I remember it—the way it attacked my soul. It struck deep, like a whisper straight into my core. If it weren't for the AI's protection, I might've died on the spot. I didn't realize soul attacks could be that powerful. If I had, I would've used one from the start. But now... it's dead.
Lizarius—my other self—stood over its corpse. Its glowing eyes locked on the lifeless body, saliva already dripping from its maw. It was hungry.
With a wide, savage bite, Lizarius clamped down. Acidic saliva hissed as it melted through thick scales. Steam rose. The flesh tore.
It ate.
Piece by piece, it devoured the serpent, never slowing, not even when the sky darkened. Under the glow of the full moon, its massive frame sat beside the lake, a skeletal snake coiled nearby like a fossilized nightmare.
The system's voice echoed:
[You have gained 2,000 Evolution Points and 20 Genes.]
Lizarius licked its fangs clean, then unfurled its wings and leapt into the air. It glided silently, landing near a small, glowing blue orb nestled in the grass.
What is this? I thought. I saw it inside the snake while feeding... but I didn't pay attention at the time.
The system responded, calm and cold:
[Item Identified: Demonic Beast Core.]
A Demonic Core I don't have any memory of it for that human what's a Demonic Core "Lizarius thought"
[System]
» Demonic Core also know as Beast Core
A Demonic Core—also known as a Beast Core—was the crystallized essence of power, formed within a Demonic Beast after years of evolution and survival. It acted as a power source and a stabilizing nucleus, channeling internal energy and anchoring the beast's physical form.
Its presence marked the difference between lesser creatures… and those who walked the path of true strength.
The system's voice echoed with perfect indifference:
> [A beast's ability to form a Demonic Core directly impacts its potential in the path of cultivation.]
Lizarius tilted his head, molten yellow eyes locked on the orb nestled in the grass. Faint blue light pulsed within it, rhythmic and alive.
"Cultivation…" A word I remember, though the memories aren't truly mine. The human who tried to take over my body—he knew cultivation. The AI erased him, but traces of what he knew stayed behind.If not for those fragments, I'd still be just another lizard,
"You understand what this is," Lizarius growled softly to the system, "but not the rank of the Beast ?"
> [Affirmative.]
He narrowed his eyes.
"If I eat it, will I gain Evolution Points?"
> [Negative.]
"Tch." His tongue flicked across his fangs. "Then it's worthless."
But the system corrected him, ever cold and precise:
> [Incorrect. While the core does not provide Evolution Points, consuming it will strengthen the Host's body, increase internal energy, and enhance regeneration.]
Lizarius stared at the orb, claws curling slightly.
"Hmph. Can I do cultivation if I eat it?"
> [No. To begin cultivation, the Host must first form a Demonic Core.]
His tail twitched. "How do I form one?"
> [The Host must reach the Late Stage of Rank 9 and expend 100,000 Evolution Points to evolve into a Core-Bearing Beast.]
He went quiet, golden eyes gleaming beneath the moonlight.
"So that's the path…" he murmured. "Reaching the late stage of Rank 9. Offer the points. Forge my core."
He lowered his snout to the orb.
"It can't give me evolution points, but can make me stronger."
His jaws snapped shut.