{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 35.6 -> 25.6
Analytical Eye 1: The Host can scan a creature or item, gaining information on them.
Range: Clear Sight
Energy cost: 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Channel Time: 10*(target mental strength)/(Host mental strength) seconds
Limits: The information gleaned depends on the time the analysis was channeled. Some sensitive targets might notice they are being analyzed. It can be resisted through various means, and the information gleaned might be deceptive.
"Shit! This is expensive as fuck!" - I cursed.
That is 20 mobs, dammit! Or 2 Soldiers or Stalkers.
I thought it would be like in the game novels where the protagonist can willy-nilly throw analysis at anything that moves like a goddamn idiot, but apparently, I can't.
{Of course. Analytical Eye is a high-ranking invasive technique meant to glean the true nature of a target. With your current mental energy, you can, at most, cast it twice before collapsing. And this is thanks to evolving and having an immortal soul.} - Trod explained.
"That reminds me, what the hell is mental energy?" - I asked skeptically.
{It is the byproduct of your existence, or as you say, soul. It is the manifestation of your thoughts, emotions, and imagination. It is your personality, the manifestation of your ego. When overused, you will feel depressed, lethargic, dizzy, and in extreme cases, lose consciousness or become a vegetable. Currently, you have around 20 times the mental energy when you first wore me.}
"Why 20?" - I asked, curious.
{It increased ten times because of your evolution and doubled again because of your immortal soul.}
"I get the immortal soul thing, but why did evolving improve it so much?" - I asked.
{You have broken your genetic lock, improving your existential level. Ergo, your soul size increased greatly. This, in turn, improved the size of your mental power, making it more substantial. Your immortal soul, on the other hand, improved your soul's potency, making it stronger and more cohesive. In turn, it turned your mental power denser and more durable.}
"Hah... So, my soul is around 20 times stronger, then?"
{Yes.}
"... By any chance, would killing my previous self give 1 Basic Energy point?" - My eyes squinted.
{Approximately, yes.}
"Fuck... a Human is worth two mobs. Great Grandpa was right. Human life can be cheap." - I cringed.
My head might be getting fucked up from all the killing, but I was comparing the worth of Human life as points now.
"So, are Basic Energy points the soul itself? Are you grinding souls for points?" - I asked, curious.
{No. It is mental energy. The material making the soul is everywhere but is useless by itself. But mental energy is different. Only complete souls can produce it.}
"Hah... The more you know." - I shook my head.
I then turned to the window and lifted the veil a bit.
There were two mobs outside, standing idly like houseplants.
"Okay, let's do this..." - I muttered, focusing on the nearest mob.
"Analytical Eye."
Basic Energy: 190 -> 180
Immediately, information entered my mind.
A complete model was formed in my mind, along with data I couldn't understand.
But, very quickly, the data reformed itself into a readable format.
The entire process was over quickly, taking only 0.25 seconds.
I took a look.
Name: —
Race: Minion
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 15 days (45 days)
Lifespan: 3,846 years
Gender: Asexual (spore-based reproduction)
Body Type: Humanoid
Intelligence Level: Primal(Instinct Driven)
Mental Energy: 0.5
Notable Racial Characteristics: High Vitality, High Strength, Whole Body Regeneration, Low Speed, Low Reaction Speed, Pain Immunity, Night Vision, Only vital part is the brain, Hard Claws, Hard Teeth, Photosynthesis, Fast Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication, Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Soldier, Stalker, Spore Spreader, Ascended
Description: The lowest of the Kin Species command chain, serving as food and disposable cannon fodder. They are simple-minded, focused on sating their basic instincts, and are highly aggressive to those not of the same species. As they mindlessly follow orders, they are aptly called minions. They possess incredibly high asexual reproduction ability, spreading Trillions of spores upon death, infecting a radius of 1km. The resultant spores then leech off the land, killing all other plant life, leaving only an infected land. They reach maturity in 30 days and have a ludicrous lifespan. Thankfully, some wildlife quickly adapted to them, creating a new ecosystem based on these lowly creatures at the bottom of the food pyramid. They also produce high-energy crystals, beneficial to other carbon-based lifeforms. These crystals can also transmit messages between the Kin. They rely on cannibalism to evolve, though mutated animals, especially humans, are a much better choice.
Combat Ability Evaluation: The minion race is like improved zombies. When alone, most creatures can avoid them and run or kill them through various means, but when they are in a large group, they are a menace to deal with. Through the crystal in their skulls, they can be commanded by an evolved Kin, allowing them to act more coordinated... and not die a stupid death. In warfare, they are used in the first waves to exhaust the enemy before the evolved Kin go in for the kill.
Coolinary Notes: It meets all nutritional needs but is tasteless. Long-term consumption can also cause mutations in normal humans, though not in evolved humans. It is recommended to process beforehand.
Mark of Zeal Validity: Normally, a creature with primal intelligence is hard to mark due to its innate aggressiveness and resistance to mental attacks, but these creatures are highly susceptible to hierarchy commands, making their minds fragile. After breaking their mind, the Mark of Zeal can be planted, restoring their mind and removing their susceptibility to hierarchy commands.
"Well... This is a lot to take in..." - I cringed at the eyeful.
I wasn't a fan of these things.
{This is already a short evaluation. Many irrelevant details were discarded.} - Trod said.
"Yeah, yeah... But it seems that these guys are ex-human, hah? No... clones? Whatever." - I shrugged.
I then looked at the other details, focusing on interesting parts.
