Chereads / Metamorphosos : The Next Evloution / Chapter 2 - Leaving the Nest

Chapter 2 - Leaving the Nest

The days blurred together in a haze of hunger and instincts. Adam had grown—not just in size, but in purpose. His once-fragile body now rippled with lean muscle, his talons sharper, his beak harder.

The nest, once a cramped sanctuary, now felt like a prison. The three red moons loomed above, casting an eerie glow over the alien landscape. He was no longer the helpless chick he had been. He was a predator.

But Adam was not just a hawk. He was a human trapped in a bird's body, and his mind raced with plans, strategies, and memories of a life long gone. He had spent the past weeks accumulating evolution points, his system interface a constant reminder of his progress. Now, with 960 points and his parents' imminent return, he was ready to take the next step.

[System Interface Activated]

Welcome, Host.

Initializing Status Report…

Core Information:

Name: Adam

Species: Hawk {Albino}

Age: 57 Days

Evolution Points (EP): 960

Current Stats:

Strength: 0.8

"Your physical power has improved, but you're still far from formidable."

Agility: 1.2

"Your movements are quicker, but you're not yet a master of the skies."

Intelligence: 10

"Your mind remains sharp, a remnant of your human past. Use it wisely."

Abilities:

[Enhanced Vision]

"Your eyesight is superior to most creatures, allowing you to spot prey from great distances."

[Flight Mastery]

"You possess the basic instincts for flight, though your skills are untested."

[Slightly Hardened Talons]

"Your talons are now slightly tougher, allowing you to inflict more damage in combat."

[Slightly Sharper Beak]

"Your beak has become slightly more effective at tearing through flesh and bone."

Evolution Progress:

Points Required for Next Evolution: 150 EP

"Evolution is the key to survival. Gather more EP to unlock your potential."

Potential Evolution Pathways:

Predatory Instincts

"Enhance your hunting capabilities. Unlock sharper senses, faster reflexes, and deadlier precision."

Cost: 150 EP

Physical Augmentation

"Increase your strength and agility. Grow stronger, faster, and more resilient."

Cost: 150 EP

Cognitive Development

"Boost your intelligence. Retain more of your human mind and unlock advanced problem-solving skills."

Cost: 150 EP

System Notifications:

[Warning]

"Evolution is a double-edged sword. Each transformation may alter your instincts and desires. Proceed with caution."

[Tip]

"Consume the flesh of powerful creatures to gain more EP. The stronger the prey, the greater the reward."

Adam's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of wings. His mother had returned, a fish clutched in her beak. She landed gracefully, her sharp eyes scanning the nest. Adam sister chirped eagerly, but he remained still, his gaze locked on her. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

Adam lunged. His talons struck with precision, his beak snapping shut around her neck. There was a sickening crunch, and she collapsed, lifeless. The feast began.

[+20+23+31…]

The points rolled in as Adam consumed her flesh, his system interface lighting up with notifications. He discarded the remains, his mind already focused on the next target. His father would return soon, and Adam would be ready.

When his father arrived, the scene repeated itself. Adam struck with ruthless efficiency, his movements honed by weeks of planning. The larger hawk put up a fight, but Adam's intelligence and strategy gave him the edge. Soon, the nest was silent, save for the sound of tearing flesh.

[Congratulations, Host!]

You have unlocked a special title:

[Kinslayer] : Grants a 20% damage boost against family members.

Adam frowned. "Titles? System, I thought you said your sole function is to assist the host in accelerating evolution and customizing it specifically. Why are you giving titles now?"

[Negative. I cannot grant titles. It is the laws of the world. I cannot explain further, as you will need to explore and learn. But remember, words are power.]

[System Interface Activated]

Name: Adam

Species: Hawk {Albino}

Age: 57 Days

Evolution Points (EP): 1860

Current Stats:

Strength: 0.8

Agility: 1.2

Intelligence: 10

Abilities:

[Enhanced Vision]

[Flight Mastery]

[Slightly Hardened Talons]

[Slightly Sharper Beak]

Evolution Progress:

Points Required for Next Evolution: 150 EP

Potential Evolution Pathways:

Predatory Instincts

Physical Augmentation

Cognitive Development

System Notifications:

[Warning]

"Evolution is a double-edged sword. Each transformation may alter your instincts and desires. Choose wisely."

"Words are power," Adam repeated, casting a final glance at Mallory. She had grown into adulthood, her feathers a stark contrast to his albino plumage. He had named her, though she remained traumatized by the massacre of their siblings. "Until we meet again, Mallory. Farewell."

With that, he spread his wings and took to the skies, leaving the nest behind. The world awaited, and Adam was ready to claim it.

Far away, in a realm untouched by the struggles of hawks and men, a figure sat upon a throne of silver and light. The room was vast and empty, save for the throne and the man who occupied it. His violet eyes glimmered with an otherworldly intensity, and his presence seemed to fill the space around him.

"Enter, Cessiera," he commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The doors swung open, and a woman stepped inside. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her green eyes sparkled with intelligence. She bowed low before the throne, her voice calm and measured.

"Your Majesty," she said. "The Fate Magic Department has completed its preliminary report."

The man leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And?"

"Disturbances have been detected in 10 different worlds. If left unchecked, they could lead to a catastrophe on the scale of the Demon Prince Invasion."

The man's eyes narrowed. The Demon Prince Invasion had been a dark chapter in the history of the Autarchy, one that had claimed billions of lives. The thought of another such disaster was enough to stir even his ancient heart.

"Very interesting," he murmured. "Belgrum, issue a decree to all 108 Departments. I want a full-scale investigation of the affected worlds. Robert, coordinate with the Foreign Ambassador Department. Reach out to the planets not under our control and offer our assistance."

The two robed figures appeared as if summoned, bowing low before disappearing to carry out his orders.

"Cessiera," the man said, his voice softening. "Your Fate Department has done well. Inform me if there are any new findings."

She bowed again and left the throne room, her footsteps echoing in the silence.

Elrod Blois, the Wizard King of the Blois Autarchy, leaned back in his throne, a smile playing on his lips. "It seems things are about to become a bit more interesting."