Beneath the skeletal canopy of the Forbidden Forest, shadows clung to a lone, ramshackle hut. Inside, caged creatures stirred with an unsettling energy. Squirrels, their beady eyes gleaming with unnatural hunger, gnawed at the bars with maddening ferocity. A guttural croaking echoed from another cage, where a toad puffed its throat, its battle cry a warped parody of its natural song. In the dim light, two forest mice locked horns, their tiny claws flashing in a gruesome duel. These were no ordinary animals – they were twisted Monsters, infused with a sinister power.

X, a creature of nightmare with writhing tentacles, surveyed his experiments. "[EvolveMonster]," he rasped, aiming the chaotic energy at a writhing viper.

The response was immediate and horrifying. The viper thrashed within its confines, its body morphing into a grotesque monstrosity. Its scales shimmered emerald, fangs elongated into deadly daggers. This "evolution" wasn't progress, it was a descent into monstrous rage.

The viper hissed, its emerald gaze filled with venomous hatred. It wasn't just powerful, it was consumed by a primal fury. This wasn't a tool, it was a ticking time bomb.

A strangled gasp escaped X. "Why... why are they always so angry?" he rasped, tendrils twisting in frustration.

At his side, the RabbitMaid, his sole companion, ventured a theory. "Perhaps they are in pain?" she offered, her voice laced with concern.

"Maybe you're right," X conceded, "The transformation does look... uncomfortable."

She focused her will, activating the "[Care]" skill. Warm light bathed the viper, but instead of calming, it convulsed in renewed violence. With a final spasm, the creature fell limp, its emerald scales now lifeless.

"What happened?" X recoiled, tendrils flailing in shock. "It's dead!"

"Sorry!" The RabbitMaid's ears drooped. "It seems I killed your pet! I'm so sorry!"

"But why? Why did it have the opposite effect?" X writhed in confusion.

“And…” The RabbitMaid's gaze drifted to the barren windowsill. "And your plants," she began cautiously, "I water them every day, but… they are all dead too."

X whipped a tentacle at a potted plant, a flicker of anger sparking within his eldritch form. "But how is that…" He caught himself, realizing the absurdity of his rage. "It seems my skill level is too low, or there's something missing."

Despite the chaos, a spark of gratitude lit within him. "But still, thank you for helping me with my experiments. I couldn't do this without you."

The RabbitMaid's ears perked up at the praise. As X turned back to the cages, a momentous shift rippled through him. A surge of energy bombarded the deepest recess of his being – his soul repository.

[MonsterSoul +1], the system announced chillingly.

A grim smile twisted X's many mouths. "The hunters have sent me a new soul!" he exulted, his tendrils wriggling with a perverse delight. "And it's not just any soul. This… this feels positively delicious!" He didn't consume it, but the sinister potential hung heavy in the air.

"They must be coming back soon," he mused, gazing at the forest gloom. "We should welcome them."

Outside the hut, a cacophony of childish laughter shattered the eerie quiet. Rabbit children, their forms twisted yet playful), frolicked amongst the trees. Their joy, a stark contrast to the chilling transformations brewing within the hut, sent a pang of unease through X. These weren't the innocent children they appeared to be, but rather his successful experiments – monstrous demi rabbits burdened by a hidden curse.

"When I grow up, I want to be a Hunter!" a child declared, hopping excitedly with the others. "Me too! Me too!" their chorus echoed, oblivious to X's imposing presence among them.

X watched them with a conflicted gaze. It was a victory of sorts – these children were far more manageable than the grotesque creatures he usually produced. Yet, their monstrous nature cast a long shadow. The village needed more than just Hunters, especially with the DemiRabbits' aversion to meat. Gatherers were crucial for food, but most importantly, Crafters were desperately needed. “Then I grow up, I want to be a Hunter!” one of the rabbit children declared enthusiastically.

“ChilDreN,” he addressed them with a pointed tentacle, his voice carrying the weight of his many years. “Hunters need weapons. Who will craft their spears and daggers if everyone is just a hunter?”

Startled by the eldritch timbre of X’s voice, the children scattered using [Hop], their natural instinct to flee kicking in. But upon remembering who was speaking, they quickly regrouped and formed a neat line in front of him.

The RabbitMaid cast them a stern look. “Sorry, Master. What was it you said?” asked one of the rabbit children, a hint of confusion in his voice.

“Clearly you weren’t paying attention,” X noted, a flicker of annoyance passing through his many eyes. The RabbitMaid stepped in to assist the children with understanding his tentacle gestures.

X flipped, squirmed, and wriggled his appendages animatedly, trying to inspire the young ones to aspire to become Crafters.

The RabbitMaid translated his movements, but the children still seemed reluctant. “Eh? But crafting is so boring!” one complained. “But Master, can’t you do all the crafting?” another chimed in, clearly enamored with the idea of continuing their carefree play.

