If you sold each scale one by one, you'd become rich in no time.
***
"–Lord Pelerian, welcome."
A voice rang out.
Kuuum.
The heavy iron door I had just passed through slammed shut with a deep echo.
No one would be able to pass through it anymore.
Unlike before—when it opened after a few knocks—this door had a far more complex locking mechanism installed.
"–You've made things difficult by adding an identity verification system for no reason."
"That's true."
Originally, Pelerian had designed it so that you could only enter by letting your own blood flow into the iron door.
At the same time, it required voice authentication and the emission of one's unique mana signature before it would open.
It was excessively thorough. I almost couldn't get in despite coming all the way here.
Fortunately, the one who designed that security system was none other than Pelerian himself.
He had built in a backdoor, so we somehow managed to open it.
'This isn't some kind of digital certificate system or anything.'
–What is that?
'Something like that exists.'
The lights came on.
Thud, buzz, thud, thud, thud.
It sounded similar to halogen lamps flickering on in an abandoned warehouse in a Hollywood movie.
A neatly organized corridor came into view.
I tensed up without realizing it.
What if a golem suddenly wakes up again?
Seeing how well-preserved the dungeon was, it didn't seem likely that the guard golems would be half-destroyed like before.
Thinking back, those golems were incredibly strong.
Even now, I probably wouldn't be able to defeat them.
–Haha, don't worry. There are no traps or security devices inside this place.
Seeing my fear, Pelerian chuckled with amusement.
What a mischievous old man.
'What's different about this place?'
–Dungeon No. 123 wasn't designed with intruders in mind. It was built solely with me entering it in mind. That's why the external security is strong, but the inside is made to be comfortable.
That made sense.
As soon as I entered this dungeon, I heard, "Welcome, Lord Pelerian."
The previous dungeon's exact designation was "Laboratory."
This place, meanwhile, was the "Magic Stone Storage."
A question suddenly came to mind.
'But it's not like you only have one or two dungeons. Couldn't you just send someone else in?'
"…"
'You could ask a friend to go fetch some magic stones for you.'
With security this strict, that wouldn't be possible, would it?
If he had to come personally every time, it would be incredibly inconvenient.
Pelerian fell silent.
Just as I was about to forget I'd even asked, he spoke.
"…You don't have any friends, do you."
'How did you know?!'
I was startled.
"…Huh?"
'Ah… I mean, you don't have any friends.'
–That's right.
For a moment, I thought he was talking about me.
Embarrassed, I pretended nothing was wrong and asked again.
'Then do you have any trustworthy companions?'
–...
Pelerian fell silent again.
After a long while, he answered.
–No.
'What about trustworthy subordinates?'
Silence again.
"…I don't think so."
If I were a truly cruel Serpent, I might have asked this:
"You're an elf—you must have lived a very long time. How is that possible?
You must at least have family. Isn't there someone you could ask? Siblings, or at least your parents!"
Something like that.
But I'm not that heartless.
Pelerian had sworn to me.
That he would answer my questions honestly and follow my words.
But that didn't mean I would treat him like an unpaid slave.
If it wasn't something absolutely necessary, I wouldn't force him to answer.
If I had really asked those questions earlier, Pelerian would have felt ashamed.
When you take someone in, you have to embrace them with your heart.
A truly loyal subordinate can never be obtained through force.
Of course, Pelerian himself probably doesn't think I see him as a subordinate.
–Look at that.
You can tell just by looking at it.
'Look at what? We need to get to the magic stone storage quickly.'
–We're already going!
Even while bickering with me, Pelerian continued the conversation.
When the topic shifted to evolution, his voice brightened as if he had never been annoyed.
–Forget those results.
He was referring to the special evolution conditions I had checked earlier in the Chimera's dungeon.
–In my opinion, your evolution tree essentially has no limit.
To see through my potential stat of 20… as expected of Pelerian.
I asked what I had been wondering.
'Then… could I suddenly evolve into a completely different kind of monster?'
–A different monster?
'Yes, like a centipede or something.'
That was just what came to mind.
–It's both possible and impossible.
I hate vague answers like that.
Fortunately, Pelerian elaborated.
–If in your next evolution you gain legs, then in the following one you gain a carapace, and after that venomous claws, you could evolve into a centipede-type monster. But why would you?
I had no intention of doing that anyway.