"Only 15 days old and 30 days to reach adulthood... 3,846 years of lifespan?! Whole Body Regeneration, only brain weakness, and pain immunity?! Jesus, these guys are like roided-up zombies." - I shook my head in disbelief.
"So they can communicate with their crystal. Good to know."
"I see they can evolve into Soldiers and Stalkers, but there are two weird evolutions..." - I squinted my eyes.
Spore Spreader and Ascended. Yeah. Never seen these evolutions. That Spore Spreader sounds ominous, though.
"Screw it, I'll check it later." - I muttered.
Looking down and reading the longwinded description, I suddenly saw a disturbing detail.
"Shit... All the plants are gone, and the wildlife is mutated. That doesn't sound good." - I cringed.
The Kin are enough to deal with, but mutated animals? Ugh...
"Dang it, I will handle it as they come." - I sighed and continued reading.
"They like to eat humans? That explains things..." - I muttered.
I then read the combat evaluation.
"Well... As expected of limitlessly propagating zombies. They are used like cannon fodder." - I nodded in understanding.
Who wouldn't use such convenient cannon fodder?
The next note was somewhat disturbing.
"Yeah... No. Not gonna eat them, thank you."
Why would I eat them when I can order a pizza?
And that leaves the final part.
Mark of Zeal Validity.
"So, I need to break their mind? That... sounds unpleasant." - I pursed my lips.
Yeah. I can imagine Trod's plan now, but it felt iffy.
"Trod, you want me to get Empower Words to break its mind and then use Mark of Zeal, right?" - I guessed.
{Yes. I wanted to check if you can break its mind, and I was correct in my conjecture.}
"Hah... Well, shit. I feel evil for doing this. Even if it is a mindless creature." - I sighed.
{It is your enemy. Don't feel sorry for it. Mind-breaking can even be seen as a mercy for some.}
"How's that mercy?!" - I retorted.
{They don't need to be sane while feeling hellish torture.}
"...Forget I asked."
Shaking the hellish thoughts out of my head, I made my decision.
"Okay, unlock Empower Words 1 and Mark of Zeal 1." - I ordered.
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 25.6 -> 5.6
Empower Words 1: Imbue your True Words with Energy, giving them more substance and power.
Cost: Up to 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Mark of Zeal 1: The Host can plant the Mark of Zeal on an unresisting or weak-willed creature, turning them into Zealots. Zealots branded with this mark will be filled with unyielding faith toward Ic'thotl'itrod and will view the Host as the living incarnation of Ic'thotl'itrod, making them unwaveringly loyal. Zealots are considered an extension of the Host's power and can siphon Basic Energy to the Host from their kills.
Cost: 100*(Target Mental Energy) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Range: Touch
Channel Time: 100*(Target Mental Energy)/(Host Mental Energy) seconds
Cooldown: 10 days
Limits: If interrupted, then the casting would fail, wasting the energy and entering cooldown, and possibly damaging the target's soul. The Mark of Zeal can conflict with the Mark of another god.
Note: Can heal a broken mind but not a shattered soul.
"Good fucking Ic'thotl'itrod. Mark of Zeal costs a fortune!" - My jaw turned slack.
To turn a mob into a zealot, it will cost me 50 Basic Energy.
{Of course. The Mark of Zeal injects a mental seed inside the soul of the target, a very delicate process. This seed then subtly changes their mental energy, turning them loyal to you. Usually, a Zealot is selected in infancy, when its soul is at its weakest. Then, the Zealot is raised by the church and trained as an elite to become part of the main-branch clergy.}
"I said, I hate religious nutjobs!" - I said exasperatedly.
{You don't need to like them. They are just beneficial for you. They can gather believers who donate tangible benefits and their faith, part of their mental energy in the form of Basic Energy. Besides that, they are your agents and soldiers, gathering information, wealth, and fighting power. Best of all, you don't need to fear backstabbing.}
"Well, if you put it that way... Nononono! I still fucking hate them!" - I shook the heinous thought away.
After calming down, I looked down again.
There are two mobs... Minions, down there.
I had to make one of them go away first.
"Trod, any ideas on how to get this guy away?" - I asked.
{Use Empower Words. These creatures are susceptible to commands, so you can order them to leave. 1 Basic Energy is enough. You know the word.} - Trod said.
I nodded and was about to do it when suddenly, I had the urge to try something.
"Hey, Trod? How fast does Mental Energy regenerate?" - I wondered.
{It depends on the individual, but generally 10% each day. As you have the lowest tier of Immortal Soul, this rate is doubled to 20%.}
"Yeesh, that's slow." - I cringed.
That is 4 Basic Energy points a day, assuming I even use them.
"And when would using mental energy be detrimental to me?" - I probed.
{You will only feel slightly drained at 75% but will feel lethargic at 50%. At 25%, you will feel acute nausea, and at 10%, you risk losing consciousness. At 1%, your mind will shut down as a self-preservation mechanism, and at 0%, you will become a vegetable. Generally, those who can use mental energy will avoid using more than they can regenerate.}
"Okay... Note to self. Don't use more than you can regenerate." - I noted.
I then focused on the furthest Minion.
I took a deep breath and then activated my ability.
"Empower Words."
This time, I didn't use Basic Energy but Mental Energy. Only 1 point.
But even that one point was enough to cause my mind slight unexplainable fatigue.
However, I didn't dawdle on it as I said the magic word.
"Ɇᵽǥ๘ꝁȺ."1It is in R'lyehian.
