Jaden's new legs moved with precision, a far cry from the helpless squirming of his worm form. He scuttled through the underbrush, the faint scent of danger still clinging to his pheromone senses. The system's voice echoed in his mind, urging him to adapt, evolve, and survive.
***
[Traveler, your first challenge awaits: secure sustenance.]
[Objective: Feed and restore energy.]
[Warning: Prolonged starvation will result in system shutdown and death.]
***
"Sustenance?" Jaden muttered. The word brought a pang of hunger—raw and primal. It wasn't the simple grumble of an empty stomach but a gnawing urge that clawed at his thoughts.
He scanned the area, his newfound pheromone sense guiding him toward faint trails of potential prey. Tiny flickers of movement caught his attention—a cluster of small, slow-moving insects grazing on a leaf. They were far smaller than the centipede and seemed harmless enough.
Creeping closer, Jaden's instincts took over. His legs moved with a hunter's precision, the world narrowing to just him and his prey. With a quick lunge, he snapped his mandibles shut around one of the insects, a soft crunch signaling his first kill.
***
[Success. Nutrients absorbed. Energy partially restored.]
***
The taste was strange—earthy and bitter—but his body craved it. He devoured two more of the insects, each bite restoring a fraction of his strength. As his hunger waned, his mind cleared, and the enormity of his situation began to sink in.
"This is insane," he muttered. "I'm eating bugs... because I am a bug."
But the system's urgency left no room for self-pity. If he wanted to survive, he needed to focus on his next steps.
***
[Progressing well, Traveler. Survival probability increased to 7%.]
[Next objective: Explore and secure a safe location.]
[Caution: Predators remain active in the area.]
***
Jaden's antennae twitched involuntarily, picking up faint vibrations in the ground. His pheromone sense flared, painting an invisible map of nearby creatures. A large predator—bigger than the centipede—was prowling nearby.
"I need to move," he thought, scuttling away from the feeding ground. The forest around him was vast and alien, with towering plants that dwarfed even the largest trees from his old world. The ground was a labyrinth of roots, leaves, and hidden dangers.
As he navigated the terrain, he stumbled upon a strange glowing substance oozing from a crack in a rock. The liquid shimmered faintly, and his system reacted immediately.
***
[Resource detected: Aether Nectar.]
[Aether Nectar is a rare substance that accelerates evolution and enhances abilities.]
[Warning: Consuming Aether Nectar will attract nearby predators.]
***
Jaden hesitated. The nectar pulsed with an unearthly energy, and his body instinctively craved it. But the system's warning echoed in his mind. Whatever was drawn to this nectar would be far more dangerous than the centipede.
Still, the allure of power was hard to ignore.
"I need every edge I can get," he thought, steeling himself. He approached the crack and dipped his mandibles into the glowing liquid. The taste was electric, sending a surge of energy coursing through him. His vision sharpened, and his limbs felt stronger.
***
[Aether Nectar consumed. Evolution points gained: +5.]
[New evolution options available. Do you wish to evolve now?]
***
Jaden froze. He could feel his body humming with potential, but the ground beneath him suddenly shook. A low growl echoed through the forest, sending a chill down his spine.
Turning slowly, he saw it—a monstrous, spider-like creature with eight gleaming eyes and legs tipped with razor-sharp claws. Its body was covered in spiked armor, and it moved with terrifying grace.
The predator had arrived.
***
[Threat Level: High. Survival Probability: 12%. Initiate combat or escape?]
***
"Are you kidding me?" Jaden hissed. His instincts screamed at him to flee, but the spider blocked his path. Its fangs dripped with venom, and its pheromones radiated hunger and malice.
"I can't fight that thing," Jaden muttered. "System, what are my options?"
***
[Combat not recommended. Evasion advised. Utilize surroundings and abilities to escape.]
***
The spider lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Jaden darted to the side, his enhanced speed saving him from a grisly end. He scurried into a tangle of roots, the narrow space barely accommodating his ant form.
The spider's legs clawed at the roots, tearing through them with ease. Jaden's mind raced. He needed a plan, and fast.
Then it hit him. His pheromone sense. Activating the ability, he searched for any nearby creatures that could serve as a distraction. A faint trail led to a nest of smaller insects nearby—prey for the spider.
Jaden scuttled toward the nest, his movements quick and deliberate. He reached the cluster and released a burst of pheromones, mimicking the scent of an injured creature. The smaller insects scattered in panic, their pheromones spreading through the air.
The spider hesitated, its attention drawn to the chaotic scents. It turned away from Jaden, stalking toward the false prey. Seizing the opportunity, Jaden bolted, his legs moving faster than ever.
He didn't stop until the spider's presence faded from his senses.
***
[Objective complete: Secure a safe location.]
[Survival Probability increased to 15%. Continue adapting, Traveler.]
***
Jaden collapsed beneath a sheltered rock, his body trembling from the adrenaline. The system's voice was calm, but he wasn't. His world had become a nightmare, but he had survived—barely.
"Okay," he muttered, catching his breath. "I survived. Now what?"
The system responded immediately.
***
[Evolution points sufficient for upgrade. New options available.]
1. [Venomous Ant] – Gain venomous mandibles for enhanced combat.
2. [Scout Ant] – Increase speed and pheromone range for superior evasion.
3. [Burrower Ant] – Develop digging capabilities for creating shelters and escape routes.
***
Jaden stared at the options, his mind racing. Each path offered a chance to improve, but also hinted at what kind of creature he was becoming.
"Venomous... for fighting. Scout... for running. Or Burrower... to hide," he muttered. "What kind of survivor am I?"
With predators lurking and his body still trembling from the encounter, Jaden made his choice.
***
"System, evolve into Scout Ant."
***
Pain flared through his body as his form shifted once more. His legs grew leaner, his antennae longer, and his exoskeleton lighter. When the transformation ended, Jaden felt faster, sharper, and more attuned to his surroundings.
***
[Evolution complete. Form: Scout Ant (Tier 1). Agility and pheromone sense enhanced. New skill unlocked: Quick Burst.]
***
Jaden tested his speed, dashing between the trees with newfound ease. He wasn't just surviving now—he was adapting.
As the forest grew darker, Jaden gazed at the alien landscape. He didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was clear: he wasn't the same helpless worm anymore.