Chapter 48: A bright new day. (continued 2)

Finding a safe place to evolve the eleven grabbed a core evolution from the menu. They were incapacitated for what seemed to be about an hour or two. In the meantime I got to know Dr'va a bit more. It seems that Dr'va is over one hundred years old and still young for what they consider an age of mushroom people. They seem to be training for the frontlines with everyday that goes by, and it seems that what we are doing out here today is one of the many tasks they must do this far out from mushroom 'cities'. They're essentially country folk. From what I can tell from what Dr'va described is that we are at the very edge of fungal forest territory, explaining why we see more creatures then normal. The Fact that a fungal beast from the front lines made it this far is sheer luck.

With the battle against the swarm of infantile Arbor Liliums behind us and the evolution process of the eleven complete, Dr'va wasted no time in ushering us onward to our next destination. His demeanor was firm and resolute, a silent reminder that our journey was far from over and that there were still challenges ahead that demanded our attention.

As we followed Dr'va deeper into the heart of the forest, our senses remained on high alert, scanning our surroundings for any signs of danger. The air was thick with the scent of plant matter and earth, and the sounds of the forest echoed around us, creating a sense of anticipation and tension that hung in the air like a heavy fog.

With each step forward, we drew closer to our destination, our footsteps echoing through the dense undergrowth as we pressed onward with unwavering determination. Dr'va moved with a quiet confidence, his keen eyes scanning the terrain for any signs of trouble as he led the way with purposeful strides.

As I plunged deeper into the heart of the forest, my senses heightened, alert to any sign of danger lurking in the shadows. The air was thick with the scent of plant matter and earth, and the sounds of the forest seemed to pulse around me, a symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds filling the air with an eeriness.

Suddenly, a growl echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down my spine. Instinctively, my hand went to my spear, my muscles tense and ready for action as I scanned the undergrowth for any sign of movement.

Then, with a roar of fury, the creatures burst from the shadows, a relentless swarm of Infantile Arbor Lilium converging upon us with deadly intent. Their twisted forms moved with an unnatural grace, their eyes gleaming with malevolent energy as they closed in on their prey.

Without hesitation, I sprang into action, my spear in dappled sunlight as I charged forward to meet the approaching horde. Beside me, my companions moved in unison, their attacks coordinated and precise as we sought to repel the creatures with all our might.

[You have defeated a Level 5 Infantile Arbor Lilium]

[You have gained XP.]

[You have reached Level 9. One skill point awarded.]

[You have defeated a Level 4 Infantile Arbor Lilium]

[You have gained XP.]

…

But despite our best efforts, the Arbor Lilium seemed to overwhelm us with their sheer numbers, their relentless assault wearing down our defenses with each passing moment. For every creature we struck down, two more seemed to take its place, their ferocity undiminished by our efforts.

[You have defeated a Level 2 Infantile Arbor Lilium]

[You have gained XP.]

…

With our backs against the wall, we fought with a desperate ferocity, our resolve unyielding even in the face of overwhelming odds. Waves of fire engulfed the Arbor Lilium as we unleashed our most powerful attacks, each strike fueled by a primal fury that seemed to shake the very foundations of the forest.

[You have defeated a Level 3 Infantile Arbor Lilium]

[You have gained XP.]

[You have reached Level 10. One skill point awarded.]

[You have reached the Level cap. Evolution menu available.]

[Intermediate Celestial Lance Dance has reached level 5. Upgrade available]

…

But just when it seemed that all hope was lost, a surge of energy coursed through me, filling me with renewed strength and determination. Drawing on the depths of my inner power, I unleashed a final, devastating assault against the Arbor Lilium, my spear piercing through their ranks with a resounding crunch.

[You have defeated a Level 3 Infantile Arbor Lilium]

…

As the last of the creatures fell before us, I took a moment to catch my breath, my body bathed in sweat and blood as I surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Though battered and bruised, I stood victorious against the relentless onslaught, my spirit undaunted by the trials I had faced.

I used my healing gland to restore myself once again, along with my Regenerative Growth ability. I could see the others following suit, recouping themselves together. This was enough to bring the eleven to their second evolution and me to my third. 

