Before I knew it, I was already beyond the door. My vision was quickly filled with my surroundings. Despite the sudden occurrence, I was still lying down, my cheeks felt the cold floor. I was still in shock.
What just happened…?
Evolution – as I remember – was the change required to survive in a particular environment. While the same principles cannot be applied in this new world, the basic concept still stayed the same.
Originally, evolution was supposed to happen over decades, maybe even millions of years depending on the organism. In this world, however–this world was different. The millennium–long process of change and adaptation is shortened to hours all the way to a few days. It depends, really. From my understanding, evolution here depends on the acquired skills and attributes. Titles could also be a factor in this–though I highly doubted it. This meant one thing:
I didn't meet the requirements
Something or someone tampered with the process, halting my progress. Other than leveling up, I didn't get much from the bats. Though I did attain a higher understanding of mana after observing the giant bat, not much else was gained from this experience.
…Does the mastermind have something to do with this?
The thought scared me, sending shivers down my injured spine. All of this speculation was getting to my head. I had better things to worry about.
For now, I should get back up. The cavern floor isn't exactly the best bed I could ask for
With a pained groan, I try to get myself up. It was extremely difficult, given my current condition. My arms ached as I desperately tried to push heat into them. I tripped and fell many times just trying to keep myself upright.
On my seventh attempt, I finally made progress. With my arms shaking, I get myself into a siting position. I take in a big breath at the achievement. Though this may not be much by normal standards, it was a big deal in my current condition. Suddenly, a gaze made my hair stand up.
I turn my head at the creature stuck in the wall. It was staring at me. It's body was bleeding in some places and it's limbs were bent in unnatural positions. It's eyes though–it's eyes were different. Unlike it's destroyed body, the intensity and will to live behind those eyes were something that I knew very well.
Still alive huh?
I get up, the shock and terror numbing the intense pain. I walked by the beast, just a little bit by it's side. I bent myself down, reaching for the sword that I had discarded during the battle. My bones audibly creaked as I did.
Clutching the cold steel in my hand, I bring it towards the beast's chest, right where it's heart should be. I took one last look at the beast.
Despite risking my life, the beast was still above me. If it hadn't gone into a blind rage after I crushed it's mana circuits, the chances of me winning – let alone surviving – was practically zero. If I had been too hasty, I would have broken my body by overloading my muscles and bones with 「Reinforcement」, effectively rendering me powerless.
The same could be said for the opposite too
Taking too long and letting the beast adjust to my sudden increase in power and speed would have weathered through my mana and stamina. I was already in critical condition by the time. One wrong step on either side could have spelled my doom.
Clutching the hilt of the sword with both hands, I push it towards the beast's chest. The beast shook with visible pain, but it didn't scream.
A little prideful, aren't we?
I sink the blade further into the beast's chest, drawing more blood. Crimson liquid dripped from the beast's mouth, it's jaws clenched. A minute passed, then another.
Eventually, the beast's light disappeared. The fire burning in it's eyes were extinguished, leaving it cold and empty. I pull the blade out of the beast's chest, blood spraying at my face.
Gross
I wasn't particularly fond of blood. It reeked and was hard to wash off. People often judged you even if the bloodstain wasn't from you, making it hard to get into buildings. I couldn't think of how many times I was taken into the legionaries just because of a little red smudge on my entire shirt.
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
The 「system」 inundated me with it's loud dings as the messages streamed across my field of vision. I wasn't really surprised anymore. The beast was clearly above me. This much should be expected.
Still…
This still wasn't enough. If I'm ever going to have a chance against that dragon, I would need much MUCH more.
Faster…
Stronger…
Smarter…
I needed to be better.