Even with his vastly improved agility, Astra couldn't completely avoid the attack and still got hit.

I need to boost my agility stat even further, but I know I've hit the limit my body can handle. All stats are limited at D+ before people evolve, except for charm and Intelligence.

He looked down at his status sheet.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘀:

- Strength: D

- Dexterity: E

- Agility: D +

- Endurance: D +

- Intelligence: D +

- Charm: E

Once I evolve at level 20, I'll be able to break through these limits.

He knew that evolution was his only hope. Although every human could evolve every 20 levels, no one had ever surpassed level 40; level 40 is the limit of evolution.

Wait, why did my charm downgrade again!? It was D when I was in the cell, and now it’s E!? That damn four-eyed freak alien! I must look like a sewer rat.

Astra felt a wave of frustration wash over him. After three months trapped in the cell, he appeared disheveled, his long hair tangled and stubble covering his face. He pushed those thoughts aside and turned his attention to the Ejio team.

He watched as the Ejio team huddled together, discussing something in hushed tones. He closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation. The pain in his body had subsided, and the burning sensation had faded over time. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. His eyes snapped open, searching for the source.

It was the first prisoner who had fought alongside him against the monsters. The small, humanoid alien was skinny, with blue skin and a bandaged head where his left eye used to be. His clothing was torn and tattered.

What does he want?

Instinctively, Astra raised his gun. The blue alien raised his hands, pointing to himself and said,

“Zor’thulianko elviba.”

Zor what? Why it's so long!?

“...Astra,” he said aloud, still aiming the gun at the blue alien.

The alien understood the hint and slowly backed away, his eyes fixed on the gun. Once Astra felt it was safe, he lowered his weapon. Seeing this, the blue alien sat down on the spot, a sigh escaping his lips.

I see why he’s trying to get closer to me—we're the last two who don’t understand the main language. I have no intention of being his friend; it’s survival of the fittest, and I don't want to befriend someone who's obviously weaker than I am.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

It's different with the Ejio team; I want to join them since I already know the name of the main language. If this test continues much longer, I’ll inevitably have to join the main group.

Astra had been working on mastering the main language, and his VoiceSynth Mastery progression had increased significantly.

VoiceSynth Mastery: [Irentian Language] ██░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 18.3% [81.7% to complete]

The faster his progress, the quicker it accelerate. He estimated it would take him 2 weeks or more to achieve full mastery.

As Astra continued to listen to the Ejio team's conversation, he noticed Asa and Agro dragging dead bodies away from their group. Hylax then wrote something in the air, and a fireball erupted from it, incinerating the bodies.

Why are they burning them? Is it a way to show respect, or are they trying to stop the smell from attracting other creatures? And what's that glowing crystal ball?

His mind raced with questions about what was happening.

He pondered the connection between them while examining the crystal ball on his gun. The magic Hylax used left a trail of white light, similar to that of the gun's bullets. He realized that the crystal balls and the bullets shared the same power source. However, he noticed that the color of the crystal ball was starting to fade.

So there is a limit. If the color fades too much, I won’t be able to use the gun anymore. Is there a way to recharge it

He glanced at the table full of weapons and walked towards it. The Ejio team paid him no mind as he inspected his options. Astra picked up a new gun to replace his old one, and before leaving, he grabbed a sword that resembled the one carried by the pink-haired girl.

He sensed that the Ejio team had grown closer after the battle. Initially unsure about joining them due to internal tensions, Astra now saw a strong bond forming, though he could still sense some lingering mistrust. Their team seemed well-rounded, each member fitting a different role perfectly. Astra hadn’t joined them yet because of the language barrier and the prejudice they harbored against what they deemed inferior races.

Following their lead, Astra grabbed one of the creature's carcasses. He felt its texture – it had no blood, just a slimy interior. The skin was soft. He pulled out a dagger and thrust it into the soft, vine-wrapped flesh, removing all the thorns before taking a bite. The taste was peculiar but not unpleasant, somewhat like a mix of cucumber and melon.

⊶☽☬☾⊷

"It's delicious!" Biya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

"I mean, it's below average, but compared to the rotten meat we've been eating every day, this is like a ten-star meal. The texture is soft and a bit sweet," she added, savoring another bite.

"I agree, It's refreshing to eat something that doesn't taste like it's been dead for a week." Aria said, nodding while eating happily.

"Wait, I know how to make it tastier," Hylax said. He began drawing on the floor, and the circle turned red, emitting heat. The others watched in fascination as the air shimmered with warmth.

"With this, we can cook the food properly without burning it," Hylax explained, a proud smile on his face.

"Whoa, the texture is so soft it melts in my mouth, and it's even sweeter. You're a genius, old geezer!"

Biya exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

Hylax tapped Biya on the head with his wand.

"Old geezer?! You need to learn respect for your elders, young lady!"

"Ouch! That hurts!" Biya protested, rubbing her head.

"What do you guys know about plant-based planets?" Ejio suddenly asked, breaking the moment of lightness.

Aria and Agro shook their heads. Agro said, "All I know is that they're weak planets."

"I've seen these creatures sold in the market. They're called Thornlings. I'm a meat eater, so I don't buy them. There's also a potion that makes you fall asleep and have nightmares. It's made from a creature on plant-based planets called Sleepcaps," Biya added, her voice thoughtful.

"I know there are five different types of monsters on plant-based planets. The larger version of Thornlings is called Thornguards, and they're really rare. It's unfortunate we encountered a Thornguard. Thornlings are easy to kill; they're F rank, while Thornguards are B rank," Hylax said, his tone serious.

"Are Thornguards edible?" Asa asked, curiosity piqued.

"Edible and highly nutritious, but their skin is too hard. It would take too long to prepare," Hylax replied, shaking his head.

"We could just cut a small portion and give it to Aria. She needs nutritious food to use her full abilities," Asa suggested, looking at Aria with concern.

Aria smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Asa. That would help a lot."

𓆩✧𓆪