[Evolution Store:
Increase Length 2 cm: 1 Evo pt
Increase Diameter 2 cm: 1 Evo pt
Increase Mana 1 MP: 2 Evo pts
Improve Venom: 10 Evo pts
Learn New Spell: 10 Evo pts
Species Evolution: 100 Evo pts]
Looking at the evolution store, Adrian carefully examined each option one by one. Improving his venom once again cost ten evolution points. Fortunately, when he had evolved and his venom potency had reverted, the cost to enhance it had also reset back to ten. That at least gave him some flexibility. If the price had continued increasing, it might have taken far longer to make his venom truly lethal.
His gaze shifted to the final option.
Species Evolution: 100 Evo pts.
One hundred points.
That was a steep requirement. Considering he had only just managed to gather enough to reach his current form, it was clear that another species evolution would not be happening anytime soon. He would need to hunt consistently and survive for quite a while before reaching that threshold again.
Still, something else drew his attention.
Learn New Spell: 10 Evo pts.
That was new.
Before evolving into a Lesser Arcane Viper, magic had not even been a possibility. Now, not only did he possess mana, but he could also expand his arsenal further. For only ten points, he could gain another spell. Compared to increasing his size by a mere two centimeters or raising his diameter slightly, learning a new spell offered versatility. Versatility meant survival.
That would be his priority.
Satisfied with his decision, Adrian closed the store window for the time being. He would need one more successful hunt before he could afford the new spell. Thinking alone would not earn him evolution points.
It was time to move.
Carefully, Adrian slithered toward the entrance of his cave. Peeking his head out, he paused to observe his surroundings. The forest was calm. Light filtered through the canopy above, casting scattered patches of brightness across the forest floor. Judging by the angle of the sun and the warmth radiating from the rocks outside, it was midday.
He climbed onto a flat stone near the cave entrance and stretched his body out across its surface. The heat seeped pleasantly into his scales. As a serpent, maintaining proper body temperature was essential. His movements were smoother and more responsive once he had fully warmed up.
He remained there for several minutes, absorbing the sunlight. His body gradually loosened, muscles relaxing and then tightening with renewed readiness. The faint ache left behind from evolution faded as warmth spread evenly along his length.
Eventually, he slid off the stone.
Sunbathing was useful, but it would not fill his stomach.
Evolution had once again drained him. Though he felt improved, the transformation had consumed energy. He needed nutrients to stabilize himself and continue growing. Hunting was no longer optional, it was necessary.
Lowering himself close to the ground, Adrian began moving through the forest.
The earth beneath him was cool in shaded areas and warm where sunlight broke through. Leaves crinkled softly as he passed, though his movement remained controlled and deliberate. Every few seconds, he flicked his tongue outward, tasting the air for chemical traces.
Chemoreception flooded him with information.
Small mammals had passed through earlier. Insects were abundant. There were also faint traces of something larger that had moved through the area hours ago. Predator or prey, he could not be certain. He avoided that direction.
Half an hour passed with no suitable opportunity. Adrian remained patient. Rushing would only lead to mistakes.
Then, a scent struck his tongue.
Fresh.
Close.
He slowed immediately, lowering his profile even further.
Turning slightly to the right, he adjusted his course and began moving with greater care. His body slid silently between patches of undergrowth, his scales barely disturbing the leaves.
This would be the first time he tested magic in an actual hunt.
He focused inward and willed the spell to activate.
[Conceal]
The response was instant.
Shadows from the canopy above and the surrounding bushes seemed to stretch unnaturally. They bent and folded over his body, merging with his scales until his form blurred against the darkness beneath the foliage. To an outside observer, he would appear as little more than a distortion in the shade.
It was subtle but effective.
Adrian continued forward, now concealed. He could feel a faint drain on his mana, steady but manageable. One MP per minute. At his current capacity of ten MP, he had time, but it was limited.
Soon, he reached the edge of a dense bush.
