If one were to apply a game template to the creatures of this world, then muscle strength, bone density, neural reaction speed, and the like would be the base stats of a character, while abilities such as spewing fire or summoning lightning would fall under special skills.
Base stats determined the ecological niche a creature could occupy, while special skills determined its competitive edge within that niche.
Previously, Logan had been focused on improving his base stats. By now, his body length had reached 7 meters, and in terms of physical capabilities for his size, he surpassed 90% of other creatures. So, he decided it was time to upgrade his long-neglected discharge and venom injection abilities.
Over the past half-month or so, he had accumulated 20 evolution points. He had spent 5 on enhancing his sense of smell, leaving him with 15. Compared to venom, Logan valued his electrical discharge ability more highly, so he allocated 10 of those points to his discharge organs.
A familiar warm current surged through him. The thin muscle layers beneath his skin began to proliferate rapidly, extending outward. They pierced through the outer fat layer and spread out numerous fine nerve bundles, reaching deep into every single scale.
Within the scales, these fine nerve bundles grew into peculiar ring-shaped structures. As neural signals passed through, they generated tiny electromagnetic fields. When Logan's scales rubbed against each other or when he moved, these electromagnetic fields would interact with the external magnetic field through electromagnetic induction, producing even stronger electrical energy.
At the same time, the small protruding spines on his body became more developed—especially the two on the top of his head, which stood straight backward like a pair of probes.
Inside these two hollow probes were densely packed neurons that regulated the flow of electrical energy throughout his body. They functioned like transformers, adjusting voltage up or down.
After upgrading his discharge organs, Logan invested the remaining 5 evolution points into his venom ability.
The familiar warm current surged again, this time concentrating around his liver, kidneys, and the venom sac at the base of his tail.
His liver's detoxification function and kidneys' filtration capabilities were further enhanced. A thin duct extended from them, connecting directly to the venom sac at the rear.
When Logan consumed food containing toxins, he could—like a Gajau or a Venomhound—break down and filter out the toxins from the food, transporting them through that duct to be stored in the venom sac. Over years of accumulation and purification within the sac itself, these toxins would become increasingly potent and complex.
...
This evolution took about a week to complete. When all the changes had settled, Logan was strolling through the dense forest with Zhu Peiniang in tow.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the foliage, illuminating his pristine white scales. As he moved, the tiny magnetic fields in his thousands of scales collided with one another, instantly sparking faint electric arcs.
He discovered that his control over electricity had become far more precise. Previously, his discharge organs were like a battery with only an on/off switch—press it to release electricity, press again to stop, with no way to control the intensity.
Now, it was like a faucet with a valve, allowing him to adjust the "flow" and precisely control the voltage and amount of current released.
At the same time, a considerable amount of toxin had already accumulated in the venom sac at the base of his tail. The Ancient Forest had no shortage of toxic fungi and vines—some Nitroshrooms growing in fertile areas could even reach three to four meters in height, providing him with abundant sources of venom.
However, because he was traveling with Zhu Peiniang, he rarely needed to use the venom during normal hunts. Instead, his vastly improved electrical discharge proved far more effective.
...
The Ancient Forest boasted a dense network of waterways. In certain gentle, low-lying areas, vast mud swamps and marshes had formed as a result.
As they pressed forward, the terrain gradually dipped, and the soil grew increasingly waterlogged. Each step left a deep imprint.
Ahead lay a wide expanse of water—the border between the Ancient Forest and the Wildspire Waste. Cascading waters from above nourished the loamy sands below, fostering vibrant life.
Thick clusters of aquatic grasses shot up from the shallows, dotted with flowers resembling irises. Willow-like plants stood tall in the water, their drooping branches and aerial roots swaying gently in the breeze like ribbons.
Water was the most common conductor of electricity in nature. For creatures like Logan and Zhu Peiniang, who possessed discharge abilities, this watery domain was an ideal battlefield.
He turned to look at Zhu Peiniang. The little one was curiously surveying the surroundings. Her azure scales glimmered faintly in the sunlight, golden charge sacs arranged like rivets across her body. Her pristine white fur danced in the wind, already showing hints of adult elegance.
"Come on, let's check out that side."
Logan let out a low rumble. After their long time together, Zhu Peiniang could understand his intent. She joyfully followed behind him.
The water along the edge of this marshy wetland was shallow—only about a meter deep. Sunlight pierced the clear surface, revealing the thick silt below.
As they approached, a Gajau, a catfish-like creature with sharp dorsal fins, swam through the aquatic grasses near the shore, stirring up strings of bubbles.
Logan's interest was piqued; he decided to test his newly enhanced discharge ability. He crouched slightly, his scales beginning to rub together. The tiny electromagnetic fields activated instantly, and powerful current gathered within his body.
Then, he abruptly plunged his tail into the water. In an instant, the electricity spread rapidly through the water. The once-calm surface boiled violently. Invisible arcs danced beneath the waves, and the Gajau was struck directly. Its body convulsed wildly before it flipped over, belly up, floating to the surface.
Zhu Peiniang let out an excited cry and leaped into the water without hesitation. Her powerful limbs paddled furiously, but her body still sank bit by bit. She quickly let out a panicked yelp.
The water was too shallow to provide enough buoyancy. Logan could only helplessly extend his tail, wrapping it around one of her hind legs to drag her back ashore.
This was something he hadn't considered earlier, but it wasn't much of a problem. His gaze swept the surroundings, soon landing on a fallen giant tree that caught his attention.
It appeared to be an Ancient Tree, with a trunk over 20 meters in diameter and more than 100 meters long, lying across the vast marsh like a natural dock.
(End of Chapter 26)