Chapter Eleven - Hunter

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With clarity I had never had before when waking, my eyes shot open and took in the dark, near empty clearing as I jumped into a kneeling position and quickly analysed my surroundings, releasing a threatening growl.

A few wolves and insect-monkeys that were loitering near the edges of the clearing, forming what appeared to be small groups, looked over with curiosity before returning to whatever they were doing.

Something that felt like a threat, or was it pain? Maybe danger? Whatever it was, it had woken me up suddenly and put me on high alert.

My heart thumped noisily in my chest as my eyes continued to dart about, however, it was clear that there was nothing near me and I felt, well not quite normal, but not in any pain.

Blinking a few times, wondering if I had some sort of nightmare after waking up earlier, I checked one last time for any creatures or potential threats near me, only to find I was completely alone.

In fact, it appeared that most of the animals had left somewhere which only caused me to feel less certain of my situation.

-"Hmm, maybe one of them leaving startled me?"

After quickly examining my body, noting that although it felt odd, I no longer was sore or achy, I slowly stood up.

My joints cracked and popped in protest, as if I hadn't moved in a century, once again drawing more curious glances from my new neighbours.

Taking a deep breath, I looked up only to grimace.

It was dark.

If I had really woken up earlier, which after checking a few of the more notable branches I remember seeing, was more than likely, then I had slept a night and a day away.

Even my perfect vision, which I could honestly say was the best it had ever been, could not distract me from the heavy, sinking feeling I was starting to feel.

A growl of irritation rumbled deep in my chest as I clenched my jaw.

-"I am losing too much time, but before that, I needed to decide if I am going to be nocturnal or diurnal. I need to try and get into some sort of habit."

Humans, back in the past, had always shied away from the dark and its hidden threats. That was until they invented ways to light up the night and eliminated any threats. Well, bar the ones they made for themselves yet here I was, with potentially unlimited possibilities before me.

To become a creature of the night or day. Without technology and with the ability to overcome any disadvantages, it was a tough choice.

I scratched my smooth chin, vaguely feeling that something else was off, as I pondered the question.

-"Why do I have to pick? Even though I enjoy sleeping, I have always hated the wasted time. If earlier is anything to go by, the light doesn't hurt my eyes anymore, and instead of spending time on this, I could just try and solve the real issue. How much sleep I need."

A snort, hopefully not at me staring off into the starry night sky, from the insect-apes jolted me from my thoughts.

-"I guess I have the desire, I just need to force my body to accept the need though."

I frowned.

-"However, I am not sure on the limitations of this. It reminds me that small animals have shorter life spans due to their higher metabolism but larger animals conventionally grow and develop slower and live longer. My body is not a machine with replaceable parts. If I increase the amount of time I am active or strain I am under, I should, in theory, age faster?"

-"Hmm, a smouldering fire or a blazing inferno. I guess it all depends on the limitations of what they injected me with."

The answer was easy. When I found my grave, I wanted to slide into it with nothing left in the tank, having lived life to the full and leaving a trail of destruction, and hopefully good times, behind me.

Deep in thought, I ran my tongue along the tips of my teeth and started walking towards the pool I had previously drunk from.

I noticed that they felt sharper, and I wasn't quite sure how I knew, but a lot stronger.

It wasn't as if they were more pointed or prominent, just that the edges felt as if I weren't careful, they would cut me.

As if to prove my point, my canine sliced my tongue, causing me to hiss in pain and spit a dark red glob of blood onto the floor nevertheless, I wasn't given much time to dwell on it.

During my short walk, my joins continued to crack, however, as they started to stop, I felt what could only be my muscles squirming underneath my skin, eventually settling down.

-"I am starting to feel like that creature, the Thing."

I shook my head, trying to push the image out of my mind.

In a world like this, the stuff of nightmares could be a reality. What's more, if I weren't careful, I could become one.

A deep, ominous grumble resonated from my stomach, indicating where my priorities should be.

-"First a drink, then I better find food. I can worry about the other stuff after."

A smile crept on my face at the thought that my number one concern since arriving on this planet had been to eat and drink.

I had always been an advocate of a more 'fundamental' way of life however now I was living it, I could honestly say that just staying fed and watered could quickly leave you with no time for anything else.

After drinking a couple of dozen handfuls of water, noticing that although it did the job, it did not quite quench my thirst like it had done on Earth, I looked around the clearing.

Only a few of the wolves, including the large Alpha, were still around. The rest had disappeared into the thick foliage, presumably to hunt.

I remembered the cow-like creatures I had seen grazing on my first night and wondered where they sat on the food chain.

