I was back at it again—hunting lizards. This time, I was a little more confident, thanks to my Primitive Bite skill. The lizard that had the misfortune of crossing my path didn't stand a chance.
I pounced. Snap. Bite. Done.
[You have consumed a lizard. +5 Evolution Points.]
I chewed through the tough scales of the lizard, savoring the taste of victory. Okay, fine, it wasn't that great, but it was food, and food meant growth. That's what mattered, right?
Just as I was about to go for another lizard, something weird happened. A notification from the system popped up, interrupting my feast.
[System Update: Evolution is now available.]
I stopped mid-bite. Evolution?
I stared at the message like it was a trick. "Wait, I can... evolve now?"
[Yes. You have gathered sufficient Evolution Points for a minor height increase. Current height: 1.2 meters. New height: 1.5 meters.]
"Minor height increase? That's like, barely taller!"
But I wasn't going to complain. I'd take whatever I could get. After all, height meant I could probably intimidate the next lizard, right?
I focused on the system's prompt and felt a strange sensation in my tiny body. My bones creaked and my muscles stretched—albeit slowly, like watching grass grow in real time. Finally, I felt it:
Woosh.
I looked down, expecting some dramatic change, but all I got was a couple of extra inches. Still, it was progress.
"Look at me, I'm practically a giant now!"
I tried to stand tall and look imposing, but honestly, I was still just a baby Allosaurus. My tail wobbled behind me like a goofy kid trying to act tough.
Just as I was about to take another step, the system chimed again.
[System Update: Evolution Point Requirement for Next Height Increase: 700 Evolution Points.]
"Wait... 700 points? That's like, a gazillion lizards!"
I groaned. My hard-earned 5 Evolution Points from that lizard didn't seem like much in comparison. The road ahead was going to be a long one.
But there was no time to sulk. A new problem had just reared its ugly head.
[System Update: You can no longer hunt lizards. New prey is required to gain more Evolution Points.]
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
[Lizards no longer provide sufficient points due to your increased strength. Find stronger prey to continue evolving.]
I stood there, dumbfounded. "Wait, so... I can't hunt lizards anymore? What am I supposed to eat now? A giant T-Rex?"
The system didn't answer, which, honestly, felt like a slap in the face.
"Alright, fine. No more lizards. Time to level up my hunting skills."
I turned my attention to the surrounding forest. There had to be something bigger, something better—but where?
[System Update: New Prey Available: Small Raptors, Herbivorous Dinosaurs, and Large Insects.]
"Wait, raptors? Are you kidding me? I'm just a baby! They're like... ninja dinosaurs!"
I took a deep breath and decided to put my confidence to the test. If I could evolve, I could take down something bigger, right? After all, I was no longer a helpless, tiny hatchling.
I had height. I had skills.
And now, I had to find something worth my evolution points.