NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Evolution
Sup bitchs, I'm back.
And I haven't moved yet... I hate my life.
I posted another fic based on MGE, "LoveNexus Corp: Wellbeing Agent", the first chapter is already available. This will be a fic more focused on smut than on adventure as his one.
[POV: Jason]
When we set off on our trip, Zyss came to me with a gift: a big, thick wooden shield that looked like it came out of a steampunk fantasy setting. It was full of metal plates, locks, and a small lever on the back. Despite being quite heavy, wielding it was no problem, thanks to my goblin power multiplying my carrying strength.
Weightless Cargo:
Your strength is considered to be triple in carrying capacity.
And what's the best way to test my new shield? Fighting a giant wolf of course.
"AWOOOOOO!"
"Come to me, flea bag."
The creature was unlike a normal animal, with fur as dark as night, eyes glowing red, and a muscular body almost as large as a horse. The wolf exhaled smoke from her mouth and eyes that stank like coal ash.
"ROARG!" roared the creature, charging at me.
Its jaws snapped inches from my face, but I raised the shield just in time.
CLANG!
"Rrrrrrrrr!" growled the monster, chewing on the edge of the shield while standing on its hind legs.
The impact reverberated through my arm, but I held on tight. The shield was holding up, and so was I.
"Not bad, Zyss," I muttered, holding the wolf back with
"Rrrrrr!" growled the beast, trying to move the shield.
It was surreal that I was able to hold this animal, even with it putting all its weight and strength on me.
"ROUGH!" the creature roar at me, charging against the shield.
"But there's no point in me standing around doing nothing," I commented, taking my left finger to the small lever on the shield.
With my finger ready to activate the device, I raised my right hand, wielding the short sword.
"TAKE IT, YOU FILTHY ANIMAL!" I shouted, thrusting the blade at the creature.
"Raurh?"
SNIKT!
The wet sound of the blade piercing the creature's eye, coupled with the warm sensation of the blood falling onto my feet, made my stomach turn. But even feeling sick, I continued my attack, pulling the lever and firing the device's spring.
BONK!
The metal center of the shield jumped, pushed by a makeshift piston, and hit the giant wolf in the face, knocking him back.
"The goblin's expertise is proving its worth," Artoria commented, watching the fight from the side lines.
The giant wolf backed away, yelping in pain. Blood dripped from its punctured eye as it shook its head, trying to ease the agony. I stood my ground: shield raised, sword drawn, ready for another attack. But the creature, injured and blind in one eye, showed a flash of intelligence. Instead of continuing the fight, it decided to flee.
[Zyss Level Up!]
The window took me by surprise, but I quickly remembered the XP share.
'Wait!' I questioned myself mentally. 'They get combat XP, but I don't?'
The wolf disappeared into the depths of the forest, and my body relaxed, adrenaline still pumping through my veins. I lowered the shield, my sweaty hand gripping the handle tightly. That's when I felt a weight on my leg. I looked down and saw Zyss clinging to me, her eyes shining with joy.
"You did it, Jason! You won!"
Her voice was a mix of excitement and pride.
"I won nothing, Zyss. The wolf got away."
Before I could continue, Artoria approached, her armor gleaming in the dim forest light.
"When the enemy retreats, it is because he has admitted defeat, my Lord," stated the armored mamono, in a firm and authoritative voice.
"But... he's still alive. I'm not done with him."
Artoria tilted her head, her eyes serious.
"Victory is not only measured by the destruction of the enemy, my Lord. Victories can be achieved when your enemy retreats, a strategic point is defended, or an item is recovered."
Zyss squeezed my leg tighter, her face buried in my thigh.
"She's right, Jason. You've shown that you're stronger. That's what matters."
Her voice was hushed but full of conviction. I looked at Artoria, who nodded slightly.
Continuing our journey, the forest changed as we went. The trees, once slender and spaced out, were now giants, their trunks thick and twisted, as if they had a life of their own. The leaves above blocked almost all sunlight, plunging the forest floor into constant gloom. The air was thick with humidity and the smell of wet earth and decaying plants.
"This place... is different," I muttered, looking around. "At least we didn't encounter another monstrous beast other than that giant wolf."
Thick roots snaked through the ground, forcing us to jump or go around. Artoria, with her heavy armor, had more difficulty moving, but she continued forward without complaining. Zyss seemed almost at ease, her steps light and quick, as if she were used to this type of terrain.
"Careful, my Lord," Artoria warned, pointing to a particularly treacherous root.
I jumped over it, landing with a thud.
In front of us, as if in response to my fall, I heard the sound of branches breaking, making us stop tensely.
"I hope it's nothing," I said hopefully.
"ROIIIIIIIN!" A swine squeal caught our attention.
