I Became an Evolving Lizard in a Martial Arts Novel

Chapter 6

Basilisk

A mythical creature with skin like stone, covered in venom, and known for possessing Medusa's petrification ability.

It was quite famous. The image that came to mind was one where it could take at least two enemies down with it, even in death—a creature with excellent value for what it offered.

That’s the basilisk I knew.

But now, the fact that I could evolve into a basilisk?

It wasn’t a bad thing.

In fact, it was great.

But I couldn’t understand the reason.

It was one thing for a gecko lizard to evolve into a chameleon or another lizard species—that didn’t make much sense either, but it was something I could somewhat accept.

However, this was different.

If I had acquired petrification abilities or venom, I could understand why basilisk evolution was an option.

But the condition for this special evolution was none other than "Sprint."

What does running fast have to do with a basilisk?

I couldn’t make the connection.

However, not knowing the reason didn’t mean I was a foolish lizard who would pass up this opportunity.

I wasn’t the kind to reject what was given.

Evolving into a broken species like the basilisk? Absolutely.

I made my choice.

Green Basilisk.

If I’m already becoming a basilisk, does that mean I could evolve into a dragon next?

Such thoughts filled my mind as my body began to change.

Crack.

Crunch.

My bones started to shift and grow.

It felt like watching a time-lapse video, as my bones grew rapidly.

They formed a new skeletal structure.

My body became larger, and my tail lengthened.

Naturally, the tissues on top of my bones also began to change.

Stretch.

It was similar to shedding skin, but something was different.

It wasn’t just dead cells peeling off. New tissues were forming in line with my newly shaped bones.

My muscles were also being completely reformed.

The skin and scales that covered them were far more detailed than the ones I had as a gecko.

The pure white room I was in began to tremble.

Crack.

A small fracture appeared.

I realized the truth about this room.

It was the egg I saw when I first arrived in this world.

With my long claws, I widened the crack in the egg.

Crack!

Without anyone’s help, I broke out of this world.

Congratulations! The Green Gecko has evolved into the Green Basilisk!

I was no longer a gecko.

I had become a mythical being—the Green Basilisk.

“Geggek!”

...But why does my cry still sound the same?

No, it must not have synchronized yet.

The name "Green Basilisk" appeared before me.

And there was also a spider staring right at me.

“Kieeek!”

Yeah, I’m glad to see you too.

But could you please move your face? It’s a little scary.@@@@

“Geggek.”

I turned my head.

The spider seemed to recognize me as the same gecko it had known before. Had it been waiting for me to hatch? That’s kind of sweet.

“Kioong...”

The spider fidgeted with its two front legs.

What’s wrong? You’re making things awkward.

It tapped me with its third leg.

I looked to see what it was doing and noticed a small bundle of web in front of me.

Upon closer inspection, I saw that a small insect was still alive inside.

“Kiong!”

Was it telling me to eat it?

The spider pushed the bundle toward me with its long leg.

“Geggek.”

It’s rude to reject a gift.

My primary weapon had always been my tail.

I started with "Tail Slash" and used my tail instead of my short limbs to attack enemies.

The fact that the range of my main weapon had increased several times over was good news.

This alone was enough to make up for the lack of petrification, right?

...No, of course, I was still disappointed.

I couldn’t help but feel bitter.

If it had been named something like "Longtail Lizard," I wouldn’t have been so let down.

But why did it have to be called a basilisk?

Just from hearing the name, I had already made dozens of plans, and now they were all crumbling.

But I couldn’t keep sulking forever.

The evolution had already happened, and while it didn’t meet my expectations, I was still stronger than before.

I needed to plan my next move.

Living on top of this tree was no longer an option. My body had gotten too big.

Though most of my increased size was in my tail, it made the tree branches inconvenient.

My tail would definitely attract the attention of any passing dinosaurs.

Plus, I had gained the skill "Webbed Walk."

I was probably meant to live near water.

“Geggek.”

Nephila, I’m leaving this place.

“Kioong...”

Did it understand what I was saying?

It grabbed my tail with one of its long legs.

But no, what’s decided is decided.

“Kioooooong...”

It was a brief relationship, but it had been fun.

“Geggek.”

Still, maybe I should stick around for a bit longer?

Even if I go down to the ground, it’s not like I’ll immediately find water.

I’ll probably grow even larger as I level up, but for now, I could still manage here.

Since I’ve already become friends with this spider, why not stay a bit longer?

We were close enough now to be called friends, after all.

“Kioong...”

But why is there saliva dripping from your mouth?

“Kieeeng...”

And what’s with those eyes?

Spider saliva was dripping onto my tail.

It was slowly pulling my tail toward it.

This crazy thing!

I immediately severed my tail.

“Hioooong!”

The spider angrily stomped its long legs, frustrated at having lost its meal.

Ugh. I should never have trusted that spider.

Forget about staying here any longer.

As I ran, I glanced back for one last look.

“Kieeeek!”

The spider was hugging the tail I had just cut off.

A cold sweat broke out.

If I hadn’t realized what was happening sooner, I would’ve been the one in its grasp instead of my tail.

I had barely escaped becoming a cocoon.

[Achievement Unlocked]

What the—

An achievement?

What now?

Is this an achievement for getting tricked by the basilisk name?

[Achievement Unlocked: An Iguanodon Would Be Amazed!]

Wasn’t it a raptor last time?

Is this one even better?

I was kind of excited.

Maybe it would help soothe my wounded heart after being betrayed by that spider.

[Spiders Have No Hearts]

Right. They have no hearts.

[Yet, you received the love of such a spider.]

Right. I was loved by a—

...Wait, what did I receive?

[You’ve gained the title, "Loved by a Spider."]

What is this?