Kain’s first selection for an Evolutionary Base Material was the glowing “lure,” or esca, of a Ether Lurefish. The Lurefish is an red-grade spiritual creature that resembles an anglerfish. It is quite ugly, and uses a glowing ball attached to its head via a rod to hunt for prey.
However, this is one of the few evolutionary materials that Kain had with dual water and light attributes, it also happened to be the cheapest.
After making the selection, Kain pressed the button to start the simulation and a glow began to emit from the Lumifin projected within the Simulator. However, the glow was much weaker than he remembered it being when testing Bea’s and Aby’s evolutions.
After the glow only occurred for a fraction of the time it usually would, what appeared before Kain was…a Lumifin. Although the projection appeared much more frail than it did before, probably a setting built into the Simulator to realistically portray the consequences of failed evolution for the user.
Kain looked at his remaining GP. “Are you kidding?! The evolution didn’t even work, can’t you refund the 100 GP I used?”
*The System does not allow for refunds. All transactions are final. It is encouraged for the Host to perform more thorough research in the future before performing Simulations in the future to prevent more instances of failure.*
“Damn…” Kain had to admit that maybe he’d gotten overconfident. He had never had a single case of a failed or disadvantageous evolution ever since he’d started his Evolutionary Planner major and learned some of the theory behind evolution. However, it looks like there was a reason the profession was considered difficult and was so in demand.
If people could achieve a successful evolution after throwing in a spiritual orb, catalyst, and any base material every time, there wouldn’t be much of a need to pay planners.
However, it is strange that not a single one of his simulations with Bea or the yeast Aby, had been unsuccessful. Perhaps that was an advantage of microorganisms? Maybe their simple single-celled bodies make them more easy to successfully evolve? If so, Kain will now look at his affinity much more kindly and not regret missing out on being able to contract with a dragon or phoenix.
Actually no…he still really wants a dragon!
“Okay…so that didn’t work at all. I have only two tries left before I exceed the budget I laid out for myself.”
Kain continued to scroll through all of the evolutionary materials he had available and was struck by the materials he’d obtained today from the Flickerfly. However, there is no way that an average new beast-tamer can hunt a yellow-grade Flickerfly to evolve a Black-iron beast, the cost to benefit ratio would be horrible.
However, the light-emitting glands that Kain obtained from the Flickerfly are a pretty common material obtainable form red and orange- grade spiritual creatures as well. However, kain doesn’t have any more of such glands in his Simulator.
However, if the Flickerfly’s light-emitting glands prove useful for causing a beneficial evolution, then Kain could try obtaining the glands from a creature of a lower grade, these glands don’t have much use and should be able to be bought cheaply.
Typically they are just used to make charms for illumination, additionally some wealthier households may use them as a component to make nightlights for their children.
Decision made Kain selected the light-emitting glands and started the evolution. This time the light emitted from the next simulated Lumifin was much greater. Kain hoped that it was a positive sign of a successful evolution. Once the light faded, Kain took a look at the new creature that appeared. It looked almost exactly like a Lumifin, who is a very attractive aquatic creature.
Traditional Lumifins had translucent, shimmering fins that glowed softly in various hues. They were about the size of house cats and had streamlined, serpentine bodies and delicate, bioluminescent markings that changed color according to their emotions. These colour changes and flashed of light can aid in either camouflaging it from predators or disorienting predators, whichever it should choose.
However, this resulting evolution, while similar in shape and appearance definitely appeared much more bloated.
Additionally, the light emitting from the creature was only slightly worse than the light of evolution, making it difficult to look at.
—————–
Species: Glimmerfin
The Glimmerfin is a new evolutionary attempt for the Lumifin. It retains much of the Lumifin’d ethereal appearance, but now has an enlarged light-emitting gland that gives it an overly bright, almost blinding, glow. Its fins are slightly larger and more elaborate, with intricate patterns of shimmering light, but it is now less agile than its predecessor.
The Glimmerfin is most suitable as an ornamental plant rather than release into the wild. Its uncontrolled luminosity is likely to draw unwanted attention from predators.
Quality: Black-Iron
Type: Fish
Attribute: Water, Light
Skills:
D-Blinding Flash: The Glimmerfin can emit a sudden, intense burst of light from its gland intended to disorient enemies. However, the light is too bright and indiscriminate, often causing the Glimmerfin itself to be temporarily blinded as well.
D-Glimmer Shield: The Glimmerfin can create a shimmering barrier of light around itself. While it provides some basic protection, it will be inactivated after receiving one physical or magical attack from a target at the same level.
F-Luminous Trail: The Glimmerfin leaves a glowing trail wherever it swims or moves. This trail is useful for marking its path or guiding allies, but it also makes it very easy to track. The glowing trail attracts predators and foes, making stealth and escape difficult.
———–
Kain looked at the panel unimpressed.
This evolution didn’t not provide any beneficial increase to the Lumifin’s abilities. If anything it actually made it weaker. One of the Lumifin’s few profitable points, its beautiful appearance, has also been greatly impacted since. The bright light it emits now makes it too difficult to look at. This is definitely a worthless evolutionary form.
“Well at least it’s better than the Gloomtail…”