89. Change through Evolution

The only change noted in the status screen is the sudden increase in skill points.

It should have increased by twenty per level, yet it has grown by two hundred and eighty since the last check.

Assuming sixty came from three level-ups, where did the remaining two hundred and twenty come from?

Does evolution grant bonus points?

If so, the earlier inconsistency in skill point calculations makes sense.

Still, more points are better, I suppose.

With five hundred available, I might find a worthwhile skill.

I’ll review the full list of obtainable skills later.

For now, something else is more pressing.

I noticed it while peeling the eel’s scales—my body’s shape has changed slightly.

The two front claws, once sharp and pointed, now resemble thin sickles.

And this sickle—its edge is remarkably sharp.

The scale removal that once took great effort—now completed in mere moments.

The scales themselves did not cut, but the separation between scale and skin occurred smoothly.

Was this due to increased attack power, or is the sickle simply sharper?

The body color has also darkened.

Previously dark, now entirely black.

A black that reflects no light.

Black. Utterly black.

Cannot confirm the entire body, as there is no mirror, but that is about the extent of the change?

No noticeable shift in size.

Yet, likely, many subtle details have changed—unnoticed.

Previously, as the same Taratect species, evolution brought no visible transformation.

This evolution, however, has altered the species.

Comparison would reveal differences in various parts.

Mirrors are inconvenient when needed.

Cannot even verify one’s own appearance.

The movement feels natural enough. No sense of discomfort so far.

The overall structure hasn’t changed drastically. Movement remains consistent with prior capability.

Before evolution, I didn’t notice physical changes at all.

Slight relief that nothing major has shifted.

Still, this scythe has undergone significant change.

It almost sounds like a sharp, resonant tone when drawn.

More precisely, this scythe evokes the image of a reaper.

The description listed “omen of death” and includes corrosive attack properties. That’s likely the intent.

The ninja style remains unchanged. But as it develops, it may shift toward reaper style.

Check the updated skill levels.

Strength and Durability have both increased. Good.

This increases the growth modifier again.

Status values have improved significantly. Still, facing an eel-level opponent remains a considerable disadvantage.

His Poison Synthesis and Poison Magic, as well as Shadow Magic, have leveled up.

The magic cannot be used, so that is acceptable. But I should examine what has been added to Poison Synthesis.

[Attribute Application: Paralysis] — Adds Paralysis attribute.

What?

T-this... this is!

I may have acquired something truly extraordinary!

Since reaching the mid-tier, Poison Synthesis has been exceptionally effective. Now it has evolved further!

Ugh.

This must be tested immediately.

Therefore, I added the Paralysis attribute to Spider Venom.

The exact effect will be tested thoroughly at a later time.

Ah, but Spider Venom will kill most opponents instantly.

I’ll apply the Paralysis attribute to Weak Poison instead. Yes, that’s acceptable.

For the next opponent, I’ll first use this Paralysis-affected Weak Poison.

Ah, I’m looking forward to it.

Ah, I should鉴定 this one too—Shadow Magic and Poison Magic added.

『Poison Resistance: Temporarily increases Poison Resistance』

Hm.

A magic that boosts my own Poison Resistance, is it?

Not necessary for me.

In fact, enemies who use Poison—aren’t they usually high in Poison Resistance to begin with?

Does this magic even have much value?

Either way, I can’t use it.

Ah—wait.

Could this be used on allies, originally?

If I cast this on my entire party against an enemy who uses Poison, that alone would shift the battle in our favor.

Ah.

I’ve always been alone—never thought of such things.

Then it’s a perfectly usable magic.

Or, depending on the opponent, it could even be a trump card.

I see.

Still, doesn’t matter to me either way!

Wait—

But hold on.

Do I really not have the ability to use magic at all?

Parallel thinking and computational processing have improved significantly.

Perhaps it's time to try detection.

...

It's been a while. Let's test it.

Suuu—hah.

Good!

Detection activated!

Ghah!

Nnggghh!

Kk!

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Computational Processing LV7' upgraded to 'Computational Processing LV8'.]

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Parallel Thinking LV5' upgraded to 'Parallel Thinking LV6'.]

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Detection LV6' upgraded to 'Detection LV7'.]

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Heretic Resistance LV3' upgraded to 'Heretic Resistance LV4'.]

Off!

Phew.

That was intense.

But I endured longer than before.

I can barely withstand it, but I advanced one step.

The direction was correct.

Still unlikely to master it completely, but a glimmer of hope is beginning to appear.

Updated the activity report with a Q&A section.