Evolution

Disclaimer: If you are stupid and think I own Tensura, then sorry to burst your bubble. I don't. If I did, then Tensura wouldn't have succeeded as much.

Summary: A human soul transmigrates into the body of a newborn snake with some strange skills. How would it fare in this world where people with strength like Gods roam freely? Surviving this mayhem should be its first concern.

EDIT: If you want photos of characters then head over to my Quest!0nab1e Quest!ng thread. I go by the same name there otherwise search for my fic name!

Conditions for Evolution have been met.

Commencing Evolution.

Intrinsic Skill: Thermal Resistance has Evolved into Intrinsic Skill: Thermal Fluctuation Nullification

Intrinsic Skill: Abnormal Condition Resistance has Evolved into Intrinsic Skill: Abnormal Condition Nullification

Extra Skill: Magic Sense and Intrinsic Skills: Heat Sense, Echo Sense have merged into Intrinsic Skill: Universal Perception

Extra Skill: Alluring Aura has Evolved into Extra Skill: Charm

Extra Skill: Alteration Acquisition Successful

Extra Skill: Alteration has been assimilated in Unique Skill: Evolver

Race Changed to Stormlord Serpent

Intrinsic Skill: Thermal Fluctuation Nullification has been converted to Magicules

Intrinsic Skill: Natural Effects Nullification Acquired

Intrinsic Skills: Poison Breath and Poison Fang have merged into Intrinsic Skill: Fain Eyes

Intrinsic Skill: Shapeshift Acquired

Intrinsic Skill: Weather Manipulation Acquired

Intrinsic Skill: Illusion Weaver Acquired

The world felt different as I slowly regained consciousness. It was as if every fiber of my being was more attuned to the air, the ground, the very essence of nature itself. My body felt immense, more powerful than ever before. I could feel the raw energy coursing through me, like a storm ready to be unleashed.

As I lay in the battle 'field,' I noticed something: my senses had improved by a lot.

Where once I could perceive only a hundred meters of the surrounding area, that was now expanded to encompass kilometers of the terrain. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a world that was familiar yet unknown.

The sounds, the spectrum of light, Magicules, the flow of heat—all of it flooded into my consciousness with overwhelming clarity. It was a sensation both exhilarating and weird, as if I had unlocked a hidden dimension that had always been there.

The last thing I remember hearing before passing out was {Scholar} announcing that I had enough Magicules to evolve. Oi {Scholar}, tell me what has changed and give me a list of my current skills.

[Answer: Host has evolved from a Tempest Serpent to a Stormlord Serpent also known as 'Fainlords'. Stormlord Serpents are enormous in size, and possess a multitude of different abilities. The main skills include Weather Manipulation, Illusions and Shape Shifting.]

[Answer: Here's a list of all the skills the Host possesses:

Intrinsic Skills: Universal Perception, Mana Core, Body Armour, Weather Manipulation, Shapeshift, Natural Effects Nullification, Illusion Weaver, Fain Eyes

Extra Skills: Magic Manipulation, Charm. Hero, Thought Transmission, Abnormal Condition Nullification, Pain Nullification

Storm Magic: Storm Blast, Thunderstorm, Ruin Tempest, Storm of Destruction, Death Heralding Wind, Black Flame, Dark Lightning

Elemental Magic: Flight Magic

Arts: Spatial Transfer

Unique Skills: Scholar, Evolver]

Damn, that's a lot of new skills. Though, I have lost some skills too? Did they evolve, {Scholar}?

[Answer: Affirmative.]

I would love to try them all out, but I am currently more worried about what's happening around me. I will check them out after I am sure of my safety.

I focused my upgraded senses to observe the clearing and again realized the scale of the destruction I had caused.

It was still a mess of uprooted trees, scorched earth, and torn ground—a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place. I felt a strange sense of pride seeing the destruction that I had caused.

But first, I needed to assess my new form.

Lifting my head, I realized just how massive I had become. My body stretched over a hundred feet, my scales glistening with a mix of electric blue and stormy gray.

I could feel the power to affect the weather within me, ready to be called upon at any moment.

Also, I can see you, {Shapeshift}, my most desired skill~. I focused inward, tapping into my newfound ability to change my form as I wanted.

My form began to shrink rapidly, scales retracting and reshaping until I stood on two legs, looking down at my ashy human hands. I marveled at my transformation.

I commanded the surrounding water molecules to freeze and form a mirror of ice in front of me.

In my human form, I stood at almost 7 feet tall and had an imposing figure that commanded attention and respect. My hair was a striking shade of electric blue, flowing like liquid lightning as it cascaded down to my shoulders.

