- First Evolution

[Evolution Complete]

[Displaying New Status]

------------------------------

[Status]

Name: Adam Lowell

Species: Grey Fox (Custom)

Level: 1/15

Energy: 0/100

[Awakening Host]

------------------

I wake up with a slightly groggy feeling throughout my entire body, as if I'd taken a nap in my car and woke up thirty minutes later. I realize I'm still underwater, and start to freak out.

"Wha- What the hell?"

[Good morning host, and congratulations on your first evolution]

"Why am I still here? Shouldn't I have woken up in the hospital by now?"

[As I have stated before, host, you are not dreaming. You died from wounds caused by a grey wolf during a hunting trip]

"That's literally impossible! If I was dead, I wouldn't be here right now!

[That would normally be the case. However, Gaia has determined that the Beast Kings are needed again. You were chosen as you died right when Gaia needed an intelligent soul for the first Beast King]

"Ha... Haha... This is crazy... Absolutely nuts..."

[I can confirm that the hosts mental state is nowhere near psychosis]

"Fuck... So... Gaia or whatever wants me to become a Beast King? What exactly does such a grand sounding title entail?"

[A Beast King is an entity that protects nature, whether it be from dangerous species, unknown entities, or even humanity itself. Naturally, you will not be the lone Beast King. There is at least one per continent, depending on the strength of the King after the first two years. There are also many Beast Kings in each ocean]

"So Gaia just wants me to protect nature? How am I supposed to do that as a little Grey Fox?"

[Naturally, you will evolve. Many species of animal, some extinct, some mythical, are available for you to evolve into. For example, if you were to stay in the ocean, after about six evolutions the option to evolve into a megalodon would have came up]

"A megalodon... Does that mean I could have a chance to evolve into something like a T-rex?"

[Yes]

"Haha..."

I smile as the thought of me becoming something that doesn't even exist anymore filled me with a sense of exhilaration. Imagining the news stories that would come up if people found a fucking t-rex still alive and well.

"What would be the mammal equivalent to the T-rex?"

[A Great Ape, similar to the ones seen in certain movies]

"Haha... Well then, I guess I should evolve quickly huh?"

I swim up through the water towards the shore, not even questioning the fact that I can still breathe underwater as a Grey Fox. I get onto the beach and see a group of humans staring at me and some recording me.

"Well shit"

I start running towards the woods that are across the street near the beach. I get to the edge of the road and cars start stopping near me as I look both ways and cross the street.

"I'm glad these people are stopping because this would be absolutely terrifying if they weren't."

I cross the street and run off into the forest.

[Congratulations host for unlocking the Quest feature]

———————————

[Main Quest! As a Beast King, you are meant to be the strongest beast. Capable of dragging humanity itself to the brink of extinction if needed. You must be incredibly strong, strong enough to survive any weapon humans may throw at you. The way to do this is through leveling and evolution. Your first step towards this strength will happen in this very forest]

[Become the king of this forest]

[Reward: thirty modification points]

——————————

"How would I go about doing this quest?"

[Hunt, level, evolve]

"How do I know when I've completed it?"

[The quest will show that it has been completed]

"Sounds simple enough. Hey, why does the system look and act as if it's a video game?"

[Because we systems analyze our hosts' lives to find the best way to present ourselves to them. Some systems take the form of avatars. Others are just a voice in peoples heads. However, every system has the same features]

"Ah, that sounds pretty interesting. If possible, could you become an avatar?"

[No, if I were to change into an avatar you would lose most of the features I was given]

"Damn, alright I guess I'll give that up."

--------------------------

[Side Quest! As the future king of this forest, you should be able to protect yourself and those under you. Hunt and grow stronger]

[Hunt 2 Rabbits and consume them]

[Rewards: Unlocking of modification and 1 modification point]

------------------------

"Modification?"

[You can add more mutations using modification]

"Oooh nice."

I start hunting for a rabbit, with the aid of the system I come across my first one rather quickly.

[I recommend a stealthier approach to this rabbit]

I start skulking up to the rabbit as best I can. Unfortunately, I am not used to being a fox. I get within ten meters of the rabbit and it immediately notices me and takes off. I start running after it and am pleased with my choice of mutation because I start catching up to it very quickly. I get right behind the rabbit, instinctively jump up and land on top of it biting its jugular. I then twist my head and snap the rabbits neck, immediately starting to eat it. The second my teeth bite through the skin, an explosion of flavour goes through my mouth.

"Why does a raw rabbit taste like grilled chicken?"

[Gaia has manipulated your tastebuds to where so long as something isn't inherently negative for your health it will taste good]

"Damn, I wish it woulda done that while I was still human, I may not have been overweight."

I take a good hour or so to completely eat the rabbit.

[Jackrabbit (Adult) killed and ingested]

[2800 Energy Gained]

[Level up x8]

After eating the rabbit, I start to feel kind of woozy, as if I am under anesthesia. I start wobbling and ask the system;

"Hey, what the hell is happening to me?"

[After gaining so many levels with the first hunt, your body is changing a lot. You have been put under mild anesthesia while it changes]

I lay down on the ground while grunting inside my head. I always hated this feeling.