CH 146

My four candidates are “High Human”, “Demon”, “Shadow”, and “Newtype”.



Unlike the other Evolutionary Paths, they have relatively less disadvantages and retain my original appearance of a human.



“Demons” seem to grow a horn or two during battles or when they experience strong emotions, but I can just say that it’s due to a skill.



That should be enough to deceive the others as Rikka-chan’s eyes also turn red when she activates “Berserk”.



Considering the amount of skills that I have, becoming a “High Human” sounds quite nice as it would save me a ton of points.



But then again, that’s the only benefit of becoming a “High Human”.



It sounds a bit lacking compared to the other three.



As for “Shadow”, I can expect “Shadow Manipulation” and my collaboration with Momo to improve, but I’m concerned since nothing is written about how my appearance would be altered.



The other three have the sentence “Appearance would remain the same as regular Humans” attached to their descriptions, but “Shadow” does not.



“Newtype” appears to be weaker than the rest at first glance, but I’m intrigued by how it could increase my potential.



I explain about the characteristics of each race to Ichinose-san based on what I learned through “The Right to Question” before beginning our discussion.



“I… If possible, I wish to convert to a race which can cover for my shortcomings in terms of stats and skills.” “Then are you thinking of being an ‘Amazoness’, a ‘Demon’, or a ‘Cyborg’? If we only consider the merits, they seem like the best option.” “Hmm…”



Ichinose-san ponders for a while with her hand on her chin.



“From your descriptions alone, they certainly sound impressive, but I can’t imagine myself becoming an ‘Amazoness’, a ‘Demon’, or a ‘Cyborg’…. Like, it doesn’t suit my character…” “Hmmm…”



True. The races mentioned previously do not fit the image of Ichinose-san.



When it comes to “Cyborgs”, I’m not even sure if they can be classified as humans anymore.



The fact that it comes with a fixed status also means that we won’t be able to expect any growth in the future.



“…Don’t you think Ricchan would be more suitable for being a ‘Demon’ or an ‘Amazoness’?” “Oh, that’s for sure.” She fits the image perfectly.



I can already picture Rikka-chan swinging her hatchet with red eyes and a horn.



If she becomes an “Amazoness”, that means her sexual desires will increase… considering that body of hers… Secretly, I imagine myself being assaulted by her.



“I believe that maintaining one’s image is extremely crucial. It’s similar to how Kudou-san and I both chose skills and occupations based on what felt ‘right’ for us.” Ah, she has a point.



Although some of my decisions were influenced by the advice of Momo and Aka, I normally pick my skills and occupations based on my intuition.



“And then there’s the thing about ‘Cyborgs’ losing their ability to reproduce… Don’t you think it would be a shame if you can’t do ‘that’ with the person you like?” “…Pardon?”



Ichinose-san nonchalantly says something very outrageous, and she realizes this only after her words have come out.



Her face turns beet-red.



“~~~~No! I-I didn’t mean it in that sense!” “Yes! O-of course! I know!” Ichinose-san desperately tries to defend herself as I repeatedly nod my head.



Why am I also raising my voice…?



Ichinose-san turns her head and faces another direction.



“…I’m a girl, so I also have my fantasies…” …I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.



It’s not like I can’t understand what she’s saying though.



As a man, it would be tragic if I lose my ability to do “that”.



That said, it’s not like I’ve ever done it “Kuun?”



What’s going on?



Momo tilts her head in a questioning manner.



It’s nothing, Momo. Don’t worry about it.



“Anyway, ‘Cyborg’ is a no-go! It might be compatible with my ‘Weapon Craftsman’ occupation, but it’s still off-limits!” “O…Okay. Ichinose-san, you’re a bit close to my face.” “Oh, s-s-s-sorry!” Her blush deepens.



For some reason, I’m also getting embarrassed watching her behave like this.



Ichinose-san is holding her head and trembling.



Honestly, she looks quite cute.



We take a few minutes to calm down, resuming our discussion only after we have cooled our heads.



In the end, Ichinose-san and I decide to use “The Right to Question” to ask for some clarification about things we are still curious about.



This includes information on what type of unique skills we will obtain, by how much our stats will increase for each race, the impacts converting would bring to our existing skills, details about how our appearance will change, whether we will be able to reproduce, etc… However, we aren’t told much aside from what we’ve already learned.



Apparently, “The Right to Question” will only provide us with the minimum information necessary.



It’s unfortunate as we could have narrowed down our options considerably if we knew what kind of unique skills we will be given for different Evolutionary Paths.



What a nasty system it is leave us hanging by only telling us half the information.



What’s wrong with going all the way and telling us everything?



