- Falling apart

'The old man really let me in without any problem' I thought as I walked down the familiar walkways. This time however I drew little x's around every corner I took so I could find my way back to the entrance. This place is like a maze and I hate it. I planned on farming the weak moles close to the entrance until I level up a couple of times, preferably around 5 but that would take several trips.

'I wish I had an attacking skill' I thought as I was feeling down that my trait skills don't suit the way I want to fight. 'They are very useful, but only in specific situations.' With these lonely thoughts floating around in my mind I rounded another corner and drew yet another x just to see two moles sound asleep next to each other. I repeated the process of covering myself in dirt, sprinting, and flying towards my opponent at top speed. I learned the last time I tried this that I either need to stab both the moles at the same time while in mid-air or I would be thrown off balance. If I can't do that then I need to kill one and predict the change of motion in the air and heavily injure the other.

*SHICK*

[You've received 43 exp for killing dungeon mole *2]

'I got it right this time!' I was pretty happy with the progress I was making. I got a little cocky and started rushing at all the moles I found no matter the amount. Some would get away in large groups but I would always get at least 2. My stamina was still taking a beating however so I had to take breaks periodically. The further I traveled the more the terrain slowly started looking different. Spiky dark vines were growing here and there with little red fruit growing on them as well as more compact walls and pointy rocks scattered periodically protruding from the floors, walls, and ceiling.

'So this is what the moles feed on. And what's with this environment? One wrong move and I could end up like a shish kabob!' Taking note of the increasing danger I debated whether I should head back for today or not. I had already made great progress and leveled up once. I held off on allocating my stat points however as I saved them for an emergency or if I got bored.

'Yeah, I'd rather play it safe than risk my life pointlessly. I've also memorized a decent portion of this dungeon so it'll be easier to navigate it in the future. I'm sure my mom is wondering where I am by now.' I started walking back, following the x's I drew on the floor paving the path to go further into the dungeon. I pulled up my stats window just to admire the progress.

[STATS]

Name: Sphar

Species: Nyre (1st evolution)

Level: 3 (132/338)

Hp: 95/95

Stamina: 7/12

Mana: 25/25

Strength- 6[+]

Agility- 11[+]

Dexterity- 7[+]

Intelligence- 12[+]

Vitality- 6[+]

Attribute Points: 2

Condition: Slightly tired/proud

As I was walking back towards my home I heard some strange noises coming from that direction, noises that shouldn't be being made.

'What's happening?! Why is everyone screaming?! I need to hurry!!!' I started flying full speed trying my best to round the sharp corners but crashing every now and then as I still haven't perfected flying. I was pushing myself to the absolute limit just to exit this stupid mole dungeon to see what all the commotion was about. There were sounds of flesh burning and the screams of Nyre. Once I finally got to the last corner of the dungeon I darted forward only to immediately stop myself.

'...fire. Everything is on fire! What caused all of this?' After a couple of seconds of watching my clan burning to death with overwhelming emotions stabbing my heart, I saw three humans standing close to the entrance of our cave. A mage, A warrior, and an archer all stood there with bored expressions. 'IT HAD TO OF BEEN THEM!' Before I could attack my mom appeared by my side, one of the few to still be alive.

"SWEETIE YOU HAVE TO RUN!" She screamed with obvious panic running rampant across her face. Before I realized it a stream of tears were falling from my cheeks as I stood helplessly as this slaughter took place.'When did I grow so attached to this place?' Was the only thought that could enter my mind as I stood in a daze. "NOW! RUN AND HIDE IN THE DUNGEON!" Coming back to my senses from watching the fire crackle over the dead bodies of my clan I understood the situation. My mom had to stall those humans with her life so I'd have more time to run.

The flames were already calming down and they would spot us any second. I nodded, wiping the tears from my face as I took off back into the dungeon. Flying even faster than I did exiting it. I erased the x marks on the floor as I passed them hopefully covering my tracks. I had to hide deeper in the dungeon than I've ever gone before. They'll definitely look in here for more of my kind so I'll need to morph into a mole to blend in!

I then put both of my skill points into morph as I was still flying deep into the dungeon. Every second that passed the pain only amplified as I abandoned my honor to live. I wouldn't let my mother's death be in vain. I had to live! As I erased the last x I had drawn on my expidenture earlier I continued to fly deeper in taking random turns not caring if I get lost. I finally ran into a dead-end that seems pretty far from the right path to the boss. Avoiding the many spikes I settled on an area just under a spike I could dig in after I morph.

I need to wait for the right moment before using the skill or my time would run out and I'd get caught.

'Skills!'

[SKILLS]

Trait skills:

[Morph] - (Active) 3[+] - With the usage of mana, temporarily change your form to the limits of your imagination. Time limit: 30 minutes, Cooldown: 4 hours. Costs 25 Mana.

[Poison Claws] - (Passive) 1[+] - With every scratch, pierce, and slash that breaks the skin with the usage of your claws, a light poison will be spread within your victim.

Class Skills: None

Equipment Skills: None

'This can work! Thirty minutes is much longer than I thought I would have! I just need to wait for them to make their way here. When I left they were already walking towards the entrance of the dungeon watching the bodies burn...the bodies burn.' Fighting the urge to cry once more I steeled my emotions and waited. And waited... And waited. Until finally I heard the footsteps of the trio who caused all of this. 'Morph!' I immediately changed into a mole and dug underground beneath the spike protruding from the wall. I could only listen to the words that were spoken by the horrid humans.

"This has got to be the most boring mission the king has ever sent us on. Why is he so worried about these weak ass monsters? Strangely, I've never seen them before but they are all so weak they probably hide in these caves so they can survive." Said a manly voice.

'BASTARD!'

"Oh shut it Michael, you know the king told us to take this mission very seriously. He wants them all dead and he paid us a lot so he must have a good reason." A womanly voice spoke.

"Did neither of you two listen to what he told us? He said there is an ancient prophecy that these monsters would come out of hiding and bring calamity to the world." The final voice spoke sounding less enthusiastic about the conversation.

"There is no way these puny beings could even survive outside for a week more less bring calamity to the world. The old king is losing his mind." Said the manly voice.

"Whether he's losing his mind or not doesn't matter, what matters is we get the job done and get the money." Said the woman. They continued walking and their voices carried away in the tunnels.

...