Through his infrared vision, a small glowing outline appeared on the other side. The creature was roughly twenty centimeters in length, a bird. Its body temperature stood out clearly against the cooler environment. It was pecking at the ground, completely unaware.
Adrian flicked his tongue once more to confirm there were no additional organisms nearby.
Nothing significant.
He shifted his weight backward slightly and coiled.
Every muscle tightened in preparation. The shadows still clung to him, masking his presence. He measured the distance carefully. Too early, and he would miss. Too late, and the bird might notice him.
He launched forward.
The bird had no time to react. Adrian's fangs sank into its plump side with precision. The sudden impact forced a startled screech from the creature.
[Conceal] had worked perfectly.
However, prey rarely submitted quietly.
The bird thrashed violently, wings beating against the air. A sharp strike from its wing clipped Adrian's side, sending a brief flash of discomfort through him. It attempted to take flight, instinct driving it upward.
But when it spread its wings, something felt wrong.
Its right wing would not lift properly.
Adrian remained latched on, his body twisting to maintain balance as the bird flapped wildly. The ground shook beneath the struggle. Leaves scattered into the air.
If it managed to gain even a little height, things could become complicated.
Without hesitation, Adrian activated his second spell.
[Shadow Bind]
The birds shadow began to shift.
Pitch-black chains erupted from the creature's own shadow, wrapping tightly around its legs and torso. The bindings constricted, anchoring it firmly to the ground. The bird's movements became erratic and desperate, panic overtaking it.
Adrian struck again.
And again.
Each bite delivered more venom into its bloodstream. Though his venom was not as potent as before evolution, it was still effective against small prey. He focused on efficiency, ensuring each injection counted.
The bird struggled furiously, feathers flying as it twisted against the shadowy restraints. For a moment, the chains trembled under the strain. The duration of Shadow Bind depended on the difference in strength between himself and the target. Against something larger, the restraint might have failed instantly.
Here, it held.
After approximately ten seconds, the bindings shattered as the bird finally broke free. But by then, it was too late.
The venom had already begun to take effect.
Its movements slowed drastically. Wings faltered. Its body swayed unevenly as toxins spread through its system. Within moments, it collapsed fully onto the forest floor, twitching briefly before going still.
Silence returned to the clearing.
[+9 Evolution Points]
The notification appeared before him.
Adrian waited a few seconds longer to ensure there was no remaining movement. Only when he was certain did he release his grip.
Nine points.
Combined with the two he already had, that brought him to eleven.
That was more than enough.
He quickly dragged the bird's body beneath a nearby bush, avoiding open exposure. Though the fight had been short, it could still attract attention. Better to eat discreetly.
Positioning himself carefully, Adrian began swallowing the bird whole. His jaws stretched methodically, muscles working in a coordinated rhythm. The process took time, but eventually the entire body disappeared down his throat. A noticeable bulge formed along his midsection as he finished.
He remained hidden for several minutes afterward, allowing the initial stages of digestion to begin.
The hunt had been successful.
Both Conceal and Shadow Bind had proven effective. Conceal allowed him to close distance unnoticed, while Shadow Bind prevented escape. The synergy between the two spells complemented his natural hunting style well.
Once he felt secure enough to move, Adrian slowly began the journey back to his cave. His pace was slower now due to the meal, but steady. He avoided open areas and remained within thicker foliage where possible.
Eventually, the familiar rocky entrance came into view.
He slipped inside without hesitation.
The cave was cool and dim, offering safety from predators and prying eyes. Returning to his usual resting spot, Adrian coiled loosely, letting his body settle.
Now came the reward.
He opened the evolution store once more, eyes focusing on the option he had already chosen in his mind.
Learn New Spell: 10 Evo pts.
With eleven points available, he could afford it.
Calmly, Adrian prepared to unlock a new spell.
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Author Note: Please feel free to comment anything that you think could be improved in this novel or anything that you like.
Additionally I want to gauge how we feel about Adrian's personality should he stay cold and calculating or should he slowly begin to develop emotions. Please feel free to comment your thoughts surrounding this topic.