After perhaps a quarter of a day, my blood-sucking colleagues finally travel. As a brave team of four different members of our species, they fearlessly headed towards the passing scorpion.
Carefully approaching the front line, I prepare to launch a surprise attack. I need to check whether each participant in the battle gets to experience or only the “finishing” one. If only one strike is enough, you can significantly reduce the risks! All that is required is that at the end of the battle to touch the still living enemy.
The scorpion, about a third of the height of the Beetle Bully, except for the tail, seems to be an equally dangerous opponent. If the centaur beetle was really extremely slow and clumsy, then our current opponent was clearly not going to take the blows so easily.
After dodging the first salvo of acid, the scorpion immediately began to close the distance. Within seconds of reaching the acid sniper, he swung a venomous sting at the seemingly defused enemy. But no sooner had the giant insect pierced the body of my colleague, as a generous salvo of acid followed in his direction from the hoses that approached at point-blank range.
I felt the vibrations as our enemy jumped back again, momentarily out of my line of sight, fleeing the sudden attack. Immediately after the scorpion landed, my colleague's hoses were cut almost without resistance, and after that, the vulnerable main body was pierced by a powerful tail.
Although I doubt that our species is particularly susceptible to poisons, the attack itself took the acid sniper out of the fight anyway. All the remaining acid in a thick stream quickly leaves its main body, almost hitting the scorpion that managed to jump back again. However, even if the acid sniper wanted to use these modest remnants, it is unlikely that anything would come of it, given the lack of the necessary pressure. After all, as I could see, before each shot, the acid sniper was slightly compressed, thereby releasing an acid jet of the necessary power.
No sooner did the scorpion celebrate the victory and finish off my colleague, than several dozen spikes immediately flew in his direction! From my angle, I could see that the plant monster, which resembled a small mound of moss, suddenly opened small holes all over its body, like pores. The first batch of "armor-piercing spikes" was applied perfectly! The entire left side of the scorpion was covered with these incredibly sharp needles. And judging by the depth of penetration, the damage was not very small. Of course, I do not know how strong the shell of this enemy is, but for some reason, it seems to me that it is clearly not much weaker than that of the Beetle Bully. Perhaps because of the color of the chitinous armor? If my memory serves me right, the scorpion is only slightly redder than the armored centaur beetle.
In any case, this is just the beginning! The needle-thrower had already begun to turn its loaded side toward the enemy with enviable agility. Its rather flexible main body bends in the direction of the enemy, the frontal part resembling a multi-shot rocket launcher! If you calculate the angle of the body is used at a time, it should be enough for another seven shots, or so? This guy is extremely dangerous! However, prolonged fights are clearly not for him. I can't see any “spare” weapons in his arsenal.
Before the scorpion could react to the new threat, something much more dangerous than the second volley of several dozen needles was already flying towards it! The electric jigsaw bush cut its way through as it flew, turning the moss and vines hanging from the ceiling into a salad. In contrast to the previously seen representative of this species, this one was at least twice as large, and obviously more dangerous.
Stope! And what about me?!
At maximum speed, I send one of my long roots towards the enemy. Fortunately, I noticed the launch of this vegetable grinder in advance!
Having delivered a crushing blow of the maximum possible force to the side of the scorpion about to retreat, I immediately pull back my limb, fearing to get caught in the distribution of the diving sawmill.
Due to an obvious leg injury, the scorpion was no longer able to show its former agility. My intervention finally put an end to his defeat. Sprawled on the cave floor after a failed jump attempt, he made a desperate attempt to meet the chopper bush head-on. But even though our opponent tried to oppose something to the bush-electric jigsaw, attacking it with his tail, there was absolutely no sense from this. Without meeting any resistance at all, my plant colleague literally chewed a hole in the scorpion's body, falling on top of it. Instant destruction...
There are simply no words! After such a display of strength, I begin to feel my kind somehow ... weak? Although considering that I had already observed a weaker version of this meat-chopping bush before, it's a little easier for me. Looks like this guy's been here for quite a while. It must have accumulated a lot of Biomass to reach this size and strength…
Speaking of Biomass! I need to hurry up before this elite kamikaze devours all the loot! Leave us some!
