The sun had barely risen over the thick canopy of the forest when I found myself wide awake, still trying to process the events of the last day—or whatever counted as a day when you've been reincarnated as a worm.
I wriggled in the soft soil, staring at the lifeless body of the giant bird that had tried to eat me just hours ago. It was strange, how easily I had killed it, even stranger that I had done it using some kind of wind-based attack.
I needed to start taking this seriously.
"System," I called out in my mind, already starting to think of the voice in my head as something real. "Show me my status panel again."
Panel:
Name: Leon
Age: 1 day
Current Form: Worm
Experience (Exp): 40/100
Skills:
Night Vision
Wind Slash
Digging
Only 60 more experience points until I could evolve into... well, I didn't know yet. But there had to be something better than being a worm, right? I refused to believe that my life was going to consist of wriggling around in the dirt for the rest of eternity.
"Let's think this through," I muttered, even though I wasn't sure if I was capable of speaking as a worm or if I was just imagining my voice. "I need more experience points. That means I need to fight more monsters."
But I had no idea where I was or what kind of creatures lurked in this forest. For all I knew, there were things far stronger than that bird, just waiting to tear me apart. I shuddered at the thought, feeling my small, fragile body tense up. I needed to be careful.
I looked at the bird again, and an idea struck me. Maybe I could use the carcass to my advantage.
"System, can I... eat it?"
Notice: Consuming the corpse of a stronger creature may grant experience and temporary buffs.
Well, that was good enough for me. Summoning all the strength I could, I wriggled over to the dead bird, my body moving slowly but steadily across the ground. As I reached the bird, I activated the Digging skill to break through its tough feathers and skin. To my surprise, the system assisted in making the process easier, and I found myself devouring parts of the bird with ease.
The taste was strange—metallic, like raw meat mixed with dirt—but I kept going. I needed the strength. I couldn't afford to be squeamish now.
Notice: You have consumed a Giant Forest Bird. Temporary Strength Buff acquired. Notice: You have gained 20 experience points.
I paused, feeling a sudden surge of energy flowing through my small body. It wasn't much, but I felt... stronger. My muscles, or whatever worms had, tightened, and my movements became quicker, more fluid.
Experience (Exp): 60/100
"Alright, I'm getting somewhere," I whispered, mentally preparing myself for what was to come. But before I could dwell on my small victory, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes.
I froze. Whatever it was, it was close.
I quickly activated Night Vision, scanning the area around me. Despite the morning light filtering through the trees, the shadows under the thick foliage remained dark, but my enhanced vision cut through the gloom with ease.
Movement. Something was creeping towards me, and judging by the sounds of snapping twigs, it was big.
I needed to act fast. Staying still wasn't an option, not after last time. My eyes—or whatever I used to see now—focused on the approaching figure, and my heart, or maybe my instincts, screamed at me to move.
With a burst of speed, I activated Digging, tunneling into the ground just as the creature broke through the underbrush. I felt the vibrations above me as its heavy paws hit the forest floor, but I was safe for the moment.
I didn't stop digging until I was several meters underground, far enough to escape whatever predator had been chasing me. After what felt like an eternity, I slowed down, catching my breath.
"System, can you identify what that was?"
Notice: Unable to scan life forms beyond your immediate vicinity. Please evolve for more advanced detection skills.
Damn. That wasn't the answer I wanted, but it made sense. I wasn't strong enough yet. I was still at the bottom of the food chain, no matter how much I wanted to believe otherwise.
I tunneled upwards again, emerging cautiously to the surface. The forest had gone eerily quiet, and there was no sign of whatever creature had been stalking me. That was a small relief, but it didn't change the fact that I needed more experience points—and soon. If I stayed like this for too long, I'd be dead.
I decided to venture deeper into the forest, keeping low to the ground and using my Night Vision to scan for threats. The system had granted me three skills, but they were basic at best. Wind Slash was powerful, but it drained a lot of energy, and I couldn't afford to rely on it too much. I needed to find smaller, weaker creatures to hunt if I wanted to survive.
After what felt like hours of crawling through the dense undergrowth, I spotted something small and moving—another creature. This one was about the size of a rat, scurrying between the roots of a large tree. Its beady eyes darted around nervously, unaware of my presence.
Perfect. This was my chance.
I activated Wind Slash, focusing on the creature. The gust of wind formed quickly, slicing through the air toward the rat-like animal. The attack hit it dead-on, and the creature collapsed instantly.
Notice: You have gained 10 experience points.
I wriggled over to the corpse, quickly devouring it like I had the bird earlier. The taste was just as unpleasant, but I pushed through, feeling the small boost of energy as I consumed it.
Notice: You have gained 5 experience points from consuming a Small Forest Rodent. Experience (Exp): 75/100
I was getting closer.
But as I continued my journey, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching me. The forest was too quiet, too still. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig made my nerves stand on edge. The predators here were far more dangerous than I had anticipated.
And then, as if on cue, the ground beneath me trembled. I froze, my body instinctively digging into the soil for cover. But the shaking continued, growing stronger and stronger.
"What the...?"
A massive shadow loomed over the forest, its shape distorted by the dense foliage. I couldn't make out what it was, but I knew it wasn't something I could fight. Not yet.
I activated Digging and burrowed deeper into the earth, praying that whatever was out there wouldn't notice me. The vibrations grew more intense, and for a terrifying moment, I thought it was going to come after me. But then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the tremors stopped.
I waited, buried deep in the ground, until I was sure the danger had passed. Only then did I dare to resurface.
When I emerged, the forest was once again calm, but the tension in the air remained. I needed to get stronger—and fast. There were things out here that made that giant bird seem like a harmless puppy.
I spent the next several hours hunting smaller creatures, using my Night Vision and Wind Slash to take down anything that crossed my path. The kills were easy enough, but I could feel the strain of using my skills repeatedly. By the time I had gathered enough experience points, I was exhausted.
Notice: You have gained 25 experience points.
Experience (Exp): 100/100 Notice: Evolution Available. Would you like to evolve?
My heart—or whatever worms had for hearts—leaped in excitement. Finally, I could evolve. This was it. The moment I'd been waiting for.
"Yes," I said, not even hesitating. "Evolve me."
Notice: Evolution process initiated. Please select your evolutionary path.
A new panel appeared before me, displaying two options:
Venomous Worm – Specializes in stealth and poison-based attacks. Able to paralyze enemies with venomous bites. Armored Worm – Focuses on defense and survivability. Grows a thick, protective shell and gains increased resistance to physical attacks.
I stared at the options, weighing my choices carefully. Both had their advantages, but I needed something that would help me survive this dangerous forest. I couldn't rely on offense alone—I needed defense too.
After a moment of thought, I made my decision.
"Armored Worm," I said. "Evolve me into an Armored Worm."
Notice: Evolution selected. Evolution process will begin shortly. Please prepare for temporary unconsciousness.
Before I could process the warning, a wave of dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, and the world around me began to spin. I felt my body growing heavier, my limbs stiffening as the evolution process took hold.
And then, everything went black.