The royal capital of Verdantreach buzzed with excitement as the sun climbed higher in the azure sky. Colorful banners flapped joyously in the gentle breeze, each emblazoned with the sigil of House Highcrest.
A golden lion on a field of green, with a vibrant green banner beneath it, accompanied by a radiant golden sun also set against a field of green.
The streets were adorned with vibrant flowers, their sweet scents mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meats from the bustling market stalls.
Citizens poor and rich filled the cobblestone squares, laughter and music spilling from every corner. Minstrels played lively tunes, their melodies weaving through the air like ribbons of joy.
While children danced in circles, their faces painted with bright colors. Stalls sold treats and trinkets, and the sound of clinking coins accompanied the cheerful shouts of merchants hawking their wares.
At the heart of the city, the grand courtyard of the Verdant Palace was adorned with garlands of ivy and blossoms, a fitting tribute to the success of Duke Arlindor Highcrest and his men.
Word of their triumph in capturing the monstrous beast that had terrorized Count Belmont's lands spread like wildfire, igniting a sense of hope and relief among the populace. The duke's name was on everyone's lips, praised for his bravery and valor.
As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm golden hue over the festivities, nobles and commoners alike gathered, their eyes glimmering with admiration. In the center of the courtyard, a grand wooden cage had been erected, where the monster is being held.
In the midst of the revelry, a herald stepped forward, his voice booming over the crowd. "People of Verdantreach, join me in honoring Duke Arlindor Highcrest and his valiant men! For they have faced the terror of the night and emerged victorious!"
Cheers erupted, echoing against the palace walls as the silhouette of Duke Arlindor emerged on the balcony, a proud figure framed by the fiery hues of the setting sun. His presence commanded immediate respect, and the crowd fell into a hushed anticipation.
With a raised hand of acknowledgment, Arlindor turned his gaze toward the monstrous creature confined in a massive wooden cage. The Monster loomed large, nearly ten feet tall, its muscular form cloaked in dark fur. Its head, resembling that of a bull, was crowned with sharp, curved horns, and its fierce, wild eyes radiated a primal intensity. The beast moved with a powerful grace, capable of swift charges and have muzzle full of sharp teeth.
Never had anyone heard or encountered of such a creature; it had become a fearsome predator, instilling dread in all who dared to meet its gaze, now captured by Duke Arlindor, the Monster was subdued and restrained. Its once ferocious demeanor had given way to a sullen rage, the chains forged by master blacksmiths binding it with unyielding strength.
Duke Arlindor stood on the balcony, flanked by his family members, Count Lucian Highcrest and Marquis Thaddeus Highcrest. Baron Elaris, not among them, had been discussing the "compensation" for the recent monster hunt, an attempt to fill the Dukedom's treasury.
"It seems, after all, this was just the peasants' exaggeration," Count Lucian remarked, swirling his wine in a goblet. "The beast was strange and somewhat large, but hardly a threat. It injured a few men and killed a alot, but honestly, 500 men would have sufficed instead of 7,000."
"Yes, yes, I agree!" chimed in Marquis Thaddeus, a tipsy smirk spreading across his face. "Arlindor, you really scared us for nothing. We thought we were actually fighting something formidable, but it turned out to be too easy to capture. I wasted my time coming here. How will you compensate us? Perhaps lowering my feudal obligations for a year or so?"
Arlindor clenched his jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Lucian had dueled the beast, while Thaddeus merely kept stiking the monster with his spear from behind while it was distracted. Yet, looking at the drunken fool before him, he couldn't help but let out a laugh. The absurdity of it all lightened his mood, if only for a moment.
At that moment, a servant entered, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, the King is ready to meet you now in the throne room."
Instantly, the Highcrest members sobered up as they turned their attention to Arlindor.
"Very well, lead the way," he replied, his tone firm and composed.
The servant nodded and gestured for them to follow. As they made their way through the grand corridors of the palace. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, each one a vibrant narrative of the kingdom's storied past.
Upon reaching the throne room, the massive doors creaked open, revealing a vast chamber bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight. The throne itself, a magnificent structure crafted from polished oak and embellished with gold accents, stood regally at the far end. There, King Alaric Verdantreach XVI awaited them with a lazy expression.
King Alaric was a man in his mid-fifties, with a mane of salt-and-pepper hair that framed his weathered face, giving him an air of both wisdom and weariness. His deep-set azure eyes, a striking contrast to his sun-kissed skin, held a glimmer of intelligence that suggested he was always several steps ahead in thought. He wore an ornate robe of deep crimson, lined with fur that hinted at his royal status, yet it hung loosely on his frame.
Behind the king stood his advisor, count Belmont, a man of striking presence. His raven-black hair was elegantly pulled back, exposing sharp features and piercing green eyes that seemed to miss nothing.
Clad in full plate armor that gleamed in the flickering candlelight, he exuded an aura of quiet strength and cunning. Belmont had long been the king's confidant, known for his tactical mind and unwavering loyalty.
"Leave us, Retchard," the king finally spoke, his voice a rich timbre that echoed through the chamber. The command was direct. With a slight bow, Retchard turned to exit without a word.
The room was devoid of servants or guards as Arlindor stepped into the hall, the doors shutting ominously behind him.
"Arlindor," the king drawled, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Alaric," the duke replied, his voice steady.
"I would have hoped the beast would have killed you or at least more of your men. I hear it managed to take out about a hundred," the king remarked, revealing his unfiltered desire to see the duke dead.