“Yeah! That WargFang Dagger was very cool!” another added enthusiastically.

“Very cool, huh?” X perked up at the praise, sensing an opportunity to manipulate – I mean, motivate them. “I’m sure one of you can craft something even better! That is if you pick up the class,” he reasoned, trying to spark their imagination.

“Really?” A more curious rabbit took the bait, his interest piqued.

“Yes. Something like WargEvicerator, SerpentBane, MightyRabbit Sword, or…” X was improvising now, hoping to catch their interest further.

“Or Lightning Leaper,” the intrigued child contributed, beginning to dream up his own creations.

The others quickly joined in, each trying to outdo the last: “BurrowingBlade!”, “WhisperingBramble!” “MoonbeamMaul!” their excitement growing with each fantastical weapon name they conjured.

“Well, if you pick up the class you could make all these and more. I’m sure!” X encouraged, his tentacles gesturing enthusiastically.

Just as X was about to further his point, a trio of rabbits emerged from the greenery, their fur stained in shades of crimson from their recent exploits. “Hunters!” the children shouted, jumping with excitement.

“RabbitMaid,” X started to call her but didn’t need to finish; she was already sprinting towards the newcomers.

Unlike the jubilant children, he and the RabbitMaid were well aware of the brutal realities faced by the hunters. They might be injured and in need of healing.

“Let me,” the RabbitMaid offered, moving to place her hand on the lead hunter, bloodied from their recent battle.

“Won’t be necessary,” the Rabbit HunterMaster assured her, shaking her head. “All of us earned a new level, and just so, we recovered our HP.”

“Oh?” The RabbitMaid inspected their bodies anyway, her eyes scanning for any signs of undeclared injuries. “Congratulations!” She clapped her hands in celebration.

“Congratulations!” X echoed, waving his tentacles, genuinely pleased about their advancement.

And the kids were already marvelling at the loot, their exclamations of “Wow!”, “Look at that!”, “Amazing!” filling the air.

“We had to fight a life and death battle, but we somehow managed,” the HunterMaster stated proudly, her chin lifted, her two companions mimicking her posture.

X examined the formidable tusks among the bounty the hunters had brought back. “Was it an Erymanthian Boar?” he guessed accurately. “If so, it is mightily impressive. Well done!” His tentacles wriggled in an intricate dance of Tentacle language, showing his approval.

The rabbit hunters swelled with pride at the praise.

“There is more,” the Rabbit HuntMaster said, smiling broadly at X. Her smile would have been quite endearing if not for the blood caked on her fur, giving her a somewhat intimidating look.

Curious, X waved his appendages, “What is it?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine intrigue.

HuntMaster scratched the back of her head, contemplating how to proceed. “Hmm, but how do I do it? Maybe like this?” She extended her hand towards him.

“A handshake?” X guessed, somewhat bemused as he grasped her hand with one of his tentacles.

[ChaosMote transferred to you]

[Do you want to consume it?]

At that instant, X felt a surge of mysterious power course through him, akin to the DivineSpark. Realizing the potential, he pondered the benefits of consuming the mote to gain EXP and possibly a new skill or perk. However, considering his ongoing projects, he recognized greater merit in using it in conjunction with his EvolveMonster skill.

“Thanks! You’ve made my day,” X declared, his tentacles writhing ecstatically.

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“I knew you’t like it,” Rabbit HuntMaster replied, bouncing with equal enthusiasm.

However, X’s joyful squirming ceased, his tentacles tensing as he adopted a more sombre tone. “But now I owe you one. Is there anything you need in return?”

“Huh? Ah…” She seemed momentarily flustered by the gravity of his question. “This was a group effort, and besides, it’s a gift...” She looked towards her companions for affirmation, and they nodded, indicating that X’s gratitude was sufficient. “...so we’re good, but thank you for offering!” She bowed deeply, her vigorous motion causing her bunny ears to flutter and her tail to wag enthusiastically—her fierceness softened by the charming display.

Her fellow hunters mirrored her gesture, reinforcing their unity.

X considered their humble refusal despite the significant risks they had undertaken—they had defeated a fearsome beast, secured invaluable loot, and even acquired a mysterious ChaosMote. Their modesty seemed disproportionate to their heroism.

“If simple thanks suffice, I won’t impose any further rewards upon you,” X conceded. Yet, he couldn’t let the moment pass without acknowledging their bravery. “You’re the best!” he proclaimed, reaching out to gently pat the Rabbit HuntMaster's head. Innstantly, the other hunters drew near, eager for a similar affectionate gesture. Their ears drooped contentedly, tails twitching with joy. Silently observing from a distance, the RabbitMaid crossed her arms, a pout forming on her lips. A shadow of discontent flickered across her features, a stark contrast to the jubilant mood of the hunters.

