The python tore at me, intent on devouring me entirely. Instead of retreating, I coiled my body as tightly as possible and propelled myself forward, hurtling into the enormous python's mouth.

The clueless black-scaled python had no inkling of what was transpiring, but before it could revel in its supposed victory, splitting agony seared through its innards. I wreaked havoc inside its mouth, unleashing a barrage of Arcane Shots.

But the onslaught didn’t end there. I ravaged the upper lining of the python's mouth, piercing through from the inside. I showed no signs of relenting, continuing to rampage to my heart's content. Meanwhile, the python thrashed about outside, slamming its head against the ground as if that was going to hurt me.

The outer scales of the black-scaled python's body were nearly as resilient as raw metal, making it extremely difficult for me to inflict any damage. That was precisely why I decided to damage it from within. The oblivious snake had no inkling that death could come in such a manner.

Snakes were truly dim-witted, and this one, in particular, seemed even more so. As I instigated chaos within the colossal maw of the python, it repeatedly thrashed its head against the earth. It was as if the python had developed a strange yearning for its demise.

Keep going, ugly. You’re doing great. At this rate, one of us will surely meet our end, I ridiculed, wishing I could make the serpent understand my sentiment.

However, I was far from out of danger. The python managed to sink its fangs into me on several occasions, but thankfully, I came out almost unscathed with the thin layer of primal energy empowering my body. It was minimal protection, but it made me sturdier, able to inflict grievous wounds in short contact. More powerful too.

Just a little more... And I would finally be done with this ordeal.

The python continued to struggle for another minute while I meticulously tore it apart from the inside out until I finally managed to nibble into its brain. Although it was questionable whether the python even possessed a functioning brain, given its remarkably foolish actions.

[You have slain a Black-scaled Python Lvl 17.]

[You have achieved a small breakthrough. Your path has grown to Favoured Hatchling Lvl 4. +1 to all Primary Attributes, +1 Unallocated Point.]

[You have achieved a small breakthrough. Your path has grown to Favoured Hatchling Lvl 5. +1 to all Primary Attributes, +1 Unallocated Point.]

I vigorously shook my head, emerging into the light, partly to rid myself of the filth that clung to my body, and partly because the disorienting experience left me feeling dizzy after all the twists and turns I had endured within the python's cavity. Then came the surge of power, washing over me as much of my distress was relieved.

The way I coated my body with the primal energy gave me ideas on how to do it better. A thought for later... because I couldn’t believe this dumb snake was Level 17...

I mean, didn’t its Mind attribute increase by levelling up that much?

Apparently not. The feat depleted almost all my energy reserves. I didn’t anticipate it would be such a taxing endeavour, despite the python’s foolishness and injuries, but considering it was a Level 17 creature I could understand why.

Killing it would have been impossible if it weren’t wounded so badly. Well, if I had known it was 14 levels higher than me, I would have gone after robbing, never looking back. Even if it didn’t have the blessing of that Kismet fellow, which gave me attribute points of more than 5 levels, its power should have dwarfed my own.

But in the end, everything worked out. My ignorance hadn’t caused my demise. The rewards would undoubtedly make it worthwhile, though I needed to be more careful from now on. Lvl 17, damn, that was one flabass snake.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Collecting myself, I approached the lifeless reptile and utilised my Inventory to store it away. I didn’t know if the space inside would be enough to store such a massive creature, but my worry was unfounded as the huge corpse disappeared from my sight. Although it took a few extra seconds.

Should I eat the flesh of a kin? I mused at the ultimate conundrum of my situation. Hey Grandpa, will that make me a cannibal?

The hint of curiosity slowly turned into outright refusal. Nope, that dimwitted python is no kin of mine. Besides, I ain’t eating that ugly thing. Storing it, just in case...

My treacherous appetite could not be trusted.

I gathered the remaining peaches and mushrooms from the uprooted tree, when another notification appeared on my peripheral vision.

[You have played a role in slaying Giant Black Beetle Lvl 14.]

Played a role? I chuckled, amused by the phrasing. Sadly, there’s no more level-up.

I proceeded to loot the gigantic beetle's corpse. But it seemed System Grandpa wasn’t done with me yet, as a soul-wrenching force plunged onto me, eliciting an indignant hiss.

[New achievement! You have defeated a creature 10 levels higher than you, demonstrating the slumbering predator in you.

You have unlocked the inherent mark, Predator.]

[Mark: Predator

A natural-born Predator stalks its prey for hours, even days, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to strike. By exhibiting your predatory nature, you have unlocked an inherited predatory aura that can intimidate lesser-ranked creatures and enhance your ability to conceal yourself.

+5 All Attributes]

A deep surge of power washed over me instantly, as a deep sense of invincibility possessed me, causing me to hiss in anticipation. In a matter of seconds, the invincibility vanished, though I felt like I was twice as powerful.

I carefully examined my body, expecting to discover where the mark had appeared. However, I found no unique patterns that hadn’t been there before. I found nothing to note.

[Your inherited mark "Predator" is influencing the skill Beastial Instinct (E)...]

[Beastial Instinct is evolving...]

[Congratulations! Beastial Instinct (E) has evolved into Predatory Instinct (D). Some of the mastery of the prior skill is lost in the evolution.]

[Predatory Instinct (D):

Mastery: 3%

You possess the aura of a predator. The evolved skill enhances the ability to detect the aura of your prey, giving you a better idea of when to attack and when to retreat.]

Sweet, I hissed with excitement. So the halo of colour I was seeing around all the creatures is aura? And this skill will help me see aura better?

I didn’t think I was wrong, although I would’ve liked a more combat-oriented skill. Well, perhaps I won’t just jump at danger so easily with [Predatory Instinct (D)].

Having completed my business in the area, I lingered, gazing towards the towering ridge ahead. It stood a couple of kilometres high. Perhaps there is a better hiding place in the high rugged terrain.

But first, I need to take a bath, the filth is killing me.

Luckily for me, I found a stream before sunset. Of all the mundane activities, bathing was one of my favourites. I relished the opportunity to bathe to my heart’s content, taking advantage of the free-flowing water. However, I couldn’t deny that I didn’t feel as refreshed after bathing as I had initially assumed.

I much preferred cold baths, however, as a reptile, my blood ran cold. Still, the temperature of the water didn’t bother me much, though it wasn’t remarkably fresh and seemed to have something off about it. My inner predator stirred at the abnormality.

I couldn’t quite pinpoint what was wrong, but there was an undeniable sense of oddity to it. Regardless, I had no intention of investigating further. All I desired at that moment was...

My thoughts trailed off as a question formed in my mind. What exactly did I want? It was a question I had no answer to, leaving me momentarily puzzled and contemplative. My current goal was to survive, even as a cute little snake. But what’s after?

Power? I mused, floating in gentle waves as I inched closer to the bank. Power was the undeniable truth of the world, even if there was no magic in the world. Without power, my survival was in turmoil.

And magic is cool. I believed I could truly accomplish something great if I put my mind to it. Dad always believed in me, even though he was never there for me.

Could I fill the inner void with magic? The void left behind by my parent's separation, my father's disappearance, and finally my death...

Shaking my head, I emerged from the water. Dwelling on those thoughts would only breed dismay and melancholy within me. I needed to stay focused on my survival.

It was pretty straightforward as far as I was concerned. Kill beasts to gain levels. The skills come in handy. Now that I had resources to restore my primal energy quickly, I planned on empowering myself so much that I could kill a creature like the Black-scaled Python in a fair fight.

I dug another hole in the rugged terrain—a bigger one that let me move around comfortably—and started to work on growing strong wholeheartedly.