First things first I have to gather my biomass laying on the battlefield. I wrap an Arbor Lilium in my Hyphae. Going through each and everyone we can get our hands on.

[You have gained one Biomass.]

[You have gained one Biomass.]

[You have gained one Biomass.]

…

I asked Dr'va if we could have some time to rest. We were able to clear the hoard much faster than anticipated. He said we have plenty of time left before we need to start moving toward the final zone.

Let's check what status looks like right now to see if there is anything we need to get out of the way.

Status!

Name: Gravitas 

Body: Main

Level: 10 (core)(II)

Strength: 23

Agility: 18

Vitality: 23

Intelligence: 32

Dexterity: 22

Wisdom: 27

Willpower: 27

HP: 50/50

MP: 50/50

Skills: Hyphae Generation Level 5(I); Spore Burst Level 2(I); Regenerative Growth level 5(I); Poison Resistance level 2(I); Cell Harvesting level 5(I); Cell Absorption level 4(I); Low-tier Fungal Martial Arts level 5(I); Enhanced Silent Lotus Dance level 4(II); Intermediate Eternal Lotus Elegy level 4(II); Intermediate Celestial Lance Dance level 5(II); Mana Shaping level 1(II); External Mana Manipulation level 5(I); Enhanced Mind Magic Affinity level 3(II); Time Magic Affinity level 2(I); Illusion Magic Affinity level 5(I); Core Mechanic level 3(I); Navigator Level 5(I); Intermediate Puppeteering level 5(II);

Mutations: Hyphae left humanoid leg, Hyphae right humanoid leg, Hyphae left humanoid arm, Hyphae right humanoid arm, Hyphae photoreceptive eyes, Hyphae Voice Box +2, Chitin +1, Mental Magic Gland, Illusion Magic Gland, Time Magic Gland, Death Magic Gland, Healing Magic Gland, Space Magic Gland, Chaos Magic Gland. Hyphae Neural Network +5.

Species: Adolescent Glimmer Cap Mushroom Puppeteer

Skill Points: 5

Biomass: 36

Skill Menu. I need to get Healing Magic Affinity, Death Magic Affinity, Space Magic Affinity, Chaos Magic Affinity, and Metal Magic Affinity.

[Would you like to purchase the skills Healing Magic Affinity, Death Magic Affinity, Space Magic Affinity, Chaos Magic Affinity, and Metal Magic Affinity? Requires 5 skill points.]

Yes!

Mutations menu. I'd like to get one Metal Magic Gland.

[Would you like to purchase the Metal Magic Gland? Requires 1 Biomass.]

Yes!

Time to evolve.

[Would you like to use the Evolution menu?]

Yes!

[Congratulations on reaching the maximum Level for your current species. Evolution will allow you to change your form and increase your stats as a monster.

Warning: Evolving will make securing XP and Biomass more difficult as fewer rewards are given for preying on creators less evolved than yourself.

Your evolution options are as follows: 

 - Glimmer Cap Mushroom Master Puppeteer

 - (Unique)Adolescent Macabre Verdant Mane Fungus Paradox Puppeteer]

[Glimmer Cap Mushroom Master Puppeteer - Advance from an adolescent of your kind into an adult. Base stats will significantly increase, new skills will be unlocked.]

[Adolescent Macabre Verdant Mane Fungus Paradox Puppeteer - Both a harbinger of life and a herald of death, a guardian of secrets and a keeper of mysteries, forever bound to the intricate dance of existence itself. Base stats will significantly increase, new skills will be unlocked.]

I choose Adolescent Macabre Verdant Mane Fungus Paradox Puppeteer!

And as I say that my vision fades to black. The next thing I know I'm surrounded by strangers. Well three faces I don't recognize at least, the rest look pretty familiar. Harbingers of death, we all put it together simultaneously. Absorbing the fungal dragon's flesh has led us down a bad path. We knew exactly what we picked when we picked it too. No one said we had to be good guys right? As long as we aren't harming those who are kind to us there should be no problems. 

We simultaneously turn to Dr'va and Yona. What did they think of seeing us go through this transmutation? In a voice barely mustering confidence "G-GGravitas i-s that you?"