God, Help Us All [Monster Evolution/Progression/LitRPG]

Arthur let out a low growl, molten energy swirling around his massive claws. His tail lashed behind him, the weight of it leaving deep grooves in the volcanic ground.

"They were delicious."

The wyrm didn't flinch. Its massive eyes remained fixed on Arthur, unblinking. Then, slowly, the creature inclined its head. "... My children were too weak."

The dismissiveness in its tone sent a ripple of irritation through Arthur, but he kept his expression neutral. The wyrm's massive head shifted slightly, its glowing slits narrowing further as it leaned closer. The heat radiating from it was unbearable—at least for anyone other than Arthur.

"... You ate the Codex too."

Arthur's third eye opened instinctively, glowing faintly with its otherworldly power. He met the wyrm's gaze, his tone sharp. "And?"

For the first time, Volcranax's lips parted, revealing rows of jagged obsidian teeth that shimmered faintly with molten energy. The creature's maw stretched slightly into what could have been a grin—or a warning. "... It's assimilated inside you. No matter. I will devour you... and have it soon enough."

Arthur stepped forward, his claws flexing. "Try it, wyrm."

The wyrm rumbled deeply, the sound vibrating through the cavern and rattling loose fragments of rock from above. "... Let us talk first... Challenger."

Arthur tensed but didn't move. The wyrm tilted its head, slitted eyes narrowing slightly as it continued. "... I want to know how... and why you've come to my realm."

Arthur didn't respond immediately, his three multi-pupiled eyes watching every subtle shift of the creature's massive form. But Volcranax didn't seem interested in rushing. Its immense bulk began to move, the massive body slithering slowly in a deliberate circle around Arthur. The wyrm's scales scraped against the volcanic floor, sending sparks into the air with every shift. Despite its size, its movements were calculated and eerily graceful.

"... When I was born," the wyrm began, its voice laden with an unsettling nostalgia, "I devoured my siblings. Every last one." Its slitted eyes glinted faintly as they passed over Arthur. "... My mother... my father... all became sustenance for my rise."

Arthur's claws twitched, the mention of such ruthlessness stirring something primal within him. But Volcranax continued, its tone devoid of pride or regret—simply stating facts.

"... Others came. Challengers. Fools seeking my head. They became nothing but ash. Eventually... I grew tired. I sought purpose."

Arthur growled low, his voice cutting through the wyrm's monologue. "Purpose? You? You mean ruling over this molten wasteland?"

The wyrm didn't react to the barb. "... I found this island... the Codex of Creation buried deep within. I built this realm... cultivated worshippers... raised the flames... all to ascend to the fourth stage. To godhood."

Arthur snorted. "And yet, here you are. Stuck."

The wyrm's gaze darkened, its massive head lowering until its slitted eyes were level with Arthur's. "... You do not understand what it means to ascend, Challenger. To reach the fourth stage is not merely strength. It is purpose... it is domination."

Arthur's third eye flickered as he took a step back, his tail lashing against the ground. "And I assume eating me fits neatly into your 'purpose'?"

"... You are destruction." The wyrm's voice was softer now, almost reverent. "... Your essence... it calls to me. It is rare... precious. A kindred energy to my own."

Arthur's molten gaze narrowed, the weight of the wyrm's words pressing against him. "Kindred? Don't lump me in with you, wyrm."

The creature rumbled, its immense coils shifting as it continued to circle. "... You misunderstand. I do not pity you, Challenger. I admire you. Few have ever reached my domain with such strength... such speed. You are worthy of becoming part of me."

Arthur's claws flexed again, molten energy crackling around him. "You're welcome to try."

The wyrm's grin returned, faint but menacing. "... In time. For now... I wish to savor this moment. To speak with one who understands the hunger... the need."

It paused, its massive head lifting slightly as it regarded him again. "... Do you not feel it, Challenger? The call of destruction? The Codex's power flows through you now... and with it comes purpose."

Arthur's third eye glowed faintly as he felt the weight of the wyrm's words. The Codex had changed him—he couldn't deny that. But he refused to believe he shared anything with the ancient beast before him.

"You've wasted centuries, Volcranax. Building this pitiful domain, hoping to scrape your way to the next stage."

The wyrm tilted its head slightly, unbothered by the insult. "... And you believe you will do better? Your ascension has been rapid... reckless. You do not understand the burden you carry. You are strong now... but strength alone will not carry you to godhood."

Arthur bared his jagged teeth, molten energy pooling in his claws. "Then let's test that theory."

The wyrm's eyes glinted with amusement. "... Soon, Challenger. But first... let us see if your destruction... can match mine."

Volcranax's massive coils tightened, and the air grew heavier with heat. Arthur tensed, his third eye pulsing as his molten veins burned brighter.

Volcranax's eyes narrowed, molten light flaring in the depths of its massive slits. The air grew dense, almost suffocating, as heat rolled off its immense form in waves. Slowly, deliberately, its enormous head tilted forward, its jagged maw parting to reveal rows of obsidian teeth glowing faintly with internal fire.

"Show me your breath... Challenger," Volcranax rumbled, its voice resonating through the cavern like the groaning of an ancient volcano.

Arthur's molten veins pulsed brighter, his towering frame tensing as his claws dug into the volcanic ground beneath him. His third eye glowed faintly, analyzing every movement the monstrous wyrm made. Steam began to rise from Volcranax's coiled body, the intense heat warping the air around it. Arthur could see it—energy surging to the surface, concentrating in its chest before rushing upward toward its maw.

Volcranax inhaled deeply, the cavern trembling under the pressure. Within its mouth, a sphere of white-hot fire began to form. It was small at first, but its brightness was blinding, forcing Arthur to avert his gaze slightly. The heat was unlike anything he'd ever felt—searing, oppressive, almost alive.

"Do not count on your immunity to fire, little Challenger," Volcranax hissed, the fireball expanding rapidly. "This is star-fire... born of the sun itself. You will not survive it."