One of the things of life that can lead one to their ruin is the lack of being able to make sound judgements at the right time and right place.
Yes, it is naivety. Being naive isn't necessarily a bad thing or something to look down upon, but when it comes to a matter of life and death, being naive isn't an option.
You must be wondering why I am indulging in a philosophical monologue first thing in the morning. Well that's because of my current situation.
As I just said, being naive in a matter of life and death is too dangerous. And that's exactly what I did a few hours back.
As to the result.... I am currently being chased by a horde of Basilisks. Yes, not just one or two but more than a dozen.
You might be wondering what's there to be scared of Basilisks right? Well, to explain that.... let's turn the clock to a few hours back....
『Hmm.... I wonder what I should do today. Maybe I should try out raising my level? Raising my level will definitely be necessary at some point if I have to survive in this world.』
Well, nothing's gonna happen if I just sit still here so let's go level up~!
For now, ⟨Appraisal⟩!
Name: N/A
Gender: N/A
Age: --
Status: Normal
Species: Wyrm
Level: 4
HP: 70/70
MP: 50/50
SP: 52/70
STR: 50/50
VIT: 70/70
AGI: 50/50
INT: 30/30
[Unique Skills]
⟨Wisdom Lv.2⟩
[Skills]
⟨Appraisal Lv.4⟩ ⟨Hunger Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Fatigue Resistance Lv.4⟩ ⟨Sleep Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Razor Tail Lv.3⟩ ⟨Quick Step Lv.3⟩ ⟨Poison Fangs Lv.3⟩ ⟨Petrifying Glare Lv.2⟩ ⟨Evasion Lv.6⟩ ⟨Pain Resistance Lv.8⟩ ⟨Fire Resistance Lv.4⟩ ⟨Petrification Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Physical Resistance Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Poison Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Acid Body Lv.3⟩ ⟨Accuracy Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Shot Lv.3⟩ ⟨Dimensional Storage Lv.2⟩
Come to think of it, I managed to level up a lot of skills thanks to the whole lot of slimes I defeated yesterday. Well there was no Slime Lord this time so it was pretty easy.
As I thought, that Slime Lord really was a mini-boss type character huh. There's no way, whatever this place is, there would be monsters as strong as that Slime Lord roaming around.
Well that aside, I didn't gain a single level even after defeating so many of those slimes. I guess small fries only amount to that much.
Ahh, come to think of it, I never saw any Basilisk since that time. Was it a special enemy as well?
As I was thinking about such trivial things while walking along a wide passage, I encountered small rats or bats but as soon as they sensed my presence, they ran away at a frightening speed.
『I don't think those will fetch me any decent EXP so they're not worth chasing after.... Hmm?』
As I was thinking along those lines, a cave came into my sight a few metres ahead. At one glance, it would just look like any normal cave that could be found anywhere.
But I knew something was different about this particular cave. It might just be a hunch but I still decided to check it out.
「Shaaaaa~~」
「Gshaaaaaa~~?」
「Shaaaaa~~!! Shaaa~ Shaaaaa~」
It's a den of Basilisks?! It's been a long time after I've found Basilisks, but I guess you could say it was worth searching.
Even just a single one gives enough EXP to level up once. Well I know that the experience points required to level up increases for every level. So since I'm at level 4 now, I guess I won't be able to level up just after defeating a single Basilisk but... it's still better than slimes!
Thinking that I was pretty strong by now, I entered the cave cautiously, so that they don't immediately notice me.
But it never occurred to me that the Basilisks present here could've been stronger than the one I defeated in the past.
I rushed into a group of five at one corner of the den. The immediately sensed me when I got a bit closer and started attacking.
I immediately activated Acid Body to defend against the incoming attacks and launched a flurry of Razor Tails and Acid Shots to attack.
But the result was unexpected. Almost all of their attacks were passing through my Acid Body with little to no damage and my attacks were making no more than a few scratches.
