The white dragon loomed over him, hatred blazing brightly in his slitted, yellow eyes. The dragon that was supposedly his brother. Which meant his brother was trying to kill him right now. Wonderful. To be more exact, Lyceris was trying to Fall him. Getting Fallen was a death sentence no matter how you looked at it. After all, while your soul did stay intact and simply entered another body, none of your original abilities and powers remained. It’s like dumping a newborn bird chick right in front of a hungry cat. The chances of surviving were, at best, extremely low. Nobody who had been Fallen ever came back.
So I died because I got indirectly murdered by my sibling! Yippee, I’ll be SURE to say that if anyone ever asks me how I died. Zaelen glanced up at the gloating figure of his brother. Yeah right. However, the hole he was slipping into wasn’t a normal hole. If it was a normal hole, he would’ve clambered out and pushed Lyceris in already. However, the gravity inside this hole was completely making sense right now. It seemed as if he was under the weight of a mountain as he slowly slid down toward the abyss of darkness below. Obviously, the cackling figure of his brother a few feet above him was not having the same problem.
In a last act of defiance, Zaelen raked his claws across Lyceris’s snout in a motion too fast for his brother to see. As blood dripped onto Zaelen’s snout, he felt satisfaction well up inside him. Well, he’ll at least have some scars from now on. Lyceris gave a pained shriek and drew back. His eyes glared down at Zaelen from where he was standing.
“Foolish brother. Do you think you’ll be able to escape?” he hissed.
However, no matter how confident Lyceris sounded, Zaelen could see the uncertainty in his brother’s eyes. Also, that sounded cringe.
“Oh, that’s why you’re shaking so much? Are you scared that I’ll claw your throat out? Though, I have to say, that sounds very enticing.”
Lyceris gave an agitated snarl. “Don’t bother trying to sway me.”
“Oh, but I already have,” smirked Zaelen. He saw a flash of alarm in Lyceris’s face before blue flames ravaged Lyceris’s face. The dragon gave another shriek, this time drawn-out, and staggered back, clawing at his face.
Zaelen didn’t bother trying to climb out of the hole while his brother was agonizing over his burnt face. What Lyceris had said was true; Zaelen wouldn’t be able to climb out anyway. Or at least not by himself. And, clearly, his brother wasn’t going to have a change of heart anytime soon.
He watched as his sapphire claws drew grooves in the earth as he slid further down. However, Zaelen didn’t feel sadness or anger. After all, it wasn’t like he was dying. Simply... what was the word? Ah, yes. Reincarnated. Then his claws lost their grip on the dirt, and he fell, feeling darkness enclose around him. Zaelen closed his eyes as he fell into the black depths and the screams of Lyceris faded.
⋆❖^⧫/-\⧫^❖⋆
A jolt of cold shattered the warm heaven that Zaelen seemed to float in. His eyes shot open to see darkness. Wait a second, did I actually die? Hmm, I think heaven is supposed to be brighter. SoSo, did I go to hell then? Zaelen squirmed, trying to move his body. He found that he was encased in a murky substance. Hell... is not what I thought it would be. Then, there was a cracking sound. A ray of light materialized into Zaelen’s world. Then, it flooded his vision, making Zaelen squeeze his eyes shut once more.
He felt himself tumble onto grass as something shattered beneath him. When his eyes opened again, Zaelen found himself looking up at blue skies. Oh, so I didn’t die. I suppose I really DID get reincarnated. He got to his feet, surveying the eggshells littering the ground around him. I suppose I came from the egg. No wonder it was dark. Zaelen slowly walked in circles, adjusting to his new body. What am I now?
He craned his neck around, glimpsing golden scales and a long tail with two blades at the tip. Well, I suppose the blades are a nice addition. He felt some sort of sharp horn jutting from his forehead. The greatest disappointment, however, was that he didn’t have wings. How am I going to fly?!? Do you expect me to RUN?! How long is that going to take!??! Of course, his brooding thoughts were interrupted by the screech of a hunting hawk before they could get really ‘dark’.
“SCRAAAAAAAA!”
He jerked his head upward to see a red hawk soaring in circles above him. Its eyes were fixated on, guess what, the young, tasty golden lizard below. Oh, who is that? ME! The hawk dived, talons outstretched. Zaelen gave a yelp and scrambled out of the way. The hawk, apparently thinking that Zaelen wasn’t enough of a threat for it to take to the sky again, gave chase. Its beak seemed to snap inches from his tail. Zaelen had enough after a few seconds and spun around, snarling. The hawk skidded to a stop,stop; surprise splattered across its face.
