The forest air was thick with the smell of damp earth and foliage as Shivay stood over the lifeless body of the Morphis Lynx. His heart still raced from the thrill of the hunt, but his mind was calm and focused. The system had just given him a taste of the power he could gain, and he was eager to explore its deeper functions.
Shivay glanced at the system notifications still hovering in his peripheral vision.
[Morphis Lynx Killed – Absorbed Skills: Shapeshifting (Limited), Enhanced Stealth]
New Ability Added: Shapeshifting – Allows limited transformation into familiar creatures. Restrictions apply based on the host's knowledge of the creature's form.
Skill: Enhanced Stealth – Your ability to remain undetected has improved. Sound and visual presence are reduced by 30%.
Shivay grinned. These new skills would make navigating the world a lot easier, especially the shapeshifting ability. Now, it was time to explore what else the system could offer.
"Shunaya," he called out, "show me the upgrade function and the point system. I want to see how I can improve myself."
[Opening System Interface – Upgrade Function]
The interface expanded before him, a holographic panel displaying various sections like Stats, Skills, Abilities, and something labeled Evolution. Below each section, a numerical value indicated his System Points—the currency used to upgrade.
[System Points: 250]
"Where did I get the points from?" Shivay asked.
"Master, you earn points from kills, completing quests, and special achievements," Shunaya explained. "The Morphis Lynx granted you 100 points, and you also gained points for naming me and evolving my consciousness."
Shivay nodded, satisfied. "Alright, how do I use these points?"
"In the Upgrade Function, you can invest points into your core stats—Strength, Agility, Intelligence, and others—or enhance your skills and abilities. The cost varies depending on the level of improvement."
Shivay studied the list. His current stats were solid, but they could use a boost.
[Upgrade Options]
Strength: 150 → Upgrade Cost: 50 points (Next upgrade: +10 Strength)
Agility: 130 → Upgrade Cost: 50 points (Next upgrade: +10 Agility)
Endurance: 140 → Upgrade Cost: 50 points (Next upgrade: +10 Endurance)
Vitality: 120 → Upgrade Cost: 40 points (Next upgrade: +10 Vitality)
Perception: 105 → Upgrade Cost: 40 points (Next upgrade: +10 Perception)
Shivay contemplated his next move. While his physical abilities were already impressive, he could feel the need to balance his build. "I'll add points to Agility and Perception," he decided. Speed and awareness would keep him ahead in fights.
[Agility upgraded to 140]
[Perception upgraded to 115]
[System Points remaining: 160]
"That feels better," Shivay said, already feeling lighter on his feet, his senses more attuned to the forest around him.
"Shunaya, what about the shop? Can I use these points to buy items or abilities?"
"Yes, Master. The system shop contains a wide variety of skills, weapons, and items. Some will cost points, while others may require special resources or quests to unlock."
"Show me the shop," Shivay instructed.
[Opening System Shop]
The system shop interface was expansive. Items were categorized neatly into Skills, Weapons, Armor, Consumables, and Miscellaneous. Within the shop, Shivay spotted a few interesting options right away.
[Shop - Skills]
Flash Step (200 points): An instantaneous movement technique that allows the user to move short distances in the blink of an eye.
Beast Tamer (150 points): Grants the ability to communicate and form contracts with lesser beasts.
Mana Control (100 points): Improves the user's ability to control mana flow, reducing energy waste and enhancing magic-based skills.
[Shop - Weapons]
Soul-bound Claws (300 points): Claw-like weapons that enhance the user's strength, dealing increased damage and returning after being thrown.Phantom Bow (250 points): A bow crafted from ethereal energy, which fires arrows made of pure mana. No ammunition required.
[Shop - Consumables]
Healing Potion (50 points): Restores 500 HP.Mana Elixir (50 points): Restores 400 MP.
Shivay's eyes lingered on Flash Step, imagining how useful it could be in combat. But at 200 points, it would almost drain his current pool. He glanced at Mana Control—a more affordable option that would give him a tactical edge, especially as his abilities expanded.
"Shunaya, how do I gain more system points besides fighting?" Shivay asked.
"There are many ways, Master," Shunaya explained. "You can complete quests, defeat powerful creatures, or gather rare materials. Some hidden quests, like the one you completed by naming me, will also grant bonus points. Additionally, absorbing stronger enemies will grant you more points."
"Alright," Shivay said, after considering his options. "Let's keep building up for now. No need to splurge."
Closing the shop interface, Shivay turned his attention to the forest again. Now that he'd absorbed the Morphis Lynx's shapeshifting ability, he was curious to test it out.
"Shunaya, initiate shapeshifting. Show me the available forms I can shift into."
[Shapeshifting Available Forms]
Primal Ape (Default)Morphis Lynx (Acquired)
"Let's try the Lynx."
In an instant, Shivay's body began to shift. His bones shrank, his skin and muscles compressed, and a sleek coat of shimmering fur spread across his body. Within seconds, he had taken the form of the Morphis Lynx—a powerful, agile predator with the ability to blend into its surroundings.
He crouched low to the ground, testing his new body's flexibility and grace. The transformation wasn't perfect; there were still traces of his Primal Ape strength in the form, but it would serve well in scouting and stealth.
After a few minutes of experimenting, Shivay shifted back into his original form. "That will definitely come in handy," he said, his mind already thinking of potential uses for the ability.
"Shunaya, show me the map function. I want to explore this forest and see if there are any other creatures worth hunting."
[Opening Map Function]
A translucent map appeared before him, displaying the area around him. Various points of interest were marked, such as Beast Dens, Rivers, and even a Ruined Temple far to the west.
"Looks like I have plenty of options," Shivay mused. "Let's head toward that ruined temple. There might be something worth finding there."
As Shivay ventured deeper into the forest, he felt confident and prepared. With the system at his side, an ever-growing array of abilities, and the freedom to evolve, he knew he was only scratching the surface of what he could become.
The real adventure was just beginning.