I have to fight that centipede. I don't want to run anymore.
I think about how I can confront the centipede. Are there any skills that would be useful for this situation? I need to act quickly so the centipede doesn't know where I am.
'Status'
NAME: EVA SCARLET
RACE: DARK LIZARD
LEVEL: 1 (0%)
HP: 200
MP: 90
STR: 9
AGI: 9
INT: 13
DEX: 9
VIT: 9
STAT POINT: 0
SKILLS:
[APPRAISAL II] [CLAW STRIKE I] [DASH I] [UNIVERSAL MULTILINGUAL]
UNIQUE SKILLS:
[PRIDE] [WISDOM]
TITLE:
(REINCARNATOR)
I looked at my status.
'Hmmm... Pride won't be useful if Appraisal is still at level 2, and Wisdom won't help either. The only useful skills are Claw Strike and Dash.'
'There's only one way.'
I weighed my skill options. [Claw Strike] could deliver a powerful attack, but I would have to get close to the centipede to use it.
[Dash] provides the much-needed speed, allowing me to move quickly and avoid attacks or approach the target undetected.
'If I use Dash to get close to the centipede without being heard, I can launch a Claw Strike. But I have to make sure the centipede doesn't see me first,' I thought.
I looked at the centipede, which was still confused, searching for its prey.
Before that, I wanted to know the status of the centipede.
'Appraisal!'
Race: Big Centipede
Level: 19
HP: 480
Level 19 and 480 HP. The level difference is significant. Can I really fight it?
It is much stronger than I am. At least, that's what the numbers suggest.
However, I can't back down now. There is too much at stake.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
'I have to fight.'
I decided to use Dash first. I steeled myself for my first battle.
'I can't just keep running. I have to step up, become stronger, and take revenge on those humans!'
I looked at the centipede, which was still confused.
I moved quickly through the darkness to approach the centipede from an unexpected angle.
Even though the centipede was very alert, I hoped that with my agility and speed, I could outsmart the monster.
Carefully, I focused on the centipede's movements as it continued to search for prey, unaware of the approaching threat. There was only one chance. If I failed, I might not be able to avoid its next attack.
After a few tense seconds, I shot forward using [Dash].
'DASH!'
My small body, compared to the centipede, glided silently toward the monster. I surged toward the centipede.
"This is the moment!"
Using the momentum from Dash, I pulled back my right hand, prepared to attack, and directed my [Claw Strike] at the monster's body.
'CLAW STRIKE!!'
My attack was swift, accurate, and merciless. I clawed at the centipede's body.
"Shaaaaassshh!!!"
Breathless, I watched as the giant centipede approached. Green blood gushed from the wound I inflicted, but its anger only intensified. I knew that one attack would not be enough to incapacitate it.
'Damn it!' I cursed inwardly.
I readied myself again. My muscles tensed, prepared for the next attack. The centipede leaped, its massive body casting a shadow over me.
My instincts kicked in quickly. I slid to the side, dodging its strike. Its claws hit the ground, leaving deep marks.
'It's not over yet!'
I got back up, taking my stance. This time, I would use a combination attack. Swiftly, I launched another Dash, closing the distance to the centipede.
As I got within range, I unleashed a flurry of Claw Strikes, targeting its most vulnerable spots.
"Shaaaaassshhhh!!!"
The centipede roared in pain. Green blood gushed out, but it continued to try to attack me.
I kept dodging and striking; an intense battle was unavoidable. With every attack I launched, it retaliated with even fiercer strikes.
'I won't give up, for my father and mother who sacrificed themselves!' my determination surged.
I kept fighting, and at that moment, the centipede spewed a purple liquid from its mouth that hit part of my body. I tried to dodge, but I still got hit.
'Damn! This hurts...'
Breathless, I tried to ignore the stinging pain from the purple liquid that clung to my skin. The poison began to spread, making my body feel weaker.
However, the desire for revenge against this terrifying creature fueled my spirit.
The centipede became more aggressive, its agile movements making it difficult for me to evade.
Every attack it launched was precise, causing my wounds to worsen. Fresh blood flowed freely from my injuries, soaking the ground beneath us.
'I will not give up!' I roared.
I got back up, trying with all my strength to launch a final attack. With the last of my energy, I jumped high, thrusting my claws directly into the centipede's heart.
The creature roared in pain, its body writhing violently before finally collapsing, powerless.
I sat weakly on the ground, staring at the now motionless centipede. The pain throughout my body felt like it was stabbing me, but the relief overwhelmed everything.
You leveled up!
You leveled up!
You leveled up!
You leveled up!
Congratulations! Claw Strike has leveled up!
Congratulations! Dash has leveled up!
Suddenly, my body healed completely, and my exhaustion vanished.
'Why is this? My body feels healthy again, and the poison is gone!?'
I stared in astonishment at my body, which suddenly felt refreshed. The pain that had tormented me was now gone without a trace. I even felt more energized than before, as if my body had undergone total regeneration.
'What just happened?' I thought in disbelief.
The memory of the fierce battle against the giant centipede was still vivid in my mind. I had managed to defeat the monster.
'Is this because my level increased?'
'Status'
I opened my status.
NAME: EVA SCARLET
RACE: DARK LIZARD
LEVEL: 5 (35%)
HP: 280
MP: 130
STR: 9
AGI: 9
INT: 13
DEX: 9
VIT: 9
STAT POINT: 20
SKILLS:
[APPRAISAL II] [CLAW STRIKE II] [DASH II] [UNIVERSAL MULTILINGUAL]
UNIQUE SKILLS:
[PRIDE] [WISDOM]
TITLE:
[REINCARNATOR]
I gazed at the numbers in my status. My level had just increased to level 5, and my HP and MP had risen.
Additionally, I had gained stat points, and the skills [Claw Strike] and [Dash] had also leveled up.
'Can I allocate my skill points? Hmm... Let me add to STR, VIT, and AGI' since those stats are what I need most right now; I don't need INT and DEX just yet.
I allocated 7 stat points to STR, 6 stat points to VIT, and 7 stat points to AGI.
I pressed the add button.
I felt a strange sensation, a feeling of my body growing stronger.
I felt an energy flow through me as I allocated the stat points.
It was as if a significant change was happening within me, and I could feel it in every muscle of my lizard arms, which felt denser, my breath deeper, and my movements slightly lighter. With each passing second, I felt stronger.
'This is just the beginning'
I murmured to myself, reflecting on the changes that had just occurred. I sensed that the increases in STR, VIT, and AGI had an immediate impact.
I looked back at my status screen, showcasing my upgraded skills. [Claw Strike] and [Dash] had grown stronger, granting me swift movements and potent attacks.
I envisioned unleashing a powerful Claw Strike or utilizing Dash to escape danger swiftly.
'This is just the beginning' I thought.
eyeing the dungeon's depths, where each step could lead to triumph or defeat. Yet, I felt more prepared. My body seemed to whisper, 'It's time to advance further, faster, stronger.'
I took a deep breath, calming myself momentarily. The battle wasn't over, Challenges awaited.
But this victory fueled my resolve. I'll grow stronger, more resilient. I'll avenge those humans.