–Whether by chance or not, you are evolving very efficiently. I told you before that there's a limit to how many times each monster can evolve, didn't I?
'Yes, teacher.'
–For some reason, you've repeated evolution in a short period of time, yet it seems you can still evolve much further. Even among insignificant creatures like Serpents, centipedes, and spiders, being able to evolve multiple times is unusual.
He said "insignificant creatures," even though he said he wouldn't.
But since it sounded like praise, I let it slide.
'What do you mean by "efficient evolution"?'
–Efficient evolution doesn't necessarily mean evolving into a stronger monster. In some ways, it can even mean the opposite.
'Then what does it mean?'
–It means evolving in a direction with greater potential. For example, let's assume you had evolved into a different branch instead of this one.
Professor Pelerian began his lecture.
–The evolution tree of a Little Green Serpent is diverse, but the most common direction is to increase its size.
From Little Green Serpent…
to Green Serpent…
and then to Giant Green Serpent.
If you sold each scale one by one, you'd become rich in no time.
***
–"That's often where it ends."
'Only that much?!'
–"If they're lucky, they might make it to a Green Serpent King."
A Giant Green Serpent is a massive serpent reaching up to 10 meters in length.
But to think it ends there after only three evolutions.
Compared to me evolving three times into a White Double-Horn Python, it felt incredibly underwhelming.
–"In that case, you should evolve into a higher species before becoming a Giant Green Serpent. Like you did—there's also the path of becoming a python."
'Then what about Medusa-mam?'
–"You mean the Medusa Serpent? That also followed a special evolution process."
"Serpent."
It was a higher-tier Serpent-type monster than a Serpent or even a python.
–"A serpent that gained petrification abilities likely evolved into a Medusa Serpent. But even that is a somewhat disappointing path. A Medusa Serpent can only evolve once more."
Oh ho.
So my assumption that Medusa-mam could evolve further was correct.
–"You should also aim to evolve into a serpent. It's a special evolution path that other named Serpent monsters have gone through."
I didn't want to become a Medusa Serpent.
It looked too ugly.
But something Pelerian said caught my attention.
'Named Serpent monsters?'
–"Some are recorded in history, and some are believed to still be alive. I'll explain that later. For now, your current evolution is more important."
The special evolution condition I needed to achieve first.
Pelerian spoke casually.
–"There's an efficient and reliable method. A secret known only to me…"
'What is it?!'
The answer was more anticlimactic than expected.
–"Consume a large number of high-grade magic stones."
'Ah.'
–"Normally, that's an evolution condition impossible for someone at your level. Where would a monster ever obtain that many magic stones?"
That was true.
Not all monsters even possess magic stones.
And monsters that do have high-grade ones are extremely powerful.
But this place was Pelerian's magic stone storage.
It was practically a buffet.
–"You won't be able to raise your evolution level through mana saturation like before. But this is even better. You can evolve into a species capable of handling massive amounts of mana!"
My chest swelled with excitement.
'Finally… I can become a true swordsman!'
My heart raced at the thought of learning the Invisible Hand spell.
I would definitely become a grandmaster of Serpent swordsmanship.
–"…Magic is the ultimate discipline, you know."
Clicking his tongue, Pelerian pointed with his finger.
–"Pull that lever."
I did as told.
Click.
Then the wall opened.
With a hiss, white vapor poured out in thick clouds.
A cold aura spread through the air.
And then—
A display case slid out.
–"That is my magic stone collection. Behold it… and applaud."
'Wow!'
I couldn't help but admire it.
I had expected a dusty storage room—but what was this?
The crystals were displayed under glass panels, like a jewelry case.
In fact, since they were edible, it even resembled a luxury chocolatier's display.
Dozens of magic stones were packed neatly inside.
The smallest ones were pea-sized, Grade 1 magic stones.
[Grade 1 Magic Stone], [Grade 1 Magic Stone], [Grade 1 Magic Stone], [Grade 1 Magic Stone],
[Grade 2 Magic Stone], [Grade 2 Magic Stone], [Grade 2 Magic Stone], [Grade 2 Magic Stone], [Grade 2 Magic Stone],
[Grade 3 Magic Stone], [Grade 3 Magic Stone], [Grade 3 Magic Stone],
[Grade 4 Magic Stone], [Grade 4 Magic Stone], [Grade 4 Magic Stone]…
Beside them were Grade 2, 3, and 4 stones, with Grade 4 ones being about the size of acorns.
