65 Chapter 64 - Preparing And Observing
The dawn of a new age was upon us, with the sun giving its place in the sky for the moon to take, the stars began to glow giving off a nice contrast. A cold breeze rushed throughout the forest, brushing past my scales, straight through the skin making me jump up. Now, awake and not knowing what could have happened in the meantime I looked around…
Confusion struck sinking deeper as my eyes adjusted to the surrounding area.
Was… I… Alone? Looking around some more, I couldn't find the guardian or Blacky and her young for that matter. Maybe the guardian has taken her to a safe place?
Unsure of it all I thought back at what happened before I succumbed to my exhaustion.
What the guardian had told me and that being a god could be less favourable than staying true to yourself. That was also when the realization struck as the guardian had announced the beginning of a new challenge…
A challenge that was inevitable if I desired to free myself from this dungeon-sized prison.
But before being able to take this challenge head-on, I needed to prepare.
I knew everything that had happened so far was defiantly just the beginning,
meaning that it could only get worse.
A message revealed something unexpected as I thought the evolution had been completed earlier on.
Come to think of it, whenever I finally settled at a place to call home, others would come and chase me out. This happened at the start too… But now, if I wish to make this all worthwhile I have to create a base for my operations.
A place to retreat if needed to replenish energy for the battle that will undoubtedly follow after each victory. First I had to think hard about what location would be most
advantageous for a lizard-like me. On the other hand, having almost met all the Kings I wondered…
"Why is it that the guardian mentioned "Kings & Queens"?
I have met more than one of the kings. Then, according to the guardian her words, there is also a Queen? Hmm… Then, could that be the reason? The reason why everyone is so hostile towards one another? I have to ask as I confront each and every one later on.
Let's first make sure I have the advantage of knowing all terrain within the dungeon. Hopefully picking up enough experience along the way."
I frowned, thinking about the best way to go about this. For example, I had to establish a base to get back to whenever this was required… Having established a basic understanding of construction building, I should be able to provide myself with a cleverly and well-disguised location for my home. And the ideal location for operations?
The centre of the forest. The location of the gigantic tree!
I knew this was the best option I had as most of the area was rich green lands, covered with bushes, other trees, and most importantly fresh drinking water which was provided with the abundance of rivers throughout the Area. Knowing the location I wanted to settle in I went on my way. Seeing how the gigantic tree was close I made my way quickly…
Maybe I could even find out the best way of transportation towards the different floors?
Certainly, the tree was the highest point within the entire floor, so that should provide me with a clear understanding of the area. Having made up my mind I quickly check the necessary things. Looking in the corner of my vision my health, mana, and stamina all seemed to be fully replenished.
Now, I had to be sure of my abilities. Seeing how I already traversed through a cave system.
Vulcanic area and now a deep forest full of insects and wildlife… I opened my window;
Remembering the stats before I had evolved, For some reason, this just seemed ridiculous…
[Ragnoss lv MAX
Tier: II
Name: Mira
Title: <Brutalize> <Survivor> <Messenger of the Celestial Beasts>
Attributes:
HP: 750
MP: 640
SP: 333 (recovery rate 11,1 sp per second)
Armor: 49 (+5) (5,4% (+2%) damage reduction in battle against creatures with the same or lower level than you.)
Physical ATK: 74 – 111
Physical DEF: 32 (+11,3%)
Magical ATK: 24,5
Magical DEF: 24,5 (+11,3%)
STR: 50 (+24) (+50%)
DEX: 86 (+24) (+1)
VIT: 30 (+120)
INT: 40 (+24)
WIS: 40 (+24)
LUK: 15 (+72)
Attribute Points to spend: 20]
[Linoss lv 02
Tier: III
Name: Mira
Title: <Brutalize> <Messenger of the Celestial Beasts> <Survivor of Calamity>
Attributes:
HP: 990
MP: 600
SP: 390 (recovery rate 13 SP per second)
Armor: 75 (+5) (8% (+2%) damage reduction in battle against creatures with the same or lower level than you.)
Physical ATK: 65 – 123
Physical DEF: 32 (+11,3%)
Magical ATK: 24,5
Magical DEF: 24,5 (+11,3%)
STR: 65 (+26) (+50%)
DEX: 103 (+26) (+1)
VIT: 62 (+130)
INT: 51 (+26)
WIS: 51 (+26)
LUK: 15 (+78)
Attribute Points to spend: 131]
My evolution had made me stronger than I had ever been before.
"Ridiculous… It does explain why I was able to calm down Blacky and how I was able to protect everyone against the shadow mimics. With my increased magical capabilities, I'm happy with my sudden increase, but… Aren't I evolving too quickly? Oh well, not going to complain about that."
I closed the window, for the time being, wanting to find a good spot inside the tree, which would be easily accessible for myself, while it would be difficult to find for others.
Deciding the best way of action would be to approach the tree and fight any trespassers.
It didn't take me long to arrive at the foot of the tree. Darkness engulfed the fields surrounding it, not much light slipped through the magnificent display of the tree.
Looking up, it truly was a sight to behold… But I couldn't waste too much time on sightseeing, I had to find a way up for now and hope Mandralio would be out to get me as the observation spot left me open for attacks. Then again... Even one of the kings had to rest at some point, right?
Seeing how the moon was still shining brightly high up in the air, there should be more than enough time to observe and register the surrounding area, which I wasn't able to last time.
Quickly I clawed myself up into the tree, knowing the journey is long and tiring.
"The first objective on my plan towards victory should be like any other survival plan.
That is to set up the base and acquire enough food to last at least a few days.
While doing so, I'll be able to get the necessary experience, allowing myself to grow even stronger in preparation for the battles to come."
Content with the plan I kept climbing my way up until I found a large hole within the trunk of the tree. Looking down, it was fairly high above the ground, maybe one-third of the way there. It could be an ideal location for the base if it isn't occupied just yet…
Deciding to stick to the plan, I moved closer to the hole. Peeking around the corner cautiously, hoping that in the dead of night my presence would go unnoticed if there might be anyone inside. With my <Dark Vision> skill the entirety of the hole had been illuminated and visible. At first, it looked like the hole was empty, easily for me to take, when on closer inspection it became clear that this was a storage room for other animals in the area.
I could see all kinds of nuts, herbs, and even pieces of fruit inside, but no creatures whatsoever. I knew that whoever was using this hole as storage would return at the crack of dawn. Or it could be it had already more than enough food laying here for itself…
Maybe it wouldn't be too far of a stretch to rest make this my base of operations and find a truce between the inhabitants and me. I made markings around the hole, making it easier for me to recognize it from further away. Quickly jumping out and moving on, I set out to climb further to the top this time.
Along the way, a thought occurred to me; If I want to remain unseen by the Kings and Mandralio in particular for now, then I should find more holes to hide in as I ascend towards the top, allowing a safe passage down when needed. That to me would be better than having to rush downwards like a mad man once again…
Each time around a quarter of the way further I found an intersection with thick branches leading to the inside of the tree, openings provided easy passage through the inside of the tree. Curiously enough some of the holes were connected, creating entire routes throughout the tree. But the most important part was for me to stay out of sight…
