15: Chapter 15: Perfected Different Rank! Prepare for Battle!

Chapter Fifteen: Consummation of Hetero-rank! Preparing for Battle!

64 evolution points!

This huge sum of money gave me the pride of a wealthy local landlord.

I lay in the corner of the wall, rubbing my six legs excitedly, carefully studying the dazzling array of evolution options on the system panel.

This wasn't just a simple point allocation; it concerned whether I could survive the inevitable conflict ahead, and even whether I could protect my only 'long-term meal ticket'.

【myriad manifestations evolution codex】

【Host: Mo Wen】

【Race: Mutated Anopheles Sinensis (Mid Extraordinary Rank)】

【evolution points: 64】

【Ability List】:

1. 【Compound Eye Vision】: (Solidified)

2. 【Exoskeleton Strength (Basic)】: Metallic luster, can resist slight physical impacts. (Next level reinforcement requires 10 points)

3. 【Mouthpart Puncture (Basic)】: Increased sharpness, can pierce leather. (Next level reinforcement requires 10 points)

4. 【Medium Efficiency Agility】: Increases flight speed and turning flexibility. (Next level 【High Efficiency Agility】 requires 20 points)

5. 【Frost Resistance (Intermediate)】: Greatly increases resistance to ice-attribute damage. (Next level 【Advanced Resistance】 requires 30 points)

6. 【Toxin Resistance (Basic)】: Increases resistance to common biological toxins. (Next level 【Intermediate Resistance】 requires 15 points)

7. 【Storage Space (1 cubic centimeter)】: (Next level expansion requires 50 points)

8. 【Nerve Toxin (Trace Amount)】: Can cause slight paralysis effects. (Next level 【Nerve Paralysis (Basic)】 requires 20 points)

9. 【Heat Perception】: Passive ability, perceives heat distribution in the surrounding environment.

10. 【Vibration Perception】: Passive ability, perceives subtle vibrations of surrounding objects.

Looking at this long list of abilities, I fell into deep thought.

My advantages lie in speed, stealth, and unexpected sneak attacks.

My disadvantages lie in the lack of frontal attack power and weak defense.

Facing the upcoming battle against humans, I must push my advantages to the limit while making up for my shortcomings.

First, attack power is key!

【Nerve Toxin】 must be upgraded! A trace amount of toxin is fine for dealing with a Little Bug, but against an adult human, it would probably only feel like a small electric shock and wouldn't play a decisive role.

"System, upgrade 【Nerve Toxin】 to 【Nerve Paralysis (Basic)】 for me!" I gave the command in my heart without hesitation.

【Confirm consumption of 20 evolution points to upgrade 【Nerve Toxin (Trace Amount)】 → 【Nerve Paralysis (Basic)】?】

"Confirm!"

【Upgrade starting...】

A strange energy surged toward the venom glands in my abdomen.

I felt like that tiny gland was a chemical plant undergoing complex chemical reactions.

The originally transparent venom gradually took on a weird pale purple hue and became more viscous.

【Ding! Upgrade complete!】

【Nerve Paralysis (Basic)】: Injected through the mouthparts, it can quickly block nerve signal transmission in small and medium-sized creatures, causing regional or systemic paralysis of the target's limbs, with the effect lasting 3-5 minutes. For targets with an energy level higher than the Host, the effect will be significantly reduced.

Strong! Too strong!

Going from "slight paralysis" to "systemic paralysis" is a qualitative leap!

With this, I essentially possess an invisible "gun" that can freeze people in place! As long as I can land a sting, I can make the enemy lose their combat effectiveness instantly!

Spent 20 points, 44 points left.

Next is survivability.

Facing human attacks, whether they are punches, kicks, or weapons, 【Exoskeleton Strength】 is crucial.

"Upgrade 【Exoskeleton Strength】!"

【Confirm consumption of 10 evolution points to upgrade 【Exoskeleton Strength (Basic)】 → 【Exoskeleton Strength (Intermediate)】?】

"Confirm!"

Another wave of that familiar burning pain, like being thrown into a furnace.

My exoskeleton was tempered once again, and that metallic luster became deeper, as if it could absorb light, improving my stealth effect by a few notches.

The joints of the carapace also became tougher, with almost no gaps visible.

Now, even if I were hit head-on by a baseball bat, I estimate I would only feel a bit dizzy.

