Novels2Search
The Abyssal Enigma
Chapter 2: Missions and Levels

Chapter 2: Missions and Levels

“Based on what Appraisal is telling me, I need to raise my level to get stronger. I need to get this EXP stuff to level up. But how do I do that?” I pondered.

“Let’s put that aside for now. I am starving! I need to find some more bugs to eat. I should test out the abilities that I have to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.”

The most obvious one is [Claw Strike] in my Racial Traits. Is this a skill I can activate? Only one way to find out!

[Claw Strike]!

Suddenly, my claw moves faster than I can follow, leaving three shallow cuts on the wall!

“Skreeeee!!!” I hiss excitedly!

I can go and hunt for food with this!

***

Hiding behind a boulder, I peek my head out. Ahead of me lay many of the same bugs.

“Seems like there is nothing to worry about here.” I said, checking for any predators.

“Time for dinner!" I lunge, activating [Claw Strike]!

You have killed an [Earthborn Beetle Lv. 3]!

1 EXP Awarded!

You have killed an [Earthborn Beetle Lv. 2]!

1 EXP Awarded!

You have killed an [Earthborn Beetle Lv. 3]!

1 EXP Awarded!

“Seems like killing things does give me experience. Lucky! I should continue to hunt, even if I am not hungry. The stronger I am, the safer I will be!”

I double-check my stats to make sure that everything’s fine.

[Level 1]

EXP: 13/50

HP: 15/15

SP: 7/10

MP: 5/5

Apparently, I can keep information from [Appraisal] in my view, and I can also make it fade away at will.

“This was a good harvest. On to the next one!”

***

You have killed an [Earthborn Beetle Lv. 2]!

1 EXP Awarded!

EXP threshold met.

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Unnamed [Abyssal Lizard] levels up!

[Level 2]

EXP: 0/75

HP: 20/20

SP: 15/15

MP: 5/5

Vitality: 5

Strength: 2

Dexterity: 7

Intelligence: 2

Wisdom: 1

I suddenly feel a warm energy flowing through my body. I feel stronger!

“Skreee!” I hiss victoriously!

As I dance happily over my victory, a prompt shows up in front of me!

System Feature Unlocked: Missions

Mission Issued: [Avenge Your Kin!]

Rank: E

Your mother and siblings were killed before your eyes. Avenge them! Slay the Black Hunter Spider!

Rewards: 5000 EXP, Title: [Avenger]

Mission Issued: [Become Stronger!]

Rank: F

Your current goal of slaying a higher tier creature like the Black Hunter Spider is far beyond you. Even your ability to survive is in question! Reach level 10 and evolve to a new type of creature to improve your odds of survival and avenging your kin!

Rewards: 1000 EXP, Skill: [Spark of Ambition Lv. 1]

My eyes widened in shock.

“I can get stuff for doing things now?!” I exclaimed.

Well, that’s useful! Seems like I can get a title and a skill by completing these “missions.” It’s worth looking at them. Appraisal!

[Avenger]

You have taken revenge on behalf of someone else. You are an agent of divine justice! It’s still not going to undo the harm you’re avenging though.

+10% Damage dealt to targets of vengeance.

“Hmm… That’s nice to have. But everyone I cared about in this short life is already dead! What’s the point of getting this AFTER I kill the spider?! Useless!” I quake in rage, shaking my fist at the sky!

Also, is it me, or is the skill description getting snarky? Whatever, next! Appraisal!

[Spark of Ambition Lv. 1]

You seek power beyond your means. Good for you! You are eager to fight against those who would be happy to put you back in your place if it means you have a chance to grow!

+10% Experience earned from killing enemies of a superior Rank.

“Now that’s what I am talking about!” I am pleased.

This will make my battle with the spider more beneficial!

“I will forgive your earlier uselessness. I am indeed magnanimous.” I said, a hand on my chin, nodding in satisfaction.

How did the world survive without me?!

“Now then, time to get to level 10 and finish this mission! The bugs are going to take forever to kill. Best to hunt for actual prey this time!”

***

Sneaking behind a rock, I stare at my new target.

[Abyssal Rabbit]

“This thing looks weak. It doesn’t even have any claws or scales! It’s worth a shot!” I said to myself, sneaking up on it, preparing to strike!

Just as I am about to lunge, it turns around and stares at me.

Moments pass, neither of us move.

“What are you staring at?! I know I am handsome-wait, maybe pretty? What gender am I?! Whatever, staring is ru-“ I didn’t even finish my thoughts before the rabbit lunged at me!

I tried to dodge, but it bit my tail and penetrated my scales!

“SKREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” I screamed, trying to shake it off me!

In my panic, I swung my tail at the ground, and the rabbit with it! And now it’s wobbling on its feet!

[Claw Strike]!

[Claw Strike]!

You have killed an [Abyssal Rabbit Lv. 4]!

35 EXP Awarded!

You have learned the skill [Tail Strike Lv. 1]!

[Claw Strike]!

[Claw Strike]!

[Claw Strike]!

Huffing and puffing, I screamed.

“SKREEEEEEEEE!!!”

My tail! My beautiful tail! My exquisite, alluring, irresistible tail! It’s maimed and hurts like hell! Damn it!

***

After a while I settled down for a bit. The hole in my tail was slowly getting smaller, my scales getting pieced back together. Whatever is left of the rabbit’s carcass is beyond recognition. I can’t even eat it anymore!

“Oh well. I should at least take a look at the new skill I got. Appraaaaiissssaaaaaaaaaallll!”

[Tail Strike Lv. 1]

Basic tail attack. Does minimal damage. Chance to stun opponent depends on user’s strength and target’s vitality.

“Well. That’s nice to have. It also looks like it has a level, unlike claw strike. Maybe it’ll get stronger as I use it!”

I should get back to hunting the rabbits. Now that I know what they can do, I can make sure not to get hit again! Free EXP, here I come!

***

You have killed an [Abyssal Rabbit Lv. 5]!

40 EXP Awarded!

EXP Threshold met.

Unnamed [Abyssal Lizard] levels up!

“SKREEEEEE!” I screamed.

My tail!