Before its evolution, Purple had three skills.
Illusive Flight, which Michael saw as a skill with the potential to do wonders in a fight due to its distracting properties.
Venomous Dust, a purely sinister skill.
And Shifting Form, which allowed Purple to increase and reduce its size.
Thanks to its evolution, all three skills that were at Basic Mastery before were now at Intermediate.
[{Illusive Flight} (Intermediate Mastery) – Proficiency: 0.0%]
The Undead Phantom Swallowtail can now generate even more realistic illusions of itself while flying. At Intermediate Mastery, these illusions not only move more naturally but can also briefly persist even after the moth has changed direction, further confusing enemies.
Michael’s eyes flickered with interest as he read through the updated description.
Though he had his opinions about this skill, to be honest, he hasn’t actually tried it out yet or see its effect.
“Purple,” he called, watching as the moth’s glowing eyes flickered in response. “Try out Illusive Flight.”
Without hesitation, the Undead Phantom Swallowtail took off.
As soon as it moved, multiple identical copies of itself shimmered into existence, spreading out in all directions. Michael’s eyes darted between them, trying to track the real one, but even with his heightened senses, it wasn’t easy.
Then, suddenly, all the illusions seemed to veer to the right—except for one.
Michael’s lips curled slightly. There you are.
But just as he was about to confirm his guess, even that last remaining figure blurred and split into two more.
Michael’s eyebrows twitched. “…Huh.”
Even knowing what to expect, he had nearly been tricked.
In a real fight, where he wouldn’t have the luxury of calmly observing, this would be a nightmare for an enemy to deal with.
One should not forget that Purple now had an attack skill.
Michael exhaled, impressed. “Not bad at all.”
With interest he turned to look at the other skills.
[{Venomous Dust} (Intermediate Mastery) – Proficiency: 0.0%]
The toxic dust released from the Undead Phantom Swallowtail’s wings is now more potent. At Intermediate Mastery, the poison acts faster, causing stronger numbness and disorientation. Prolonged exposure can now induce moderate paralysis, slowed reaction time, and blurred vision.
This was another skill Michael hadn’t tried out nor could he also try out now.
“At least the effect seems stronger than before. For a large number of opponents, this skill should do wonders.”
Knowing he would have to wait for an appropriate time to test this skill out, Michael didn’t focus too much on it and shifted to the next skill.
One that he was also familiar with.
[{Shifting Form} (Intermediate Mastery) – Proficiency: 0.0%]
The Undead Phantom Swallowtail’s ability to alter its size has become more fluid. At Intermediate Mastery, it can now expand and contract faster, allowing for quicker adaptability in battle. Larger sizes enhance its dust dispersal and illusion effectiveness, while a smaller form increases agility and stealth.
Like the previous two, the skill had also gotten stronger.
How strong? Michael had no idea.
Fortunately, this was a skill he could try out.
Michael’s gaze lingered on the description for a moment before he nodded.
“Purple, use Shifting Form.”
The Undead Phantom Swallowtail’s body flickered, its shadowy frame rippling as if adjusting itself. Then, it began to grow.
Michael watched closely as its wings stretched outward, its form swelling to a much larger size than before. He quickly compared it to his memory—previously, the extreme limit of this skill had allowed Purple to expand to about twice its normal size. But now…
Michael’s eyes narrowed.
It had already passed that point.
The moth’s wingspan had more than doubled, reaching nearly 3.5 meters (11’6″) across. Its dark, glass-like wings seemed to shimmer ominously, their movements slow yet strangely mesmerizing. The skeletal plating along its abdomen appeared more defined at this size, giving it a heavier, more armored look.
Michael exhaled slightly.
That was… a lot.
And it still wasn’t stopping.
Finally, the transformation slowed, reaching what seemed to be its absolute peak. At full expansion, Purple’s form had grown to an almost intimidating 4 meters (13’1″) wingspan.
Michael couldn’t help but smirk.
“Yeah… that’s definitely an upgrade.”
Then, without warning, the moth shrank.
Its massive frame compressed in an instant, shrinking down to barely half a meter (1’8″) across.
Michael’s expression shifted as he saw how drastically it had minimized itself. At this size, it looked almost like a regular moth—small, fast, and almost unnoticeable against the dark surroundings.
The change had been nearly instant.
Purple flitted through the air at high speeds, moving so quickly in its reduced form that Michael had a hard time keeping up.
Michael’s smirk deepened.
Now this was useful.
The extreme limits of Purple’s size manipulation had definitely increased compared to last time.However, there was one more test Michael was curious about.
The description mentioned that the skill could affect the power of the user.
Though the current wording seemed a little different from before, Michael believed the effect was still there.
“Purple, use Illusive Flight again,” he commanded.
This time, as the Undead Phantom Swallowtail activated the skill, Michael paid close attention.
As soon as Purple moved, illusions flickered into existence once more. However, this time, Michael focused on something else.
The moth’s size had subtly shifted just before the illusions formed.
Interesting.
Michael narrowed his eyes. If the skill was truly affected by Shifting Form, then the illusions should carry over some of the size adjustments.
“Shrink,” he instructed.
Purple’s form compressed instantly, becoming no larger than a common moth. At the same time, the illusions mimicked the change, all of them maintaining their minuscule size.
Michael hummed in thought.
Now for the real test.
“Expand.”
Purple’s body rippled, growing back to its fully extended form. The surrounding illusions followed suit, each one suddenly becoming a massive, shadowy phantom in the air.
Michael let out a short laugh.
That was dangerous.
The illusions weren’t just deceptive anymore—they were intimidating.
In battle, a swarm of giant, deathly figures could cause sheer panic, while smaller forms could make them almost impossible to track.
Michael’s smirk widened.
“Yeah… that’s going to be fun to use.”