"Shit!" I complained in frustration. "Is that the orcs?"
Once again, I was proven wrong when a huge boar the size of a bus appeared, its small, evil eyes fixed on us. It was unlike any boar I had ever seen, its body covered in thick, dark hair, tusks as sharp as daggers, and spines protruding from its spine. Behind it, the monster had left a trail of destruction and trees felled by its titanic body.
"For Bacon's sake..." I whispered, my hand already on my sword.
The boar snorted, stamping a paw on the ground. When I raised my shield, a hand reached in front of me, stopping me from moving forward.
"Stay back, my Lord," Artoria stated, placing herself in front of the monster boar. "I'll take care of this one."
The boar monster charged at Artoria; its weight made the ground shake like an earthquake. Each step of the creature resonated, causing leaves and branches to fall from the trees. The entire forest seemed to shake with the beast's fury. Artoria, however, remained motionless, an imposing and unfazed figure in the face of the threat.
"Artoria, be careful!" shouted Zyss, her voice shaking with fear.
But Artoria didn't leave and just raised her arm, with her hand open, as if daring the creature to attack. The boar, with its small eyes full of anger, did not hesitate. It lowered its head, sharp fangs pointed straight at Artoria, and accelerated.
POOOOOOW!
The impact was brutal. The sound of metal against bone echoed through the forest, a rumble that even from a distance reverberated in my bones.
I expected to see Artoria thrown backward or at least staggered. But she didn't move, not even a millimeter. The boar, on the other hand, was stunned, as if it had collided with a steel wall.
"Impossible..." I muttered, wide eyes staring at the intact mamono while the boar monster had an open wound on its skull.
Artoria, taking advantage of the moment, grabbed the creature's tusks with both hands, and with a sharp movement, she pulled the boar's head to the side, forcing it to fall.
"You underestimated your opponent, filthy beast." Her voice echoed, cold and hard as steel.
The boar struggled, trying to free itself, but Artoria maintained control. Without hesitating for even a second, the mamono lifted her foot covered in a thick steel boot, placing it on the boar's forehead.
With a triumphant smile, she brought the member down with force, a precise stomp in the middle of the boar's forehead.
CRACK!
The sound of bone breaking echoed through the forest, followed by an abrupt silence. Artoria, still holding one of the fangs, looked at me, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
"Victory, my Lord!" she shouted proudly.
"Wow…" I whispered, shocked. "A guy like me could feel insecure around her."
[Artoria Level Up!]
[Zyss Level Up! X 7]
"I had to open my big mouth…" I mumbled, depressed.
The creature was at least seven times more powerful than the wolf and Artoria finished the boar without any problems.
'But it's also not surprising with her level.' I thought, calling up my Harem list.
[Zyss]
Species: Goblin
Class: Handy Monster Lvl 11
Status: Neutral
[Artoria]
Species: Living Armor
Class: Vanguard Defender Lvl 47
Status: Neutral
[Clarabella]
Species: Holstaur
Class: Farmer Lvl 17
Status: Neutral
'Even Clarabella has more level than me… why is Clarabella there?' I thought for a few seconds until I remembered. 'The Harem list shows all of my Harem, it is the party list that is limited.'
[Zyss]
Summon - Item Share [On] - Exp Share [On] - Mamono Evolution [Available]
[Artoria]
Summon - Item Share [On] - Exp Share [On] - Mamono Evolution
[Free Slot]
Summon - Item Share - Exp Share - Mamono Evolution
[Free Slot]
Summon - Item Share - Exp Share - Mamono Evolution
'Interesting how the Harem List has more information than-.' I cut off my train of thought when something in the window caught my attention. 'Mamono Evolution Available? Does that mean Zyss can evolve?'
I turned to the little goblin, making repairs to the shield and humming happily.
'I think we'd better talk about this when we stop to camp.'
[POV: Izzy]
"Evolution?" I questioned, curious.
Jason explained to me and Artoria that he has the power to make us more 'powerful'. His ability allows him to share 'experience' that we gain in combat, and he also has something called 'evolution'.
I would be inclined not to believe him if I myself hadn't already been subjected to his teleportation power.
"It seems that the creation of the shield and you reaching level 10 was enough to unlock your evolution," Jason commented, looking at me and smiling.
"Huh?" I murmured, confused. "But that's not right. Generally, mamonos need many years of coexistence with their husbands, exchanging... 'mana' for something similar to happen."
"I agree with Miss Zyss," Artoria said, joining the conversation. "And not all species have the ability to evolve. In the case of Miss Zyss, she can become a hobgoblin."
Jason was silent for a few seconds, thinking about how to approach this situation. After reflecting, he turned to me and said:
"I'll leave the decision up to you, Zyss. Evolve or not. It's up to you to decide."
