Chapter 4 - Shadowclaw Mantis

The holographic screens hovered in front of each Bug Nerd, displaying the intricate details of the newly introduced creature, the Shadowclaw Mantis. The room fell silent as the Bug Nerds eagerly read the information on their individual status interfaces.

Shadowclaw Mantis

Species: Insecta

Level: 2 - Haven

Bloodline: Shadowclaw Captain

Aptitude: Proficient

Elements: Shadow/Nature

Combat Strength: 3.3 (Private)

Abilities:

Shadow Cloak: The Shadowclaw Mantis can cloak itself in shadows, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. This ability is useful for surprise attacks and evading predators.

Vorpal Strike: With its razor-sharp forelimbs, the mantis can execute a swift and precise Vorpal Strike, delivering a powerful blow with increased accuracy and damage.

Gasps filled the room as the Bug Nerds absorbed the implications of the Shadowclaw Mantis's impressive stats. Dr. Chloe couldn't help but share in their excitement, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Everyone, take a moment to appreciate the potential we have in our hands," Dr. Chloe exclaimed, her voice resonating with a mixture of awe and anticipation. "A Level-2 creature in the Haven category, with a combat strength ranging from 200 to 299. And look at that bloodline - Shadowclaw Captain! This little guy has the potential to evolve into a Captain with a combat strength of 255. That's remarkable!"

The Bug Nerds exchanged glances, their excitement building as they realized the significance of their new companion. The status screen reflected not only the current prowess of the Shadowclaw Mantis but also hinted at its future capabilities.

"And check out that aptitude—Proficient," Dr. Chloe continued, her smile widening. "It means our friend here can learn above average for its species. Imagine the advancements and skills it could acquire as it grows. This is a rare find, and I can't wait to see how it develops under our care."

The room buzzed with discussion as the Bug Nerds processed the information, envisioning the Shadowclaw Mantis evolving into a formidable ally in their bug-filled adventures. Dr. Chloe, still holding the cryopod with the mantis, looked around at her enthusiastic team.

"As you know, or may not know, I rushed back here with this little guy from the meeting. We concluded that this guy will be taken care of by one of you," Dr. Chloe announced, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and mystery. "To give everyone an equal chance, we'll be using the old-fashioned roulette. Yes, I know it's a bit out of place in a sci-fi farm like this, but tradition is tradition."

She produced a wooden roulette wheel, its construction made of unknown materials, its circular shape standing in stark contrast to the futuristic surroundings. The Bug Nerds exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events.

"Now, I want each of you to write your name on the roulette," Dr. Chloe instructed. The Bug Nerds eagerly complied, scribbling their names onto the surface of the roulette. Once all names were inscribed, Dr. Chloe began to spin the wheel, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.

The roulette whirred and clicked as it spun, the Bug Nerds' eyes glued to the rotating surface. A collective hush fell over the room as anticipation filled the air. The wheel gradually slowed, and Dr. Chloe announced, "And the lucky Bug Nerd who gets to take care of our Shadowclaw Mantis is..."

The wheel stopped, pointing to a name.

"Dante!" Dr. Chloe exclaimed, revealing the chosen Bug Nerd. Dante's eyes widened in shock as his name was called. A chorus of congratulations erupted from his fellow Bug Nerds, patting him on the back and expressing their excitement for the newfound responsibility.

Dr. Chloe approached him, a reassuring smile on her face. "Congratulations, Dante! You'll do great with our little friend here. Take your time getting to know each other."

Dante nodded appreciatively, watching as Dr. Chloe walked away, leaving him in a moment of solitude. The other Bug Nerds had returned to their tasks, the room now filled with the rhythmic sounds of their work.

Alone with the mysterious creature in the cryopod, Dante took a deep breath, feeling a sense of anticipation and curiosity building within him. 

Dante returned to his workspace, the hum of machinery and the soft glow of holographic screens surrounding him. The Shadowclaw Mantis, still encased in the cryopod, sat on the table before him. Alone with the mysterious creature, Dante couldn't resist the urge to inspect it once more.

