Chapter 11: Evolution for the future.

That was tough! I can't believe it's an evolution so soon, I figured it would be a couple more levels. Fully healing from my injuries as I level up. 

Master Shikan looks at me with approving eyes "You're doing great young one, your form is still lacking and your transitions need work but, good nonetheless. You're permitted free time for the rest of the day spend it as you must"

I run over to the meditation pool and sit crossed legged on a mushroom. 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: 

 - Adolescent Glimmer Cap Mushroom Gatherer

- Adolescent Glimmer Cap Mushroom Martial Artist

- Condense Monster Core]

What are these evolutions? I wonder if I can get more detail on them. As I think that, the descriptions appear.

[Adolescent Glimmer Cap Mushroom Gatherer - Advance from a Infantile of your kind into adolescent. Base stats will significantly increase, new skills will be unlocked.]

[Adolescent Glimmer Cap Mushroom Martial Artist - Advance from a Infantile of your kind into adolescent. Base stats will significantly increase, new skills will be unlocked.]

[Condense Monster Core - Condense Mana absorbed by the individual into a monster core. The core allows monsters to store and utilize MP. Can also be utilized to empower custom evolution. 100% of Mana required has been obtained.]

MANA! I'm going to have to go with the condensed monster core option.

[Would you like to spend this evolution to Condense your Monster Core?]

Yes!

As I say so my vision fades to black and I lose consciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness I feel a burning hot sensation in my stem around where my chest area would be. I realize there is a new aperture in there, something I would have never been able to find in the world I came from. The monster core has formed! I can hardly wait to see what it does.

The first thing I do knowing that magic cores equate to mana is look through the skill menu and mutation menu I find an assortment of affinities and magic property based attacks. There seems to be these weird glands I can get with magic imbuements.

[Skills available to purchase:

Mana Manipulation: Cost 1 SP. Basic skill to manipulate absorbed mana.

Mental Magic Affinity: Cost 1 SP. Enables manipulation of thoughts, emotions, and consciousness, providing control over the mind's workings for offense and defense.

Core Mechanic: Cost 1 SP. Enables the user to manipulate the structure of a monster core on a superficial level]

I'll definitely have to take these skills. I can definitely use them while meditating.

[Would you like to purchase Mana Manipulation, Mental Magic Affinity, and Core Mechanic?]

Yes! As I say so, a series of information for each skill comes flooding into my mind. I can't believe magic is so complex.

[Body improvements available to purchase: 

Hyphae Photoreceptive Eye: Made through hyphae and some photoreceptor cells, allows for fungal beings sight without traditional eyes.

Mental Magic Gland: A specialized organ within the body that amplifies and channels the innate power of Mental Magic, enhancing the individual's ability to manipulate thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.

Chitin: Chitin is a tough, lightweight, and naturally occurring biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of insects, crustaceans, and the cell walls of fungi. It provides protection and structural support in various organisms.

Hyphae Voice Box: A unique organic structure found in fungal creatures. It serves as a vocal apparatus, enabling the production of distinctive and often otherworldly sounds, making it a central element for communication.]

[Would you like to purchase Hyphae Photoreceptive Eye, Mental Magic Gland, Chitin +1, and Hyphae Voice Box?]

Yes! All of a sudden I'm overwhelmed by an itchy hot burning sensation as my body begins to transform. I can feel each individual part begin to turn and transition into a new configuration. Now that I have two eyes I feel like my depth perception and field of view improve.