Devour

"Devour," known as "たべる" in Japanese, is a unique command ability in Final Fantasy VIII. It allows a character to consume an enemy, removing it from battle and granting various effects based on the enemy type and level, including permanent stat boosts. This ability cannot be used on bosses, human, or mechanical enemies. The ability is initially learned by the Guardian Force Eden and can be taught to other GFs via the rare item "Hungry Cookpot." A successful Devour results in a humorous "censorship" screen with chewing sounds, while a failed attempt produces a buzzer. Devour's effects vary; certain high-level monsters grant stat boosts, while others may inflict negative statuses. It's recommended to weaken enemies before attempting a Devour to increase success rates. While Devour can lead to powerful stat gains, it also prevents experience gain, requiring a strategic approach. Notable targets include Adamantoise (Vitality boost), Behemoth (Magic boost), Malboro (Spirit boost), and T-Rexaur (Strength boost). Through the use of Devour, players can maximize their character's stats, albeit through a time-consuming process.