Evolutionary Webs

As much as I might have wanted to watch the strangely lucky escapades of the Golden Carp or the sparring between Leira and the Gladiator Skorpion, I had some business that was getting too close to ignore. A greater number of creatures were getting closer and closer to their evolutions. I had some plans in certain places, but in others I had no idea what to expect.

The roaming pack of aggressive Stone-Tailed Rats had grown since I'd paid attention to it last. Their number was reaching over fifty, with almost twenty of them close to evolution. A sliver of my mind was keeping watch on them, noting where they were going and what other creatures were nearby. I wanted to be ready should they suddenly tip over that threshold.

Similarly, there was a slowly growing group of Humming Flyants coming near their own evolutions. I was actually rather surprised, I'd figured that if none had managed to evolve yet, that they most likely wouldn't. Completely opposite to that assumption, there were almost seventy Flyants nearing evolution. And strangely, I couldn't figure out why. I had another small part of my mind going over possibilities, but I was coming up blank. I eventually just decided to see which would actually reach the evolution and accept it.

After those two however, the number of creatures in each species that was nearing evolution sharply decreased.

In the watery tunnels of the first floor, five lampreys were closing in on their evolutions. Now that Huntress was no longer constantly hunting and culling their population, they were slowly recovering and nearing the point of evolution. As it was, I didn't have high hopes for many of them. There was one however that had impressed me. It had managed to kill almost an entire pod of Glowmouths that were trying to bludgeon it. My hopes were resting mostly on that lamprey. I was almost certain that I would not be getting another Kraken-ling, but I did hope I'd get something more useful than what seemed to be the default Giant and Hunter options that had accompanied the Kraken-ling options during Huntress' evolution.

Three Rock Skorpions were nearing evolutions as well. Unlike the other creatures, the Rock Skorpions actually hadn't done anything to warrant any special interest. They'd stayed completely faithful to what they were, ambush predators. They'd simply been racking up enough Stone-Tailed Rats to slowly approach the threshold. With a fraction of my attention, I was watching to see if they'd tip over that edge each time they killed and ate the newest rat to fall into their clutches.

Only one Glowmouth was still near its evolution unfortunately, not enough for me to maybe get a new species schema. On the other hand, I wouldn't say no to added diversity. The surviving Glowmouth from the forced evolution that had resulted in the Deiron Drowner was the sole example of its species to be near evolution. I didn't pay it much attention. If it died or not, it wouldn't make much difference. So instead, I paid that attention to the Stonecloak Lasher that was finally coming near its first evolution.

Of the original five I had made, it was the only remaining survivor. The others had been hunted and killed by Leira, as tests for her claws or hunting ability. I could only assume that Stonecloaks took a long time to evolve naturally, since this particular specimen had had quite a long time to build up to it. The newer, younger generations of Stonecloak Lashers were barely even approaching halfway to their own evolutions. So it seemed to be a reasonable assumption to make. Nonetheless, I was actually looking forward to what the Stonecloak might have to offer. I was cautiously optimistic about what options I might be able to get from it.

Watching so many creatures at once was difficult. But I decided it was a good test for my own abilities, so I pushed through regardless. It was because of this decision that I saw it when it happened. The Stonecloak Lasher used one of its tendrils to strike out, spearing through a nearby Rock Skorpion, using the spike it had impaled the creature with to drag it back. As it did, I could feel that ever so slight overflow that indicated passing the threshold. A moment later, the confirmation came.

Your creature, a Stonecloak Lasher, has reached the threshold for evolution!

Please Select your desired evolution!

Giant Stonecloak Lasher (Uncommon) : It is uncommon for a Stonecloak Lasher to find itself in a place that allows it to grow to such size. When it does however, the size, toughness, and danger are all enhanced as well.

Stonecloak Enveloper (Uncommon) : The Stonecloak Enveloper has refined their use of Dark mana. With a greater supply, and greater control, the Enveloper is able to shape the darkness that they generate, even move it to stay with their target. While still unable to manifest the Dark mana into physical objects, they are far more capable at obsfuscation and ambush.