X thought to himself, 'But RabbitMaid, you haven't contributed to this victory.' Yet, despite this internal judgment, he kept it to himself, recognizing the importance of maintaining harmony within the village. "You too, come here," he beckoned with a gentle flick of a tentacle.

Her demeanour brightened instantly, a forced cheer replacing the earlier disappointment as she approached him. X offered a similar pat, but this time, her response felt hollow, a faint flicker of sadness lingering in her eyes.

"Now," X drew back his tentacles, addressing the group. "Would you accompany me to the wild apple tree?"

The hunters exchanged wary glances. "We can, but why revisit it? The fruits have always been too sour to consume," the HuntMaster queried, scepticism lacing her tone.

X nodded, acknowledging their past disappointments. "That's true, but I believe with the ChaosMote, we might finally turn those failures around. I'm considering using EvolveMonster on the tree again."

The group stared at him, disbelief evident in their wide eyes. "Again? Isn't that dangerous?" The RabbitMaid's voice was tinged with concern, reflecting the group's anxiety.

"It is risky," X admitted, his voice grave. "The potential for backlash is high, and there's a chance the tree could turn hostile, as with previous experiments. However, the ChaosMote is an unknown variable. It could significantly alter the outcome. It's a risk, but one that could yield great rewards. Imagine juicy, sweet apples that not only nourish but also grant buffs!"

A collective gasp escaped the hunters. The image of such bounty was clearly enticing. The RabbitMaid, however, remained unconvinced. She looked uncertain, but after a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "If you think it's worth the risk, I trust you. I'll come too."

"Thank you," X said, feeling reassured by her support. They prepared themselves and made their way to the tree, discussing strategies for containment should the experiment go awry.

"So, how do we proceed?" The RabbitMaid asked as they arrived at the gnarled form of the wild apple tree. Its branches stretched out like skeletal claws, casting ominous shadows.

"I'm not entirely sure it will work," X admitted, his tentacles undulating with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. "But let's try. Remember, unlike a monster, this tree is rooted in place. If it becomes hostile, we can escape, hopefully."

"Good point," the HuntMaster agreed, her hand hovering over a sharpened spear.

"But let's be prepared to act if necessary," X added, his voice grim.

They positioned themselves strategically around the tree. X was nearest the trunk, his tendrils poised to react. The RabbitMaid stood farther away, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she readied her Care ability.

"Is everyone ready?" X asked, receiving nods of confirmation. He reached out, his tendrils brushing against the rough bark. "[EvolveMonster]," he announced, activating the skill.

As he channelled the spell, combining it with the ChaosMote, he felt an unusual pull at his ChaosCore—a forceful surging energy that sent shivers down his non-existent spine. The power coursed through him, draining his reserves: [-100 MP, -100 CP, -1 Refined MonsterSoul, -1 ChaosMote].

The moment his tentacle made contact, a surge of purple energy coursed through him and into the tree. The bark vibrated ominously as dark, purple veins erupted across its surface, pulsing with malevolent potential. The air around them thickened, charged with magic and menace.

Suddenly, the tree groaned, a deep, guttural sound that chilled them to the bone. Birds scattered into the sky, and a nearby squirrel darted away just as the tree’s branches began to twist and contort into grotesque forms. Leaves turned a sickly yellow before dropping to the ground, replaced almost instantly by new, blood-red foliage. The previously unpalatable fruits bulged ominously, growing abnormally large before bursting open, releasing clouds of purple motes that sank into the earth around the now-corrupted tree.

As the eerie transformation concluded, X and the hunters watched in a mix of awe and horror as the old apple tree assumed a new, sinister form—the birth of the BloodAppleTree, a creation of chaos magic and desperate hope.

X cautiously retracted his tentacle, the hunters eyeing the newly transformed tree with a blend of fear and fascination. It was a powerful reminder of their foray into the unknown, where even the most benign of nature’s creations could become something utterly otherworldly.

[Congratulations! You’ve created BloodAppleTree], the system message declared, marking the eerie transformation a success. X withdrew his tentacle cautiously, as the surrounding rabbits eyed him and the newly mutated tree with palpable apprehension. The tree, now exuding a dark and sinister aura, stood still and seemingly peaceful. No malicious maws snapped open, no hostile branches whipped through the air, and no roots clawed from the earth to ensnare them.

"Great success," X announced with a mixture of relief and disappointment. "But alas, no apples left," he sighed, his voice tinged with a longing for the monstrous, twisted fruits he had envisioned. Perhaps, in time, they would sprout again?

Suddenly, a gnarled root burst forth from the soil. "Ah!" X exclaimed as multiple mouths expressed his shock. The rabbit hunters leapt aside in alarm. "Master, come back here!" the RabbitMaid shouted from a safe distance. But the root was not aiming for them; it ensnared a squirrel that had been lurking in the underbrush. The root constricted with a gruesome *Crunch; Twist; Squeeze*, wringing the life from the creature as it absorbed its essence—crimson droplets seeping into the ground before the root retracted, discarding the lifeless husk.