My new eyes were the color of storm clouds, and retained the defining eye features of a snake. My skin had become mostly smooth, with some scales around certain parts, and had an unblemished shade of pale gray.

Overall, it was a surreal experience looking at my new form. Despite what I had assumed, I felt natural in this form. I was expecting to feel somewhat restricted and claustrophobic, but apparently, {Shapeshift} makes sure that something like that doesn't happen.

"Interesting," I muttered, my voice sounding more human, but still retaining the serpentine hiss to it.

I flexed my fingers and realized the raw potential of shapeshifting.

"I could definitely get used to this."

After appreciating my form enough, I took a deep breath and turned my attention to the destruction around me.

I would feel very shitty just leaving the area ruined like this. Not to mention, I have reasons to believe that there are real tree people/Dryads in this forest. I really don't want them to start hating me, so better fix this all up.

I reached out with my mind, feeling the surrounding Magicules respond. I could control the elements, command the weather, and repair the damage I had caused. I raised my hand for theatrics and closed my eyes, using {Magic Manipulation} and {Weather Manipulation} to mend the damaged surroundings.

I willed the earth to mend itself, and the ground began to shift and settle, the scorched earth cooling and returning to its natural state. Trees that had been uprooted slowly straightened, their roots digging back into the soil. The sky darkened momentarily as rain began to fall, washing away the remnants of the battle and bringing life back to the damaged area.

Finally, all the debris that wasn't repairable was burned off by {Black Flames}.

I opened my eyes to see the clearing once more, now a peaceful, serene place. The damage was gone, replaced by the natural beauty of the Great Jura Forest. Of course, there were still many signs of battle, like the claw marks on some trees, but I saw no need to repair them.

I am sure the tree people wouldn't be that petty.

I took a deep breath, feeling the cool, fresh air fill my lungs. "Alright, time to figure out my next moves."

My mind raced with possibilities. Now that I had a human form, I could explore the kingdoms of this world more freely. The political and geographical situation of this world needed to be understood, and I can definitely find that in a kingdom.

"First things first," I muttered, looking at my new hands once more. "I need to get a feel for my new skills. And then, it's time to get back on my journey."

So let's start the review process with the change log—Damn, that's some big changes! Open up the description of {Thermal Fluctuation Nullification}. That's a mouthful ass skill name.

[Intrinsic Skill: Thermal Fluctuation Nullification: it is a Nullification type skill that negates the effects of temperature on Host.]

Woah! So I am basically immune to fire and ice? Wait, no. Fire has other types of damage other than just temperature changes, more so in this magical world. But this is still a pretty awesome skill.

A smile crept across my face. No longer would extreme temperatures be anything to me. I could just walk through the heart of a volcano or a blizzard without so much as a shiver. Man, I am cool.

Onto the next skill, {Scholar}!

[Extra Skill: Abnormal Condition Nullification: It is a Nullification type skill that completely negates the effects of things such as corrosion, poison, paralysis, petrification, etc.]

Huh, so all resistance skills evolve into nullification skills? Perfect. Poison, paralysis, petrification—none of it could touch me now. I am definitely going to acquire all the resistance skills in the world.

On to the next one!

[Extra Skill: Universal Perception: It allows for the perception of nearly all things within a wide radius. It is an enhanced version of Magic Power Perception with superior sensory capabilities. The user can perceive not only light and sound — inherited from Magic Power Perception — but also killing intent, heat, and sound waves within an extremely large range.]

Ohhh, so that's why my senses have improved so much?! No wonder everything looked so clear now. Also when it says a large range, it definitely means a large range. It's beyond a kilometer for fucks sake.

Moving on, next.

[Extra Skill: Charm: It allows the user to hypnotize and temporarily control the thoughts of their target and even alter their memories with suggestions.]

I chuckled awkwardly. As if the previous skill wasn't enough, now it's just straight up mind-fuckery. Looks like I can do nothing but accept the fate that has befallen me. At least the potential for manipulation was staggering.

[Extra Skill: Alteration merged with Unique Skill: Evolver. Extra Skill: Alteration allows the user to modify and evolve skills.]

This one is interesting. It fits my theme quite well and has some very cool uses that I can see. Modifying skills can be interesting. I will try it out later, anyway.

Now, tell me what's up with the Stormlord Serpent? Sounds like an awesome evolution from my past… race.

[Answer: Stormlord Serpents, also known as "Fain" are Monsters resembling serpentine dragons, with scales shimmering like storm clouds. These serpents possess the ability to harness and control the power of storms, manifesting lightning strikes and powerful winds at will. Storm Serpents are revered for their wisdom and feared for their destructive potential, embodying the untamed essence of the tempest itself.]

