Chapter 5

So!... How do I evolve?

I accepted the offer, all that’s left is to do the deed.

Will it happen in an instant?

That is correct, in fact, it has already been completed.

Fast!

But I feel exactly the same.

Your species has changed from [Pebble] to [Magic Pebble].

…Is there even a difference?

Yes, and no.

Ah, I know this feeling. It’s like playing a crane game and almost getting a prize, then it falls at the last second.

Goodbye expectations. You’re not welcome here. Please find a child who still has dreams.

Just as I was lamenting my fate, I was pulled out of the bag.

“Another one. However, thiss time I will ssucceed.”

“RAAAWR!”

What the heck is that?!

That is a monster called an Orc. They are quite muscular and resilient to physical damage. Their intelligence is quite low, making traps and ambushes quite effective against them.

I thought it was some sort of man-bear-pig. It seems this Naga intends to fight it, but why did it pull me out?

“I will usse the power of thiss sstone. Prepare yoursself Pig! [Icicle Spear]!”

Gah!! It felt as if my soul was being sucked up!

You are being used as an external magic source to fuel the Naga’s spells. That feeling was your magic power being absorbed.

What a horrible feeling. I wish I never met this snake-man.

By the way, how much magic was taken? I hope it wasn’t too much.

You have 1,100 Mp left out of 1,150 Mp.

Oh, not bad I guess.

It looks like the orc died in that one hit too.

“Asss I thought, I have been blessssed. Pleasse accept thiss offering.”

The lizard walks over to the corpse of the pig. Maybe he eats these things? He mentioned being blessed. I wonder what kind of God he worships.

He lowers his body and then the next thing I know I’m shoved inside the corpse… What the Hell?!

Ew! Ew!! Ew!!!

I’m being rubbed inside all over this thing! I have the feeling to barf, but I will never get the satisfaction of completing that action.

It feels like something is trying to enter my body. Ew… Gross… This is how horror movies are made you know?

Skill acquired! [Soul Trap (lesser)] has been added to the skill list.

Happy thoughts… Happy thoughts… Puppies, Ice Cream, a Barrel full of Monkeys…

Orc’s soul has been absorbed. A new Soul Gauge has been added to Status.

…There is no God! That thing I met was definitely Satan himself!

Title acquired! Due to your achievements, you have gained the title of [One Who Reaps Souls]. This title carries a negative stigma to it. Those of the Holy affiliation will likely be hostile.

I feel terrible… Like I’ve been violated…

“Now to return to my home.”

How I wish I could do the same.