Stonecloak Shifter (Uncommon) : The Stonecloak Shifter is capable of molding the stone they wear and wield as armor, disguise, and weapon. This lets them disguise themselves more effectively, mold their armor more protectively, and sharpen their spikes.

Ironstone Lasher (Scarce) : The Ironstone Lasher appears nigh identical to the Stonecloak on first inspection. The difference comes when you must fight it. The Ironstone Lasher forfeits its Dark magic in exchange for stone skin as tough as iron. More than that, it's tendrils are far tougher, longer, and stronger, and it has five instead of three. Capping each of these tendrils is an iron spike instead of stone.

Awakener

None

Considering the options and the fact that there was only one Stonecloak anywhere close to evolution, the choice seemed easy to make. I quickly selected Ironstone Lasher and watched as the white glow began to suffuse the Lasher's body. As I watched the glowing form, I could feel a number of other messages arrive in my mind as well. Turning my attention to their sources, I felt my focus narrow.

The group of Rats had managed to swarm over a nearby Rock Skorpion when it had tried to pick off one of the groups rearmost members. The slain skorpion had pushed almost all of the Rats over the threshold, triggering a spate of evolutions. To my surprise, the majority of the rats undergoing evolutions had the same option available to them.

Your creature, a Stone-Tailed Rat, has reached the threshold for evolution!

Please Select your desired evolution!

Giant Stone-Tailed Rat (Common) : The Stone-Tailed Rat has a somewhat effective defense with its tail. That same tail is ineffective as an offense however. For a Giant Stone-Tailed Rat however, that tail can be used as a much more effective clubbing weapon.

Stone-Toothed Burrower (Common) : The Stone-Toothed Burrower is a direct, and tangible evolution from the Stone-Tailed Rat. The same small amount of Earth mana that enables the Rat to turn its tail to stone exists in the burrower, but now it takes inspiration from the Rock-Claw Lynx. The mana instead goes to strengthening the teeth, letting the creature burrow with ever-heightening ease.

Stone-Tailed Herder (Uncommon) : This Stone-Tailed Rat learned that there is protection in numbers. Using this idea, the Stone-Tailed Herder changes the Rat into a larger form, near doubling its size. As it does so, it also drastically increases the Rats intelligence, allowed it to coordinate more effectively with other Herders and Rats. Protection in numbers is a vital concept to these creatures.

Awakener

None

I quickly selected the Herder option for thirteen Rats that had it, letting the white glow spread through them. For another two, I choose the Stone-Toothed Burrower. And the final two Rats that had reached their evolution became Giant Stone-Tailed Rats. I made sure there was at least two of each species, and that they were able to mate. I wanted to ensure that I would gain as many schemas as possible. By the time the last rat was being engulfed by white light, I was rather satisfied. Gaining three schemas that quickly, along with what I hoped would be a much more powerful version of the Stonecloak was doing wonders for my mood.

When the glow began to start fading from the Ironstone Lasher, I inspected it carefully. The pearl of Dark mana that was at the center of the Stonecloaks was missing, but I'd expected that. In its place, I could tell the difference between the stone that had been its skin versus the stone that had taken its place. The new layer of outer stone was only a little less durable than the Gladiator Skorpions chitin, making me wonder how durable it would be if it was given the resilience boon. Beyond that, I could easily find the now metal spikes that tipped its five tendrils. Each tendril was almost ten meters long, thick and muscled. They had a layer of tough fat to protect them, and the iron spikes at their end were almost another meter of sharp metal. Interestingly enough, the Ironcloak seemed to have a farther field of perception too. Given it seemed to react to things that a normal Stonecloak wouldn't be able to detect from so far away.

For the Rats however, it took a little longer to finish evolving, given they'd started later. The Giant Stone-Tailed Rats I didn't even bother to look over. I knew by this point that the Giant evolutions were literally just that, they made them bigger. The Burrowers however, were interesting. I could feel a flow of Earth mana almost identical to the one Leira had. The flow was far weaker than what she'd had, even before getting the gem she now carried. But either way, I knew it would be very useful once they started attempting to actually burrow. The Herders on the other hand, I spent the most time looking over. In most ways, they looked almost like an inbetween of the regular rats and the giant versions.