Activating his skill "Inspect," Dante's eyes focused on the holographic display, revealing the intricate details of the Shadowclaw Mantis.

"Shadowclaw Mantis

Species: Insecta

Level: 2 - Haven

Bloodline: Shadowclaw Captain

Aptitude: Proficient

Elements: Shadow/Nature

Combat Strength: 3.3 (Juvenile)

Abilities:

Shadow Cloak: The Shadowclaw Mantis can cloak itself in shadows, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. This ability is useful for surprise attacks and evading predators.

Vorpal Strike: With its razor-sharp forelimbs, the mantis can execute a swift and precise Vorpal Strike, delivering a powerful blow with increased accuracy and damage."

Dante couldn't help but mutter to himself, his voice filled with a mix of awe and contemplation, "Yeah, you really do have good potential."

He leaned back, crossing his arms, and continued speaking to the creature in the cryopod, as if it could understand him.

"A Haven Level Creature is considered rare in my city. There are five levels of categories known to us for beasts and insects. Level 0- Barren : 0-99, Level 1 - Terra: 100-199, Level 2 -Haven: 200-299, Level 3 - Crysta: 300-399, Level 4 - Skyisles: 400-499, Level 5 -Embera: 500-599.Level 2 - Haven, with a combat strength ranging from 200 to 299. That's you, little guy."

Dante's eyes darted across the holographic information, his mind processing the significance of each detail.

"Then there's your bloodline, Shadowclaw Captain. It means you can reach a combat level of 55. That's the limit until you evolve your bloodline to Shadowclaw Major. There's a hierarchy to it, you know?" 

He tapped the holographic display as if explaining the concept to the creature. "Private: 0-11, Corporal: 12-22, Sergeant: 23-33, Lieutenant: 34-44, Captain: 45-55, Major: 56-66, Colonel: 67-77, General: 78-88, King/Queen: 89-99. Your level and bloodline already judge your potential."

Dante paused, his brows furrowing as he delved deeper into the intricacies of the creature's potential. "Let's break it down even further. You're a Haven Level, which means your combat strength potential falls within the range of 200 to 299. But your bloodline, the Shadowclaw Captain, sets a cap on your combat strength at 55. So, for now, your total combat strength is capped at 255."

He leaned in as if sharing a secret with the creature. "Here's where it gets interesting. To reach your full potential, you'll need to evolve your bloodline to Shadowclaw Major. That moves your combat strength cap to 266. It's like unlocking another level of your power, a significant step up."

Dante gestured with his hands, illustrating the progression. "Now, imagine a miraculous event. You evolve your bloodline to a King. Suddenly, your combat strength cap shoots up to 299. It's an impressive leap, but there's a catch. You hit another cap, a hard limit until you break through to the next tier."

He tapped the holographic display for emphasis. "So, you're stuck at 299 until you ascend your level to Crysta. But here's the twist—when you ascend, your bloodline resets to Shadowclaw Private. Your combat strength stays at 300, but your bloodline goes back to the starting point."

Dante's expression turned more animated as he explained the cyclical nature of the creature's potential. "Now, your combat strength cap is 311. The cycle continues. Each time you hit the bloodline cap, you need to evolve to break through and unlock more of your power. It's a dance between your level and bloodline, a delicate balance to reach your full potential."

Dante leaned back, wearing a satisfied grin. "So, my friend, no need to fret about all this for now. Embrace your time as a Haven Level creature with the potential for a combat strength of 255," he assured, his eyes reflecting a sense of encouragement. "You've got a journey ahead, little buddy. Evolve that bloodline, break through those caps, and who knows how powerful you'll become. The possibilities are endless."

As he spoke, Dante gestured with his hands, illustrating the tiers and levels in the air.

"And the aptitude," he continued, tapping on the holographic display, "corresponds to your ability to learn and use your elements. Yours is proficient. A baby, but with potential. Your abilities are suited for an assassin type of beast, huh?"

Dante chuckled to himself, as if the creature understood his musings. "Still a private, you know. Good for low-level mobs or being a baby. But who knows, with the right care and training, you might just become something extraordinary."