Alex let out a long sigh of disappointment. He had checked his status page after the fight with the rabbits and though he had gained another three levels from the others, it didn’t seem like much. Was that alpha looking one really that much stronger? Either way, Alex was shocked by Glutton’s oppressive combat strength. It was only after the battle did it don on Alex that he never looked at Glutton’s status page. When he did Alex’s eyes near burst out of their sockets in surprise.

Status Page

Name: GluttonRace: Petal HydraOwner: Alex BlacklockLevel: 6

Strength: 205Agility: 145Vitality: 230Toughness: 275Magic: 70Magic Resistance: 155

Skills:Poison BodyExtreme RegrowthEyeless SightSilent GiantEnchanting Fruit

Glutton’s stats were quadruple his, it was too much Alex felt a little jealous. At the same time, he was thrilled, though he wished he was that strong it also meant that he had a powerful protector. Not only were its stats at an absurd level, but were its skills. Among Glutton’s skills, Alex considered <> to be the most sinister and outright annoy skill it had. <> basically made all of Glutton’s body fluids such as blood and saliva into a deadly poison that would slowly weaken whoever came into contact with it. Thinking back to when Glutton ate those dog-sized rabbits, they most likely didn’t even have a chance to receive the poisons full effect. However, this skill was not only a perfect support for offense but also a counter attack. If an enemy were to touch Glutton’s blood after attacking it, they would be poisoned and over time weakened to the point where Glutton could kill and devour them. As long as Glutton could withstand an enemy as long as they could only use close ranged attacks he could be considered invincible.

To add to that unfairness was its <> skill. This skill seemed to consume a large amount of mana, however in return, it would increase Glutton’s regenerative capabilities to an absurd level. Though he couldn’t use this skill repeatedly because of the amount of mana it consumed with a single use, it, at least, was a very terrifying trump card if used correctly.

Though Alex had already guessed it, Glutton was blind, its skill <> proved it. Though it can’t see, the purple flower at the top of its body was actually a very power sensory organ. It was about to feel the slightest change in the surrounding environment through either smell, vibrations, sounds, or even the flocculation of the wind current. Basically launching a surprise attack against Glutton was near impossible.

What was interesting was the <> skill. It was the reason why Glutton was able to walk so silently. Apparently the countless thin roots that made up its thick legs each acted as a foot, dispersing the weight of each of Gluttons steps in a way so even though it was heavy no sound was made.

Finally, the skill Alex was the most interested in was the <> skill. When Glutton ate something, it didn’t take in all the nutrient of its prey leaving around 10% of it to become a fruit. In other words, the fruit it produced was condensed nutrients in its purest form. Though he didn’t understand why it tasted so good, really he didn’t care. By eating these fruit regularly, it would increase physical growth and naturally strength the body. Not only that but the fruits would give off a fragrance that would cause those who smelled it to lose control and have a great desire to eat them. Alex could already tell they would be useful for bait, that is if he could control himself and not eat them all himself.

*

Three hours after fighting the rabbit monsters Alex finally found a river that was eleven meters across and looked to be quite deep. It most like had fish swimming in it and the thought of the fruit that may come from Glutton eating them made Alex’s mouth water. Sadly, there was a slight problem. At the river bank was a group of rats that stood on two legs and were four feet tall. Their bodies’ were covered in light brown or silvery gray fur. Though their bodies looked weak Alex guessed they were built for speed rather than strength. However, what threw him off was the fact that the rat men had various pieces of armor and weapon. Their equipment was in different conditions with some being rusty and tattered while some were only slightly damaged.

Judging by their equipment, humans or beings that were capable of making such things had been killed then looted by the rat men. This brought up thoughts of things like adventures or knights coming to get rid of the monsters in this forest. Could it be that the people that were killed lived outside of the forest and came in for resources or hunting or was there a town nearby? Alex began to wonder what was the average level of strength in the world he had come to. He doubted he was that level yet since if he was by himself, those monster sized rabbits could have easily killed him.

While he thought of those things, Alex also studied the rat men. In total there was twenty of them, this made things slightly complicated.

Glutton had five heads that could attack and would need a minute to devour an enemy. Maybe if Glutton only injured the rat men instead of eating them right then and there… no that might not work. Unlike the rabbits from before, these rat-men had armor and weapons, that alone made them several times more dangerous. Alex didn’t even know how fast or strong they were. For all he knew just one of them could kill Glutton though it was unlikely.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

He needed a way to attack them attack and kill all of them or separate them so Glutton could properly devour them. At the moment, his mana still hadn’t completely recovered. From how much mana was drained last time to ensnare the four rabbits from before, Alex guessed he had enough to use <> three more times at most. If he used <> on three of the rat men then that would reduce their numbers to seventeen, still there was a chance that they could break free from the skill or dodge it. Alex doubted he could take on two rat men at once let alone how many would be left; he need somewhat to reduce their numbers or fight them separately.