『Tch! What's up with these Basilisks?! Why are my attacks ineffective?! Wait... could it be...』
I finally realised my mistake after seeing the results of Appraisal.
Species: Razor Basilisk
Level: 7
Species: Giant Basilisk
Level: 4
Species: Fang Basilisk
Level: 6
Yes, the enemies which I judged as small fries, turned out to be a lot stronger than what the current me can handle.
I immediately ran towards the place I entered from, trying to escape from the Basilisks. But by the time I ran out of the cave, I saw that the entire group of Basilisks chasing after me.
And that's how I got caught up in such a situation...
『Damn it!! This is the worst!』
I thought that I would be able to escape after I left the cave, but in reality I was barely able to keep my distance away from them.
The Basilisks are quite fast... I need to figure out an escape route. Well even if I say so there's nothing but a single wide path in front of me. And there are also a few caves to the sides.
Hmm? Caves? That's it! If I can lead them into a cave which is just perfect for me to fit in but too big for them, I can take them out one by one.
As I was thinking this, a cave suitable for this strategy came into view. I ran towards the cave and the Basilisks followed me to the cave as well.
『Just as expected. Now it's fine for counter-attack!』
Just as I entered the cave, the Basilisks chasing me hesitated for a second and finally decided to rush into the cave.
Around two of them could enter the cave, but since it was too narrow for the two of them to walk side by side, it was troublesome for them. Moreover their movements were also quite limited.
I immediately bathed his face in acid using Acid Shot. After a few seconds, the Basilisk was dead..... probably.
I did the same for the one behind him and it's two down already. As if sensing the death of their comrades, the Basilisks were now seething in rage.
However, that was a part of my strategy. One thing I've learnt in these few days is that, when monsters are overcome by emotions like rage, the become unable to make proper decisions... and simply try to brute force their way through.
The remaining ones started coming into the cave one by one.... Probably to avenge their fallen comrades.
『Hahaha! There's no use trying to avenge your friends! That's because you're all going to die!!! Ahahaha!!!』
... Huh? Is it just my imagination, or am I talking like some evil cult leader?!
Yeah, yeah. I-It's just my imagination. A-Ahaha....
『Anyways, this is the last Basilisk huh.』
As I was thinking this, the Basilisks kept decreasing in numbers and the last Basilisk, who clearly had the atmosphere of a leader, appeared.
『So, how are you going to kill me with that huge body which can't even enter the cave?』
「Gshaaaaaaaa!!!!」
Uwaaahhh! He's completely pissed off right now. Huh? Wait, what?! No, stop!!!!
Just as I was thinking, the leader began punching the outer walls of the cave with his huge arms.
This is bad! This is really bad! At this rate, the cave will collapse and I will be buried alive. I didn't come this far just to get buried alive by some damn lizard!!!
I activated Evasion and Quick Steps to avoid the falling rocks. Apparently the leader was so engrossed in making the cave collapse that he didn't notice that I had slipped out of the cave.
I can't let this chance go to waste! ⟨Acid Shot⟩! ⟨Poison Fangs⟩!
「Shaaaaaaaa?!!!」
Looks like I did some decent damage to it. For now, ⟨Appraisal⟩.
Species: Giant Basilisk
Level: 5
Why the heck is this damn lizard so strong?!!
Standing before me was a 5 metre long and 5 metre tall Basilisk. It was on a whole different level than all the Basilisks I've fought so far.
Ahh, looks like I've been found out huh. So I guess I'll have to go against this monster all on my own.
As I was thinking this, it turned around and punched the place where I was standing with a frightening speed.
A dust cloud formed due to the impact of the blow just now. As it cleared up, I could see a crater, about 2 metres in diameter, formed in the place where I was standing.
『Oi oi, are you kidding me? I would've been crushed flat if not for Evasion and Quick Step.』
Heck, is this thing even a lizard!? Where do you find lizards which can make craters in the ground?!!
