[Evolutionary Path: A function that only a select few species have access to. Normally, those who qualify are monsters.]
[Status: While a few races apart from humans originally didn't belong to this world, it's nearly impossible for a new race to be added to the system. However, the system has scanned the Nameless Guardian and discovered a unique title.]
[Defier of Fate]: An incredible title attained only by a select few. There are no known methods to acquire it—only one requirement is certain: defy your fate.
After a long night, Ernest woke up to find his body in a condition beyond normal capabilities. His experiment was a success.
What's more, he could see his body absorbing the core of the Void Serpent.
His physique and mental condition were stable—no mutation, no monstrous limbs, no indifference. He was... whole.
With all of his success, he found himself granted access to a system function once locked to his kind: the Evolutionary Path.
A function he had never dreamed to touch.
[System: The essence of the monster known as [Void Serpent] has been successfully consumed!!!
Status: Your body has grown stronger than ever before.
+6 to all stats.
Outcome: Full assimilation successful. Your race has been added to the Evolutionary Path.]
"Elves, Dwarves, Beastmen, Majin, and Dragons..." he muttered.
"These races and a few others that remained hidden from the world... They were the first Guardians."
"The reason I tried so hard—fought for so long—was to earn the system's favor. To ask one wish:
Let my kind evolve too.
Let us regenerate. Let us survive illness. Let us heal."
"Instead, this gift was only granted after I became something else. Not for my race. Not for humanity. Just... me."
A hint of emotion sparked in his once-numb chest. The faintest ghost of sadness.
Even incomplete, even just a flicker—it was enough to remind him of what he lost.
His sacrifices were not for others.
They were for nothing.
He crouched in the corner of his cave, silent.
After a few hours, he emerged, armed with his alchemical weapons and hardened resolve. His eyes burned brighter than ever.
"No matter how long it takes, I'll find a human. I'll train them, nurture them, push them until they can access this function.
If I can't do it for humanity, I'll create the one who can."
His body had changed. He looked younger, stronger—his homunculus form refining itself with every breath.
Revenge still lingered. But it wasn't his purpose.
His humanity—shattered but not lost—still whispered through the cracks.
He didn't hate humans.
But his past had made him fierce.
His goodwill had blinded him. His morals had doomed him. His "companions" had betrayed him.
That day, he made a vow.
To grow beyond himself.
To cast off Ernest Quelt.
[System: You've officially registered your name as [Neon]
Status: You will now be addressed by your chosen name.]
"I'm not better than my past self," he said, "but I acknowledge that I'm now a weapon."
"A name that means 'new'... It's better than clinging to what's dead."
"Ernest Quelt perished five years ago.
Even the system acknowledges that."
"My name is Neon. The first of my kind. A homunculus born from death."
And so, Neon stepped back into the hellish forest.
His goal was survival. Growth. And finding a human worthy of inheriting the truth.
Fueled by vengeance and ambition, he pressed forward.
This life was a miracle, however twisted.
One week later...
"GRAAAHH!!!"
The sun filtered dimly through twisted branches as Neon entered a deeper part of the dark forest.
His surroundings were dreadful—but he felt nothing but opportunity.
A new pack of monsters gathered, hungry for his blood.
He welcomed the challenge.
[System: You've entered one of the few monster territories in the forest. This area is dominated by Imps—tiny, playful devils that have mastered both magic and illusion.
Be warned: They are lethal to those with low mental or magical resistance.]
[Neon LVL 20
Title: Defier of Fate, First Blood, Super Rookie
Race: Homunculus
Abilities: Golden Abyssal Eye, Behemoth Scales, Devouring Leach, Thornerus Bone Structure
Stats: Health 73 | Attack 46 | Int 67 | Luck 35 | Dex 42 | Speed 50 | Defense 53 | Stamina 45 | Mana 47
Skills: Alchemical Knowledge (SSS+), Empower (F+), Crafting (F-), Herb Gathering (F-), Brewery (D+), Sword Proficiency (E+), Ailment Boost (D-), Physical Resistance (F+), Mental Resistance (E+)]
"Normally, I would've caged a few of those midgets in my cave to train resistance," he mused, "but I've got enough potions for the irritation."
He stepped into the Forest of Illusions.
'A new prey has arrived.'
Voices whispered in his mind.
'Die!'
'Suffer, you intruder!'
'Your flesh looks delicious!'
[System: Your skill [Mental Resistance] is active.
Status: Even with protection, expect mild irritation and delusions.]
He felt the creeping throb behind his eyes—but smiled.
They thought him weak prey. That was their mistake.
"You're prideful. Just as expected."
"I hope you don't regret that."
They fell. One by one.
Victims of his preparation.
Victims of their own arrogance.
[System: Synergy triggered! [Alchemical Knowledge] + [Ailment Boost]
Status: Secreted Void Serpent Gas has inflicted [Paralysis]!
Synergy: Extended infection and duration—effect amplified!]
"This could've been a battle," he muttered, "but you've made it a harvest."
His enemies thrashed in agony, their illusions falling apart.
Those who tried to escape triggered his traps.
[System: A few enemies have resisted the effects.
Status: Immunity for 30 seconds.]
No matter. His sword made quick work of spellcasters.
For those at range, he used bone bolts—sharpened and swift.
Each kill brought relief. The irritation in his mind dimmed.
And the gas spread farther.
"Golden Eyes of the Abyssal Tiger... awaken."
His vision glowed golden.
Every sense sharpened.
Smells, sounds, movement—he could feel it all.
"Graaaaaaahhh!!!"
Screams echoed through the trees.
The remaining imps scattered, their pride shattered.
But they could not escape him.
"They've likely cut off my escape route. I still lack a class... but this isn't bad."
He smiled grimly.
"Monsters specializing in mental attacks... their death grants me skills. That's how I got Physical Resistance, Mental Resistance, Ailment Boost."
"But now... I need magic."
He gathered the imp corpses and summoned his Devouring Leach.
It feasted upon them while he ate his rations.
[System: Devouring Leach has consumed the corpses.
Bonus: +4 to Mana and Intelligence.]
And thus, Neon grew again.