[Mineral Worm]
[Trait Acquired: Mineral Consumption]
[Allows ingestion and digestion of ores, crystals, and raw stone. Converts consumed minerals into usable mass and structural reinforcement.]
[Trait Acquired: Lithic Armor Formation]
[Metabolized minerals are compressed into dense, rock-like external plating. Armor hardness and properties depend on consumed material (iron-like toughness, crystalline reflectivity, etc.).]
[Trait Acquired: Mineral Regeneration]
[Gradually restores damaged armor by reallocating stored minerals. Regeneration speed increases when in contact with mineral-rich terrain.]
[Trait Acquired: Burrow Stability]
[Reinforces surrounding tunnels with compacted stone residue, reducing collapse risk and improving underground mobility.]
[Trait Acquired: Mineralized Projectile]
[Compresses excess minerals into hardened shards or spherical projectiles. Can eject them at high velocity for ranged offense or defensive suppression.]
[Trait Acquired: Seismic Anchor]
[Can partially embed its armored body into stone, drastically increasing stability and resistance to knockback or forced displacement.]
[Trait Acquired: Crystal Luminescence]
[Rare mineral deposits integrated into its shell emit a faint glow. Brightness can be intensified to illuminate surroundings or momentarily disorient light-sensitive creatures.]
[Mineral Worm Body Parts]
[You may now manifest any portion of the Mineral Worm's anatomy—eyes, skin, or the entire physical form with perfect precision. These examples are not limiting; any part can be used.]
[Apply these traits to yourself, or store them?]
The traits from her relatives flashed across her vision as she continued feasting. The text blurred when she suddenly choked.
"Kh—!"
She grabbed a jar and emptied it in a single gulp. Water dripped down her chin as she wiped her greasy, slimy mouth with the back of her hand. Then her eyes refocused, carefully reading through the traits she had just acquired.
"Hm… These traits… we really are family, huh? It's like we share the same foundations. Mine are the basic versions—what a normal worm can do. But theirs… They've mastered it. Polished it. Pushed it further."
A quiet laugh slipped out and then she straightened slightly.
"Well then… apply these traits."
Instantly, her body felt heavier, more solid. Her skin felt tougher, and she could feel a strange vibrating hum in the soles of her feet… the Tremor Sense connecting her to the very heartbeat of the cave.
"Whoa… this is… incredible! I-I can feel everything… the walls, the floor… even the monsters on the other side of the wall."
[System Notice]
[Congratulations! By ingesting a Man Eating Worm and gaining Tremor Sense, your unique skill: Map has been upgraded.]
[New Map Feature: Displays monsters within your Tremor Sense range as red dots on the map.]
Maddy nearly choked at the sudden ping of the system notification. She quickly called up her map. Already, five red dots appeared, moving near her location.
"This… this is next level! I can even see them moving around… wait—"
She focused her eyes.
"OH! That area… that's where I was born! That's my real home!"
[Response: Yes. That area is dense with high mana and a frequent spawning ground for Worms. With your upgraded Map, you can now track each one in real time. Red dots indicate their exact positions within your Tremor Sense range, and as they move, you'll see the dots shift.]
"With this, I can plan my strategy… those areas, those red dots they'll be my… supply zones! With the laws of this world, mana spawns monsters endlessly. And with that, I'll turn these places into farms—an infinite source of traits for my children! HA!"
Maddy laughed like a madwoman, thrilled by her upgraded skill and the possibilities swirling in her mind.
Sephiran watched her, concern etched in his small, worm-drenched face. He tilted his head.
"Mother… well, I guess seven days of sleep will do that. Better let her rest. I'll clean this up for her peace."
Maddy's grin only widened, wild and gleeful, thinking of her infinite supply. Meanwhile, Sephiran quietly began picking up the slate plates, stacking them neatly, and even used a damp piece of moss to wipe down the stone table they had used.
The sight snapped Maddy out of her delusion, leaving her both shocked and heart-melted at her son's actions.
"He's only two weeks old, and he's already doing chores!? This demonic ogre blood is no joke. He's strong, smart… and actually helpful."
She scooped him up and pulled him into a warm hug, feeling the weight of pride and love wash over her.
"Sephiran, thank you. That was the best meal I've had in two lives. You're a good boy… a really good boy."
Sephiran leaned into her, his small horns poking her shoulder gently.
"I just wanted you to be happy, Mother. You were so sad in your sleep. I thought if I brought you the fattest worms, you would stay awake with me."
Maddy held Sephiran close, savoring every second of their warm hug. Once she finally let go, she helped him finish the chores, side by side.
When everything was done, she stepped back, hands on her hips, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Now! Your mother has a present for you!"
Sephiran's eyes lit up, sparkling with excitement.
"WOW! A PRESENT! What is it, Mother?!"
The two ended up in the former prison of the princess she now inhabited. Cold and dark, the space usually felt oppressive—but with Sephiran there, it somehow felt like home. Still, Maddy knew they couldn't merely survive; they had to build. They had to grow.
"Sephiran… I have to do something important now."
She looked at him, her voice steady, serious yet gentle.
"It's time… to make your siblings."
Sephiran tilted his head, violet eyes wide with confusion.
"Siblings? Like the worms?"
A worried frown crossed his face.
"Do I have to find a father for them? Should I… go hunt a king?"
Maddy laughed, ruffling his hair.
"No, no hunting for a father."
Her gaze drifted to the corner, whispering to herself.
"Damn, these ogres really love hunting royalties… anyway."
She turned back to Sephiran, her tone resolute.
"Your mother has a special power, Sephiran. I can create them myself. But I'll need you to be my brave guard while I do it."
Sephiran jumped up, nearly tripping over a loose rock. He wobbled for a moment, then steadied himself.
"I can do that! But wait, Mother—I need something!"
He dashed out of the room and returned moments later, holding a weapon almost as tall as himself.
"I'm the big brother! I'll protect the new ones!"
He hoisted the weapon onto his shoulder, pride shining in his eyes. Maddy's own widened as she recognized it.
"Oh sh*t… that… that's… the Chief Ogre's War Bat…"
Sephiran grinned at her, his fangs glinting in the light, exuding the pure aura of a protector and elder brother.
Maddy shook her head with a soft laugh, brushing away her thoughts.
"I guess that weapon isn't such a big deal… I mean, he just wields it—not being his father…"
She smiled back at him, walking toward the center of the room.
It was time.
"Lucy, guide me through the Mobile Womb installation."
[SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!]
[Hello, my fellow breeders! This is your Author, not Lucy!]
[My book will be locked at Chapter 31, so this will be the last chapter you can read for free.]
[If you love my work and want to keep this book alive and growing, please send Golden Tickets, Power Stones, or even GIFTS… (they really inspire me!).]
[If we receive gifts and daily votes through Golden Tickets and Power Stones during this first week of March, then next week I will release another 30 chapters, bringing our total to 100+ chapters!]
[The fate of this book is in your hands — will we continue the breeding journey?]