"EEEEEEEEH!" I screamed, surprised. "What do I do…" I whimpered, nervous.
"Zyss, evolution is not a simple process," Artoria began, her serious voice echoing through the room. "Yes, you can become more powerful, but it comes with a cost. Your appearance and even personality can change drastically."
"B-But…" I tried to interrupt, but Artoria continued, undeterred.
"You may no longer be the Zyss we know. Your sisters, Tyss and Kyss, may not even recognize you," Artoria added. "Evolution is not just an increase in power; it is a complete transformation."
"I… I don't know if I want that," I mumbled, feeling a knot in my stomach. "I like who I am. What if I become someone Jason doesn't like anymore?"
Jason, with a thoughtful look, approached me.
"Zyss, it's your decision. But remember, you're not alone. We'll be here to support you no matter what."
"But what if I change completely? What if I become a different mamono?" I asked, my voice shaking with fear.
"Then we'll deal with this together," Jason replied, his voice firm and assured. "You will still be part of our group. And even if you change, I promise that I will love the new Zyss the same way I love you now."
Jason's words calmed my fear, but my heart began to beat faster, as if it wanted to jump out of my chest. I felt my face heat up, turning completely red.
"J-Jason, do you… do you really love me?" I asked, stuttering, my voice barely coming out.
He smiled, that smile that always reassured me, even in the most difficult moments.
"Yes, Zyss. I love you."
I was speechless, the heat in my face increasing. Jason continued, his voice soft but firm.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to say this. I should have said it sooner, but…"
"No, there's no need to apologize," I interrupted, finally finding my voice. "I just… I just wanted to make sure."
Jason approached, his eyes locked on mine.
"I love you, Zyss. And no matter what happens, that won't change."
I felt a tear run down my face, but this time it was from happiness. Jason gently wiped it away with his thumb, his touch soft and comforting.
Looking at Jason, I made my decision.
"I want to evolve," I spoke decidedly. "If I can stay by your side and become stronger… that's all I want."
Jason reached out, pressing an invisible button in the air. Suddenly, my body began to glow, a soft, pulsing light that seemed to emanate from within me.
[Digimon Evolution theme is playing in the background]
My body started to grow and gain more definition, not too much, just enough that I could tell the difference.
Then something even more surprising happened. I felt my horns disappear and then a tug on the top of my head. Fox ears appeared, tall and pointed. They moved, alert, as if testing the air around them. My once short red hair grew a little longer, falling softly over my shoulders.
The glow around me began to dim, and I could clearly see the changes in my body. I was a little taller, my proportions more balanced. The fox ears added an exotic touch, making me feel different, but in a good way.
[Image]
Jason watched me with a smile on his face, his eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Artoria, at his side, stared at me with wide eyes, shocked by my appearance.
"How do you feel, Zyss?" Jason asked, his voice full of concern.
"I… I feel good," I replied, my voice a little firmer than before. "Different, but good."
"You look different," Artoria commented, moving closer to examine me better. "But your appearance is not that of a hobgoblin."
"Is that a problem?" Jason asked, curious.
Artoria circled me, her blue eyes scanning me up and down.
"It's certainly unconventional. From what I know of goblins and hobgoblins, they don't have such…" She gestured to my ears, "attributes."
"So what does that mean?" I asked, my voice still adjusting to my new body. "Am I no longer a goblin?"
Jason, who was next to me, suddenly focused his gaze on something invisible in the air. His eyes moved quickly, as if reading something only he could see.
"That's… interesting," he murmured, rubbing his chin.
"What's interesting?" I asked, trying to see what he saw, but all I found was empty air.
"Looks like you're not a goblin anymore, Zyss," he said, a smile forming at the corners of his mouth. "You've become a gremlin."
"A gremlin?" I repeated, the word sounding strange on my tongue. "But… how?"
Artoria crossed her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"I've never heard of mamonos changing species. It should be impossible."
"But what does this mean for me?" I asked, feeling a pang of anxiety. "Am I still… me?"
Jason walked over, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"You're still you, Zyss. Just now, with a little more…" He paused, looking at my ears, "features."
"But why did I become a gremlin?" I insisted, trying to understand.
Artoria uncrossed her arms, placing a hand on her chin as she thought.
"Gremlins are known for their affinity with machines and gadgets. Perhaps your passion for mechanics influenced the transformation."
"So, I changed because… I like to tinker with gadgets?" I asked in disbelief.
"It seems so," Jason replied, smiling. "And that's a good thing, Zyss. Your evolution has been into something you're interested in and have talent for."
I felt a mixture of confusion, anxiety, but also a hint of excitement. I was different, but I was still me. And apparently now I was a gremlin.
Many ideas started to cross my mind, but one stood out.