Pelerian burst into hearty laughter.
–"Eat gratefully, Serpent! Eat as much as you can! You'll probably reach mana saturation at some point and won't be able to eat more…"
Even the Chimera's magic stones were Grade 4.
After eating just two, my mana had completely filled up.
But Pelerian made an even bolder offer.
–"You may take whatever remains, as long as it fits in your subspace."
Ah… he shouldn't have said that.
"…Why are you so quiet? Are you too grateful to speak, Serpent?"
His tone sounded kind.
But that only made me more suspicious.
Even though I hadn't known him long, it was more than enough to understand his personality.
'There's more, right?'
–"Hm?"
'Magic stones. This isn't all of them, is it?'
The best stones I had ever eaten were the Chimera's two Grade 4 stones.
The Chimera was a terrifying opponent for me—even now, it wouldn't be easy to defeat.
But what about Pelerian?
Would he really hide an entire massive dungeon just for Grade 4 stones?
No way.
I expressed my dissatisfaction elegantly.
'Show me more before we open the center.'
'Keeping quiet won't solve anything. Be honest.'
We had just talked about trust and all that…
But still, you take what you can get.
After grumbling for a while, Pelerian nodded.
–"Pull the lever on the right as well."
I did so.
Hiss—
Another display case slid out.
Only then could I finally smile.
[Grade 5 Magic Stone], [Grade 5 Magic Stone],
[Grade 6 Magic Stone], [Grade 6 Magic Stone],
[Grade 7 Magic Stone]…
…[Grade 9 Magic Stone]
Fewer in number, but far higher quality.
There was even a Grade 9 magic stone.
Just how many grades were there?
'There's really nothing else hidden, right?'
–"Do magic stones just pop out every time you kill a monster, you brat?! I sold the higher-grade ones for money, alright?!"
'Why are you getting angry?'
Pelerian huffed in irritation.
I tried to console him.
'If I don't take them, the fairies will just come and steal them anyway.'
–"Who knows… if we collapse the rocks entirely, maybe they won't find them."
'Hey now.'
In the end, Pelerian admitted I was right.
–"Only eat as much as you can. If there's any left, you'll have to return it later."
That is—if he ever regains his body.
–"Start with the low-grade stones. Otherwise, you might literally burst and die. I'm not joking."
I nodded.
That part was definitely true.
'Then I'll start eating.'
I began with Grade 1 magic stones.
I wondered what kind of monster these came from.
Even stones of the same grade tasted different.
It seemed to depend on their original owner.
–"You eat well."
I devoured all ten Grade 1 stones.
[You absorb a large amount of mana.][Level has reached its limit.][Unabsorbed mana is stored.]
[White Double-Horn Python Lv.20+]
A "+" appeared next to my level.
Next were Grade 2 stones.
I easily consumed all ten.
–"Aren't you getting full? Or maybe your skin is starting to itch?"
'Nope.'
I'm totally fine.
From Grade 3 onward, the quality was noticeably different.
Even a single stone from the Horn Jaguar had once been a luxurious meal for me.
[You absorb a large amount of mana.][Unabsorbed mana is stored.]
Now there were two "+" signs.
–"This is strange… something's not right."
Despite Pelerian's concern, I could still keep eating.
There was barely any strain on my body.
Was my potential somehow connected to a food fighter's talent too?
I finished all the Grade 3 stones.
I was starting to feel a little full.
The Grade 4 stones were indeed heavier.
As I nearly finished them all, a reaction came.
It felt like my body might burst.
It didn't seem like a simple issue of being full—
–"You're insane… you really can eat."
Pelerian had gone from concern to outright admiration.
–"Don't push yourself any further…"
'Wait.'
I still had one last trick left.
There were a few skills that had reached level 10.
[White Double-Horn Python Lv.20+++]
[Skills]
※ Evolution available:
[ Bite Lv.10 ], [ Leap Lv.10 ]
Right. Let's evolve.
But something beyond my expectations was written there.
※ Due to the title "Heart-Eating Serpent," you can fuse and evolve skills.
"It is said to possess a special technique that devours hearts."
My heart started pounding when I saw that line.
Good.
