Charlie had spent the better half of an hour coming up with a plan of action. He had mapped out his immediate vicinity in the gravel floor, coming up with a minor lexicon of symbols that would explain what each cove held with a quick glance. The map was crude and lacked in detail, but it was better than nothing right now. His tail could never replace the accuracy of a pen on paper, but having neither, Charlie needed to get creative.

Creating these maps and marking out target locations had been one of Charlies skills when he was still human. He would be sent to scout out locations as he was the most stealthy of them all, and had a great track record of coming back alive. His planning and mapping abilities had helped out his settlement more times than he could count, and falling back into his old habits was too easy, if not a bit melancholic.

The lexicon covered where Charlie would be safe, where it was too dangerous and which cove wasn't yet inhabited. He didn't want to rely solely on his memory, especially when faced with a chaotic situation, so instead Charlie chose to plan out a short route and commit to staying within what he could reliably remember.

After having marked everything that Charlie could reliably remember and going over what he had already seen, Charlie concluded that there were two main creatures that he would have a chance against. There may be more of course, but Charlie had not yet grasped the full understanding of his capabilities, and there were still plenty Charlie had not yet come across.

There was a tight criteria Charlie had to consider before committing to the hunt. Firstly they were required to be small enough for Charlie to swallow whole, then they also needed to regularly separate from their main pack as fighting against tens or even hundreds of creatures was out of the question. Lastly they were required to not have any outward appearing weapons that could pose a great threat. They couldn't have large claws or teeth that could easily snap him half, and they definitely shouldn't have tusks or horns that could skewer him.

That criteria reduced the total number of viable candidates to four creatures, but only two of them actually made sense to hunt. The other two behaved too erratically, starting fights with their own packs or suddenly forming bonds with other creatures that far outclassed them, or him, for Charlie to confidently face them in a fight.

The first creature Charlie had his eyes on was something he decided to call the Sklite. An abbreviation of Skitter and Lite, since to Charlie they looked like those cancerous creatures from when he was still human, but far smaller and much more docile. They didn't have any outward appearing weapons, nor did their teeth look too oppressive, which would be a massive boon if they had nothing else. Best of all, they rarely returned to their large swarms, instead preferring to venture out alone and nibbling on the fallen corpses of large creatures.

Sklites, while docile and a scavenger in nature, did seem to have some strengths. A singular Sklite was not going to provide much of a challenge for Charlie, but their power lay in their ability to cohesively swarm a target. He had only come across the swarm once, they had their sights on some cattle-like creature. It was eaten alive by hundreds if not thousands of Sklites, it was an awful sight. It didn't matter how much it stomped or raged, there was nothing left but bone when they finished their gruesome task, not even a drop of blood remained.

The creature had only approached the boiling swarm, clearly searching for food, but it quickly found itself become a meal to their overwhelming numbers. The Sklites would come in an ocean of flesh and teeth, drowning their opponents and rendering them unable to retaliate. Even if one or two Sklites perished, the swarm was unaffected.

The second creature Charlie had simply called the Lizard, only because he had nothing else to compare it to. There were many lizards that scurried around the rubble and burnt foliage when he was still alive, and while this creature looked almost identical to them, they were many times larger. They weren't as long as Charlie, but they almost matched him in height.

Charlie had spent some time shadowing these creatures on his earlier trip, and had noticed a few key differences that separated them from what he had seen on his world. They had a stockier build, with legs that looked far less mobile than their smaller counterparts and had an angular head with eyes on both sides.

But their build wasn't what had piqued Charlies curiosity, it was their ability to change colour and blend into their environment with frightening accuracy. It didn't seem all that useful for combat, but he could only wish for such an amazing utility ability. His chances of remaining unseen would skyrocket and catching out prey would become infinitely easier.

Charlie was right in his speculation, their camouflage proved incredible when they were completely still, but the moment they moved they stuck out like a sore thumb. Though movement didn't seem all too common either, in the ten minutes he had spent shadowing one, it didn't move an inch, the only reason Charlie had seen it in the first place was because it shot out its long pink tongue at an insect and grabbed itself an easy snack.

It was almost too fast to see, but Charlie had been paying attention to his surroundings and managed to sneak a glance at just the right time. Charlie was a little concerned about the Lizards, not because they were a danger to him, but they would be nearly impossible to find without luck on his side.

In conclusion, Charlie could only focus on the Sklites without an opportunity arising. They fit all the required criteria and were easy to find, something Charlie couldn't take for granted. They were still quicker than Charlie, so a patient approach was required if he wanted any chance at making a meal out of them.

