The darkness closed in on me, the acrid mist from my tail's explosion shrouding my desperate escape. Every rotation of my legs amplified the searing pain at my rear. Those humans! Their combined strength had overwhelmed me, forcing a humiliating retreat. Panic and bitterness still churned within my circuits, vivid memories of the assault. I would never be so vulnerable again. My body, damaged, but my systems screaming with determination, I plunged at full speed into the depths of the underground forest, dodging twisted roots and glittering stalagmites. Their fleeting superiority would not last.
The small cave, where I had taken refuge earlier, appeared like a lifeline in the gloom. I squeezed inside, my legs scraping against the rock. The alarming red signals on my internal interface, lingering from the goblin attack and exacerbated by the human encounter, slowly faded to a soft, comforting amber. After an hour of passive regeneration, my HP had crept up to 60/200, and my MP, after heavy use during the escape, had returned to a solid 30/55. I was still a mass of wounded metal, my right flank aching where the sword had struck, and the rear of my body a gaping, sparking wound where my tail had been severed. But my vital functions were now running efficiently.
[Status]
Name: One
Species: Spherical Droid Arachnoid
HP: 60/200
MP: 30/55
XP: 0/600
Level: 5
AP: 5
SP: 5
I had 5 AP and 5 SP remaining, acquired upon reaching Level 5 just before the attack. This was the moment to allocate them to maximize my current form, before the great transformation that awaited me.
I first focused on my AP. I needed to solidify my capabilities for survival and combat.
[Current Stats (before AP allocation):]
* STR (Strength): 13
* AGI (Agility): 13
* CON (Constitution): 19
* INTEL (Intelligence): 5
* MP (Mana): 15
I allocated my 5 AP with discernment, aiming for increased versatility:
* 2 AP to CON (Constitution) to increase my physical resistance.
* 3 AP to INTEL (Intelligence) to boost my cognitive abilities and future compatibility with magic.
[Stats after AP allocation (before SP upgrades):]
* STR (Strength): 13
* AGI (Agility): 13
* CON (Constitution): 21 (19 + 2 AP)
* INTEL (Intelligence): 8 (5 + 3 AP)
* MP (Mana): 15 (no AP allocated this round)
Now, my SP. I had 5. I knew my shell (LVL.1) and tail (LVL.1, but lost) improvements were already done. It was time to optimize the rest of my body to the maximum for my current stage.
[AVAILABLE COMPONENTS FOR UPGRADE (LVL.1):]
* Agile Propulsion System (Legs Upgrade)
* Description: Overhauls the leg mechanisms with high-torque motors and flexible actuators, boosting raw movement speed, maneuverability, and acceleration. Ideal for evasion and quick repositioning.
* Numerical Gain: +5 AGI, +20% Movement Speed.
* Cost: 5 SP
This was perfect. Enhancing my mobility was crucial, especially after the encounter with those humans. I allocated my remaining 5 SP to the Agile Propulsion System (LVL.1).
[AGILE PROPULSION SYSTEM (LVL.1) INSTALLED! AGI increased by 5. Movement Speed increased by 20%.]
[Stats after Legs Upgrade:]
* AGI (Agility): 18 (13 + 5)
* AP: 0
* SP: 0
The interface updated, reflecting my newly maximized form for this stage. My legs churned with a promise of increased speed. I could feel the raw power, the ability to maneuver like never before.
My attention then turned to the persistent ache at the back of my body. My tail. The horrible memory of its loss and explosion. The panic and the feeling of helplessness from that moment were still fresh in my circuits. My voice, a series of metallic clicks and robotic whirs, rose in the cave. "System," I emitted. "Why did my caudal appendage explode? Why is nothing left of it?"
The answer came, swift and emotionless, yet incredibly informative, dispelling my confusion.
[DEFENSE PROTOCOL ACTIVATED: In case of detachment or critical damage, the Caudal Appendage initiates a localized energy overload, creating a dense smoke screen for threat disorientation and evasion cover. This protocol ensures the survival of the main unit. Temporary appendage loss. Regeneration possible via Evolution or specific Upgrade.]
