Chapter 21: Hypocrisy

[Level: 20]

"Devour".

A swirling vortex materialized under Sam's palm, drawing in the lifeless bodies of the fallen beasts.

"I'll never become accustomed to this feeling," Sam sighed. The sensation he experienced when using his unique ability was truly remarkable. If asked to describe it, he would say, "It's like filling a void within me that I wasn't even aware existed."

<Analyzing the body of the water elemental beast>

<You have acquired sufficient resources to enhance your physical capabilities and Water elemental cores.>

<Assimilating the water elemental mana...>

<Significant improvement in water elemental core cultivation.>

<Advancing Your Physical Form...>

<The necessary conditions have been met.>

<A new quest is being assigned.>

<Ding!>

<Ding!>

<Ding!>

<You have fulfilled the concealed criteria to unlock the true potential of The Evolution System.>

<The system now recognizes its rightful owner.>

<The system evolves in tandem with the host.>

<A mission has been initiated: Embark on the Evolution>

<Devour Elemental Beasts.

Water Elemental Beasts: 0/6;

Wind Elemental Beasts: 0/10;

Fire Elemental Beasts: 0/10;

Lightning Elemental Beasts: 0/10>

<Reward: A Unique Physique>

Sam couldn't help but question his newfound ownership of the Evolution System. "I am the owner? Who held this position before me?" He expressed his frustration, placing some blame on the dragon king for any potential consequences resulting from his actions.

As Sam ventured deeper into the dark forest, he came across a considerable number of beasts. Among them were five water-elemental creatures. He understood that the mission could become more challenging if he encountered lightning-elemental beasts, as they were known for their mischief and agility.

Drawing upon his enhanced speed, Sam swiftly eliminated the water-elemental beasts. With his progression to the Mythical realm, these creatures posed no significant threat, and he didn't need to rely on his powerful breath of life ability to defeat them.

<You Leveled Up!>

<You Leveled Up!>

<You Leveled Up!>

<You Leveled Up!>

<You Leveled Up!>

He continued with his mission, consuming the remains of the deceased water elemental beasts.

<Assimilation complete>

[You have successfully absorbed the essence of the water elemental beasts, enhancing your physique and strengthening your Water elemental cores.]

<Ding!>

<Water Elemental Beasts: 10/10>

He had gained significant levels, resulting in improved sensory abilities. His senses of sight and hearing were sharper than ever before. This became evident when he heard the growl of a small creature and followed the sound to a shocking scene. Sam couldn't contain his surprise at the sight before him.

A multitude of lifeless beasts of various sizes lay scattered in his view, including lightning-elemental creatures. It was a grim and unsettling sight.

Among them, he noticed a small bunny-like creature that was crying out in pain. Sam approached it cautiously, and although the creature acknowledged his presence, it seemed to have accepted its fate. With gentle hands, he cradled the beast, finding no visible injuries or signs of poisoning. As he held the creature close and looked into its eyes, he witnessed the tears rolling down its face.

The helpless expression on its face seemed to plead, "Please end my suffering." Sam made the difficult decision to grant its wish, gently twisting its neck and closing his eyes as he felt its life slip away.

Despite acknowledging his hypocrisy, Sam couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and remorse. Killing an adult or mature beast was one thing, but taking the life of a baby creature was another matter entirely. He harbored a deep anger towards the individual responsible for such heinous acts.

His attention turned to the other fallen beasts in the area, and he was puzzled by the circumstances surrounding their deaths. This region was known for being dominated by water elemental creatures, yet there were casualties from different elemental types as well.

How had they met their demise? They showed no visible wounds or signs of poisoning. As Sam observed the fallen beasts, especially the larger ones, he had a bold idea. He activated his ability, focusing on analyzing the deceased creatures and their surroundings.

<Ability: Devour has been Activated>

He consumed all the elemental beasts, a total of 150 creatures representing various elements. However, he refrained from devouring the small or baby-like beasts.

<Analyzing the bodies of the elemental beasts>

<Analyzing the water elemental beast's body>

<Analyzing the Earth elemental beast's body>

<Analyzing the Fire elemental beast's body>

<Analyzing the elemental beast's body>

<Analyzing the Lightning elemental beast's body>

<Analyzing the...>

<Analyzing the...>

<Analyzing the...>

<You have obtained sufficient resources to enhance your physique and Water elemental cores.>

<Absorbing the essence of water elemental mana...>

<Absorbing the essence of wind elemental mana...>

<Absorbing the essence of fire elemental mana...>

<Absorbing the essence of Earth elemental mana...>

<Absorbing the essence of Lightning elemental mana...>

<Absorbing the...>

<Absorbing the...>

<Absorbing the...>

<Advancing Your Physique...>

<Congratulations! You have reached the pinnacle of mortal cultivation for your elemental cores.>

<You have fulfilled the hidden condition to unlock a new special class.>

<You have achieved mastery in elemental cultivation within the mortal realm.>

<You possess an affinity for all five natural elements.>

<You have obtained the special class.>

<New Class Acquired: Elemental Lord>

<Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest.>

<Quest: Let The Evolution begin>

<Devour Elemental Beasts.

Water Elemental Beasts: 6/6;

Wind Elemental Beasts: 10/10;

Fire Elemental Beasts: 10/10;

Lightning Elemental Beasts: 10/10

<Reward: Pure Chaos Elemental Beast Body>

<Accept Reward?>

"I accept." Immediately after his acceptance, an intense and unfamiliar sensation surged through his body. It was a sensation that can only be described as excruciating, akin to a sharp blow to a sensitive area. Sam's body gave way, and he fell to his knees before collapsing onto the ground.

For what felt like an eternity, he remained on the ground, enduring the relentless pain that seemed to numb his entire being. Beads of sweat formed on his face, mixing with a dark liquid that oozed from his pores, a result of the toxins and malevolent elements that had previously inhabited his body.

As time passed, he finally heard a sound that signaled the conclusion of the ordeal.

<Ding!>

<The assimilation process is complete.>

A message materialized before him, indicating the successful assimilation of the recently acquired physique into Sam's body.

.....

[The Evolution System]

[Host: Sam Verninne/Tatsuya (Mortal)]

[Titles: The Miracle Child]

[Race: Half Mage, Half Hero (Unique)]

[Class: Magic Swordsman (Unique), Elemental Lord (Special)]

[Mana Cultivation: Mythical Realm]

[Magic Comprehension: 1st Circle (perfected)]

[Origin Core(s): 3 (97%).]

[Physique: Pure Chaos Elemental Beast Body]

[Stats:

Strength: 75

Agility: 75

Speed: 75

Spirit: 75

Stamina: 75

Heroic Energy: 75 (7500)

Origin Mana: 3 (300)

Stat Points: 25]

[Affinities: Wind (100%), Fire (100%), water (100%), earth (100%), Lightning (100%).]

[Bloodlines: Verninne (Mage Bloodline), Tatsuya (Hero Bloodline)]

[Skills: Dance of Swords (Breath of Life), Mana Sense, Speed, Heroic Sense, Influence (Unique)]

[Abilities: Devour (Unique)]

[Spells: Wind Blast, Wind Blade, Concealment, Transmission, Silence, Lumos, Heal, Barrier, Fireball, Water Sphere, Boulder Toss, Earth Dome, Stone Skin, Flame Spike, Exploding Fist]