Charlie had no chance of catching them if they were to try and escape, their lithe bodies proved far too quick to pin down after studying them from afar. He needed to conceal himself in the shadows, tight corners or even deep crevices that scarred the stone floor.

Success wasn't the highest priority right now since Charlie had recently finished digesting his previous meal, but it was still important to at least learn all that he could. If he was lucky, there would be a tomorrow for him to try again.

Before fully committing to exiting the mushroom cove, Charlie peeked his head out and checked the corners for any surprise guests. Keeping an ear out for any nearby scuffles, and in hearing nothing, Charlie left the cove with a growing confidence.

While Charlie kept to the shadows, he couldn't help but wonder how they even existed in the first place. There is an unnatural glow from all around, and yet rocks that jutted out cast a shadow as if they were illuminated by a sun high above. Not quite as deep or dark, but enough to somewhat obfuscate whatever was within.

Charlie wasn't complaining about this strange phenomenon, but he was curious if there was an explanation he could eventually uncover. There were too many oddities about this cave, and Charlie hoped to discover its true nature within this lifetime.

There were multiple routes to the Sklites nest. Some were short but fraught with danger and perilous creatures, while others were much longer but kept him out of the direct path of more lethal threats. The increased sightings of the Sklites let Charlie know he was nearly there.

They all avoided Charlie like the plague, but he still spotted a few strays. He didn't need them to confront him immediately; there were still places to scout and pathways to find where they traveled the most. High activity would mean a higher chance of success, and even though there was no immediate pressure, Charlie was eager to explore his capabilities.

There was a three-way split in the path a safe distance away from the swarm's den. The walls of the coves were tall here, providing plenty of shade to hide in. However, shade alone wouldn't be enough; Charlie needed to find a place where he could conceal his body without restricting his ability to launch an attack, ensuring he could strike swiftly if necessary.

It was easier said than done, but Charlie managed to find a small crevice, just large enough to fit his slender body, and slightly elevated from the ground. This gave him an optimal position, though he doubted it would work for long. Underestimating even the smallest creature could prove fatal, and Charlie had learned early on from past battles to never look down on any living being.

While Charlie's chosen spot did indeed overlook an incredible number of Sklites moving about, none of them came close enough to strike down. They were all just barely out of reach, as if they could sense his presence and steered clear. This behavior puzzled and frustrated Charlie, making him wonder if the Sklites possessed some unknown awareness or instinct that warned them of his presence.

Still unconvinced, Charlie sat perfectly still for another two hours. The time dragged on slowly; there was only so much he could learn about their patterns from just watching them walk around. He needed to get closer or observe them doing something different. Neither option was really feasible, as getting closer could anger the swarm, and to watch them scampering about, he'd have to spend even more time following them without any guarantee of seeing something useful.

Frustration gnawed at him as another hour passed. Charlie had had enough. It was time to leave, but the metaphorical battle wasn't over yet. There was one more thing he wanted to try before giving up for the day. When he was on the rock spires plateau, he had noticed what looked like a river not too far from here. Perhaps the Sklites could smell him; the mushroom cove's rancid stench had likely clung to his scales, and if he could clean himself, there still might be a way to succeed.

Getting out of his hiding spot was surprisingly easy, which made him second-guess the effectiveness of the cover. He might need to find a better hiding spot eventually. That was for later, though. Charlie would take things step by step and hopefully figure out the right approach. His cautioned determination kept him going despite the setbacks.

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Charlie slithered through the stone plain with intense focus. Every turn, every cove, and every creature he encountered was committed to memory, each detail carefully plotted in his mind. If he could return back his base of operations, plotting the mental map on the gravel floor could prove useful.

The closer Charlie neared the potential river, the calmer the surroundings became. The creatures that he did see were more likely to avoid each other, instead of launching into an all out battle to the death. If this proved to be a river, and the same unspoken rules held even here, then Charlie could almost call this a safe zone. There might even be a good enough reason to move his base of operations to here, provided Charlie was able to find shelter.

Despite the apparent tranquility, Charlie knew better than to trust the unspoken rule with his life. Just because he hadn't seen a fight break out beside a river didn't mean there wouldn't be any. He was intimately familiar with the fragile balance of the ecosystem, having tried to disrupt it himself in the past.

As he approached, Charlie's heightened senses, aided by his sensitive tongue, picked up minute changes in the air. The increasing humidity clung to his scales, wrapping around him like a warm, damp blanket. He could taste the faint tang of evaporated water on his forked tongue. Despite a faint buzz in the air, the sound was too indistinct to make out. Repeatedly flicking his tongue, Charlie followed the scented trail to find a pitiful excuse for a river.

