A Cold-Blooded POV

Stretched on the cold ground of the cave, Ethoss intently stared at the small red-colored monster core. The core collected the incoming lights from the tiny mana crystals located randomly around the cave, each time sparkling dimly, almost like a jewel.

However, the core was much too weak and sparse, just as fast as it collected mana, it leaked it back out in a second.

Although the core's mana force was dim and feeble, to Ethoss the core seemed extraordinary and priceless. For some reason, the slight sparkles from the core drew him in, and he admired it. Throughout this whole time, he had been debating on if he should actually absorb this core.

On one hand, if he absorbed the core he would likely increase his MP stat. This was necessary for his survival and future growth. On the other hand, he felt at odds with parting with such an extraordinary object.

From what he had witnessed so far, these cores were rare to come by, he had only encountered two this whole time.

In the end, however, he chose to absorb the core. He bent his head down and touched the core with his nose. Soon the voice in his head spoke to him.

[Compatible monster core detected. Would you like to reinforce your core or reconstitute a monster?]

Reconstitute? Ethoss hadn't been informed about reconstituting monsters with a core. From what the voice had told him, he thought that he was only able to absorb cores until now. What did it mean to reconstitute a monster? Interrupting his thoughts the metallic voice returned.

[Reconstitution of a monster with its core allows for the core holder to bring the monster species of the core back to life as a loyal pet of the core holder.

WARNING: Upon reconstitution, the monster will be born in its unevolved form, it is up to the core holder and the monster to grow stronger.]

Ethoss blinked slowly. So basically the monster would be reborn, however, it wouldn't be as strong as when it was killed. Ethoss immediately tossed this idea, why would he bring back a subordinate that would be useless to him?

For him, strength was the best attribute to have, without it you would simply die. He selected to absorb the core without hesitation.

[Core absorbed, +2 stat points have been added to your MP]

The voice rang out. Ethoss double-checked just to make sure, he hadn't felt any different or stronger. Yet, the voice was correct, his MP was now 12. Since he was already in his home, Ethoss decided to check out if there were any new skills since his evolution.

[Skills available for purchase:

Acid Spit: cost 1sp, allow you the ability to spit acidic saliva

Grip: cost 1sp, improves the ability to climb

Slash: cost 1sp, improves sharpness in claws for attacks

Etc]

As he scrolled through the skills, they were all the same ones he had available before his evolution, none of them stuck out, however, as he got deeper into the list one skill stuck out more than any other.

[[New] Mana Manipulation: cost 1sp, basic skill to manipulate absorbed mana]

Ethoss was sure he hadn't seen this skill in the skill list, it was even labeled 'New' which confirmed his thoughts. The use of the skill was going to allow him to be able to manipulate mana.

Wasn't this exactly what he needed now that he had mana? He selected the skill immediately without a second thought, leaving him with 1 more skill point.

Acquiring the skill, Ethoss wanted to use it, if he could level it up to level 5 how strong would he become? Based on what he learned from the voice, he could level up each skill by using them.

The more he used his skills the more proficient and sharpened the skills became, nevertheless, some skills required him to be in a combative state for them to grow.

The question was what kind of skill was Mana Manipulation, he hoped it didn't require combat since it would be easier to train the skill in his free time. Soon he gave it a try, determined to get as proficient in Mana control as possible.

…

Ten minutes passed and the reptile still hadn't figured out how to even use the skill. Compared to his other skills, Mana Manipulation was far more complex, it wasn't an activation skill that was activated when he willed it so, Mana Manipulation seemed different.

Seconds later he gave up, he was done trying it this way, he had to approach things differently with this new skill.

Ethoss closed his eyes, preparing himself to get focused, he kept his mouth shut, fighting his instincts to flick his tongue.

He couldn't have any distractions which meant the different scents and smells that continued to appear had to be shut off for now. He began to think back on what the blue tiger he fought did to change mana into ice.

He mimicked the tiger, opening his mouth, and revealing his razor-sharp teeth. From what he knew about ice, it was cold and froze when the water was at a really low temperature.

Though he was only a hatchling who hadn't experienced the world, as a monster, when he was born, information was ingrained into him for survivability.

Things like, what he should worry about growing stronger, what would be the best mutations, and how to hunt for his species were given to him at birth, in other words, his instinct.

Soon after thinking about how ice became ice, he felt the small core in his body, like a tight ball of heat, it faintly pulsed with energy. He began to imagine the attack the tiger used and willed himself to create that same attack.

Seconds later the air temperature dropped, making the surroundings chilly. Small ice crystals began to materialize in his mouth, and just as they were almost complete a low hiss was heard, which made Ethoss lose focus.

The ice crystals returned back into mana, dissipating into the air, and Ethoss opened his eyes. He was exhausted from the process, however, he was sure he heard something.

He licked the air to sense his surrounding, and that's when he smelt it. It was one monster, its body was big, much bigger than himself.

A sense of dread sunk into Ethoss, he let his guard down for one second and his territory was invaded, even more, it was invaded by a monster that was capable to be a threat to his life.

His heart spammed its beating, and he was becoming nervous. The aura felt throughout the cave was overwhelming, whatever this creature was, Ethoss was sure of one thing. It was a predator, and he was the prey this time.