As he leveled up, something miraculous occurred. The wound on his front leg began to heal, and the fatigue he had been feeling disappeared. Locci felt rejuvenated in a way he had never experienced before.
"This is the result of leveling up?" he muttered, feeling grateful for the sudden improvement in his condition. Without it, he didn't know how much longer he could have endured the pain from his injuries.
Having learned his lesson, Locci promptly retreated from the scene, determined not to attract any more Nixes.
After ensuring he was alone, Locci halted and said, "System."
[Name: Locci Snowstar
Species: Snowoo
Level: 2 | Grade: Extra
Innate Ability: 1 | Essence: 0/2
Strength: 10 | Endurance: 7 | Resistance: 11
Speed: 9 | Stamina: 11 | Polish: 8
Mana: 5 | Force: 5 | Wisdom: 4
Soul: 2 | Sense: 8 | Willpower: 4]
Locci glanced at his system window and observed that certain stats had improved, while others remained unchanged.
At this juncture, Locci realized how to enhance particular stats.
"Eating a Nix might or might not boost stats depending on the quality of the food consumed," he mused. "However, to specifically enhance certain stats, I can engage in actions related to those stats after consuming a Nix."
Locci was eager to test his theory, but first, he had to find shelter. In this frigid land, the weather could be harsh. He urgently needed a refuge safe from Nixes, humans, and the weather.
The first step he took was to leave the forest. It was a haven for Nixes, and he had firsthand experience of how unsettling this place could be.
Once out of the forest, Locci found himself in unfamiliar surroundings. Before him lay a slope leading down to lower ground, where he could see a village.
"Human settlement," Locci muttered knowingly. He was aware that humans inhabited this area too, as Winterhold was one of the beginner areas in Nixworld.
Thanks to his keen senses, Locci could observe the bustling activities within the village. People moved about with their trained Nixes, and he also witnessed Nixes engaged in labor for humans, such as hauling logs, constructing new buildings, and tending to a giant fireplace at the village's center.
Humans held dominion over this world. Despite their frailty, they could subjugate multiple Nixes. In fact, most Nixes chose to avoid humans unless directly threatened.
Locci, too, had no desire to engage with humans. After all, he was now a Pokesol/Nix, and moreover, he was of extra grade. Humans would go to great lengths to enslave him.
However, in a peculiar twist, the human settlement was the most secure area in Winterhold. Locci saw an opportunity to capitalize on this by establishing a nest at a considerable distance from the village.
Locci cautiously descended the slope, keeping a keen eye out for any signs of humans in the vicinity. As he made his way, he noted the sparse scattering of trees and rocks along the path, eventually opting to approach a large rock.
Considering his options, Locci concluded that this spot might serve as a suitable resting place for the night. While uncertain about tomorrow or the days to come, he resolved to spend the night here for now.
Locci set to work, burrowing into the snow to create his own nest. By the time he finished, evening had descended, and he settled down to rest. It was his first attempt at making a burrow, but it sufficed as a place to rest for the night.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
As he had anticipated, Locci remained undisturbed throughout the night. However, he resolved not to linger near the human settlement the following day, as humans were likely to notice nests made by Nixes.
"I'll give it my all tomorrow," Locci muttered, putting aside any further thoughts for the moment. Right now, all he wanted was to rest.
After a long and exhausting day, Locci found himself drifting into a comfortable sleep. He awoke the next morning while the sky was still dark, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Locci had formulated his plans for the day. Firstly, he aimed to secure a semi-permanent shelter. Secondly, he intended to hunt for food. And lastly, if possible, he planned to search for essences.
Each time Nixes consumed, there was a chance for their bodies to undergo modifications or even evolution, resulting in increased or upgraded abilities. In addition to this, they could ingest essences from other Nixes to enhance their abilities further. These essences were typically located within the bodies of Nixes, though they were exceedingly rare.
In addition to their rarity, another challenge arose: Nixes were unable to release the essences they consumed without the aid of human technology. Consequently, Locci couldn't simply select any essence at random.