DAMN! That's busted, man. I am basically a serpent that is closer to Dragons than any other species and I can manipulate the weather. I wonder if there are other monsters who belong to the same race as me? Would be funny meeting one.

Anyway, what's my current rank, {Scholar}?

[Answer: The Host is currently a S-Rank existence.]

So I have gone from a B-Ranked monster to a S-Ranked one in my time here, which is somewhat around 4 months. What an evolutionary speed. Heh.

Now give me the list of what new Intrinsic Skills I got.

[Intrinsic Skill: Natural Effects Nullification: it is a Nullification type skill that negates the effects of natural effects such as elements, temperature, electricity, etc.]

So, wind, rain, lightning—none of the natural elements could harm me. Pretty neat. I am kinda getting used to such bullshitery.

But wouldn't that mean that {Thermal Fluctuation Nullification} is kinda redundant now? Wait, thinking back to it, why didn't it appear on my skill list?

[Answer: Intrinsic Skill: Thermal Fluctuation Nullification was hence sacrificed in order to generate Magicules.]

Then why did you mention it before?

[Answer: Host had asked for details on the changes that took place.]

I sweat dropped magnificent reasoning {Scholar} gave.

Anyway, get back to the reviewing process.

[Intrinsic Skill: Fain Eyes: It is a Skill that allows the Host to inflict various status ailments onto their desired targets. The potency of the effects is dependent on the user's strength relative to the targets, with the list of potential effects including but not being limited to; Corrosion, Madness, Paralysis, Petrification, and Poison. The Skill can also be used to transform objects into different objects.]

Wow, that's quite the upgrade from Poison Breath and Poison Fang. So now I can just stare at someone and ruin their day in all sorts of ways. Corrosion, madness, paralysis, petrification, poison… the list just goes on. And transforming objects? That's like adding insult to injury. Imagine turning someone's prized weapon into a rubber duck. Hilarious.

Of course there are bound to be limitations in what objects I could transform, which I quickly became aware of after asking {Scholar}. I can only transform objects into different objects when the fuel and product have a relation with each other.

What I am basically doing is by-passing the tedious process of making things. Which is still awesome. This is definitely gonna see many uses.

[Intrinsic Skill: Shapeshift: It allows the Host to manipulate their form to match their desires.]

Nice! So not only can I take human form, but I can become pretty much anything I want. I could disguise myself, infiltrate places, or just mess with people. The possibilities are endless.

I am definitely going to meet Veldora as a big dragon next time. I wonder how shocked he would look.

Alright, what's next?

[Intrinsic Skill: Weather Manipulation: It allows the Host to manipulate the various aspects of weather.]

This one is just too cool. Literally. I could bring rain to a drought-stricken area or summon a storm to wipe out my enemies. And manipulating wind? Talk about a dramatic entrance. I could show up with thunder and lightning, like a true Stormlord.

I am obviously gonna abuse the shit out of this for theatrics. After all, a win is considered a true win, if you don't even have to war. Just make your enemies dirty their pants with the awesome power of thetrics.

Finally, what about the last one?

[Intrinsic Skill: Illusion Weaver: It allows the Host to create and manipulate realistic illusions of all natures, that affects all senses.]

Perfect. I can create entire scenarios to deceive my enemies. Illusions that can affect all senses? This will be fun to experiment with.

So, to sum it up, I'm basically immune to all natural effects and abnormal conditions, I can perceive almost everything within a huge radius, I can charm and manipulate minds, evolve and alter my already OP skills, shapeshift, control the weather, inflict all sorts of status ailments, and create realistic illusions.

Not to mention, I'm now an S-Rank monster.

It's like I've hit the jackpot of power-ups. There's so much potential here. I can't wait to test out all these new abilities and see just how far I can push them in a battle.

But first, I needed to test one of my more practical new skills. Clothes would be a good start. I'd been standing here butt naked, and that needed to change.

I looked around and spotted a sturdy tree nearby.

With a focused gaze, I approached the tree. Placing my hand against its trunk, I activated {Fain Eyes}.

Alright, let's see what you can do.

The tree began to change under the influence of my skill. The bark softened and peeled away in long, thin strips, almost like fabric. The leaves intertwined, weaving themselves into a complex pattern.

Within moments, the strips of bark had become a sturdy yet flexible tunic, the leaves forming intricate designs across its surface. Pants soon followed, made from the same durable bark, while the leaves adorned the cuffs and hems.