I really want to run back home right now. But this guy will definitely give a ton of EXP if killed. What do I do....?
As I was thinking that, he swung his huge tail at me. I managed to barely evade it by jumping off the ground but I immediately realised that I had made a grave mistake.
『Even with ⟨Evasion Lv.6⟩ I could just barely dodge him huh. Crap, this is bad!! If I'm in mid-air, I won't be able to dodge if he swings his fist at me...』
Just as such thoughts crossed my mind, the Basilisk swung his huge fist at me which was as big as a pillar.
『Gahaak!!!?』
It was the strongest hit I've taken ever since reincarnating in this world. I surely thought it was enough to kill me immediately. I rolled on the ground several times before hitting against a wall.
It hurts!!! It hurts really bad!! How am I even alive after taking that hit? I can heal using one of the recovery crystals in my storage space but to be honest... I don't think I have the leeway to heal myself at this point. The Basilisk was already approaching towards me.
Am I really going to die here? Even after getting reincarnated, I'm going to die? Should I really have chosen to run away back then..?
No... That's wrong... Like hell I'll die in a place like this after coming this far!!! I'll definitely kill this guy and survive in this world!!!
『⟨Razor Tail⟩ ⟨Acid Shot⟩!』
And lastly I'll throw the Blast Liquid at his arms and legs. With the help of ⟨Accuracy Lv.5⟩ it wouldn't be a problem.
Just as the Basilisk was about to punch me with his left fist, I parried it with Razor Tail and went near his legs.
The Basilisk was probably still shocked at this exchange so I made use of that opening and set his legs on fire with the Blast Liquid.
「Shaaaaaa?!!」
All right, this should've reduced his movement speed drastically. And now another hit of Razor Tail and he'll fall down on his back.
As expected, the Basilisk fell on his back, still confused about the events which took place in less than a minute. Now it's time to set both his arms on fire. And then... ⟨Poison Fangs⟩!
I got up on the Basilisk and bit his neck while using ⟨Poison Fangs⟩. With this, it should be dead within a few minutes.
『Notice. Experience threshold reached. Level has increased from 4 to 10. Evolution is now possible. Please choose ⟨Evolution⟩ when you are ready to evolve』
Wait wait wait!! There are a lot of important things to talk about, you know?
Haah... Looks like it's finally dead. But was this Basilisk really so strong that I'd gain 6 levels at once?
『Answer. Defeating the individual ⟨Giant Basilisk⟩ provided experience to increase in 3 levels at once and the other individual Basilisks provided experience to increase in 3 levels at once as well』
Hmm... I see now. I gained 3 levels from this guy and 3 levels from that horde huh. Well putting that aside let's check the Magic Stone first.
I cut open the chest part of the Basilisk and found a Magic Stone which was a bit bigger in size than a normal Basilisk's. Well I'm only interested in the new skills so let's break it quickly and get it over with.
『Skill ⟨Razor Tail⟩ has increased from 3 to 4』
『Skill ⟨Petrifying Glare⟩ has increased from 2 to 3』
『Skill ⟨Fire Resistance⟩ has increased from 4 to 5』
『Skill ⟨Acid Resistance⟩ has increased from 2 to 3』
『Skill ⟨Poison Resistance⟩ has increased from 1 to 2』
『Skill ⟨Perception Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
...
Just one?!! After fighting to death with that damn monster I get just one new skill?!!! Hey, is this harassing? This is definitely harassing, you know?
Haaah... Well fine atleast some of my skills leveled up so it's not all bad. So, umm, Wisdom-sama, what is this new skill about?
『Result. ⟨Perception⟩: ⟨⟨When this skill is active, the user's sense of sight, hearing, smell and taste is heightened. It increases with an increase in the skill level⟩⟩』
Ohhh! That's a pretty great skill I've got. I was just thinking about trying to acquire something like this so that I don't fall into an ambush. Having this skill really helps out.
