As a venomous snake, I evolved into a god through devouring.

The half roast chicken sent by humans carries the sentiments of the giver, which is honestly quite touching.

But if the villagers knew he was active in the area, it meant the cavalry would soon find out as well.

They couldn't protect the wealth they had accumulated, let alone the secrets about themselves.

This also served as a wake-up call for Kasper.

His movements weren't that difficult to investigate; even the villagers in the village could guess his whereabouts, let alone the more perceptive professionals who could even use arcane and magical techniques.

According to Kasper's estimate, he would be completely exposed in the next few days.

He had to quickly prepare to move to another location before the group of sweepers wielding long spears and short swords and chanting hymns arrived.

"It's a pity, you are too weak, and I am too weak. So, I won't have any reaction after eating this roast chicken."

Just as Casper was sighing inwardly, he heard a system notification.

[A disabled former adventurer from a nearby village has been detected giving friendly signals; there is a possibility of taming him.]

[Note that human stats far exceed those of gray wolves. Successfully taming and establishing a relationship with a human signifies a new level of control over this area and will grant additional evolution points.]

Upon hearing the system notification, Casper, who had been lying down, jolted upright.

A disabled former adventurer? Or a unit that can be tamed?

Bonus Evolution Points Reward?

If you say that, I'm no longer sleepy.

For safety reasons, he wouldn't do something that would lose money, but now that there are extra rewards from the system, things are different.

Casper opened the panel.

Caspar

Race: Small to medium-sized venomous snake

Lifespan: 10 years

Energy Level: 6 (The next upgrade requires 10 more evolution points; a life level transformation is possible at level 10)

Mana: 0

Brain: 7

Muscle: 8

Skeleton: 7

Stomach: 9

Venomous Fangs: 7

Venom glands: 6

Intestines: 5

Lower jaw (mouth): 4

Scales: 10...

After indulging in excessive eating and drinking during this period, Casper's brain capacity has become almost comparable to that of an average human.

His muscles and bones have been strengthened without any lapses, but the most amazing part of all is his scales; now his outer armor is no less strong than his protective gear.

Unless struck by a heavy blunt object, ordinary sharp blades are no longer effective against Caspar.

This alone would allow him to remain undefeated in any contest with most animals.

The most important energy level has already reached level 6, and the remaining 10 evolution points are almost negligible, making level 7 easily attainable.

Level 10 allows for a transformation in one's life level, which is undoubtedly a watershed moment.

Kasper fell into deep thought.

A few weeks ago, struggling to survive, he had to eat the serpent eagle's egg, leaving him surrounded by enemies both above and below. In the end, he could only cower in a dark and damp cave, too afraid to move.

Back then, I thought that if one day I could grow to the point where I could stand up to predators head-on, I would definitely win everything.

Now that a promotion opportunity is within reach, I must consider whether this is the only chance I will ever have in my life.

"Done."

Kasper pondered for a moment before making his decision.

It's just a matter of staying in this area a little longer. If those cavalry really make a big move, then he and Simba can run away then.

It was just a little embarrassing.

With that thought in mind, Casper stopped his gluttonous snake behavior and prepared to go outside to hunt.

Just then, he saw Simba sitting down outside the cave entrance, carrying a cloth bag in his mouth.

"I've packed my things, my lord. When do we leave?"

The latter was carrying in its mouth the map it used as study material and its sycophantic diary, along with other things.

You've packed up pretty quickly, kid.

"I'm impressed by your efficiency, Simba. But things have changed; we don't need to leave here for now."

"Understood, my lord. I will put the things back where they belong."

"No, we still need to change the location where we store the items."

The idea of ​​animals preserving human belongings is still too disturbing, especially since they are not intelligent magical creatures.

Casper instructed Simba to take the package to Outpost 3, which was about 300 meters away.

It was one of the several backup nests he had found earlier, located in a crevice in the rock beside the cliff.

No plants will attract herbivores, and no herbivores will attract carnivores.

Outpost Three was originally planned as a hideout in case we provoked a powerful enemy, but it has unexpectedly become a place to hide items.

This time, Simba did not act immediately, but looked at Casper with some hesitation.

"My lord, why have we suddenly stopped retreating?"

Upon hearing this, Casper turned the snake's head towards him, somewhat surprised.

"The fact that you can ask this question means that you have thought a lot about the relative strengths of the enemy and ourselves."

You believe that because we killed their members, they will come in droves to search for us and kill us.

Humanity is too numerous to defeat head-on.

But you've misunderstood something, do you know what it is? Simba.

"I don't know, please enlighten me, my Lord."

Simba the wolf answered honestly.

"You think the migration I'm talking about is to avoid the coming humans, but actually I'm worried that our despicable enemies will once again steal our prey while we're away."

This area has been found to be no longer a suitable storage location.

"That half chicken wasn't something you got by chance; it was deliberately placed there by the people who lived there as a token of their loyalty."

Kasper spoke slowly, with an indescribable air of authority.

"Since they offer up their prey and beg for my protection, I will not turn a blind eye to their suffering."

I accept the allegiance of any creature within this territory and will protect them from evil.

"So that's how it is."

Simba's clear eyes were filled with adoration.

It felt that it had been far too presumptuous of itself before.

They actually used their pitiful wisdom to try and guess the Lord's thoughts.

Kasper, within his sight, slightly raised his upper body, appearing resigned and accepting of the situation as it should be, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

"This little wolf is improving a bit too fast, but thankfully, he's not quite as sharp-minded yet, otherwise he really wouldn't be able to fool us."

For someone in a superior position, issuing contradictory orders is a major taboo; if not handled properly, it can diminish their prestige among subordinates.

His relationship with Simba isn't a proper soul contract, so establishing a powerful boss image is still very necessary.

As for the disabled former adventurers who might join later...

"...There's always a way out."