Ethan endured the agonizing process of transformation as his body underwent profound changes. It felt as if his skin was being stretched from within while inflating at a molecular level. This torturous sensation was part of the modification process triggered by the Weapons' Constitution he had used, adapting his physique to become compatible with any weapon he would learn to wield.
The ordeal lasted for what felt like an eternity, a full hour of relentless pain, until at last, he succumbed to exhaustion and fell unconscious. The toll it had taken on him was beyond anything he had experienced before, eclipsing even the pain from the serpent's bite.
Madeleine stood anxiously by Ethan's side; her brow furrowed with concern. His breathing had stabilized, giving the appearance that he was merely sleeping, but the worry gnawed at her heart. It was already late afternoon, and despite her reassurances, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. After checking his acupoints and observing his peaceful state, she felt a slight relief, predicting that he would wake around evening.
However, as she noticed subtle changes in him—his skin tone, height, and the faint whiff of a foul smell emanating from him—her concern resurfaced. This was a sign of evolution metabolism, a process that sentient beings like humans, elves, and dwarves underwent during evolution. Such transformations were common, yet rare; all beings could experience it, but the frequency varied, making it hard to quantify. Higher-ups had concluded that the more one evolved, the greater their potential and understanding of their abilities, which led to unparalleled strength.
Ethan was currently navigating this complex phase, his evolution triggered by the Weapons' Constitution to facilitate a smoother transition into his new body.
Just as Madeleine had predicted, Ethan woke up around 4 PM, feeling refreshed and undeniably stronger. But he quickly became aware of a discomfort that made him cringe—the black, gooey substance covering his body, mixed with streaks of blood. He grimaced at the foul stench and hurried to the bathroom, needing a thorough scrub.
For half an hour, he diligently washed every inch of himself, finally tossing his ruined clothes into the wastebasket. When he checked his reflection, he was stunned.
He had grown taller, now standing at about 6 feet, his skin fairer and glowing with an almost ethereal light. It felt softer to the touch, a stark contrast to the person he had been before. His body was beginning to develop muscle, likely due to the reconstitution process. His eyes were clearer, no longer requiring glasses, and his hair had lightened to a brighter shade of red, cascading to his nape. His face appeared flawless, smooth, and radiant.
Ethan's mind raced as he recalled the information he had read about the black goo. He had undergone a significant evolution, transforming from an ordinary human into an advanced one.
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Name: Ethan Smith Junior
Current Form: [Mixed Human]
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He had gained immense strength from this evolution—far surpassing what he had achieved through his rigorous training.
Though eager to explore the remaining rewards he had received, he knew he needed to check on his mother first. He dressed in a loose-fitting white T-shirt and black shorts before heading downstairs, where he found Madeleine waiting anxiously for him.
As soon as she spotted him, her worried expression melted into sheer relief. She rushed forward, enveloping him in a tight embrace, tears glistening in her eyes. The warmth of her hug engulfed him, and despite feeling a bit awkward, he cherished the moment. Her fragrance was sweet and comforting, an anchor amidst the chaos of his recent experiences.
After several moments, they made their way to the dining hall, where the Avluvs soon joined them. They were taken aback by Ethan's transformation, particularly Harley, who blushed deeply at the sight of him. The adults exchanged knowing glances, having sensed Harley's infatuation with Ethan, but chose to remain silent about it.
When Ethan explained his evolution and the changes he had undergone, another wave of astonishment washed over the group. Harley felt a mix of happiness and envy; while she was a powerful healer, she had never experienced evolution herself. The thought of achieving such a feat, gaining newfound strength and understanding, motivated her to cultivate harder.
After dinner, they gathered in the living room to unwind, where Ethan decided to summon his Spirit Beast, the serpent. The spectacle stunned everyone—his Spirit Beast didn't emerge from a rift or portal but simply appeared, coiled elegantly around his neck.
Even Ethan was bewildered by this unexpected display. Madeleine quickly explained, "This is a unique trait of Beast Awakeners. Your Spirit Beasts are not confined to a subspace like others but are bonded to you, represented as tattoos on your body. This symbolizes a deeper connection."
Ethan glanced at his neck in the mirror that Madeleine handed him, where he saw the serpent's intricate design spiraling from its head to the base of his spine.
"Wow," he breathed, still trying to grasp the reality of his situation.
Madeleine continued to elaborate on the nature of their bond and the advantages it offered, each word deepening Ethan's understanding of his powers and potential.
As the night wore on, they all drifted into discussions about training, abilities, and the journey ahead, excitement filling the air as Ethan began to envision the future, he would carve for himself.