The fox tilted its head, watching the lizard intently.
Hmm... is it trying to speak to me? What does it want to say?
It narrowed its eyes, studying the strange creature's movements.
Below, the large reptilian beast, Lizarius, growled again—low, guttural, and raw. No words. Just sound.
The fox frowned.
Still can't speak... but it keeps trying. Maybe... it wants me to take it to the humans?
Meanwhile, Lizarius growled in frustration, directing his thoughts inward.
"Why can't I speak?" he demanded of the system embedded deep within his consciousness.
> System Analysis:
Reason: Inadequate vocal anatomy detected. Your current throat structure is incompatible with speech. To initiate vocal output, evolution of the vocal tract is required.
"Vocal tract...?" Lizarius muttered, a flicker of understanding sparking in his mind.
> System Query:
Do you wish to consume 1,000 Evolution Points to evolve your vocal cords?
He hesitated—but curiosity now competed with hunger. "Hmmm... If I need to evolve to speak, why can the fox speak?"
> System Response:
*The fox's vocal cords have undergone evolutionary enhancement, enabling human-like speech. Yours have not yet evolved.
Confirm: Consume 1,000 Evolution Points to evolve vocal cords? [Yes / No]*
"Yes," Lizarius replied firmly.
A sharp, scratching sensation rippled through his throat like something writhing beneath his scales. His tongue flicked out as he opened his jaws, testing the new structure.
The fox took a cautious step forward.
"Hmm... Want me to go show you where the hum—?"
Suddenly, Lizarius gagged violently and spat.
A thick glob of frothy saliva launched from his mouth and slammed into the rocky cave floor. The stone sizzled and hissed, melting under the acidic fluid.
The fox leapt back instinctively, fur bristling.
What the hell?! it thought. Its saliva is acidic? Lucky I jumped when I did!
> System Notification:
Evolution complete.
Lizarius slowly opened his mouth again, his voice now emerging—rough, but unmistakably human, almost childlike in tone.
"Fo... fo... ox. Fox."
He blinked, astonished at his own words. "Hmm. I can speak now."
The fox's ears twitched. It stared at him, stunned.
It... actually spoke. And it doesn't sound like it's the first time...
Still watching the fox, Lizarius asked, "Where are the humans?"
The fox hesitated. "Hmmm..."
Lizarius's golden eyes began to glow, filled with hunger and growing impatience.
"If there aren't humans," he said coldly, "I will eat you."
A chill ran through the fox's spine. Its pupils contracted as sweat trickled down its brow.
That killing intent... it's overwhelming!
"N-no!" the fox said quickly, voice strained. "There are plenty of humans—not far from here! I can take you!"
Lizarius turned without another word, his form moving toward the cave's exit. His tail swayed slowly, deliberately.
The fox stood frozen for a moment, then began following—but its thoughts churned.
Just take it to the humans, and I survive. That's the plan.
But doubt crept in.
No... even if I do that, it might still eat me. Later. Or immediately after.
Crap... what am I going to do?!
Then, a desperate idea sparked.
Wait—if I can find a strong cultivator... someone mid-level Foundation Establishment or higher... Yes. If I lead this thing to them, I can escape while they fight!
A small, nervous laugh slipped from the fox's throat.
Lizarius stopped mid-step. His head turned, golden eyes narrowing.
It's not moving. Is it trying to run? Should I kill it now? Still hungry...
No. It's going to lead me to the humans.
His eyes glowed faintly as he turned his head back toward the fox.
"Fox," he said, voice rough but clear, "if you try to run... I will kill you."