My voice was strange and guttural, clearly not meant for the human body to utter.
My voice should not have been heard from inside the room, but the Minion shook.
Then, like magic, it turned and left.
True Tongue is not a language bound by the rules of physics and reality, an omnipresent language for omnipotent gods.
Of course, I SUCK, so I need to see that target or targets, to get the message over. Of course, if I get skilled enough, I can speak to someone on the other side of the world or in another reality... or, more likely, shatter his mind to smithereens. Mortal minds are too fragile for this language.
As for the word I spoke, it is Epgoka, meaning, Leave.
It sounds easy on paper, but it is deceiving, as this is the closest I can write it in English.
After seeing the Minion leave, I spoke to Trod.
"Trod, it's gone. How much energy do you think I need to break the Minion?" - I asked.
{2 Points will suffice.}
"Two points... Fine." - I muttered.
I then looked at the lone Minion, unaware of its grim fate.
"Empower Words."
I felt a bit more drained, but not enough to hamper me.
"Ȼħ'nǥłᵾɨ'Ⱥħ๘ǥ." - I muttered darkly, with the intent to break.
With my dark words, an invisible force smashed against the poor Minion's mind.
It didn't utter a word as it shook violently and plummeted face-first on the ground, like a puppet with broken strings.
If it wasn't for not receiving points, I almost thought it died on the spot.
Ch'nglui'ahog means Break in True Tongue.
Although the meaning of the word Break is broad and depends on supporting words, in True Tongue, such things are irrelevant.
Through intonations and rhythms, I can direct the meaning of what I want to break. I can target it at a door, a window, the ground, the body, the soul, and in this case, the mind. I can even break reality if I am strong enough, although that is a feat of an omnipotent god.
In any case, I achieved my objective.
This time, I didn't teleport outside, but opened the door and went downstairs.
I can't teleport with it right now, so I had to make do.
After picking up the Minion, I carried it back inside the apartment before locking the door again.
Now, I was alone with the Minion sprawled on the ground, its pupilless yellowish eyes showing not a hint of emotion.
"Wow, first time seeing one so closely... without bashing its head, that is." - I muttered.
Thinking about the 2,000+ Minions I killed on my Gory Quest, I couldn't help but twitch my lips.
"After this, you're the one who is going to bash heads in, not me." - I said, my expression gentler.
After deciding on leaving all the dirty work to my future Zealot, I placed my hand on its scalp and muttered.
"Mark of Zeal."
A silent black flame covered my hand, injecting into the Minion's body and soul.
The previously motionless Minion spasmed and twitched as if its brain was going through surgery.
We stayed like this for 2.5 seconds.
As soon as I finished, the Minion stopped moving.
A faint connection formed between us.
I stood up and took a few steps back, watching it.
However, after five minutes, there was still no movement. I couldn't help but start worrying.
"Trod, is it okay?" - I started to worry.
{Its mind is being restored. It needs an hour or two. During this time, why not gather quality food for it to eat?}
"Soldiers and Stalkers?" - I guessed.
{Yes.} - Trod affirmed.
"Alright..." - I nodded and went hunting again, leaving my new Zealot on the floor.
...
Sometime later...
Basic Energy: 140.5
Evolution Energy A: 150.1
Enhancement Energy A: 5.6
I was back in the apartment after hunting a Stalker and Soldier.
I stored their bodies in the Storage without offering their crystals.
And standing idly in the room was my newest Zealot.
The moment it saw me, it lowered its monstrous head.
"Gra..." - It uttered lowly.
Although the Minion was as dumb as a brick, and the concept of worship shouldn't exist in its head, there it was.
It showed me respect, no, worship. And it tried to convey a word.
Through our connection, I knew what it meant.
God.
It called me God.
Some people might enjoy the treatment, but I wasn't one of them.
"Who wants you to call me a God, dammit?!" - My face twitched violently.
"At least let it be some hot chick in bed, not an ugly-ass monster!"
Of course, I didn't say that. I swallowed my discontent and took out the Stalker carcass from the Storage.
The stalker died from three pistol bullets to the skull, killing it.
The moment the carcass was on the ground, the Minion looked at it. Great desire flashed in its yellowish eyes.
However, it didn't dare move.
It was like a dog trained to restrain itself before eating a snack.
"Eat it, and try to avoid eating the bullets in the skull. And don't eat the crystal yet." - I said.
I didn't know how much of my message went through, but when I said Eat, it pounced on the carcass like a starved dog.
Crunch* Rip* Slurp* Munch*
"Gross..." - I muttered, disgusted.
While still disgusted, I didn't forget my goal.
"Trod, what do I do now?" - I asked.
{Infuse it with Evolution Energy A. Do not worry about its health. All the food it digests will convert directly into strengthening its body. When it can't continue, the remaining energy will linger in its body. For now, I suggest infusing 10 Evolution Energy A.}
"Sounds like a plan."
With that decided, I walked to the Minion gorging itself with meat, placing my hand on its head.
Evolution Energy A: 150.1 -> 140.1
After transferring the energy and taking a few steps back, I asked it.
"What now?"
{We wait.}
"Fair." - I muttered and sat on a dusty sofa.
I watched it eat, half in disgust, and half in intrigue, wanting to see what would happen.
At first, nothing happened, but as time passed, the Minion's muscles started to twitch and expand. That didn't stop its eating frenzy, though.
20 minutes later...
