《A Demon's Evolutionary Tale》 Day 1 (A Demons Birth) I awoke in a desolate expanse beneath a sky tinted with a deep, unsettling crimson, the heavens obscured by a blood-hued veil. Overhead, a solitary red moon loomed like a silent sentinel against swirling, dark clouds. I found myself emerging into a realm that defied expectation¡ªa barren, almost otherworldly landscape that whispered of forgotten lore and hidden secrets. My form was diminutive and fragile, reminiscent of a snail¡¯s delicate spiral. The brittle shell encasing my body seemed as vulnerable as it was inexplicably intricate, a physical paradox of minuscule scale and inherent potential. Yet, even as my new existence took shape, my mind buzzed with disjointed recollections. Vague impressions stirred within me: a fleeting vision of a lush forest bathed in silver light, where a striking woman with shimmering, argent hair raced desperately as if evading an unseen threat. I recalled the surreal sensation of holding a hand¡ªthough whose hand, I could not be sure. It was the perspective of the first person that suggested this intimate connection, an echo from a memory half-remembered and shrouded in mystery. Whenever I attempted to delve deeper into those elusive fragments, a searing headache erupted¡ªa relentless pounding that resonated as though it were hammering at the very core of my soul. Yet, for all its torment, this enigmatic awakening stirred within me a profound confusion and an undeniable sense of detachment. Something fundamental had shifted, something that set my inner being at odds with the entity I now embodied. I lifted what resembled twin, antenna-like eyes toward a display of cryptic words that hovered before me. They materialized with a purpose, offering a series of revelations about my newfound identity: Malvos Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 1 General Skill: [Comprehension] - Lvl. 1 Racial Skill: Universal Language Discernment - Lvl. 1 Hp: 100/100 Sp: 100/100 Mp: 100/100 Stats: [Vitality]: 5 [Strength]: 5 [Wisdom]: 5 [Agility]: 5 [Available Stat Points]: 0 Skills: [Available Skill Points]: 0 ''Malvos¡­ uhu¡­'' I murmured, a tentative acknowledgment of the name that now defined me. There was an inexplicable certainty in that thought¡ªa sudden understanding that even though my recollections were blurred, the truth of my identity had been imprinted upon my consciousness. Determined to unravel this enigmatic interface, I began scrutinizing each component with methodical curiosity. The labels, though cryptic at first glance, gradually yielded their meanings. The word ¡°Race¡± encapsulated my entire essence, while ¡°Species¡± served to classify me within a specific group, a distinct community sharing a common origin. The ¡°General Skill¡± indicated an innate ability, a universal faculty shared by all living beings, and in my case, it manifested as comprehension. My ¡°Racial Skill¡± was exclusive to the demon kin, a unique aptitude that set us apart from others. The numerical indicators for Hp, Sp, and Mp were equally intriguing. The health bar (Hp) quantified my well-being, a direct measure of vitality. The strength parameter (Sp) provided insight into my physical prowess and resilience, while the mysterious Mp remained a puzzle¡ªa reservoir of power whose nature eluded my immediate understanding. It was as if the very essence of my being was codified in this arcane notation, bridging the gap between an existential mystery and the certainty of progression. I further deduced that the core attributes? vitality, strength, wisdom, and agility represented different facets of my physical and mental constitution. Vitality spoke to the reserves of energy needed to persist through adversity, strength underscored my bodily endurance and capacity for physical exertion, wisdom hinted at a deeper, perhaps mystical understanding of the world, and agility captured the swiftness with which I might traverse this stark domain. The absence of any immediately available stat points signified that I had yet to fully unlock the potential buried within me.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. In that precise moment, a sudden notification flashed before my eyes: General Skill [Comprehension] Level Up! A rush of exhilaration surged through me as the screen declared the enhancement of my innate ability. The process was simple yet profound. My comprehension skill advanced from Level 1 to Level 2. Alongside this transformation came a subtle thrill, a sensation bordering on euphoria, as if every increment of understanding injected new life into my very essence. I wondered aloud, ''Level up¡­ Does this mean my abilities have truly improved?'' The logic was self-evident: by engaging with and employing this skill, I was actively fortifying my understanding of my surroundings. My mind, like an ever-expanding canvas, was becoming more adept at deciphering the intricate codes that defined my existence. Each successful analysis, each thoughtful deduction, seemed to compound the pleasure of discovery, a tantalizing addiction that beckoned me to probe further. Eager to test this newfound capacity, I shifted my attention to the barren environment that sprawled before me. The surroundings were suffused with darkness, punctuated only by the ominous glow of the red moon overhead. The ground was rough, its surface composed of coarse, hardened stone tinted in the same hue as the celestial orb above. In this stark tableau, nothing in particular beckoned with allure, yet every detail invited a deeper inspection, subtle promise that meaning lay hidden in the interplay of light and shadow. ''I am a demon, newly born,'' I mused, contemplating the inherent paradox of my existence. ''Does this birth signify a beginning of an extraordinary transformation?'' The idea stirred within me a blend of anticipation and wonder, mingled with the innate urgency to uncover the laws governing my transformation. Almost simultaneously, another message materialized: General Skill [Comprehension] Level Up! I witnessed with a mix of astonishment and delight as my skill advanced again from Level 2 to Level 3. The progress was swift and undeniable, an encouraging sign that each observation and analysis was paying dividends in the currency of growth. Before long, successive notifications followed in rapid order: General Skill [Comprehension] Level Up! (Comprehension Lv3 ¡ú Lv4) General Skill [Comprehension] Level Up! (Comprehension Lv4 ¡ú Lv5) An overwhelming surge of experience washed over me as the numbers escalated, and a final alert proclaimed, You Have Leveled Up! With that proclamation, my species too underwent a subtle yet tangible evolution, my designation shifted from Demon Larva (Lv1) to Demon Larva (Lv2). Alongside this elevation, I was granted 4 stat points and 1 skill point. The implications were both clear and exhilarating: I now possessed the means to refine my physical and mental capacities further. A soft exclamation escaped my thoughts once more: ''Uhu¡­'' The repeated utterance was as much an expression of disbelief as it was of newfound hope. This metamorphosis, though abrupt, was a testament to the dynamic nature of my existence. It became evident that my physical form had indeed undergone a transformation¡ªa slight but perceptible enlargement that affirmed the changes occurring within. The system¡¯s interface offered a glimpse into the mechanics of my evolution. I examined my updated status and noted the fresh allocation of points: ??[Available Stat Points]: 4 [Available Skill Points]: 1 I pondered the significance of these allocations. Stat points represented opportunities to invest in my core attributes¡ªvitality, strength, wisdom, and agility¡ªin order to bolster my resilience, endurance, intellect, and speed. As for the skill points, they were intended to enhance the abilities already at my disposal, though at that moment it remained uncertain how best to apply them. I attempted to invest the newly acquired skill point into one of my existing proficiencies, yet found that no immediate effect ensued. This minor setback served as a reminder that the underlying rules of this realm remained shrouded in mystery, waiting to be unraveled through further exploration and experience. Standing amid the desolation, enveloped by the perpetual gloom of a crimson night, I faced the profound question: what was to come next? Every instinct within me urged the pursuit of continuous improvement¡ªto embrace the intoxicating rush of each ¡°level up¡± notification and to uncover the hidden principles that governed this extraordinary existence. In that moment, the desire for progress became my primary beacon. Despite the uncertainty and the occasional pang of nostalgia triggered by fragmented memories of a distant, more vibrant past, I resolved to press forward. The path ahead was uncharted, fraught with enigmatic challenges and boundless potential. Yet, in the silent interplay of determination and curiosity, I sensed that every step I took was a deliberate stride toward self-actualization. Day 2 (Others Like Me) I wandered aimlessly through the vast, lonesome expanse, drifting without purpose, without a destination. Each movement felt hollow, an endless repetition of nothingness. It was tiring to keep at it, pointless to carry on as is. And at some point, a thought took root in my mind: What is the purpose of my existence? I needed to understand. I wanted to understand. Yet, in the absence of answers, I found solace in the one thing that gave me fulfillment? Leveling up. Every advancement, every surge of progress, filled a void within me, an elusive sense of completion growing stronger with each step forward. Toward what, I did not yet know, but my status reflected my growth: Malvos Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 3 General Skill: [Comprehension] - Lvl. 7 Racial Skill: Universal Language Discernment - Lvl. 1 Hp: 130/130 Sp: 130/130 Mp: 130/130 Stats: [Vitality]: 5 [Strength]: 5 [Wisdom]: 5 [Agility]: 5 [Available Stat Points: 12] Skills: [Available Skill Points: 3] I had honed my general skills simply by observing the world around me, sharpening my awareness through careful analysis. For example, I encountered jagged formations along my path, examined their structure, and identified them as rocks, small ones at that. The ground beneath me? A mixture of red sand and stone. It seemed trivial, but something about this process had refined my comprehension, pushing it to the next level. And with it, my species had evolved further, granting me additional stat and skill points. Yet, despite this progress, a nagging sense of dissatisfaction crept in. What was the point of all this? Advancement without purpose felt empty. I was growing, but toward what end? Another frustration gnawed at me? My sluggish pace. My gelatinous body slid across the rough terrain at an agonizingly slow rate, a struggle with every inch forward. The irritation built inside me. If only I could move faster... The temptation arose, to dump all my stat points into agility, to fix this unbearable slowness. But wouldn¡¯t that leave me imbalanced? A fragile creature with nothing but speed? That wasn''t the kind of existence I sought.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. I had yet to decide what I wanted to become, what my ultimate form should be. And so, I left the points untouched, waiting until I could shape my growth with certainty. A wave of exhaustion suddenly crashed over me. My body grew heavier, sluggish beyond control. It took a moment before I realized why. Hp: 90/120 Sp: 11/120 I had been pushing forward without thought, depleting my stamina without rest. Now, my body refused to move any further. A deep, suffocating fatigue overwhelmed me, and before I could resist¡ª Darkness. --- A voice. A distant call, brimming with warmth. "Come on, hurry up! You don¡¯t want to be late!" A hand gripped mine, pulling me along with exhilarating speed. The wind rushed past my face, carrying the scent of fresh earth, the warmth of the sun blanketing my skin. And her¡­ Silver hair shimmered under the golden light, cascading in waves as she ran ahead of me, smiling. Her long lashes framed vibrant eyes, laughter dancing within them. She led the way, her presence vivid, undeniable. We were running through a forest, but not one shrouded in gloom like the landscape I saw earlier. This one was alive, teeming with color and movement. I followed, driven by curiosity, eager to see where she was taking me. Ahead, light spilled through the dense canopy, the final threshold in sight. The last step before we reached¡ª My eyes snapped open. The dream shattered, the warmth vanished. The red sky loomed above me once more, casting its eerie glow. And staring down at me, unblinking and alien, was a pair of bulging, snailing eyes. Who...? I jerked upright, my body tensing as I took in my surroundings. I wasn¡¯t alone. Encircling me were countless figures¡ªcreatures that bore an uncanny resemblance to myself. Different colours, varying sizes, some with shells thicker than mine, others with elongated bodies. But unmistakably, they were my kind. And then, it emerged. A towering form, massive compared to the rest of us. Its hardened shell gleamed under the crimson