"J-Jason." I said, stuttering nervously. "If I'm a new species of mamono now… doesn't that mean you can gain more power if…" I couldn't finish speaking in embarrassment.
It took Jason a few seconds to understand, but he broke into a big smile when he realized what I meant.
[POV: Monstrous Beast]
I walk.
Heavy paws. Body aches. Each step scratches. Cold floor cuts. Wound on face burns, throbs. Sword... damn blade. Torn skin, pierced eye. Darkness on one side now.
He laughed.
Dirty sound. Laughter stuck in my head. Burns like fire.
He said: 'filthy animal'. Made me small, weak. A wolf not feel weak.
But I did.
Shame weighs heavy. Bends the body. Dried blood stinks of defeat. Short breath, bitter air. Anger grows. Humiliation eats me. I should kill human. But I ran. I ran like prey.
Hatred.
I want blood. His blood. I want teeth in the bone, I want to hear it break. I want him to scream, to look at me. To see. I am not weak. I am not small. I am a wolf. I am teeth, I am claw, I am fury.
"Interesting!" voice speaks from behind. "Your thoughts are... too complex for a simple monstrous beast."
I turn. I show teeth. I growl. Woman smells death. I don't fight, body weak. She laughs. She laughs as if I am puppy.
"I'm not your enemy." Her eyes, evil and yellow. "I need strength for a project and you will serve me well."
NO! NO! NO!
I'm a wolf. Pride. Strong beast. I'm not bitch.
"Interesting... your pride and stubbornness prevent you from monsterizing. It's difficult to use mamono mana on you like that." Woman says, looking from afar.
I not bend.
She smiles. Calm. Come close.
If I could move, I tear you apart.
"Too bad you're not interested." Her hand hovers over injured eye. "I can give you power. Power to take revenge on the one who humiliated you."
Body stops. I hear her voice.
"Ah, it looks like someone is interested?" Her eyes shine, her breath smells of rotten flesh. "After you help me, you will be free to do whatever you want with the power. You will be able to kill and devour whoever you want."
I swallow pride. Bitter. But sweet and juicy promise is. Rotten-smelling woman smiles. Smiling is not good. Smile of someone who wins.
'Give me power, dead witch.'
"Perfect." She laughs loudly. "Lucky for you the amount of mamono mana in this forest is abundant enough to transform you."
Hand glows green. Bad light. Air moves around, pink, purple mist comes to her. Mist fights, mist is chaos, but witch controls.
"It's just a matter of concentrating it and manipulating the right way." Brightness becomes strong.
Mist swirls overhead, turns into whirlwind. Whirlwind becomes small on hand.
"And add a little of my own magic, to bring out your true potential and to control you better."
Everything screams to run. But not run. I stay. I hungry . I want power. I want revenge.
Witch points green hand to me. I froze, trapped by magic. Mist surrounds me. Pain explodes.
I scream. Howl. Pain rips. Flesh twists, bone breaks, fur tears, everything changes.
Bone cracks. Muscle stretches. Skin burns. A thousand needles. Pain. Pain. ALL PAIN.
…
But something grows. Power pulses. Fill in.
Front paws lengthen. Turn different, into arms. Hands with claws. Body lifts, turns humanoid. Big breasts hurt. Firm, round rear. Fur coat recedes, thin, soft in parts.
Pain goes away. Body change stops. I take a deep breath. Air enters freely. Eye opens. Fire appears in the corner. Different world... bright colors, clear sounds.
I'm alive, I'm strong and my mind is starting to clear. Before my thoughts felt slow and heavy, like viscous slime dripping down the wall of a cave. Now I feel my mind racing, thoughts flowing like a calm, crystal clear river.
I look at my new body, completely different from what I was. It was smaller and lighter, but I felt power pulsing through my veins. I became more than a wolf.
"Impressive." She says smiling at me. "You are now a mamono, a Hellhound."
[Image]
E ai gurizada?
Next chapter will have smut or a fight, either way, I promise to try to make it epic.
But without further ado, let's get to the comments.
Comment - Sypern: lmao, I can totally tell from the a this was written that he DEFFINITLY didn't read the book. but on another note, I would imagine him with both the cursed sword and living armor, and somehow my brain thought of digimon and how they could potentially use into one temporarily, for either fun times, or battle. just an idea of course, not excepting it to actually happen. also i'm curious to see if he'd ever go to wonderland in the future, as my favorite mamonos are from there.
-Avip: At first I have no plans for him to go to Wonderland, but Wonderland monsters may appear, leave your favorites in the comments.
Comment - YuriKawe3: Dude! I felt sorry for Clarabella's story . So far she's been my favorite.
-Avip: It was really a surprise to me how many Clarabella fans there are, I'm glad you liked her.