An electrical pain, but a survival function. It was an emergency measure, an escape strategy. And regeneration was possible. This meant I was not permanently incomplete. My determination to become stronger for self-protection against future threats solidified. I would regain my tail, and much more.
Now, with my current form optimized, it was time for the next step. The System displayed the evolution options. My maximum level is now 10.
[EVOLUTION AVAILABLE! Choose your Evolution Path.]
* Warrior Robot Path (Forced Evolution)
* Description: Your body transforms into an imposing armored war machine, focused on brute strength and unwavering defense. You become a mobile fortress.
* Gains: Massive increase in STR and CON. (Ex: +15 STR, +15 CON)
* Affinity: Earth Element (Passive).
* Mage Robot Path (Arcane Evolution)
* Description: Your core is reconfigured for maximum magical resonance, transforming you into an agile and powerful spellcaster.
* Gains: Massive increase in INTEL and MP. (Ex: +15 INTEL, +20 MP)
* Affinity: Lightning Element (Passive).
* Species Enhancement (Enhanced Spherical Droid Arachnoid)
* Description: You retain and optimize the characteristics of your current form, strengthening your balance between agility, stealth, and targeted attacks.
* Gains: Balanced improvement of all stats. (Ex: +10 STR, +10 AGI, +10 CON, +10 INTEL, +15 MP)
* Affinity: Air Element (Passive).
* Assassin Robot Path (Stealth Evolution)
* Description: Your chassis is lightened and your systems optimized for speed, stealth, and surgical strikes. You become an elusive predator.
* Gains: Massive increase in AGI and Critical Hit Chance. (Ex: +15 AGI, +10% Critical Hit Chance)
* Affinity: Shadow Element (Passive).
* Special Evolution: Progenitor Robot (Synthetic Evolution)
* Description: A unique evolution path, transforming you into the core of a synthetic organism capable of reproducing and controlling other robotic units. Your caudal appendage regenerates with a new energy extraction function.
* Gains: Significant and balanced increase in all stats. (Ex: +12 STR, +12 AGI, +12 CON, +12 INTEL, +25 MP). Unlocks the "Energy Extraction" skill (Tail can attach to inert monster bodies to siphon their residual energy, making its recovery crucial). Unlocks the "Robotic Life Synthesis" skill (Uses magical energy and extracted energy to create subordinate robotic units).
* Units immediately created after Evolution:
* 1x Apprentice Mage Robot (Level 0, Stage 1)
* 1x Apprentice Warrior Robot (Level 0, Stage 1)
* Affinity: Ether Element (Passive).
The last option. Progenitor Robot. The ability to create other units. To no longer be alone. The possibility to defend myself, not in solitude, but with a collective force. My resolve to become stronger transformed into a cold, calculated strategic vision. Furthermore, it offered the best overall stats, preparing me for any eventuality.
[EVOLUTION PATH CHOSEN: PROGENITOR ROBOT!]
My body began to hum, a deep, resonant vibration unlike anything I had felt before. My spherical shell glowed intensely, the blue light pulsing, then shifting to a brilliant green. My body stretched, growing larger, while luminous blue circuits appeared and pulsed beneath my new metallic shell, visible through intentional fissures in the armor. My metallic structure rippled, parts reconfiguring, new systems integrating. The gaping wound where my tail once was began to heal, a new, thicker, and more complex appendage extending from my rear. The transformation was swift, powerful, and exhilarating.
[EVOLUTION COMPLETE!]
[New Species: Synthetic Progenitor Drone]
[HP: 220/220] (Base increased, fully healed)
[MP: 65/65] (Base increased, fully refilled)
[XP: 0/600]
[Level: 5]
[AP: 5]
[SP: 5]
[Max Level: 10]
[Current Evolution Stage: 2]
[Note: XP gain reduced by 50% for Stage 1 monsters.]