It was nothing compared to the one he had been using on the outside, but beggars can't be choosers; water was water. Charlie scanned the length of the river and saw a number of creatures he had never seen before. They were strange and furless, with dark green skin and bloated bodies. The inflated creatures didn't walk; they hopped around, propelled by their powerful hind legs.

While they looked ugly, the worst part was the overwhelming sound. There must have been hundreds of them, all croaking in a low but guttural tone. The volume had a strange quality to it, as their croaks were almost entirely blocked out by the cove Charlie had to circle around. However they managed it, it must be the reason why no maddened neighbor had yet come to wipe them out.

Having approached the river, Charlie noticed that the ugly little things didn't even stop croaking until he was almost upon them. Only then did they get on their fat legs and hop away to safety. Charlie wasn't sure if they were stupid or had some sort of trick up their sleeve to give them that level of confidence.

After giving the river a proper look, Charlie could see it originate from somewhere higher in the cave and flow all the way down to somewhere out of sight. It wasn't clear to Charlie if this river was natural, or if the warriors had engineered this too. The only reason for his suspicion was how unnaturally smooth and straight the river looked, like it was carved out for some unknown purpose.

Whether the warriors had made this, or it proved to be a natural river, meant nothing to Charlie right now. Whatever its purpose, he was going to make use of it.

Charlie hesitated, his confidence waning as he recalled the harrowing encounter with the silver river creature that had nearly claimed his life. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, a clear reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. With a tightening fear in his chest, Charlie slowed his approach, his senses alert for any sign of danger as he cautiously observed the water.

The water flowed swiftly, but it appeared shallow, too shallow for that beastly thing to navigate easily. The green creatures seemed unbothered by Charlies antics, hopping around in the shallows without a care in the world.

Feeling a tad relieved, Charlie edged closer and tentatively dipped his tail in, quickly retracting it. He waited, bracing for the worst. Nothing happened. Relieved, he tried again, dipping his tail a bit deeper this time, only to recoil in shock when he felt it brush against something. Charlie assumed a defensive stance, ready for battle. There was definitely something lurking, and he wasn't about to relive the past a second time.

But... nothing happened. Unconvinced, Charlie cautiously approached the water once more, squinting into its depths and still, there was nothing.

Growing frustrated, Charlie decided to try again, this time keeping a vigilant eye on the water's surface. He slowly eased his tail in, watching it sink deeper and deeper until it touched the riverbed, sending Charlie into a momentary panic.

I'm actually a fucking idiot.

Deep shame and embarrassment washed over Charlie, quickly dousing the fear in his heart. Charlie's only solace was that no one was around to witness his pathetic display, except for the green uglies surrounding him, of course.

Charlie immersed the rest of his body into the water, welcoming the cool, refreshing sensation as it washed away both grime and shame from his scales. It wasn't until he felt cleaner that Charlie realized the extent of his filth. His body was coated in a thick layer of slime, collecting all the dust and blood he had slithered through the entire time.

The water had washed away a large portion of the slime, but Charlie remained curious about its nature. Though it didn't physically harm him, Charlie decided to be rid of it. With caution, Charlie pulled a section of his long, slender body out of the river, keeping a vigilant eye out for any lingering traces of slime.

Curious, and without much consideration, Charlie flicked his tongue at a small patch of slime remaining on his back.

Charlies senses were smacked with an incredibly acrid, acidic and pungent mushroom flavour. It was exactly the same stink the mushroom cove gave off, but magnified by a hundredfold. He recoiled in disgust, unable to hold back, and dunked his head under the water, desperately trying to wash away the vile taste from his tongue.

Thankfully the water worked quickly and Charlie was no longer assaulted by that repugnant flavour. What had possessed Charlie to do such a thing, was beyond him, but at least it was over.

Charlie cleaned the rest of his body and took a quick drink, leaving the river feeling completely refreshed and ready to try again. The Sklites must have been able to smell him this whole time, so he'd have to make a point of returning to the river before every excursion to wash off that sticky stench.

His now fresh and clean underbelly quickly became dirty again, but what bothered him most was how much more sharply the rocks dug into his skin. Charlie hadn't realised that the slime covering him had actually helped reduce the depth of the cuts to such a degree. He would have to re-evaluate the benefits of the slime at a later time; for now, his focus was solely on dealing with the Sklites.

The journey back was far more painful than the one to the river, but Charlie hoped it was only temporary. Drawing on his experience as a human, he knew that abrasions often resulted in the formation of callouses, eventually hardening the skin. If he were lucky, he would develop a calloused underbelly sooner, rather than later.

