Still hiding in his tiny hole, the chicken peeked out at the shiny object glowing near the Cave Crawler nest.
His tiny beady eyes narrowed.
"...Alright, system, what is it?"
DING!
[Identifying Item…]
A blue panel appeared.
[Item: Cave Crawler Egg (Unhatched)]
A monster egg that has yet to hatch.
If taken, nearby Cave Crawlers will become aggressive.
Chance of the newborn recognizing the first creature it sees as its parent.
The chicken froze.
"...It's a what now?"
The system beeped.
[Would you like to take the egg?]
"HELL NO!"
He waved his tiny wings in a panic.
"Do you WANT me to get chased by an army of angry bugs?! Also, how do I know this thing won't just EAT ME when it hatches?!"
The system beeped again.
[Possibility exists. However, there is also a chance it will consider you its father.]
He stared blankly.
"...Excuse me?"
[If you are the first thing it sees upon hatching, it may imprint on you.]
His eye twitched.
"...So, what you're telling me is… I could end up with a pet monster… or get eaten alive in my sleep."
[Correct.]
"...THIS SYSTEM SUCKS."
—
How to Carry an Egg Without Hands?
After a long sigh, he glared at the system panel.
"...Fine. But how the hell am I supposed to carry it? I have wings, not hands!"
The system responded instantly.
[Recommending Item: Egg Carrier (Back Slot)] (the shop is not available for now but because of it's logical request the system give him item)
A special harness designed for carrying eggs.
Can attach to the user's back for easy transport.
He squinted.
"...That's awfully convenient. You sure you're not scamming me?"
[Would you like to purchase the item for 10 System Exp?]
He groaned.
"Just take the exp."
DING!
The Egg Carrier appeared, strapping itself onto his tiny feathery back.
"...I look ridiculous, don't I?"
He waddled over and gently rolled the glowing egg into the carrier.
—
Oh No. Guardian Detected.
RUMBLE.
The ground shook.
A low, guttural hiss echoed through the dungeon.
His feathers stood on end.
A large shadow emerged from the darkness.
[Warning! Cave Crawler Guardian has appeared!]
It was massive—easily ten times bigger than the other Crawlers, with thick armored plating and glowing venomous fangs.
Its glowing red eyes locked onto him.
It let out a bloodcurdling screech.
"...Oh."
"...OH SHIT."
—
Tiny Chicken vs. Giant Bug
The Cave Crawler Guardian lunged.
He barely dodged, rolling to the side.
The monster's fangs sank into the ground, leaving a smoking hole where he had been standing.
He sprinted as fast as his tiny legs could go.
"WHY DO I KEEP ENDING UP IN THESE SITUATIONS?!"
The Guardian chased after him, its giant legs slamming into the ground like mini earthquakes.
He needed an exit. But the tunnels were blocked by rubble from his earlier bomb attack.
He gritted his tiny beak.
"Guess I have no choice!"
—
Egg Bomb Barrage!
He whipped around and kicked an Egg Bomb straight at the Guardian's face.
BOOM!
The explosion shook the entire cave.
Smoke and dust filled the air.
He panted, staring at the crater.
"Did I get it…?"
Then—
From the smoke, the Guardian emerged.
BURNED. ANGRY. STILL ALIVE.
"...Oh, COME ON!"
—
The Final Strike!
The Guardian lunged again.
But this time—he was ready.
He jumped.
With all his strength, he kicked an Egg Bomb directly into its open mouth.
The Guardian swallowed it whole.
His tiny chicken eyes widened.
"...Oh."
BOOOOOOM!
A massive explosion erupted from inside the Guardian's body.
It twitched, let out a distorted screech, and collapsed.
DING!
[You have defeated Cave Crawler Guardian!]
[EXP Gained! +50 EXP]
LEVEL UP!
[You are now Level 6!]
He flopped onto the ground, exhausted.
"...I actually won?"
—
New Skill Acquired: Dragon Heal
DING!
[You have learned a new skill: Dragon Heal (Low-Level)]
A basic healing ability granted by the Dragon System.
Restores minor injuries over time.
Can improve with training.
He blinked.
"...Wait, I can heal now?"
He focused, activating the skill.
A weak green glow covered his body, slowly closing the small scratches and bruises.
It wasn't much, but…
"Hey, I'll take it!"
—
Tiny Chicken, Big Dad Responsibilities
After catching his breath, he turned to look at the egg strapped to his back.
It glowed softly in the darkness.
His eyes twitched.
"...I really just stole a monster egg, didn't I?"
The system beeped.
[Correct. You are now responsible for its well-being.]
"...This feels like a terrible idea."
[Would you like to name the egg?]
He paused.
"...What."
[Choose a name for your adopted monster child.]
His tiny beak twitched.
"...I hate this system so much."