The first confirmed monster evolution occurred seventeen days after the appearance of the Celestial Tower.
Initially, nobody recognized its significance.
Reports of unusual monster behavior had become increasingly common since the Tower's arrival. Wildlife migrations. Mana fluctuations. Aggressive territorial disputes between magical beasts. Such phenomena were concerning, but not entirely unprecedented. The world contained countless magical creatures, many of which behaved unpredictably even under normal circumstances. Most scholars simply categorized the incidents as secondary consequences of the Tower's arrival.
Then an entire military outpost vanished.
The report arrived at Imperial Headquarters shortly before dawn.
Aurelion happened to be present when the messenger delivered the document.
The soldier looked pale.
Disturbed.
His hands visibly trembled while presenting the report.
Immediately, the atmosphere inside the chamber changed.