Arlindor smirked, undeterred. "A hundred and six, to be exact. It would take more than an overgrown bull to kill me, Alaric. Even if all my men died, what would you do then? Step down from that throne and duel me? If you had the guts, you would have done it already."
The king sighed, rising from the throne. He walked to a nearby table, pouring two glasses of wine before returning to offer one to Arlindor.
"Why do you oppose me, Arlindor, when you're in the same boat as I am?" he said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.
At this, Arlindor's expression hardened, as if he were reminded of something better left forgotten.
"Hahaha, don't give me that look, Arlindor. If we hadn't taken those bold moves and did what had to be done, how would you have ever achieved wizard rank? How would I have dared to dream of becoming a high-level apprentice? The war will eventually reach its destined end, and when it does, they'll to butcher us like dogs unless we help each other.
I've already reached out to the scarlet Flower Tower. You need to give me your answer this year, Arlindor. Our time is running out."
Arlindor stared at him, a mix of anger and disbelief swirling within. Without a word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving the king's laughter echoing in the empty chamber behind him.
[Somwhere else]
[System Interface Activated]
Name: Adam
Species: ?????
Stage : Adolescent
Age: 121 days
Evolution Points: 1087
Special Titles:
[KinSlayer]: Grants a 20% damage boost against family members
Stats:
Strength: 30 → 100
Agility: 18 → 100
Intelligence: 11 → 64
Abilities:
[Enhanced Vision]
[Slightly Hardened Claws]
[Slightly Sharper Teeth]
[Night Vision]
Newly Acquired Abilities:
[Enhanced Agility]
[Large Size]
[Enhanced Strength]
[Enhanced Durability]
[Enhanced Speed]
[Enhanced Agility and Dexterity]
[Enhanced Stamina and Endurance]
[Enhanced Reflexes]
[Smell Tracking]
[Infrared Vision]
[Armored Hide]
[Expandable Jaws]
[Enhanced Dexterity]
[Sharp Teeth]
[Horn Protrusions]
[Screech]
[Camouflage]
[Intimidation]
[Self-Body Temperature Control]
[Velociraptor Communication]
[Teeth Regrowth]
Points Required for Minimal Evolution: 250.000 (increases with each evolution)
Potential Evolution Pathways:
Predatory Instincts: Enhance hunting capabilities.
Physical Augmentation: Increase strength and agility.
Cognitive Development: Boost intelligence.
[End of Interface]
[Ding]
[Congratulations, Host, for creating your first hybrid! As the first of your species, you can either assign a name for your species or have the system assign one for you.]
Adam woke up hazily, a wave of nausea washing over him. The ground felt too far away, so he settled back down to gather his thoughts, temporarily ignoring the system prompt. His limbs—no, his front limbs—were faintly useful again.
He could feel the raw strength surging through him. His vision was sharper, and an undeniable strength coursed through his entire body. Yet, amid this newfound vigor, a constant adrenaline rush urged him to run and kill.
As he glanced at his stats, shock coursed through him. His attributes had skyrocketed; even his intelligence had seen a significant boost. He felt nearly unstoppable.
"System, what is this new stage stat in the interference?" he queried.
[ding]
[Host, due to the fact that all of your previous evolutions were known and had existed before, you bypassed the lengthy process of growth. However, as a hybrid and the first of your kind, you will now need to develop naturally.]
"Oh, I see. Annoying, but logical," Adam said to himself, considering his new identity. As the first of his kind, he thought about a name that would truly embody what he had become. After a moment of reflection, a fitting name came to mind.
"Indominus Terroris."
[Name resgtrated]
[System Interface Activated]
Name: Adam
Species: Indominus Terroris
Stage : Adolescent
Age: 121 days
Evolution Points: 1087
Special Titles:
[KinSlayer]: Grants a 20% damage boost against family members
Stats:
Strength: 30 → 100
Agility: 18 → 100
Intelligence: 11 → 64
Abilities:
[Enhanced Vision]
[Slightly Hardened Claws]
[Slightly Sharper Teeth]
[Night Vision]
Newly Acquired Abilities:
[Enhanced Agility]
[Large Size]
[Enhanced Strength]
[Enhanced Durability]
[Enhanced Speed]
[Enhanced Agility and Dexterity]
[Enhanced Stamina and Endurance]
[Enhanced Reflexes]
[Smell Tracking]
[Infrared Vision]
[Armored Hide]
[Expandable Jaws]
[Enhanced Dexterity]
[Sharp Teeth]
[Horn Protrusions]
[Screech]
[Camouflage]
[Intimidation]
[Self-Body Temperature Control]
[Velociraptor Communication]
[Teeth Regrowth]
Strengthened abilities:
[Sharp Teeth] + [Slightly Sharper Teeth]→ [Razor Bite]
Points Required for Minimal Evolution: 250.000 (increases with each evolution)
Potential Evolution Pathways:
Predatory Instincts: Enhance hunting capabilities.
Physical Augmentation: Increase strength and agility.
Cognitive Development: Boost intelligence.
[End of Interface]
"Fuck, fuck, I'm starving! I want to shout and run—what is going on?" Adam exclaimed, frustration rising within him. The urge to run became overwhelming, clawing at his instincts.
Finally, he gave in. With a primal roar that echoed through the area, he sprinted toward the tantalizing scent that filled the air. Each powerful stride fueled by hunger, he felt the world blur around him as he focused solely on the source of his craving.