The System didn't wait for consent.
> [Mutation Threshold Reached]
[Path Divergence Detected]
Initiating Evolution Tree:
—Loading…
—Analyzing Biomass...
—Cross-species compatibility: 78%
—Corruption Ratio: 19%
—Human Retention Rate: 61%
> Choose One:
🔥 Path of the Reaper (Stealth Predator – Shadow-based skills, limb dislocation, null-mana field)
🧬 Path of the Hybrid (Human-Control Core – Retains sanity, gains adaptive transformation, limited speech traits)
💀 Path of the Ravager (Brute Mutation – Permanent form shift, raw destruction, regenerative biomass)
Rei stood in the Rift-space—an infinite black void with glowing screens floating around him.
He could feel the choices pulling at him.
The Reaper whispered of freedom.
The Ravager howled for blood.
But the Hybrid...
> "I stay in control?" Rei whispered.
> [Yes. Partial humanity retained. Personality anchor enabled.]
> "But I keep evolving."
> [Correct. Transformation will continue—adapting to all devoured classes.]
He clenched his fist.
> "I choose Hybrid."
The system shimmered.
> [You have chosen: The Hybrid Path]
Form Evolution: 1st Sequence – Incomplete]
Stability: 57% | Sanity: Anchored]
Suddenly, a blinding pain tore through his body.
---
▓ Reality — Luka's Hideout
Rei collapsed on the floor, convulsing.
Bones cracked. Skin rippled. His limbs expanded and shrank in flashes of bladed chitin and scorched bone. A glowing glyph carved itself across his chest like molten tattoo.
Luka panicked. "Rei?! What the hell are you—"
> [Evolution Sequence Incomplete – Cocoon State Triggered]
And just like that, Rei's body was sealed in a jagged black chrysalis.
Alive. But changing.
---
▓ Hours Later…
When Rei woke up, he wasn't the same.
His hands were human again. But with black veins webbing under the surface. His eyes still glowed faintly red, but his voice had returned.
He could speak. Think. Breathe normally.
But more than that… he felt cleaner.
Stronger. Focused.
The hunger was still there—but tamed. Not screaming.
> [Path Chosen: Hybrid]
Trait Unlocked: Adaptive Evolution – Form Shift Lv. 1
Trait Unlocked: Cognitive Anchor – Immunity to Madness]
Skill Acquired: Flesh Sculpt – Reconfigure limbs to offensive/defensive forms
Luka stared at him like he'd seen a god crawl out of a sarcophagus.
"You're… talking again."
"I can control it now," Rei said, voice low but steady. "I'm still me."
"For now," Luka muttered.
---
▓ Meanwhile – Edge of Sector 12
A silver-haired girl stood at the collapsed remains of the Rift where Rei had killed the Apex Serpent.
She crouched, fingers brushing the dried blood, then closed her eyes.
A memory flooded in.
The taste of fire. The echo of screams. The scent of… him.
> "So the Devourer finally woke up," she whispered.
A crest appeared above her hand—a shimmering glyph shaped like a serpent eating its own tail.
> [Bloodline Detected: Sleeper of the First Cycle]
Her eyes opened, glowing blue with ancient knowledge.
> "He doesn't know what he's becoming. But I do."
"I have to find him—before they do."
---
▓ That Night – Back at the Hideout
Rei stood alone on the rooftop.
He flexed his fingers—then reshaped his right hand into a jagged blade. Clean, elegant. Then shifted it back.
It no longer hurt.
His mind didn't spiral.
> "The Hybrid Path," he whispered. "Not a monster… not yet."
Suddenly—he froze.
From the street below, he felt it.
A presence. Watching.
He looked down.
And saw her.
Silver-haired. In a cloak. One glowing blue eye.
She didn't move. Just stared. Then—
> She vanished.
Rei's claws grew slightly, his breath sharp.
> "What the hell was that…?"
The system whispered.
> [Unknown Entity Detected – Similar Evolution Signature]
Tracking Disabled.]
---
📘 Character Update:
New Path: Hybrid – Tier 1 Unlocked
Level: 8 (Mutation-based stat increase)
Traits Unlocked:
Adaptive Evolution Lv. 1: Shift limbs to suit combat conditions
Cognitive Anchor: Prevents mental breakdown from further evolution
Stability: 57%
Sanity Anchor: ⚫⚫⚫⚫⚪
Next Evolution Trigger: 3 Devours (Elite-Class or above)