The sun slowly ascended into the sky above the dense forest, casting its golden rays upon the towering trees. Each tree seemed to sway gracefully, engaged in a delicate dance with the gentle breeze. The air was alive with the melodious chirping of birds perched on branches and the distant, primal roars of animals echoing through the wilderness. Life was stirring, awakening to another day in the heart of the forest.
Amidst this vibrant tableau of nature, Gideon found himself concealed within a carefully dug hole, nestled in the deepest recesses of the earth. His body, once a fearsome and monstrous presence, began its transformation. Dark, smoky tendrils emanated from him, like a dissipating storm cloud. His menacing black claws gradually shrank and dulled, reverting to their original form, a pristine shade of white. The spines adorning his back followed suit, becoming less menacing, more benign. His belly underwent a similar transformation, turning a pure, innocent white, its texture appearing almost tender to the touch.
From a terrifying creature that had struck fear into the hearts of those who crossed its path, Gideon now resembled an ordinary hedgehog once more. This form was undeniably weaker than his formidable Night Form, but it was no pushover, stronger than most of the monsters that lurked nearby, thanks to his recent Level Up.
Gideon's focus shifted to his status board, an interface that allowed him to allocate his 40 available stat points with precision. He considered each attribute carefully, aiming for a well-rounded set of statistics that would serve him best in his current form.
After meticulous deliberation, Gideon's eyes shifted to the second floating status board before him. This enigmatic box only appeared when he had reached the required level to evolve into a more potent species, a significant milestone in his relentless pursuit of power.
•••••
*Species: Small But Fast Hedgehog.*
*This hedgehog species boasted unmatched speed compared to the other available evolutions. It granted bonus stats that would bolster your abilities in various ways.*
VITALITY: +5
STRENGTH: +5
MAGIC: +5
SPEED: +30
STAMINA: +5
•••••
*Species: Small But Strong Hedgehog.*
*In contrast to speed, this evolution emphasized physical strength, making you a formidable force in close combat.*
VITALITY: +5
STRENGTH: +30
MAGIC: +5
SPEED: +5
STAMINA: +5
•••••
*Species: Small But Energetic Hedgehog.*
*This hedgehog species excelled in stamina, ensuring your endurance and longevity in battles and challenges ahead.*
VITALITY: +5
STRENGTH: +5
MAGIC: +5
SPEED: +5
STAMINA: +30
•••••
*Species: Small But Durable Hedgehog.*
*Dedicated to durability and resilience, this evolution enhanced your vitality, allowing you to withstand even the most punishing of attacks.*
VITALITY: +30
STRENGTH: +5
MAGIC: +5
SPEED: +5
STAMINA: +5
•••••
*Species: Small But All-Rounder Hedgehog.*
*A well-rounded choice, this species distributed your stat points equally across all attributes, creating a versatile and adaptable hedgehog.*
VITALITY: +10
STRENGTH: +10
MAGIC: +10
SPEED: +10
STAMINA: +10
•••••
Gideon pondered his options carefully. The allure of specialization beckoned, but there was also merit in becoming a balanced, all-rounded hedgehog. His decision would shape his journey and battles to come.
Gideon's voice rang out through the desolate landscape, a mixture of frustration and disbelief evident in his words. "These evolution options are more absurd than I could have ever imagined." His cry pierced the silence of the eerie, otherworldly realm in which he found himself. "And why is there no Magic-based evolution? Oh, I get it, because a plain, ordinary hedgehog should not possess magic!" He spat out the last word with a fiery intensity, his eyes blazing with defiance.
The weight of his own words hung in the air for a moment before he continued, *Upon evolution, you will receive bonus skills based on the evolution you have chosen.* The disembodied voice that had guided him thus far offered no further explanation.
Gideon's brows furrowed, his quills bristling with curiosity. "Can you enlighten me about the skills I would acquire for each of the available evolutions? I mean, this is a monumental decision, isn't it?" He awaited a response, but the silence that followed was deafening. "Eh, whatever... I've already made up my mind."
With a pensive expression, Gideon raised a claw to his chin, contemplating his choices. "As of now, an all-rounded stats evolution seems like the best option. Although I despise the uncertainty of not knowing the skills I'll gain, I also see the wisdom in it." He nodded, a sense of determination building within him. "It means that all participants in this bizarre game can meticulously select an evolution with potentially outstanding skills. But there's always a significant risk of ending up with a subpar evolution and lackluster abilities."
A sly grin crept across his face. "And when it comes down to it, I hold a significant advantage over them. Whether I receive good or bad skills, I possess a trump card in my Night Form, which can enhance any skills I obtain." He raised his claw, decisively pressing the evolution he had chosen from the list on the floating status board. "Now... I shall evolve."
As the words *Initiating the evolution process* echoed in his ears, Gideon's body convulsed, and he collapsed onto the ground. His tongue hung limply from his mouth, giving him the appearance of a lifeless creature. It was as if some unseen force had ripped his soul from his body. A creeping shadow gradually encased Gideon, forming a resilient sphere that acted as a protective cocoon as he descended into a deep slumber.
For three agonizing days, the black sphere remained motionless, pulsating faintly as a sign that a profound transformation was underway within. Then, without warning, hairline cracks began to snake across its surface. The sphere resembled an enormous, obsidian egg, and as the cracks expanded, a swirling black smoke seeped out from within.
*Your evolution process has been completed. You have just become a superior species.*
The voice reverberated in Gideon's mind as he awoke from his lengthy slumber.
He opened his eyes, feeling different, stronger, and more aware of his surroundings than ever before. Blinking away the remnants of his slumber, he took in his new form. His quills were sleeker and more pronounced, shimmering with an otherworldly gleam. His senses were sharper, and an aura of power emanated from him.
*Species: Small But All-Rounder Hedgehog.*
The words resonated in his consciousness. Gideon's transformation had not just been a change; it had been a rebirth into a superior being.