-”Guess I am not the only night owl here. I wonder if it is because hunting is easier in the dark, that there are bigger threats in the light or that there just isn't enough food during the day. I didn't see anything while walking here.”

Standing back up and dusting myself off, I paused before looking at my hands as my mind ground to a halt.

Running back to where I had been sleeping, I searched for signs of the small snake.

I had completely forgotten about it, which if it was still alive and holding a grudge, could have been very bad for me.

-"Why the hell did I pick that up? I should have left it where it was and let nature take its course. What the hell was I thinking?"

After checking the area multiple times, I frowned.

-”Either it got better and decided to make a run for it, or it got eaten while I slept. Or, like when I passed out with Spike, I unconsciously ate it. Either way, it's gone.”

My stomach gurgled, seemingly in protest to the thought that it had already received some food.

I sighed.

-"Seeing that there is a distinctive lack of blood or water, I doubt I got the munchies."

I looked at my left hand, and a small pang of loneliness welled up inside.

-"Surely I am not lonely."

My view tilted up and I took in the night sky while drawing a deep breath.

-"I am still wasting time."

Scanning the clearing again, this time trying to gather as much info as possible, I started to think of a plan.

If I wanted to evolve, well, adapt, in the right way, I would need to do things properly and seeing as I would not be content with second place, that meant things getting a little dicey.

I would need to expose myself to as many dangerous situations as possible, with clear mental images of what I wanted to improve, review the encounter and repeat.

Having already decided that I wanted to focus on my mind and body, I started to come up with a list of things that I should focus on.

-"Speed, Dexterity, Strength, Stamina."

Stretching my neck while going through warm up exercises, something I had gotten used to before doing anything remotely straining, I continued to plan.

-"Speed and stamina can be practised by travelling, though reaction times would need something unpredictable to thoroughly test. Dexterity should improve naturally as I focus on other tasks though I can remember a few tricks that should help. Strength. Well, that one is obvious."

Finished stretching, I take a few more mouthfuls of water and start pacing.

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-"Due to having no idea how to make clothes or tan hide, and because I keep getting small injuries I need to increase my skins toughness. Also, the ability to eat and digest a broad range of things would be very beneficial to survival. That also leads onto poison and disease resistances."

I knew that I was starting to think of my situation similar to a game, but honestly, I had no better way to sort and organise the information I had. My new found night vision and poison blood had wiped all doubts from my mind, and all that was left was trying to work how far I could push the advantage while I had it.

An image started forming in my mind, but unsurprisingly, it looked how I imagined myself to be, if with a bit better muscle definition.

I knew I might be handicapping my growth and the potential of these adaptations, but I wanted to remain me. It had been a long time since I had learnt to live with myself and in the process, it became who I was, scars and all.

There were a few 'cool' ideas I had about how the human body could be improved, but since I couldn't imagine them on me, or even begin to understand the consequences, I pushed the idea to the back of my mind.

I was sure that when I met the other humans, I would be wiping away tears of laughter at some of the impractical or damn right idiotic changes they would make.

I sniggered, absentmindedly rubbing my left arm, feeling the hard surface as I wondered what my body would look like if I went ahead with the plan forming in my mind.

-"If I am going to do what I think I should, I am going to look pretty badass with all these scars when I am done."

Clapping my hands together I grinned, probably like a mad man, as I resolved myself for what was to come.

-"First things first, let's get some food. Can't win a war on an empty stomach and times, they are a changin~."

Looking around at the many, small trails that exited the clearing, my gut twisted as a sudden realisation caused a slight chill, maybe with a hint of excitement, to run down my spine.

The spiked creatures were out there, and while there undoubtedly would be other threats, they obviously had it out for me. In fact, even if it was just my paranoia acting up, I could almost imagine them setting up some sort of ambush as they rubbed their hoof's in anticipation of ripping me to shreds and drinking my blood.

I shrugged as the genuine threat that they represented was overshadowed something that I considered rather silly, if slightly amusing, yet I couldn't stop myself from licking my lips at the memory of the tangy, iron-like taste.

My stomach to grumble in approval at the thoughts that were bubbling to the surface.

-"Well, I have always preferred meat over my veg, even if it was slightly more cooked. Anyway, I should probably start off easy and find some fruit. One Spike was hard enough let alone a... pack I suppose? They did seem pretty dog-like, and honestly, I don't think I was far from meeting the Reaper. I shou-"

My footsteps faltered.

-”My daggers!”

I slapped my forehead with my palm, the power in the hit enough to stagger me back, much to my surprise.

Recovering quickly and pushing what had just happened to the back of my mind, I searched the entire clearing, even checking the pools and underneath the overhang of bushes that encroached the edges to find my improvised weapons that I had started calling daggers, only to discover there wasn't even a trace.

