As I was hunting scorpions and Titanoboas, I slowly began to gain levels and the confidence to take on the Black Hunter Spider.
“I should take a look at the spider and appraise it; perhaps I’ll figure out how far away from taking it down I am.”
As I began to approach the monster, I passed by Mama’s little hideout.
“I am too big to fit there now…” I said, complicated feelings stirring within my chest. I press on, eager to get to my destination – and away from this place.
***
Here it is. Looks like that thing hasn’t moved to a new spot. I narrow my eyes, calling on my comrade of dubious reliability.
[Black Hunter Spider]
Rank D creature. An ambush predator, the Black Hunter Spider relies on a brutal combination of stealth, adhesive webs, and a powerful paralyzing venom to take down prey many times its own size. Although its size and attributes are lower than its Rank D peers, it is no less deadly than most monsters of its rank.
“I see. This is good news indeed!” I nodded in satisfaction.
It is indeed a rank above me, but that is not an issue. Seeing its abilities, I seem to have a particular advantage against it. I possess a strong poison resistance skill, and with a good ambush, its stealth advantage and its webs should not be of any consequence. I should be able to match it in a contest of strength, and my first strike should grant me a decisive advantage.
“There is even a chance I might get a rare evolution from killing this thing as an Abyssal Drakeling…” I grinned, salivating at the thought of another powerful evolution.
There was no need to try and get stronger anymore, I just need to wait for a good opportunity.
***
Some time later, I noticed a group of Abyssal Rabbits going beneath the spider’s web to eat some bugs. Of course, they did not notice anything. No one looks up. In a morbid feeling of déjà vu, I watch the biggest Abyssal Rabbit strike a number of bugs and then call to the smaller rabbits. Just as it did, the Black Hunter Spider struck! The Black Hunter Spider sunk its fangs into the rabbit, paralyzing it. A black rot began to spread from the bite wound at a frightening pace. Just as it was about to get back up with the string attached to its rear, I struck!
[Claw Strike]!
My ambush skill activated, dealing extra damage to the spider! With its abdomen damaged, it could no longer get away by using the string attached to the web.
“Hehehe… You’ve nowhere to hi-“ Not even halfway through my smug comment, an attack landed on all three of us!
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Status Effect Triggered: [Corrosion]
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” I roared in pain!
The spider was in bad condition, and there was no need to even mention the rabbit.
I turned around to look at the surprise assailant, and I was shocked to realize that such a massive thing ambushed ME!
[Acid Spitter Frog]
Rank D creature. This monster is dangerous for its intelligence and its ability to spit acid. They are most deadly against groups of enemies, with devastating corrosive acid digesting its prey for it in advance. They possess poor agility and vitality but make up for it in stealth and in intelligence.
“It seems that a great candidate for me to take down has shown itself.” I grinned viciously, showing my razor-sharp teeth, and started growling at the new target.
It stared back at me but did not move. Just as I was about to attack it, the spider attacked me once more!
I dodged and struck back.
“You complete imbecile, the frog is going to kill us both if you keep me here!” I screamed internally.
I needed to end this fight now, so I made a decisive decision.
[Claw Strike]!
I attacked its head directly! Obviously, the spider is not going to let me off so easily, and sunk its fangs into me just as I crushed its head!
Status Effect Triggered: [Poisoned]
I quickly turn around, only to meet another acid attack to the side of my face! My right eye no longer works, and I feel that my body is boiling beneath my scales. The frog began to retreat when it saw that I killed the spider.
“Don’t you dare run away now!” I roared and began to chase after the frog.
My body was slowly beginning to feel heavier and harder to move. I needed to kill this thing quickly before my body gives in and I become a sitting lizard for it! Soon enough, the frog began to rapidly grow larger in my vision. By my slender tail, I bet that it did not expect me to finish off the spider and reach it so quickly!
“You’re going to pay for what you’ve done, you vile snake in the grass!” I said, completely oblivious to the irony in my rant.
[Claw Strike]!
[Claw Strike]!
[Claw Strike]!
[Claw Strike]!
[Claw Strike]!
[Claw Strike]!
The frog was rapidly torn to shreds, not even having the time to wail in agony! As soon as I took it down, I collapsed as well, and began taking a look at my status and the rewards from this battle.
Status Effect Triggered: [Paralysis]
You have killed a [Black Hunter Spider Lv. 16]!
15,000 EXP awarded!
You have killed an [Acid Spitter Frog Lv. 8]!
12,000 EXP awarded!
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 Complete]
Accept Rewards?
“Yes.”
5000 EXP awarded!
Title Unlocked: [Avenger]
“Well. That was a good haul!” I nervously affirmed, wanting to delay looking at my status as much as I can.
But dread it or not, I need to find out if I am going to survive this!
HP: 199/340
“Huh?” I looked, completely dumbfounded.
How do I have that little damage?! Thinking back to the fight, I was bitten by the spider once and spat on by the frog twice. Now that I think of it, it makes sense I didn’t get too roughed up in the fight. But that means that my worries are not the wounds, but the status effects I got, namely the “Corrosion” and poison.
[Corrosion]
You have been exposed to an acidic substance. For the next 13 seconds, you will lose 15 health per second.
[Posioned]
You have been poisoned. For the next 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 14 seconds, you will lose five health per second.
[Paralyzed]
You cannot move your body for 24 seconds.
Dammit.