34 points left.

To ensure my "Paralysis Spear" can successfully pierce the enemy, 【Mouthpart Puncture】 must also keep up.

"Upgrade 【Mouthpart Puncture】!"

【Confirm consumption of 10 evolution points to upgrade 【Mouthpart Puncture (Basic)】 → 【Mouthpart Puncture (Intermediate)】?】

"Confirm!"

The tip of my precious mouthpart became even sharper, even flickering with a faint, cold light.

I have no doubt that it could now easily pierce through plywood, or even thin sheet metal!

24 points left.

Looking at the remaining points, I thought for a moment and decided to put them all into 【High Efficiency Agility】.

In the world of martial arts, only speed is invincible.

Speed is always the foundation for a fragile mosquito like me.

Faster speed means stronger penetration and survival capabilities.

"Upgrade 【Medium Efficiency Agility】!"

【Confirm consumption of 20 evolution points to upgrade 【Medium Efficiency Agility】 → 【High Efficiency Agility】?】

"Confirm!"

Boom!

A powerful current of air seemed to be injected into my wings out of thin air.

On my cicada-like wings, faint runes composed of wind elements emerged.

I could feel that as long as I wished, my wings could burst out with terrifying power exceeding the speed of sound in an instant!

【Ding! Multiple consecutive evolutions performed, overall strength greatly improved. You have reached "Consummation of Hetero-rank", only one step away from breaking through to "Essence Rank"!】

This series of upgrades made me feel like I had been reborn!

I stretched my body, feeling the power surging within me, filled with unprecedented confidence.

The current me and the me from a few hours ago are already two completely different species!

There are 4 evolution points left; I'll keep them for now in case of emergency.

Just as I finished my evolution, Lin Qingzhi, who had been standing quietly by the window, finally made a move.

But she wasn't preparing for battle; she was... packing her things?

I saw her take a small backpack out of the wardrobe and unhurriedly pack a few books from the desk, a notebook, and some daily necessities for girls.

I was stunned.

Is she... running away?

No, with her proud personality, how could she desert before a battle?

Just as I was confused, my 【Vibration Perception】 ability captured some unusual details.

In my perception, the structure of the entire dormitory building turned into a three-dimensional model composed of countless vibration sources.

The footsteps of pedestrians downstairs, the voices in the next room, the sound of water flowing in the pipes—all turned into ripples of different frequencies, clearly presented in my mind.

And Lin Qingzhi's movements, though they looked casual, every time she picked up an item or pulled a zipper, the resulting vibration carried a stable rhythm precise to the extreme.

There was not a single redundant movement, not a fraction of wasted power.

She didn't look like she was packing luggage; she looked more like a top-tier musician meticulously tuning her instrument before a performance.

I didn't understand it, but I was deeply shocked.

She wasn't going to run at all; she was doing pre-battle preparations in her own way!

While I was marveling at my discovery, the cold voice of the system rang out once again at the perfect time.

【Ding! Crisis detected approaching. The protector and the Host have formed a preliminary combat tacit understanding. Main Quest triggered!】

【Main Quest: First Collaborative Combat!】

【Quest Objective: Fight alongside Lin Qingzhi, repel all incoming enemies, and ensure Lin Qingzhi is unharmed.】

【Quest Reward: ??? (Evaluated based on the Host's contribution and performance in battle), unlock the 【Symbiotic Bond】 system.】

【Quest Failure: Protector is seriously injured or dies. The Host will lose the most important blood source and protection, and survival difficulty will increase to Hell level.】

A main quest!

Looking at that string of question marks and that brand-new 【Symbiotic Bond】 system, my breathing... oh wait, all the spiracles on my body became rapid.

The more mysterious the reward for a quest issued by the system, the more generous it is!

This battle concerns not only Lin Qingzhi's safety but also my future development!

I can only win, I cannot lose!

I raised my head and looked at Lin Qingzhi.

She also happened to turn her head, and her cold gaze fell upon me.

Our gazes met in the air.

Although we couldn't communicate with language, at this moment, I understood everything from her eyes.

It was an absolute confidence, a disregard for the provocation of ants, and a trace of... faint trust in me, her "comrade-in-arms".

She was ready to head to the appointment.

And I would be her most secret, and most lethal... weapon.