The next few days passed in a blur of research, testing, and preparation. Jaeho threw himself into his work, carefully analyzing the materials he'd collected from the dungeon, studying the mechanics of the beasts he'd tamed, and experimenting with ways to accelerate their evolution. He'd been so focused on the process that he barely noticed how much time had passed until the moon was high in the sky, casting a pale glow over his cramped lab.
His small, windowless apartment had transformed into something resembling a makeshift laboratory, with stacks of notes and vials of strange liquids cluttering every available surface. His biochemistry background had helped him make sense of some of the system's more complex aspects, but there was still so much that remained a mystery. No matter how much he learned, there was always a new layer to uncover.
Jaeho sat back in his chair, staring at the glowing screen of his makeshift computer setup, the data swirling in front of him. The results were promising. He had discovered that the beasts he tamed could be evolved infinitely, provided he gathered the right materials. However, what intrigued him more was the subtle interaction between his own body and the beasts he summoned. There was a strange feedback loop, as though the power he absorbed from the creatures was being mirrored in his own body, allowing him to grow stronger in unexpected ways.
The real breakthrough, however, had come from his research into the skill points system. Each time he leveled up, he earned a single skill point—something he had been taking for granted until now. At first, he had used the points to boost his personal stats, raising his strength, agility, and intelligence to match his beasts. But now, he realized that these points might be more than just a way to improve his body. They could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the system.
"If I can increase my knowledge of the system itself..." Jaeho murmured, his fingers tapping absentmindedly on the desk. "If I can understand how the leveling process works, I might be able to manipulate it."
The thought was exhilarating, but also daunting. He had seen firsthand the price that came with taming powerful creatures. The constant need for resources, the strain on his own body, and the toll the system took on his mind—it wasn't something most people could endure for long. But for Jaeho, it was worth it. His ambition had long surpassed any concern for personal safety.
He glanced down at the small vial of evolution materials he'd been holding onto. The glowing dust inside seemed to pulse with a faint energy, calling to him. If he used it on his Cursed Beast now, it could evolve again—but would it be enough? Would it be the key to his next leap forward?
Before he could make a decision, there was a knock at the door.
"Jaeho, are you in there?" Kyra's voice was muffled, but clear enough to make him tense.
He sighed, a mix of relief and frustration, before rising from his desk. "Yeah, come in."
The door creaked open, and Kyra stepped inside, a bag slung over her shoulder. She looked tired, but there was a fire in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Her presence was more grounded, more focused.
"I've got the materials," she said, dropping the bag on the table. "Some rare beast parts and a few pieces of high-grade crystals from the black market. It wasn't cheap, but we can work with it."
Jaeho nodded, impressed. "Thanks. You're a lifesaver."
Kyra raised an eyebrow. "Don't mention it. But I have to ask—what exactly are you planning to do with all this?"
Jaeho paused, eyeing the materials in the bag. There was a lot here—enough to trigger another evolution, perhaps two. But that wasn't the point. He was learning more about the system every day, and each discovery felt like another step toward something greater. He couldn't waste any more time.
"I'm going to evolve my Cursed Beast again," he said, picking up one of the crystals from the bag. "But this time, it's not just for power. We need to understand how evolution works within the system. I believe that by evolving our creatures, we can unlock something more. Something that might give us control over the system itself."
Kyra looked skeptical, but also intrigued. "You're playing with fire, Jaeho. If you evolve that beast too far, it could become uncontrollable. And what happens if you're not strong enough to handle it?"
Jaeho's eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath. "Then I'll get stronger. One way or another."
Kyra met his gaze, searching for any sign of doubt in his eyes. When she found none, she nodded, as if accepting his determination. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Jaeho smiled slightly, his mind already racing ahead. He had made his decision. This was the next step, and there was no going back.
He took a step forward, pulling out the vial of evolution materials he had been holding onto. The glow from the contents illuminated his hand, casting a soft, eerie light across the room. He had never used this particular material on his Cursed Beast before, but it was time. It was time to push further than he ever had before.
"Cursed Beast," Jaeho murmured, his voice steady as he focused on the creature, now standing in the corner of the room. The beast stirred, its dark eyes locking onto him. "It's time to evolve again."
The beast let out a low growl, its wings twitching in anticipation. Jaeho could feel its power—its potential—waiting to be unlocked. He stepped forward, holding the vial in both hands, and poured the glowing dust over the creature. Immediately, the room seemed to vibrate with energy, the air thick with the power of evolution.
The Cursed Beast's body began to shift, its form expanding as new muscles rippled under its dark fur. Its wings spread wider, its claws lengthened, and its eyes blazed with an intensity that Jaeho had never seen before. The evolution process was faster than usual, and Jaeho could feel his own body responding, his stats fluctuating as the creature's power surged.
He felt the familiar rush of energy—the sensation of growth, of breaking through a barrier. But this time, it was different. This time, he could feel the connection between him and the beast growing stronger than ever before, as though their destinies were intertwined. As though this evolution was something more than just a simple upgrade.
When the glow finally faded, the Cursed Beast stood taller, its aura now crackling with raw, untapped energy. It was a force to be reckoned with.
Jaeho exhaled slowly, taking in the sight of his newly evolved companion. "This is just the beginning."
Kyra, who had been watching from a distance, looked both impressed and slightly concerned. "How long until it's fully under control?"
Jaeho smiled, the confidence in his voice undeniable. "I'll handle it. The system is a tool—nothing more. And I'm going to learn how to master it."
With that, Jaeho turned away from the beast, heading back to his desk, where his notes and materials waited. He had unlocked a new level of power, but now he had to figure out how to use it—not just for survival, but for the greater purpose he had in mind. The world was changing, and he was going to make sure he was at the forefront of it.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Jaeho knew one thing for sure—he was no longer just a biochemist. He was a Tamer. And with his evolving creatures and newfound power, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.