From a lean Minion, it became a muscular Minion. And the Stalker turned into a skeleton, even its brain picked clean. All that was left was the crystal, now disconnected from the empty skull and metal pieces left by the bullets. It seemed to have understood my commands.
And now, it was staring intently at the crystal, ready to pounce on it on my order.
"Hey, Trod? Wasn't this supposed to be slow?" - I narrowed my eyes.
{Normally, yes, but there are factors influencing the speed. First, the quality of food is superior. Second, a Minion has a fast digestion ability, enabling it to gain more food energy faster. Third, it is a less complicated organism than a human.}
"Hm... Fine." - I muttered.
I then checked the remaining energy inside it through our connection.
It had five points remaining.
It consumed five points, no more, no less.
"Trod, what now?" - I asked, unsure.
{Don't let it eat the Crystal yet. Let it first eat the Soldier until it is full.}
"If you say so..." - I shrugged and took out the Soldier carcass.
Like the others, it had an armor penetrator in its skull.
I looked at my Zealot, now looking at the soldier with hungry eyes.
"Eat this one next, and don't eat the crystal. Also, like before, don't eat the bullet. When you are full, stop." - I ordered.
Like before, the Minion pounced on the Soldier, tearing at it like a starving alley dog.
And just like that, another good 30 minutes later...
The muscular Minion had a bulging stomach like a pregnant woman, and the Soldier was picked clean.
Like before, it left the crystal and bullet on the side.
Now, despite its stomach being close to rupturing, it still wanted to eat the two crystals.
I only needed to give my permission.
"Is it okay?" - I couldn't help but squint my eyes at it.
{It should be...}
Even Trod wasn't sure. It would have said yes otherwise.
"Hah... Okay, let me check first..."
I then checked its remaining energy.
Three points left.
In other words, it consumed a total of 7 points when Strengthening itself.
"So, what now?" - I asked.
{Infuse 20 Evolution Energy A and let it eat one of the crystals. If it feels it can handle it, let it eat both.}
"Are you sure it will be alright? I think it will explode soon..." - I looked at it and cringed.
{It won't. Evolution Energy A will prevent it from happening. At most, it will help strengthen the Zealot when it awakes.}
"Okay... I will take your word for it..." - I muttered and turned to my first Zealot.
As Trod told me, I gave it another 20 points.
Evolution Energy A: 140.1 -> 120.1
And gave the order.
"Eat one of them. If you feel you can handle it, eat both." - I said.
The moment I said that the Zealot grabbed both crystals and swallowed them.
"..."
{...}
I remained slack-jawed as I stared at the content Minion.
"I should have probably worded it better..." - I muttered and prayed it won't die from overeating.
Five minutes later...
The Minion collapsed on the floor like a corpse.
The only proof it was alive was my connection to it.
"Is it okay?" - I asked with pursed lips.
{Time will tell. Let nature take its course.}
"... Fine..."
Fifteen minutes later...
The Minion's skin excreted a yellowish substance, forming a cocoon covering it from head to toe.
"The hell... A cocoon?" - My expression turned weird.
{This is a good sign. It is evolving correctly.}
"I hope so..." - I muttered.
An hour later...
The cocoon grew bigger, forming a round yellowish dome. I couldn't see what was happening inside.
The only thing I noticed was that the energy I infused it with was depleting.
It already consumed 10 points, and it kept absorbing more.
"How long will this keep going?" - I asked Trod.
{It should end soon.} - Trod answered.
Two hours later...
The cocoon stayed the same, but the energy was down to 3 points...
"It isn't evolving into a Soldier or Stalker, is it?"
{Probably not.}
I only needed 13 points to evolve into a Stalker, but a Minion needs more than 20 points.
Yeah, no way it is a Soldier or Stalker.
"I hope it doesn't evolve into a Spore Spreader..." - I muttered.
By now, I already checked both Spore Spreader and Ascended.
Spore Spreader: A rare evolution of the Kin species. The Fungal and Floral sides eliminate most Human qualities, evolving into a plant-like existence. After taking root, the Spore Spreader spreads spores into the air, converting a large area into the domain of the Kin. In this domain, special Kin plants can grow, turning into a Kin field, and the spores it releases can strengthen Kin inhale it, and weaken non-Kin. Despite being a relatively defenseless plant with low intelligence, this plant is revered by the Kin and is protected dearly.
Ascended: A very rare evolution of the Kin species. The Human side eliminates most of the Floral and Fungal qualities, evolving into a human-like existence, ascending their innate genetic flaws. While retaining some of their beneficial Floral and Fungal qualities, these creatures are almost Human in appearance and are mostly Human biologically, but are overall better in all aspects than evolved Humans. They can also see through the eyes of other kin and command them remotely, allowing them to control the Kin species far more skillfully than even stronger Kin. They are the true nobility, leaders, and tacticians of the Kin species and hold high respect, able to command non-ascended Kin of the same strength and not follow the orders of stronger non-ascended Kin.
"Hah... I should've just used Basic Energy..." - I pinched my nose bridge.
This mess was all because I am a Scrooge.
I only wanted the evolved form of a Soldier or Stalker, not this...
If it evolves into a Spore Spreader, I might need to kill it on the spot.
As for the Ascended thing... It sounds cool and all, but is also expensive, far above my budget.
I want a cheap commander, not an expensive aristocrat.
While I was sighing...
Ka*
"Hah?" - I looked over.
A crack formed on the cocoon.
Ka* Ka*
More cracks formed.
"It finished evolving!" - I fixed my eyes.
