Re-Awakening: Cannon Fodder With Strongest Talent

The creature plummeted among its shattered gemstone formations, Low-Gold capabilities overwhelmed by superior technique rather than raw power.

<You have devoured Low-Gold Core>

<+15 Agility>

<You have devoured the Crystal Butterfly>

<You have evolved the Crystal Hardening talent (E+) -> Crystal Manipulation (D-)>

<You have gained +10 Agility>

<Crystal Butterfly (Low-Gold) is available for transformation>

<You have levelled up!>

Power flowed through Ethan's enhanced physiology as the butterfly's essence integrated into his existing capabilities.

Twenty-five total agility points from a single encounter—advancement that elevated his speed and reflexes to new heights.

'Substantial improvement. And talent evolution to boot.'

But more importantly, his Crystal Hardening had undergone a fundamental transformation. Where before he could only reinforce his skin with mineral protection, now he possessed the ability to manipulate crystalline structures directly.

'Crystal Manipulation. That opens entirely new tactical possibilities.'

Ethan extended his hand experimentally, focusing on the shattered gemstone formations scattered throughout the clearing. Crystalline fragments responded to his will, rising from the ground to orbit around his fingers in complex patterns.

'Direct control over crystal structures. This is revolutionary.'

The evolution from defensive hardening to active manipulation represented a qualitative leap that went beyond simple rank advancement. He could now create crystal weapons, defensive barriers, or even reshape environmental features to his tactical advantage.

'D-rank Crystal Manipulation. Combined with my other talents, this creates combination possibilities I never considered due to the earlier limitation.'

Fire could superheat crystals for thermal attacks. Water could cool them for shattering techniques. Wind could accelerate crystal projectiles beyond normal velocity limits. The integration potential was staggering.

'Every talent multiplying the effectiveness of every other talent.'

The Crystal Butterfly transformation option intrigued him as well. Aerial mobility would provide tactical advantages his ground-based forms couldn't match, while crystal manipulation from flight altitude could control entire battlefields.

His status window updated automatically as the advancement integrated:

<Human: Ethan Brandon>

<Rank: Low-Gold>

<Talents: Fire (D), Water(D-), Crystal Manipulation (D-), Speed (E+), Wind(E+), Protective Shield (F+), Accuracy Enhancement (F+), Regeneration (F+), Dagger Wield (F-), , Mental Enhancement (F)>

<Transformations: Apex Mane(Mid-Gold), Crystal Butterfly(Low-Gold), Lazy Monkey(Peak-Silver), Tunneler Behemoth(High-Silver), Crystal Ape (Mid-Silver), Panther (Mid-Silver), Silver Serpent (Mid-Silver), Harpy(Mid-Silver)>

<Level 7>

<Health Points:2800> <Mana Points: 2950>

<Strength: 306> <Agility: 305> <Intelligence: 295> <Vitality: 280>

<Free Attributes: 15>

<Skills: Basic Footwork (Novice - 92%), Swordsmanship (Novice - 60%), Mana control (Novice - 85%)>

'Three D-rank talents. The foundation for real power.'

The progression was becoming clear. Each D-rank evolution provided exponentially greater capabilities than its E-rank predecessor. Three coordinated D-rank talents could probably match a single C-rank ability through combination effects.

Resource accumulation from the Crystal Butterfly added to his growing reserves, but more importantly, the aerial transformation offered tactical possibilities his ground-based forms couldn't match.

'Time to test flight capabilities.'

<Transformation Active: Crystal Butterfly(Low-Gold)>

Reality shifted as his human physiology dissolved into something approaching art made manifest. His perspective elevated as gossamer wings unfurled, each segment incorporating living crystals that caught jungle light in colourful displays.

The transformation felt fundamentally different from his other forms. Where the Apex Mane had been raw power, the Crystal Butterfly embodied grace and ethereal beauty. But beneath the delicate appearance lay genuine combat capabilities.

'Aerial mobility. That's an incredibly useful transformation.'

He rose above the canopy with experimental wing beats, crystal segments refracting sunlight into rainbow patterns that danced across leaves. The jungle spread below him like a living map.

From his elevated position, he could see the broader ecosystem's structure. Clearings marked territorial boundaries between different apex predators, while game trails revealed movement patterns of lesser creatures. Most importantly, he could identify targets worth engaging versus those that offered minimal advancement.

A pack of Silver-rank wolves moved through the undergrowth several hundred meters ahead. Their energy signatures barely registered against his enhanced senses—not worth the time required for elimination when stronger targets beckoned deeper in the jungle.

'Ignore the chaff. Focus on meaningful advancement opportunities.'

His crystalline wings carried him over their territory without disturbance, aerial approach providing stealth capabilities that ground-based infiltration couldn't match. The wolves never detected his presence as he passed overhead.

More creatures appeared in his expanded field of vision—Bronze-rank scorpions, Iron-rank lizards, even some Peak-Silver serpents that coiled around massive tree branches. All of them individually weak compared to his current capabilities.

'Quality over quantity. Time is too precious for grinding weak opponents. Although their cores are beneficial, I would rather get stronger by evolving my current talents or gaining attributes'

The aerial perspective revealed something interesting about the jungle's structure. Power distribution wasn't random—stronger creatures occupied areas with higher magical energy concentrations, while weaker species clustered around resource-poor regions.

'Ecological stratification. Hunt where the energy is strongest for maximum efficiency.'

He followed magical energy gradients toward a region where ancient trees grew larger and atmospheric power felt thicker. His crystal manipulation talent resonated with environmental formations, revealing crystalline deposits that marked areas of concentrated magical influence.

'There. That region promises worthy opponents.'

But maintaining the butterfly transformation required constant energy expenditure. Beautiful as it was, the form prioritized mobility over efficiency—perfect for reconnaissance but impractical for extended operations.

'Switch back for ground engagement. Save transformation energy for tactical necessity.'

He descended toward a clearing where energy concentrations suggested the presence of another apex predator. His wings folded as human physiology reasserted itself, boots touching earth with subtle impact that wouldn't alert nearby threats.

His enhanced senses immediately detected the territorial markers of whatever dominated this region. Scent indicated a large mammalian predator with aggressive territorial instincts. Claw marks on bark suggested supernatural strength applied with casual violence.

'Something big lives here. Something worth fighting.'

Heavy footfalls announced the approach of this area's guardian. The creature that emerged from concealing vegetation matched his expectations for power level but disappointed his hopes for advancement synergy.

<Ferocious Beast: Jungle Boar>

<Rank: Low-Gold>

<Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

<Drop rate: 2%>

'Low-Gold rank. Good. Physical Enhancement talent... unfortunately useless for my talent advancement.'

The Jungle Boar stood nearly two meters at the shoulder, its massive form bristling with enhanced muscle that spoke of supernatural development. Tusks jutted from its skull like ivory spears while small eyes blazed with territorial fury.