Whatever, complaining won’t get us anywhere.



We would have to decide on our Evolutionary Paths based on what we know.



“…Yup.”



After wracking my head for a little while, I make my choice.



“Ichinose-san, I’ve decided.” “Same here.”



So Ichinose-san also selected one.



“Which one did you choose?” “This one over here.” Ichinose-san points her finger at one of the Evolutionary Paths listed on the paper.



“…Are you certain?” “Yes, I’m positive. What about Kudou-san?” “Mine is this.” I also point at one of the Evolutionary Paths written on the paper.



Ichinose-san opens her eyes wide and giggles.



“The same one.” “Yes.”



Ichinose-san and I have pointed at the same Evolutionary Path.



We have matched.



As I thought, we can read each other’s thoughts quite well.



“But will this be okay for you, Ichinose-san? I believe this option won’t cover your weaknesses that much.” “It’s fine. Rather than being influenced by what little information is provided to us, I would much rather make a choice based on my instinct and not regret it later on.” Ichinose-san who says so without hesitation appears very cool in my eyes.



Then I won’t have any regrets either.



“Then shall we evolve?” “Ah, wait a minute.” I stop Ichinose-san who tries to bring her finger closer to the status plate.



“What’s wrong?” I suddenly remember something important.



“Just in case, let’s ask Momo and the others for their opinions as well.” I look over at Momo and Kiki who are lying on the floor.



What is it?



Momo and Kiki come near us and rub their bodies against me, asking for a patting.



“…”



Ichinose-san stares at me with envy in her eyes.



Do you want to switch places and mofu-mofu them?



I refuse.



“Wu…”



“…I’m sorry. I was just kidding.” So stop glaring at me while pouting. It’s quite cute though.



The two of us mofu-mofu Momo and Kiki and puru-puru Aka for a while.



Now then, let’s return to the matter at hand.



“Do you guys have any recommendations?” “Kuun?”



“Furu furu.”



Momo tilts her head before looking at the paper with the Evolutionary Paths listed on it.



Aka also releases its mimicry and land on one side of the paper.



For the decisions so far, Momo and the others have helped us in various occasions.



I believe it’s something beyond simple intuition.



For a few seconds, the trio’s eyes remain glued to the Evolutionary Paths written on the paper.



Then, they look up at each other’s faces and nod.



“Wan!”



“Kyu!”



“Furu furu.”



Momo and Kiki stretch their front legs while Aka extends a part of its body to point at a single race listed on the paper.



—It’s the same as the one Ichinose-san and I chose.



“Everyone’s opinions are the same then.” Ichinose-san laughs.



“Now, shall we go for real?” “Yes.”



With determined faces, Ichinose-san and I tap on the new race.



Evolution — In other words, I will no longer be human.



For a moment, such a thought passes through my mind; however, I am not worried.



Because I am not alone.



Because the person I trust most has decided on the same race.



I do not feel worried. I do not feel afraid.



I can evolve without any hesitation.



“Kudou Kazuto’s race will evolve from ‘Human’ to ‘Newtype’. Confirm?” I do not waver as I click on “Yes”.



“Evolution will commence soon after.” “Connecting—Connecting— Success.” “Commencing the reconstruction of the individual’s body.” “Informing the creation of a new race.” “Increasing various stats of the individual.” “Commencing Evolution.” Everything in front of me begins to get distorted.



Moments later, Ichinose-san and I collapse onto the ground.



********



“Unannounced Announcement.” “Confirmed the first evolution of the human race.” “Specifying the targets.” “Kudou Kazuto.” “Ichinose Natsu.” “Creating bonus privileges for the two individuals.” “—Zaza—Zaza Zaza—Zaza.” “Connecting—Connecting—Failure.” “Target individuals have not satisfied certain conditions.” “Skill creation has failed.” “The skill will be put on hold until the target individuals satisfy the conditions.” ******



“Scheduled Report” “Named Monsters: 48 Occurrences.” “Subjugation of Named Monsters: 5 Occurrences.” “Manifestation of Unique Skills: 27 Occurrences.” “Death of Individuals with Unique Skills: 12 Occurrences.” “Specified Unique Skills” “The Seven Deadly Sins ‘Pride’, ‘Gluttony’, and ‘Envy’ have been confirmed.” “The Six Kings ‘Wolf King’, ‘Dragon King’, and ‘Sea King’ have been confirmed.” “The Five Great Skills ‘Precocious’, ‘Resonance’, and ‘Search’ have been confirmed.” “None of the categories have reached their target values.” “The continued expansion of Chaos Frontier has been confirmed.”