『By the way, Wisdom-sama, is it possible to keep this skill always active?』
『Affirmative』
『Then, please do』
『Understood』
Hmm, let's see if there are any notable changes in my surroundings.
...Ahh I can really see a bit further now. Also the smell of blood has become stronger. It would be nice if the heightened smell would help in some other way other than making the smell of blood stronger... which I don't really appreciate, but well, I'll find out as time passes.
There are no monsters around so hearing doesn't help right now but I'm sure it'll be a great help in the future. The taste... I guess there's no way to check other than eating this Basilisk huh.
But first I need to heal myself. My HP came down to 10 with just that one hit. Seriously, just how strong was that guy....
『Answer. Threat Level C』
Yup, my luck is trash. If someone had told me my luck is in negative, I would've believed them.
I mean, just what the hell is this place? Is every group leader Threat Level C around here?!! Or rather that small fry Basilisk I fought on the first day was a Threat Level D and this guy is C?!! This guy's strength was on a whole different level, you know!!!?
Haah... Well putting aside my unnaturally low luck, let's see what this ⟨Evolution⟩ is about. Wisdom-sama, could you please explain?
『Answer. Evolution is a phenomenon in which a certain monster evolves into a higher species. It takes place when a certain level is reached, however it varies with every individual. Some evolution paths may require certain conditions to unlock and the individual can choose that particular path only when the conditions are fulfilled. A change in the status values generally occurs after an evolution is complete.』
Wait, is that it? Am I going to evolve?! Really? I'll really evolve into something powerful?!! Yaaay~~ Looks like I'm going to become stronger!!! Hahahahaha!!!
Well then, I'd like to see my evolution choices.
『Understood. Then I will now display the evolution choices』
⟨⟨Little Drake⟩⟩
⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩
Something unfamiliar came up. I should first ask Wisdom-sama to explain them if possible.
『Wisdom-sama, I'd like you to explain the choices if its possible』
『Result. ⟨⟨Little Drake⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is a weak monster that specialises in speed as it grows. However, this monster neither grows any further than a ⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩ but also loses its ability to use magic. This monster specialises in hit-and-run tactics and is exceptionally talented at concealing its presence from birth. Threat Level E. Inherent skills: ⟨Stealth⟩.⟩⟩』
『Result. ⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is a reasonably strong monster that specialises in both power and speed. It can also use magic. A Drake can further evolve into stronger species. However, Drakes are creatures with low intelligence. Their intelligence is on the same level as a ⟨⟨Goblin⟩⟩. Drakes are prideful creatures which do not form groups with others and prefers acting alone. Threat Level D. Inherent skills: ⟨Power⟩ ⟨Speed⟩.⟩⟩』
Hmm... I would've gone for the Drake if it didn't have the intelligence drop. I'm pretty weak right now, so setting traps and attacking from a blind spot to defeat stronger enemies is the best option but having my future evolution paths completely closed off is a problem. Hey, Wisdom-sama, can you tell me how bad is the intelligence drop for me?
『Answer. The intelligence drop of Drakes is will make no difference for Master. Master is a ⟨⟨Reincarnated⟩⟩ so, Master's intelligence is already a lot higher than Drakes. Thus it is impossible for the INT value of Master to drop. However it is possible for it to increase』
Wait, seriously?! I can really evolve into a Drake without getting any of its disadvantages? Well it's true that I still have the intelligence of the third-year high schooler, so it makes sense.
Then it's settled. The ⟨⟨Little Drake⟩⟩ might be better for now but in the long run, the ⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩ is going to be way better. Wisdom-sama, I choose ⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩. Please commence the evolution process.
『Understood. Evolution from ⟨⟨Wyrm⟩⟩ to ⟨⟨Drake⟩⟩ activated. Evolution completed』
『Skill ⟨Power Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Speed Lv.1⟩ has been accepted』
As soon as I heard Wisdom-sama activate the evolution process, my body was enveloped in a gentle light. My body started getting hotter, as if the entire constitution of my body was being rewritten. Then I felt my body growing in size. All of this happened within a minute.