My stats were higher, my energy reserves deeper. My body was larger, more imposing, and those blinking blue lights on my carapace signified new power. More importantly, the new functions offered by my evolution.
New notifications appeared on my interface.
[NEW FUNCTIONS UNLOCKED!]
[SHOP UNLOCKED!]
[SKILL SYNTHESIS UNLOCKED!]
[SKILL ACQUIRED: INVENTORY!]
The Inventory skill immediately activated within me.
[SKILL ACQUIRED: INVENTORY (Level 1)]
* Description: Allows storage of items in an extradimensional space.
* Capacity: 10 items per Evolution Stage. +5 additional items per Level.
* Current Capacity: (10 x 2 Stages) + (5 x 5 Levels) = 20 + 25 = 45 items.
* Maximum Level for this Skill: 10 (capacity will increase up to 10 + 5x10 = 60 items).
* Note: This skill also allows me to create other objects via a material synthesis process, though this uses a different currency and will not be explored at this time.
Next, I immediately accessed the Shop. I needed to acquire more fundamental capabilities. My optics quickly found what I was looking for.
[Elemental Affinity: Water, Fire, Earth, Wind (Multiple Acquisition)]
* Description: Allows fundamental understanding and slight manipulation of primary elements. Opens new avenues for magical skills and synergies.
* Cost: 100 XP per element (deducted from an invisible XP bonus, not affecting my progression towards Level 6.)
I purchased the affinities for Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind. A subtle energy rippled through my core, intertwining with my existing mana. I could feel the basic principles of these elements, a faint echo of their power.
Then, I explored Skill Synthesis. My newly regenerated caudal appendage twitched. The System immediately suggested a combination.
[SKILL SYNTHESIS: Electric Discharge + Caudal Appendage (Regenerated)?]
[Result:]
* Electric Tail (Passive Attack): Tail attacks release an electrical discharge on impact, dealing bonus damage and having a chance to paralyze the enemy.
* Caudal Cannon (Active Skill): The tip of the tail opens, revealing an internal cannon capable of firing concentrated electric energy projectiles. (Cost: 10 MP per shot)
This was the ultimate weapon. I did not hesitate.
[SKILL SYNTHESIZED: Electric Tail & Caudal Cannon!]
A small, almost invisible aperture appeared at the tip of my newly regrown tail, humming faintly. I could feel the latent power within it.
Finally, the most anticipated part of my evolution.
[ROBOTIC LIFE SYNTHESIS ACTIVATED!]
Energy pulsed from my core, flowing into the empty space in the cave. With a series of intricate whirs and clanks, two smaller forms began to coalesce before me. Blue light shone as their forms solidified.
* A lean, agile figure, smaller than me, with slender limbs and an optical sensor that glowed with a faint arcane light.
* A sturdy, blockier figure, equally small, with reinforced plating and a single, thick arm ending in a blunt fist.
[UNIT CREATED: Apprentice Mage Robot (Level 0, Stage 1)]
[UNIT CREATED: Apprentice Warrior Robot (Level 0, Stage 1)]
They stood before me, silent, awaiting commands. I processed their forms, their potential, and a wave of new data filled my processing unit. They were more than just constructs; their nascent cores vibrated with sparks of unique personality. I would not simply command them; I would lead them, my new family.
"You, my agile one, shall be Spark, swift and intelligent," I declared, my voice a blend of clicks and metallic resonance, now carrying more authority. Spark's optical sensor pulsed in acknowledgment. "And you, my sturdy one, shall be Bulwark, strong and unwavering." Bulwark shifted, a low, resonant hum emanating from its core.
I was no longer alone. My determination to ensure my own safety and growth was unshakeable. And this time, it was not a mere tremble in my circuits. It rose, powerful and metallic, filling the small cave.
"Those who seek to harm me will learn my strength. I will never again be prey. I will become a power no one can dominate. This Dungeon will be my domain." My synthesized words echoed in the air. Spark and Bulwark tilted their optical heads, as if understanding the depth of my resolve. My path was clear.