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 35.6 -> 25.6
Analytical Eye 1: The Host can scan a creature or item, gaining information on them.
Range: Clear Sight
Energy cost: 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Channel Time: 10*(target mental strength)/(Host mental strength) seconds
Limits: The information gleaned depends on the time the analysis was channeled. Some sensitive targets might notice they are being analyzed. It can be resisted through various means, and the information gleaned might be deceptive.
"Shit! This is expensive as fuck!" - I cursed.
That is 20 mobs, dammit! Or 2 Soldiers or Stalkers.
I thought it would be like in the game novels where the protagonist can willy-nilly throw analysis at anything that moves like a goddamn idiot, but apparently, I can't.
{Of course. Analytical Eye is a high-ranking invasive technique meant to glean the true nature of a target. With your current mental energy, you can, at most, cast it twice before collapsing. And this is thanks to evolving and having an immortal soul.} - Trod explained.
"That reminds me, what the hell is mental energy?" - I asked skeptically.
{It is the byproduct of your existence, or as you say, soul. It is the manifestation of your thoughts, emotions, and imagination. It is your personality, the manifestation of your ego. When overused, you will feel depressed, lethargic, dizzy, and in extreme cases, lose consciousness or become a vegetable. Currently, you have around 20 times the mental energy when you first wore me.}
"Why 20?" - I asked, curious.
{It increased ten times because of your evolution and doubled again because of your immortal soul.}
"I get the immortal soul thing, but why did evolving improve it so much?" - I asked.
{You have broken your genetic lock, improving your existential level. Ergo, your soul size increased greatly. This, in turn, improved the size of your mental power, making it more substantial. Your immortal soul, on the other hand, improved your soul's potency, making it stronger and more cohesive. In turn, it turned your mental power denser and more durable.}
"Hah... So, my soul is around 20 times stronger, then?"
{Yes.}
"... By any chance, would killing my previous self give 1 Basic Energy point?" - My eyes squinted.
{Approximately, yes.}
"Fuck... a Human is worth two mobs. Great Grandpa was right. Human life can be cheap." - I cringed.
My head might be getting fucked up from all the killing, but I was comparing the worth of Human life as points now.
"So, are Basic Energy points the soul itself? Are you grinding souls for points?" - I asked, curious.
{No. It is mental energy. The material making the soul is everywhere but is useless by itself. But mental energy is different. Only complete souls can produce it.}
"Hah... The more you know." - I shook my head.
I then turned to the window and lifted the veil a bit.
There were two mobs outside, standing idly like houseplants.
"Okay, let's do this..." - I muttered, focusing on the nearest mob.
"Analytical Eye."
Basic Energy: 190 -> 180
Immediately, information entered my mind.
A complete model was formed in my mind, along with data I couldn't understand.
But, very quickly, the data reformed itself into a readable format.
The entire process was over quickly, taking only 0.25 seconds.
I took a look.
Name: —
Race: Minion
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 15 days (45 days)
Lifespan: 3,846 years
Gender: Asexual (spore-based reproduction)
Body Type: Humanoid
Intelligence Level: Primal(Instinct Driven)
Mental Energy: 0.5
Notable Racial Characteristics: High Vitality, High Strength, Whole Body Regeneration, Low Speed, Low Reaction Speed, Pain Immunity, Night Vision, Only vital part is the brain, Hard Claws, Hard Teeth, Photosynthesis, Fast Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication, Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Soldier, Stalker, Spore Spreader, Ascended
Description: The lowest of the Kin Species command chain, serving as food and disposable cannon fodder. They are simple-minded, focused on sating their basic instincts, and are highly aggressive to those not of the same species. As they mindlessly follow orders, they are aptly called minions. They possess incredibly high asexual reproduction ability, spreading Trillions of spores upon death, infecting a radius of 1km. The resultant spores then leech off the land, killing all other plant life, leaving only an infected land. They reach maturity in 30 days and have a ludicrous lifespan. Thankfully, some wildlife quickly adapted to them, creating a new ecosystem based on these lowly creatures at the bottom of the food pyramid. They also produce high-energy crystals, beneficial to other carbon-based lifeforms. These crystals can also transmit messages between the Kin. They rely on cannibalism to evolve, though mutated animals, especially humans, are a much better choice.
Combat Ability Evaluation: The minion race is like improved zombies. When alone, most creatures can avoid them and run or kill them through various means, but when they are in a large group, they are a menace to deal with. Through the crystal in their skulls, they can be commanded by an evolved Kin, allowing them to act more coordinated... and not die a stupid death. In warfare, they are used in the first waves to exhaust the enemy before the evolved Kin go in for the kill.
Coolinary Notes: It meets all nutritional needs but is tasteless. Long-term consumption can also cause mutations in normal humans, though not in evolved humans. It is recommended to process beforehand.
Mark of Zeal Validity: Normally, a creature with primal intelligence is hard to mark due to its innate aggressiveness and resistance to mental attacks, but these creatures are highly susceptible to hierarchy commands, making their minds fragile. After breaking their mind, the Mark of Zeal can be planted, restoring their mind and removing their susceptibility to hierarchy commands.
"Well... This is a lot to take in..." - I cringed at the eyeful.
I wasn't a fan of these things.
{This is already a short evaluation. Many irrelevant details were discarded.} - Trod said.
"Yeah, yeah... But it seems that these guys are ex-human, hah? No... clones? Whatever." - I shrugged.
I then looked at the other details, focusing on interesting parts.