sky, its height eclipsing every other larva present. While I barely scraped past two feet, this being stood nearly five feet tall, its antennae extending even further as it loomed above me. It regarded me with a fleeting glance, then turned away, dismissing me entirely. Insignificant. That was what I was to it. A sickening sensation churned in my core, a heavy weight settling in my gut. It wasn¡¯t just the size difference. It was the feeling of being nothing in its presence. Every step I had taken, every bit of progress I had fought for? It all felt meaningless under its shadow. I hated it. The larger one moved forward, unbothered, and the others followed in its wake, a silent procession trailing behind their leader. And me? I was being left behind. I gritted my teeth or whatever equivalent my body had and forced myself forward. Walking alone had been miserable, a journey of uncertainty and solitude. But finding others like me? A group, a purpose? This was different. I wanted to belong. I needed to be among them. So, I followed. The largest one led, the alpha among us, and I trailed behind, another nameless figure in its ranks. But as I moved, another thought took root in my mind, an ember of ambition flickering into something greater. If I stayed long enough¡ªif I grew strong enough¡ªcould I become like the alpha? No¡­ Could I become greater than it? Would there come a day when I too could tower over others, looking down as they did now? When I could make them feel as small, as insignificant, as I felt in this moment? Perhaps¡­ if I followed long enough, if I learned enough¡­ I could claim that power for myself. And so, with burning resolve, I marched forward. I would grow. I would evolve. And one day¡­ they would look up at me in awe as I did the alpha of the group! Day 3 (The Secret To Level Up) I had been following my kind for a while now, yet nothing significant had happened. Instead, one thing became increasingly clear, and that is the vast physical gap that exists between me and the others. I was weaker. Slower. Smaller. Compared to the majority of the others in the group, I was at the bottom of the hierarchy. The difference was undeniable. My desire to be as formidable as the alpha had only forced me to confront my shortcomings. The more I observed, the more glaring my disadvantages became. The thought crossed my mind? What if I immediately invested all my stat points into agility and proved my worth right now? But no, there was no need to be hasty. Doing that would indeed grant me the appropriate stats to somewhat keep up with them without feeling left behind. However, a rash decision could likewise cost me later in ways I cannot imagine. For now, I could still keep up. I haven''t lost sight of them yet, and that was enough for me to work with. As we crawled across the barren ground, with nothing to do, a question surfaced in my mind, born out of curiosity, a desire to understand the alpha leading us. What made him so dominant? Why did the others instinctively follow him? Was it sheer strength? Size? I wanted to know what makes him tick if I too want to fulfil my goal of ticking. The ability I knew that could help me out here is none other than; [Comprehension] The moment I activated it, a stream of information flooded my mind: Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 6 The level alone was enough to explain everything. He was three levels higher than me. That meant he had more stat points, more power, more everything. No wonder he was our leader. He was simply superior in every way. The others naturally gravitated toward him because he was stronger. That was the law of this world. Now I knew. If I wanted to be followed like he, I had to be superior in all forms and ways, I had to be better! One after another, I used [Comprehension] on my kin, gathering more data. Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 4The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 5 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 4 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 3 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 3 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 3 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv. 3 A pattern emerged. The majority of them hovered around level 4, while the second-largest group consisted of level 3s. Only two stood out? one at level 5 and the alpha at level 6. There were no level 1s or 2s. I wondered¡­ if I had been anything lower than level 3, would they have allowed me to follow them? Was that an unspoken rule? It was a pointless thought. But I couldn''t stop myself from dwelling on it. More importantly, how had those two managed to reach levels 5 and 6? Did the others not question it? Because I did. I wanted to know. I needed to know. If I could figure it out, it could be my ticket to also climb higher, and bring to life my desires. And then, soon after, fate handed me my answer. Up ahead, another group of larva-like demons appeared, crawling toward us from the opposite direction. I hadn''t expected this. It had never crossed my mind that there would be another group just like ours. This was good news, right? If we joined forces, we''d be even stron¡ª But then, it happened. CRACK! Our alpha surged forward without hesitation. His massive form reared up and in one brutal motion, he stomped their leader into the ground. I froze, my mind struggling to process what I had just witnessed. But that wasn''t the craziest part. The moment he crushed the opposing alpha, something changed. His level jumped. Lv. 6 ¡ú Lv. 7 And then? Chaos erupted. The demons in my group lunged forward, launching a savage assault on the opposing group. The battle was a massacre. I watched in stunned silence as my kin mercilessly trampled the others, crushing them beneath their hardened shells. Some used their own bodies as weapons, slamming into their foes with bone-cracking force. At first, I didn''t move. I was too stunned. But then I noticed something, something crucial. Each time one of my kin landed a fatal blow, they levelled up. One after another, they grew stronger, faster, evolving before my eyes. And suddenly, everything made sense. Pieces started to fall in place. That''s how the alpha had reached level 6 before I met him. That was the key to levelling up quickly. To kill. It wasn''t a secret. Everyone else already knew. Everyone except me. Now I knew, and I refused to be left behind. Adrenaline surged through me as I charged forward, desperate to land my first kill. If I wanted to grow stronger, this was my chance! However, the moment I faced my first opponent, I realized something. I wasn''t strong enough. The enemy fought back, ferociously. They weren''t just rolling over and accepting death. They lashed out, their attacks sharp and brutal. I lacked the raw power to overwhelm them. Every attempt to land a finishing blow failed. I needed to invest my stat points. That was the only way I could stand a chance. But¡­ Something inside me hesitated. No. Not yet. A gut feeling told me not to be reckless. I could still make this work. If I couldn''t overpower my enemies directly¡­ then I would outmanoeuvre them. Or rather, I would steal kills! That sounded a better option. I shifted my strategy. Instead of attacking head-on, I watched. I studied the battlefield, analyzing every movement, every weakness. Then¡ªI saw my chance. One of my kin had nearly finished off an opponent. The enemy was weakened. Down but not dead. This was it. I darted forward, closing the distance in an instant. Before my kin could deliver the final blow, I would take it instead. This was survival. And I would do whatever it took to rise. Day 4 (A Demon Larvas path to more strength) It was a calculated move. A necessary one. As I advanced toward my chosen target, a single thought occupied my mind? How could I end its life before my kin intervened and stole the kill? What method would guarantee success before they had the chance to rob me of my moment? The answer came to me as naturally as breathing. When I reached my victim, I clamped my jaws around its head and sucked it clean off its body! Experience Points Gained! You Have Leveled Up! I Demon Larva. Lv.3 ¡ú Demon Larva. Lv.4 A rush of exhilaration surged through me, a sensation so intoxicating that I nearly lost myself in it. The warmth of power coursed through my body, spreading from my core to my very limbs. This was growth. This was evolution. The kin from whom I had stolen the kill glared at me with disdain, but their feelings meant nothing to me. I had no reason to care about their petty grievances. Survival was all that mattered in here. No one cares for details as long as you come out standing. So instead of spending my precious time lingering on their resentment, I focused on my next target? Another weak, dying foe. One that lacked the strength to resist. 4 Stat Points Acquired! 1 Skill Point Acquired! The message came in later after I had set my next target. I ignored and carried on. I plunged back into the chaos, seizing every opportunity that presented itself. I was not like the others who fought with brute force or honour. I was a scavenger, striking where it was most convenient. I targeted those already incapacitated, the ones whose struggles had drained them of their final reserves. And it worked. One by one, I claimed my victims, climbing higher and higher. When the battle finally ended, I had reached level 6. The victory cries of my kin echoed through the air, a testament to our triumph. We had utterly dominated the opposing group. But amidst the celebration, my attention was drawn to something far more important? My new form. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. I had grown. My once insignificant size had expanded, and, most importantly, I had limbs now. Slimy, malformed, but functional. I could grab things. Lift things. Hold things. It was an undeniable improvement. For a brief moment, I revelled in my progress. But then, I looked around. The excitement drained from me in an instant. There were others, many others who had grown even more than I had. Towering figures loomed over me, and at the centre of them all stood our alpha. The very embodiment of power. His level flashed before me: Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv.10 I clenched my new limbs in frustration. He wasn''t the only one. Others had also reached level 10. More still hovered around level 9, while the majority ranged between levels 7 and 8. And then, there was me, one of the few left behind at level 6. I was slower than them. That much was clear. But acceptance didn''t mean complacency. I had no intention of remaining at the bottom forever. Everyone else was exhausted. The battle had drained them completely, leaving them unable to move. Our alpha, without needing to say a word, had made a decision to rest and so would the others. One by one, my kin retreated into their shells, their bodies folding inward as they entered a dormant state. Soon, I was the only one left awake. It wasn''t that I couldn''t rest. I just didn''t need to. I had more than enough energy left, my body still brimming with unspent strength. Instead of wasting time in hibernation, I used the opportunity to observe. And as I watched, a question formed in my mind. Was killing truly the only way to level up? I held no emotional attachment to my kin. I had no regrets about taking their lives for my own gain. If necessary, I would do it again without hesitation. But efficiency mattered more than morality. The battle had been risky. One misstep, one miscalculation, and I could have been the one crushed beneath the swarm. There had to be another way. A safer way. My thoughts swirled as I scanned my surroundings, searching for an answer. Then¡ª Uhu... Something flickered at the edge of my perception. Instinctively, I activated [Comprehension]. My vision honed in on a single presence. Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] ¨C Lv.10 I already knew that. But there was something else. Something new. State: Evolutionary Hibernation [Vulnerable] I froze. A realization clawed at the back of my mind, but I refused to accept it just yet. I checked another. And another. And another. The result was the same. Every Demon Larva that had reached level 10 was in Evolutionary Hibernation. And they were¡ªvulnerable. A slow, wicked understanding settled in. Was this what I thought it was? Could it really mean what I hoped it did? A grin spread across my unseen face. This¡­ this was my chance. No, my opportunity. There wasn''t enough data to be completely sure, but the risk was worth it. With deliberate movements, I reached down and grabbed two solid rocks¡ªone in my left limb, the other in my right. Then, moving as silently as my body allowed, I crept toward the alpha''s unmoving form. His shell was hardened. Thick. Sturdy. But he was inside¡ªdefenceless. I knew I was playing a dangerous game. One mistake, one miscalculation, and my existence would be erased before I could even realize what had happened. But I didn''t stop. No. I couldn''t stop. Something inside me refused to back down. Maybe it was instinct. Maybe it was madness. But the logic of this world was clear. I am a Demon Larva. A being that exists to evolve. If I wanted to rise, I had to take it. If I wanted to be more, I had to seize the opportunity before me. I raised both rocks high above my head¡ª And I struck down with all my might. Day 5 (Greedy Demons? That They Are) I struck it down! Again! And again! And again! And again! Without regard for the number of times, I just kept hammering away at the tough scales! Its shell was infuriatingly resilient, but I refused to stop. I needed to break through. My grip tightened and I swung with relentless determination. Crack after crack, I struck with all my strength. The rock in my hand grew dangerously hot from the repeated impact. And then, finally! A fracture surfaced on the alpha''s shell. Victory was within reach! But just as I was about to deliver the final blow, a chilling realization crept over me. My kin, those who hadn''t yet reached Level 10 and had merely been resting from fatigue? They were awake. Their eyes, now out of their shells, were locked on me. The sound of rock colliding against hardened shells had roused them from their slumber. I froze. A moment of hesitation. Should I continue with them watching? Or stop and assess the situation? Their expressions, if you could call them that, were unreadable. Were they confused? Curious? Or perhaps they understood exactly what I was doing but didn''t know how to react? Either way, they weren''t interfering. Was that a good sign? A bad one? I didn''t know. And frankly, I didn''t care. I had started this, and no matter the cost, I intended to see it through. So, without another thought, I raised both rocks high and brought them crashing down onto the alpha''s already weakened shell! The shell resisted, unyielding to the very end. The stones in my hands cracked under the strain, threatening to crumble into dust. But I didn''t stop. I kept going, pouring every ounce of strength into each swing, determined to finish what I started. And then¡ª Crack! The fissure widened. You have killed a Lv.10 Demon Larva! You have slain an opponent 4 levels higher than yours! A massive experience point has been acquired! Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. You have levelled up! Demon Larva. Lv6 -> Demon Larva. Lv7 You have levelled up! Demon Larva. Lv7 -> Demon Larva. Lv8 8 stat points acquired! 2 skill points acquired! But the notifications didn''t stop. You Have Killed a Demon in its Evolution Phase! You Have Defied the Natural Laws of Nature! You Have Earned a Title: Defier of Nature! Defier of Nature: You who refused to conform to the natural law have succeeded in halting nature from taking its course! Title Effect: Will reflect during your evolution! I stared at the messages, momentarily stunned. Levelling up twice in a single battle? That wasn''t something I had anticipated. But now that it had happened, a new thought took root in my mind. What if I took out more of them? What if I eliminated every single Level 10 Demon Larva in the process of evolving? The very idea sent a thrill through me. I turned, searching for the next closest target. But as I moved forward, I noticed something unsettling. The others were still watching. Their eyes remained fixed on me, unblinking. By now, I expected at least one of them to intervene, to challenge me for what I had done. If that happened, I was prepared. [Available Stat Points: 32] I had enough to raise my attributes if necessary. If one attacked, I could hold my own. If they came at me in a group, I''d pour everything into agility to make my escape. I was ready. But what happened next took me completely by surprise. One of them who had been watching in silence finally decided to move. Dragging its heavy shell, it crept forward. On its way, it grabbed a rock. I narrowed my eyes. Don''t tell me¡­ It stopped beside another Level 10 Demon Larva undergoing evolution. And then, just like I had¡ª It struck. My body tensed. That bastard! It was trying to steal my kill! I had already set my sights on every last evolving Demon Larva in this cavern. I had been imagining the surge of levels I''d gain after wiping them all out. Never, not even once had I considered that another would get the same idea. Rage flared inside me. Before I could react, however, something even more infuriating happened. The other onlookers, those who had been nothing more than spectators also began moving not long after it did. They reached for rocks. One after another, they advanced toward the vulnerable Demon Larvae. And then... chaos ensued. The open plains erupted into a frenzy. Rocks slammed against hardened shells. Every Demon Larva was scrambling, desperate to claim the highest kill count. These creatures¡­ They truly were demons. Ruthless, opportunistic scavengers, ready to take what didn''t belong to them the moment they saw an advantage. Like hell I was going to let them outdo me! I launched forward, driven by a primal urge to seize victory. This was now a race. A test of speed, efficiency, and sheer brutality. I had to be faster. I had to be smarter. If I hesitated for even a moment, the others would rob me of my chance. I didn''t bother checking everyone''s levels when the slaughter began, but by the time the dust settled, I stood among the fallen, panting from exertion. And my level was now¡ª Malvos Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lvl. 9 General Skill: [Comprehension] - Lvl. 7 Racial Skill: Universal Language Discernment - Lvl. 1 Hp: 190/190 Sp: 190/190 Mp: 190/190 Stats: [Vitality]: 5 [Strength]: 5 [Wisdom]: 5 [Agility]: 5 [Available Stat Points: 36] Skills: [Available Skill Points: 9] I had improved, exactly as I had hoped I would. But it still wasn''t enough, not for me nor for the goal I had for myself. I could feel it. I knew deep within me that there remains more room for growth, a higher level of attainment I needed to arrive at before I could allow myself any form of solace. This wasn''t my limit. It can''t be. For me, this is nothing more than a paved path to what I feel my true self can become! And without a doubt, I would! So long as I did not give up pursuing it. Day 6 (My Stalkers) I had levelled up significantly, jumping from level 3 to level 8 in a short span. The key to accelerating my growth was now clear. Defeating those far above my level granted me the most experience. The bigger the gap, the greater the reward. Of course, that also meant greater risk. The higher the level difference, the more significant the disparity in stats. If I recklessly charged at a superior foe without a plan, I''d be signing my own death sentence. This time, I got lucky. The level 10 Demon Larvae had been defenceless, leaving them vulnerable to my attacks. If they had been conscious and capable of fighting back, taking them down would have been nearly impossible. A fully aware, combat-ready demon of a higher level? That was a nightmare I wasn''t eager to face. I knew better than to let my recent success cloud my judgment. Overconfidence was a death trap, one I refused to fall into. General Skill [Comprehension] Level Up! Comprehension (Lv7) ¡ú Comprehension (Lv8) Right¡­ It had been a while since I last paid attention to my [Comprehension] skill. ''Level 8, huh?'' I muttered internally, curiosity sparking in my mind. When the Alpha Demon Larva reached level 10, it had been in the midst of an evolution, helpless, unable to defend itself. If evolution meant ascending into a greater form, then the process itself must be a moment of absolute vulnerability. So, what about my skills? If my general skill [Comprehension] reached level 10, would it evolve as well? Or was evolution something exclusive to demons and not the abilities they possessed? I found that hard to believe. If skills weren''t meant to evolve, then why did they have levels just like demons? For now, I''d assume that my [Comprehension] skill would undergo some kind of transformation at level 10. If my theory was correct, I would need to ensure that when the time came, I was far away from any potential threats. If I became as defenceless as the Alpha during its evolution, it would only take a single opportunistic strike to end me. Pushing my musings aside, I refocused on my surroundings. The aftermath of battle had left its mark, and my surviving kin had reaped the rewards. Their bodies were larger now, more imposing, physical proof of their advancement. Race: Demon [Infant] If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.9 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.9 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.8 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.8 Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.9 Most of them had reached level 9, with only a handful still at level 8. I clicked my tongue in frustration. Despite making the first move, others still managed to surpass me. It was infuriating. Then again, many of them had already been stronger before this. While I had played it safe, targeting only the dying or the weak, the others had risked their existence to fight opponents at or above their level. That kind of gamble had skyrocketed their growth while leaving me trailing behind. But despite all of this, I felt no fear. Not even a shred of unease. As long as I could see my available stat points, I had nothing to worry about. A deep, instinctive certainty told me that once I distributed them wisely, I wouldn''t just catch up, I''d surpass even those a level higher than me. Now, the question was¡­ what next? One thing was clear: I couldn''t stay here anymore. Not after what had just happened. For my own survival, I needed to leave. I had tried living as a lone entity before, and I despised it for sure. Solitary is not mine to have nor am I interested, but if there''s anything I have learned so far, it''s that sometimes, we don''t always get to have what we want and so for it, there needs to be a compromise in order. After what happened with the Alpha and other evolving Demoms, I know for a fact now that staying with the group meant constantly watching my back, never knowing when I might become the next prey during my course of evolution. That wasn''t a risk I was willing to take. So, I began to crawl forward, letting my instincts guide me. My destination? Wherever the path led. But as I moved, I noticed something¡­ strange. The other Demon Larvae were following me. At first, I thought it was a coincidence. We had simply chosen the same direction. Nothing more, no reason to read meaning to it. To test this, I veered to the side, taking a completely different path. Yet, they followed. I changed direction again. So did they. What the hell was going on? Wasn''t the natural order supposed to be that the strongest led, and the weak followed? I wasn''t the strongest here, not yet, anyway. If anything, I was among the weaker ones at this moment, at least until I allocated my stats. So why were they following me? This behaviour made no sense. It wasn''t normal. Frustration crept in as I changed paths once more, this time in an attempt to shake them off. But no matter which way I turned, they adjusted course, trailing me without hesitation. At first, I was bewildered. Then, I became annoyed. The whole point of leaving was to be alone, to ensure my own safety without the burden of others. And yet, they refused to let me go. Why? Why were they choosing to follow me? I ground my fangs in irritation, my mind churning with questions I had no immediate answers to. Losing them wouldn''t be easy. And deep down, an unsettling thought began to take root. What if the reason they are following me is because they are hellbent on revenge? I mean even if we all committed the act, I started it, so this might be their way of showing they intend to get back at me, that they have no intention of letting me sin-free?! So am I to assume now that they are following me in preparation to do to me the same thing I did to others?! Day 7 (Oh Ye Foolish Larvae) Regrettably, I was still being followed. The other Demon Larvae trailed behind me like shadows, their presence an ever-looming weight. I couldn''t fathom what was going through their primitive minds. Why would they choose to follow someone weaker than them? What did they see in me? And yet, despite my frustration, I couldn''t deny the benefits. Our journey had led us into encounters with other Demon Larvae, hostile groups that would have overwhelmed me had I been alone. But I wasn¡¯t. The ones who followed me fought by my side. Though our numbers were smaller, our strength eclipsed that of our enemies. It was a simple matter of quality over quantity. Their assistance ensured our victory, and as a result, several of them had now reached a critical threshold¡ªlevel 10. This was it. Evolution was within their grasp. They should be leaving me now, seeking isolation to undergo their transformation. That was the natural course of things. The ideal path I would have sought if I was in their shoes. But they weren¡¯t leaving. They remained, lingering around me, waiting. Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.10 State: Evolutionary Hibernation [Vulnerable] Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.10 State: Evolutionary Hibernation [Vulnerable] Race: Demon [Infant] Species: [Demon Larva] - Lv.10 State: Evolutionary Hibernation [Vulnerable] I stared at them, dumbfounded. What were they thinking? Were they truly so fearless, or simply foolish? Evolution left them defenseless just like the Alpha before its demise. And yet, they chose to undergo this transformation right here, in full view of the others, including me. Had they already forgotten what we had done to the last ones who attempted this? I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling beneath my skin. What was wrong with them? Were they incapable of learning from the past? Or was I the only one here advanced enough to recognize the fatal flaw in this decision? I didn¡¯t understand. But if they were willing to make such an idiotic mistake, then I might as well capitalize on it. Without hesitation, I grabbed two sharp-edged rocks and approached the nearest Larva amid its transformation. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. It was so easy. One solid strike and I could shatter its shell before the process was complete. Free experience. A faster way to level up. There was no reason not to do it. And yet, I paused. Not out of mercy. Not out of indecision. I turned, scanning the others who remained conscious. They were watching me, their small black eyes locked onto my every move. I had expected them to act before I did, to finish off their vulnerable kin without hesitation. But they didn¡¯t. They just stared. What were they waiting for? Did they expect me to make the first move? Were they deferring to me? The rock in my hand felt heavier. I was ready to strike. My body was coiled with tension, prepared to bring it down on the exposed shell. But for some reason, I hesitated. Why? Why couldn¡¯t I do it? The answer gnawed at the edge of my mind, frustratingly out of reach. I took a breath, forcing myself to think. The others had chosen to follow me. That much was clear. But why? And more importantly, why had they chosen to evolve in my presence, knowing full well I could decide to kill them? Was it trust? No. It wasn¡¯t just that. After the Alpha¡¯s death, the remaining Larvae had naturally fallen in line behind me. As if, on some instinctual level, they had imprinted on me as their new leader. But why? I wasn¡¯t the strongest among them. Not by a long shot. Our kind valued strength above all else. Or at least I would think they do from how they all chose to follow the former leader because he was the strongest of the clan. Yet, they had chosen to disregard that fundamental truth in favour of following me. The realization sent an uncomfortable chill through me. If they truly saw me as their leader, then killing them wasn¡¯t just a simple matter of harvesting experience. It was something more¡­ something personal. I gritted my teeth. Why was this so difficult? I had no attachment to them. They were nothing more than other Demon Larvae, creatures just like me. Weak. Disposable. Killing them should have been easy. And yet, I couldn¡¯t do it. The rock trembled in my grip before I slowly lowered it. I didn¡¯t understand why I felt this way, and it frustrated me beyond words. I was letting a golden opportunity slip through my fingers? Experience points, strength, and an undeniable path forward to my goal. But for some reason, I felt like sparing them was¡­ worth the risk. I wanted it to be worth the risk. So, I waited. I stood back and watched as the first of them entered their final phase of evolution. A flicker of curiosity sparked within me. What would they become? Would they still recognize me as their leader once they evolved? Or would they turn against me, discarding their past selves and rising as something new... something stronger, with no need for the weak Larva I was now? The questions piled up, endless and unrelenting. This was dangerous. I knew that. If they evolved and decided I was no longer worthy of leading them, I would be the first they eliminated. I would be standing face-to-face with creatures far stronger than myself, outnumbered and without an escape route. The risks were staggering. And yet¡­ I was willing to take the gamble. Because if there was one undeniable truth I had learned from surviving this long, it was that the greater the risk, the higher the reward. I could kill them now and ensure my safety. Or I could let them evolve, stepping into the unknown, embracing the uncertainty. And who knew? Maybe, just maybe¡­ something great awaited me at the end of this choice. A thrill of anticipation crawled up my spine as I made my decision. I released the rock from my grasp, letting it fall to the ground with a dull thud. And then, I waited. Day 8 (Am I Worth Serving?) For those of us who had yet to evolve, we gathered closely, bearing witness to the first transformation within our clan. The atmosphere crackled with tension, an anticipation that seemed almost suffocating. The first Evolution that would descend upon the members in our clan. A crack!!! Not violent, not abrupt. A subtle fracture appeared on the hardened shell, barely perceptible. Then another. And another. One by one, the shell¡¯s surface began to splinter, thin lines forming like veins of light against the once-impenetrable exterior. Each crack widened, the structure pressing outward as something inside struggled to emerge. And then, it happened. From the fractured remains of the shell, something new crawled forth, its form unlike any Demon Larva I had encountered before. A hunched figure, small but unmistakably humanoid, with charred skin that seemed to smoulder from within. Fiery cracks ran along its body like veins of molten ember, and a sinuous tail flicked behind it, ending in a single, glowing, crimson eye. Curious, I had my [Comprehension] already active, ready to take a peek at what makes this creature tick. IGON! Race: [Lesser Demon] - Lv. 11 Species: [Ashborn Imp] Trait: Can ignite its claws and spit burning cinders. Thrives in volcanic or war-torn environments. Weakness: Vulnerable to water; weakened in cold climates. Attribute: Fire. A fire-wielding demon, born from one of our own? My mind reeled, struggling to grasp the implications. Then, before the weight of realization could settle, another shell cracked. This time, what emerged was something entirely different. A hulking, grotesque figure with slimy, moss-covered skin, its gaping mouth lined with barbed tongues that slithered like living whips. The stench of stagnant water clung to its form, a stark contrast to the smouldering heat of the first. GULMEG! Race: [Lesser Demon] - Lv. 11 Species: [Mirefiend] Traits: Excretes a tar-like substance that slows enemies. Regenerates when submerged in swampy water. Weakness: Fire dries out its skin, making it brittle. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Attribute: Water. The contrast between them was striking, but the evolutions did not stop there. A third shell burst apart, releasing a creature with leathery wings and needle-thin fangs. Its body was shrouded in darkness, only its eyes visible, a luminous, eerie shade of purple, like ghostly lanterns in the void. TOGMOTH! Race: [Lesser Demon] - Lv. 11 Species: [Noxling] Trait: Drains life essence with a mere touch; releases hallucinogenic gas to disorient prey. Weakness: Silver burns their flesh; strong winds can ground them. Attribute: Illusion. As the air thickened with the lingering remnants of its eerie presence, another figure clawed its way free. Small, wiry, and hunched, it had sharp claws, jagged teeth, and beady red eyes that gleamed with mischievous intelligence. Its green, leathery skin stretched tightly over its thin limbs, and large, bat-like ears twitched with every sound. VANGRUR! Race: [Lesser Demon] - Lv. 11 Species: [Gremlin] Trait: Highly intelligent but chaotic, preferring sabotage and trickery over confrontation. Weakness: Sunlight and intense artificial light weaken and disorient them. Attribute: Dark. And then, amidst the chaos of transformation, a final shell shattered with a sharp crack. From its remains stepped a creature, unlike the others. More humanoid in structure, yet undeniably demonic. Her dark red skin glowed under dim light, sharp, hypnotic eyes locking onto the surroundings with a knowing gaze. Small horns protruded from her forehead, her bat-like wings folding neatly behind her back. A long, whip-like tail swayed idly, and her clawed fingers flexed elegant, yet a deadly reminder of what she stood for. LILURA! Race: [Lesser Demon] - Lv. 11 Species: [Succubus] Trait: Can manipulate weak-willed individuals, bending them to their will. Can subtly alter their appearance to match the desires of their prey. Weakness: Silver-inflicted wounds cause lasting damage. Fire-based abilities disrupt her influence. Attribute: Hypnotic. There were many more, each with their own distinct forms, but these five stood apart. Unlike the rest, they weren¡¯t just transformed, they had evolved into something greater. Their status displayed not just improved statistics, but traits and attributes, something no other evolved demons had acquired. It was clear. These five were different. And that difference made all the difference. The realization sent a ripple through me. I began to understand that evolution wasn¡¯t just a means of growth; it was a test. A passage into something superior. Some had gained raw power, a significant boost to their abilities, but these five had gained something beyond mere numbers. A transformation that set them apart from the rest. And I¡­ I needed to be among them. No, I would be among them. My instincts surged, a deep, primal certainty settling in my core. When my time came, I wouldn¡¯t accept being merely another evolved form. I would break free as something special. For now, though, there was something far more pressing. The newly evolved demons were still adjusting, their movements sluggish, their minds reeling from the unfamiliarity of their new forms. But that disorientation wouldn¡¯t last long. And when it passed, what would they do? Would they still recognize me as what they had accepted me to be before their evolution, or?... I was still a Demon Larva, a creature far beneath them now. If status dictated hierarchy, then I no longer held any authority here. I could run. Observe from a safe distance, let them regain their senses before approaching. It would be the logical choice. But I knew better. If I fled now, if I so much as hesitated, they would sense it. They would recognize the weakness in my actions, and that would be the beginning of the end. An alpha does not show fear. An alpha commands respect. So I remained where I was, my antennae twitching, my gaze steady as I faced the Lesser Demons head-on. This was a gamble, a dangerous one. But it was a risk I was willing to take, a risk I had always been posed with from the moment I started existing. So what will it be, my kin? Now that you have left behind your former selves, will you still stand by me? Or has evolution severed your fealty? What will it be? Tell me! I desire to be met with a response?! .... Visual reference posted on my discord https://discord.com/invite/tA4jqrwG Day 9 (A Natural Born Leader) Now, Lesser Demons¡­ What will it be? What do you all decide it to be?! Yet still, are you all willing to acknowledge me as your leader, as you did when I was but a Demon Larva? Or have seeds of discord taken root within you, urging you to rebel and challenge my authority? Silence stretched between us as every Lesser Demon in the gathering turned their full attention to me. Their gazes, once scattered, were now unwavering, waiting to make their call. Was I afraid? Of course, I was. I would be a fool not to be. Before me stood creatures of overwhelming stature, some towering, others grotesquely formidable in their monstrous forms. Their mere presence radiated power that I, in my current state, could not match. And yet, I knew one thing for certain: if I allowed fear to take hold, if I hesitated even for a moment and showed them what it was I was truly feeling, it would be over. A single crack in my confidence, a flicker of doubt, and I would cease to be a leader. I would become nothing more than a disposable failure. But that was not an option. I refused to be ordinary. I refused to be just another replaceable Demon in the crowd. No! I was willing to rise high above that, far above any other. For me, it was never a matter of confidence nor was it a wish. It is a goal, my aspiration to be above all else! With that conviction burning within me, I stood tall or rather, I held my slimy, larva-like form with a poise that exuded confidence. My eyes locked forward, my shell arched in defiance. I did not cower, nor did I present myself as one awaiting judgment. No, I confronted them as one who would command. I showed them the traits of a leader who knew no fear. One who stood in defiance of their authority. Fear? Begone, you say! At only nine days old, you have faced fear, dined with it, and conquered it! You have earned a title: [Fear Dominator] ¨C You who have faced fear and refused to submit have tamed it and made it your own! Title Effect: Will reflect during your evolution. A title?! Yes! For me, the alarming notification was but an affirmation that I was walking the right path. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "We greet the Oba of the kin!" The declaration resounded as one, their voices harmonizing in reverence. As a Demon Larva, you have tamed a Lesser Demon! Dozens of Lesser Demons have acknowledged you as their leader! You have subdued a demon of a higher rank! You have defied the natural laws of Demonkind! You have earned the title: [Defier of Nature]! [Defier of Nature] ¨C You who refused to conform to natural law have succeeded in halting nature from taking its course! Title Effect: Will reflect during your evolution. Error! Error! You have acquired the title [Defier of Nature] twice! Titles intertwining¡­ [Defier of Nature] has evolved into [Nature¡¯s Opposite]! [Nature¡¯s Opposite] ¨C You have opposed nature on two occasions, making it clear you will not bend to its will. In response, nature has acknowledged you as its opposite! Title Effect: Will reflect during your evolution. I was beginning to wonder¡­ was it truly this easy to gain titles, or was I an exception? The frequency at which I obtained them almost made them seem ordinary. Yet, when I used [Comprehension] on others, none had titles to their name. Either they were incredibly rare, or my skill was simply unable to detect them. Wait¡­ they spoke? Not in telepathic murmurs but in actual words, flowing from their mouths with clarity! Was this another result of evolution? Another reason to look forward to my own evolution. And they called me Oba¡­ was this the word for ¡®leader¡¯ in our tongue? Yes. No, I was certain of it. These demons, despite the disparity in strength and rank, had accepted me as their leader. Even nature itself had confirmed that such a thing was not normal. And yet, it had happened. I had accomplished this in just nine days as affirmed by the notification. I was undeniably on the right path. A path that would lead me to something greater, something beyond the reach of the ordinary. "Command us, Oba! We stand ready to serve!" Their voices rose again, reverberating with loyalty and submission. Every demon in the gathering remained on their knees, awaiting my decree. Satisfaction swelled within me. This? This was what I wanted. What I rightfully deserved. I was not meant to lead an average existence. No, I was meant to be revered. I was meant to rule. I would not be a mere demon among many. I would be the demon, a force to which all others would bow. The tallest of the newly evolved demons rose from its kneeling position. It was a Mirefiend Demon, its hulking form casting an imposing shadow as it approached. Despite the uncertainty of its intentions, I felt no fear. No hesitation. Only a deep-seated confidence. When it reached me, it extended both massive hands and carefully lifted me. There was no roughness in its touch, only deliberate gentleness, as though it feared causing me discomfort. Then, slowly, it raised me high above the rest, holding me aloft for all to see. A monarch exalted before his devoted followers was what it felt like. And I acknowledged the moment. Yes¡­ you lost ones. Demon larvae and lesser demons alike, come to me! Confide in me! Seek me out! Only I hold the answers you need! They could not hear my thoughts, of course, but that did not matter. The feeling of absolute control coursed through me, intoxicating and exhilarating. Oh, how I longed for the moment I would evolve. To finally have a voice befitting a ruler. To speak and have my words shape the fate of those before me. That day would come. And when it did, I knew for a fact that I would create waves wherever it was I end up. Day 10 (Handing Over The Spotlight) How long has it been since I came into existence? The last status message I received marked nine days since my birth, but that was then. Time has passed since, and yet, I have no way to measure exactly how long I¡¯ve lived. How many days have gone by? How much closer am I to evolution? I want to know. No, I need to know. Our kin has grown in strength, evolving from mere Demon Larvae to formidable Lesser Demons. And at the heart of it all stands me, the nucleus of our clan, leading them forward as a Level 9 Demon Larva, just one step away from my long-awaited evolution. And yet, a maddening thought gnaws at me. Why haven¡¯t we encountered any opposition? Not a single rival Demon Larva group. No hostile creatures lurking in the distance. Nothing. The silence is suffocating. It feels as if the world itself conspires against me, withholding the final push I need to ascend. Why now? Why, when I am standing at the very threshold of evolution, does the world suddenly turn passive? Have the enemies fled from me? Have they decided to ignore me altogether? Why?! Why?! Error! You Have Wandered Into a Hostile Land! Error! Error! Error! You Have Entered the Territory of a Demon Noble! A relentless flood of notifications bombarded my mind, flashing with urgent finality. And I wasn¡¯t the only one affected. The Lesser Demons and the Demon Larvae surrounding me reacted as well, their movements stiffening, their bodies tensing as they absorbed the same distressing revelation. Where did we go wrong? The system had never sounded such an alarm before. To warrant this kind of response¡­ had we made a grave mistake? A Demon Noble¡­ I forced myself to analyze the situation. A methodical, step-by-step breakdown was needed if I was to determine where the misstep had occurred. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. First, my surroundings. The landscape remained unchanged, an endless expanse of barren plains drenched in crimson, as though the earth itself bled. The sky, as always, loomed with oppressive, swirling clouds, thick with the scent of death. No. This had nothing to do with location. Or¡­ did it? To test my theory, I cautiously retreated the way we had come. You Have Left the Demon Noble¡¯s Territory! You Have Returned to a No Man¡¯s Land! A realization struck me. This wasn¡¯t a mistake¡­ This was a boundary. A line we had unknowingly crossed. To confirm, I commanded one of the Lesser Demons to take a step forward. The moment it did, the message flared up once more. You Have Entered the Territory of a Demon Noble! So it was no accident. There was an invisible threshold, a domain belonging to a being of significantly higher rank. Now, the real question arose, what should we do? I turned my gaze to my Lesser Demons. This was their moment. They had evolved, grown stronger, and now I wanted to see if their minds had evolved as well. I have held on to the spotlight for too long, taking reign of every action and decision made in the pack. Now I wanted to see for myself, open the floor for the evolved Demons to voice out their opinions, take up the spotlight and beautify their evolution with a personality of their own. So... Would they hesitate? Would they show fear? Would they decide to turn back and remain in the stagnant, uneventful No Man¡¯s Land? Or would they embrace risk, knowing that with high risk comes high reward? This was their decision to make, their time to prove to me that evolution did not just affect them physically. If it were up to me, I would press forward without a second thought. Not out of recklessness, but because I understood the nature of opportunity. Danger and reward walked hand in hand, and I was no stranger to such a trade-off. But this wasn¡¯t just about me. This was about them. Their decisions, their instincts, I wanted to see them in action. The silence stretched between us as I waited. Would any of them step forward? Would one of them prove themselves capable of strategic thought? Finally, one did. "Oba, I think we should continue forward into the Demon Noble¡¯s territory." A rush of satisfaction coursed through me. Yes! I had hoped at least one among them would understand the nature of power. The Ashborn Demon who spoke had not disappointed me. I tilted my elongated eye sockets in approval, nodding in silent agreement. You wouldn¡¯t expect a creature with its appearance to exhibit such sharp reasoning, yet here it stood, proving that I had underestimated it. Another lesson learned? To never judge by appearance alone. "The Oba has agreed," the Mirefiend Demon announced. "So it''s decided. To the Demon Noble¡¯s territory, we go!" With that, we moved forward as one. The warning messages flared up again as if making a desperate attempt to dissuade us, but we paid them no mind. Our decision was final. Yet, as we ventured deeper, something struck me as off. The decision had been made too easily. There was no discussion. No counterarguments. Was this loyalty? Or was it blind obedience? Their willingness to follow me without question was admirable, but also¡­ troubling. What use was a follower who could not think for themselves? Would they charge into a losing battle simply because I led them there? I needed more than just empty husks, I needed individuals capable of reasoning. Had I been alone and received such a warning, I would not have ignored it. As much as I valued the philosophy of risk and reward, I wasn¡¯t foolish enough to challenge an entity far beyond my capabilities. But I wasn¡¯t alone now, was I? I had a pack. Lesser Demons at my side, and an army of Level 9 Demon Larvae trailing behind me. Numbers, that was our advantage to utilize in battle. Whatever threat lay ahead, we would face it together. And we would prevail. Day 11 (Encounter With Despair) There''s a saying I''ve come to understand in the short time I''ve existed. Be careful what you wish for is the saying I now adopt. And as for the reason why that is?... Was I overzealous? Or did I overestimate my strength, blinded by the confidence of having a pack at my back? Or was it them, my kin? Did I place so much faith in those beneath me that I became blindsided to their obvious shortcomings?! If none of these apply, then someone, anyone, explain to me¡­ Why are my kin dying before my very eyes? It began not long after we entered the Demon Noble''s territory. For a while, we encountered nothing, just the eerie silence of a land left unchallenged. It was as if the world had gone still, as if fate had given us a free pass to walk these forbidden grounds unopposed. Or so we thought, not until we came across him?! Not a Demon Larva. Not a Lesser Demon. But a being of a rank yet unseen, a presence that made the very air tremble around it. Marax! Race: [Greater Demon] - Lv. 65 Species: [Fleshrender] Trait: Capable of reshaping its limbs into weapons, adapting mid-battle. Its blood is acidic, burning through metal and flesh alike. Weakness: ??? Attribute: Body Transmutation Type. . Nothing on its weakness? What does that mean? Could it be that it has none? No, that''s impossible. Everything has a weakness. Or at least everything has to have a weakness if ever there is to be balance. If it''s not appearing, then there''s only one explanation for that. My comprehension level isn''t high enough to perceive it. Even so, the sheer gap in power between us was undeniable. A Level 65 demon against me, a mere Level 9 Demon Larva, one yet to undergo its first evolution. It was monstrous in every sense of the word. A hulking, grotesque form with exposed sinew and shifting bones that jutted out at unnatural angles. Its flesh writhed faces melted and reformed along its body as if it could never settle on one shape. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. This thing wasn''t a demon. It was a nightmare given form. And we, my kin, my so-called pack had wandered straight into its hunting grounds. We were doomed. --- "Huh¡­ Lesser Demons?" Even Marax seemed momentarily puzzled by our presence. "What are demons of no ranking doing in Duke Valefar''s territory?" Duke Valefar¡­ So that''s the name of the Demon Noble who governs this land. Until now, I had assumed Marax was the ruler here, that this territory belonged to him. I didn''t even want to entertain the idea that he wasn''t the important character here, that he was no extra but the real deal. But if that wasn''t the case, then what was he? The realization struck like a knife. This Greater Demon, this walking nightmare was not the master of this domain. It was merely a subordinate. Marax stood to Duke Valefar as the Lesser Demons stood to me. A mere follower. A testament to the authority of a superior being. And yet, this follower alone held power so vast, so overwhelming, that even if every Lesser Demon under my command fought together¡­ we wouldn''t even make a dent. How was I supposed to feel? Knowing that before a single servant of another, every demon under me amounted to nothing but insects before a storm? The answer was obvious. I felt like shit. Once again, my existence was being called into question. Once again, I was reminded of how insignificant I was. I had experienced this before, the moment I first laid eyes on my pack''s original alpha. The way its size and power dwarfed me had left me questioning my place. But I had conquered that fear. I had stripped the alpha of its throne and taken its place. Yet here I stood, confronted once more by that same crushing feeling. And worse still, this wasn''t even the alpha. This was merely a servant of the true ruler. I wanted to see Valefar. I needed to see him. Not for answers, not for some grand reason, but just so he could know how much I despised this feeling. But how could I? When I wasn''t even