"Not bad," I said, admiring my handiwork. The clothes were surprisingly comfortable to the touch. I blame Magic.

I slipped into the tunic and pants, feeling the smoothness of the material against my skin. They were lightweight yet strong, proving the power of {Fain Eyes}. The transformation was seamless.

The world better watch out because Azridan, the Stormlord and Dick-Rubber Converter, is here to shake things up!

Just as I was basking in the glory of my newfound power, I felt something wet and unpleasant land on my shoulder. I looked down to see a splatter of bird poop, bright white against my dark scales.

You've got to be kidding me.

I glanced up, just in time to see the culprit: a small, smug-looking bird flying away. It chirped merrily as it soared higher into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

I stood there, a mixture of annoyance and disbelief washing over me. Even with all these incredible powers, I was still not immune to the whims of nature.

With a resigned sigh, I cleared my shoulders with magic. Well, it looks like there's always room for a little humility.

The sun was setting, as I reached my much awaited destination. I could see the "nation"(it is smaller than nations from my previous world, but I guess, it can be called that if we go by the literal definition) lying at the lap of a mountain.

I was also able to see… people. It was pretty weird seeing living sentient beings roaming around and interacting after going so long without interacting with one. I guess I didn't count Veldora as one due to him having a non-humanoid shape.

I had some weird feelings about this. I would describe the feeling as the one you get when you get back to home after a long journey. That anxiety you get on your way back is the best way I could describe my feelings right now.

Though, I need to face my feelings some day anyway. It might as well be this day.

With determination in my mind, I advanced towards the gates. As I was getting closer, people started noticing me and gave me some side glances. But I wasn't the object of their attention for long as they got back to their work pretty quickly.

This was understandable because despite how exotic I looked, this was a fantasy world where exotic was the norm.

The gates of the Armed Nation of Dwargon were tall and imposing. Their sheer size and craftsmanship are a testament to the skill of the dwarves.

It was probably constructed from sturdy wood and reinforced with iron. The gates were framed by high stone walls which gave it a very sturdy look, even though the weathering of time shone through the sturdy look.

Two grand banners, adorned with the nation's emblem, hung proudly on either side, fluttering slightly… even though there was no wind. Probably Magic.

A line of all sorts of people stood outside the entrance. Travelers, merchants, and adventurers. Each patiently waiting their turn to pass through the checkpoint. The variety of attires and races showcased just how diverse the lives in Dwargon were.

I did note the harsh inspections carried out by the stern-faced dwarven guards, their eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. Each one of them was armored in well-crafted leather armor, giving them a somewhat menacing look… for others.

For me? They weren't all that. Just D+ Ranked at best. Not to mention, their armor having horns combined with their small stature just made them look funny.

As I approached, my heightened senses picked up many things. There were scents of packed earth, the faint aroma of distant forges, and the murmur of conversations filling the air.

Stepping into the line, I observed the people around me—travelers clutching bundles, merchants with their wares, children clutching their parents' hands. The atmosphere was a mix of anxiety and routine, it was the kind of busy calm that came with daily trade and travel.

After approximately half an hour, I stepped forward confidently as my turn came.

The dwarven guard had a burly and robust figure, sitting on the wooden chair with an air of authority. His weathered face, framed by a short, scruffy beard, exuded both focus and vigilance.

He, like the other guards, wore a helmet adorned with small horn-like protrusions. His attire consisted of sturdy, brown leather armor, it looked well-worn, probably from his patrols and skirmishes.

He was also wearing a white cloth around his neck and lower face, likely to guard against dust and heat. Which was understandable, with the place being inside mountains.

His eyes briefly met mine, and I held his gaze, projecting an air of calm and purpose. He scrutinized me for a few seconds before opening his mouth.

"What's your purpose of visit?" He asked in a gruff voice, his voice also held a sense of boredom that came with repeating a task over and over again. Poor guy.

"I am looking around for a job." I replied with a small smile on my face.

"The usual huh. Though your muscles suggest that you won't need to worry chap. There's bound to be a lot of work for ya in the mines," He looked a bit exasperated. Many people must be coming to this place in search of a job, for him to make that expression.

Seems like unemployment is an omniversal problem.

"Fill out this form first. Then you need to sign this form. Also, do you have any recommendation letters or any previous ID?" He handed me a form along with a pen. To his question, I just shaked my head.

"This is my first time visiting Dwargon, and I am from a small village so I don't really have any letters either. Would that be a problem?"

"Ehh, nope. It would have made the process easier but it's not a necessity. Anyway, fill out the form fast" He replied while scratching his beard.