"Only 15 days old and 30 days to reach adulthood... 3,846 years of lifespan?! Whole Body Regeneration, only brain weakness, and pain immunity?! Jesus, these guys are like roided-up zombies." - I shook my head in disbelief.
"So they can communicate with their crystal. Good to know."
"I see they can evolve into Soldiers and Stalkers, but there are two weird evolutions..." - I squinted my eyes.
Spore Spreader and Ascended. Yeah. Never seen these evolutions. That Spore Spreader sounds ominous, though.
"Screw it, I'll check it later." - I muttered.
Looking down and reading the longwinded description, I suddenly saw a disturbing detail.
"Shit... All the plants are gone, and the wildlife is mutated. That doesn't sound good." - I cringed.
The Kin are enough to deal with, but mutated animals? Ugh...
"Dang it, I will handle it as they come." - I sighed and continued reading.
"They like to eat humans? That explains things..." - I muttered.
I then read the combat evaluation.
"Well... As expected of limitlessly propagating zombies. They are used like cannon fodder." - I nodded in understanding.
Who wouldn't use such convenient cannon fodder?
The next note was somewhat disturbing.
"Yeah... No. Not gonna eat them, thank you."
Why would I eat them when I can order a pizza?
And that leaves the final part.
Mark of Zeal Validity.
"So, I need to break their mind? That... sounds unpleasant." - I pursed my lips.
Yeah. I can imagine Trod's plan now, but it felt iffy.
"Trod, you want me to get Empower Words to break its mind and then use Mark of Zeal, right?" - I guessed.
{Yes. I wanted to check if you can break its mind, and I was correct in my conjecture.}
"Hah... Well, shit. I feel evil for doing this. Even if it is a mindless creature." - I sighed.
{It is your enemy. Don't feel sorry for it. Mind-breaking can even be seen as a mercy for some.}
"How's that mercy?!" - I retorted.
{They don't need to be sane while feeling hellish torture.}
"...Forget I asked."
Shaking the hellish thoughts out of my head, I made my decision.
"Okay, unlock Empower Words 1 and Mark of Zeal 1." - I ordered.
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 25.6 -> 5.6
Empower Words 1: Imbue your True Words with Energy, giving them more substance and power.
Cost: Up to 10 Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Mark of Zeal 1: The Host can plant the Mark of Zeal on an unresisting or weak-willed creature, turning them into Zealots. Zealots branded with this mark will be filled with unyielding faith toward Ic'thotl'itrod and will view the Host as the living incarnation of Ic'thotl'itrod, making them unwaveringly loyal. Zealots are considered an extension of the Host's power and can siphon Basic Energy to the Host from their kills.
Cost: 100*(Target Mental Energy) Basic Energy(Replaceable with mental energy)
Range: Touch
Channel Time: 100*(Target Mental Energy)/(Host Mental Energy) seconds
Cooldown: 10 days
Limits: If interrupted, then the casting would fail, wasting the energy and entering cooldown, and possibly damaging the target's soul. The Mark of Zeal can conflict with the Mark of another god.
Note: Can heal a broken mind but not a shattered soul.
"Good fucking Ic'thotl'itrod. Mark of Zeal costs a fortune!" - My jaw turned slack.
To turn a mob into a zealot, it will cost me 50 Basic Energy.
{Of course. The Mark of Zeal injects a mental seed inside the soul of the target, a very delicate process. This seed then subtly changes their mental energy, turning them loyal to you. Usually, a Zealot is selected in infancy, when its soul is at its weakest. Then, the Zealot is raised by the church and trained as an elite to become part of the main-branch clergy.}
"I said, I hate religious nutjobs!" - I said exasperatedly.
{You don't need to like them. They are just beneficial for you. They can gather believers who donate tangible benefits and their faith, part of their mental energy in the form of Basic Energy. Besides that, they are your agents and soldiers, gathering information, wealth, and fighting power. Best of all, you don't need to fear backstabbing.}
"Well, if you put it that way... Nononono! I still fucking hate them!" - I shook the heinous thought away.
After calming down, I looked down again.
There are two mobs... Minions, down there.
I had to make one of them go away first.
"Trod, any ideas on how to get this guy away?" - I asked.
{Use Empower Words. These creatures are susceptible to commands, so you can order them to leave. 1 Basic Energy is enough. You know the word.} - Trod said.
I nodded and was about to do it when suddenly, I had the urge to try something.
"Hey, Trod? How fast does Mental Energy regenerate?" - I wondered.
{It depends on the individual, but generally 10% each day. As you have the lowest tier of Immortal Soul, this rate is doubled to 20%.}
"Yeesh, that's slow." - I cringed.
That is 4 Basic Energy points a day, assuming I even use them.
"And when would using mental energy be detrimental to me?" - I probed.
{You will only feel slightly drained at 75% but will feel lethargic at 50%. At 25%, you will feel acute nausea, and at 10%, you risk losing consciousness. At 1%, your mind will shut down as a self-preservation mechanism, and at 0%, you will become a vegetable. Generally, those who can use mental energy will avoid using more than they can regenerate.}
"Okay... Note to self. Don't use more than you can regenerate." - I noted.
I then focused on the furthest Minion.
I took a deep breath and then activated my ability.
"Empower Words."
This time, I didn't use Basic Energy but Mental Energy. Only 1 point.
But even that one point was enough to cause my mind slight unexplainable fatigue.
However, I didn't dawdle on it as I said the magic word.
"Ɇᵽǥ๘ꝁȺ."1It is in R'lyehian.
