I didn’t manage to evade in time. The python’s fangs struck my helmet, and through my spherical vision, I saw cracks form as a green liquid made sizzling sounds.

  I snarled, then, with all my might behind it, I leapt back.

  The python seemed to hesitate for a second before it slowly advanced toward me. It was three times my size, and unbelievably, it started to change colour, merging with the environment around it.

  Before it fully turned, its slitted eyes met mine, and I could feel its… menace.

  I forgo looking through the cat’s eyes and focused on my spherical vision, and it was then…

  I jumped to the side, barely escaping the python’s second lunge. It hit the den’s wall, making dirt fly in a cloud.

  The python didn’t appear this time, but from how the smoke flowed around its body, I managed to see its outline; it was standing still… dazed?

  What should I do?

  An idea crossed my mind, and before the python could attack again, I enacted it.

  If you want to fight with tricks, then I’m the best at deception.

  I focused on [Manima Senses], trying to see where the python’s eyes were, then I used [Biomancy] and formed thick skin above its eyes.

  The python remained dazed for another moment before it flicked its tongue. It then turned towards me and started slithering quickly.

  How does it know where I am? A skill? I thought, trying to circle towards the den’s exit.

  The python flickered its tongue again before adjusting its direction, continuing to follow me.

  A sense through its tongue?

  I reached the exit and got out quickly; the python was hot on my tail.

  I didn’t look back, but I knew the python was close. I jumped. Soaring through the air, I spread my limbs and caught the tree trunk.

  I slipped for a short distance, my claws forming grooves before I stopped. The python didn’t miss that. It lunged, and its jaws snapped just where my tail was.

  I scurried, reaching a low-hanging branch.

  The python didn’t give up the chase. It swirled around the tree trunk, slowly gaining on me.

  My brain worked hard, trying to find a way to end this creature.

  What if…

  I activated [Biomancy], working on two things at the same time. I felt my Mana drain like never before, as my mind barely handled the strain.

  If this doesn’t work, then I’ll escape.

  I had hesitated in escaping at first, as half of the rabbit meat remained, but this option was looking more appealing now.

  I finished my creations. A ball of red liquid floated just above the python’s head—blood. Far behind its head, a bone spear was floating; it was the length of my limb.

  The strain didn’t ease, as holding these objects afloat through [Biomancy] wasn’t easy, but I managed.

  Biomancy has reached Lv. 10—Skill evolution available!

  I ignored the voice, waiting for the right opportunity.

  The python opened its mouth for a tongue slether…

  Now!

  I first released the blood. It lost its shape, splashing against the python. This momentarily stopped the python’s advances, and that was when I pushed the bone spear with all the might of [Biomancy].

  Wheew!

  It whistled through the air before impacting right in the middle of the python’s head. Scales broke, then flesh tore. The spear continued, impaling the head on the tree’s trunk. It wobbled sideways before stopping.

  The python’s body went limp. It got held by the impaled head for a second before the tree bark broke. The python hit the ground with a loud thud.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  You have killed Vipurus Python, Lv. 11

  Since the user does not own a class, the experience will be stored until one is acquired.

  I decided to drop down, but then…

  Grrr

  A creature with a weird body shape growled at me. It had big forelimbs, a small head that mostly consisted of an elongated mouth, and small back legs. It was also double my size, with black fur spotted with green.

  I stopped my descent, using [Identify] on the newcomer.

  Solitarius Hyena, Lv.??

  The hyena didn’t advance toward me, and that told me it didn’t want a fight.

  It wants the python meat.

  I looked at my Mana film; it was depleted. I could make a small attack, but that was it. With my injured shoulder and smaller build, I knew I had no chance of winning against this beast.

  It pains me, but I have to retreat.

  I slowly descended. The heyna continued to growl, but stayed in its place. I carefully moved back, facing the hyena. When enough distance was created between us, I ran away.

  ***

  The moon’s light shone on my branch, highlighting it against the black trench beneath it.

  It was a precarious place to stand on, but I enjoyed the view. The jungle stretched before me for a distance I couldn’t fathom; the trench splitting it in the middle, like a black wound.

  I thought back at the fight. Although I had to retreat in the end, my overall performance was not bad. I even… enjoyed the fight.

  I liked how liquids were gushed into my blood, giving me hyper focus. It also made me stronger and more resistant to pain. I liked how my heartbeat increased, my ears perked up, and my muscles tensed. I liked the sound of tearing flesh, spilling blood, and hazy, dead eyes. But most of all, I liked the challenge, the deception, and finally, the triumph.

  I’m one for all, and all is for me.

  I repeated the only truth I knew; it made me feel prideful, strong, and smart.

  There had been a message from the voice. About… a skill evolution?

  As if reading my mind, the voice spoke.

  Would you like to evolve your skill [Biomancy]? (Take into account that the evolution might cause loss of consciousness, body changes, and other symptoms.)

  Yes!

  Upgrade options:

  -Advanced Biomancy: The Manima Monoform has shown fine control and affinity in a few fields of Biomancy. (Warning! This is the direct upgrade of Biomancy, so there will be no further upgrades.)

  -Bloodmancy: The Manima Monoform has created blood and controlled it, unlocking this option. (Warning! Choosing this option bars you from other Biomancy fields, although the user would gain better control in the chosen field.)—Moderate upgrades available.

  -Bonemancy: The Manima Monoform has created bones and controlled them, unlocking this option. (Warning! Choosing this option bars you from other Biomancy fields, although the user would gain better control in the chosen field.)—Moderate upgrades available.

