Chapter 67
The condition for becoming an S-rank monster is possessing one's 'name'.
All conditions fulfilled. Evolution possible.
Selecting evolution target.
Limit Break S skill confirmed.
Incorporating into evolution process.
Selection complete.
Beginning evolution...
Vast energy from higher-rank monsters stored in Gluttony confirmed.
Evolution to current selected form deemed impossible.
Reselecting for higher rank.
Selection complete.
Beginning evolution.
Evolution complete.
Due to evolution, some skills and stats have grown.
I quietly opened my eyes.
The sensations throughout my body felt utterly different from before.
A power overflowing every inch of me. Vast enough that I thought I could now fight Snow on equal footing.
It surged uncontrollably, too immense to contain.
I glanced around, and the first thing I saw was Snow's blue eyes staring steadily at me.
Our gazes met, and Snow slowly rose.
[You've grown strong. Congratulations.]
[...Thanks. It's thanks to you, Snow.]
Snow smiled faintly instead of replying.
I shifted my gaze outside. The blizzard had stopped, and dawn was breaking.
It seemed an entire night had passed during my evolution.
[No. Not a day—three days.]
[......?]
[You began evolving while we spoke. You wrapped yourself in a massive cocoon and stayed that way for three days. Well, unlike last time when you vanished completely, Suli wasn't too distressed...]
Snow glanced toward Suli, sleeping in one corner of the cave.
[She'll probably give you an earful when she wakes. I hope she makes you suffer exactly as much as I did.]
[......]
I clamped my mouth shut, imagining the ordeal ahead.
No matter what future I pictured, it was grim.
[More importantly, what are those 'other heads'? I don't want to care, but one's been glaring at me...]
At Snow's calm voice, I finally turned with an ah.
Two new heads flanked my sides.
They had emerged at the end of my evolution.
[All three are 'me.']
—But...
I glanced at the left head.
It stared back at me.
And then...
—KYAAAHHH───!!!
It let out a ferocious, threatening roar.
This time, I looked at the right head.
—Shiii...
[I'm staaarving...]
A weak, drained cry echoed alongside the right head's thoughts.
Yes.
These heads were unmistakably me, yet somehow not fully me.
Each had its own personality.
[...You okay with that?]
Snow, who had watched the exchange, asked in a slightly uneasy tone.
After a moment's thought, I replied.
[No problem... No matter what anyone says, they're undeniably 'me.']
Though Multiple Personalities had split their egos, they shared all my memories and experiences.
Just different temperaments.
—KYAAAHHH───!!!
—Shiii...
No, very different temperaments...
My evolved form was Triple Head Draco.
A three-headed boa, literally.
Think of it as a hydra—one head more than the usual 'two-headed serpent.'
Each head had a distinct personality, but the center one was the main: me.
The other two were sub-personalities, auxiliaries. They could do anything I could.
In magic, however, each specialized: left handled Water Magic, right Fire Magic.
I, the main, wielded Poison Magic.
More dynamic combat seemed possible now.
My forehead Magic Eyes were distributed similarly: one per head.
Left: mind control. Right: petrification.
I gained the new eye's ability.
All three shared clairvoyance basics, naturally.
As expected, I was a mutant monster again.
The base Draco was SA-rank, so I was too.
Two ranks up at once—thanks to the magic stone Snow gave me.
The unabsorbed energy must have poured into this evolution.
I owed Snow greatly.
Many changes beyond this, but these were the big ones needing attention.
Finer details I'd adapt to gradually.
With the center head as me, Nix.
I named the sides 'Lefty' and 'Righty.'
Lazy names, sure, but after agonizing over my own recently, it was inevitable.
They didn't seem to mind.
—KYAAAHHH───!!!
...No plans to rename.
So stop biting my neck.
You have poison too.
Not that mine affects me... but it feels weird.
—Shiii...
Righty, you're hungry too—stop biting.
I'll fetch food soon.
And so, I began living with my two new personalities.
“Kyaaang—!!!”
Suli woke and charged straight to me.
Seemed like three days' worth of complaints, but she halted upon spotting my three heads.
Her fur puffed up like a balloon in shock.
I felt Snow chuckle beside me.
“Kyaaang...?”
'Is that you, Dad?'
I nodded lightly instead of answering.
Only then did Suli creep closer, still wary.
“Cong... kyaaang...?”
'Really? For real?'
I nodded again, stroking her with my tail.
Finally accepting, Suli burrowed into my embrace with “Cong cong!”
Her hurt from the other heads seemed healed.
'But... you okay?'
I glanced at Lefty.
Fierce and picky—he might snap at Suli too.
What if? Rip off a head?
Three felt excessive anyway...
But contrary to my worry, Lefty ignored Suli.
No—looked downright smitten.
—Shii───!!!
[So cute! Our Suli's adorable!]
Rubbing against her nonstop—no need to worry.
What about Righty?
Honestly, potentially more concerning.
This whiny, hungry one might gobble Suli.
Last time I tasted her in my mouth—sweet candy.
Very possible.
If so, down to two heads...
But my worry was unfounded again.
No fervor like Lefty, but Righty welcomed her in his way.
—Shiii...
[Suli, so cute... Want something tasty? Rabbit over there... I'll roast it nice...]
To Soon-i trembled afar, eyeing us—now in danger, but minor issue.
Thus, both personalities accepted Suli fine.
They were me, after all.
No heads getting lopped off.
Ah, To Soon-i—no approaching for a while.
No, not that I dislike you...
Yeah, won't abandon you.
Just for your safety.
I'd be fine, but Suli'd be sad if you vanished.
Kidding. Don't cry.
You're precious toy... er, pet to me too.
Good girl.
Ah, but seriously—stay away.
Might actually eat you.
Yeah, not kidding this time.
Afterward, To Soon-i kept 10 meters away.
Righty quietly licking his chops at her? Secret.
My post-evolution routine barely changed.
Adapting to the new body meant less play with Suli, but Snow and To Soon-i kept her entertained.
She still griped daily—not forgotten, which pleased me.
Play soon as I adjust.
Speaking of adaptation, Snow helped immensely.
Sparring partner, but my kill-focused style made it unwelcome.
She was family now—no harming her.
Snow scoffed at my concern.
Looked down on? I charged full-force in a huff.
Pre-evolution me? No contest.
Now? SA-rank monster prodigy.
Not to underestimate, even for Snow.
Thoroughly trounced.
Snow was Snow.
Fox monster slaying two floor bosses—zone lord material.
Snow: 'Still 10 years early to challenge this lady.'
Spot on—stings more.
Confirmed no real threat even at full power, so daily spars continued.
Even non-lethal, stats rose sharply against such an opponent.
Call her Master for a bit?
Tried—Snow recoiled.
Prefers name over titles.
So I called diligently.
Snow blushed furiously.
Next spar? Utter defeat.
...Why? She asked...
Aside: Suli sulked hard, wanting play amid our 'fights' (me getting pummeled).
...Future star, clearly.
Soon Suli sparred nearby—opponent: To Soon-i.
Rank-wise, To Soon-i stronger, but as Suli's 'miss,' couldn't fight properly.
To Soon-i trounced too.
Comrade in defeat.
Suli dashed to Snow for praise—instead got scolded.
Snow's great: teaches not to bully friends.
Wrong.
Overheard thoughts: combat coaching.
'Here, this move...'
'That situation, this spell...'
'Then swipe with forepaw...'
Suli listened raptly.
To Soon-i, hang in there.
I'll too.
No crying... endure a bit.
Suli'll tire soon.
Me? Praying she takes after Mom.
Thus, bond deepened between master and pet.