SSS-Rank Evolving Monster: From Pest to Cosmic Devourer-Chapter 48: Cool names

In reality, Amanda was one of the most promising knights the Radiant Knight Order had ever nurtured.

She was born with strength, will, and potential—the kind that whispered of a future touching the peak of Stage 2, perhaps even beyond.

Alas! No one ever truly knows when life will take a cruel, downward turn.

Marcus sighed deeply, his shoulders heavy with the weight of unseen burdens. Elina, too, remained silent. Though she never liked Amanda’s cold, rigid demeanor, they had both sworn allegiance to the same cause, breathed under the same banner.

"Don’t worry, Amanda. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. I will definitely take revenge once I get stronger."

Elina silently vowed, her gaze burning with unshakable resolve. Her two eyes shimmered like molten gold beneath the glowing chandelier of the hall.

Marcus watched from the corner of his eye, lips twitching into a faint, fleeting smile. In that moment, Amanda’s death felt... meaningful. Her blood, spilled so senselessly, had sparked something fierce in Elina.

Hell! He would offer a thousand more Amandas to the altar of fate if it meant his daughter’s will became unbreakable steel.

Truly, such was the tragedy of life.

...

Emerald Green Forest.

Stone Courtyard.

Nestled in the heart of the wild, surrounded by towering trees and whispering wind, the courtyard was like a stone cradle within nature’s arms.

Ricky and Dark Shadow sat atop a massive slab of weathered granite, its rough surface warm beneath the fading rays of afternoon sun. From this elevated perch, they gazed out at the grove of spiritual trees swaying gently in the breeze.

Each tree was thick with power, its bark veined with faint luminescence and leaves as vibrant as newly polished emeralds. Clusters of spiritual fruits hung from the branches—ruby red, heavy with essence, and pulsing faintly with vitality.

A soothing gust danced through the courtyard. Leaves rustled in harmonious rhythm, and the fruits quivered, exuding a thick, intoxicating scent like life itself had been condensed and distilled.

"Ahh! Another batch of fruits is about to mature..."

Ricky mused aloud, his voice tinged with satisfaction.

At this moment, more than anyone else, he needed those fruits.

His gaze naturally shifted toward the blue-glowing window hovering just in front of his compound eyes.

[STATUS WINDOW]

[Stage 2, Rank 1]

[Name: Ricky Stormwind]

[Bloodline: Venom Fang Mosquito]

[Lifespan: 1000 years]

[Evolution Progress: 100%]

[Spiritual Force: 4.2]

[Meditation Techniques]

Radiant Knight Thousand Refinement Breathing Technique (F-Rank)

Demonic Beings Roaring in Ten Directions (D-Rank)

[Abilities]

Darkness Pulse (DD-Rank) – Absorb and compress mana to release all of it in a terrifying blast

Holy Blade (D-Rank) – Turn your spiritual field into a sharp sword capable of slicing through everything

Mother And Son Poison (D-Rank) – Any creature infected becomes your eternal servant

Toxic Blood (EEE-Rank) – Injects toxins through bloodstream with every bite

Venom Glands (EEE-Rank) – Create various poisons, from paralysis to necrosis

Resourceful Drain (EE-Rank, Innate) – Absorbs weeks of lifespan per bite

Weak Paralysis Venom (EE-Rank) – Can briefly stun Stage 2 creatures

Superior Iron Frame (E-Rank) – Temporarily hardens the body to steel

Superior Blood Infusion (E-Rank) – Boosts physical strength via rapid blood circulation

Shadow Perch (E-Rank) – Blends into dark areas for concealment

Lifespan Sense (FFF-Rank, Passive) – Detects lifespan-rich beings within 100 meters

"Well, there are a lot of D’s in here..."

Ricky muttered dryly, his monstrous mandibles curling into a lopsided smile.

The overwhelming list cluttered his vision like the cluttered mind of a hoarder. He wished the system would only display what was vital—did it really have to shove the same descriptions in his face every time?

As if reading his mind, the screen shifted. The long list of abilities flowed like retreating tide, shrinking into something far more digestible.

[STATUS WINDOW]

[Stage 2, Rank 1]

[Name: Ricky Stormwind]

[Bloodline: Venom Fang Mosquito]

[Lifespan: 1000 years]

[Evolution Progress: 100%]

[Spiritual Force: 4.2]

His compound eye twitched. With curiosity piqued, he clicked on the glowing star next to "Evolution Progress." A new window immediately popped open.

[Enough genetic information collected. Press YES to proceed with evolution.]

[YES/NO]

Naturally, Ricky clicked on YES. But instead of glorious transformation, he was met with several flashing alerts.

[Warning! Additional minimum requirements not met for evolution.]

[Requirement One – 1000 years of cumulative lifespan: MET]

[Requirement Two – Minimum 5.0 Spiritual Force: NOT MET]

"Tch. Just a little short."

Ricky muttered with mild annoyance. He already had the lifespan requirement in the bag, but that spiritual force bar was just shy.

"It shouldn’t be an issue now..."

His gaze drifted once again toward the gleaming, ripened fruits swaying gently in the breeze. Their aroma alone seemed to stir his very soul.

Just then, a teasing voice rang out in his head, echoing like a whisper in a dream.

"Venom Fang Overlord, what a cool sounding name..."

It was Dark Shadow, and Ricky could almost see her pouting mentally.

He resisted the urge to chuckle. That tone was familiar—the melodramatic sulking of someone who wanted attention.

Thinking fast, a mischievous idea bloomed in his mind.

"You are truly ignorant, Dark Shadow."

"Haven’t you heard of the Ancient Legends?"

"What ancient legend?"

Dark Shadow asked, her spear-like legs rising slightly, curious.

Ricky’s proboscis stiffened, his body adopting an air of solemnity. His voice deepened with practiced gravity.

Noticing the shift, Dark Shadow’s eyes narrowed. The atmosphere around her changed as well, serious and expectant.

Ricky hid his internal grin and began spinning bullshit like a master bard.

"During the ancient times, the strongest monster kings had the shortest names. The longer the name, the weaker the beast."

Dark Shadow blinked. Her eyes glimmered with doubt, but also... belief. Her instincts said Ricky wasn’t completely wrong. Her bloodline memories—even if fragmented—did speak of terrifying beings once called:

Dread.

Terror.

Scourge.

Short names. Heavy weight.

"Wait a second..."

Her gaze suddenly slid toward a nearby boar meditating beneath a spirit tree. From time to time, his bulky body shimmered with a silvery-white aura.

"Isn’t that guy’s name also really short?"

Ricky followed her gaze.

And sighed.

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