It was like they never existed.

While my mind came up with ideas of what happened to my prized weapons, each more outlandish than the last, my gaze drifted around, only to lock with the Alpha wolf's eyes.

It turns out that it was a she, seeing as she was nursing the pups while watching me with an amused 'what are you doing now?' look.

Ok, so I might have been running around like a headless chicken, stopping every now and again as I spaced out, but there was no need for that look.

I could almost sense the pity that was held in the gaze and in my mind, I was wondering if she was thinking about putting me out of my misery.

I realised my cheeks were heating in embarrassment, causing me to grind my teeth.

-"Great, now I imagine insults and slights. Who needs enemies when I have my brain."

Even though I knew, or at least thought I knew, that it was all in my head, I still put on my best smile, making sure I didn't reveal any teeth as that could have been seen as a challenge.

The wolf tilted its head in confusion, which would have been cute if it wasn't as big as a small truck, and I narrowed my eyes, trying to convey a message with every fibre of my being.

'Don't underestimate me... bitch.'

I had no idea how intelligent the wolf was, or how it seemed to sense what I was thinking but I had the sudden feeling that she was laughing at me, even though her expression hadn't really changed.

Maintaining eye contact, the wolf pointed it's muzzle at the tree line and in a 'go on then, show me' attitude, flicked its head as if it was telling me to go.

I grumbled under my breath as I started walking towards the small trail on the other side of the wolf. "I am definitely spending too much time on my own. I felt crazy enough around other people yet I had no idea it could get worse."

Having decided that, due to their evident dislike of each other, the spiked creatures would probably have exited the clearing on the opposite side to the Alpha, I felt the safest option would probably be to start off in the other direction.

Within moments, the clearing was out of sight as I disappeared into the thick foliage.

My steps slowly became lighter as I forced the indignation I felt from my mind.

-"Here I am, on an alien planet with no humans around, and I am being judged by an overgrown rug."

-"And why the hell was I embarrassed by that. I am naked for fuck sake. Priorities... err."

Sighing I felt my shoulders deflate.

-"I still need a name."

After a few meters, I found myself walking on the balls of my feet as my body swayed between the thickest clusters of vegetation, trying to make as little noise as possible while pushing my senses to the max.

With visibility this poor, this would be the perfect place for an ambush.

I felt my heartbeat skip as another plan started to formulate in my mind.

-"Who said I had to be the prey?"

My elation soon dropped. I wasn't strong enough yet and I knew it. I needed to push hard before I could pull something off like that.

That feeling deep in my gut rose once again as I remembered that I could have already wasted too much time.

-"What does it matter, the milk has already spilt. Need to make the best of what I have and at least now I have a goal."

I felt my lips curl. It might have been childish, but I worked best when I had someone to prove wrong and that wolf, with its condescending gaze, had provided it.

She was much stronger, faster, and as I didn't like underestimating an enemy, smarter than me. The alpha ruled the clearing with an iron fist, its why I started calling her Alpha after all.

She was perfect. My goal. At least until I found a stronger opponent.

I started pushing myself harder, forcing myself to be as silent as possible while analysing every bit of input my senses provided. I even tried smelling the trees and plants as I passed.

While I was sure I looked stupid, and that I could be wasting even more of my valuable time, it felt right, so I carried on.

I slowly circled outwards, similar to the way I entered the trees but even though I was moving much better than before, the sharp leaves and thorns still managed to brush my skin, however, unlike earlier, they could not penetrate and seemingly slid off harmlessly.

This gave me another idea, though I quickly dismissed it.

I grumbled at my weak resolve. I had read enough stories that, in similar circumstances, injuring oneself repeatedly could reap huge benefits but, I just couldn't do it.

I might be planning something that could be summarised as Insanity's and Masochistic's evil love spawn, but hurting myself like that was just against who I was.

I spat on the floor, hissing at how stupid I was.

Surely as my idea to gain strength was even more dangerous and pain filled, a few cuts or at least taking some damage was not that hard but no matter what reason I came up with, I couldn't even begin to convince myself.

-"Nope, not going to happen."

*Grrrr*

My stomach was a welcome distraction from my thoughts, which once again I was getting too lost in.

Sighing I took a deep breath and calmed my mind.

-"Still the same, even if I don't have a name. Stubborn as a mule and twice as dense."

Looking around, I noticed one of the fruits I had seen on my arrival, yet while it looked somewhat appetising in daylight, now I am pretty sure it would either melt through my stomach or irradiate me.

