《Awaken in the Multi-realm [A Monster Evolution LitRPG]》 Chapter 1 Reincarnation Oblivion. That''s all I remember. No searing pain, no final gasp, just¡­ nothing. Now, I drift in an endless expanse of inky black. Time itself seems to have dissolved. Was I dead? Some primal part of me whispers yes, that this suffocating emptiness is the chilling reward for a life¡­ well, whatever life I had. A jarring ding ripped through the suffocating emptiness, shattering the silence that had become my only companion. My nonexistent head snapped up ¨C or at least that''s what it felt like ¨C as a holographic computer screen materialized before me. Its cool blue light was the first thing other than endless black that I''d seen in¡­ well, forever. Text scrolled across the surface in a stark, white font. Congratulations! The word mocked me, a beacon of cheerfulness in this desolate void. My soul, apparently, had been chosen. Chosen for what? The screen continued, its synthetic voice echoing in the emptiness: Your soul has been selected for reincarnation. Reincarnation? The word was unfamiliar, but a flicker of something ¨C hope? curiosity? ¨C sparked within me. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. You will be reborn in a new form in the multi-realm where you can gain new power and rise to greatness. The multi-realm? Greatness? My nonexistent eyebrows rose. This offer was starting to sound intriguing, a potential escape from this suffocating oblivion. Below the message, two stark options pulsed with an ethereal blue light: Yes or No. No further explanation was offered. Was this a cosmic lottery ticket, a chance at a new existence? Or was there a catch, a hidden cost to this supposed "reincarnation"? The silence stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the holographic screen. A decision, it seemed, was required. But what did I have to lose? Memories? I had none. A past life? Oblivion held no answer. This awareness, this spark of existence flickering in the void ¨C would it too fade into nothingness? I couldn''t risk it. A new life, a chance at something more? Sign me the hell up. My nonexistent hand, fueled by a newfound determination, slammed into the glowing Yes. The screen pulsed once, a wave of blue light washing over me. Then, silence. Darkness. But this time, it felt different. Anticipation crackled in the air, a sense of something about to begin. The suffocating emptiness started to recede, replaced by a tingling sensation, a feeling of¡­ rebirth? Chapter 2 A World Unseen A jolt of awareness crackled through me, a stark contrast to the suffocating oblivion. My surroundings felt¡­ different. Gone was the oppressive darkness, replaced by a swirling tapestry of color and light. It was overwhelming at first, a sensory overload unlike anything I could have imagined. Unlike¡­ seeing? The memory of sight flickered, a fragment from a forgotten life. But this¡­ this was something else entirely. I could perceive not just what was in front of me, but behind as well, a full 360-degree panorama of swirling hues. Another jarring ding echoed, and a holographic screen materialized before me. Text scrolled across its surface, its synthetic voice grating against the newfound symphony of sensations. I scanned the message: Your reincarnation was a success. A wry chuckle escaped my nonexistent lips. So, there was a risk involved. Information they neglected to mention on the initial offer. The screen continued: You have been reborn as an Etherspy. Think "status" to see more information. Etherspy. The word resonated within me, a faint echo of recognition. This was the reason for my new¡­ perception. I wasn''t human anymore, if I ever was. Following the prompt, I focused on the word "status," and a new holographic display materialized. Status: Monster tier 1 Species Name: Etherspy Main Stat: Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.Strength - 2 Dexterity - 5 Constitution - 2 Intelligence - 6 Willpower - 5 Free Stat point - 0 Evolutionary energy - 0% Skills: Mana Sight (Passive) - level 1 Spells: Sleep - level 1, Drain Life - level 1, Sneak (Passive) - level 1 Mutations: Mana-fueled Intuition Lines of text swam before me, filled with stats, skills, and spells. Monster tier, free stat points¡­ this resembled a game more than anything in my previous existence. I skimmed through the information, a cold realization settling in my stomach. I wasn''t human. I was a creature of magic, an Etherspy. Intrigued by the glowing name of my species, I focused on it, and a new screen materialized. Species Name: Etherspy Description: The Etherspy, a Tier 1 enigma, navigates the world not with eyes, but with an extraordinary connection to the very essence of magic. Its smooth, hairless skin stretches taut across an elongated skull, devoid of any visible features. Despite this outward simplicity, the Etherspy possesses a profound awareness that surpasses most creatures with conventional sight. It detailed the Etherspy, describing a creature that relied not on eyes, but on an intrinsic connection to magic