sure if I''d survive this encounter? --- "Lesser Demons or not," Marax growled, stepping forward, "it doesn''t matter. You have wandered where you shouldn''t have. Consequences should be expected." He moved. And with that single motion, we were sent flying. His four monstrous claws swept down upon us. It was not an attack. Not a technique. It was a casual swipe. A simple motion, an afterthought and yet the sheer force of it sent us hurling through the air, scattering like leaves caught in a hurricane. I couldn''t even tell whether it was his claws that struck us or simply the shockwave of his movement. I survived. I don''t know how, but I survived. Around me, my kin groaned in pain, some twitching on the blood-streaked ground, others motionless. Marax loomed above us, his grotesque form casting a shadow over our broken figures. "Lesser Demons protecting a Demon Larva?" There was a hint of confusion in his tone. A crack in his absolute certainty. "What is happening here?" He didn''t understand. He couldn''t. Lesser Demons following a Demon Larva. Accepting one as their leader is unheard of. No precedent. No records. This shouldn''t exist. But it did. And Marax, despite his overwhelming power, could not comprehend why. "No matter," he scoffed. "I intended to destroy you all in one move, but if this is what it takes¡ª" He raised his right arm. The flesh warped, twisting unnaturally, bones shifting as muscles coiled and snapped into place. The transformation was grotesque, living flesh moulding itself into a weapon. A hammer. Massive. Unyielding. Final. And then¡ª He brought it down. Not as an attack. Not as a warning. But to crush us. To erase us. To snuff us out like the insignificant insects he believed us to be. But¡ª Day 12 (The Unexpected) Death was upon me. I could feel its cold fingers creeping closer as Marax¡¯s grotesque hammer forned from his mutated right arm came crashing down. It felt inevitable, like the universe had already decided my fate to end at this moment, But I wasn¡¯t ready. I refused to accept it. Not when I had a lot left to accomplish. I hadn''t even started yet. All my dreams and desires, they had only just begun. So how can I be ready to give it all up just like that. Yet, my refusal meant nothing. In this battle, my will held no weight. The harsh truth remained? I stood no chance. No matter how desperately I allocated my stats, no matter how fiercely the Lesser Demons fought, nothing could alter the grim outcome awaiting me. Death¡­ so terrifying, yet so cruelly inevitable. A blur of movement disrupted my descent into despair. Igon, the Ashborn, launched himself through the air, his small, imp-like form latching onto Marax¡¯s face. His claws dug into flesh, momentarily blocking the Greater Demon¡¯s vision. "You little¡ª!" Marax growled, staggering under the unexpected assault. Before he could rip Igon away, Gulmeg, the Mirefiend, dashed forward. The frog-like demon opened its maw and spewed a viscous, sticky substance onto Marax¡¯s body. I had no idea what the fluid was, but the moment it made contact, it sizzled against his skin, dissolving flesh like acid. "You damned¡ª!" Marax roared in fury, grabbing Igon with one powerful hand and flinging him aside like a ragdoll. My heart sank as I watched Marax¡¯s wounded flesh mend itself. The exposed, melting tissue regenerated in mere moments, the damage undone as if it had never happened. How?! How do you defeat something that heals as quickly as it is harmed? But it wasn''t over, not yet for the Lesser Demons at least. While I was clinging toward the inevitable, foolish enough to accept this was the end, they held on to a silver lining drawn from their relentless assult on Marax. Togmoth, the Noxling, drifted toward Marax like a shadow, its hazy, indistinct form barely tangible. A single touch of its misty claws sent an eerie ripple through the air. For the first time, I felt something shift. Marax¡¯s overwhelming presence wavered, only slightly, but it was enough to notice. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Then came the creeping tendrils of gas, slithering around the Greater Demon, seeping into his body. Marax wobbled, his stance faltering as his mind clouded. He clutched his head, struggling to keep focus. "A simple trick like this¡­!" he muttered, his voice weaker than before. His breathing grew heavier, the weight of the Noxling¡¯s ability pressing down on him. "A trick like this won¡¯t keep me down!" His roar of defiance shook the air, his strength surging back as he forced himself to stand. But Vangrur, the Gremlin, was already in motion. The nimble demon lunged, sinking its fangs deep into Marax¡¯s neck, locking its jaw to keep him from rising further. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though we had a chance. The combined efforts of my Lesser Demons were working. We were overwhelming him. We could win! However... That foolish hope was crushed in an instant. Marax¡¯s body trembled with suppressed rage. His fingers curled around Vangrur¡¯s tiny frame, lifting him with terrifying ease. Then¡ª SLAM! Once. SLAM! Twice. SLAM! A third time. Vangrur¡¯s small, nimble body struck the ground with brutal force, his bones snapping under the sheer impact. His once lively form lay limp, twitching weakly. Igon, still shaken from being thrown, leaped back into the fray, desperate to distract Marax long enough for Gulmeg to retrieve Vangrur. But Marax wasn¡¯t done. With a sudden expansion of his mass, his body grew even larger, muscles swelling as his power surged. A single, devastating kick sent Gulmeg flying. Igon suffered worse. Marax¡¯s left arm twisted, reshaping into a long, jagged blade. With a quick, merciless thrust¡ª CHUCK! The blade pierced straight through Igon¡¯s chest. Togmoth, desperate to intervene, released another wave of hallucinogenic mist. The air thickened with its presence, distorting vision, warping the surrounding with it. But Marax was beyond such tricks. With a mere wave of his hand, the gas was dispersed. He shook his head, mildly irritated, but not hindered. The effects had done something. His mind had undoubtedly taken damage from it, but it wasn¡¯t nearly enough to stop the Greater Demon. "Take the Oba and run!" Togmoth commanded, stepping between me and Marax, a final act of defiance. The one left standing, Lilura the Succubus didn¡¯t hesitate to adhear. She rushed to my side, scooping up my fragile form before bolting in the opposite direction, carrying me as fast as her legs could manage. Lilura was the weakest of my demons in terms of offense. Her strength lay in persuasion, in seduction. But what use was charm against a monster like Marax? None. "You¡¯d throw your lives away¡­ for this?" Marax¡¯s voice rumbled with something I couldn¡¯t quite place. Amusement? Confusion? I felt the same. Why? Why weren¡¯t they running? Why weren¡¯t they saving themselves? If I were in their place, I would have left me behind. I should have been left behind. Yet, these fools were choosing to fight, to die for me. I wanted answers. And it seemed¡­ so did Marax. He moved faster than I could comprehend. In mere moments, he was beside us, cutting off our escape. A single strike sent Lilura tumbling to the ground, her grip on me lost. I was flung from her arms, my body rolling violently across the jagged terrain. Pain flared through me, but I barely had time to register it. Marax ignored Lilura, his deadly eyes locked onto me instead. I could see it now, the curiosity burning behind his gaze. He reached for me. But just as he was about to grab me from the ground- A hole. A void opened beneath us both, appearing from nowhere, swallowing us whole. I had no time to react, no chance to resist. And so, I fell. --- You Have Entered A Summoning Portal! Day 13 (Tremor) I was falling. A pitch-black void stretched endlessly around me, swallowing everything in its depths. It was as if I were drowning in nothingness, weightless yet plummeting at an alarming speed. And I wasn''t alone. Marax, the Greater Demon, the source of my dread was falling alongside me. We tumbled through the abyss, lost in its emptiness until a faint glow appeared beneath us. A glimmer of light, distant yet growing, beckoned me forward. I wanted to reach it faster, to escape the suffocating darkness. If I had longer limbs, I would have stretched them out, clawing my way toward the light. Then, finally, I did. The moment I broke through, I curled inward, retreating into the safety of my shell, bracing for impact. A loud crack rang in my ears as my shell collided with something solid, followed by a heavy thud as I crashed onto a sturdy surface. You Have Entered The Material World! You Have Killed A Level 25 Human! A Massive Amount of Experience Has Been Acquired! You Have Leveled Up! Demon Larva Lv. 9 ¡ú Demon Larva Lv. 10 4 Stat Points Acquired! 1 Skill Point Acquired! [...] Notice! You Have Reached the Level Threshold! Condition for Evolution Has Been Fulfilled! You Have Opened the Evolution Slot! Would You Like to Evolve? (Yes) - (No) The intrusive messages filled my vision, but I had no time to be bothered by them. My focus was on the voices echoing around me. "Leader, I think he''s dead!" A voice, male, uncertain, yet oddly casual about the statement. "Are you sure?!" This one was sharper, demanding, and laced with scepticism. "No doubt. He''s not breathing, and there''s a bleeding wound on his forehead. I think¡­ I think the shell''s landing on his head killed him!" Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. A pause. Then¡ª "Idiot. How would a shell kill a Level 25 mage?! In what world do you think that''s possible?!" "But¡­ Leader¡ª "The leader is right." Another voice, calm and analytical, cut through the argument. "Summoning a Greater Demon is no easy feat, especially one with an already established reputation. He must have exhausted all his life force just to complete the summoning. Dying from a mere shell knock to the head? Absurd." Yeah, I had to agree with that one. Even I would find it ridiculous if someone told me a shell killed a full-fledged mage. But¡­ the system notification had stated it clearly: You Have Killed a Level 25 Human! Coincidence? Maybe. But if it wasn''t, then I really had to question how someone reached Level 25 only to die in such an embarrassing way. "His death is not in vain. Our objective has been achieved." Their attention shifted elsewhere, discarding their fallen comrade as if he were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. I took the chance to peek. Carefully, I nudged my eye just beyond the lip of my shell, revealing only enough to observe without drawing attention. What did I see? A circle of figures, tall, cloaked in dark robes, their hands raised and connected above their heads in an intricate formation. They surrounded him. Marax. He stood at the centre of the ritual, unmoving, his head bowed. His expression was unreadable, shadowed by the dim lighting, his thoughts an enigma. "Oh, Wretched Reaper! Greater Demon of the Underworld! We call upon you to bestow your favour upon us!" The leader''s voice rang out in reverence, his words dripping with devotion. The others echoed his plea, their chants rising in intensity. But Marax remained silent. As for me?!... I needed to know where I was. Tearing my attention away from them, I surveyed my surroundings. The vast open plains I had grown accustomed to were gone, replaced by towering rock formations enclosing us in an underground chamber. The air was thick and heavy with an unnatural energy. A temple? A crypt? I didn''t know. But one thing was clear, I did not belong here and I have no intention of staying too long. "Oh, Marax the Greater Demon! Grant us your might!" Their voices became more urgent, yet the demon remained still. I had seen enough. I had no interest in waiting for Marax to awaken and go berserk. My priority was simple. To escape. Scanning the chamber, my gaze landed on a barely visible opening near the far end. An exit. I moved. Slowly, carefully, I inched forward, my slimy body making no sound against the cold floor. Stealth was key. If they noticed me, I had no doubt they would crush me without hesitation. Progress was slow, painstakingly so, but I''d rather be slow than dead. As I walked, or rather as I crawled, I felt a slight shift on the hard surface. It goes without saying that shouldn''t be possible, at least not naturally. A tremor. Faint at first, another subtle shift in the ground beneath alerted me. Danger was near! Death close by. "What was that?!" I wasn''t the only one who noticed. The figures stirred, unease creeping into their ranks. The tremor escalated. The very foundation of the chamber groaned in protest. And then¡ª CRACK! The ceiling split open. Before we could take in the absurdity of the moment, massive chunks of rock broke free, crashing down with a deafening roar. Dust exploded into the air, filling the space with chaos. I scrambled, instincts kicking in, dodging debris as best as my sluggish body allowed. The chamber quaked violently, the ground beneath us shifting as if the very earth was rejecting our presence. "Are we under attack?!" Panic spread among the cloaked figures as they scrambled to shield themselves from the falling debris. Their