Chapter 5

In the end, it only took a couple more weeks. Which while frustrating, is when I think about it quite acceptable. This is largely thanks to me putting my unused points to agility. The points may not make me any faster physically, but when you don't know which nerve leads to which muscle, insight is just what you need.

So I can move. I'm rather tempted to just start running and not stop until I collapse, but that may not be the best idea. After all I'm still not all that familiar with the creatures around here.

On the other hand, I need to get used to this body anyway so why the hell not! Lets run!

Yeaaah!

“Uooooh—”

Oh! I can talk! It seems I assembled the vocal cords more or less correctly.

“Yeah!!!” Ah! I probably shouldn't be so loud. Don't wanna attract any unnecessary attention.

But man does it feel good to run again!

“Uogh!” Oh yeah, I'm still rather clumsy aren't I. Oh well. Practice, practice.

Lets see what's in that direction!

****

For the next two or so weeks I was mostly running around, getting used to moving again and generally enjoying myself. I also started exploring the neighborhood as well as hunting or just trying to sneak up to animals.

As a result my stats began to steadily rise and I gained a few skills too.

The most notable change is probably that Species Specific became Species Specific II. Now this may seem trivial, but what's interesting is that it doesn't have a level anymore. Instead it updates itself from time to time with things like 'bipedal movement' or 'night vision' and even things like 'digestion'.

Aside from that I also got 'tracking level 1' and 'stealth level 4' as a result of hunting. The reason stealth is at a higher level is mostly because I am interested in it and I think it would prove very useful, but also I designed one of my furs with camouflage in mind. I couldn't resist making the primary one a mostly white with black and blue streaks, but the photosynthesizing one had green and brown hues to begin with so I took advantage.

I a now level 6 and heading south-east.

Ah! I should probably describe my surroundings a bit. So I'm in a forest. That's it.

… seriously though, there is not much else to say. A few hills, a cave or two. I'm currently traveling alongside a small river and I saw some mountains due east when I climbed one of the taller trees.

Other than that, it appears to an exceptionally ordinary forest. Especially considering this is supposed to be a different world. It does seem to be old though, this place feels ancient.

Anyway, the humanoid was south of me and the river seems to head in that general direction as well so for now I'm following it. I still hunt and explore of course, but for now, my goal is to find civilization and learn more abut this world.

****

Does anyone know why it is, that a half-meter being, built for speed can't outrun a bear? Seriously! I'd like to know. I mean I suppose a body designed by an amateur in the field may have some problems, but we're running through thick underbrush and I can, with some luck, outrun rabbits.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

****

Ok. What the F*** is WRONG with this bear. I could understand if it was protecting it's territory or something, but this thing has been chasing me for the better part of an hour. Seriously, what the f*** did I ever do to you?!

Also what is up with the weir…WHO THE HELL PUT A F***ing RAVINE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOREST?! Damn it. It's like this is scripted of something!

The bear of course didn't just stand there. It caught up to me the moment I stopped and swung it's massive paw and 10 cm long claws at me. That's more than one-fifth of my hight in case you forgot.

Fortunately I managed to dive underneath it, so the blow missed.

Unfortunately, my my body and abilities are still far from perfect, so the claws still scratched me and the smooth roll and sprint I had envisioned, turned into a decidedly un-smooth tumble and desperate scramble.

Well, in the end it accomplished the goal of avoiding death and I somehow managed to regain my balance before the bear tried again.

So now I'm back where I started, except this time I have a ravine to my right and the bear I only a few meters behind me. Plus I now have gash in my shoulder, which, now that I think about it, seems oddly numb. I wonder if that's because I somehow blocked the pain unconsciously or just because…

You have been poisoned

“… poison … hahaha of course … I mean why not. I was just wondering if there was some way to make things more exiting. THE F*** DOES A BEAR NEED POISON FOR, EH?!”

“Damn it. I should have just stayed a plant. You get an opportunity to live a nice peaceful life, but no, you have to have adventure, and magic don't you? *mumble* *mumble* … hmm?"

In front of me was a crack that extended from the ravine. I could jump over it fairly easily so I wasn't worried about that. I might even help me gain some distance. No, what interested me, was that there was a hole in the rocky wall of the abyss. A hole that I could fit in.

So without a second thought I leaped forward and dived in.

****

So here is the situation.

The poison wasn't that much of a problem. I have a rather unique physiology and I can, with some time, remove it with Telekinesis, or rather it's sub-skill.

The hole is small, in the shadows and surrounded by hard rock, so if I stay here too long I'm gonna starve.

The bear can't get to me in here, but it has decided to park itself just outside and doesn't seem to plan on leaving anytime soon.

The only viable solution that I can think of? Kill or incapacitate the bear.

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Hey, so sorry for the delay as well as the possible delay of the next chapter. Yeah . . .

Basically I have no problem with keeping the pace if I actually sit down and write, but i have the tendancy to not do that until the last minute. I'll try to keep the current schedule, but I might take a short break at some point and write ahead. We'll see.

Anyway. Hope you enjoyed.