Watching their movements for a time, Alex realized that the rat men were guarding a large cave. Most likely there would be more of them inside, but just the twenty he could see is a problem. Alex wanted to go inside the cave. Going by his knowledge of games there were a few possibilities as to what was inside. Most likely it had some sort of treasure or equipment see that the rat men had armor and weapons. There could also be something like a boss monster that could yield a lot of experience. If he was lucky, there might be some rare item and the rat men didn’t know how valuable it was so they just kept it lying around.  

Alex knew charging at the rat men was suicide, his only option was to whittle down their numbers.

Taking his eyes off the rat men Alex looked around the area to see if there was any place that he could use to his advantage. After a short time, Alex found a hill that overlooked the river. The part of the hill that was facing the river was steeply slanted and had almost no foot holds. At the bottom, rocks had formed cove with rock walls that were fifteen feet high. The entrance to the cover was just big enough for Glutton to squeeze through.

Alex looked at the hill then the cove and a plan formed in his mind. A faint sinister smile appeared on Alex’s face as he walked into the forest returning later with a rope made of vines braided together. Alex was grateful that he loved reading books. Otherwise, he might not have read those books on outdoor survive out of curiosity.

Securing the rope to a rock, Alex first tested it, then descended the almost 90 degrees angled hill. While he descended the rocky wall, he made foot holes in the cracks between the rocks. One he had touched the ground, Alex went back up to the top of the hill and retrieve the rope he had made, then practice climbing the wall a few times until he felt confident. By that time the sky was dyed orange. Since it wouldn’t be a good idea to fight those rat-men who most like had good vision in the dark, Alex chose to rest and attack tomorrow.

Making a bed out of leaves in the cove Alex tried to sleep but the air was cold so it was difficult for him to be comfortable. All of a sudden, thin roots burst from the group and wove together to create a dome that shielded him from the cold. Alex was confused for a moment, then realized that Glutton’s legs had dug into the group and it now looked like a normal plant, well an oversized plant doesn’t actually look normal no matter what. Still, it was convenient.

The inside of the dome quickly became warm along with the pain and shock of the day’s events Alex’s eyes quickly became heavy. As he fell asleep, several thoughts entered his mind. He worried about the future, will he grow strong enough, will he be able to even find his way out of the forest, and what then? Alex had no knowledge of this new world. In other words, Alex needed information just as much as strength.

Just before his conscious drifted off the image of Lisa smiling at him floated in his mind.

“I wonder, will Lisa be alright, we have barely been separated since we became friends?” Alex muttered to himself. Lisa was a gentle and kind person, but also naïve and that led her into troublesome times and each time Alex was the one that helped her. Lisa might actually be the reason he had such a sharpened silver tongue, the thought made him laugh.

“No, she can handle herself and unlike me, she has friends that can help her.” With a sigh, he dispelled his worries and finally let the darkness take him.

*

In the middle of the night Alex slept. His body fidgeted as he heard the whispers of his own voice in his dreams.

“You want to grow stronger, right? To kill Darak, make him pay for what he has done. Then you must awaken the power within you. Only the power that sleeps within you can kill him, who will have the blessings of a god. To awaken your dormant power, you must kill. Only by killing will you grow stronger allowing more of your dormant power to awaken. You must kill, conquer, make anything you want yours, do what you want, and ruler!”

*

The next day Alex awoke with a jolt. He rubbed his head as he sat up.

“What the hell was with that dream?” Alex grumbled to himself.

To his right was Glutton, who had buried itself underground with only its purple flower showing. If one didn’t know that about Glutton, they would have mistaken the flower for an ordinary one and passed by it without a second thought. This was part of Alex’s plan. He would lead a group of the rat men to the cove, he would then scale the rocky wall and escape. If they tried to follow him he would use <> to cut off the only route with foot holds. At the same time, Glutton who would be hidden underground would seal off the exit to the cove and kill the rat men.

If it had trouble kill the rat men Alex would go to a ledge that protruded from the rock face by using the rope he made yesterday. There he would use <> to boost Gluttons abilities as well as use <> if needed.

The plan had some flaws, but it was the best he could come up with given the circumstances. Though Alex felt nervous, he wanted to become strong and quickly so he could gain his revenge as fast as possible. There might be a safer way for him to gain levels, but at the time, he didn’t know any other ways so he had to take the risk.

With the motivation of seeing Darak’s tormented face, Alex mustered the courage to head toward the rat men cave.