itself. Tier 1. Apparently, I was at the very beginning of some sort of progression. And the lack of eyes¡­ my new sight wasn''t sight at all. It was Mana Sight, fueled by the skills and mutations listed in my status. A thrill of discovery coursed through me. By focusing on the text in the description, I gleaned additional information. Mana Sight provided exceptional awareness, making darkness irrelevant. However, it seemed bright sunlight could disrupt this ability, leaving me vulnerable. Physically weak, but agile ¨C an ambush predator, perhaps. The pieces were starting to fall into place. My skills and mutations worked in tandem, compensating for my physical limitations. With a satisfied sigh, I willed the screens away, eager to explore this new world through my unique perspective. What wonders awaited in this realm unseen? Chapter 3 Awakening in the Dim A dull ache throbs through me, and disorientation swirls in my nonexistent head. As I struggle to focus, a flood of unfamiliar sensations crashes over me. Sight, unlike anything I''ve ever known, explodes into my being. But it''s not sight as I imagine it. The world is a blurry mess of muted browns and grays, punctuated by a faint reddish glow in the distance. Like a newborn babe, I clumsily try to navigate these strange perceptions. This... cave, I guess, must be my birthplace. It''s small and cramped, with a single opening beckoning towards a world I can''t yet see. Instinct tells me something about needing a place rich with magic for birth. The dimness surrounding me suggests otherwise. Perhaps the surge of magic that accompanied my arrival drained this place of its vitality. Now, the question remains: how do I survive? From the status screen, I recall something about my kind possessing a magical essence. Perhaps the skills and spells there hold the key. One, labeled "Mana Sight" (Passive), seems to be constantly active. Let''s see what this can do. Skill Name: Mana Sight (Passive) Description: The world unfolds not through sight, but through a tapestry of magical energy. You perceive your surroundings in vibrant hues of mana, each color revealing a distinct property. Stone resonates with a deep, earthy thrum, while living creatures pulse with vibrant auras. This sightless vision grants exceptional awareness in darkness and low-light conditions. However, exposure to bright sunlight disrupts your perception, leaving you momentarily blinded and vulnerable. The world explodes in a vibrant tapestry of colors the moment I **focus** with all my nonexistent might. Each hue reveals a distinct property. Stone resonates with a deep, earthy thrum, while the faint reddish glow in the distance ¨C a living creature? - pulsates with an aura I can''t quite place. This sightless vision, a constant presence, is a blessing in the darkness, granting me a 360-degree awareness. No unseen threat can approach unnoticed. Next, spells. "Drain Life" sounds ominous, but survival has no room for squeamishness. Spell Name: Drain Life (Level 1) Casting Time: Instant Mana Cost: Varies (5% per health point drained) Spell Matrix: A single, focused mental image. The protagonist visualizes tendrils of dark energy erupting from their fingertips, burrowing into the target''s body. The tendrils appear as a sickly green or purple color, depending on the amount of life force being drained. Description: This spell allows the protagonist to siphon a small amount of life energy from a living target. As they focus their will, dark energy coalesces around their fingertips, reaching out to latch onto the target. The life force is then drawn back into the protagonist, replenishing their own mana pool. The intensity of the drain can be controlled ¨C a light touch provides a small mana boost but might only slightly weaken the target. A stronger drain replenishes more mana but risks inflicting significant damage and potentially alerting the target. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. It allows me to siphon life energy from living beings, replenishing my own mana. This "mana cost" concept is new ¨C perhaps casting spells requires this mysterious energy. The "Spell Matrix" intrigues me as well. It seems to involve visualizing tendrils of dark energy reaching out to my target. A test is in order, but from a safe distance and behind cover. If successful, this ability could provide a significant advantage, especially considering my ability to see through walls. The second spell, "Sleep," offers a more tactical approach. Spell Name: Sleep (Level 1) Casting Time: 3 seconds Mana Cost: 10% Spell Matrix: The protagonist focuses their Mana Sight on the target. Their mental image takes the form of a swirling vortex of calming blue energy, emanating from their fingertips and slowly engulfing the target. The complexity of the vortex determines the potency of the spell. Simpler visualizations create a gentle mist that lulls the target to drowsiness, while intricate and swirling patterns induce a deeper, more inescapable slumber. Description: This spell utilizes the protagonist''s connection