Putting aside the currently useless memories I focus on the information from the book. More specifically the first two phases as they seem the most relevant to my immediate survival.
The second phase seems simple enough in concept at least but my concern lies with the first phase, my current one. While the information basically confirms that I was spawned by a dungeon not born it doesn't tell me how to play to my " inherent strengths" I mean inferior and dingy are literally in my name and my scales are made of freaking wax what strength am I meant to play to that will actually help me survive? I still haven't leveled up yet that should provide me with some more context on what i'm working with at least.
With my new goal in mind the screen disappears and I begin the journey back following the briars alongside the chasm wall.
While traveling from the stump to the edge of the root covered area I took a lot of effort to avoid any sounds or life I came across now that i'm ready to level I simply do the opposite and seek them all out.
It only takes about 5 minutes for me to find my first possible victim…
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[Basic analysis Complete]
Species Profile: "Walking thorn" LV.4
Vitae: 32/32
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Surprisingly getting close enough to analyze it was easy, mostly since I didn't notice it until I was standing under it but still easy nonetheless!
Despite my presence its either asleep or simply doesn't care about my presence giving me a great chance to get a look at the thing before I commit to attacking.
From a distance the creature is indiscernible from the many large thorns that dot the surrounding undergrowth, up close though it resembles a beetle whose body looks to be made of light green colored fresh vegetation.
Its body though a bit smaller than mine looks much more dense with its head bearing a 2 inch long horn which turns from green to a dark red at the tip making it identical to the thorns around it.
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Ultimately while hunting more grubs would be the safer bet I decide its worth it to test my limits while uninjured and also see how the rewards may vary for different creatures. Despite having substantially more vitae than me I put it down to it being a more tanky creature, worse case I'm certain I can escape if it proves too hard. Most of my confidence stems from my regeneration. I just can't see this thing being able to fatally wound me fast enough to be an issue.
Slowly I make my way behind it now convinced it's asleep with how still it's been through my inspection, I take full advantage of the situation positioning myself behind it as far from the horn as possible and get ready to launch my sneak attack, maybe I'll kill it before it knows what's happening?
Ok here we go. With a mix of fear and excitement I start my offensive throwing my full weight into the creature as I attack the only "weak" looking points on its body, the legs.
Reaching out talons first I grasp the inner and outer lengths on its far back-right leg and bite down on the exposed joint connecting them. With a satisfying *crunch* it snaps with surprising ease causing half the leg to fall to the ground severed and the remaining bit twitching useless.
As one would expect the beetle did not take kindly to being woken up or crippled and jolted to life letting out a sudden pained screech before violently trying to turn and see who had assaulted it only to stumble as it realizes it's missing a leg.
Sadly, even with a lost limb it still has 5 more so it quickly compensates but the brief opening gives me ample time to get in another free hit.
Doubling down on my original plan I grab the next leg up on the beetle as soon as it lifts it to turn and try to rip it off with my fangs like the last one.
Unlike the first this one actually resists for a moment for giving way with a sickening pop sending the beetle falling on its side in pain kicking its remaining legs furiously, one actually grazing my neck leaving a long but shallow cut along it.
*POP**POP*
I watch in confusion as two new legs burst out of the beetle's torso replacing the old ones as its suddenly rights itself by throwing its weight to the side forcing me to get back in the process lest it land on me.
Thats so not fair! I know most of the creatures are supposed to heal like me but how the hell is this guy popping out new limbs like nothing.
[Normally vitae repairs the body at a slower far more efficient rate, Critical injuries that affect movement or combat abilities are healed rapidly in a process which consumes vastly more vitae than normal.]
Well, that kind of ruins the point of crippling enemies… I guess it works out for me if I ever get really messed up. Maybe the extra vitae it wastes makes it worth it?
[basic system analysis]
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[Basic analysis Complete]
Species Profile: "Walking thorn" LV.4
Vitae: 18/32
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Well, I'd be half dead if I took that much so I guess I can't complain too much. Feeling more confident now that I have more overall Vitae in reserve than my opponent, I stand my ground with only a few feet between me and my enraged foe.
Seeing that I'm not going to just back off it bursts forward into a charge releasing an annoying series of clicks as it moves with far more speed than its stout body seems capable of.
Still its fairly obvious this guys more of a tank by design so its fairly easy for me to sidestep the oncoming charge and leave a nasty claw mark along the right side of its body as it passes.
This singled the start a prolonged period of the beast charging me only for me to dodge and even
get a hit in if I'm lucky. Once I get over the fear of the giant horn trying to impale me its almost fun and a good chance to practice dodging at the same time, this dance goes on for several minutes until just after dodging its latest charge a loud *THUMP* erupts behind me…
Turning around I was suddenly torn between pity and just laughing my ass off, the creature was stuck.