[You consume mana to fuse-evolve skills.][Bite Lv.10 and Leap Lv.10 are fused.]
Thump, thump.
[Skill 'Heart-Devouring Leap Lv.1' acquired.]
I had become a Serpent capable of physically stealing people's hearts.
But wait—does that mean I can't use Bite and Leap separately anymore?
I'll have to check that later.
"Ghk."
My mana drained instantly.
I resumed my eating spree.
–"How much are you going to eat?!"
Pelerian was in a state of utter shock.
I finished all the Grade 4 magic stones…
and even started on the Grade 5 ones.
Amazingly, after eating just two Grade 5 stones, I finally felt completely full.
[White Double-Horn Python Lv.20++++]
[Status]
[ Evolution Available ]
[Special evolution conditions have been met.]
Looks like this was my limit.
–"You've eaten at least five times more than I expected…"
Pelerian muttered as if he'd been burned out completely.
Then… shall I begin evolution?
I was so full that drowsiness was setting in anyway.
–"There should be evolution options related to mana saturation. Examine them carefully!"
Even without his nagging, I planned to.
I settled down and closed my eyes.
Just like before—
I was instantly pulled into a deep sleep.
From [White Double-Horn Python Lv.20]
[Long Double-Horn Python][Poison Double-Horn Python][Hot Pink Double-Horn Python]
…Wait. Hot pink?
Don't tell me—that's because I consumed the Crimson Tarantula King's core?
White mixed with red and…
Nope. Hard pass.
That would completely ruin my dignity.
I kept reading.
[Green Double-Horn Python]
No. I'm not going green.
When will this green option finally disappear?
Wasn't there something related to magic stones?
Then—the final option.
The moment I saw it, my scales tingled.
Instinctively, I knew.
[Crystal Double-Horn Python]
Crystal.
A solid, shining structure.
I could picture it—
my body gleaming like crystal.
Crystal Serpents, crystal lizards—
in games, they were always extremely rare monsters.
And technically, crystal is also white.
Was this heaven's reward for refusing to abandon white?
The magic stones I had devoured could also be seen as a kind of crystal.
The other options just didn't fit.
They either changed my color or had nothing to do with mana.
Maybe this evolution strengthens my scales?
Just like my patterns had effects, my scales must gain something unique too.
Right. No reason to hesitate.
[You have selected Crystal Double-Horn Python.][Evolution begins.]
I began evolving.
***
Meanwhile, outside—
It had been one day since the new chief Nanaruk and the sacred Serpent Ululululu killed Krok.
Nanaruk was in the hut that had belonged to Krok, undergoing evolution,
while Ululululu still had not emerged from underground.
The warriors of the newly occupying Runga tribe all wore bright expressions.
A new king of goblins would soon be born.
Unlike Krok, Nanaruk possessed both strength and character—
he would lead the goblins of the Great Forest down a new path.
The hobgoblins who had fought in the battle, including Zadiram, were also in high spirits.
There were no more threatening enemies,
yet Zadiram and Kadiram volunteered to stand guard.
"Is the chief okay?"
"Yeah, he collapsed, but they say he'll wake up soon. Hehe."
The two chatted cheerfully—
Then suddenly, someone approached.
"Hey. Hobgoblins."
Kadiram and Zadiram were startled.
They hadn't sensed anyone approaching, yet someone was already right in front of them.
He wore clothes that didn't suit the scorching Great Forest at all.
A long coat. A hat.
A tall, slender man.
Beautiful in appearance, but with ash-gray skin.
And most notably—his long ears.
He was a Shadow Elf.
"Where is Krok?"
He asked in a gloomy voice.
His speech was awkward, but clearly in the goblin tongue.
Zadiram and Kadiram raised their weapons and shouted.
"Who are you?!"
"…Hmm."
The Shadow Elf clicked his tongue.
"That fool… looks like he died after all."
"I said, identify yourself!"
Kadiram shouted threateningly.
But the Shadow Elf ignored him and muttered to himself.
Confused, Kadiram glanced at Zadiram—
"Ghk—kgh—!"
For a moment, he thought he was seeing things.
A massive hole had been pierced through Zadiram's neck.
Blood gushed out violently—
and Zadiram collapsed to the ground.
"You."
The Shadow Elf wiped the blood from his hand as he spoke.
"You will guide me… to the dungeon."