The walk back from the market was quiet, the weight of the day's purchases hanging from my shoulder and the growing excitement of what was to come thrumming in my chest. My new boots crunched against the dirt path, a steady rhythm accompanying my thoughts as I replayed the events in the village.
The Nightshade Flower and Moonlight Lily were essential, but the herbalist had told me something important—Moonlit Flower was the key ingredient for Shadow's evolution. Its rarity and potent spiritual energy made it the core of the elixir, stabilizing and enhancing Shadow's transition. I'd been lucky to find some growing wild during my last hunt. Elara had confirmed its importance, and now it was time to put everything into motion.
By the time I reached the familiar sight of my small hut nestled against the forest, the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing. The evening air felt cool, soothing the heat of the day as I unlatched the door and slipped inside.
"Alright, Shadow," I said, my voice low but determined as I unstrapped my bags and set the ingredients on the table. "It's time."
The little bird fluttered from its perch near the window, its dark feathers blending seamlessly into the gathering shadows of the room. Shadow perched on my shoulder, tilting its head as if sensing the significance of what was about to happen.
I began preparing the elixir, carefully following the steps I had learned. I started with the Moonlit Flower—its pale blue petals shimmering faintly in the low light. Crumbling it into the mortar, I felt a subtle pulse of energy as its essence mingled with the other ingredients: Nightshade Flower, with its deep violet hue, and Moonlight Lily, glowing softly like the last remnants of twilight.
Each herb contributed something unique, but the Moonlit Flower was the catalyst, enhancing Shadow's spiritual energy and ensuring the evolution process would go smoothly. As I crushed and mixed the herbs, a rich, earthy scent filled the room, faintly tinged with the sharpness of the spiritual plants. The final result was a thick, dark liquid that faintly shimmered in the dim light of the hut.
I carefully poured the elixir into a small vial, sealing it tight before turning to Shadow.
"Are you ready?" I whispered, holding out the vial.
Shadow tilted its head again, hopping down from my shoulder to the table, its black eyes reflecting the soft glow of the elixir. With a low, reassuring chirp, it drank the liquid, the substance quickly disappearing into its small body.
I stepped back, anticipation tightening my chest. Shadow fluttered to the center of the room, its feathers ruffling as the energy from the elixir began to take hold. The temperature seemed to drop, and the shadows in the room deepened, swirling around Shadow like a protective cloak.
The air grew thick with tension as Shadow's form began to shift. Its small frame expanded, feathers lengthening and darkening, taking on a faint sheen like polished obsidian. A surge of power rippled through the room, and I watched in awe as Shadow's body glowed faintly, its transformation nearing completion.
Finally, with one last pulse of energy, the shadows dissipated, and Shadow stood before me—larger, sleeker, and more formidable than before. Its wings were longer, its feathers darker, and its presence far more intense.
A faint hum filled the air, and I could feel the bond between us strengthening. Shadow's eyes, once dull black, now glowed faintly with a soft, silvery hue.
---
[Appraisal: Moon Shadow Sparrow, Rank: Silver (Low)]
[Trait: Enhanced Shadow Manipulation]
[Skills: Shadow Cloak, Silent Flight, Moonlight Strike, Shadow Bind, Shadow Claw]
[Description: A rare evolution of the Shadow Sparrow, the Moon Shadow Sparrow possesses increased agility and control over shadow-based abilities. Its feathers glisten with a faint silver sheen, allowing it to blend into moonlit environments almost perfectly.]
Skills:
Shadow Cloak: Envelops itself in a cloak of shadows, rendering it nearly invisible and enhancing its stealth capabilities.
Silent Flight: Allows the Moon Shadow Sparrow to fly silently, making it ideal for covert operations and surprise attacks.
Moonlight Strike: Channels moonlight into a powerful energy attack, dealing significant damage to enemies.
Shadow Bind: Creates shadowy tendrils that can ensnare and immobilize targets, rendering them temporarily helpless.
Shadow Claw: Extends its shadowy talons to slash through enemies, dealing both physical and shadow damage.
---
I stared at the panel, unable to keep the smile from spreading across my face. Shadow had evolved into a Moon Shadow Sparrow. The effort, the hunt, the market visits—it had all been worth it.
"Well done," I whispered, reaching out to gently stroke Shadow's now-sleek feathers. The bond between us felt stronger, almost like an invisible thread that had deepened with the evolution. Shadow cooed softly, nuzzling against my hand before fluttering back to its perch, its presence now more pronounced in the room.
As I cleaned up the remnants of the elixir-making process, the system chimed in my mind—a soft, familiar sound that indicated I had completed a quest.
---
[Quest Completed: Evolve Your Shadow Sparrow]
[Reward: 1 Gacha Draw]
---
The notification brought me back to reality. I'd been so focused on Shadow's evolution that I had nearly forgotten about the system's reward. Another gacha draw. My heart raced a little. Every draw was unpredictable, offering anything from valuable techniques to simple consumables.
Then, another notification followed, making me pause.
---
[Quest Completed: Journey to the Village]
[Reward: 1 Gacha Draw, Information On Spiritual Refinement]
---
A second gacha draw and information about spiritual refinement? I blinked, surprised but pleased. The system had rewarded me for venturing into the village earlier today, acknowledging my efforts in completing that task. Two gacha draws and knowledge on how to improve my spiritual energy were now mine, stored and ready for use.
The information on spiritual refinement could be especially valuable—it would allow me to strengthen my spiritual energy, potentially increasing my bond with Shadow and enhancing my abilities as a tamer. That knowledge alone was worth the trip, but the two gacha draws were a tempting bonus. I could gain powerful items, techniques, or even something unexpected to help me on my journey.
I stood there for a moment, considering my options. It was tempting to use both gacha draws immediately—I might receive something that could aid in the next phase of my journey. But I also knew it might be wiser to hold onto them for a time when I really needed an edge.
Shadow ruffled its wings, sensing my indecision. I smiled, comforted by its presence. With Shadow newly evolved, I already had a powerful new ally by my side.
"Let's save them for tomorrow," I said quietly, more to myself than to Shadow. "It's late and I'm exhausted, let's rest for now."