My voice was strange and guttural, clearly not meant for the human body to utter.
My voice should not have been heard from inside the room, but the Minion shook.
Then, like magic, it turned and left.
True Tongue is not a language bound by the rules of physics and reality, an omnipresent language for omnipotent gods.
Of course, I SUCK, so I need to see that target or targets, to get the message over. Of course, if I get skilled enough, I can speak to someone on the other side of the world or in another reality... or, more likely, shatter his mind to smithereens. Mortal minds are too fragile for this language.
As for the word I spoke, it is Epgoka, meaning, Leave.
It sounds easy on paper, but it is deceiving, as this is the closest I can write it in English.
After seeing the Minion leave, I spoke to Trod.
"Trod, it's gone. How much energy do you think I need to break the Minion?" - I asked.
{2 Points will suffice.}
"Two points... Fine." - I muttered.
I then looked at the lone Minion, unaware of its grim fate.
"Empower Words."
I felt a bit more drained, but not enough to hamper me.
"Ȼħ'nǥłᵾɨ'Ⱥħ๘ǥ." - I muttered darkly, with the intent to break.
With my dark words, an invisible force smashed against the poor Minion's mind.
It didn't utter a word as it shook violently and plummeted face-first on the ground, like a puppet with broken strings.
If it wasn't for not receiving points, I almost thought it died on the spot.
Ch'nglui'ahog means Break in True Tongue.
Although the meaning of the word Break is broad and depends on supporting words, in True Tongue, such things are irrelevant.
Through intonations and rhythms, I can direct the meaning of what I want to break. I can target it at a door, a window, the ground, the body, the soul, and in this case, the mind. I can even break reality if I am strong enough, although that is a feat of an omnipotent god.
In any case, I achieved my objective.
This time, I didn't teleport outside, but opened the door and went downstairs.
I can't teleport with it right now, so I had to make do.
After picking up the Minion, I carried it back inside the apartment before locking the door again.
Now, I was alone with the Minion sprawled on the ground, its pupilless yellowish eyes showing not a hint of emotion.
"Wow, first time seeing one so closely... without bashing its head, that is." - I muttered.
Thinking about the 2,000+ Minions I killed on my Gory Quest, I couldn't help but twitch my lips.
"After this, you're the one who is going to bash heads in, not me." - I said, my expression gentler.
After deciding on leaving all the dirty work to my future Zealot, I placed my hand on its scalp and muttered.
"Mark of Zeal."
A silent black flame covered my hand, injecting into the Minion's body and soul.
The previously motionless Minion spasmed and twitched as if its brain was going through surgery.
We stayed like this for 2.5 seconds.
As soon as I finished, the Minion stopped moving.
A faint connection formed between us.
I stood up and took a few steps back, watching it.
However, after five minutes, there was still no movement. I couldn't help but start worrying.
"Trod, is it okay?" - I started to worry.
{Its mind is being restored. It needs an hour or two. During this time, why not gather quality food for it to eat?}
"Soldiers and Stalkers?" - I guessed.
{Yes.} - Trod affirmed.
"Alright..." - I nodded and went hunting again, leaving my new Zealot on the floor.
...
Sometime later...
Basic Energy: 140.5
Evolution Energy A: 150.1
Enhancement Energy A: 5.6
I was back in the apartment after hunting a Stalker and Soldier.
I stored their bodies in the Storage without offering their crystals.
And standing idly in the room was my newest Zealot.
The moment it saw me, it lowered its monstrous head.
"Gra..." - It uttered lowly.
Although the Minion was as dumb as a brick, and the concept of worship shouldn't exist in its head, there it was.
It showed me respect, no, worship. And it tried to convey a word.
Through our connection, I knew what it meant.
God.
It called me God.
Some people might enjoy the treatment, but I wasn't one of them.
"Who wants you to call me a God, dammit?!" - My face twitched violently.
"At least let it be some hot chick in bed, not an ugly-ass monster!"
Of course, I didn't say that. I swallowed my discontent and took out the Stalker carcass from the Storage.
The stalker died from three pistol bullets to the skull, killing it.
The moment the carcass was on the ground, the Minion looked at it. Great desire flashed in its yellowish eyes.
However, it didn't dare move.
It was like a dog trained to restrain itself before eating a snack.
"Eat it, and try to avoid eating the bullets in the skull. And don't eat the crystal yet." - I said.
I didn't know how much of my message went through, but when I said Eat, it pounced on the carcass like a starved dog.
Crunch* Rip* Slurp* Munch*
"Gross..." - I muttered, disgusted.
While still disgusted, I didn't forget my goal.
"Trod, what do I do now?" - I asked.
{Infuse it with Evolution Energy A. Do not worry about its health. All the food it digests will convert directly into strengthening its body. When it can't continue, the remaining energy will linger in its body. For now, I suggest infusing 10 Evolution Energy A.}
"Sounds like a plan."
With that decided, I walked to the Minion gorging itself with meat, placing my hand on its head.
Evolution Energy A: 150.1 -> 140.1
After transferring the energy and taking a few steps back, I asked it.
"What now?"
{We wait.}
"Fair." - I muttered and sat on a dusty sofa.
I watched it eat, half in disgust, and half in intrigue, wanting to see what would happen.
At first, nothing happened, but as time passed, the Minion's muscles started to twitch and expand. That didn't stop its eating frenzy, though.
20 minutes later...
