Beast captured

The royal capital of Verdantreach buzzed with excitement as the sun climbed higher in the azure sky. Colorful banners flapped joyously in the gentle breeze, each emblazoned with the sigil of House Highcrest—a golden lion on a field of green, accompanied by a radiant golden sun. The streets were adorned with vibrant flowers, their sweet scents mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meats from the bustling market stalls.

Citizens, both poor and rich, filled the cobblestone squares, laughter and music spilling from every corner. Minstrels played lively tunes, their melodies weaving through the air like ribbons of joy. Children danced in circles, their faces painted with bright colors. Stalls sold treats and trinkets, and the sound of clinking coins accompanied the cheerful shouts of merchants hawking their wares.

At the heart of the city, the grand courtyard of the Verdant Palace was adorned with garlands of ivy and blossoms, a fitting tribute to the success of Duke Arlindor Highcrest and his men. Word of their triumph in capturing the monstrous beast that had terrorized Count Belmont's lands spread like wildfire, igniting a sense of hope and relief among the populace. The duke's name was on everyone's lips, praised for his bravery and valor.

As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm golden hue over the festivities, nobles and commoners alike gathered, their eyes glimmering with admiration. In the center of the courtyard, a grand wooden cage had been erected, where the monster was being held.

The Monster's Display

The creature loomed large, nearly ten feet tall, its muscular form cloaked in dark fur. Its head, resembling that of a bull, was crowned with sharp, curved horns, and its fierce, wild eyes radiated a primal intensity. The beast moved with a powerful grace, capable of swift charges and devastating attacks. Its muzzle was full of sharp teeth, a reminder of its ferocity.

Never had anyone heard of or encountered such a creature; it had become a fearsome predator, instilling dread in all who dared to meet its gaze. Now captured by Duke Arlindor, the monster was subdued and restrained. Its once ferocious demeanor had given way to a sullen rage, the chains forged by master blacksmiths binding it with unyielding strength.

The Duke's Triumph

Duke Arlindor Highcrest stood on the balcony, flanked by his family members, Count Lucian Highcrest and Marquis Thaddeus Highcrest. Baron Elaris, not among them, had been discussing the "compensation" for the recent monster hunt, an attempt to fill the Dukedom's treasury.

"It seems, after all, this was just the peasants' exaggeration," Count Lucian remarked, swirling his wine in a goblet. "The beast was strange and somewhat large, but hardly a threat. It injured a few men and killed a lot, but honestly, 500 men would have sufficed instead of 7,000."

"Yes, yes, I agree!" chimed in Marquis Thaddeus, a tipsy smirk spreading across his face. "Arlindor, you really scared us for nothing. We thought we were actually fighting something formidable, but it turned out to be too easy to capture. I wasted my time coming here. How will you compensate us? Perhaps lowering my feudal obligations for a year or so?"

Arlindor clenched his jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Lucian had dueled the beast, while Thaddeus merely kept striking the monster with his spear from behind while it was distracted. Yet, looking at the drunken fool before him, he couldn't help but let out a laugh. The absurdity of it all lightened his mood, if only for a moment.

At that moment, a servant entered, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, the King is ready to meet you now in the throne room."

Instantly, the Highcrest members sobered up as they turned their attention to Arlindor.

"Very well, lead the way," he replied, his tone firm and composed.

The servant nodded and gestured for them to follow. As they made their way through the grand corridors of the palace, rich tapestries adorned the walls, each one a vibrant narrative of the kingdom's storied past.

The King's Gambit

Upon reaching the throne room, the massive doors creaked open, revealing a vast chamber bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight. The throne itself, a magnificent structure crafted from polished oak and embellished with gold accents, stood regally at the far end. There, King Alaric Verdantreach XVI awaited them with a lazy expression.

King Alaric was a man in his mid-fifties, with a mane of salt-and-pepper hair that framed his weathered face, giving him an air of both wisdom and weariness. His deep-set azure eyes, a striking contrast to his sun-kissed skin, held a glimmer of intelligence that suggested he was always several steps ahead in thought. He wore an ornate robe of deep crimson, lined with fur that hinted at his royal status, yet it hung loosely on his frame.

Behind the king stood his advisor, Count Belmont, a man of striking presence. His raven-black hair was elegantly pulled back, exposing sharp features and piercing green eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Clad in full plate armor that gleamed in the flickering candlelight, he exuded an aura of quiet strength and cunning. Belmont had long been the king's confidant, known for his tactical mind and unwavering loyalty.

"Leave us, Retchard," the king finally spoke, his voice a rich timbre that echoed through the chamber. The command was direct. With a slight bow, Retchard turned to exit without a word.

The room was devoid of servants or guards as Arlindor stepped into the hall, the doors shutting ominously behind him.

"Arlindor," the king drawled, his tone dripping with mockery.

"Alaric," the duke replied, his voice steady.

"I would have hoped the beast would have killed you or at least more of your men. I hear it managed to take out about a hundred," the king remarked, revealing his unfiltered desire to see the duke dead.

Arlindor smirked, undeterred. "A hundred and six, to be exact. It would take more than an overgrown bull to kill me, Alaric. Even if all my men died, what would you do then? Step down from that throne and duel me? If you had the guts, you would have done it already."

The king sighed, rising from the throne. He walked to a nearby table, pouring two glasses of wine before returning to offer one to Arlindor.

"Why do you oppose me, Arlindor, when you're in the same boat as I am?" he said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

At this, Arlindor's expression hardened, as if he were reminded of something better left forgotten.