...
[One Biomass was obtained]
[A new source of Biomass has been consumed: Hatchling Jumping Scorpion]
[Unlocked Base Profile: Jumping Scorpion]
Phew, I did it!
Sorry, guys, but I need more! If anything, most of it was still eaten by the electric jigsaw bush, and I just ate the leftovers. Even the Biomass could be obtained only by squeezing the remnants to the limit! Although, for free, and chlorine - cottage cheese…
And yet, even despite the “participation” in the battle, I was not given any experience. Perhaps, with my rather weak blow, I did not cause damage, so it happened… Well, I'll have plenty of time to check it out. At least I managed to get a basic profile of dubious utility!
Now, while I'm still not in danger of starvation, it's better to continue exploring shortly. And at the next hunt, the first check with which allies I will have to share the loot! I have nothing against the safe extraction of food, but with two or more “advanced" colleagues in the battle, I doubt that it will be possible to snatch even a pitiful unit of Biomass. As soon as the neighbors of the meat-grinder bush have not yet died out of hunger?.. Although most likely, they will make the next hunt without his participation.
Hm... Should I wait for the next battle here, or should I change my position? Given the presence of a still-loaded needle meter and the “toothpick” that didn't have time to do anything, it probably won't be a problem to fill up another scorpion. And even if the fight is not too successful, you can always retreat to the slumbering nearby bush-electric jigsaw. This Mr. meat grinder will definitely be able to at least detain even a Beetle Bully.
But if you think about it, if there are “advanced” representatives among my species, probably having passed that very evolution, there is a fairly high probability of meeting an enemy of a higher rank. So the fact that a powerful companion nearby adds to the peace of mind!
My behavior may be rather cowardly, but so what? While I'm surrounded by my allies, it would be foolish not to take advantage of such a good combination of circumstances!
While there is time, it is worth at least looking at the basic profile of the scorpion. Did I get it for nothing? Ever since my last life, I have a habit of using everything I have if there is such an opportunity!
What was his name? ...
Hmm…
Open the Hatchling Jumping Scorpion base profile!
[Jumping Scorpion: this creature is capable of very fast jumps, and has good agility, despite the high resistance. It has a strong poison, but rather low strength and survivability indicators]
So, an armored but fast and agile venomous scorpion? I expected something like this. Although, it's nice that I was right, considering it strong. Well, now it's better to wait for a new victim. Before continuing the exploration, I would like to start by increasing my strength a little more...
...
Less than an hour later, a group of five monsters reached our ambush. The number of opponents is a bit of a concern, but having a stationary meat grinder a meter away from me significantly reduces the pressure.
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A group of overgrown beetles, resembling mantises, quickly moves through the tunnel. With four fighting limbs equipped with eerie, jagged blades, they clear their way as well as an electro-jigsaw bush. I would not like to fall under their hot hands!
The only good thing was that because of the rather low profile, it was much easier to keep track of them than the same Beetle Bully. The scorpion, however, was probably even shorter, except for the tail, but it also moved much faster. But to follow the low lawnmowers, so to speak, is quite comfortable.
At this time, the column of overgrown beetles had almost entered the area of our attack. The increased activity of my colleagues confirms an indisputable fact – the hunt begins!
Watching the actions of the needle shooter, for some reason I remembered a useful tip about snakes. The first person in the group wakes up the snake, the second-angers, and the third is already bitten. A similar situation was happening at the moment. The first beetle provoked the needle shooter to open his pores, the second to aim, changing the shape of his flexible body, and in the third flew a deadly volley of armor-piercing needles!
Completely unprepared for, the most likely, silent attack, the overgrown beetle took the brunt of most of the released needles. Immediately reacting to the attack, he turned with difficulty to the approximate location of the game meter, trying to detect the aggressor.
At this time, the needle-thrower was preparing for the next salvo with mechanical composure. It seems that the almost defenseless targets are the perfect prey for this guy! Judging by how thin these overgrown beetles are, the armor-piercing needles are quite capable of piercing their bodies to their full depth.