“That’s right, you chicken! Quiver in terror!”
Zaelen leaped for the hawk, clamping his jaws around a wing. The bird gave a screech, and he felt its beak dig into his flesh. However, he somehow didn’t feel pain. Though, the hawk clearly did, because as he released it, it flew away in a burst of feathers, screeching.
It wasn’t deterred for long, however, and soon dived again. But it was more careful, which did not fare well for Zaelen. But a lucky strike brought the hawk down. He pounced on the hawk immediately. They tussled on the ground, and Zaelen’s vision was blinded by feathers. He blindly slashed, feeling his claws rend flesh.
Finally, Zaelen pinned the hawk down, avoiding the clawing talons. The hawk looked at him with a malicious glare in its beady yellow eyes. Then it lay still, finally understanding that the fight was over. It gave a last defiant screech as Zaelen slit its throat. The screech faded into silence. My first kill in this world. I don’t think I’m supposed to feel happy over a murder though.
Zaelen plunged his jaws into the bird, enjoying the taste.
Flare Hawk killed. Gained 20 exp. Lv: 4/30 HP: 14/25 MP: 15/15
Zaelen choked on a mouthful of meat and fell into a coughing fit. Once he regained control, he stared at the message. After several minutes of contemplation... Oh, I vaguely remember something about worlds like this. Didn’t you have stats or something that showed your level? I never liked how creatures could see how powerful you were with a single glance if they had the right skill. How did we access our own stats again... aha!
Horned Semi-Drake (Small)
Name: Zaelen
Level: 4/30
HP: 24/25
MP:15/15
SPD: 25
STR: 12
Skills: [Leap Lv1]
Well, I can’t say I was expecting much. Zaelen finished his meal before glancing toward the forest. I wonder... should I head into the forest? He decided yes. But of course, just as he laid one claw, ONE CLAW, on what could be considered the starting point of the forest, a growl sounded from deep within the trees. A glowing blue and silver wolf stepped out, snarling as its eyes fixed on the small drake. My luck seems to be doing great today.
Learned new skill: [Observe Lv--]
Oh wow, one skill is TOTALLY worth becoming a snack. How about my life, huh?! You think I don’t care about it?!? However, it seemed that Zaelen didn’t care much for his life either as he stood in place. The wolf advanced, jaws slavering. The only thing that saved him, surprisingly, was the system he had just insulted.
Would you like to activate the skill: [Observe]?
DO I CARE?!? Zaelen dodged as the wolf snapped at the place where he’d just been.
[Observe] activated
Creature: Lightning Fenrir
As the wolf advanced, Zaelen did the one reasonable thing he could do. He skedaddled. However, his luck had not improved. As he dove away, the lightning fenrir gave chase... seemingly gleefully.
“I literally just escaped getting eaten by a hawk, you idiot wolf!” screamed Zaelen. The wolf paid no mind.
The only thing that saved him was a bush, which he crawled under. Or at least he thought so. Fwoosh! The bush disappeared as lightning flashed. Zaelen screamed again and he crawled further into the underbrush. The lightning fenrir, however, just fried everything in its path with lightning.
Hey, are you sure that’s not too OP, system?!
After a few moments filled with terrifying wolf, the fenrir finally gave up and trotted away. But it left a traumatized Zaelen behind.
⋆❖^⧫/-\⧫^❖⋆
The next few days were terrible, to say the least. Most of the monsters seemed to be able to kill him, which was downright terrifying. However, he came upon the occasional rabbit which he savored. Other times, he scavenged off the carcasses left behind by other monsters, and that was pretty much it. Run, scavenge, rest, then the cycle repeated. Until this happened:
Learned new resistance: [Traumatization Resistance Lv1]
Zaelen, who was currently chasing a rabbit, tripped. He glared as the rabbit disappeared from sight. AND SERIOUSLY, TRAUMATIZATION?! I’m just being logical here! The resistance did not disappear. After contemplating, Zaelen stomped off. Fine! I’ll just have to show you that I don’t need your “pity”!
Soon, he came across a sleeping griffin nestled in the upper branches of an oak.
