[Ding! The day has officially ended. Attribute panel data has been updated in real time.]
Early the next morning, James was awakened by the system's sudden alert.
"Data updated?"
Puzzled, he immediately summoned his attribute panel.
Sure enough, the values had changed slightly.
[Host]: James
[Species]: Smilodon (Male)
[Age]: 3 months
[Strength]: 3.1 (+)
[Agility]: 2.0 (+)
[Constitution]: 1.05 (+)
[Gene Points]: 1
[Fused Genes]: None
"…"
"My strength and constitution increased, but it's still barely noticeable. My body doesn't feel any different at all."
As James muttered to himself, his attention was drawn to the newly appeared (+) symbol behind the three core attributes.
"What's this supposed to mean? Can I add points?"
He focused on the [+] next to Strength.
The next second, the panel refreshed.
[Strength]: 4.1
[Gene Points]: 0
James froze for a moment.
Then it hit him.
Gene points could be used not only to exchange genetic sequences—but also to directly enhance his base attributes.
[Ding! Gene points are the system's fundamental currency.]
[They can be used to exchange enhancement points or healing points to strengthen base attributes or treat injuries.]
[After accumulating enough gene points, the host may also exchange animal gene sequences for gene fusion.]
"So that's how it works…"
James finally understood.
Evolution wasn't just about genes—it was about growth in every sense.
Inside the cave, he was clearly the first to wake up. He stretched his limbs, loosened his stiff muscles, and then felt a familiar sensation rise from his stomach.
Hunger.
There was no rush to becoming the ultimate apex predator. Right now, the most important thing was eating.
Some of yesterday's pronghorn antelope meat was still left over—but it was already swarming with flies, buzzing eagerly around it. One look was enough to kill his appetite.
So what now?
Just then, Wilma shifted in her sleep and rolled onto her side, exposing her pale underbelly.
Almost on instinct, Brock—who had been curled up in her arms—stirred. He nudged closer, lifted his small head, and latched on.
Soon, soft suckling sounds echoed faintly in the cave.
Not long after, Vivi also woke up.
He quickly found the milk and began suckling without the slightest hesitation.
"…Why didn't I think of this earlier?"
So that was how it was.
Every morning was feeding time for the cubs.
As soon as dawn arrived, everyone woke up and instinctively went looking for milk.
Seeing this, James finally reacted. He hurried over to Wilma, his steps clumsy and uncoordinated, barely under his control.
Come to think of it, he had never actually tasted tiger milk before.
There was a hint of resistance—but far more curiosity.
Watching Brock and Vivi drink with such obvious enjoyment, he swallowed instinctively and copied their movements, nosing through the thick fur to find a nipple hidden beneath.
"Mm… a little fishy, kind of sticky—but the scent is surprisingly rich."
After the first mouthful, James instinctively evaluated it like a food critic.
Then he realized—
He couldn't stop.
"Gulp… gulp… gulp…"
This meal was incredibly satisfying. For the first time, he felt that pure, all-natural tiger milk was actually delicious, leaving a lingering richness in his mouth.
After eating his fill, James glanced at Wilma, who still appeared to be asleep, then trotted toward the cave entrance.
The air outside carried the fresh scent of dew, far more pleasant than the lingering smell inside the cave.
Even so, he didn't dare step out.
The peaceful-looking mountains and forests were, in truth, filled with danger.
His life as a tiger had only just begun. He had no intention of letting it end so quickly.
"What a boring day…"
Compared to the colorful life he once lived as a human, the daily routine of a wild animal was painfully dull.
No phone. No internet. Not even anyone nice to look at.
The outside world might be exciting, but he couldn't leave. Without the protection of Wilma and Willam, all he could do was stay hidden inside this dark cave.
"…How about doing some exercise?"
The thought suddenly crossed James's mind.
Ordinary wild animals didn't think this way. They grew by eating when hungry and sleeping when tired, passively waiting for their bodies to mature over time.
But he knew better.
Targeted physical training could significantly accelerate growth.
"All right. No fear, no backing down."
With his decision made, James immediately began exercising inside the cave.
Running.
Jumping.
Biting.
When Brock and Vivi finally woke up, they saw him busily doing his own thing.
Both cubs tilted their heads.
Large question marks practically appeared above them.
What was Big Brother doing?
"Rrr…?"
Curious.
Brock, who had been missing for a moment, crept over, tilted his head, and stared for a while. Without any warning, he suddenly bared his teeth and lunged at James.
"So you're itching for trouble again? Looks like yesterday's lesson wasn't enough!"
James wasn't surprised by Brock's sudden attack.
This was clearly an instinctive behavior—young cubs practicing their hunting techniques through play.
"Rrrr!"
He let out an angry roar, which sounded fierce enough despite its childish tone.
Perfect timing.
Exercising alone was dull anyway. Having a living punching bag wasn't bad at all.
Twisting his body, James charged forward and collided head-on with Brock.
You bite my ear, I grab your tail.
Neither cub had much strength yet. Their teeth and claws were still underdeveloped, and with their thick fur providing protection, there was no real danger of injury.
Not far away, Vivi maintained the elegance befitting a female tiger. She sat calmly, licking her glossy golden fur with great care.
It was obvious she was very satisfied with her coat and spent time grooming it every day.
After more than ten minutes of tumbling and wrestling, the noise finally stirred the adults.
Wilma and Willam slowly woke up.
"Rrr—"
"Rrr—"
Early in the morning, the two exchanged gentle roars, gazing at each other affectionately as usual.
Willam walked over and stuck out his tongue, licking Wilma's cheek.
Wilma lowered her head slightly and returned the gesture, licking his jaw.
"…"
James suddenly felt like he had bitten into a mouthful of sour lemon—so sour his teeth ached.
At that moment, he no longer felt like a majestic saber-toothed tiger, but more like a lonely single dog, silently watching and feeling sorry for himself.
After showing off their affection, Willam and Wilma walked out of the cave side by side.
Thanks to that, the three cubs were finally allowed to leave the cave and breathe some fresh air.
Their family's den was located halfway down a hillside, hidden deep within dense bushes. From the outside, it was almost impossible to spot.
On top of that, the strong scent left behind by the adult saber-toothed tigers lingered nearby. This unmistakable warning was enough to deter most animals from approaching.
Even so, after leaving the cave, James didn't dare wander too far. He stayed close to his parents, trotting around on his short legs.
He watched Brock and Vivi poking their heads everywhere, running about excitedly.
He looked at Wilma and Willam grooming each other with calm familiarity.
And suddenly, James felt that this kind of life—
Was incredibly precious.
And incredibly beautiful.