They were roughly a foot and a half from nose to tail-tip, with sharp little claws on their feet. The main difference, was that the instant they woke from their evolutions, they immediately banded together. The thirteen all huddled near each other, and were chittering in small, quiet bursts. At first I'd thought it was similar to the regular chittering of the rats, but then I noticed it. Every time one of them made a noise, at least half of the group would look at whatever had caused the noise to be made. They were warning each other, keeping watch in all directions and alerting each other to potential threats. That alone showed how much more intelligent they were than the regular Stone-Tailed Rats.

Even as I looked over these new creatures, I began thinking of where they might fit in my dungeon. An idea was starting to form in my mind for the fourth floor, and I quickly assigned the Burrowers to it. I decided that the Giant Stone-Tailed Rats and the Herders would live on the second floor until I could think on it more, considering they didn't quite fit neatly anywhere at the time. Turning back to the Ironstone Lasher, I had it begin hopping towards the rear of the first floor. I had a feeling that it would be rather noticeable, and would probably give the first floor away as being not natural. So instead, I would have it take up station in one of the second floor hubs. Then, if anymore evolved, I could have each hub have its own Ironcloak.

As the Ironcloak was hopping its way down the tunnels of the second floor, I watched as it easily pierced through a nearby Rock Skorpion. Its metal spike sheared through the shell with ease. I was impressed by the increased ease with which it could apparently hunt, and no doubt fight. I watched as it took up station in the centermost hub, managing to position itself so that it could see most of the room and reach a decent chunk of exits.

After that, another couple of hours passed as I kept an eye on the other creatures, before finally the Rock Skorpions managed to evolve as well. The Glowmouth also evolved during this time, but it unfortunately didn't gain anything more interesting than the species' defaults. I quickly evolved it into a Giant Glowmouth and sent it to the third floor.

Your creature, a Rock Skorpion, has reached the threshold for evolution!

Please Select your desired evolution!

Giant Rock Skorpion (Uncommon) : The Rock Skorpion is an ambush predator, and little has changed with their larger brothers and sisters. Aside of course, from the size of their prey. Where the regular Rock Skorpion might consider some who fall for its disguise to be too large, the Giant Rock Skorpion will have no such thoughts.

Kerberus Skorpion (Uncommon) : The Kerberus Skorpion focuses on the offensive potential within their stinger. With two tails and two stingers, the Kerberus Skorpion attacks rapidly and without fear. The Kerberus Skorpion is also able to completely regrow both tail and stinger should it lose one. More than that, their venom specifically induces extreme pain to distract and cripple their target.

Armorer Skorpion (Uncommon) : The Armorer Skorpion is a collector, of sorts. This creature seeks out any and all metals and hard materials. Then, it eats and digests them. Once the material is digested, it is then added to its carapace, strengthening and reinforcing it. Given enough time and material, an Armorer Skorpion can even gain a full carapace of metal.

Awakener

None

Reading over the options as I thought them through, I came down to the final two options. I had no particular need for a giant version of a Rock Skorpion, so I ruled it out relatively quickly. I eventually decided to evolve two of the three into Kerberus Skorpions and the last into an Armorer Skorpion. I could see a use for the Kerberus Skorpions on the fourth floor I was imagining. As for the Armorer, I, interestingly enough, hadn't actually come across much metal at all. I didn't know how much metal I would be able to supply to one Armorer Skorpion, let alone an entire species of them. Despite how much I liked the thought of such heavily armored creatures, it simply wasn't practical.

Their forms were quickly enveloped in light, and I turned my attention away as they began their evolutions. I would return to check their new forms once they were done. Instead, I turned my attention to the Lamprey's, who had managed to reach their own evolutions in the time I was managing the Skorpions evolutions. Turning my attention back to them, I could see how. A bloodbath had taken place in the first floor's watery tunnels. Just from my initial look at it, it seemed like two pods of Glowmouths had run into each other in too tight a space. And while they were unable to move or manuever quickly, the Lampreys had taken advantage of it. Massive bloodbath of Glowmouths aside, there was the issue of their evolutions to deal with.

Your creature, a Streamer Lamprey, has reached the threshold for evolution!

Please Select your desired evolution!

