Ch. 8 – Shadow Step Tanuki

Moving around within the unit, Yves discovered a more expansive area to lay out the items. As Yves opened the box, a collection of intriguing items revealed themselves. Each held a unique appearance, promising to play a crucial role in Taro's evolution.

First up was the Advanced Shadow Spiritwood Twig, a thin and smooth black masterpiece. Yves was amazed at its lightweight yet strong build, with delicate patterns etched along its length. It seemed like a mysterious twig that could unlock a lot of potential.

Following closely was the Lesser Shadow Crystal, a tiny crystal with a core wrapped in a smoky veil. Its see-through outer layer allowed a peek into mesmerizing swirls within. When Yves raised it to the light, the crystal glittered, and he could almost feel the chilling, enchanting energy radiating from it.

Right after came the Lesser Mana Crystal, a delicate and clear gem, softly radiating a magical glow. Resting in Yves' palm, it buzzed with dormant energy. Despite its unassuming appearance, the crystal held the potential to significantly boost magical abilities.

Moving on to the bundles, Yves found the Standard Dark Grass—soft, deep purple strands that glowed mysteriously.

Yves was then greeted by the Standard Shadow Leaves. These leaves were both classy and strong, with a smooth surface covered in detailed, shadowy patterns.

In the box's second layer, there were supplies for growing the Blueberry Blood Shrub.

Standard Fertilizer, neatly packaged bags of dark, nutrient-rich fertilizer. The granules had a fine texture and emitted a subtle earthy scent.

Beside it was the Black Iron-order Monster's Blood, sturdy containers holding a dark liquid with a faint iron-like scent.

Seeing the exciting collection of items spread out, Yves couldn't wait to involve Taro in the whole process. "Taro, come over here!" Yves said, calling out his pet monster who was having a cozy nap on the sofa.

Taro, still a bit sleepy, hopped off the sofa and trotted over. The Softstep Tanuki looked up at the things Yves had arranged. As Taro's eyes landed on the materials, a sudden burst of energy replaced his sleepiness.

Taro's nose twitched, and his eyes lit up with enthusiasm. It wasn't just curiosity, he appeared genuinely captivated, as if the sight of these items had triggered an instinctual response. A look of anticipation spread across Taro's face, and his mouth started to water, with tiny droplets forming at the corners he stared at the resources.

Seeing Taro's eager reaction, Yves couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like you're excited, buddy. These are for your evolution, you know?

Taro, seemingly understanding, wagged his tail and made a soft, happy noise. It was as if he knew these items were special and meant something significant for his growth.

Yves started the evolution process by presenting the Advanced Shadow Spiritwood Twig to Taro. The Softstep Tanuki eagerly accepted the offering, munching on the mysterious twig with audible delight. The crunching sound filled the room as Taro savored every bite.

Moving on, Yves then offered the two crystals – the Lesser Shadow Crystal and the Lesser Mana Crystal. Taro, with wide eyes, didn't hesitate. Instead of chewing, he swallowed the crystals whole. It was a peculiar sight, but the magical glow in Taro's eyes indicated the assimilation of their properties.

The bundles of Standard Dark Grass were next in line. Taro devoured them with a fervor that suggested more than just a simple appetite. Each strand disappeared into his mouth, leaving Yves both amused and astonished.

Following the grass, Taro indulged in the Standard Shadow Leaves. Yves watched as the elegant leaves vanished one by one, a testament to Taro's growing appetite and the magical influence of the items.

With each consumption, Yves could sense a change in the air. The room became charged with an otherworldly energy as Taro finished devouring the items. Hovering in mid-air, Taro was soon enveloped in a dark cocoon. The transformation had begun, and Yves could only stand by, observing Taro undergo the mysterious process of evolution.

"Finally, Taro. You're evolving. This is a moment we've patiently awaited." Yves muttered. A glint of tears appeared in his eyes, expressing the happiness he felt. He quickly wiped them away, replacing the emotions with a calm and determined smile.

