guess since both healing and mining were my individual activities, they weren't rewarded to the species. I'll have to be more mindful in the future. Speaking of which, is the Disaster Survivor title due to facing earthquakes, storms, forest fires, and such?"

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"Indeed, you were quite fortunate. Despite so many disasters, your species’ loss rate didn't exceed 30%," 8051 genuinely praised.

"Uh... well... let's call it good luck." (Though good luck would mean not encountering them at all.)

"Disaster Survivor

Awarded for the species under the primary consciousness's control that has survived multiple large-scale natural disasters without fundamental losses despite the absence of direct guidance from the primary consciousness.

Intermediate species title."

"It's actually intermediate this time."

"Yes, even the system commends your species' performance. The Disaster Survivor intermediate title grants your current and future evolved species instinctual pre-warning abilities for earthquakes, storms, and large-scale fires, along with some positive reaction abilities, like escaping. Overall, it amounts to disaster warnings and escape instincts."

"All future evolved species? Does this apply even to those not under my control?"

"Yes, that's one of the effects of intermediate and higher-level species titles."

"Well... oh, it's done."

The glow symbolizing completion on the three-dimensional image gradually subsided, revealing the optimized Tentacle GaGa Beast's form.

Overall, there weren't many changes—just subtle adjustments to various body parts to enhance structural cohesion, like smoothing the junctions of the electro-tentacles and the brain, making the Tentacle GaGa Beast a complete organism rather than merely a tentacle-adorned bipedal dinosaur hybrid.

"The planet's outer layer consists of several tectonic plates, initially colliding in primordial oceans. One plate subducted, descending to the mantle, where high temperatures melted it. The lighter molten material rose, the heavier sank. Once cooled on the surface, this material became part of the crust. Continued compression folded the lighter crust into mountain ridges. Accumulating lighter materials eventually emerged above sea level, forming the first lands.

"After 160 million years of evolutionary changes, your species transitioned from shallow seas to rivers, rivers to land, surviving several natural disasters. The emergence of independent consciousness among individuals laid the foundation for independent thought, heralding the dawn of civilization. The development of the brain also enabled better survival and evolution. With firm steps, you've trodden on land, marking the birth of a new land species. The land is beneath your feet; march towards the future.

"From this moment, you've left the aquatic world to evolve into terrestrial beings.

"Here's a summary of your aquatic phase for Transcender #14939 Jia'er:

"Phase duration: 1.6 billion years (Rating: Good)

"Evolved form: Electric Horn, Sharp-toothed Mouth, Electric Tentacle Claw, Reptilian Legs, Wide Feet, Electric Tentacles, Fine Scaley Waterproof Skin, Tentacle GaGa Beast's Internal System, Level 1 Brain, Sexual Reproduction by egg-laying, Touch, Vision, Taste, Smell, Hearing, Magnetic Sense. (Excellent+)

"Through prolonged evolutionary changes, your terrestrial species have been rated as Excellent by the system."

"Looks like I have a lot to ask, but the earlier process of land formation really felt immersive and captivating. 3D movies can't compare."

"……"

"So, what to ask first? Brain? Magnetic Sense? Internal System?..."

"If you're uncertain, I can start by introducing this phase's characteristics and the space evolution," 8051 offered.

"Okay, go on."

"First, this phase's characteristics mainly center on tasks. Surviving on land is fundamental, and for a primary consciousness reaching this stage, no further explanation is needed.

"The uniqueness of this phase lies in tasks; most are non-mandatory. Even if tasks aren't completed, besides lacking rewards, there are no penalties, including the main brain evolution tasks. This leads to your earlier question about the Level 1 Brain, but first, let's talk about the tasks."

"There are three total brain evolution tasks; they're called main tasks. Whether each task is completed, there’s no penalty—though it'll be some time before similar tasks reappear. Completing each task advances your species' brain by one level, unlocking specific brain functions across individuals at each level. Once you complete the third task, the Civilization Path task will activate."

"Civilization Path task!"

"That's for later discussion; even now, I only know its name. Or I could say, 'Please explore on your own,' as suggested by 8051."

"Tch..." Darn system. "The name suggests the Civilization Path task is about developing or being judged as having developed civilization. What if I develop civilization before completing the three brain evolution tasks?"

"I know this: if that happens, your brain tasks will halt, directly initiating the civilization tasks. But having an excellent brain will significantly impact further civilization development... for social civilizations, at least."

"Social civilizations? Are there other types of civilizations?"

"Please explore on your own," 8051 finally uttered comfortably, having been able to say those words.

"……"

"Alright, go on."

"Now, about the Level 1 Brain. It's merely a division—compared to your previous memory-type brain, a Level 1 Brain better accommodates higher individual independent consciousness. Previously, an individual's brain capacity was 1; now, it's 2. It might seem minor but effectively doubles the consciousness you gain from species individuals..."

"Wait, can we quantify consciousness for consistency? It's confusing to re-explain every time."

"Yes, that's part of this space evolution. Of course, it still requires the primary consciousness to activate, so set a baseline first."

"Let's set the baseline as 1, representing the average independent consciousness when individual consciousness first emerged."

"Confirm?"

"Confirm."

"Done."

"……"

"……"

"Alright, isn't there a notification or something?"

"No need; next time you check the information panel, it'll be there."

"Oh, like this?"

"Tentacle GaGa Beast

Terrestrial Creature

Evolution Value: 11

Life: 200/200

Consciousness: 7 (average value for adults) / 83 (maximum value)

Primary Consciousness: 197

Attack: Electric Horn (40) x3, Sharp-toothed Mouth (80), Electric Tentacles (5) x3, Electric Tentacle Claws (20) x2, Concentrated Electric Attack (300)

Defense: Fine Scaley Waterproof Skin (80) (Enhanced Electric Defense)

Speed: 15

Senses: Touch, Vision, Taste, Smell, Hearing, Magnetic Sense

Reproduction: Eggs

Species Evaluation: Carnivorous

Population Evaluation: Military Force

Consciousness gradually increases under the support of kin, as the terrestrial phase begins. Faced with a terrestrial world entirely different from the ocean, how will you proceed?"