*Roar!*

In a dark forest, two oversized crocodiles pounced on a lonely, dark-haired boy. When they saw how small and frail it was, they didn't even think about it.

Before they could make contact, one of the crocodiles collapsed to the ground, while the other saw a dark blur before losing its vision.

It immediately activated its skill when it lost its eyes. "Hey man, you can't maintain that ability for a long time, can you?" Come out and let's play!"

The small boy walked toward it and spoke next to it. It was a young and cute voice, but it was filled with malice and murderous intent.

On its head, a huge gash spewing copious amounts of blood could be seen. In the air next to it, a black bird with yellow illusory scales on its wings could be seen slashing at its shield.

Next to it, a white-haired girl was doing the same thing, except that she was preparing to swing her blade at a moment's notice.

Just as she predicted, the crocodile's shield turned off as it made a run for it. But was quickly stopped by the white-haired girl, who cut off its right leg.

The black bird didn't stay idle as it quickly dived from above and, in a smooth motion, cut off its front legs.

It then started struggling for its life but stayed motionless as it had no more limbs. The black-haired boy then walked closer to it and touched its nose.

"Don't worry, I have other projects for you." A dark shadow moved between him and his prey before coming back to him.

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He did the same for the other crocodile.

You have obtained two data shards from the evolved giant crocodile. Currently owned: 12

"Would you like to obtain a skill from this creature?"

'Yes'

Congratulations! You have obtained the passive [Cold Blooded]!

'...what. System explain.'

The skill [Everlasting Evolution] cannot choose what the result obtained will be. You should blame your luck, haha.

'Since when can you say, Ah yeah, you're getting controlled..."?" Dante irritably thought

Don't be discouraged; you just need to kill another 88 crocodiles.

'…'

"That bird is strong." The white-haired girl said as she walked toward Dante.

"Good job, Sylphie; you're incredibly strong."

"Why did you want to keep one alive, though?"

Dante didn't say anything and just smiled. He then walked toward the still-alive crocodile and put his hand in the gashed wound.

His arm then bulged as if something was traveling inside, and then a red tendril seeped into the wound. At first, there wasn't any reaction, but later on, the crocodile started screaming in pain and tried to wriggle but sadly couldn't.

It continued like that for minutes before slowly coming to a stop. The luster in its eyes is completely disappearing.

After a few more minutes, it suddenly opened its eyes and then started closing and opening its mouth.

Dante, seeing this, creepily smiled.

'So it wasn't because it wasn't strong enough but because its old body was too severely wounded and its nervous system was too badly incapacitated.

This is, however, strange; last time I did heal the corpse, nothing happened, so it can't be that. Maybe the creature must be kind of alive?' Dante made his hypothesis.

Sylph, on the other hand, looked strangely at the crocodile and then at Dante. He then healed the crocodile and climbed on its back.

After that, he slowly tapped the spot next to him and said, "Sylphie, come here. "I got us a mount" he chuckled.

She just stood there for a few seconds before making up her mind and also climbing, sitting next to him.

"What do you think? I'm being useful, right?" Dante seemed to be looking for praise but was met with only:

"Yes."

He still looked happier than before. "Alright, with this, we can kind of venture closer to the center of the forest, no?"

"If you want, but it's going to be even harder."

"Alright, let's go!"

The crocodile, as if understanding his instructions, stood up and tried to walk, only to miserably fall again.

""…""

"Just give it some time."

"Is it some kind of parasite?"

"Kinda."

"How did you get it?"

"Donno. "I just woke up with it." Dante said casually.

After a while, the crocodile started getting used to his new body and started walking. Just walking was almost two times faster than them running.

They then made their way toward the center of the forest, and Dante guided them with the map in his hands.

…