ALL NOVEL Chapter 15: Evolution of the Mind and Body!
This time, the transformation didn't feel too overwhelming for Leonhardt. Instead, knowledge of swordsmanship, basic training, and how to maintain the great sword flooded into his head first.
It seemed to swirl around constantly to make him remember it first.
What followed were memories, thoughts and desires from the men that failed to kill him, from their hunger for women to the desire for bloodshed, and one even aspired to become a writer.
Leonhardt, in his state of evolution, came to understand that when evolving, he would absorb and merge the experiences of those he killed before evolving.
"Ugh.."
A burning pain flowed from his muscles as if a wild beast were biting at his nerves and bones, causing him to shudder and convulse in agony.
'I feel different... my knowledge of emotions and life has once again grown.'
Before, his ideas and plans felt incomplete and lacking something. He suddenly noticed the flaws and where he could improve them. Leon's mind seemed to have evolved to a new level, and he could now tell the difference between his instinct and personal desire and thoughts.
『I can use their emblem and the Crimson Hawks to explore the human world.』
His memories contained folklore, songs of old, and information, whether rumours or factual, such as a dragon that existed in the Far West that hated humans. Or the beautiful silver dragon that protected a human kingdom due to a pact.
Information on the guild, how the two guilds differ and what humans will probably do in the next few months.
—Crack!
Finally, Leonhardt's evolution was complete.
His arms spread out, touching a hard, sticky surface. Using the crack, he pried open the small shell, the last step in his transformation. The egg burst apart, revealing the dungeon master, yet possibly different from the Leonhardt of three days before.
"Zafira, how was the dungeon during my sleep?"
Tired, sore and needing a stretch, he didn't check the panels but wanted to assess the current level at which the succubus would follow him.
"Well... nothing serious happened."
『He looks a little better... but still not enough!』
Zafira turned her face away with a huff, causing Leon to tilt his head and wonder why she acted so strange to him after his evolution.
『???』
[You look handsome—she is being bashful.]
『Oh... thanks, Dungeon Wife!』
After his evolution, he now had another month to live.
Leon's evolution seemed quite useful this time. He noticed the critters became more comfortable with his presence, though Zafira barely changed from before. Leon noticed the subtle changes in her atmosphere and movements, and the harsh rejection vanished.
"As for the dungeon... there was a small raid in the western forest. The Master of the forest seems to be hostile to your actions!"
"Master of the forest?"
At first, he felt confused, but thankfully, the information from Axel and Gale started to surface like an air bubble when trapped on the ocean floor.
"It's a monster that has evolved to a certain point... becoming the strongest monster leading the weaker ones." Zafira coughed while explaining to him.
"So... like a city lord or nobles for humans..."
"What do you suggest we do to deal with it, Zafira?" Leonhardt curved his lips upwards while narrowing his eyes. He observed her facial movements and reaction to his question, curious about how she might respond.
"Kill it! Crush those who resist the Master... then make the ones left behind surrender!" she declared sternly, her strange gaze piercing Leon's face with her glowing eyes without a single shred of doubt, concern or worry.
"Eh?"
For a moment, Leon couldn't believe this was the monster who tried to tame the rabbits when bored. Yet then he remembered Zafira wasn't some vase or fragile maiden... but a level 100 succubus queen.
Though he lacked information about the Master of the forest, he couldn't ignore Zafira because she seemed too aggressive. So Leon decided he would get rid of it to avoid future harm to his dungeon or the goblins' building outside.
Though it would be wasteful, he knew that a new master, or elites as the humans call them, would grow stronger if one should be absent... Like Gobbolas or the other goblin...
He suddenly remembered another one had evolved.
『I should name those that evolve early on...』
"Understood. When you leave, send Gobbolas and the new Hobgoblin to me. You can organise a force to slay that so called 'Master' right, Zafira?"
Thanks to the mercenaries' knowledge, Leon started using his memories, voice and body language to act more imposing and animated. He also started using a deeper voice, sharpening his gaze when ordering Zafira and tapping his throne with a slight scowl.
The succubus, in response to his changes, nodded. "Yes, Master! Your orders are absolute. I won't disappoint you!" She smiled faintly, then saluted like a knight.
Her wings spread out. Feathered and raven, they fluttered as she turned away and left the room. Zafira seemed excited to be spoken to like a knight rather than a female.
"Haaah... why is she so weird..."
[The Succubus Zafira Aspires to become a Knight, not a wife, bride or princess.]
『Oh... why?』
[Error: Further scrutiny is denied—please improve your friendship and ask directly!]
Leon clicked his tongue at the system's arrogant tone.
As always, she shot him down, making him sulk while focusing on his body.
Meanwhile, as he adjusted to the changes in his body, he noticed his arms became more muscular along with his back and chest muscles. Now, his deltoids, biceps and triceps were at least twice as thick.
『Did I evolve in this direction because of my desire?』
His arms seemed to have grown a few inches, and the heavy sword became light in his hands, allowing him to strike and swing the sword without struggling.
Suddenly, a commotion sounded as two figures entered the throne room.
One was the lean, muscled archer Gobbolas, and beside him was a blue-skinned muscular goblin with a round wooden shield and a spear—there seemed to be a goblin horn around his neck and a green cap on his shoulders.
"Master! Gobbolas reporting!"
"Oh? Gobbolas, is this your new friend? You look strong, goblin!"
"Hobgoblin Captain, reporting for service, My Lord!" A slightly dull voice, but the stern blue eyes, like ice, gazed with nothing but loyalty and awe.
『Oh... this guy is serious! Let's name him....』
"Gobomir, Captain of..." Leonhardt stopped for a moment, his arms spread out. The Hobgoblin shone with light, a symbol of being named, growing stronger and more loyal to their master. He suddenly froze, unable to complete the naming ceremony...
『What is this dungeon's name?!』