From a lean Minion, it became a muscular Minion. And the Stalker turned into a skeleton, even its brain picked clean. All that was left was the crystal, now disconnected from the empty skull and metal pieces left by the bullets. It seemed to have understood my commands.
And now, it was staring intently at the crystal, ready to pounce on it on my order.
"Hey, Trod? Wasn't this supposed to be slow?" - I narrowed my eyes.
{Normally, yes, but there are factors influencing the speed. First, the quality of food is superior. Second, a Minion has a fast digestion ability, enabling it to gain more food energy faster. Third, it is a less complicated organism than a human.}
"Hm... Fine." - I muttered.
I then checked the remaining energy inside it through our connection.
It had five points remaining.
It consumed five points, no more, no less.
"Trod, what now?" - I asked, unsure.
{Don't let it eat the Crystal yet. Let it first eat the Soldier until it is full.}
"If you say so..." - I shrugged and took out the Soldier carcass.
Like the others, it had an armor penetrator in its skull.
I looked at my Zealot, now looking at the soldier with hungry eyes.
"Eat this one next, and don't eat the crystal. Also, like before, don't eat the bullet. When you are full, stop." - I ordered.
Like before, the Minion pounced on the Soldier, tearing at it like a starving alley dog.
And just like that, another good 30 minutes later...
The muscular Minion had a bulging stomach like a pregnant woman, and the Soldier was picked clean.
Like before, it left the crystal and bullet on the side.
Now, despite its stomach being close to rupturing, it still wanted to eat the two crystals.
I only needed to give my permission.
"Is it okay?" - I couldn't help but squint my eyes at it.
{It should be...}
Even Trod wasn't sure. It would have said yes otherwise.
"Hah... Okay, let me check first..."
I then checked its remaining energy.
Three points left.
In other words, it consumed a total of 7 points when Strengthening itself.
"So, what now?" - I asked.
{Infuse 20 Evolution Energy A and let it eat one of the crystals. If it feels it can handle it, let it eat both.}
"Are you sure it will be alright? I think it will explode soon..." - I looked at it and cringed.
{It won't. Evolution Energy A will prevent it from happening. At most, it will help strengthen the Zealot when it awakes.}
"Okay... I will take your word for it..." - I muttered and turned to my first Zealot.
As Trod told me, I gave it another 20 points.
Evolution Energy A: 140.1 -> 120.1
And gave the order.
"Eat one of them. If you feel you can handle it, eat both." - I said.
The moment I said that the Zealot grabbed both crystals and swallowed them.
"..."
{...}
I remained slack-jawed as I stared at the content Minion.
"I should have probably worded it better..." - I muttered and prayed it won't die from overeating.
Five minutes later...
The Minion collapsed on the floor like a corpse.
The only proof it was alive was my connection to it.
"Is it okay?" - I asked with pursed lips.
{Time will tell. Let nature take its course.}
"... Fine..."
Fifteen minutes later...
The Minion's skin excreted a yellowish substance, forming a cocoon covering it from head to toe.
"The hell... A cocoon?" - My expression turned weird.
{This is a good sign. It is evolving correctly.}
"I hope so..." - I muttered.
An hour later...
The cocoon grew bigger, forming a round yellowish dome. I couldn't see what was happening inside.
The only thing I noticed was that the energy I infused it with was depleting.
It already consumed 10 points, and it kept absorbing more.
"How long will this keep going?" - I asked Trod.
{It should end soon.} - Trod answered.
Two hours later...
The cocoon stayed the same, but the energy was down to 3 points...
"It isn't evolving into a Soldier or Stalker, is it?"
{Probably not.}
I only needed 13 points to evolve into a Stalker, but a Minion needs more than 20 points.
Yeah, no way it is a Soldier or Stalker.
"I hope it doesn't evolve into a Spore Spreader..." - I muttered.
By now, I already checked both Spore Spreader and Ascended.
Spore Spreader: A rare evolution of the Kin species. The Fungal and Floral sides eliminate most Human qualities, evolving into a plant-like existence. After taking root, the Spore Spreader spreads spores into the air, converting a large area into the domain of the Kin. In this domain, special Kin plants can grow, turning into a Kin field, and the spores it releases can strengthen Kin inhale it, and weaken non-Kin. Despite being a relatively defenseless plant with low intelligence, this plant is revered by the Kin and is protected dearly.
Ascended: A very rare evolution of the Kin species. The Human side eliminates most of the Floral and Fungal qualities, evolving into a human-like existence, ascending their innate genetic flaws. While retaining some of their beneficial Floral and Fungal qualities, these creatures are almost Human in appearance and are mostly Human biologically, but are overall better in all aspects than evolved Humans. They can also see through the eyes of other kin and command them remotely, allowing them to control the Kin species far more skillfully than even stronger Kin. They are the true nobility, leaders, and tacticians of the Kin species and hold high respect, able to command non-ascended Kin of the same strength and not follow the orders of stronger non-ascended Kin.
"Hah... I should've just used Basic Energy..." - I pinched my nose bridge.
This mess was all because I am a Scrooge.
I only wanted the evolved form of a Soldier or Stalker, not this...
If it evolves into a Spore Spreader, I might need to kill it on the spot.
As for the Ascended thing... It sounds cool and all, but is also expensive, far above my budget.
I want a cheap commander, not an expensive aristocrat.
While I was sighing...
Ka*
"Hah?" - I looked over.
A crack formed on the cocoon.
Ka* Ka*
More cracks formed.
"It finished evolving!" - I fixed my eyes.
