87 Evolving! Part 3

[Poison Tarract: Evolution Condition: Small Poison Tarract Level 10: Description: Adult form of a rare species of spider-like monster known as the Tarract kind. Possesses extremely potent poison.]

Also examine the Poison Tarract for reference.

But if evolving, it should be the other one.

Zoa Eire.

Evolution requires strict conditions. Moreover, as the鉴定 (Judgment) Lady stated, it reportedly possesses high combat capability.

Small size is also a significant factor.

Judging from the name and description, it appears to evolve along a different lineage than the Tarract kind. That’s unsettling, to be honest.

If evolving as a Tarract kind, strength increase is guaranteed.

After all, I’ve seen the evolved form with my own eyes.

The super-giant spider known as my mother.

The Greater Tarract sighted in the lower levels.

I can see it clearly—despite how far removed this is from my current weakness—that I’ll reach that level if I keep evolving.

I understand that. But the problem is, evolving means growing larger.

Sure, big can encompass small, but I still believe miniaturization is the true standard of advancement.

Compact yet high-performance.

That’s my goal.

But that’s just a pretense. Once I grow large, I won’t be able to move at all.

Take my mother, for example—how much of her actual activity range is usable?

What about the corridors I’ve passed through effortlessly until now? Suddenly blocked? Please, no.

Or better yet—imagine growing large in this magma-rich mid-layer.

I can already picture myself stepping off a narrow passage and falling into the molten flow.

Not pond-chan. Magma-chan.

I’ll die.

I don’t know how large I’ll become as an adult. But for me, the downsides of growing large are too great.

Not only does it block the passage—there’s tactical significance as well.

I’m built for evasion, after all.

The bigger it is, the bigger the target becomes. What’s the point?

If evasion is the focus, size matters—smaller is better.

Moreover, growing larger also means an increase in weight.

The heavier it is, the slower it moves.

How can you tell me to slow down when I'm already moving at maximum speed?

None, none.

That is why I do not wish to evolve into a Taratect-type.

If there were an alternative evolutionary path appearing over there, you'd want to choose that one, wouldn't you.

There is no lack of concern.

The evolution path of the Taratect species is undoubtedly strong, but the evolution path of Zoa Erel is not necessarily so.

Worst case, evolution halts entirely with only Zoa Eire.

In that case, one might ultimately have become stronger by persisting with the Taratect species.

Well, if it's going to happen, it's going to happen. No use crying over spilt milk.

Status can be increased through level-ups, and also through training outside of that.

Even a weak monster will grow strong, given care and affection.

Like me.

No, really. Compared to how strong they were at first, they’ve gotten a lot stronger.

After experiencing that initial fragility—so weak it would break at the first strike—one tends to believe most hardships can be overcome.

Thus, evolve into Zoa-El.

The issue is how to advance safely—countermeasures have been considered.

Not entirely safe, but better than nothing.

So come on, Eel Corpse!

Three-minute setting for today.

The prepared item is the corpse of an eel.

It is as such.

First, extend this.

Next, fold it from the tail end.

Take care to coil neatly.

At this stage, the key is to leave a moderate amount of space in the center.

Once the circular shape is formed, layer the eel’s body over it, then coil the tail over the top.

Work from the inside of the coil, not from the outside.

Repeat this process. When the head is placed at the center, the structure is complete.

The eel shelter is finished.

Wow—really impressive work.

Good.

Eels possess dragon scales and should be extremely hard.

Not easily damaged by minor impacts. Not a nest, but defense potential is notable.

This location should allow evolution without issue.

Prepare accordingly.

《Individual Small Poison Tarract evolving into Zoa Ere》

Yes.

Then, consciousness faded slightly.

《Evolution complete》

《Species changed to Zoa Ere》

《All base stats increased》

Skill proficiency evolution bonus acquired.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'MP Recovery Speed LV3' upgraded to 'MP Recovery Speed LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Break Enhancement LV1' upgraded to 'Break Enhancement LV2'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Slash Enhancement LV1' upgraded to 'Slash Enhancement LV2'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Poison Enhancement LV3' upgraded to 'Poison Enhancement LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Qi Combat Technique LV1' upgraded to 'Qi Combat Technique LV2'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Poison Synthesis LV7' upgraded to 'Poison Synthesis LV8'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Webbing LV9' upgraded to 'Webbing LV10'.

Condition met. Skill 'Webbing LV10' evolved into 'Universal Thread LV1'.

'Cutting Thread LV6' integrated into 'Universal Thread LV1'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Shadow Magic LV2' upgraded to 'Shadow Magic LV3'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Poison Magic LV2' upgraded to 'Poison Magic LV3'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Break Resistance LV1' upgraded to 'Break Resistance LV2'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Paralysis Resistance LV3' upgraded to 'Paralysis Resistance LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Stun Resistance LV2' upgraded to 'Stun Resistance LV3'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Tactile Enhancement LV6' upgraded to 'Tactile Enhancement LV7'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Strength LV3' upgraded to 'Strength LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Durability LV3' upgraded to 'Durability LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Guardian Law LV3' upgraded to 'Guardian Law LV4'.

Proficiency reached threshold. Skill 'Taboo LV4' upgraded to 'Taboo LV5'.

Evolution granted skill 'Corrosion Attack LV1'.

Evolution granted skill 'Slash Enhancement LV1'.

『Slash Enhancement LV1』 has been integrated into『Slash Enhancement LV2』.

Evolution granted skill『Stealth LV1』.

『Stealth LV1』 has been integrated into『Stealth LV7』.

Evolution granted skill『Silence LV1』.

Skill Points acquired.