Multiple options appeared on the panel.
Each was a different evolution direction.
I took a deep breath and began examining them carefully.
[Hoarder Squirrel Evolution Directions]
[Evolution Direction 1: Iron-Tooth Hoarder]
[Level Cap: 45]
[Rodent-type magic beast with enhanced teeth and claws, excels at close-combat biting, can bite through hard shells and bones]
[Traits: Enhanced Teeth, Sharp Fangs and Claws, Dimensional Cheek Pouch, High Sensitivity]
[Skills: Rend, Claw Rush, Bite, Leap, Spatial Dodge]
[Evolution Conditions:]
[1. Kill 20+ magic beasts in total (Met: 27/20)]
[2. Strength reaches 20+ (Met: 22/20)]
[Conditions met, can evolve]
I looked at this option.
Cap 45.
20 levels higher than my current 25.
Close-combat evolution direction.
This wasn't the direction I wanted.
My advantage was never in direct melee.
But in agility, tactics, and spatial abilities.
I continued to the next one.
[Evolution Direction 2: Swift Shadow Hoarder]
[Level Cap: 45]
[Extremely fast rodent-type magic beast, leaves afterimages when moving, excels at hit-and-run tactics and quick strikes]
[Traits: Gale Constitution, Dimensional Cheek Pouch, High Sensitivity, Afterimage]
[Skills: Swift Run, Afterimage Step, Spatial Dodge, Leap, Bite]
[Evolution Conditions:]
[1. Speed reaches 25+ (Met: 28/25)]
[2. Successfully escape mortal danger 5+ times (Met: 8/5)]
[Conditions met, can evolve]
This was also cap 45.
Speed-focused.
But spatial ability wasn't further developed.
Not enough.
Spatial ability was my greatest advantage.
I looked at the third option.
[Evolution Direction 3: Spatial Hoarder]
[Level Cap: 45]
[Rodent-type magic beast with vastly expanded cheek pouch space capacity and stability, can store living creatures for extended periods, space doesn't easily collapse]
[Traits: Stable Space, Spatial Expansion, Spatial Affinity, High Sensitivity]
[Skills: Spatial Storage, Spatial Mark, Spatial Dodge, Leap, Bite, Hoarding Instinct]
[Evolution Conditions:]
[1. Use spatial abilities 100+ times total (Met: 156/100)]
[2. Stored living creatures before (Met)]
[Status: Conditions met, can evolve]
Cap 45.
Same as the previous two.
But this was a spatial-focused evolution.
The cheek pouch space would become larger and more stable.
Could store teammates for long periods.
Wouldn't have to worry about space collapse.
This aligned well with my development direction.
And all conditions were met.
I could evolve immediately.
Become stronger immediately.
I stared at this option for a long time.
If I chose this.
I would become stronger.
Spatial abilities would improve.
But my gaze still moved to the fourth option.
Then my breathing stopped.
[Evolution Direction 4: Dimension Walker]
[Level Cap: 50]
[Rodent-type magic beast that has grasped the essence of space, can perform short-range spatial teleportation, manipulate spatial rifts, understanding of space has reached a new level]
[Traits: Spatial Control, Dimensional Perception, Spatial Affinity, High Sensitivity]
[Skills: Spatial Teleport, Spatial Mark, Dimensional Rift, Spatial Dodge, Leap, Bite, Hoarding Instinct]
[Evolution Conditions:]
[1. Use Spatial Dodge 200+ times total (Not Met: 150/200)]
[2. Simultaneously store 5+ magic beasts (Met: 8/5)]
[3. Use Spatial Mark to rescue teammates in combat 10+ times (Met: 15/10)]
[Status: Conditions not met]
My heartbeat accelerated.
Cap 50.
Higher than the other three.
And—
Spatial Teleport.
Not the 5-meter Spatial Dodge.
But true teleportation.
The range should be much farther.
And looking at the description, it was "short-range" teleportation.
This meant at least dozens of meters, maybe even more.
And Dimensional Rift.
What kind of skill was this?
From the name, it should create spatial tears.
For attack? Defense?
Or both?
The trait "Spatial Control."
Just those four words radiated power.
Not simply "using" spatial abilities.
But "controlling" space.
If I could evolve into this.
I would no longer just be a rodent magic beast that could use Spatial Dodge.
