Over the next few days, Apophis continued observing the crocodile and fox spirit practicing in the swamp every morning. Afterward, it would catch some small fish before returning to its den to recall scientific knowledge. While it used to manage six recollections a day, it had now increased to seven. Yet, the green screen still only showed an increase of four points daily. The routine reminded it of preparing for exams—busy but oddly satisfying.

One day, as Apophis arrived at the usual spot, it suddenly noticed something curious: both creatures absorbed sunlight with the same rhythm.

"Wait... their rhythm is synchronized!"

After days of observation, Apophis finally realized why it felt connected to the two—it was the absorption pattern. They both followed a specific cadence. Excited, Apophis coiled its body and began mimicking their movements.

“Inhale... exhale...”

As it synced with their rhythm, Apophis felt a subtle energy flowing into its body, spreading through it in a wave of pleasure. Eventually, the energy became overwhelming, forcing it to stop. Glancing at the crocodile and the fox spirit, it realized they had finished training and were watching.

“Well done, little python!” A deep voice echoed in its mind, and Apophis realized it could understand them!

Startled, Apophis turned to see the giant crocodile had spoken. It lifted its head in acknowledgment, but the crocodile, uninterested, went back to basking. Apophis had many questions but, being just a snake, couldn’t speak. Sighing, it slithered off to catch some fish and satisfy its hunger before heading back to its den.

As it approached, a splash startled it. The entrance had partially collapsed from the furry feet of none other than the fox spirit!

“Ha! Relax, I’m just messing with you,” a voice, like that of a middle-aged man, echoed in its mind. The fox introduced itself as Finn and noted that Apophis could understand him.

“I’ll do you a favor for your progress today. But remember, you owe the old man,” Finn said, explaining the absorption technique. He offered valuable tips, helping Apophis avoid potential missteps. “It took me years to master this. You’re barely a few years old and already on the right track. No wonder the old croc gave you a nudge.”

Apophis wanted to ask more, but its hissing didn’t convey much. Finn, bored, waved goodbye. “I wonder when you’ll refine your spirit bone and finally speak,” the fox chuckled, before disappearing into the forest.

Reflecting on the day, Apophis realized Finn was treating it kindly, but the cave collapse was a reminder that it was still viewed as an inferior being. Spirits gained status with years of training, and Finn was clearly an elder. The mention of "refining the spirit bone" reminded Apophis of legends where creatures needed to refine such a bone to speak.

Apophis sighed at the long road ahead, knowing it might remain mute for hundreds of years. With its den now uninhabitable, it easily found a new cave and settled in. After claiming the space, it brought up its status screen:

[Host: Apophis]
[Race: Python]
[Status: Partially Demonic (9/100)]
[Lifespan: 3/50]
[Length: 6 meters]
[Race Skill: Constriction Power Lv1]
[Scientific Knowledge: 7/20]
[Power Enhancement: 7/10]
[Technique: Demonic Absorption Technique (Beginner)]
[Potential Points: 0]

Apophis noted it was still only "Partially Demonic" with just 9% progress, but it was thrilled to see its lifespan had increased to fifty years! As it marveled at the improvements, an intense itch signaled a significant moment in a snake’s life—shedding skin. After a painful process, Apophis emerged longer and stronger, its body now gleaming a brilliant emerald green.

It had grown into a true adult python.