With a slight flutter from the recoil, the needle thrower re-launched several dozen of its barely visible projectiles. The second salvo of armor-piercing needles now flew straight at the giant mantis ' forehead. Surprisingly, the ready-to-fight overgrown beetle put up quite a decent resistance, swinging its sickles to beat off at least half of the incoming needles, but the remaining ones were still enough to pierce its chest and head. Having received such serious injuries, he fell on his side in a few seconds, twitching his limbs in convulsions.
However, the remaining four do not show the slightest signs of fear and immediately begin a counterattack, probably having discovered the needle thrower. But before the remaining opponents have time to approach the reloading Blood-sucking colleague, I and ”toothy " take on one overgrown beetle each!
Twining the vines around the giant mantis ' hind legs, my toothy colleague pulls the light body to his jaws with one jerk. Two monstrous mouths, full of sharp fangs, immediately dig into the vulnerable back. Without allowing the beetle to turn around, the Blood-sucking colleague continues to wrap its victim with vines and at the same time constantly bites through the back of the overgrown beetle in different places. Keep it up, buddy!
Watching my toothy colleague, I wait patiently for the right moment. Unlike Nibbler, who is lucky to be right behind one of our opponents, I will have to face one of these lawnmowers almost head-on. Fortunately, the disguise does its job, and the overgrown beetles, distracted by my colleagues, do not notice me behind a rather dense wall of moss and hanging vines.
Shoulder to shoulder, the giant mantises can barely withstand the third salvo of armor-piercing needles as they approach the needle shooter. This time, my plant companion turned with the fully charged side and fired in an arc in the direction of all the opponents. It seems that realizing that there are too many targets around, the Blood-sucking colleague went to desperate measures, at once almost exhausting his ammunition. Not having enough time to aim, at least half of the needles he simply missed... It was lucky that he didn't hit for us! I can't imagine how I would have had to pick those needles out of myself! Still, fighting against multiple targets wasn't for him.…
So, my way out! Being about two three meters away from the outermost overgrown beetle, I positioned my long roots directly in front of the needler. Now that the potential blood donor is close enough, I can show the full force of the sudden Squeeze!
Raising a cloud of dust, I wrap my nimble roots around each mantis limb! Then, with a sharp jerk, I turn him around with his back to me and pull him away from the main body. Without letting the enemy recover, I immediately apply compression! First of all, you need to deprive him of mobility!
Compared to the Beetle Bully, the armor of this overgrown beetle was just pathetic! I didn't even have time to get my muscles working properly! The root spikes cut through the thin chitinous armor like a cookie, causing the insect to squirm in pain as it tried to free itself. Ha, as if I'd let you do that! Suction!!! I'm sure my slightly full stomach is enough to absorb several of these skinny creatures.
The remaining beetles should clearly be in a dilemma: help their own or finish off a defenseless opponent? I was already ready to throw my victim aside to start preparing for defense, but... they don't plan to save their comrades?..
Completely ignoring what is happening, slightly wounded by armor-piercing needles, overgrown beetles pounce on the discharged needle thrower. Their blades meet almost no resistance, piercing his vulnerable body, crumbling such a dangerous Blood-sucking plant monster into a salad! Something clearly went wrong! I totally didn't expect that we would end up losing the second most powerful member of the group!
In just a few seconds, having crumbled the needle shooter into the dust, two insects headed for the "toothpick”, showing absolute composure!
My toothy colleague still hasn't managed to finish off his opponent, although the damage is done is clearly quite significant. Finally guessing to bite through the thin neck of a surprisingly tenacious mantis, "toothy" ends his battle... only to find two combined harvesters rushing towards him!
Oh no… Protection is certainly not the strongest side of our species! It seems that the toothy colleague will soon also come to an end… But how well it all started!
By maximizing the Suction and Compression, I try to neutralize my opponent as soon as possible! I urgently need to hide behind a bush-electric jigsaw, there is no time to lose! In a head-on collision with these lawnmowers, I have almost no chance of success!
This beetle is really surprisingly tenacious! Although I have already drunk a significant portion of his blood, he is still alive, although he is no longer able to resist.