to mana to induce drowsiness in a single target. By focusing their Mana Sight, they weave a calming blue mist that creeps towards the target. The complexity of the mental image determines the potency of the spell. A simple visualization might induce a sense of peaceful lethargy, while a more intricate design can plunge the target into a deep, restful sleep. Weaker creatures succumb quickly to this hypnotic effect, while stronger opponents might resist its influence for a short time, their minds struggling against the encroaching drowsiness. By weaving a calming blue mist with my Mana Sight, I can induce drowsiness in my target. The complexity of the visualization determines the potency of the spell. While mastering it may take time, the potential to render an enemy unconscious is undeniable. Finally, "Sneak" (Passive) appears to be a constant ability. Sneak (Level 1 - Passive) Casting Time: N/A Mana Cost: Passive Spell Matrix: N/A (This is a passive ability that enhances my natural stealth) Description: The protagonist''s inherent connection to mana allows them to move with exceptional stealth. Their form subtly disrupts the flow of mana around them, making them appear slightly blurred or indistinct to those relying solely on sight. This passive effect becomes more effective in environments rich with mana (forests, magical ruins) or when the protagonist remains still. My connection to mana allows me to move with exceptional stealth, blurring my form to those relying solely on sight. This is a valuable asset, especially in this dim environment. However, the description mentions a mana cost, something I can''t readily monitor. Perhaps the casting of spells depletes this unseen resource. Further investigation is required. Training begins. Focusing on the "Sleep" spell, I attempt to visualize the swirling blue vortex. Trial and error become my guide as I experiment with complexity and casting times. Only through practice can I unlock the true potential of these abilities. The path ahead is uncertain, but with each successful cast, I inch closer to mastering my newfound existence. Chapter 4 First Steps I don''t know how long I sat there, but the flow of mana finally gave way, a subtle shift marking the passage of what could have been hours. A tremor of success ran through me. I''d done it. The intricate spell matrix, etched into my memory, had been perfectly visualized within my mind. A faint blue mist, visible only through my Mana Sight, coalesced around my fingertips, swirling and coalescing into a miniature vortex of raw magical energy. The text of the spell matrix echoed in my mind, specifically the passage about the intensity of the initial blue mist dictating the spell''s power. I focused, manipulating the flow of mana with my will, attempting to control the amount of energy pouring into the nascent vortex. A surge of triumph coursed through me. I''d cast the spell! But the euphoria was short-lived. A jolt of pain, sharp and unexpected, ripped through my body. The nascent vortex flickered and began to destabilize, the tendrils of blue mist dissipating into nothingness. Although the pain was a foreign sensation, a flicker of understanding sparked in my core. I hadn''t controlled the mana input properly. The text mentioned the dangers of overexertion, and the throbbing sensation around my vestigial nose confirmed it. I needed to find a balance, a way to channel the raw magical energy without succumbing to its overwhelming force. With renewed focus, I delved into the memory of the next spell ¨C drain life. The mental image was a sickly green or purple pulse, similar in form to the sleep spell I''d attempted earlier. Mustering my will, I visualized the matrix and launched the pulse forward. It shot out from my fingertips like a laser, striking the stone wall with a dull thud. Unlike the sleep spell, this one had no visible effect. The stone remained inert, its life force ¨C if stones even had such a thing ¨C unfazed by my attempt. A dull ache pulsed around my vestigial nose, a reminder that even this seemingly simple spell required a target capable of sustaining life force. Only one spell remained ¨C the aptly named "sneak." Unlike the others, this one was passive. I focused intently on my surroundings, feeling the ebb and flow of mana through my very being. With a conscious effort, I nudged the flow ever so slightly, subtly disrupting the typical pattern around my form. The vibrant tapestry of mana in my Mana Sight shimmered and blurred slightly, a confirmation that the spell was taking effect. If my memory served me right, this disruption would render me slightly blurry or indistinct to anyone relying solely on sight. With the spells practiced, I finally turned my attention inward, focusing on my own form. Though sight offered no answers, a sense of curiosity propelled me forward. As I traced my hand along my body, a wave of disorientation washed over me. It wasn''t pain, but a profound alienness. This wasn''t a human form, not in the traditional sense. A tremor of fear threatened to engulf me, chilling my core. Yet, with a deep breath, I forced myself to remain still. Tentatively, I extended my hand again, brushing against my head. Smooth and featureless, it lacked the familiar bumps of eyes or the delicate curves of ears. A smooth, seamless expanse marked the location of a mouth, hidden behind lips so thin they were barely perceptible. A vestigial ridge, a mere suggestion of a nose, marked the center of my face. The uselessness of smell served as a stark reminder of my reliance on Mana Sight. My form was slender, human-sized perhaps, but the nuances of dimension remained elusive. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. However, a surge of determination replaced the initial shock. This was my form, my vessel for interaction with the world. Though sightless in the traditional sense, I possessed a far richer perception of the world through Mana Sight. There was no turning back to the darkness, and a strange sense of acceptance bloomed within me. A surge of determination propelled me upright. With a tentative hand extended before me, I navigated my way towards the cave entrance. Curiosity gnawed at me, a yearning to explore this strange world I perceived with a single, extraordinary sense. As I ventured forth, the limitations of my sight became readily apparent. The world beyond ten or fifteen feet dissolved into a hazy blur. It would take time, I realized, to adjust to this unfamiliar way of experiencing my surroundings. But even with this limited view, the world was a symphony of color. The vibrant hues of the mana flow around me were unlike anything I had ever imagined, a dazzling spectacle that spoke of a reality beyond the reach of traditional sight. Yet, before venturing further, a flicker of memory sparked within me. There was a section in my status labeled "Mutations," and within it, the term "Mana-fueled Intuition" resonated faintly. Focusing intently, I willed the description to surface, eager to understand this aspect of my being as well. Mutation Name: Mana-fueled Intuition Description: These mutations delve into the connection between your monster protagonist''s ever-evolving Mana Sight and their basic instincts. As they process the constant influx of magical energy, their intuition becomes honed to a razor''s edge, granting them a preternatural awareness of their surroundings and the flow of battle. The description unfolded within my mind, the words resonating with a strange familiarity. Mana-fueled Intuition. It explained the way the flow of mana seemed to whisper secrets to me, a subtle language hinting at hidden dangers and unseen opportunities. Perhaps with time and practice, I could refine my ability to interpret these whispers, transforming my limitations into a source of unparalleled awareness. A faint tingle danced across my skin, a potential manifestation of this heightened intuition. It was a sensation I needed to learn to understand, to translate its message into a guide for navigating this unfamiliar world. With a tentative hand outstretched before me, I ventured deeper into the cave. The air grew heavy with moisture, and the silence was broken only by the occasional drip-drip-drip of water echoing through the vast caverns. My limited vision offered scant details ¨C nothing but an inky blackness punctuated by the faintest suggestion of shapes at the periphery. Yet, my Mana Sight painted a vibrant picture on my inner world. The cavern walls themselves were a muted brown or grey, representing the earth and rock. However, subtle variations in color danced across the surface, hinting at different mineral compositions. These variations shimmered with an ethereal luminescence through my Mana Sight, some tinged with a warm ochre from iron deposits, others streaked with a deep umber that might indicate the presence of manganese. Countless stalactites hung from the ceiling like jagged teeth, their forms a glistening white against the darker backdrop. Below, the darker forms of stalagmites rose from the cavern floor, their surfaces slick with moisture. Chapter 5 Unnatural Awakening The oppressive silence of the cave pressed in on me as I trudged deeper into the tunnel. The air grew heavy with moisture, and the rhythmic drip-drip-drip of unseen water echoed somewhere in the vast depths. With each passing step, the memory of the small cave entrance seemed to fade further, swallowed by the endless darkness that stretched before me. My Mana Sight, however, painted a vibrant picture within my mind. The cavern walls, a muted brown or grey, representing the earth and rock, stretched endlessly as my only companions. Countless glistening stalactites hung from the ceiling like jagged teeth, their forms a stark contrast against the darker backdrop. The stalagmites rising from the floor pulsed with a faint brown aura, their earthy composition laid bare by my unique vision. Despite the beauty unveiled by Mana Sight, a nagging doubt began to gnaw at me. This passage seemed to stretch on endlessly, a monotonous tunnel devoid of any discernible features. Had I ventured