Chapter 13: Bozo's narrow escape - can't help it, he is too weak.
The time spent in simulation is not equal to the time in the real world. Bozo learned it today as his regeneration seemed infinite.
First, his arms and legs grew back. Left side, then the right side, like creepy vines from his body turning into new parts. Bozo got up with his new left arm and leg. His right arm started growing, then the hand, and finally, the right leg. It was like some weird plant was sprouting from him.
Bozo walked a few steps and noticed his heart. It was possible, as his right eyeball had returned. However, the movement of this right eyeball was erratic due to the impairment of muscles that controlled it, which were still under reconstruction.
There was a thing he didn't understand. How was he alive even now?
Regeneration is simply regrowing your body parts back. It doesn't guarantee you immortality. So just how was he still alive?
As he pondered on the question, he had already regrown all his body parts, including a heart. Only his skin at certain injured parts remained.
A green glow surrounded him and reconstructed his skin.
He wanted answers, but not now. He survived; that's what mattered, and now, he had to fight for his survival again. The humans could be coming any time soon, but no matter where he hid, he would be found out.
The dogs had run away with the woman, but their sense of smell is like no other. Running would be a waste if there were other humans like the woman earlier.
Bozo continued his slow run as he contemplated the matter. Soon, it transformed into a sprint, and despite his fatigued state, he had infinite stamina, so he could run for as long as he cared.
He did think about using the rage of berserker but saved it for later. He just didn't want to uselessly charge into a wrong place full of different kinds of monsters.
He followed the path that was beside his village and went towards the river. Old memories resurfaced when he reached the river. But he maintained his composure as he heard the voice of some humans from behind. They had somewhat caught up.
Bozo simply smiled at it. If he had stayed back, he would have been butchered once again. As the chuckle resided, Bozo simply jumped into the river. It was to erase his scent and move downstream with the help of the river. And since there were no strong monsters in this small river, Bozo thought it was the best course of action.
It was a brilliant plan. Jumping into the river, he behaved like a log and went down the rapid current.
One thing should be remembered; the river at this part was somewhat comparable to a small stream with weak currents. It was so weak that even goblins considered it safe. Adding to that, there were only weakest of monsters in the water - such as small fishes and few others.
But in the later parts, the river would become deeper and wider, strong and rapid currents - this area was known as the Dead Zone.
Even strong A-rank beasts feared this area. If one was trapped in the place, only its body would come out… lifeless. Adding to that, there lived a few water-type beasts in this area. They were at least A to S ranks, the mightiest.
Knowing this fully well, Bozo merely tried to ride the currents that would take him not too far, but to a safer place. But little did he think about the monsters that resided in the intermediate area.
As Bozo tried to swim towards the bank after having been in the currents for about five minutes, he noticed a series of fins surrounding him.
'Wait…', it was only now that he recalled about this danger which had skipped his mind.
No one is perfect. But such foolishness would cost one's life! There was about a minute left for the unlimited stamina to end.
Bozo was restless. He recognized the fins of the monsters surrounding him. Additionally, their names were also mentioned by the system: [River Sharks]
River Sharks were one of the most dangerous types of monsters that inhabited the intermediate waters. They lived in groups that numbered from five to fifty! Also, one couldn't reason with them as they were close to a mindless beast that hunted on instincts.
Despite being C-ranked monsters, because of their habit of staying in a group, they could easily take down a B or even an A-rank monster. Bozo, a simple E-ranker, had no chance against them.
He knew this better than anyone. He had seen many goblins becoming prey to such beasts during various occasions. And recalling such a feat, Bozo couldn't help but try to swim away from the place.
But the River Sharks started revolving around Bozo. It was their Group Skill: [Whirlpool]
They would circle the prey so quickly that a whirlpool would be created due to constant rotation. This would cause the prey to be dragged underneath the water - both, leaving him fainted and exhausted.
'This is bad… really bad! They have started circling me. I'm slowly moving away from the bank… just what do I-?'
Bozo's eyes widened as he thought of a ridiculous idea. It was simply impossible to face all the C-rank Sharks at the moment, especially considering their teamwork. Escape was the only option. So Bozo formulated a plan.
Ding!
[You have used the skill Rage of Berserker (S)]
Bozo's skin turned red almost instantly. His body seemingly bulged a bit. Adding to that, his pupils gave off a reddish glow. His breath became heavier and faster - like that of a wild animal in frenzy. But weirdly enough, he seemed somewhat under control, in a much better state when compared to his simulated Ogre.
Bozo first tried to swim away with his increased strength. But the sharks followed him. Seeing this, he had no other option other than following his plan.
He used a large amount of strength and ripped away his right ear. Doing that, he threw it as far as he could, away from him.
Due to their instinct, their attention was diverted from Bozo. About eleven out of seventeen present, started swimming towards the torn piece of ear. As for the remaining six, they swam straight towards him, due to the stench of blood from his ears.
Bozo, wasted no time and plucked out his other ear, throwing it towards the six others, a little away of course. This mislead them and diverted them.
Bozo, finally, free from their circling, swam straight towards the bank. He was just five meters away when a River Shark approached him with great speed.
As he just got out of the river, the Shark too jumped out with its gigantic mouth open and latched onto Bozo's left leg, crunching on it with its strong jaws.
Crunch!
"Arrrgh!", Bozo flinched and fell to the ground.
By the time he turned back, his left leg was already gone. It was in this gigantic shark's mouth.
Bozo saw nothing more than just one thing: [River Shark] [Rank: B] [Leader of the River Sharks]
The last thing he did was stare down at the shark leader as it dragged his leg away beneath the water surface.
'Ha… have as much fun as you can. When I grow stronger, I will make sure to come back and catch each and every one of you. I will personally make sure that your own kind will feed on you. Not just your body, but even your soul will not be left behind! I will make sure!'
A/N: Join the discord: https://discord.gg/BSU2UZT4s2
Just a simple comment like 'TFTC'/'Thank you for the chapter'/'Thanks' will also help. It keeps me motivated! Do comment!