But a true spatial-type magic beast.
Could freely traverse the battlefield.
Could attack enemies with spatial rifts.
But the conditions weren't fully met yet.
Spatial Dodge usage count: 150/200.
Still needed 50 more.
I gritted my teeth.
50 times.
Not a lot.
But not a little either.
If I wanted to complete this condition.
Might take a few days.
I looked at Dimension Walker's skill list again.
Spatial Teleport.
This skill's tactical value was too high.
Could instantly close in on enemies.
Could instantly retreat.
Could rescue teammates.
Could bypass defenses.
Could—
Too many possibilities.
I continued reading.
There was still a fifth option.
[Evolution Direction 5: ???]
[Level Cap: ???]
[???]
[Traits: ???]
[Skills: ???]
[Evolution Conditions:]
[1. ??? (?)]
[2. ??? (?)]
[3. Stored special items (Met)]
[Status: ???]
What?
This option was almost all question marks.
Only one condition showed as complete.
But all other conditions were hidden.
This option was too mysterious.
Wouldn't consider it for now.
I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths.
Had to make a choice.
I remembered the Wolf King's overwhelming power.
Remembered the helpless feeling of being crushed.
If I wanted to truly become strong.
If I wanted to someday defeat the Wolf King.
If I wanted to survive in this dangerous world.
I couldn't settle.
Had to choose the "strongest" power.
Spatial Teleport and Dimensional Rift.
Might be the key to turning the tide.
Just 50 more Spatial Dodges.
I could complete it through training.
Or accumulate it in real combat.
Wouldn't take too long.
A few days should be enough.
And during these few days.
My teammates could also keep leveling.
Once I completed evolution.
The team's overall strength would jump significantly.
I opened my eyes.
Made my decision.
Dimension Walker.
I closed the evolution panel.
Stood up, dusting myself off.
Though my whole body ached.
My heart was full of anticipation.
Dimension Walker.
Spatial Teleport.
Dimensional Rift.
This would be an entirely new beginning.
I started walking toward the cave.
Walking slowly.
The injuries on my body still throbbed faintly.
[My HP: 150/230]
HP just over half.
Needed rest and recovery.
My mind constantly thought about future plans.
First, complete 50 Spatial Dodges.
This was most important.
Could complete it through training.
Find some relatively safe magic beasts.
Use Spatial Dodge in combat.
Could practice skills.
And accumulate experience.
Second, let teammates level up.
Shadow, Horn, and Venom were all close to max level.
They could hunt as a team.
Watch each other's backs.
Spike and Shell's levels were too low.
But their post-evolution caps were relatively high.
As long as they grew slowly.
They'd catch up quickly.
Waspy and Brownie as trump cards.
Only act at critical moments.
Once I completed evolution.
Became a Dimension Walker.
Gained Spatial Teleport and Dimensional Rift.
Then.
We'd have many more tactical options.
Could attack.
Could defend.
Could hit and run.
Could retreat.
Even—
Could consider challenging the Wolf King again.
Though might not necessarily win.
At least wouldn't be as helpless as this time.
Thinking of this.
My steps became lighter.
Though my body still ached.
My heart was full of hope.
Walked for about twenty minutes.
I returned to the cave.
All members were waiting for me.
Seeing me return, Spike immediately ran over.
"How'd it go?" it asked.
"Still short one condition," I said.
"What condition?" Spike asked.
"Need to use Spatial Dodge 50 more times."
Brownie thought for a moment. "How many days to complete?"
"Two or three days."
"Then we wait," Shell said directly. "No rush anyway."
I nodded. "And that direction's abilities are very special."
"Spatial Teleport."
Venom's eyes widened. "Teleport? Like instantly moving far away?"
"Right, much farther than current Spatial Dodge."
"And there's a skill called Dimensional Rift."
"Then you could appear directly behind enemies?" Shadow excitedly flew a circle.
"Should be possible."
"Too strong!" Spike said.
"Definitely worth the wait," Waspy nodded.
The atmosphere relaxed considerably.
Just a few days of training—no big deal.
"Then these few days I'll focus on training Spatial Dodge," I said. "You all continue hunting."
"Start tomorrow," Horn said. "Rest today."
Everyone agreed.
I closed my eyes, mind beginning to plan tomorrow's training.
50 Spatial Dodges.
How to complete it fastest?