once-unified presence broke into disarray. Now amidst the destruction¡ª Another crash. Something else fell from above. Not a rock this time, Something heavy. Something alive. The impact sent a shockwave through the floor, dust billowing in every direction. And when the air finally cleared¡ª I found myself staring at it. A presence. A being. And from the dust, a voice murmured in disbelief¡ª "Uhu¡­ A snail?" Day 14 (Angering The Greater Demon) What¡­ what is it? That was the first thought that crossed my mind as I stared at the creature before me. She lay chest-down, her face uncomfortably close to mine, her golden pupils gleaming with an unnatural radiance. Long, glossy strands of dark fur, no, hair. It cascaded down her back, shimmering under the dim light. I couldn''t look away. It wasn''t just fascination; something about her gaze held me captive, ensnaring my senses. My thoughts grew sluggish, my will slipping away like water through my fingers. Was I being charmed?! I didn¡¯t know exactly how a charm worked, but this had to be it. The sensation was eerily similar to the description of Lilura¡¯s ability, Lilura, the succubus who could entrance prey with a mere glance. "No matter how I look, you are just too big to be an ordinary snail. What are you?" Her voice had a strange allure, wrapping around my mind like a silk thread. She called me big. A surge of satisfaction swelled within me. Being large and towering over others. It was a goal I held dearly, a symbol of power. And now, someone had acknowledged it. But just as quickly as that pride rose, it shattered. Because then, she stood. Towering. Massive. I craned my gaze upward, struggling to grasp just how enormous she was. Holy hell. Was anything supposed to be this tall?! No, there was one, Marax. Maybe he was even taller than her. Talking about Marax¡­ what did happen to him after the rockfall? The terrain had shifted violently, burying parts of the battlefield. Was he¡ª? "I''ll deal with you later. I have more pressing matters to attend to," she declared, brushing off our encounter as though I were insignificant. And with that, she turned away. A deep frown settled on my face, but before I could process my thoughts, an agitated voice cut through the air. "Now, evildoers¡­ prepare to be¡ª She paused, blinking in confusion. "¡­Where is everyone?" I stared at her, baffled. Was she¡­ stupid? Something about her gave off a dangerous, unpredictable aura. Not the malicious kind, but the kind that made it seem like she could destroy everything around her without a second thought. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. My instincts screamed at me to assess her strength. Activating [Comprehension], I focused on her¡ª ¡ªonly to be met with nothing. No information. No numbers. Just an overwhelming force slamming into me, rejecting my attempt to analyze her. Pain flared through my mind. The sheer intensity of it forced me to sever the skill immediately, gasping as I reeled from the backlash. What the hell was that?! A desperate cry snapped my attention elsewhere. "Argh! P-Please¡­ save¡ª! A man, drenched in fear, scrambled for his life. And looming over him was none more than?... Marax. His massive form was unscathed, his presence more oppressive than ever. He held the man effortlessly, thick fingers wrapped around his neck. The human¡¯s body convulsed in terror, but Marax paid it no mind. He simply squeezed. A sickening crack echoed through the battlefield. The man¡¯s lifeless form dangled limply before Marax discarded him like trash. Panic erupted among the remaining survivors. Most bolted in different directions, desperate to escape. The unlucky few who remained were paralyzed, frozen by the sheer dominance exuding from the Greater Demon. Marax wasn¡¯t about to let them go. Limbs elongated, stretching unnaturally as he tore through the fleeing masses. One swipe from him and limbs severed. Another caused bodies to split apart. Some he crushed beneath his growing palms, reducing them to mere stains on the battlefield. Others he merely hacked into pieces with his transfigured arms. A massacre. Unstoppable carnage. Marax was in complete control. "Inconceivable! I command you, Greater Demon! Heed my call!" A voice rose above the chaos. The so-called leader of these fools had mustered the courage to stand, hands raised as he ordered Marax to obey. I didn''t think there would be any crazy enough to think they could control Marax, much less get him to submit. "We summoned you! You are bound to our rule! Subservient to our¡ª SQUASH. Marax''s palm came down, pressing the leader¡¯s skull into the dirt. A muffled squelch followed as the body crumpled under the sheer force, flattened beyond recognition. "Tch. Annoying." I figured as much. You don''t go flexing your weak self before a Greater Demon. Especially one who held dominant powers like Marax. Marax flicked his gaze around the battlefield, searching for something. For someone. "Where are you, abominable larva?! Come out and face your doom!" His neck twisted unnaturally, muscles tightening as he scanned the wreckage. Shit. Before he could spot me, another figure caught his attention. "Another?" Marax mused, eyes narrowing. "No matter. Die like the rest of your crew." His arm stretched, morphing midair into a jagged blade as it hurtled toward the tall creature. This was my chance. I turned, muscles coiling as I prepared to bolt. If Marax was occupied, I had a window to escape. Were the thoughts I held on to. But then¡ª I froze. Not out of guilt. Certainly not because I owed this strange being anything. I owed her nothing, nor would I risk my life to stay behind and participate in a willing slaughter. Rather, I stopped because?... Because Marax¡¯s attack never landed. His limb? It severed. I saw it with my own eyes, but how?! There was no motion, no visible strike, just an instant decisive cut. One moment his attack was extending, the next¡­ gone. Marax let out a guttural snarl, but almost immediately, the wound closed. Flesh regrew at an unnatural pace, restoring his severed limb in seconds. "A self-regenerating Demon¡­ A Greater Demon, no doubt," the creature mused, eyes locked onto Marax. She wasn¡¯t panicked. That was unsettling. "No chance for peaceful negotiation, then?" she sighed, her tone oddly calm given the situation. "You damned! You damned elf! How dare you harm me?!" Marax''s fury erupted. His entire body trembled with rage, muscles bulging as veins pulsed beneath his dark skin. You idiot. What was she thinking, provoking Marax even further? This was about to get much, much worse. Day 15 (What I Crave) Elf?! That was the word Marax used to describe the strange creature in our midst. I had no idea what it meant, but if Marax called it that, then it had to be something significant. With a thunderous roar, Marax slammed both arms into the ground. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ruins, launching shattered debris into the air before it crashed back down. His rage was palpable, his monstrous frame vibrating with barely contained fury. Then, without hesitation, he stomped forward, each step sending tremors through the broken terrain as he charged at the so-called Elf. "Up we go." The Elf scooped me up effortlessly, lifting me off the floor as if I weighed nothing. Then, with a single leap, we were airborne. I barely had time to react before I realized something horrifying. This Elf wasn''t retreating. She was charging straight at Marax! Was she insane?! Who in their right mind would willingly rush toward a rampaging Greater Demon? More importantly, who said I wanted to be a part of this?! The last thing I desired was to be anywhere near Marax when he was like this! My protests were ignored. Holding me in one arm, the Elf met Marax midair, her free hand poised to strike. The moment before impact stretched into eternity. I could see every detail, the raw fury twisting Marax''s features, the tensed muscles beneath his grotesque skin, the veins bulging with power. Yet the Elf remained eerily composed as if this clash was nothing more than an inevitable routine. Then she struck. Her leg snapped forward in a powerful dropkick, aiming directly for Marax''s raised guard. He crossed his massive arms above his head in defence, bracing for impact. Boom! The sheer force of her kick sent a shockwave outward. Though Marax managed to block it, the recoil drove him to one knee. His arms trembled under the strain, his feet digging into the cracked stone beneath him as he fought to stay upright. The Elf flipped back, landing gracefully a few feet away, her expression unchanged. "Sturdy," she mused, her tone carrying a note of approval. "As expected of a Greater Demon." Her nonchalance unsettled me. Who was she? How did she possess such overwhelming strength? I activated [Comprehension] once again, this time with unwavering focus. But just like before, I was met with nothing. No level, no evolution rating, no information at all. It was as if she was beyond my understanding. Marax, the same demon my entire clan struggled against, had been forced to his knees and she barely seemed fazed. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. I clenched my fists. What level of power did she possess? "Regeneration and a sturdy body..." the Elf murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "This should be doable." With that, she gently lowered me back to the ground. "Stay here, little one. I''ll be back for you soon enough." Then she turned her attention back to Marax. At this point, the demon was seething. His entire body convulsed with fury, his skin rippling as his form began to change. Veins bulged, muscles expanded, and his already monstrous figure grew even larger. His transformation was primal, his rage moulding him into something more terrifying than before. And yet¡­ The Elf didn''t flinch. Calmly, she raised one arm, extending it toward Marax. Her other arm pulled back as if she were drawing something unseen. Then, she let go. A sudden force exploded outward, invisible yet undeniable. I didn''t see what she launched, but my instincts screamed that something deadly had just been unleashed. A heartbeat later, Marax staggered back, a gaping hole now in his chest. For the first time, he was stunned. His massive frame swayed as he looked down at the gaping wound with wide, disbelieving eyes. The battlefield, once filled with his roars, fell eerily silent. Even I was at a loss for words. What the hell had just happened? How did she do that? Marax''s body trembled, his demonic instincts kicking in. Dangerous? That was the warning blaring through his senses. He had vastly underestimated his opponent. And yet, as impossible as it seemed, he was still alive. The hole in his chest was already beginning to mend, flesh knitting itself back together. His regeneration was incredible, a true asset in battle. But here? Against her? It meant nothing. If there was an insurmountable gap between two warriors, no amount of resilience could close it. Marax realized this now. And so did I. I may not have been able to read her status, but I didn''t need [Comprehension] to know what she possessed. Power. The kind I craved. The kind that demanded recognition. This Elf, she had it. She studied Marax, then tilted her head slightly. "You survived that?" Her voice was calm, but I could feel it, the unshakable confidence. Marax''s breathing grew heavier. He needed to run. Now. And yet, before he could move, the Elf did something terrifying. Once again, she raised her arms. Her left arm extended forward, while her right arm pulled back just like before. My stomach dropped. Oh, shit. Marax must have realized it too, because his eyes widened in pure, unfiltered panic. If he didn''t escape immediately, he was done for. But before I could even process what was happening, a far worse realization hit me. I was still here. What was I still doing here when I had plenty of opportunities to escape this madness?! It was an easy question to answer. I wanted to know! Witness the power I covet in action. See how it drowns the Greater Demon into an eternal pit of despair. The moment she released her right arm, an invisible force erupted. The sheer pressure from the attack alone was enough to pulverize the ground beneath us, shattering debris into dust. The very air trembled. And then, an explosion. The world went white, swallowed by the devastating force of her attack. A storm of raw destruction. I shielded my face as the shockwave tore through the surroundings. When my vision finally cleared, all that remained was a crater, the landscape obliterated. Marax was gone. "He escaped," the Elf whispered, her tone carrying no disappointment, only mild amusement. Then, she turned to me. Her piercing gaze locked onto mine, and for the first time since this encounter began, I felt true fear. A small smile played on her lips. "Well then¡­ I suppose that just leaves you and me." My breath hitched. Oh, no. Save me... Anybody! Day 16 (My Options) Right now? I¡¯m being taken somewhere. Or rather, dragged somewhere against my will. The elf, the one who had overwhelmed Marax so effortlessly, has taken it upon herself to haul me around like I¡¯m some sort of prized catch. Only now do I realize that the place I had been confined in was nothing more than an enclosed rocky chamber. Once she brought me out of it, I got my first real look at my surroundings. Vast, unfamiliar, and teeming with life. We moved through a territory that, from the looks of it, belonged to her kind. Among the people we passed, there were others similar to her, yet different. Their ears were shorter, their stature slightly varied, but they all bore a resemblance. If I had to guess, this was her clan or something of a sort. On our way deeper into their settlement, I noticed something peculiar. Everywhere we went, people greeted her with respect. Bows, nods, and spoken words laced with reverence. Their behaviour made one thing abundantly clear. She wasn¡¯t just a member of this clan; she was someone of importance, someone they looked up to. An alpha, perhaps. That made sense. If someone of her strength wasn¡¯t at the very top, that would be terrifying. At one point, one of her kind stopped us, eyes flickering toward me with obvious curiosity. "What are you carrying?