Creature: Rocky Griffin
Zaelen didn’t care about the name. He scaled the tree as silently as he could, his claws sinking easily into the soft bark. Soon, he was a few branches above as he surveyed the griffin with cold eyes. I shall murder once more! For the sake of traumatization!!! Zaelen paused. ...That sounded wrong.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Then he launched himself from the branch, landing squarely on the griffin. He clung on and battered the griffin with his claws as it surged up, screeching in surprise. YOU WILL DIEEEEE! shrieked Zaelen inwardly like a maniac. Or perhaps he was a maniac.
The griffin attempted to shake Zaelen off, then took to the sky. Zaelen yelped, his claws digging into the griffin as he tried to stay on. Then the griffin landed and rolled around on the ground. That did the trick, and the golden drake was dislodged. However, Zaelen managed to shred one of the griffin’s wings in the process. It let out a screech of pain. Spinning lances of earth shot toward Zaelen. He gave an alarmed yowl, like a cat, and darted away.
The lances seemed to have some sort of targeting effect, for they veered to follow Zaelen. EXCUSE ME?! Zaelen focused his fury on the griffin. It had sat down, and even though one of its wings had been practically destroyed, there was a smug look on its feathery face. Zaelen fumed, glaring. I finally understand what it means when creatures say that they’re angry enough to breathe fire...
Learned new skill: [Fire Breath Lv1]
Wow, GREAT sarcasm you got there, system! However, Zaelen activated the skill and sent flames shooting toward the griffin.
“SQAUWKKKKKKKK?!” cried the griffin. Flames lit its feathers, crackling and sparking. The lances that had been chasing him fell apart with the griffin’s concentration. Taking this chance, Zaelen lowered his head and barreled toward the griffin like a bull. There was a wet splurching sound. When Zaelen backed away, the griffin crashed to the ground, twitching weakly. Zaelen stood triumphant over it, glaring down. Hehehehehehe.
Rocky Griffin killed. Gained 20 exp. Lv: 6/30 HP: 23/24 MP: 14/14
However, the resistance was not removed. Seeing this, Zaelen slumped to the ground, heaving a sigh. He rolled over a few times uselessly, before filling his belly with the griffin carcass. Then he mused what other ways would get rid of the resistance. Would... evolving work? It’s a long shot but it’s worth a try. Zaelen bounced to his feet again, a new goal in his crazy mind.
The smell of fresh meat, AKA chicken, wafted through the air, attracting various creatures. The first victim was a white scorpion, with quartz crystals growing out of its back. An easy kill.
Quartz scorpion killed. Gained 5 exp. Lv: 7/30 HP: 24/24 MP: 14/14
And this was how the day went. However, just when he was about to ‘close up for the day’, there was a stomping of feet. Zaelen scampered into a tree, hiding in the thick leaves. A tremendous screech echoed through the forest as another griffin alighted on the ground.
Creature: Rocky Griffin
Oh, is that the fellow chicken’s friend or something? When it glimpsed the fallen figure of its brethren, the griffin gave what seemed to be a mourning call. Then, it finally seemed to notice the many carcasses littering the ground around it. It gave a little, startled squawk before seeming to look for something. Zaelen squinted. A barrage of chirping erupted from the bushes and three fluffy, tinier griffins burst out. Yo, there’s even baby griffins? Oh, did I kill their mother or something?
However, despite taking a mother from her children, Zaelen didn’t feel like he needed to repent. In fact, this is what he thought after he saw them: Great! More exp! Time to murder the rest of the family! And Zaelen intended to stay to his word.
He crouched in the tree, hidden in the thick leaves. He watched as the griffin chicks scampered to their mother’s body and let out grieving cries for a short while. Then, obviously losing interest, they bounced back up and started to taste test the bodies around them. The adult did not get up however and remained at its dead mate’s side. Not that Zaelen cared.
He stilled himself, barely daring to breath, as a griffin chick chased after a butterfly, getting closer and closer to the spot below him. Its siblings weren’t far behind. The adult seemed to sense some kind of danger the split second before Zaelen sprang down. It was too late. Zaelen heard the crunch of bones as his teeth met in the neck of one chick. His tail blades slashed open another and it fell onto the ground, rasping. However, the third somehow slithered under Zaelen’s attacks and darted to its father. Zaelen glanced back at where the second chick was convulsing on the ground, its life draining into the ground. No need to worry about that one, at least.
Rocky Griffin killed. Gained 20 exp. Lv: 7/30 HP: 26/26 MP: 16/16
And soon, another message followed the first.