"Hahaha, don't give me that look, Arlindor. If we hadn't taken those bold moves and did what had to be done, how would you have ever achieved wizard rank? How would I have dared to dream of becoming a high-level apprentice? The war will eventually reach its destined end, and when it does, they'll butcher us like dogs unless we help each other.

I've already reached out to the Scarlet Flower Tower. You need to give me your answer this year, Arlindor. Our time is running out."

Arlindor stared at him, a mix of anger and disbelief swirling within. Without a word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving the king's laughter echoing in the empty chamber behind him.

Adam's Awakening

Meanwhile, far from the capital, Adam awoke hazily, a wave of nausea washing over him. The ground felt too far away, so he settled back down to gather his thoughts, temporarily ignoring the system prompt. His limbs—no, his front limbs—were faintly useful again.

He could feel the raw strength surging through him. His vision was sharper, and an undeniable strength coursed through his entire body. Yet, amid this newfound vigor, a constant adrenaline rush urged him to run and kill.

As he glanced at his stats, shock coursed through him. His attributes had skyrocketed; even his intelligence had seen a significant boost. He felt nearly unstoppable.

"System, what is this new stage stat in the interference?" he queried.

[Ding]

[Host, due to the fact that all of your previous evolutions were known and had existed before, you bypassed the lengthy process of growth. However, as a hybrid and the first of your kind, you will now need to develop naturally.]

"Oh, I see. Annoying, but logical," Adam said to himself, considering his new identity. As the first of his kind, he thought about a name that would truly embody what he had become. After a moment of reflection, a fitting name came to mind.

"Indominus Terroris."

[Name Registered]

[System Interface Activated]

Name: Adam

Species: Indominus Terroris

Stage: Adolescent

Age: 121 Days

Evolution Points (EP): 1,087

Special Titles:

[Kinslayer]

"Grants a 20% damage boost against family members."

Current Stats:

Strength: 100

"Your physical power has reached unprecedented levels. You are now a force of nature."

Agility: 100

"Your movements are swift and precise, allowing you to outmaneuver any prey or predator."

Intelligence: 64

"Your mind is sharper than ever, blending human ingenuity with the instincts of a predator. You can strategize, adapt, and outthink most opponents."

Abilities:

[Enhanced Vision]

"Your eyesight is superior to most creatures, allowing you to spot prey from great distances."

[Razor Bite]

"Your teeth are now razor-sharp, capable of tearing through flesh and bone with ease."

[Night Vision]

"Your eyes have adapted to see clearly in low-light conditions."

Newly Acquired Abilities:

[Enhanced Agility]

"Your quadrupedal form allows for improved weight distribution, enhancing your speed and stealth."

[Large Size]

"Your colossal size intimidates rivals and dominates your environment."

[Enhanced Strength]

"Your muscle structure allows you to exert immense force, overpowering most foes."

[Enhanced Durability]

"Your armored hide provides exceptional protection against attacks."

[Enhanced Speed]

"Your speed can reach up to 30 miles per hour in short bursts, making you a formidable predator."

[Enhanced Agility and Dexterity]

"Your reflexes and nimble movements allow you to navigate dense environments with ease."

[Enhanced Stamina and Endurance]

"Your body is designed for prolonged activity, enabling you to pursue prey over long distances."

[Enhanced Reflexes]

"Your reaction times are sharpened, making you a formidable hunter."

[Smell Tracking]

"Your heightened olfactory senses allow you to track prey over approximately 5 miles."

[Infrared Vision]

"Your ability to detect heat signatures allows you to see in complete darkness."

[Armored Hide]

"Your tough, protective hide makes you resilient to bites and cuts."

[Expandable Jaws]

"Your expandable jaw allows you to consume prey larger than yourself."

[Enhanced Dexterity]

"Your opposable thumbs and powerful claws allow you to grip, mangle, and slash with devastating power."

[Horn Protrusions]

"Your horn-like protrusions serve as both intimidation tactics and defensive measures."

[Screech]

"Your powerful roar allows you to assert dominance over your territory."

[Camouflage]

"Your ability to change color and texture allows you to blend seamlessly into your surroundings."

[Intimidation]

"Your size, strength, and fearsome appearance evoke fear in both prey and rivals."

[Self-Body Temperature Control]

"Your ability to regulate your thermal signature makes it difficult for heat-sensitive predators to track you."

[Velociraptor Communication]

"Your vocal traits allow for complex communication, enhancing social interactions."

[Teeth Regrowth]

"Your enhanced regenerative abilities ensure that lost teeth can be quickly replaced."

Evolution Progress:

Points Required for Next Evolution: 250,000 EP

"Evolution is the key to survival. Gather more EP to unlock your potential."

Potential Evolution Pathways:

Predatory Instincts

"Enhance your hunting capabilities. Unlock sharper senses, faster reflexes, and deadlier precision."

Cost: 250,000 EP

Physical Augmentation

"Increase your strength and agility. Grow stronger, faster, and more resilient."

Cost: 250,000 EP

Cognitive Development

"Boost your intelligence. Retain more of your human mind and unlock advanced problem-solving skills."

Cost: 250,000 EP

System Notifications:

[Warning]

"Evolution is a double-edged sword. Each transformation may alter your instincts and desires. Proceed with caution."

"Fuck, fuck, I'm starving! I want to shout and run—what is going on?" Adam exclaimed, frustration rising within him. The urge to run became overwhelming, clawing at his instincts.

Finally, he gave in. With a primal roar that echoed through the area, he sprinted toward the tantalizing scent that filled the air. Each powerful stride fueled by hunger, he felt the world blur around him as he focused solely on the source of his craving.