After I heard Wisdom-sama confirm that the evolution process was completed, I checked the changes in my body.
My eye level was quite a bit above the ground right now. I can apparently stand on two feet now. My hands and feet were bigger and my tail has grown longer as well. I spread my wings and they grew quite a bit as well. Currently my body length was about 5 metres excluding the tail and wings. The tail alone was 2 metres long and each of my wings spread 5 metres left and right.
But what changed the most was the colour of my body. My entire body was covered in pitch-black scales which were beautifully shining as the light was reflecting on them. The hands, feet and tail were of the same colour. To be honest, I never imagined that the black colour can look so beautiful. The wings had a shade of red to them which made them look even more beautiful.
Well then let's check the status. ⟨Appraisal⟩.
Name: N/A
Gender: N/A
Age: --
Status: Normal
Species: Drake
Level: 1
HP: 30/30
MP: 30/30
SP: 18/30
STR: 50/50
VIT: 30/30
AGI: 50/50
INT: 30/30
[Unique Skills]
⟨Wisdom Lv.2⟩
[Skills]
⟨Appraisal Lv.4⟩ ⟨Hunger Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Fatigue Resistance Lv.4⟩ ⟨Sleep Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Razor Tail Lv.4⟩ ⟨Quick Step Lv.3⟩ ⟨Poison Fangs Lv.3⟩ ⟨Petrifying Glare Lv.3⟩ ⟨Evasion Lv.6⟩ ⟨Pain Resistance Lv.8⟩ ⟨Fire Resistance Lv.5⟩ ⟨Petrification Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Physical Resistance Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Resistance Lv.3⟩ ⟨Poison Resistance Lv.2⟩ ⟨Acid Body Lv.3⟩ ⟨Accuracy Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Shot Lv.3⟩ ⟨Dimensional Storage Lv.2⟩ ⟨Perception Lv.1⟩ ⟨Power Lv.1⟩ ⟨Speed Lv.1⟩
Wait, the stats drop after evolution? Ahh, makes sense. If the stats had remained the same then everyone would've become insanely powerful immediately after evolving. And the level is back to 1 huh. Well that's fine but now I really do specialise in power and speed since my STR and AGI stats are a bit higher than the other ones.
Ahh, come to think of it, my SP is in critical range right now. Does evolving take up a lot of SP?
『Affirmative』
Hmm, I see. Well then let's eat this Basilisk up and restore my SP back.
Ahh... Could it be that this Basilisk will taste better now that I have increased sense of taste?! Let's see how it tastes.
...
I was naive.
Damn it!! It still tastes awful... rather it tastes even more terrible than the last Basilisk. Is it because of my increased taste? I don't need increased taste if what I'm eating is already horrible, you know!? This is torture. This is definitely torture.
Haah... Who am I even complaining to? Well fine, atleast my SP is back to full.
『Title ⟨Gross Feeder⟩ has been acquired』
Hmm? Title? Is it something new?
『Result. ⟨Gross Feeder⟩: ⟨⟨It is a title bestowed upon those who have feasted upon extremely terrible food or monster meat. The holder of this title is granted all abnormal status resistance type skills.⟩⟩』
『Skill ⟨Paralysis Resistance Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Charm Resistance Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Confusion Resistance Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Heresy Resistance Lv.1⟩ has been acquired』
I somewhat understand what the new skills do except one. Wisdom-sama, please explain the ⟨Heresy Resistance⟩ skill.
『Result. ⟨Heresy Resistance⟩: ⟨⟨The user is resistant to attacks which directly affect the mind or soul.⟩⟩』
Hoh, isn't that quite a great skill? I got a lot of amazing skills today huh. Well I had to fight with an uselessly overpowered Basilisk, so I'll consider the skills as my reward.
Before I noticed it, I was near the entrance of the huge cave where I stay. I went inside and slept inside the cave where I hatched.
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