Rocky Griffin killed. Gained 20 exp. Lv: 8/30 HP: 28/28 MP: 18/18
Zaelen slunk forward toward the two remaining griffins. The griffin grabbed the chick in its beak and unfurled its wings, ready to fly away. However, the weight of its chick slowed it down just enough for Zaelen to leap and knock the griffin back onto the ground. The griffin gave a terrified screech, though whether the terror was for it, its chick, or both, Zaelen wasn’t sure. The griffin crashed to the ground, a wing caught under it. Zaelen heard a faint crunch, and the griffin gave a pained cry.
The baby griffin, not taking the chance to escape, turned to scamper back to its father. I do not know if this chick is brave, or if it’s stupid. Maybe it’s both, who knows. Zaelen leaped off the griffin father, it seemed too stunned to move, then raised his claws, ready to end the baby. Seconds before his claws met in the chick’s neck, the father somehow summoned a burst of strength and threw itself in front of the baby. Zaelen’s claws drew long, deep gashes through its flank and it fell. That... was unexpected. I wonder if griffins have emotions too? It might’ve been instinctive though. This time, the griffin baby turned tail and ran. Zaelen was about to chase after it when the father staggered to its feet, drawing in rasping breaths.
“Alright, I’ll give you credit. You’re pretty stubborn, aren't you?” Zaelen wasn’t much daunted by the griffin father. Its movements were sluggish, and it would soon die from blood loss. Even if it tried to fight back, Zaelen could easily dodge its weak attacks. “Hey, I’ll let your little chick go. Who knows, it might even survive and carry on your legacy.”
The griffin, ignoring Zaelen, turned and limped to where the carcasses of its destroyed family lay. It thumped to the ground beside them as Zaelen watched. Ugh, now I feel sort of bad, too. Stop acting so sobby, griffin.
Rocky Griffin killed. Gained 20 exp. Lv: 9/30 HP: 30/30 MP: 20/20
Or just die. I completely respect that too. And so the day went on, with Zaelen mass-murdering smaller creatures. Of course, some noise interrupted him just as he started to curl up and go to sleep. He paused, listening to something in the distance. Is that shouting? Human shouting? What the hell is happening?! I was just about to take a break! I need my beauty rest, you know!
Apparently, the world wasn’t about to let him get his beauty rest, as the screaming continued on. Yeah, I’d have to be deaf to be able to sleep through this. And so, a forlorn Zaelen scampered away to take out the source of the noise.
Zaelen soon reached a clearing where he saw a pack of lighting fenrirs ravaging a crowd of humans. He stared blatantly at the wolves for a bit, before a grin spread across his face. He flexed his claws in anticipation. Heheheheh... it is the day for my revenge! Though Zaelen did check his stats quickly before he charged in. It seemed he still possessed enough braincells for that.
Horned Semi-Drake (Small)
Name: Zaelen
Level: 17/30
HP: 40/40
MP:30/30
SPD: 28
STR: 20
Skills: [Leap Lv4] [Fire Breath Lv2] [Wind Slash Lv2]
Resistances: [Traumatization Lv3] [Fire Lv1]
Zaelen stared exasperatedly at his stats. They’re so... WEAK. Not that Zaelen was complaining. It was still an improvement. But as he was lost in thought, a lightning fenrir charged at him. Zaelen jumped just in time to avoid becoming wolf food. He was already second-guessing his plan. Wait, no! I killed griffins! This can’t be that much worse. Zaelen turned around as the wolf charged at him again. He ducked and slithered under the wolf’s belly, snapping at its unprotected belly. Blood splattered onto the ground and Zaelen weaved out again, satisfied at hearing the pained yelps of the wolf.
He sent a [Fire Breath] straight onto the wolf, the flames quickly catching onto the wolf’s pelt. It gave more yelps and started to roll on the ground, trying to extinguish them. Zaelen sat on the ground, his tail curled around himself. Then, lightning struck the ground next to him. Zaelen was the one who gave a yelp this time, staring wide-eyed at the sizzling spot. Before the lightning fenrir could electrify him, however, it succumbed to the fire.
Lightning Fenrir killed. Gained 45 exp. Lv: 19/30 HP: 42/42 MP: 26/30
Zaelen heard the thump of pounding paws and used [Leap] to jump up, two fenrirs charging straight beneath him. He flexed his claws as he landed on the back of one of them, slashing at it. Electricity suddenly crackled along its fur, and Zaelen yelped, scrambling off. However, he didn’t feel pain. If he thought about it, he hadn’t felt pain at all since he’d come to this world. I wonder if it’s because I was reincarnated. Not that I’m complaining.