Well, it wasn't that it looked unappealing in the taste sense. It was more the fact that eating a glowing red fruit with a slight orange sparkle to it, is something no respecting, paranoid person would do.

I would say no self-respecting person, but I have met plenty would probably be clutching their throats as they foamed at the mouth and rolled around on the floor in their final death throws if we exchanged places.

Still, I knew that even though I wanted to increase my bodies resistance to poison and disease, that the fruit, that was no bigger than my fist, would have the final laugh if I tried to eat it now and I was unwilling to die in such a pathetic manner.

I moved past the tree, still debating if I was being a wimp and was shocked to see I was already on the outskirts of the copse.

Scratching a painful spot on my left arm, I noticed that there was a smooth, almost perfect circle of skin where scar tissue should be, a few inches up from my wrist, however, before I could investigate further, I heard something.

A small clicking to my right drew my gaze, only for me to freeze as I watched one of the insect apes eating fruit as it leant against a tree, looking out onto the rolling grassy hills in front of it.

Without realising what I was doing, I had been walking so silently that I had managed to sneak up on it.

I smiled, probably creepily, as I realised just how much I had improved on my short walk.

-"It seems that whatever is causing the adaptations is continually at work, whether I am asleep or awake. That's really good to know though, I wonder why I don't feel any pain when it does what it does? Surely it should hurt like hell?"

My stomach cramps, wiping the smile from my face yet, apart from that, not a single muscle twitches.

I swallow, the sound almost deafening in my ears, as I realise how parched I am.

-"It also seems that the faster I adapt, the more I need to eat and drink. This could be bad."

I take an incredibly slow step towards the creature, my mind not yet caught up with my bodies plan, as I rapidly start to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

I had no idea why I didn't think of it earlier, treating the adaptation ability as some form of magic but now I thought about it, the side effects were glaringly obvious.

My next step paused in mid air as I finally realised what I was about to do.

I was now no more than six feet from the creature who continued to eat without a care in the world.

-"Wait, why am I taking such a risk? I got night vision by sub consciously wanting it and the poison blood thing just because the bug bites were infuriating me. Maybe all I have to do is want immunity to poison and a stronger stomach? I could just eat the fruits and not take the chance of upsetting another fraction."

I study the creature.

-"Or you know, dying in the attempt."

My face creased into a frown, the only movement the creature made was to reach for another fruit as it continued it's outward visual.

-"Somehow I don't think it works like that or else this world would be full of gods. I was in the dark, and so it had something to work with. The bugs were biting me, and a fair few had feasted before I noticed any changes. I wasn't instantly good at moving quietly, but with practice and repetition, it improved at incredibly fast rates."

My foot continued, landing silently on the leaf litter that had spilt out onto the grassland.

-"If that is the case, then it needs something to work with or really, against. I will need to taste and then consume many things to build up a resistance. However, I should probably do it on a full stomach. It could cause a lot of damage if the adaptation has nothing to use for... energy? If that was the case, then the safest bet was to continue with what had previously worked."

My vision started to narrow, focusing so hard on the insect-like ape, that I could see its heartbeat in one of the veins running down the side of its neck.

-"So it's like micro evolutions, rapidly changing and adjusting to get the desired effect. That could be what the voice meant about the environment having an impact. It could also only be the trigger for more advanced evolutions that aren't aesthetic? Urg, why couldn't that bitch just tell me what was going on."

I decided to ignore the fact that I had turned down the extra information and most likely, the support of the other humans that were probably sitting around a nice camp fire, in a large group, brainstorming about now.

The thoughts drifted away as I focused and continued to move forward stealthily.

My eyes scanned the creature in front, taking notice of its skeletal structure and using whatever knowledge I had to try and identify weaknesses.

-"Humanoid, so head, spine, neck are priority targets. Skin looks hard. Possible exoskeleton. Muscles are not evident but could be like ants. Will need to hit hard and fast. Possible allies nearby."

Somewhere, I felt concerned at just how cold blooded and calculating I had become, but it was soon swallowed by my growing excitement as I struggled to keep my heartbeat steady.

The spot around the patch of skin on left arm tingled but I ignored it.

Straining my ears, I listened for similar noises to what the creature was making. I was almost shaking with excitement.

I was almost shaking with excitement as I could see the creature's body move with each click, indicating it was the only one making the noises.

I took another painfully slow step forward, pulling my foot back slightly when it was about to touch the floor after sensing a twig before pressing down just behind it.

My lips pulled back into a feral snarl as I hunched, preparing to lunge.

In my mind, I had already killed the creature, dragged it into the dense vegetation cover and devouring it.

*Grrrrrrr*

-"Oh, fuck my life."