HBWnovel Chapter 162
Chapter 162
“Gek...”
This time, I didn’t sense the gaze that had been watching me.
Was I just imagining things?
I’d like to think so, but my senses are rarely wrong.
The original plan was to capture the Fire Rat and immediately evolve, but things had gotten slightly complicated.
Since nothing was happening right now, I decided to check the evolution list.
Seeing that would help me determine my next steps.
[You have met the conditions for a special evolution.]
A special evolution, straight away?
Yeah, this time I didn’t have to waste time on misleading options like before.
For a lizard of my level, a basic evolution would be a bit disappointing.
[Your potential has exceeded its limit.]
A pleasant message appeared.
When the status window goes out of its way to add words like this, it usually means something good.
[Revealing hidden options.]
__________________________
You can evolve 【Komodo-Lania】 into:
1. 【Komodo-Salamander】
2. 【Komodo-Earth Dragon】
3. 【Komodo-Steel】
4. 【Komodo-Fire Dragon】 (Conditions not met)
__________________________
Something was different this time.
Before, the conditions were listed alongside each choice.
For example, eating the Dilophosaurus core would allow me to evolve into a Komodo, and consuming flame energy would enable me to evolve into a Salamander.
Additionally, unlike before, each option now included the prefix "Komodo."
It seemed similar to how dinosaurs often have "saurus," meaning "large lizard," in their names.
Now, "Komodo" appeared to mean something more than a species – it seemed to signify an ancient death with a tail.
In other words, I no longer had to worry about losing my faith.
The lineup looked impressive.
At a glance, it felt like my past efforts were finally being rewarded.
Let’s review each option.
---
**1. Salamander**
__________________________
【Komodo-Salamander】
The sacred beast Komodo imbued with the essence of fire.
A giant lizard covered in flame-like scales.
It wields fire freely and holds the potential to become a dragon.
__________________________
The Komodo had embraced the essence of fire.
Though I’d never seen a creature quite like me, something similar must have existed.
Considering that the Tang Clan revered Komodo as a mythical beast in legends, there must have been Komodo somewhere.
But now things were different.
I was no ordinary Komodo.
Just as I am the only Komodo that speaks, I would be the only Komodo-Salamander.
“Geggek...”
It was a very appealing choice.
During my last evolution, I had debated between Salamander and Lania.
Lania was a great choice, especially since my larger size provided a significant advantage in most battles. Overwhelming my opponents with sheer weight was simple but incredibly destructive.
But I regretted missing out on becoming a fire-wielding lizard, the Salamander.
Now, with no restrictions due to faith, I could become the Salamander right away.
And with Komodo’s abilities, I’d gain the power to control fire in this form.
Let’s keep this as an option.
---
**2. Earth Dragon**
__________________________
【Komodo-Earth Dragon】
The sacred beast Komodo imbued with the essence of earth.
A beast that devours the earth with its massive body.
It wields the power of earth freely and holds the potential to become a dragon.
__________________________
Earth Dragon!
A dragon that controls the power of the earth!
...No, stay focused.
Just because it has “dragon” in the name doesn’t mean it’s a real dragon.
Remember the Green Basilisk.
A beast that devours the earth with its massive body.
It wasn’t even called a lizard, snake, or reptile – just a beast.
What does that mean?@@@@
It’s a trap.
The Earth Dragon means a worm.
It probably appeared because I’d eaten the Death Worm.
Sure, its size and combat power would grow tremendously.
But the moment I became an Earth Dragon, I’d lose my hands and feet.
Maybe the snake family would appreciate it, but I certainly wouldn’t.
You’re disqualified.
Let’s move on.
With all this, I could probably settle down and live on this volcano.
The Fire Rat’s core granted me strong fire resistance.
Unfortunately, it didn’t open new evolution options.
Choosing the Salamander might influence my next evolution.
Its effects were simple but didn’t place a significant strain on my body.
Perhaps the fire element I already possessed made it blend naturally.
From that perspective, Salamander was indeed the perfect fit.
After more climbing, I finally reached the peak.
Sensing a presence nearby, I lowered my footsteps and hid behind a rock.
If a terrifying beast appeared, I’d launch the Death Beam immediately.
Peeking out, I saw what appeared to be a human.
...Was that the presence sending me killing intent?
Due to the intense heat, my Wild Eyes ability wasn’t working properly.
The figure appeared blurred, as if shrouded in heat haze.
It didn’t seem aware of my presence, so I decided to observe.
Judging by appearances can be deceiving, but they didn’t seem like the type to attack on sight.
It was a woman with red hair.
She was bathing in a hot spring.
Her body was... well, quite imposing, to say the least.
...Focus.
I probably looked like a creepy lizard spying on her bath.
...Not entirely wrong?
Definitely a strange person.
Who bathes up here in this dangerous place?
No matter how good the hot spring might be.
...But was that even a hot spring?
Wasn’t she just soaking in lava?
“Hm.”
The woman let out a hum as she gazed into the air.
“You came all the way here just because I sent a bit of killing intent?”
Unbelievable.
My perfect disguise had been exposed.
“There’s no way you thought you could hide that bulk. Drooling as you watch – were you planning to ambush me?”
Drooling?
What an absurd accusation.
I was just curious to see a human up here.
From the way she spoke, she didn’t seem inclined to fight.
A massive lizard peeking at her
should normally cause her to scream and attack first.
Swoosh.
The red-haired woman rose from the water.
Sizzle...
Droplets of lava dripped to the ground.
Clearly not an ordinary human.
This was Ten Thousand Grand Mountain, so perhaps she was a friend of Baek Yeon-Yeong.
She no longer exuded any killing intent, suggesting she was harmless.
And judging by her physique, she could only be a good person.
Much to my disappointment, a black cloth wrapped around her body.
But even so, it couldn’t hide her powerful figure.
“Hm...”
The red-haired woman hummed again.
In that instant, her appearance changed.
Two black horns sprouted from her head, and a long tail appeared above her hips.
Like a reptile’s tail.
So she was a mystical creature too.
It made sense – no regular human could be here.
Her appearance was peculiar, though.
Two horns.
And a reptilian tail.
...Is there a creature like that?
The woman smiled slightly as she looked at me.
And at that moment, my Wild Eyes ability finally activated.
---
【Red Dragon lv???】
“So Namgung Yeon wasn’t lying, huh?”