Zaelen backed off, checking his HP.
HP: 37/42 MP: 26/30
Does [Leap] not take MP? That’s good. Zaelen had a staring contest with one of the fenrirs for a while, before he sent two [Wind Slash]es slicing into the wolf’s legs. It howled and went down. The other wolf avoided the [Wind Slash]es when he sent more, and fired a crackling blue beam in return. Zaelen ducked, the beam shooting above his head. He released another [Fire Breath], the flames burning brightly in front of the fenrir, just as it leaped. Which meant that it jumped straight into the flames as if it wanted to do suicide. When the wolf crashed down on the other side, it was met with Zaelen’s claws, which ended it swiftly.
Lightning Fenrir killed. Gained 45 exp. Lv: 21/30 HP: 43/43 MP: 19/31
Zaelen swished his tail in satisfaction. Nothing beats killing a few wolves on a bright, sunny day!
Learned new resistance: [Lightning Resistance]
Learned new skill: [Lightning Strike]
Well, that’s even better! Zaelen, with his newfound confidence, scampered into the fray of snarling wolves and screaming humans. Though seriously, human screams were so... shrill for lack of better description. Zaelen was pretty sure nobody would get used to human screams. Maybe not even the humans themself. Using [Leap], he jumped into the air to get a clear view of the battle below. However, wolves also caught sight of him. Three wolves milled about below him, glaring up with hungry eyes and slavering jaws. Before he could get lightning-fied though, Zaelen sent plumes of fire down on the wolves away. While they were distracted, he landed and slashed at a burning lightning fenrir’s eyes, blinding it.
In a panicked fit, it sent lightning bolts crashing down randomly around it. While Zaelen escaped them, it’s supposed comrades weren’t so lucky. While the lightning bolts didn’t kill them, they continued for quite a bit for some reason, stunning the wolves around it. When the lightning finally died, Zaelen observed that many of the wolves had scorched fur. The one who had caused it was lying in a burnt crisp in the middle. Zaelen slashed the throat of two motionless wolves on the ground. Of course, it wasn’t like he’d planned this, but it had worked to his benefit. And no one was complaining. Well, the dead wolves might’ve but they were dead... so yeah.
Lightning Fenrir (x3) killed. Gained 125 exp. Lv: 24/30 HP: 45/45 MP: 20/34
Then the wolves rose to their feet, many of them focused on the ‘lizard’ in their midst. Zaelen skedaddled out of there, wolves right on his tail. However, his size was to his advantage, and he managed to outrun the fenrirs. Well, most of them, anyway. Five undaunted wolves followed Zaelen determinedly. Every time he thought he’d lost them, they appeared again. Finally, Zaelen crawled up into the tree canopy, intending to use the same strategy he’d used with the griffins. However, it appeared the wolves were smarter than the griffins. Or perhaps their sense of smell was just better.
A blue bolt slammed into the bark next to Zaelen. Zaelen gave a yelp, almost falling from the branch he was clinging onto. He lowered his tail, waving it around. However, it did not work out like planned. One of the wolves grabbed his tail in its jaws, and down Zaelen went, yowling like a cat all the way. He smacked unceremoniously into the ground and looked up to see five, gleeful canine faces. Erk.
Zaelen used [Leap], but a wolf and caught his tail. Again.
“HEY, WHY THE TAIL?!” screeched Zaelen.
He smacked once again unceremoniously into the ground. This time, the only difference was that he was on his back. While yes, this made him vulnerable, it also gave him a chance to bring pain onto the face of the wolf which had pulled him back. Which was what exactly he did.
Zaelen clung to the fenrir’s face, screaming and shrieking. His claws tore flesh and cut bone. The other fenrirs watched, stunned, as a demon rose from the very depths of burning hell to wreak havoc. Soon, five lumps of fur were strewn across the forest, with the demon standing in the middle. A bloodthirsty aura seemed to radiate off -
“Ah, that felt good. So, can I finally get my beauty rest now?”
- or not.
Zaelen paused when a new message hit him.
Maxed Level
Now evolving:
Horned Drake (Medium)
Lightning Drake
Flare Drake
Choose an option
Zaelen, of course not thinking this through, randomly chose. Eh, the first one, I guess. It has rizz.
Now evolving...
Zaelen blacked out.