Novels2Search
The Abyssal Enigma
Chapter 4: Payday!

Chapter 4: Payday!

For Mama knows how long, I laid where I was, whimpering in pain.

“Looks like the intense fighting scared everything away from this place…” I thought to myself, sighing in relief.

If anything showed up, I was in no condition to fight! That said, I was not in a bad mood at all.

“Hehehehehehe~” I laughed; a shit-eating grin found its place on my face.

I got a fortune out of that encounter. Time to start looking at my spoils!

[Sneak Lv. 1]

Your ability to remain undetected is enhanced.

“Huh. Well, that one was obvious. That would have been nice to have earlier. Better late than never I guess; it should help out with sneaking up on the Black Hunter Spider. It probably works really well with the other skill I got!”

[Ambush Lv. 1]

If you are undetected, your next attack is 3 times stronger. Your position is immediately revealed.

“Hmm… looks like this is the kind of ability I can only use once in a fight. Still, this should give me a powerful first strike! I should be able to start fights with an advantage.”

[Predator’s Bane]

You have encountered your natural predator and killed it. You are the ant that killed a tiger! It is now their turn to quake in fear…

When entering combat with a creature of a species you’ve slain before, deal 25% more damage and receive 10% less damage.

“…”

What the hell is this?! How can a skill be so powerful and useless at the same time?! What’s the point in gaining bonuses at killing something that I’ve already killed before?! Damn you, System! Whatever. I have other spoils to look at.

[Level 10]

EXP: 1235/MAX

Evolution Available!

“Killing the Titanoboa gave me a lot more experience than the missions I got offered. Is killing monsters just richer in experience than completing missions, or was killing the Titanoboa just a lot more difficult?” I pondered.

There was also the matter of the extra experience I have in store. Would it transfer to my next evolution, or would it simply be gone?

“Well, I’ll figure these things out sooner or later. It’s time to evolve!” I simply couldn’t wait any longer!

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Do you wish to trigger your evolution now?

[Yes/No]

Yes!

Select an evolution:

[Abyssal Komodo Dragon]

Rank E creature. Despite its name, the Abyssal Komodo Dragon is not actually a dragon. It was mistaken to be one by the first groups to encounter it. The Abyssal Komodo Dragon has a tough hide and a venomous bite, which makes it a ferocious combatant. This comes at the cost of its mediocre magic resistance and abysmal mobility. This is mitigated to some extent with its ability to spit venom at enemies.

Hmm… I really like the fact that this monster is really tough and strong. It even has the power to poison other monsters! This could make hunting very easy.

“But not being able to get away from any predators or chase prey is really bad. I might not even be able to dodge enemy attacks. Best to check the other options!”

[Abyssal Raptor]

Rank E creature. The Abyssal Raptor boasts great agility and sharp claws. It specializes in hunting in groups, overwhelming opponents with a large quantity of powerful attacks. Its primary weakness is its lacking durability. The Abyssal Raptor possess extremely limited vitality and resistance to physical and magic attacks.

High speed and great damage are a great combination! Combined with my ability to sneak up on enemies, this should make me a force to be reckoned with! Even in a direct fight, it should be difficult for the opponent to hit me, and I can run away at any time.

“Too bad that taking a hit would be enough to cripple or kill me. Still, this is better than the Komodo Dragon. It’s a fake dragon anyways! Hmph. Next!”

[Abyssal Chameleon]

Rank E creature. The Abyssal Chameleon is a monster specialized in stealth. With the ability to change the color of its skin, it is a natural at stealth attacks and avoiding predators. That is practically its only tool, as the rest of its abilities and attributes fall beyond the power of other Rank E creatures.

Look, I know I said stealth was really cool and useful, but what’s the point if I have literally nothing else?!

[Infernal Lizard]

Secret evolution unlock requirement:

* Is a sapient creature.

* Seeking vengeance against another.

Rank E creature. This creature has dedicated its life to seeking revenge and unlocked a new evolution tree. Through the powers of the Evil God of Vengeance, Ozraag, this creature is capable of using forbidden incantations to deal devastating damage to its foes.

(Warning: This evolution path binds you to service of the Evil God of Vengeance forever, in life and in death.)

In an instant, I shuddered. I felt great danger from this evolution!

“It’s even colored in red like the names of the Titanoboa and the Venom Scorpion! This is probably by far the most powerful option, but even the system put a warning for me! Who even is this Evil God?!”

A good lizard knows to trust its gut, and I am staying far away from this one! Grumbling to myself, I took a look at the last option.

[Abyssal Drakeling]

Secret evolution unlock requirement:

* Is a reptilian species

* Is below Rank D

* Has slain a higher ranked monster

Rank E creature. The Abyssal Drakeling is a powerful all-rounder, with resilient scales, agile movements, and powerful strikes. Its powerful vitality grants it a moderate regenerative ability. However, its greatest asset is its future potential. As an evolution for particularly ambitious and fearless reptiles, members of this species tend to attack more powerful monsters. As a result, not many of its kind get to capitalize on this future potential.

Jackpot! This evolution doesn’t have any specific weaknesses! It’s also a secret evolution like the Infernal Lizard, so I probably wouldn’t have gotten it normally. Killing the Titanoboa is really paying dividends!

“I wonder which one I am going to pick…” I chuckled.