Before Charlie reached his original hiding spot, he decided to wander around and keep an eye out for a better vantage point. Even if his current vantage point proved to be useless, Charlie had spotted some potential alternatives, though a bit too out of the way for his liking. Finding nothing quite as fitting as what he already had, Charlie returned and settled comfortably among the shadows.

The Sklites were fewer in number this time around, either out scavenging or potentially recouperating back in the swarm, Charlie didn't know. It looked like it was going to turn this into an even longer ordeal, but only after a few minutes, Charlie saw a Sklite fast approach his striking range.

It didn't move quickly nor slowly, reaffirming Charlie's suspicion that they could smell him all along. If it was nervous, Charlie couldn't see it; the ease with which the Sklite approached was too calm.

Charlie could feel the powerful muscles under his scales tense, ready to be released at a moment's notice. Charlie opened his maw, revealing two unassuming needles, itching to strike with [Hollow Fang].

Whether or not the initial strike killed the Sklite didn't matter. Charlie's greatest weapon was not his fangs, but what they contained: venom. The insidious nature of this deadly toxin could not be understated. It destroyed the flow of combat, no longer requiring Charlie to claw through powerful hide or chew through bone to inflict lethal damage. A single bite was all it took to take a life, turning their blood into toxic sludge and poisoning them from the inside.

The lone Sklite had crossed deep within Charlie's strike range and was none the wiser that a predator was staring it down. Charlie held back from attacking too quickly; he didn't want to risk missing or giving the Sklite a chance to escape.

[Hollow Fang] tore through the thin skin of the Sklite, piercing tissue and muscle with ease. The Sklite let out a shrill squeak as it tried to jerk its body out of the serpent's grasp, but quickly found that every movement drove the fangs deeper. The serpent's head was thrown to the side for a split second as the Sklite tried to run, but Charlie steadied himself and lifted the terrified creature off the floor.

The Sklite thrashed wildly in Charlie's maw, but the fangs that tore deeper and deeper, held it firm. If the venom didn't kill it, its wild movements would sink the fangs somewhere lethal and finish the job.

It was unclear what actually killed the Sklite. Whether the venom had already spread through its body or Charlie's fangs had pierced a vital organ, it was hard to tell. All Charlie saw was the body of the Sklite slow and turn stiff, so whatever had done it, had done it quickly.

After setting the stiffening corpse down onto the stone floor, Charlie unhinged his jaw and swallowed the Sklite whole, the wiry tail feeling the worst on its way down.

Elated by this resounding success, Charlie decided to see if he could catch any more today, or if this was just a fluke. The size of the Sklite didn't pose an issue this time around; he felt that he could probably eat another one whole before having to retreat.

So, Charlie patiently waited, an exercise in composure and ability to sit perfectly still for dozens of minutes. The first dozen minutes turned into a second dozen, then a third. On the fourth dozen, there was finally a change: another Sklite approached.

This time, however, the Sklite was more cautious, periodically sniffing the air and pausing frequently. Whatever had spooked the Sklite, it wasn't entirely certain of the danger that lurked outside perception. Though its approach was slower, the Sklite met the same fate, squeaking desperately as two fangs lifted it off the ground.

Two successes in a single day were far beyond Charlie's expectations. He felt that he could return to that putrid cove, review the day, and solidify all that he had learned. The corpse of the Sklite was quickly swallowed, and Charlie, noticing no immediate danger, slunk out from his shadowy crevice.

It was a bit more difficult to move around with the added weight of two Sklites, but it was a necessary trade-off to test a theory Charlie had been mulling over. If his [Devour] consumed both of those gems after the bodies were finished digesting, was there a limit to how many it could take at once? He was going to find out soon, and if it couldn’t, at least it was a valuable lesson to learn early.

After a few laboured minutes, Charlie noticed a change in the Sklites that scurried about. There were far more than the last time he had checked, and there was a frenzy to their movements, as if they were looking for something or someone.

Then it clicked - Lightning shot through Charlie, giving him the urgency to double his efforts to return home.

They were looking for him.

They must have figured out there was a predator nearby and had sent their swarm to kill the invader. Unfortunately for Charlie, he was that invader. One Sklite was easy pickings, but a swarm would chew him down to the bone faster than he could strike out with [Hollow Fang].

Charlie couldn't tell if they knew they were looking for his scent or if they were searching for the scent of their fallen family member. Instead, he hoped that both options would be rendered harmless by the cloying stink of the mushroom cove. It was within sight, and Charlie was mere meters away. He didn't dare look back for fear of seeing their ocean-like swarm engulf him whole.

Charlie dove into the gravel floor of the mushroom cove, and after slithering as deep as it would go, felt joy when the rancid stench washed over him. Charlie turned to face the entrance and readied himself for a fight to the death.

He waited, and waited.