Maddy watched Sephiran, practically glowing with excitement as he prepared his first meal with his mother. He stacked plate after plate of worms, sprinkled them with seasoning, and devoured them as if he too had not eaten for fourteen days.
A shiver crept down her spine at the sight—he relished every bite, his small, sharp teeth tearing through the creatures as though they were the finest cuts of steak.
"Gross… oh my god."
She covered her mouth with both hands. But as she studied the pure happiness on his face, her disgust slowly gave way to curiosity.
"But… I can't deny it… it kind of looks… good. Especially when my son enjoys it that much."
As she looked at the wriggling pile, her Monsterpedia skill flashed to life. Information appeared in her mind, explaining the biology of the nightmare on the plates.
[New Monsterpedia Entry Added: Man Eating Worm]
[Man Eating Worm (Base Form) — Habitat: Cave]
[A worm that lurks beneath loose earth and stone, detecting vibrations from approaching prey. Possesses massive crushing jaws capable of snapping bone and tearing armor, while secreting highly corrosive acidic saliva that dissolves flesh and weakens metal. Its elongated, muscular body allows rapid burrowing ambushes, striking from below before dragging victims into underground tunnels. Extremely aggressive and fiercely territorial, it will attack any living creature that enters its domain.]
[New Monsterpedia Entry Added: Mineral Worm]
[Mineral Worm (Base Form) — Habitat: Cave]
[A worm feeds exclusively on minerals and ores, metabolizing them into dense, rock like armor plating that encases its body. The hardness and properties of its armor vary depending on consumed material, ranging from iron durability to crystalline reflective shells. Capable of compressing excess minerals into hardened projectiles, which are expelled at high velocity for both offense and defense. Often found clustered around mineral rich veins, their rare glowing shells are highly prized for crafting and alchemical use.]
Maddy's stomach let out a loud, hungry growl. She realized that while she was trapped in her nightmares, this seven year old child had been hunting monsters to make sure his mother had a meal.
"He said he harvested them… by himself. And he protected me while I was unconscious, fighting off monsters alone. He looks stronger now—much stronger. Did his stats increase as he aged? I need to see where he stands now… APPRAISAL!"
Numbers floated over Sephiran's violet hair as he tilted his head back to swallow a Giant Mineral Worm whole.
[Magic: 700,000 | Might: 720,000]
Maddy's jaw slowly fell open.
"His magic and might doubled in just two weeks? He's only around seven years old… What will he become if he keeps growing like this?"
She swallowed, staring at him in disbelief.
"With that absurd aging speed, he could dominate the entire monster world. But only if I raise him right. I won't let his father's blood win over mine."
Suddenly, Sephiran started to cough. His face turned a light shade of blue as he pounded his chest with a fist that looked strong enough to break a brick.
"Sephiran! Slow down. Slowly, please. Jesus!"
She shoved a jug of water into his hands. And Sephiran finished it in one go. When he set it down, he let out a long, happy sigh. Then, his eyes moved to Maddy's plate. Her food was still moving, completely untouched.
Sephiran's shoulders dropped. His fierce eyes softened into sad, pleading puppy eyes. He looked at the worms, then back at Maddy. He had risked his life to bring her the "best" food, and he thought she hated it.
Maddy felt the guilt hit her chest.
"Oh, my baby boy… look at him. He think's I'm disappointed."
She slapped her cheek, the sting burning as it turned deep red.
"Right. You worked so hard for this. You risked your life gathering it, and I'm just… watching? Watching a scene I've always dreamed of. I'd be a terrible mother if I didn't eat. I'm sorry, Maddy… time to be a parent."
She picked up the thinnest Man Eating Worm on the plate. It wriggled between her fingers, raw and slick, snapping its tiny jaws at her thumb. She lifted it to eye level, studying it in silence. For a brief second, she felt that strange connection again, that they are related.
Sephiran's eyes never left her. Wide. Hopeful. Waiting. Maddy drew in a slow, steady breath.
"You really won't stop staring until I do this, huh?"
The worm twisted in her grip. She swallowed hard and brought it to her lips.
"Sorry… little cousins. But I have to eat you."
She closed her eyes and bit down.
CRUNCH.
Maddy froze. She expected the taste of dirt or slime. Instead, a burst of incredible flavor hit her tongue. It tasted like sweet lobster and rich cream. It was crisp on the outside and melted like butter.
"WHAT THE—?!"
Maddy's eyes snapped open.
"Why is this… why is this so good?!"
All her disgust vanished. She grabbed a Mineral Worm next, finding it as sweet as honey. Sephiran's face broke into a huge, toothy grin as he saw his mother finally eating.
"GOSH! THIS IS DELICIOUS!"
Maddy shouted with her mouth full. As they ate, the bond between them grew strong—two monsters in a cave, feasting together.
[System Notice]
[You have ingested multiple objects containing traits.]
[Man Eating Worm]
[Trait Acquired: Tremor Sense]
[Detects vibrations through soil and stone. Movement within range creates clear positional awareness, even without vision. Sensitivity increases while burrowed.]
[Trait Acquired: Crushing Jaws]
[Massive bite force capable of shattering bone, splintering wood, and denting light metal. Bite strength scales with body mass and momentum.]
[Trait Acquired: Corrosive Saliva]
[Secretes highly acidic fluid that breaks down organic matter and weakens armor. Acid potency and volume scale with stamina.]
[Trait Acquired: Rapid Burrowing]
[Allows high speed tunneling through soil, sand, and fractured stone. Creates temporary tunnel networks suitable for ambush and retreat.]
[Trait Acquired: Constricting Body]
[Muscular segments enable powerful coiling pressure. Can immobilize prey by crushing ribs, restricting airflow, or pinning limbs.]
[Trait Acquired: Subterranean Endurance]
[Body is adapted to low-oxygen, high-pressure underground environments. Greatly reduces fatigue while burrowed.]
[Trait Acquired: Territorial Instinct]
[Heightened aggression toward intruders within claimed territory. Attack efficiency and reaction speed increase when defending its domain.]
[Trait Acquired: Man Eating Worm Body Parts]
[You may now manifest any portion of the Man Eating Worm's anatomy—eyes, skin, or the entire physical form with perfect precision. These examples are not limiting; any part can be used.]