too far, into a dead end with no hope of escape? The oppressive tunnel seemed to constrict further ahead, its mouth shrinking into a menacing maw of darkness. My steps faltered, replaced by a slow, deliberate approach. As I inched closer, the air grew stagnant and heavy, a subtle shift only perceptible through Mana Sight. The crack itself remained a normal fissure in the rock, roughly fifteen feet long and perhaps two feet wide, offering no immediate explanation for the oppressive atmosphere. Squinting through the oppressive darkness, I crouched low and brought my face mere inches from the jagged crack. My fingers brushed against the rough stone, the coolness seeping into my skin. Despite the seemingly mundane appearance, my Mana Sight buzzed with an unsettling energy. The dominant brown aura of the rock was undeniable, reflecting the earth itself. However, a faint flicker of movement danced on the periphery, a wisp of an unfamiliar hue ¨C a dark, almost inky purple that seemed to writhe and pulse with an unnatural life. The feeling of danger wasn''t immediate, but a sense of unease prickled at my skin, like a venomous insect crawling unseen beneath my clothes. It wasn''t a desperate, life-or-death threat, but a slow, insidious danger that promised something far worse than mere physical harm. This crack held a secret, a hidden potential for a corrupting evil unlike anything I''d encountered before. For now, it remained a mystery I needed to solve, but the decision of whether to delve deeper into this unsettling passage weighed heavily on my mind. With a deep breath, I steeled myself and **pressed forward** through the narrow crack. Curiosity, tinged with a sliver of apprehension, propelled me into the unknown. A horrifying sight greeted me on the other side. Sprawled across the cavern floor lay the lifeless form of a creature unlike any I''d ever encountered. It resembled a monstrous rat, its grotesquely distorted form easily dwarfing the size of a dog. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Compelled by a morbid curiosity, I drifted closer for a closer look. My Mana Sight pierced through the decaying flesh, revealing a disturbing truth. The creature''s body pulsed with the same dark, inky purple aura I''d detected earlier. It wasn''t a mere stain; it permeated every fiber of its being, a corrupting essence that spoke of a horrifying fate. Then, in a flash, the air around the creature crackled with a sudden unseen energy. A primal scream of danger erupted within my mind. It wasn''t a conscious thought, but an instinctual surge of fear that propelled me backward. Despite the primal fear coursing through me, I couldn''t tear my eyes away. A flicker of movement caught my attention, and I watched in morbid fascination as the creature''s bloated form began to rise with an unnatural slowness. But that wasn''t all. As it lumbered to its feet, a horrifying transformation unfolded before my very eyes. New colors, faint but undeniable, began to seep into its decaying flesh. Orange and silver pulsed beneath the surface, swirling in a sickening pattern that seemed to mock life itself. If there were other colors, lost in the grotesque spectacle, my overwhelmed senses failed to register them. before it could fully rise to it feet i slowly move to its head and drive my finger nails in to its head and it stop moving. The colors were also disappearing. Before it could fully rise, I lunged forward, a skeletal hand reaching out. My trembling fingers dug into its decaying head, nails scraping against bone. With a sickening crunch, the unnatural colors flickered and died, receding beneath the lifeless flesh. The creature slumped to the ground, a grotesque puppet with its strings cut. I crept closer to the crack and settled into a crouch, scrutinizing it for any sign of change. Disappointment pricked at me. No twitch, no tremor, no hint of life stirred within the creature. As I pondered the lingering orange and silver hues, a sudden realization struck. Focusing on my own form, a thrill shot through me. The same, colors shimmered faintly within me. But there were others, faint whispers beneath the surface. Indigo, the strongest echo, shimmered beside the even fainter silver and violet. Even fainter still, a muted brown pulsed next to the familiar, but muted, orange. I open my status, scanning for any explanation of the colors. My gaze locked onto the section detailing my main stat. Main Stat Strength - 2 Dexterity - 5 Constitution - 2 Intelligence - 6 Willpower - 5 The section detailing my main stat glowed with an unfamiliar intensity. Perhaps the colors held the key to understanding the transformation and my own connection to it. So, Intelligence is Indigo... but Dexterity and Willpower could be silver or violet, and the same goes for Strength and Constitution ¨C brown or orange. The possibilities swirled in my mind, a kaleidoscope of potential explanations. With a newfound resolve, I dove deeper into my status menu, determined to crack the code and unlock the secrets hidden within these mesmerizing hues.