Chapter 1640 – Guiding Evolution

There are many who have dedicated themselves to the art of raising pets to fight on their behalf within the Dungeon. Expensive, time consuming, emotionally draining, mentally taxing, it is not a pursuit for the faint of heart or weak of mind, but for those who truly master it, immense power can be achieved.

From acquiring a core, modifying the core, creating and raising the monster to its full, combat ready size, there are huge upfront costs to even trying to rear a monstrous companion. None of these processes are easy, if you try to do it all yourself, or cheap, if you try to find someone else to do it for you.

For this reason, the majority of pet owners are wealthier individuals, scions from powerful families or individuals who are responsible for the pooled resources of their delver gang or mercenary regiment.

Yet, even in reaching this stage, the true benefits of raising pets have not been realised. Where the masters are able to differentiate themselves from the layman is in careful management of evolution. The true experts can find efficiencies that the system cannot, overriding the defaults to shape the form of their pet like a sculptor revealing perfection from within the stone.

– Excerpt from ‘On Pets’ by Xinci

[Would you like to engage the Managed Evolution Process?]

Yes.

[This monster is not your pet. Awaiting permission.]

[Anthony! We need your permission to begin the evolution,] the triad urged, [you need to answer the system prompt!]

The giant ant was still flailing wildly, rolling and twisting as he endured the ‘itch’ he described.

[SAZZIFRANAZAPP!!!! Do whatever the heck you want! GRAAAAAAA!]

[Permission granted.]

[This Monster has reached the maximum level for its current species. Managed Evolution will allow you to control the process of changing the form and stats of this monster.]

[An additional 10% evolutionary energy will be granted for maxed mutations.]

[Warning: Evolving will make securing XP and Biomass more difficult, as fewer rewards are given for preying on less evolved creatures.]

The triad wished they could flick the system prompts away faster, but there was no way to rush the process, all they could do was wait.