I filled out the form. It was just about my name, age, and some more trivial information. It also had different sections for adventurers and merchants, but since I am neither, I left them blank. Being sure that it wouldn't have any mistakes, I handed it over.

After examining the details, and cross checking them, he nodded his head. He then handed it over to another guard who stood besides him and he took it inside the small tent and came back in a minute.

I did see him using a machine(?) to do something, but wasn't able to properly sense what was happening. He also placed my form in a register for safe keeping. I had also tasked {Scholar} with scanning all the documents in the tent.

Information is power, no matter how trivial it may look.

When the other guard came out he was carrying another paper in his hand. The guy handed over the document to me.

"This document serves as your ID. As long as ya stay in Dwargon, this would be your gateway to many places. Ya can stay for a month without any fees, but you would get charged after that. Ya would also need it to get a job, so keep it safe. You would need to pay a fine to get a new one in case you lose it," He gave me a pointed look, and I just smiled at him. He huffed and continued to speak.

"You can go ahead now. Make sure to not break any rules around here and keep your ID secure. You can find guides if you take a left turn from the entrance. Have a safe stay." He motioned for me to get inside.

Without waiting anymore, I entered the gates. As I moved through the gate and into the heart of Dwargon, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

This city promised new opportunities for me, and I plan on taking all of them with my serpentine… hands? Never mind.

As I stepped on the road of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, the scene before me was almost overwhelming. It was indeed an industrious city nestled within the mountains.

The air was thick with the scents of forge fires and fresh bread, an odd yet comforting combination. The cobble path was illuminated by the magic lamps on the side.

The architecture here was robust and practical, with sturdy stone buildings rising up from the cobbled streets. This was probably the only form of buildings they can have in such a hilly area.

People of various races moved through the streets, their conversations mixing and making an incomprehensible sound. Dwarves, with their small frames and determined expressions, were the most prevalent, mingling with Humans, Elves, and the occasional Beastkin. They bustled about, engaging in trade, bargaining, and conversation.

Steam rose from various forges and workshops, creating a misty haze that added a sense of mystique to the already impressive cityscape.

The higher tiers of the city, built into the mountainside, featured intricate balconies and walkways, connecting buildings and creating an interconnected network above the ground level. The craftsmanship of the architecture was fucking intricate, a testament to the dwarves' skills.

No wonder these small bastards are called the kings of innovation even in legends from my world.

As I was moving through the streets of Dwargon, I admired the pieces of brilliant blacksmithing that were put on display. The sheer amount of skill that would be required in their creation was mind-boggling.

Moving past a set of iron armor that had some damn good detailing, I noticed a particularly interesting bar- Tavern catching my eye. I should probably start using the more… appropriate words.

I don't think anyone here would understand how 'bar' also refers to taverns, instead of just being a word for slabs. Thank Veldora, that {Scholar} translates everything for me, otherwise I would be in some deep shit already.

Anyway, back to the tavern, it exuded a rustic charm. It was made with sturdy wood and rough-hewn stone, the smoke flowing through the chimney and acted as a beacon for the work-tired Dwarves.

I entered the tavern and observed the surroundings. Inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere is lit by the numerous wall-mounted torches and a big stone fireplace crackling at one end of the room.

Wooden tables and benches, worn smooth by countless patrons over the years, are scattered about, giving the place a sense of long history.

A long oak bar dominated one side, lined with mismatched stools that only added to the tavern's charm. The bar itself is cluttered with wooden mugs, and behind it, shelves are stocked with barrels, and a variety of earthenware jugs probably filled with wine.

The air is thick with the scent of roasting meat, freshly baked bread, and the yeasty aroma of brewing wine. People of all sorts—travelers, locals, and adventurers—mingled, their conversations creating a lively, constant hum.

In the ambient lighting of the tavern, stood the bartender. He was wearing a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a black vest snugly fitted over his torso. His black leather shoes peeked out from beneath the bar as he shifted his weight.

With a serene expression, he polished a glass with a clean white cloth, the rhythmic, circular motion reflecting his practiced ease. His hair, slicked back, glistened slightly under the soft glow of the overhead torch. Of course, the short stature made it look hilarious for some reason.

Looks like I have found my place of gathering intel.

[AN/: What are your thoughts on the evolution and the chapter?]

Positive reviews and valid criticism is always appreciated.

Right now you would get to read the eighth chapter of Darwin and second chapter of Crimson on my p47Re0n, so if you wanna support a student and motivate me to write faster, do consider subscribing.

Here's my p47Re0n: P47Re0n.c0m/AzathrasSalvation