Giant Streamer Lamprey (Uncommon) : Streamer Lamprey’s thrive in underwater tunnels, however their cramped environments often don’t lend themself to large bodies. Nonetheless, sometimes one gets lucky and finds itself in the right environment. This Streamer Lamprey is massive for its species, beware its sight.

Hunter Lamprey (Uncommon) : The Hunter Lamprey is a twice-over hunter. It hunts both other lampreys and any other prey foolish enough to stumble into its hunting grounds. The Hunter Lamprey is distinguished by its twice potent venom and the shift from the typical lamprey mouth, to a more aggressive jawed version. Taken into account with its faster swimming, and it is a threat to be reckoned with.

Awakener

None

Four of the five had only two options, neither of which was particularly exciting. It was the fifth though, the one that had survived an entire pod of Glowmouths alone that had another option.

Your creature, a Streamer Lamprey, has reached the threshold for evolution!

Please Select your desired evolution!

Giant Streamer Lamprey (Uncommon) : Streamer Lamprey’s thrive in underwater tunnels, however their cramped environments often don’t lend themself to large bodies. Nonetheless, sometimes one gets lucky and finds itself in the right environment. This Streamer Lamprey is massive for its species, beware its sight.

Hunter Lamprey (Uncommon) : The Hunter Lamprey is a twice-over hunter. It hunts both other lampreys and any other prey foolish enough to stumble into its hunting grounds. The Hunter Lamprey is distinguished by its twice potent venom and the shift from the typical lamprey mouth, to a more aggressive jawed version. Taken into account with its faster swimming, and it is a threat to be reckoned with.

Armordome Jellyfish (Scarce) : The Armordome Jellyfish is a strange, and ethereal looking predator. The many clinging tendrils that hang from it have a contact-based paralysis venom, causing prey to stick to them. It then curls upwards and deposits the prey directly into its stomach to be digested. The umbrella of the Jellyfish has thick, armor-like bones within the outer membrane, protecting it from harm.

Awakener

None

As I considered the third option for the Lamprey, I absentmindedly had the other four evolve into Hunter Lampreys. There was only enough opposite genders for one of the two schemas to be gained, so I decided that the Hunter Lamprey would be more useful than a giant version of one I already had. Considering the way the message described the Jellyfish, I was pretty sure that the creature wasn't a fast moving predator. And it seemed to have hanging tendrils, none of which made it sound well suited for the tunnels of the first floor. Instead of triggering its evolution immediately, I instead had it use the tunnel that led to the third floor. If after its evolution the new version could survive the creatures down there, then it would have proved itself.

Slowly, as the lights of evolution began to die down, I looked at each of the newly evolved creatures.

The Kerberus Skorpions were larger than the Rock Skorpions were, but still smaller than the Gladiator. Unlike the Gladiator however, they had slightly different toxins and two swaying stingers above their bodies. They were clearly no longer meant to pass as a stone to an observer, turning entirely into combatant predators. On the reverse, the Armorer Skorpion was a heavy set evolution. The chitin that was thick on the Rock Skorpions looked thin in comparison. The still stone plating was thick all across its body, making me certain that if it managed to convert it to metal, it would be able to stand up to even Leira's claws.

The Hunter Lampreys were strangely similar to the Streamer Lampreys. The only difference seemed to be that the Hunter Lamprey's venom was more potent, and their mouth had changed. Unlike a downwards facing circular maw, it had gained a jaw. The snapping teeth were sharp, and well fitted for tearing through flesh. It had also gained in size, growing to about half again the size of a Streamer Lamprey. Once the last Lamprey had finished its evolution on the third floor, it was clear that it had had the biggest change.

A meter and a half wide umbrella with internal bone plates made up the majority of the creature's mass. The umbrella held a stomach, small brain, and almost nothing else, letting the empty space suspend it near the ceiling of the water based floor. Hanging almost fifty meters down at the longest, it had nearly thirty tendrils. Each was absolutely covered with a sticky paralytic poison. As I watched, I could see it slowly drifting through the water, its tendrils hanging behind it and dragging through the water.

Unfortunately, I didn't get much time to contemplate these new changes. Only a few hours after the last evolution took place, I felt a sudden wrongness suffuse the dungeon. There was something intruding, something invading.