Homunculus Rebirth-Chapter 19: What lies beyond the ground

They said that a monster's rank not only affects its power but completely alters its behavior—how it acts toward its surroundings. The higher a monster's rank, the more horrific its abilities become. But with that evolution comes a cost. The stronger a monster, the longer it remains in the world. I confirmed this myself when I raised a variety of monsters in my youth.

"Really!?" Alex exclaimed, eyes wide. "Those monsters I saw vanish into thin air—you killed them? But that dream battle... fighting your greatest foe inside your mind and winning without even using your abilities? So evolution depends more on will than talent? That means as long as I don't give up—I can evolve!"

Neon watched him, half-amused.

This kid... Why do I even bother? He seems like the easygoing type, but I don't hate it. There's something about him that reminds me of myself back when I was obsessed with my research.

Evolution, just like I said in the interview, is a battle of pure willpower. No abilities, just the strength of one's mind. I figured that out when I went through it myself.

After his evolution, Neon noticed a change—not only a boost in his stats but a brand new ability.

[Special Ability Notification]

Due to the host's evolution, your special abilities have been significantly enhanced.

New Skill Unlocked: [Catastrophic Form] – A unique race and special ability that allows the Guardian to transform into chosen catastrophic body parts.

New Skill Created: [Abyssal Sense] – Formerly a passive, this ability now drastically enhances sensory perception beyond previous limits.

'Abyssal Sense...? I've never heard of it, even after facing that monster,'

'No... Wait. I remember now—it was too aware of its surroundings. That thing... The Abyssal Tiger... It was one of the most horrifying catastrophes I've ever fought. Tigers usually peak in strength and speed, but this one...'

'It wasn't just a monster. It was something else. Its Intelligence stat far outclassed anything I'd encountered. Fast, cunning, deadly—and the worst part? It could teleport,'

'I thought I understood how heightened its senses were. I was wrong. I guess I'm about to find out,'

[Skill Activation Detected]

The Guardian has activated a skill residing in the [Golden Eyes of the Abyssal Tiger].

Abyssal Sense: Your senses will now be enhanced!

Alert: The sudden increase in sensory input may overload the host due to recent evolution. Proceed anyway?

[Yes] — [No]

Input received: YES

Skill activation commencing...]

Neon accepted the risk. The outcome, however, was far beyond what he expected.

What... what is this? Is this what the Abyssal Tiger saw all the time?

Everything shifted. His vision turned monochrome—black and white. Black marked lifeless matter; white represented living things. But this wasn't just sight. He could feel every breeze, hear every falling leaf, sense every movement within his radius. His awareness transcended normal perception.

And then... he saw it.

Deep beneath the ground, something pulsed. A monstrous egg—its rhythm identical to the tremors he had felt earlier, only stronger now. A single glance confirmed the truth: the egg was cracking.

"Whoa!! Master, there's an earthquake!! We have to leave or we'll get buried in the cave!!" Alex cried out in panic.

But Neon sat frozen, for the first time truly afraid since he awoke in this forest.

'That pulse... It can't be. Even from this depth, its heartbeat mimics the force of an earthquake... There's only one explanation,'

'This is a Mythical-grade monster egg,'

'No... This can't be. I thought the Dark Forest couldn't produce anything of that level anymore. I assumed if there were any mythical-grade monsters, they'd be in hibernation. But this... an egg?

Mythical monsters are powerful, yes—but they also grow massive and need large amounts of energy to survive. It made sense that such monsters would rest for long periods, preserving strength. But this one was still small. An egg. A newborn mythical beast could outmatch Neon's current power. He wasn't ready.

As the quake intensified, Alex scrambled to pack their supplies into his inventory. Neon didn't move. When debris fell toward his head, it simply bounced away—neutralized by his evolving body.

[Special Ability Notification]

New Ability: [Survival Instinct]

When the host is unable to respond to danger, this ability activates automatically.

Grants sentience to body parts if necessary.

Ensures the host's survival without active control.]

Piercing bones deflected falling rubble. Detached parts of his body transformed into lesser homunculi to guard him. While the world around him shook, Neon was lost in thought.

I need more power. I've been avoiding one option all along—but now it's obvious.

The Tower.

The Tower reduced monsters' stats to match the challenger's level. It even allowed for difficulty scaling in exchange for better rewards. It was risky—but it was his best shot.

He snapped out of his trance and looked around.

"Alex... where is that kid?"

The cave had collapsed, but the area around Neon was untouched. Lesser homunculi bore claw marks, and as he retrieved their memories, he saw Alex leaving the cave during the quake. Moments later, he returned.

"Master! You're alive! But... our cave is gone. I don't know where we'll stay. Most places I know are full of monsters. But—there is a small place in Shadow Ape Valley. I used it as a hideout after you kicked me out. It's cramped, but we'll manage."

Neon shook his head.

"No need. I've found a better place for us." He held out a familiar object—a silver key. "Would you like to accompany me to the Tower?"

Alex's eyes lit up with both surprise and joy. Neon had confiscated his Tower key for safety, but now returned it, offering him a choice—not a command.

"It's been two weeks. You've grown fast. I think you're ready. But the choice is yours—come with me, or stay in your hideout."

"Of course I'll join you!" Alex beamed. "Also—I've collected a ton of monster cores. Can you finally teach me how to evolve!?"

Together, they stepped onto the path leading to the Tower—leaving behind the ruins of their cave and heading toward their next great trial.