Well, that was certainly odd. At the moment I'm just glad that one lady didn't try to keep me. Don't get me wrong I am grateful for the free heal but it was still a tad awkward being held like that. I do have my pride after all. I never really felt threatened by them, but I'd still rather not be held. I do briefly wonder if I'll ever see them again. The odds aren't great but if I remain near this path there is always a chance. They are the first sapient creatures I've meet in this world so far. Of course, the language barrier would still pose a problem. They certainly weren't speaking my native language after all. Ah well, that's a problem for future me to worry about.
Right now, I'm feeling the need to level up. Otherwise, I feel like I'd be wasting the two extra days the free heal gave me. I do want to at least get tough enough that I don't need to worry about getting killed because something stepped on me. Ideally, that should only take two or three more levels. Then I can spend more time understanding the world around me. Of course, how many levels it actually takes will depend on if the levels follow the trend of exponential growth or sequential growth. A single level increase is not a large enough data set to draw any conclusions. Which brings me back around to needing to level up as soon as possible.
As I'm thinking about this, I suddenly spot something that looks like a cross between a kangaroo and a mouse.
Name Feral Jerboa Level 3 Attack 6 Defense 3 Speed 5
I should be able to take it if I can overcome its speed advantage. Which seems to be a common theme lately though. Luckily it doesn't seem like it will be too hard to trick into an advantageous position for me. First, I try to get as close as I can without getting spotted. Surprisingly it's so engrossed in its meal that it seems completely oblivious to the world around it. Having been tricked by creatures pretending to be unaware of me before I still keep my guard up though. It's a good thing to as just when a get close to the feral jerboa it leaps into the air landing on my shell. Obviously trying to pin me to the ground. Fortunately, I wasn't caught off guard this time and was able to bite its ankle as soon as it landed. It's not a lot of damage but it is enough to dramatically reduce its speed. At the same time, it tried to bite my right front foot but I quickly retrack it into my shell. Seeing this it tried to jump again. I have no idea if it was trying to attack or run away. Either way all it succeeded in doing Is flopping to the side Like a fish jumping onto a stationary boat. Seizing the opportunity I lung forward going for its throat. This time I miss however as it still has enough speed to dodge my initial attack. I don't think it was expecting me to press the attack though because it didn't dodge my second attack. This time I was able to take a bite out of the thigh of its other leg. This essentially crippled it, and I was able to end the fight shortly after.
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Defeated Feral Jerboa Received Experience 4
What's going on here? Last time I defeated something that was level 3 I got 6 experience points. How come I only got four this time? Is it because I gained a level since then? It does seem to be the only explanation that makes sense. I am technically stronger now than I was back then. I guess that means according to the system it was an easier battle. I really can't say but I'm sure I'll figure it out at some point. I briefly consider checking my stats, but it doesn't seem worth it since I'm still a long way from leveling up.
Continuing my journey, I come to a pond. Probably just a puddle but it might as well be a pond at my size. This is actually perfect since I haven't drank any water yet and I was starting to get a little thirsty. I should also probably find somewhere to rest for the night. Unfortunately, I find myself in an open field at the moment. After grabbing a quick drink, I look around some more but soon realize that no matter how much I look around the fact that there is nowhere to hide for the night is not going to change. Then I have a brilliant Idea and start digging hole. Making the whole just big enough to fit around my shell. The idea being that once half buried, or at least appearing to be half buried, my shell will look like just another rock. I'll admit it's not the greatest idea I've ever had but it's better than nothing.
The next day I wake up to the sound of movement. Opening my shell enough to take a peek I see three humanoid figures crouching by the water. They are bright green with pointy ears and aside from their humanoid appearance the fact that they are wearing cloth around their waste and holding sharpened stones suggest that they are at least somewhat sapient. If I had to guess I'd say they most closely resembled goblins. Unlike the Ladies yesterday though I get a strong sense of danger from them. These are definitely not friendly goblins. As much as it sucks the only thing I can do for the moment is remain in my shell and hope that they go away soon. While I'm at it I also hope they don't step on me. I don't know if that would kill me, but I don't want to find out either because it wouldn't feel good either way.
After what feels like an eternity, though is probably less than an hour, they do go away and I'm able to continue my journey.