Though Locci had specific essences in mind that he wished to consume. "I require a healing ability if I am to survive in this world," he muttered. Reflecting on his recent leveling up, he acknowledged that without it, he might not have survived. Therefore, acquiring a healing ability was imperative for him to mend his injuries.
Fortunately, despite his limited knowledge of Nixworld, Locci had come across information about some renowned Nixes. Nixes possessing healing abilities were highly sought after, and he knew that there were a few such Nixes residing in Winterhold.
The first was a plant-ice type Nix named Icery. The second was a towering ice giant Nix known as Goggre. Given that Goggre was a high-level Nix, Locci opted to pursue Icery Nixes instead. These Nixes were found within the pine forest.
"It appears I must venture into the forest once more," Locci remarked, his tone betraying a hint of apprehension. Having nearly perished twice within its depths, he harbored a deep-seated fear of the forest. Nevertheless, he recognized that confronting this fear was essential for his survival.
However, that would have to wait. Locci resolved to bolster his strength before challenging the forest once more.
Locci sniffed the ground as he walked, relying on his keen senses to guide him. Before long, he discovered a small burrow nestled beneath a tree.
Digging into the burrow, Locci uncovered a pair of snow rabbits known as Snobbits. One trembled in fear at the sight of him, while the other attempted to flee. Locci swiftly caught the escaping rabbit before subduing the frightened one. After consuming his prey, he resumed his search for other burrows, repeating the process until the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon.
[Your speed has increased!]
"All that effort for just one speed stat," Locci grumbled, licking the blood from his mouth. "Guess I'll have to hunt down some other Nixes."
Locci proceeded towards the mossfield, but his progress halted abruptly when he spotted a pack of white wolves, known as Wanderclaws, in pursuit of a herd of Fluffinixes.
Watching the wolves hunt in harmony, Locci couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He pondered how much easier life might be if he belonged to a pack. Yet, he knew deep down that he was destined to be a lone wolf.
Locci didn't bother to approach the wolves, fully aware that they would perceive him as a threat. Instead, he blended into the snowy surroundings, observing from a distance as events unfolded. Once the wolves had departed with their spoils, Locci cautiously made his way towards the aftermath of the battle.
"They didn't even leave a single body behind," Locci lamented, surveying the blood-stained mossfield now devoid of any remnants of the Fluffinixes.
"What other Nixes can I hunt, I wonder?" Locci pondered aloud. Considering that he might learn a thing or two by exploring further, he resolved to follow the trails left by the Wanderclaws.
As Locci followed the trails, he stumbled upon the Wanderclaws engaged in a fierce battle with a bear Nix twice their size, known as a Polarnix.
The Wanderclaws took turns attacking the Polarnix, but suddenly, the Polarnix roared and unleashed an invisible shockwave that stunned the Wanderclaws, halting their movements.
Locci's eyes widened in recognition. "That's [Overlord Intent]!" he exclaimed. This ability, wielded by formidable species, exerted immense pressure on weaker creatures.
The Polarnix wasn't finished surprising him yet. With a thunderous slam of its front legs, it caused ice needles to erupt from the ground, impaling the Wanderclaws and defeating them instantly.
A chill ran down Locci's spine as fear gripped him, his fur standing on end. He realized that a truly powerful Nix could overwhelm even large numbers.
Despite his fear, Locci also felt a mixture of respect and envy. Could he ever reach the level of the Polarnix?
Shaking off his doubts, Locci filled his mind with newfound determination. "No, to survive, I must become stronger than that bear! I swear I will defeat it one day!"
Locci blended into the snowy landscape, silently observing as the Polarnix fed. Fortunately, luck was on his side, and the Polarnix didn't consume all of its prey before departing.
Once he confirmed the Polarnix had left, Locci cautiously approached the scene. Food littered the ground, presenting a free banquet—or so he thought. To his dismay, he wasn't the only one eyeing the bodies. A white fox and a white vulture had also arrived, their intentions unmistakably hostile.
Realizing he would need to compete with the other two Nixes if he wanted to enjoy the feast, Locci steeled himself. There was no way he was backing down from a free meal.