Amidst the chaos, a singular orb caught X's eye—a ripe, red apple swelling fresh anew on a low-hanging branch, practically beckoning to be plucked. Despite the RabbitMaid’s cries of caution, X found himself drawn to it, a powerful allure whispering promises of unknown power. He fought against the urge, a flicker of doubt clouding his usual confidence. Yet, the apple's crimson sheen held an undeniable magnetism. "I'm GoIng foR It," he declared with firm resolve, his voice laced with a hint of trepidation, as he inched closer to the BloodAppleTree.

"No!" the RabbitMaid shrieked, a primal fear replacing her usual calm demeanour. The sound echoed through the clearing, momentarily silencing the chirping crickets and rustling leaves.

The HuntMaster, her fur bristling with unease, mirrored the RabbitMaid's concern. "Master, are you certain about this?" she rasped, her voice barely a whisper.

X approached the gnarled apple tree again, his movements measured and deliberate. Unlike the other fruit trees in the forest, this one emanated an unsettling aura, a faint crimson sheen shimmering beneath its bark. As he plucked the lone, oversized apple, a metallic tang hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the fruit's otherwise alluring sweetness.

Taking a tentative bite, X's eyes widened in surprise. A burst of otherworldly flavour flooded his senses, both delicious and unsettling. A primal hunger surged within him, a hunger he couldn't quite place. He savoured the rest of the fruit, oblivious to the RabbitMaid's frantic gestures and the HuntMaster's wary stance.

Regaining his composure, X noticed their anxious expressions. "Mmm," he mumbled, the taste of the forbidden fruit lingering on his tongue. "Sorry! It was simply… exquisite," he explained in Tentacle, his tendrils brushing affectionately against the tree's rough bark. An unsettling warmth pulsed through the connection, a sensation both foreign and strangely familiar.

Earlier, he had dismissed the crimson droplets absorbed by the roots as a mere anomaly. Now, however, a seed of doubt gnawed at his confidence. Could the ChaosMote have awakened something more primal, something far more dangerous within the tree?

The rabbits cautiously approached, their movements hesitant. X, eager to dispel their anxieties, attempted to establish a sense of camaraderie. "Fear not," he rumbled in a reassuring tone, his multiple mouths forming a toothy grin. "This tree is… an ally."

"Are you sure about that, Master?" one of the hunters challenged, his voice laced with scepticism.

X nodded vigorously, his confidence wavering slightly under their scrutiny. He closed his many eyes, focusing his will. This time, when he spoke, a chilling chorus resonated from his multiple mouths, yet the tone was surprisingly persuasive, "-...it hungers for Blood... yet offers life in return." The words echoed through the silent forest, a weighty promise dangling in the air.

The rabbits, still shaken, exchanged nervous glances. But a flicker of something new flickered in their eyes – a desperate hope. The HuntMaster stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly, "Master X, are you certain? Whose blood does this tree demand?"

X rumbled, the unified voice softer now, "Not yours, not ours. It thirsts for the essence of life, the fallen of the forest. Creatures large and small, their life force will fuel its transformation."

A tense silence followed. The grotesque image of the tree hung heavy in their minds. Yet, the promise of bountiful fruits, a source of power and sustenance, was undeniably alluring. The village had been struggling, their carrot crops meager and the surrounding lands perilous.

Finally, the RabbitMaid spoke, her voice laced with a newfound determination. "Very well, Master X. We accept this… bargain. But know this," her voice hardened, “should this tree turn against us, we will not hesitate to fell it.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the rabbits. The price was steep, but the potential reward was immense. They looked to the HuntMaster, seeking her final word.

The HuntMaster, her gaze fixed on the forest beyond, spoke with a grim determination. "The woods teem with monstrous creatures, their flesh unfit for us DemiRabbits. But if this tree could turn their blood into apples… perhaps, just perhaps, this is a path towards a brighter dawn."

X, caught off guard by their unwavering resolve, dipped a tentacle in a gesture of begrudging respect. "Understood," he rumbled. "I, too, seek a fruitful outcome. Let the Blood Watering begin."

The path ahead was fraught with danger, but the promise of a bountiful BloodApples fueled their determination. And so began the ominous quest – a hunt for Blood, not for vengeance, but for a chance at a brighter future.

Thus the Forbidden Forest grows ever darker, ever twisted, ever more corrupt.

===

Title: BoodAppleTree

Class: [None] lvl.1

Magic Affinity: None

Race: MonsterTree

Variant: BloodApple

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HP:500

MP:0

STA:200

Skills

[RootAttack]

Perks

[Produce:BloodApple]

Tags

[Monster]