Yves remained in place, his gaze never wavering from the dark cocoon enclosing Taro. Five minutes passed, then ten, and still, there was no sign of movement. The tension and worry hung in the air as time ticked away. It wasn't until the 20-minute mark that faint movements started to appear in the cocoon.

With the clock ticking away and reaching the 30-minute milestone, the cocoon finally began to crack and break apart. A luminous light spilled out, revealing Taro's new appearance.

Taro's body had undergone remarkable changes. His once small frame had grown significantly larger, now possessing a sleek and well-defined physique. His fur, once shiny black, had taken on a deeper, more mysterious hue that appeared to absorb and blend with the shadows around him.

Taro's tail had morphed into a swirling mass of darkness, and each paw showcased more defined, razor-sharp claws. Despite the increase in size, Taro managed to preserve the delightful, cute characteristics that had always captured Yves' affection.

Yves couldn't contain his amazement as he witnessed Taro's transformation. "Taro, you look incredible!"

Taro, now a Shadow Step Tanuki, responded with a cheerful sound. He moved with newfound agility, effortlessly hopping and circling around Yves. Taro's swirling tail left a trail of darkness in the air, resembling a living shadow.

Yves keenly observed the transformed Taro, noticing that he had become two or three times faster than before. It was like watching a blur of movement as Taro navigated the room with incredible speed.

Yet, Yves couldn't shake the feeling that Taro was holding back, not revealing the full extent of his enhanced abilities. It hinted at the possibility that Taro could achieve even greater speed, leaving Yves both impressed and curious about the untapped potential within Taro's evolved form.

Focusing his eyes on Taro, Yves decided to check out the new information about his pet monster.

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⊂ Shadow Step Tanuki ⊃ (Taro)

Grade: Green Bronze-order

Realm: ☆

Species: Tanukius Umbralis/Noctisaurum

Special Trait: Shadow Step

Affinity: Shadow

Ability: Eclipse Blitz Dash, Shadow Claw Slash, Shadow Fang Barrage, Shadow Mirage, Shadow Veil

Evolution Route: Unlockable at Blue Silver-order Realm

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"Whoa! Taro, everything about you has changed!" Yves exclaimed, marveling at the holographic display.

"Green Bronze-order Grade now and you've got a new special trait – Shadow Step. Your affinity has shifted to Shadow."

As Yves scanned the skills list, he squinted in amazement. "Shadow Mirage and Shadow Veil, totally new abilities. You've leveled up, Taro!"

Curious, Yves tapped into the skill section, unveiling detailed explanations for each of Taro's newly acquired abilities.

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Ability:

⊂ Eclipse Blitz Dash ⊃

: Taro swiftly dashes, almost like blinking in and out of sight, boosted by the essence of an eclipse. Shadows wrap around him, making him move faster and harder to follow.

⊂ Shadow Claw Slash ⊃

: Taro's claws are infused with shadow magic, delivering precise and potent slashes. The shadows intensify the cutting power, leaving opponents affected by the lingering essence of the shadow realm.

⊂ Shadow Fang Barrage ⊃

: A rapid sequence of shadow-infused bites. Each bite overwhelms foes with intensified darkness, creating a disorienting barrage that leaves opponents both physically and mentally weakened.

⊂ Shadow Mirage ⊃

: Taro, while moving, creates illusions that mirror his actions. These illusions confound enemies, making it challenging to discern Taro's real location.

⊂ Shadow Veil ⊃

: Taro shrouds himself in a protective shadow veil, becoming immune to physical damage for a limited duration. Additionally, the veil grants him the ability to seamlessly pass through obstacles, rendering him temporarily invisible and untouchable to his opponents.

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"Eclipse Blitz Dash. A speedy move, that can make Taro practically blink in and out of sight. Shadows boosting speed? This could be handy for quick escapes or surprise attacks." Yves thought. He couldn't help but draw a connection, realizing that this skill must have evolved from Taro's old Quick Dash ability, now refined and more potent.

He then turned his attention to Shadow Claw Slash. "Precise slashes with shadow magic. That lingering essence adds an extra punch. It's an upgrade from his Light Claw Swipe, no doubt."