Chapter 12: The Road to Evolution
Still hiding, Yuno was certain the monster wasn't too far from them. Among the wood, small mushrooms began sprouting. It was a familiar sight, but this time, something was different. The air was filled with an eerie silence, and the trees seemed to be watching him. The atmosphere was tense, and Yuno could feel the weight of their surroundings.
The possessed stump shuddered. A low groan escaped from within as the newly sprouted mushrooms latched onto its body. A moment later, its health started to drop, five points at a time. Yuno's eyes widened. They're feeding on it? Then he realized, it wasn't just normal decay. The spores from his last attack had taken root inside the stump! This was a new development, and Yuno wasn't sure what to make of it.
The monster's movements grew sluggish, its wooden limbs cracking under its own weight. This was the moment Yuno had been waiting for. "Piggy! Now's our chance!" The little pig squealed in agreement, her hooves kicking up dirt as she prepared to charge. Yuno braced himself, his heart racing with anticipation.
Both of them jumped toward the enemy at the same time. This time, when their attacks connected, there was no recoil. The stump split apart, its rotting bark crumbling to pieces as its health hit zero.
The system alert flashed before Yuno's eyes:
[You have defeated a Level 18 Possessed Stump!]
[Experience gained: 100 EXP]
[Piggy has gained 70 EXP]
For a moment, silence filled the air. Then:
[Level Up!]
A surge of warm energy flooded Yuno's body. He could feel his stats rising, his form growing stronger. He was now Level 11. And from the look in Piggy's eyes, she had leveled up as well.
We did it, Yuno thought, his body still trembling from the battle. We actually won. But he wasn't done yet. He turned to Piggy, who was already sniffing at the broken remains of their enemy. "Wait here for a second," he said. She tilted her head but stayed put.
Yuno approached the lifeless stump, pressing his cap against its decayed wood. If I can absorb this thing…
[Attempting Decomposition…]
The process began. At first, nothing happened. But then, slowly, the stump's body began to fade.
It was different from before, like the energy was being drained straight into him.
[Decomposition successful.]
[Experience gained: 200 EXP.]
[New Skill Acquired: One-Time Use – Camouflage.]
[New Skill Acquired: One-Time Use – Bark Skin.]
The intense energy flowing through Yuno caused him to stumble backward. His Decomposition skill reached a higher level while he gained two additional abilities.
One-time use? he thought, opening his system screen. The descriptions were short:
Camouflage – Blend into the environment for ten minutes.
Bark Skin – Increase defense by transforming into wood.
These skills could be game-changers in future battles. Yuno felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.
🌍
The moonlit night shone its silver light across their campsite, casting an ethereal glow over the surrounding trees. The campfire produced dancing flames that illuminated the area, casting flickering shadows on the ground. The deep slumber of Piggy allowed her belly to rise and fall with her breathing as she slept next to him, her gentle snores a soothing accompaniment to the crackling fire.
Yuno, however, couldn't sleep. He spent the last hour examining his status display, poring over the details of his progress:
[Status]
Name: Yuno
Race: Mushroom Monster
Level: 15
Skills: [Spore Explosion], [Decomposition Lv.2], [One-Time: Camouflage], [One-Time: Bark Skin]
HP: 350/350
SP: 110/130
His stats had increased significantly. His attack power and vitality had doubled since he first woke up in this world. But something else was on his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this world than he currently understood.
"System… how long until I can change class?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
[Monsters do not change class. They evolve.]
The answer sent a shiver through Yuno's core. Evolution…? He had heard of it, but he didn't know what it entailed.
[Each monster follows an evolutionary path. Evolution is influenced by battle experience, environment, and special conditions.]
[First evolution mission unlocks at Level 20.]
Yuno's mind raced. He was only five levels away from his first evolution. He wondered what kind of evolution he would undergo. Would he become stronger? Faster? More resilient?
"What kind of evolution can I get?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
[Evolution options are available for purchase. Each preview costs 200 gold coins.]
Yuno nearly fell over. "Are you kidding me? You expect a monster to have money!?" He couldn't believe the system's audacity.
[Where there's a will, there's a way.]
This stingy system… Yuno thought, shaking his head.
"Fine," he sighed. "At least tell me what my free evolution option is."
[Free Evolution Path: Boulder Mushroom]
Requirements: 100 Iron Ore, 100 Bronze
Effect: Increased durability, immunity to knockback, enhanced decomposition
Yuno's face twitched. "A rock?" He couldn't believe it. A boulder mushroom? That was his free evolution option?
[Correct.]
"…No thanks," he said, dismissing the option.
The system hesitated.
[Would you like to view premium evolution paths? Only 200 gold coins per preview!]
Yuno ignored it. He had already decided.
"I don't care what the system suggests. I know what I'm going to become."
[Curious. What is your chosen path?]
A grin spread across Yuno's face.
"I'm going to become the Mushroom King."
The morning sun created a breathtaking display of gold and crimson colors across the sky. Yuno stood with a newfound strength that filled his entire being.
The second day of hunting marks today's date. A sharp gust of wind cut through the forest, rustling the leaves and snapping twigs. Yuno moved to the side with lightning-fast movements that his previous self would never have achieved. Piggy mirrored his movements by sliding to a halt.
A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness before them. A Level 19 Blade Mantis.
The morning light revealed the blade mantis's razor-sharp scythes as it stared directly at them. It was fast. Too fast.
A deep breath escaped Yuno's throat.
"This one's going to be tough…"