Chapter 17: The Theory of Evolution

[The four primary directions of pet beast skill development—Emission, Flow, Shaping, and Compression!]

[At the core of all these techniques lies the fundamental principle: Energy Coating.]

[Every pet beast, through basic training, can envelop its body with its awakened energy, thereby enhancing its physical prowess. This is the most elementary application of energy.]

[Depending on their attributes, the effect of energy coating varies—encasing oneself in rock-type energy fortifies defense, while wind-type energy accelerates movement speed. Each attribute manifests unique advantages.]

[Yet, this rudimentary application holds little sway over the outcome of battle.]

[To secure victory, one must master the advanced arts of energy manipulation…]

Lu Ran mused to himself, "Ha Zong can already coat his body with neutral energy. I wonder if he will retain this ability after awakening his wind attribute."

Energy coating was indeed fundamental. After reaching Level 3, Ha Zong had instinctively grasped it in combat, much like many creatures within the secret realm.

Since it was a skill possessed by all, it naturally ceased to be a decisive factor in battle.

[Upon mastering the foundational 'Energy Coating,' one can progress toward four advanced techniques, each leading to a distinct path…]

[First, Emission: Energy is an extension of a pet beast's being, and control over it is effortless as long as it remains in contact with the body. However, once released, control is severed. Yet, through rigorous training, certain gifted beasts can not only expel energy but also manipulate its trajectory, enabling ranged attacks that suppress their foes.]

[For any pet beast aspiring to wield long-range attacks, energy emission is an indispensable discipline.]

Lu Ran pondered for a moment before nodding.

"In battle, possessing ranged attacks is undeniably crucial."

Emission-based techniques were essentially ranged abilities—akin to the iconic "Ki Blasts" frequently seen in animated series and games.

[Second, Flow: By actively circulating energy rather than leaving it static, it surges through the body like a coursing river. Compared to a passive coating, flowing energy exponentially enhances its amplifying effects on the body.]

[When mastered, this technique allows for rapid skill chaining and near-instant execution.]

Lu Ran quickly grasped the concept.

The difference between static and flowing energy was akin to the contrast between an old-fashioned bow and a fully automatic rifle—one required deliberate, singular shots, while the other unleashed a relentless barrage.

In other words, if abilities were subject to cooldown periods, mastering energy flow could significantly reduce them.

"This technique is indispensable for sustained combat…"

[Third, Shaping: Energy in its raw form is intangible, as ethereal as a drifting breeze. However, through refined control, it can be solidified into tangible structures.]

[By shaping energy, its intrinsic properties can be harnessed to their fullest potential.]

The manual provided various examples:

A pet beast could mold wind energy into a pair of ethereal wings, granting it the power of flight.

Likewise, a creature infused with ice energy could sculpt a razor-sharp blade from its own aura, dramatically augmenting its offensive capabilities.

Lu Ran contemplated this technique—it was certainly not one to be overlooked.

[Fourth, Compression: Energy, much like any force, varies in quality. While an immense surge of energy can be unleashed in its raw form, true mastery lies in condensing it to its absolute limits, thereby elevating its potency to unprecedented heights.]

[However, this technique demands an exceptional degree of control and a physique capable of withstanding the strain. Highly compressed energy becomes exceedingly volatile, imposing severe physical burdens. A single miscalculation could lead to catastrophic self-inflicted injuries—capable of decimating foes, yet exacting a steep toll on the user.]

[Emission, Flow, Shaping, and Compression—these four techniques form the pillars of advanced energy manipulation. They are not mutually exclusive and can be combined in myriad ways. For instance, a pet beast could shape its ice energy into a spear and then hurl it outward, creating a formidable ranged attack. This marks the very genesis of combat skills. A Beast Tamer's duty is to guide their pet beasts in selecting and combining techniques best suited to their innate talents, forging them into unique and potent abilities.]

Lu Ran stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, in the end, all skills must be self-developed."

At first, he had assumed that pet beasts would automatically acquire new abilities as they leveled up.

But now, it was clear—Ha Zong and the others had only just stepped into the realm of the extraordinary. With no grand inheritance imprinted in their bloodline, starting from scratch was only natural.

This information was invaluable. As a wind-type pet beast, Ha Zong's first priority was undoubtedly shaping—after all, it directly determined his ability to fly.

Emission was equally crucial—after all, no combatant should be left without a ranged attack.

Instead of merely relying on biting his enemies, wouldn't it be far more impressive if Ha Zong could unleash a swirling wind sphere akin to a raging storm?

Compression? That, too, had its merits.

Increased energy density meant greater power, even if it imposed significant strain on the body. But for Ha Zong, bodily strain was a trivial matter—with the Divine Deer Pendant, injuries were never a true concern.

After all, reckless self-sacrificial tactics had been Ha Zong's specialty since their earliest battles in the novice secret realm…

And flow? Essential for prolonged combat endurance.

"Come to think of it… every single technique is indispensable. There's no choice but to master them all."

Yet, even these four paths were merely the foundation.

Lu Ran narrowed his eyes as he continued reading, soon realizing what truly dictated a pet beast's combat prowess.

Energy manipulation, in essence, was something any pet beast could refine through effort and talent.

But the next revelation… was the key to evolution itself—the ultimate opportunity for transformation.

[Every pet beast, upon reaching Level 10, can awaken a new attribute or acquire a unique trait through rare resources.]

[By awakening additional attributes, a pet beast can gain a second, third, or even fourth element.]

[Traits, on the other hand, function as extraordinary abilities.]

[For instance, the 'Amplify' trait enables a pet beast to freely alter its size, shifting between towering colossus and pocket-sized companion.]

[The 'Solar' trait imbues fire-type beasts with sunfire, elevating their flames to unfathomable temperatures.]

[The 'Vibration' trait imbues attacks with shockwaves, drastically enhancing destructive power.]

[The 'Draconic Heritage' trait bestows a beast with the attributes of a dragon…]

[With traits as varied as the stars, the presence or absence of one can create an insurmountable disparity in power.]

[Most crucially, attributes and traits dictate a pet beast's evolutionary path. With every new trait or awakened attribute, a pet beast ascends in species rank.]

[Upon acquiring three new attributes or traits, a pet beast undergoes 'Evolution'—its form undergoes a profound metamorphosis, its species rank surging exponentially, unlocking even greater potential.]

[These thresholds are typically reached at Levels 30 and 60, marking two critical evolutionary milestones.]

[However, resources required for attribute awakening and trait acquisition are exceedingly rare—only found in high-difficulty Abyssal-tier secret realms, where even the chance of obtaining them remains slim. These treasures stand as the ultimate pursuit of all Beast Tamers.]

"Evolution… Traits… New attributes… Damn."

Lu Ran clenched his fists in excitement.

Throughout the entire text, one thing stood out to him above all—evolution.

It was the key to Ha Zong's future.

However, such a prospect was still far beyond his current reach.

Even beginner-level secret realms were already a struggle. How could he possibly challenge an Abyssal-tier dungeon?

For now, training Ha Zong in all four energy manipulation techniques was the first step.