In both Blizzard Online and this world, all magical beasts had three progression bars.
The first was the Beast Experience - the foundation of power. It was needed to level up and grow stronger; with each level came increased stats, hence necessary for survival and progress.
Next came Evolution Points. Every magical beast could evolve ten times, and with each evolution, its stats greatly increased: power, speed, defense, even intelligence. Evolution was that divine leap between prey and predator.
And last, but definitely not least, was the Bond Level.
This bond grew through shared experiences with the master - through battles, interactions, or even simple companionship. As the bond increases, so do small gifts… and, rarely, unlock powerful, unique abilities.
From yesterday, Blitz had learned one harsh truth - there were daily caps:
10 Bond Points and 0.1 Evolution Points.
Blitz' growth rate had been heavily nerfed because of the Suppressor Skill. His evolution progress moved as slowly as a snail in tar.
He sighed inwardly.
I could've earned way more than 0.1… but thanks to that damned Suppressor, evolution now feels like some faraway dream.
As for experience points - well, Blitz knew he couldn't just exist and wait for the results. He needed to fight monsters or complete system quests. Someday he would have to step outside and face the world.
But for now…
"Aaaaaaaaaaa… should I do it? Should I do it?"
Blitz was sitting on the couch in Rivera's room, twitching in nervousness. He had been debating for over an hour now and the longer he thought about it, the worse it got.
A glowing blue panel floated before him:
[Daily Mission #1: Poop on the Couch]
[Reward: +0.02 EXP and +0.02 Evolution Points, not affected by daily cap]
Blitz stared blankly at the screen.
FUUUUCCCKKK!
Who knew his first mission would be this ridiculous?
On one hand, EXP and Evolution Points were rare - ridiculously rare. Usually, they came from combat, and since he was technically a prey beast, he didn't stand a chance out there yet. So these system missions were his only lifeline.
But on the other hand…
Pooping on the couch? Really?!
Even if he was an animal now, this was beyond humiliating. If Rivera ever found out-oh, she'd never look at him the same again.
He couldn't skip the mission, either. Every single point he could get was crucial for protecting Rivera one day.
"C'mon, system! Why poop?" Blitz growled in his mind while his small paws tapped furiously against the cushion.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaa… Why? Whyyyyyyy?"
He sighed.
He could not escape this.
Finally, Blitz dropped his head and whispered silently to himself, I am sorry, Rivera. I'm doing this for you.
He flexed his small body.
Poop… poop… poop.
Blitz pooped on the couch.
[Ding! Daily Mission #1 Completed!]
[Rewards Gained: +0.02 EXP, +0.02 Evolution Points]
Blitz let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God… Now I just have to clean up before Rivera sees it."
He quickly scrambled to wipe away the evidence, rubbing the spot with his paws. What had once been a pristine white couch was now just slightly stained - not much, but noticeable.
He sniffed it cautiously. "Thankfully, it doesn't smell that bad. If Rivera sees it, she'll probably just think it's dirt."
Just as he had finished concealing traces of his crime, the system sounded again:
[Ding! Daily Mission #2 Unlocked: Kill a Cockroach]
[Reward : +0.02 EXP and +0.02 Evolution Points (not affected by daily cap)]
"Well, that's not so bad," Blitz thought, tail flicking. "Finally, a mission with dignity."
Just then, Rivera stirred awake. Her sleepy eyes flickered open, and she turned to the sounds of Blitz's squeaks.