Ethan had just gone on an absolute rampage on Floor Seventeen.

There was no other way to describe it.

With both Spark and Wolfy at C Rank, the dynamic of his fights had changed entirely. What had once been cautious engagements had turned into overwhelming, one-sided hunts.

The beasts on these D Tier Floors didn’t threaten him anymore.

They were just resources, shards waiting to be collected.

"Go," Ethan muttered lazily, flicking his wrist forward.

Wolfy surged ahead instantly, its massive frame tearing across the terrain like a living battering ram. Its claws ripped through a horned beast before it even had time to react, snapping bone and tearing flesh with brutal efficiency.

At the same time, Spark hovered above, its small, glowing form pulsing.

Ember Pulse.

A wave of fire burst outward, engulfing a cluster of creatures trying to flank him. Their screeches filled the air briefly before being swallowed by flames.

Ethan didn’t even move.

’It’s like farming mobs in a game.’

The thought came naturally to him, detached, cold, and efficient.

Thinking about it like a game, which the Tower Of Beasts was very similar to, he was over-levelled for these floors.

He knew it, and he was taking full advantage.

Every beast he killed brought him closer to his goal, because one of his beasts was lagging behind...

Talon.

The Skyrend Hawk circled above, occasionally diving down to assist, but compared to the raw dominance of Wolfy and the destructive output of Spark, it was clear.

It was struggling to keep up with its C Rank companions.

"Soon," Ethan murmured under his breath, eyes scanning the battlefield.

"Just a little more."

Hours passed, or at least what felt like hours.

Time inside the Tower was strange - distorted by constant action, by focus, by the absence of anything resembling rest.

But Ethan didn’t stop or slow down.

Another beast fell.

Then another.

And another.

Eventually, he checked the System Interface and saw what he was aiming for.

{Evolutionary Shards: 1006}

A grin spread across his face.

"Finally."

The tension that had been coiled in his chest loosened all at once.

"Good work," he said, glancing at his beasts.

Wolfy let out a low rumble, almost like a satisfied growl.

Spark flickered happily in the air.

Even Talon circled lower, as if sensing something was about to change.

Ethan exhaled.

"Alright."

{Exit The Tower}

The familiar sensation hit him, his soul being yanked, dragged, and returned to his body. When Ethan opened his eyes again, he was back in the basement.

But this time he didn’t head straight for the shower.

Elara noticed that immediately.

She had been leaning against the wall, her red eyes fixed on him as usual the moment he returned - but this time, something was different.

He wasn’t tired, groaning, or staggering to the bathroom.

Instead, he shot to his feet.

His blue eyes were sharp and his expression alive with excitement as he moved straight to the centre of the basement.

Elara tilted her head slightly, watching curiously.

Ethan took a breath.

’Here goes nothing.’

He brought up the Beast Tab of the System Interface; the familiar translucent screen appeared before him.

And there it was, the C Rank Race Crystal.

His eyes flicked over the available options, and only one beast was eligible, as expected.

Another screen appeared with more information.

{Race Crystal Usage Notice: Outcomes are not guaranteed. The target beast’s race and/or potential may change, remain the same, or both. In certain cases, a successful activation may also trigger a Beast Metamorphosis.}

Ethan stared at the text.

"So basically," he said slowly, "it’s a gamble."

He exhaled before smiling to himself.

"Whatever."

He didn’t hesitate or overthink it and used it on Talon.

The moment he did, the space in front of him shifted.

A game-like interface expanded outward, far more vivid than usual.

Light gathered, energy condensed, and Talon was summoned in front of him. The Skyrend Hawk stood tall, its wings slightly spread, its sharp eyes locked onto Ethan.

It was proud and loyal, but unaware of what was about to happen.

Elara stepped closer, her gaze moving between Ethan and the beast, focused and intrigued.

Then, light erupted.

A blinding flash consumed Talon entirely as energy surged, swirling violently around its body.

The air itself seemed to vibrate.

{Race Crystal Successful}

{Potential Increased to C Rank}

Ethan practically jumped in the air when he received those notifications.

But it seemed as though it wasn’t over just yet.

{Beast Metamorphosis Initiated...}

Ethan blinked.

The light around Talon didn’t fade immediately; it pulsed and expanded before condensing again.

A new line appeared.

{New Race: Griffling}

"Griffling?" Ethan repeated, frowning slightly. "What even is that?"

The transformation continued with Talon’s form shifting before their very eyes. Its feathers, once a sandy brown suited for rocky plains, began to change.

A subtle green hue spread across them, earthy and vibrant. Its body also grew slightly, becoming stronger and more defined. But the biggest change was its skeletal structure.

Where there had once only been wings, now there were also forelimbs that were clawed, solid, and powerful.

It was no longer just a hawk; it was something closer to myth than nature.

Ethan and Elara both watched in silence.

Neither spoke nor even blinked, taking in the transformation.

Once it finished, the light faded completely, and standing before them was the new form of Talon. It let out a sharp, resonant cry, stronger, sharper, and alive with power.

Ethan let out a low whistle.

"Now that’s a fucking upgrade."

Elara’s eyes were wide, reflecting the creature in front of her.

She was amazed beyond belief and simply couldn’t understand how Ethan’s abilities worked, but he wasn’t paying attention to her.

Another notification appeared.

{Congratulations on completing the Objective: Evolve all beasts to C Rank and officially become a C Rank Titled.}

{Reward: 5 Stat Points}

Ethan stared at it.

’That’s it?’

He exhaled through his nose, then shrugged.

’I guess I used up my luck for the day on using the Race Crystal.’

That truly was the case, since not only had his beast’s potential increased, but it also underwent a metamorphosis. It was a process that increased Talon’s power and hinted at greater future abilities.

As such, he accepted the reward.

It wasn’t like he had much choice, though he couldn’t help but feel like the system was trying to restrict his progress, as if to restore balance.

Without hesitation, he allocated all five points to MP.

"More fuel," he said quietly. "Always useful."

Then, after going through his same routine that day, Ethan eagerly headed back into the tower.

But this time, everything was different.

He had three C Rank beasts, and together they were an overwhelming force. From Floor Seventeen to Floor Twenty, nothing could stand in his way.

Common beasts?

Erased.

Elite beasts? 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Overpowered.

Boss beasts?

Destroyed.

Even when his MP drained rapidly from summoning all three, it didn’t matter, because the moment they appeared, the fight was over. There was no more struggle or need for planning.

Now he could simply unleash them and watch.

And before he knew it, he was on the cusp of the C Tier Floors...