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and suspicion. The elf, without hesitation and with a casual smile, responded, "Isn''t he a cute snail?" There was a brief pause. I could see the disbelief flashing across his face, but instead of pressing further, he forced an awkward smile and nodded, letting the subject drop. Smart move. I could tell he wanted to question why a "snail" was this large, but perhaps he already knew it was a pointless endeavour. If she had decided I was a snail, then as far as she was concerned, that was the truth. After what felt like an eternity of being paraded through the settlement, we finally arrived at a large wooden structure. Unlike the rocky enclosure I had previously been in, this place had a different texture. !Wood My Comprehension skill identified it instantly. I made a mental note of the material. It might be useful knowledge later. She led me inside, ascending a few steps before stopping at a secluded room. "Alright, fella. There ya go," she said, dropping me unceremoniously onto the hard flooring before launching herself onto something softer. A bed, I assumed. She made herself comfortable, completely relaxed as if the past events hadn''t been the least bit exhausting for her. Meanwhile, I remained motionless, calculating my options. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Could I escape? No. The answer came swiftly, brutally honest. I couldn¡¯t oppose her, not as I was now. The difference in our strength was a canyon so vast it might as well be infinite. If I made a single wrong move, she could crush me effortlessly. Survival was all that mattered. The plan hadn¡¯t changed. It couldn¡¯t. Ever since I woke up in this new existence, my only goal had been to survive, to endure, to claw my way forward. And right now, the only way forward is evolution. A flicker of excitement ran through me as I recalled the notification I had received earlier. At the time, the chaos had prevented me from focusing on it, but now? Now, I had all the time I needed. I accessed the system message. [Evolution Available] Finally. The thing I had craved since the moment I became aware of my existence was now within my reach. My path, my future, it would all be decided here. I selected the available evolution option, and in an instant, a list of choices appeared before me. --- Demon Larva ¡ú Lesser Demon Evolution Paths: - Devil [Pride Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Pride. Arrogant beyond reason, they refuse to conform to rules, seeing themselves as above all others. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Pride. ATTRIBUTE: Shadow. - Incubus [Lust Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Lust. Possesses a unique charm that ensnares others. Sustains itself by absorbing life force and souls. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Lust. ATTRIBUTE: Hypnotic illusion. - Fyrs [Wrath Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Wrath. These demons possess unmatched physical strength, built for combat. Aggressive and short-tempered, they are the embodiment of destruction. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Wrath. ATTRIBUTE: Fire. - Capra [Greed Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Greed. Demons of insatiable desire, they thrive on taking what others cherish most. They find satisfaction in watching others suffer from loss. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Greed. ATTRIBUTE: Mental Manipulation. - Chitterspawn [Gluttony Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Gluttony. The eternal consumers, their hunger knows no bounds. Devourers of life and death alike, feared for their insatiable nature. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Gluttony. ATTRIBUTE: Spatial Manipulation. - Gorgon [Envy Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Envy. Creatures of spite, they despise success in others. They destroy confidence with whispered discouragement, sowing misery wherever they go. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Envy. ATTRIBUTE: Mental Compulsion. - Wretchling [Sloth Lineage] A Lesser Demon born from the authority of Sloth. Demons of lethargy, they influence others to embrace idleness. Despite their laziness, they are one of the oldest and most feared demonic existences. TRAIT: Agent of the Primordial Demon of Sloth. ATTRIBUTE: Puppetery Mastery --- A flood of information washed over me, each evolution presenting its own path, each choice carrying consequences I could barely comprehend. Then, another message appeared. [Notice!] You have earned recognition from all Seven Primordials! An invitation has been extended for you to join any Primordial Lineage of your choice. [Notice!] You have made an accomplishment! Title Earned: [A Nightmare¡¯s Birth] At only sixteen days of existence, you have gained the attention of the Primordials. Title Effect: Effects will manifest during the course of evolution. Choose your evolution path: Devil [Pride Lineage] Incubus [Lust Lineage] Fyrs [Wrath Lineage] Capra [Greed Lineage] Chitterspawn [Gluttony Lineage] Gorgon [Envy Lineage] Wretchling [Sloth Lineage] --- My mind reeled. I had been given a choice, but the weight of it pressed down on me like a boulder. Each option was a doorway to something greater, power beyond my current comprehension. But with that power came commitment, allegiance to a force far beyond my understanding. Which path would I take? Which lineage would I claim as my own? For the first time since my rebirth, I stood at the precipice of something far greater than survival. This was evolution. And I had to choose. Day 17 (Evolution At Last) Ashborn Imp? Mirefiend? Noxling? Gremlin? Succubus? These were the existing Lesser Demon races I had expected to see when the time came for my evolution. Yet, as I stared at the options before me, none of them were listed. Why?! Instead, what appeared were choices that held no meaning to me, names I had never encountered before. I was completely in the dark, and that uncertainty gnawed at me. If I had a say in it, I would have preferred something familiar, something predictable. But that wasn''t my reality. No harm in treating this as another high-risk, high-reward moment. Among the unfamiliar options, one immediately caught my attention: Devil of the Primordial Pride Lineage. Just seeing the word Devil sent a rush of excitement through me. The description was clear? Devils were the strongest lineage among all demonkind. That was what I wanted, what I had always strived for. Strength. Power. Greatness. And yet¡­ none of these options truly offered me that. Each evolution held promises of an eventful future, but they all came at a cost. The cost of servitude. Every path led to submission beneath a greater force, a leader whose shadow I would be forced to live under. That was not who I was. Demons like Igon, the Ashborn Demon; Gulmeg, the Mirefiend; Togmoth, the Noxling; Vangrur, the Gremlin; and Lilura, the Succubus. They had all chosen to be ruled. They were content in the service of another, their fates tied to those who commanded them. But me? I was not born to serve. I was born to rule. I am Malvos. The available evolutions clashed with everything I believed in, every fibre of my being rejected the idea of subjugation. But at the same time, I could not afford to remain as I was. Stagnation meant insignificance, and I refused to be insignificant. What¡­ should I do?! It felt like a cruel dilemma to choose power at the cost of my freedom or remain powerless and forever irrelevant. There was no easy answer. No perfect solution. I clenched my fists. No. I had to make a choice. I had to evolve, no matter how bitter it felt. Among the seven options, Devil was the only one that still held a glimmer of hope for me. Even if it meant being one among many, at least it ensured that I would stand out. With a heavy heart, I made my decision. > Would you like to evolve into a Devil [Lesser Demon]? (Yes) (No) I selected Yes. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The moment I did, my vision blurred, my body wobbled, and the world around me darkened. A deep pull overtook my senses, dragging me into unconsciousness. ERROR! ERROR! ERROR! > Your Title: "Nature''s Opposite" is resisting! The Title "Nature''s Opposite" does not conform to the rule of nature! "Nature''s Opposite" is in a frenzy! "Nature''s Opposite" is defying the natural law of evolution! A storm of unseen forces erupted within me. My entire existence trembled, a chaotic energy tearing at the constraints of the evolution process. > "Nature''s Opposite" has taken the owner''s desire into account! "Nature''s Opposite" is acting on the owner''s will! "Nature''s Opposite" is reforming a new brand of demon evolution for the owner! A surge of power exploded inside me, something far beyond my comprehension. It wasn''t just an evolution, not anymore. Beyond normal... it was creation. The system struggled against it. Warnings flashed, and errors flared. The very laws of nature fought to suppress this unprecedented change, but my title, Nature''s Opposite, refused to yield. > ¡­ ¡­ "Nature''s Opposite" has succeeded! My evolution was no longer bound by the established paths. My title had taken everything? My will, my ambition, my defiance. And from it, forged something new. --- Referring to your Title "A Nightmare''s Birth!" "Nature''s Opposite" has forged from it a new Demonic species! A New Demon is Born! > Melbourne! A newly acclaimed Lesser Demon, born from the authority of the eight Primordial Demon of Nightmare! A race never before seen, its abilities and nature still unknown. A demon formed from the sheer will to transcend all limits. TRAIT: The Primordial Demon of Nightmare ATTRIBUTE: Lightning > NOTICE! A new evolution option has been added! Would you like to evolve into a Melbourne? (Yes) (No) I tried to respond, but my consciousness was too far gone. My body refused to obey. > NOTICE! Demonic individual is not in the right frame to deliver a response. But then¡ª > NOTICE! Title "Nature''s Opposite" has interfered! "Nature''s Opposite" has chosen on behalf of the demonic individual! The choice was made. > Commencing evolution as a Lesser Demon¡ªMelbourne! --- --- --- EVOLUTION SUCCESSFUL! > Demonic Individual Malvos has evolved from: Demon Larva Lv. 10 ¡ú Lesser Demon Lv. 11 > NOTICE! You have evolved into a one-of-a-kind demon species! You have broken the natural laws of evolution! You have defied multiple restrictions! > A large amount of experience is acquired! --- LEVEL UP! > Lesser Demon Lv. 11 ¡ú Lv. 12 8 Stat Points acquired! 2 Skill Points acquired! > Lesser Demon Lv. 12 ¡ú Lv. 13 8 Stat Points acquired! 2 Skill Points acquired! > Lesser Demon Lv. 13 ¡ú Lv. 14 8 Stat Points acquired! 2 Skill Points acquired! --- ERROR! > As the first of your kind, additional stats should be rewarded¡­ "Nature" rejects this request! > ERROR! Title: "Nature''s Opposite" opposes Nature''s decision! A fierce battle erupted between the very forces that governed my existence. Nature demanded balance, while my title refused to be bound. > NOTICE! "Nature''s Opposite" has devoured the Title: "Fear Dominator" to increase its influence! A consensus has been reached! ERROR! Your level is too low to accommodate nature''s consensus! Thus! The proposition of extra stats has been dissolved! Your Title; "Nature''s Opposite" has conceded! In return! You have acquired Nightmare''s Authority! > ERROR! Level is too low to accommodate a primordial ranked authority! Authority locked! --- SKILL EVOLUTION! > General Skill [Comprehension] Lv. 8 ¡ú Lv. 9 General Skill [Comprehension] Lv. 9 ¡ú Lv. 10 > NOTICE! Skill [Comprehension] has reached its limit threshold! [Comprehension] has evolved into [Clairvoyance Lv. 1]! > NOTICE! Title "Nature''s Opposite" has assimilated [Clairvoyance]! "Nature''s Opposite" has evolved into a Unique Skill: [Call of Force]! > ERROR! A Lesser Demon cannot possess a Unique Skill! > NOTICE! "Call of Force" has dismissed Nature''s interference! The system spiralled into chaos. Notifications broke down, messages fragmented, and everything descended into static. > NOTICE¡­ NOTIC¡­ NOTI¡­ NOT¡­ NO¡­ N¡­ Then¡ª Utter Silence.