Stein_X

In a world where taming ferocious beasts and mythical creatures defines one's status and power, 17-year-old **Kai Anther** is considered a nobody. While his peers at the prestigious **Beast Dominion Academy** tame dragons, griffins, and thunder wolves, Kai finds himself bonded to the most unimpressive creature imaginable—a lowly ant. But everything changes when he awakens the **Insect Evolution System**, a mysterious power that allows him to tame insects and evolve them into terrifyingly powerful creatures.  
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‎Despite being scorned for his seemingly laughable bond, Kai begins to uncover the true potential of his system. From commanding swarms of intelligent, evolved insects to unleashing titanic insectoid beasts, Kai's rise to the top will be filled with battles, laughter, friendships, and more than a little chaos. Along the way, he will form a harem of diverse and quirky companions, face fierce rivals, and uncover the hidden truth of his world and his system.
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I Acquired The Insect Evolution System

Kai stared at the glowing options hovering in his status interface, the words **"Beast Level-Up Available"** practically burning into his mind. His gaze shifted between Tiny and Stinger. Both were invaluable allies, but this wasn't a decision to take lightly.

"Alright," Kai said, taking a deep breath. "Tiny, you've been holding the line for us every single fight. I think you've earned this one."

The Titan Ant clicked its mandibles sharply, as if it understood what Kai was saying. Stinger buzzed in protest, but Kai raised a hand. "Don't worry, Stinger. You'll get your turn soon enough. For now, let's make sure Tiny can tank anything that comes our way."

Kai tapped on the **Titan Ant** option in the interface, and the system responded instantly.

**[Level-Up Confirmed: Titan Ant]**

**[1,000 BTP Deducted. Remaining BTP: 100.]**

**[Titan Ant has reached Level 2!]**

Tiny's body began to shimmer with faint golden light, its exoskeleton glowing as if it were being reforged. Kai stepped back instinctively, watching in awe as Tiny's frame seemed to grow slightly larger and more imposing. Its mandibles gleamed with a sharper edge, and its armored body looked even more impenetrable than before.

When the light faded, Tiny let out a low, resonant hum, almost like a triumphant roar.

- **Harden (Level 2)**: Temporarily increases durability, reducing incoming damage further than before.

- **Mandible Strike (Level 1)**: A powerful melee attack using its razor-sharp mandibles.

- **Acid Spit (Level 1)**: A ranged corrosive attack that melts armor and flesh.

Kai grinned as he read through the updated stats. "Harden went up to Level 2? That's going to make you even harder to take down." He knelt down and patted Tiny's head. "Good job, buddy. I can already tell you're stronger."

Tiny clicked its mandibles in response, its body radiating confidence. Even Stinger, though initially sulky, buzzed down to inspect Tiny's upgraded form, circling it curiously.

Emma, Reyna, and Jared had been watching this strange glowing transformation unfold from a short distance away.

Reyna crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "What the hell was that? How did your ant just… glow and then get stronger?"

Kai froze. He hadn't intended for anyone to notice the system-related changes, but Tiny's level-up process had been a bit too flashy to ignore.

"Uh…" Kai scratched the back of his head, trying to come up with an explanation. "It's… uh, a rare insect skill? You know, ants. They're… special."

Reyna narrowed her eyes. "Rare skill, huh? Sounds like you're hiding something."

Emma jumped in, grinning. "Who cares? That was awesome! Your ant is a total beast now."

Jared remained silent, though his beetle did give Tiny what could only be described as an approving nod.

Kai chuckled nervously, waving off Reyna's suspicion. "Yeah, well, Tiny's full of surprises. Let's focus on the next part of the exercise, shall we?"

Reyna gave him one last suspicious glance but eventually shrugged. "Fine. Just don't screw this up, bug boy."

Chapter 7: Strength in Armor