[One Biomass was obtained]
[A new source of Biomass has been consumed: Hatchling Four-Blade Beetle]
[Unlocked Base profile: Hatchling Four-Blade Beetle]
[You have slain the Hatchling Four-Blade Beetle, Level 2]
[You have gained experience]
Finally!
Immediately throwing away the carcass of an overgrown beetle, I hurriedly retreated behind a bush-electric jigsaw. This Mr. meat grinder ignores everything that's going on as if it's none of his business at all! After all, on what principle does “our” psychology work? Are the "well-fed” really absolutely not going to interfere in the problems of the "hungry"?
Meanwhile, the toothy colleague barely manages to hold off the attackers. Only the plant mouths clacking dangerously close stop the overgrown beetles from directly colliding, but this is clearly not for long. There were already several deep scratches on each of the blood-sucking monster's “heads”, and there were more of them every moment. Finally, one of the Four-Bladed Beetles managed to hit my brother's vulnerable neck, making it impossible for him to resist. The cold-blooded insect, cutting through the vines that are weak in defense, successfully gets to the main body of the blood-sucking monster. At the same time, another overgrown beetle, taking advantage of the confusion of its opponent, repeats the “haircut” procedure.
At this moment, a powerful jet of acid flies into one of the beetles from somewhere to the side, causing him to be distracted for a moment. Then, as if parodying what is happening, the remaining more or less intact beetle is also covered with acid, although in a much smaller volume.
From this distance, I can't see where the attacks came from, but it looks like two acid snipers have joined the battle! Great! In that case, perhaps I should join in the fun! Ha-ha... Do not miss this opportunity...
Carefully bypassing the bush-electric jigsaw, I begin to approach the remaining overgrown beetles. After receiving another salvo of acid, given their slightly "punctured" state, they are most likely already at the limit!
With my long roots, it won't be difficult for me to reach each of them, which I'm sure I'm going to use. While these two, despite their injuries, continue to shred... what was once a toothy plant monster, I approach as close as possible.
I didn't want to take any chances after the first fight, but when you have the opportunity to get experience and Biomass “for free”, it's not so easy to resist the possible benefits! Besides, when I observe the condition of these two now, they don't seem so dangerous anymore…
When I got close enough, I wrapped my front roots around the thin body of the Four-Blade Beetle and immediately applied Compression!
[Stabbing Attack has reached level 2]
Great, it really works! Raising two combat skills in one action is undoubtedly very pleasant. I can already feel that the penetrating power has slightly increased. However, there was a small problem... Having no problem piercing the Root Spikes of the giant mantis and touching it with the roots, I suddenly realize that they are like being on fire!
[-1 HP]
[-1 HP]
[-1 HP]
[-1 HP]
...
[-1 HP]
Acid! And how could I forget about it… It doesn't matter! Now all the more reason to finish off this insect as soon as possible! Suction!!!
Having completely lost its strength, the overgrown mantis stops resisting. Meanwhile, I watch the second Four-Blade Beetle nearby, which has just been hit by a fourth charge of acid, completely covering its already wounded carcass. Unable to withstand the damage from the acid attack, he falls on his side, giving no signs of life. It's a pity that I didn't manage to finish him off personally, but there's nothing can do about it. I couldn't have known that two acid snipers would decide to interfere in this battle!
[One Biomass was obtained]
[You have slain a Four-Blade Beetle, level 2]
[You have gained experience]
Great! Even though the rather disappointing loss of ten HP from the "allied" acid, it was definitely a successful hunt! Although it seems, I will have to continue the exploration. In any case, I will need to find a more or less theoretically effective team. But before that, it's time to fill your stomach to the brim with nutritious Biomass! Although I must admit, the inhabitants here look simply disgusting! Good thing I can't taste it!
[Species: Small Root of Horror (Blood-sucking)
Level 2/5
Strength: 21
Resistance: 12
Survivability: 15
Mind: 40
Will: 25
HP: 163\186
MP: 0]
Skill Points: 0
Biomass: 3
Skills: Suction (3 level), Compression (2 level), Vibration Sense (3 level), Disguise (2 level), Stabbing Attack (2 level)
Mutations: Roots +1, Root Spikes +1, Thermal Radars +1]