Chapter 13

As Nyx stands amidst the remnants of magical metamorphosis, the shadows that lingered around him, remnants of the defeated Shadowlume, begin to converge. Slowly and gracefully, they spiral around Nyx, creating an intricate dance of darkness. These shadows, once wielded as a weapon by the Shadowlume, now seem to recognize Nyx as their new master.

The transition is subtle at first. The shadows wrap around Nyx's form like a shroud, intertwining with his exoskeleton in a symbiotic embrace. As the dance intensifies, Nyx feels a surge of power coursing through him, a harmonious fusion of his insectoid nature and the shadowy essence acquired from his fallen foe.

Shortly after, the shadows, having completed their ethereal dance, begin to seep into Nyx's body. It's a seamless integration as if the shadows were always meant to be a part of him. Nyx senses the newfound power resonating within every fiber of his being, a testament to the successful evolution fueled by the essence of the Shadowlume.

Regaining consciousness after the transformative experience, Nyx is greeted by a persistent ache in his head. The remnants of the Eclipse of Despair still linger in his senses, a haunting reminder of the battle that unfolded. As he recovers from the disorientation, Nyx instinctively checks his body.

To Nyx's surprise, his appearance has undergone a profound metamorphosis. The once-small insectoid assassin now stands on two bug-like feet, his stature reaching nearly four feet—a height almost comparable to an average human. The exoskeleton that once bore the scars of battle exhibits a mesmerizing fusion of colors, blending Nyx's original hues with darkened shades, a testament to the assimilated essence of the Shadowlume.

Nyx's body is still distinctly bug-like. He possesses four hands—a pair of small, delicate bug-like hands and another set featuring sickle-like appendages. These hands offer a blend of dexterity and lethality, each digit a testament to the insectoid adaptability that defines Nyx.

Nyx, examining his transformed self, can't help but utter, "Damn, such a drastic change. Which I'm more familiar with this body than my insect body earlier, although I have additional two hands to control."

He flexes his newly evolved limbs, feeling the subtle power coursing through them. "Getting used to this will be interesting," Nyx continues, a mixture of surprise and amusement evident in his multifaceted eyes. "I can control it like I was born with this body, which is amazing."

Eager to test his newfound abilities, Nyx grins and says, "Here we go." With a burst of energy, he takes off, zooming through the forest floor like a speeding car. His evolved form allows for a level of speed and agility that transcends his previous insectoid limitations.

Nyx's feet, now adapted for swift movement, barely touch the ground as he effortlessly navigates the terrain. He darts between towering plants and weaves through the colossal leaves, relishing the sensation of his enhanced speed. "Feels like I've got a turbo boost," he remarks with a chuckle.

As Nyx continues his sprint, he decides to put his agility to the test by leaping from leaf to leaf. Despite his increased height, the forest's vegetation remains towering, emphasizing the scale of the fantastical environment. Nyx's nimble movements, reminiscent of a skilled acrobat, showcase the seamless coordination of his evolved body.

With a grin on his face, Nyx comments, "Jumping's a breeze now." His other two hands expertly grasp and propel him from leaf to leaf, creating a rhythmic pattern that mirrors the beat of the forest. The sense of freedom in his movements is a stark contrast to the confined struggles of his previous insectoid form.

Elevating the experience further, Nyx decides to take to the air. With a powerful flap of his wings, he soars above the forest canopy, reveling in his newfound capability to fly. The shadows that once clung to him during the metamorphosis now ripples beneath his wings, adding an ethereal touch to his airborne maneuvers.

Nyx gracefully maneuvers through the sky, occasionally performing agile twists and turns. "Thirty minutes of flight time, not bad," he notes with satisfaction. The forest, seen from this new vantage point, unfolds beneath him like a vast, vibrant tapestry.

Eventually, Nyx descends to the forest floor, landing with a controlled finesse. As he takes a moment to catch his breath, a sense of accomplishment fills him. "This evolution is something else," Nyx says, marveling at the body that now feels like a natural extension of himself. "I can't wait to see what else I can do with it."

Energized by the newfound capabilities of his evolved form, Nyx muses, "With this new power and body, it would be a waste to not find a prey to hunt." His multifaceted eyes gleam with anticipation as he ventures deeper into the forest, his evolved senses attuned to the surroundings.

After a short while, Nyx detects the presence of potential targets—three wolves, ranging from level 11 to level 12, engaged in hunting a defenseless bunny. The same species of bunny he had encountered earlier in the forest. Despite the wolves being larger and taller than Nyx is undeterred and confident in his higher level.

A mischievous grin plays across Nyx's features as he observes the unfolding scene. "Looks like a good opportunity to test out these new skills of mine," he remarks to himself, his voice tinged with excitement.