Chapter 28: Choice

'So I can only choose three options huh?', Miles thought as he observed a small evolution tree panel before him. He could see roots further extending outward, and some even crisscrossed. It might get complex later on, but for now, Miles only had three options to choose from. Adolescent Silver Fox, Adolescent Arctic Fox, or Adolescent Grey Fox.

Miles knew there were various species of foxes. They adapt to whatever environment they are a part of. With that thought in mind, he started reviewing each option present to him.

[Adolescent Silver Fox]

 -The next stage of Host's current Species. They are a subspecies of Red Foxes, and are highly sought after for its fur. Known for their intelligence, they often like to assert dominance over other foxes. They can easily form packs, and can become pack leaders.

  -Evolution Perk 1: Skill Upgrade criteria will unlock for Howl, allowing it to upgrade to Insidious Howl.

  -Evolution Perk 2: Host's current Agility will increase by 50%.

  -Evolution Perk 3: A new Stat will get unlocked in Host's Status Window, INT.

  -Evolution Perk 4: A new Skill will be available to Host: Leadership.

[Adolescent Arctic Fox]

 -A Species of fox now available for Host to choose. They are known to thrive in arctic and chilly environments. They have very thick fur, and are expert cave dwellers. Burrowing is no problem for them. They can also survive in extreme temperatures, allowing them to swim across freezing waters with ease.

  -Evolution Perk 1: Skill Upgrade criteria will unlock for Burrow, allowing it to upgrade to Earth-Walk.

  -Evolution Perk 2: Host will unlock a new element, Earthbending.

  -Evolution Perk 3: Host's current Endurance will increase by 100%.

  -Evolution Perk 4: A new Skill will be available to Host: Snow Cloak.

[Adolescent Gray Fox]

 -A Species of fox now available for Host to choose. Gray foxes are crafty, cunning creatures. They like to attack where one would least expect to. Honing their claws, they can maneuver in almost any environment. They can climb any surface with ease, allowing them to flee at a moment's notice. They have much sharper claws than other known fox species.

 -Evolution Perk 1: Innate Ability will evolve into Silver Claws.

 -Evolution Perk 2: Current Strength will increase by 50%.

 -Evolution Perk 3: Protean(+) will trigger Skill Upgrade, upgrading into Protean II(+).

 -Evolution Perk 4: Skill Upgrade criteria will unlock for Traction, allowing it to upgrade into Expert Climber.

Miles just blankly stared at the evolution perks of each path that he could choose from.

'You're really making this tough on me, aren't you, System?', Miles retorted. Half-expecting a response, silence spread inside his burrow after his thoughts stilled for a moment. Miles quickly shook that thought away, and started going over each option again. Each one appeared to target a different stat he had, which made the choice even harder.

'There isn't a right or wrong answer here...',  Miles mused, debating on which one to choose. 'If I continue being a Silver Fox, I'm sure I will attract hunters far and wide. I wouldn't have an easy time sneaking into Wolverine's town to check in on its present situation. To supplement that, it will provide an increase in agility in case I find myself in tough situations, eh?', Miles wondered. 'And there's the whole thing about being a pack leader. I guess Silver foxes have a lot more charisma to lead other foxes? Do foxes even form packs? I did see that arctic fox pack, but I don't know if that's a frequent sight...', Miles continued, unsure.

'Choosing to be an Arctic Fox, on the other hand, has a much more interesting set of perks. They can navigate with ease in harsh, snowy landscapes. I do have plans to build an underground network, and just that alone is tempting me to choose Arctic Fox. It's even going to give me an element that foxes aren't used to using either!', Miles exclaimed, excited by the fact that he can learn Earthbending if he chose Arctic Fox.

'But then again, if I upgrade Basic Foxfire in the future, there's a chance I could learn elements that foxes aren't used to using then. I did see the system is unlocking criteria to skills that couldn't be upgraded, since they didn't have a (+). I do wonder, is this solely bound by the Evolution Tree? Or is that what that Skill Upgrade Coupon was referring to? I haven't used the Steel Claws Upgrade Coupon, so will it advance another tier beyond Silver?', Miles continued to ponder. His thoughts swirled around in his head, unable to get a clear answer.

'But above all else, surviving is most paramount to me. Getting a chance to upgrade an Innate Ability is much rarer than letting my skills go through skill upgrades that can't normally be upgraded. I'm sure more options will come down the road. I might miss my glossy, black fur if I choose this option though...', Miles inwardly thought. A cute, sad yip escaped from Miles's mouth as his tail flopped down onto the ground.

'I can't be sad about this. This will be a good step forward.', Miles decisively thought. 'Choose Adolescent Gray Fox'.', Miles decided. Reacting to his decision, he heard a notification.

[Ding! Host selected to evolve into Adolescent Gray Fox. Once the selection has been made, Host will not be able to make any changes. Does Host wish to proceed?], The Divine Fox System asked.

'Yes.', Miles confirmed.

[Ding! Host has chosen Adolescent Gray Fox for First Evolution. Once the bodily reconstruction process begins, Host will not be able to move around, and will enter a state of deep sleep.]

[Ding! Required Time Duration: 7 months.]

'Wait. what?', Miles exclaimed. 'I'm going to be out for an entire seven months!?', Miles continued.

Not surprisingly, Miles didn't hear his System say anything. He just heard silence, causing Miles's thoughts to stir again.

'On the bright side, it'll push me closer to meeting Wolverine, I guess?', Miles wondered. 'I won't even have half a year to complete that mission for that matter either...', Miles continued.

Sadly for Miles, those thoughts could only last for a brief moment before his mind felt abruptly cut off. Trailing off, a heavy sensation of wanting to fall asleep swept his mind. Seeing the timer start ticking down on the evolution tree panel, Miles's body slumped down, and curled up into a ball of fluff again.

He couldn't even think clearly anymore as he wandered off into dreamland. In the back of his head, he heard one final notification.

[Ding! Host's First Evolution has begun. Time remaining: 211:23:59:59...]

Thankfully Miles was secured inside his burrow. The wooden slab was tightly shut, and it was snowing again, causing snow to get pushed up against it. Miles did make the largest tree in the surroundings his home, but since he chose a spot that was at the base of the tree, it was hard to spot with how much snow there was flying around. He wasn't at risk of predators accidentally stumbling upon his burrow during his deep sleep period.

It was almost as if a huge time lapse started to occur, and the sands of time began to churn. Miles's mind was in the void during this deep sleep and he couldn't think about anything.

Hours soon turned into days, and days soon turned into months. The days where the sun peeked out to say hello started to increase more and more, and the snowfall all around Cold Lake began to melt. In its place, lush green grass took over, and different kinds of birds came out to play as their migration ended. Chirping sounds wound echo all around the lake. The fishes that rested deep inside the lake itself started to pop out, jumping out of the water in joy. Flowers began to bloom, and the buzzing of bees started to pollinate the flowers. Various kinds of animals that had hibernated during the winter also came out of their respective burrows and dens to say hello.

The wolves retreated further inside the mountains, and the foxes parted ways, or began to seek out mates to continue their generation.

Spring has blossomed.

*

Now this is the start of the time skip I was referring to~