  -Neuromancy: The Manima Monoform has created neuron connections and controlled them, unlocking this option. (Warning! Choosing this option bars you from other Biomancy fields, although the user would gain better control in the chosen field.)—Moderate upgrades available.

  …

  Other tissue options were mentioned, but the warning had put me off, so I decided to hear the rest of my choices.

  -Rudis Versatile Biomancy: The Manima Monoform has shown excellent control and affinity in lots of fields of Biomancy. This skill is the first step on the long road of Biomancy mastery—Numerous upgrades available.

  This option intrigued me. I liked how it sounded, and noticed it didn’t have a warning like the ones before it, but I waited before choosing it—another option was still available.

  -Rudis Subtilis Biomancy (Unique): A new skill created by the System for the Manima Monoform. The Manima Monoform has demonstrated unprecedented control over minuscule Biomancy, creating neuron axons and other microscopic structures. This skill will allow the user to walk on the long path of mastery while focusing on intricate creations—Has a chance to reach the zenith.

  I didn’t hesitate. The [Rudis Subtilis Biomancy] just called for me.

  I choose Rudis Subtilis Biomancy!

  I blacked out.

  ***

  Waking up, the moon was still high in the sky. Standing up, I felt the new instincts in me. It was overwhelming, urging me to use it.

  This… it has so many more options. But I have been careless.

  I had expected the evolution only to knock out the cat’s body, not mine, too. If the cat were to die with me unconscious to find a host… that would’ve been disastrous.

  I’ll be more careful next time… now, status!

  Species: Manima Monoform.

  Species-specific skills:

  -Mana manipulation Lv. 5

  -Soul manipulation Lv. 3

  -Rudis Subtilis Biomancy Lv. 1 {Tier 1} (Unique)

  -Soul mind Lv. 5

  -Manima senses Lv. 3 (Unique)

  Class unavailable

  General skills (2/10):

  -Forced mana regeneration Lv. 2 (Unique)

  -Identify Lv. 2

  Tier 0, huh? I wonder how many tiers there are.

  The urge to use my new skill was overwhelming, but I had no Mana, so I used [Forced Mana Regebration]. It took me until the sky began to lighten with the coming of dawn to fully regenerate my film.

  I immediately began my experiments.

  I first focused on my injured shoulder. It was becoming… ugly. Then, I split my attention into two. One was focused on my fine shoulder, the other on my injured one. My [Soul Mind] skill held just fine. Then, I…

  I understand!

  It was something other than understanding, more like instincts—an art. I understood the fine shoulder’s art, and although I was still a meagre artist, I could somewhat replecate it.

  I activated my skill, as my imagination went wild to supplement my intentions. Darkness started to creep on the periphery of my vision until all I saw was two shoulders in a sea of black.

  I first ordered the surface flesh to separate from the whole; it was hopeless. Then, I started with the shoulder bone. It had broken a bit, was blackened, and was missing a small part. Mana flew, replecated and regenerated the bone with me taking care to align, connect, and organise each cell in its intended place. Nervous cells and extensions followed, then blood vessels, then green globs, then yellow tissues, then…

  I finished each separate tissue before moving on to the next. Unlike in the past, the Mana strings didn’t flow in the millions; no, I held each one with care, leading it to its knot or place. I wasn’t relying on my mind as much as I had expected; it was more… instincts and feelings.

  …Then came skin, and I was done—my film was exhausted.

  Skill granted, [Heal]

  [Heal]: Healers are said to be the oldest class. Asking ‘supreme’ creatures for aid, Healers used their support to cure ailments, end pain, unravel curses, and heal wounds. The heal skill is the cornerstone on which the fake beings helped their advocates.

  Would you like to acquire the skill [Heal]?

  I was surprised at how the voice had pronounced the words supreme creatures. It felt like it loathed them. This was the first time I heard anything non-neutral from the voice.

  What even is this voice? It calls itself the System, but what does that mean? So many questions, but no answers.

  I didn’t accept the heal skill—I had learnt my lesson from [Identify]. I knew the skill would probably help in lessening the time and difficulty of healing, but I was confident I could do that with my biomancy skill; I just needed more levels and training.

  The sun had fully risen, illuminating the world. Swarms of birds danced, while the roars of beasts lessened. It was peaceful.

  I wanted to slump down and sleep. For a moment, I envied the cat's body, which could just shut down, but it only lasted a moment. Being able to recover without wasting time sleeping was way better.

  Now, let’s see the results.

  I extended my paw forward, bent it backwards, and did other movements. The results were… varied.

  It felt like I had a lump of something in my shoulder, but I couldn’t figure out what it was; it hindered my movements a bit, but way less than before. There was also a bit of lag, like my mind was faster than my shoulder’s movement. But overall, I liked the results, and knew that with more training I could fix it—Maybe enhance it.

  My body went to sleep, while I continued to work on my skills. After training all day, with not a single skill evolution, I took notice of something…

  My skills seem to level up faster in combat or when I do something new.

  I wasn’t sure of this conjecture, but I was sure more experiments would suffice to figure it out.

  After waking my body up, I stretched a bit, licked myself, then got ready.

  Now, it’s time to hunt, and I have big prey on hand.

  ***

  I returned to my old base. The python's body was nowhere to be seen, and my last hunt was also lost.

  I became frustrated until my nose sniffed blood.

  This is… a trail?

  At the place where the blood scent began, there was a shallow trench in the black dirt; the leaves here were also broken.

  It dragged the python to its den. What a greedy creature… I’m greedier.

  It took a quarter of the night to reach the end of the trail. I found a stone cave, its entrance dark, and a strong stench of death came from it.

  Soon, your flesh will join mine…