I don’t know what a moss turtle is. I mean, I was a noble, so I did study a great deal of monsters in pursuit of being prepared for threats to my territory, but for the most parts I studied monsters that were high level dangers, like dragons, kobolds, wyrms, monster hordes, and goblins. Goblin are often underestimated compared to creatures like dragons, but you won’t always find dragons, and as long as you pleased the beast you were generally fine.

Goblins can be found everywhere, and if they’re not managed carefully, they become high level threats as their members evolve into higher species.

Anyway, I assume that moss turtles aren’t that dangerous since they weren’t on the list of monsters I was told to study, but it is better to be sure. System?

[Sure. Moss turtles are uncommon, but not rare monsters. The most valuable thing about them is their shells, though not many hunts them for the shells due to their peaceful nature, and how hard it is to actually breakthrough said shell. Moss turtles often hunker down, absorbing sunlight and often assaulting unsuspecting victims, though humans are just not of interest to them due to being outside of their normal diet. A history of watching adventurers in action has also quelled that notion as well]

Indeed, from a monster’s perspective, we are either walking cattle to be eaten, or a horrifying horde of monsters that ravel in groups and slaughter en masse.

Anyway, it seems that moss turtles aren’t particularly dangerous but aren’t hunted by humans often either. Good. I have no issues with killing humans, neither before or after my death, but I don’t need the extra trouble that comes with hunting people.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

I assume these skills work the same way the photosynthesis works then.

[Duh. Seems obvious. Let me rest already]

…

Rude. From now on your name is stolidus.

[Fuck you.] Stolidus seems generally offended now. So he knows ancient latin. Interesting.

Silence Stolidus, I’m thinking.

Upon thinking of the skill bite, I felt an urge to do something as I felt a concentration of mana flow to my jaws, which resulted in my head lunging forward abruptly as my jaw clamped around thin air. As I did so, I found myself recoiling a bit from the ferocity of the blow. I had practiced some basic sword fighting, as expected by every heir to a noble family, but to say I was inexperienced was an understatement.

I decided that harden was next, as the recoil for that skill would hopefully be less. And to my relief, it was not as energetic as bite. However, it was also rather uneventful. I felt something flow all throughout my body, but that was about it. I couldn't really tell what had happened. I assume my body hardened, but without a target, nothing really happened.

I finally used vine lash, which resulted in another chunk of mana dissipating, but this time I got to see some visible results. Two vines came out of the ground, writhing, and I found I could control them if I focused hard enough.

Amazing. Magic is a lot more fun when you have time to learn it. Being forced to take on my place from a young age meant I never had time to really practice magic or swordsmanship. I guess I get to practice one of those now.

Speaking of practicing and lack of targets, something wanders onto the scene, perfect for me to give my skills a go.

A goblin grunting and growling as it prowls (or tries to. Looks more like stumbling honestly) before stopping, sniffing and turning to me, a smile appearing on its crooked face as it eyes me, clearly not in the mood for friendly conversation or friendly anything.

That's fine.

I wasn't having friendly thoughts either.