Beyond Mere Survival
All over my body ached.
I hadn't felt much pain during the fight, but now that it was over, the wounds were pretty severe.
I'd dodged as best I could, but apparently not well enough.
The gash on my forehead from that final moment stung the worst.
It looked deep; blood was streaming down steadily.
Thanks to Regeneration, it'd heal soon enough, but seeing myself like this really drove home just how brutal the battle had been.
A wave of awkward pride welled up, and I nudged the corpse with my tail.
The body, already cold, swayed lightly.
Damn, that feels satisfying.
Beating something that felt like a D-rank head-on—who wouldn't be thrilled? Even if it wasn't a full D-rank, it had been plenty threatening to me, so that was good enough.
Time to chow down, then.
Best to wrap up today's hunt here.
The day was far from over, but physically and mentally, I was nearing my limit.
I needed to head back to my nest, tend my wounds, and check my status window in peace.
Just as I opened my mouth to swallow it, a rustling came from one side.
I whipped around.
"Grrr..."
Emerging from the bushes was a large brown wolf—a Silent Wolf.
As it slowly closed in, I flicked my tongue urgently.
...Shit. The whole pack's here?
-Shiii───
My tongue confirmed it: the nearby forest was crawling with wolves.
Even a rough count put them well over ten.
Rage boiled up.
They didn't show their faces while I was fighting...!
-Shaa───
A sharp hiss escaped me involuntarily.
Despite the heavy warning in my cry, they didn't flinch.
That told me they'd come with intent.
Fishing for scraps, huh?
Whether they wanted me, the fresh corpse, or both, the situation sucked.
"Grrr..."
They circled and closed in.
Their menacing advance made me flick my tongue nonstop. My mind raced.
Even in perfect shape, this would've been tough. Battered like I was, how long could I last?
Could I even do anything?
Damn mutts! No conscience at all?
Monsters didn't have those anyway, but desperation made me grasp at straws.
This way, I'd end up ripped apart right next to the Surprise Bird's body.
...Fuck it! If I die, I take one with me!
-Shaa───
I hissed threateningly at the approaching pack.
My body was wrecked, but I bluffed like I was fine.
I glared fiercely.
They hesitated for a moment.
Wait... could this work?
If I bluffed hard enough, maybe I'd survive.
They'd been hiding from the bird's rampage, so they'd avoid getting hurt.
Show them I wasn't easy prey, and they might back off. A battle of wills.
Just as I committed to ramping it up, a new figure appeared from behind them.
Grrr───
Its growl alone was different.
Twice the size of the others, with dull gray fur.
Crisis Detection screamed warnings.
I knew instantly.
The bird had seemed D-rank, but compared to this? Nothing.
This one was a true D-rank.
Gray Killer Wolf... it was in this forest?
Even as a porter, I'd heard its infamous rep.
Most parties ran on sight—"Killer" in the name meant it slaughtered hunters like pros.
A huge scar over one eye, like it'd been in a fight.
But that only amplified its ferocity, making me shrink back.
Its single remaining red eye stared at me impassively.
...No chance. Bluff won't work on this one.
Instinct told me everything hinged on it.
...Like hell I'll go down easy.
The gap was huge, but I wouldn't just roll over.
Not after surviving day by day.
Not when things were finally looking up.
I couldn't let it end like this.
Glaring with resolve, it finally moved.
"Woof—!"
A short bark, laced with overwhelming intimidation.
My scales bristled involuntarily.
At least it didn't feel outright hostile. Small mercy.
With its bark, the encircling wolves shifted. The ring around me opened on one side.
I stared blankly at the gray wolf.
It nodded toward the gap, now a clear path.
What...? It's telling me to leave?
-Shiii───
I glanced at the open path, then back at it.
It just watched silently.
Like it was asking: leave, or fight and die?
Stunned by the unexpected mercy, but the choice was easy.
Slither—
I bolted without looking back.
I didn't think it was luring me into a trap.
If it wanted me dead, no need for games.
Why it spared me, I didn't know—but I was grateful.
Only once fully clear did I glance back. It ignored me completely.
Thick defeat settled in.
Second time they'd stolen my prey.
I'll get revenge.
End of Day 55.
Species: Monster - Hunter Snake ▶ View Details
Name: Yu Jun-young(?)
Skills:
Soul Separation SS [Unavailable], Tenacity C, Limit Break D, Stealth C, Ambush D, Constrict C, Instinct C, Regeneration D, Charge D, Gluttony E, Overeating E, Poison Fang D, Intimidation D
Day 56 of survival.
The gains from battling the Surprise Bird were substantial.
All my stats had jumped way more than from regular hunts.
Some skills had grown too.
Notably, Crisis Detection hit C-rank and became Instinct. Poison Fang and Intimidation each rose a rank.
Constrict reached C-rank but kept its name.
Not all skills change at C, apparently. Some condition?
The benefits went beyond the status window. Unforgettable experience, new insights.
I need to get stronger.
I knew it before, but yesterday hammered it home.
Unconditionally stronger.
For my top priority: survival.
Yesterday was pure luck.
The gray wolf spared me for some reason.
Without that? Dead a hundred times over.
So, get stronger.
Strong enough to protect myself, no matter the numbers or power.
Strong enough to crush any attackers.
Survival was my goal so far, but it's time to shift.
Honestly, pure survival is fine now.
Avoid the strong, hunt the weak.
With Stealth and Instinct, living's no issue.
But that's not enough.
Something matters more than just living. No more helplessness like yesterday.
My goal isn't survival anymore.
Growth. Strong enough to ignore others' threats.
Unlike before, pursuing strength means changing behavior.
Survival was passive hunting; now, active combat.
My skills lean toward ambush hunting, but combat yields bigger gains.
High risk, high reward. Worth it.
New goal set, but no rash moves.
Even embracing risk, I need prep. No suicidal charges.
First, pick targets.
Start easy for experience: F or E-rank monsters.
The bird was E-rank, but an outlier with its chaos.
Want a straightforward fight this time.
Sounds safety-first after deciding on risk, but I have reasons.
That crushing powerlessness yesterday.
It sparked my resolve but also dented confidence.
Start with easy foes to rebuild pride.
Bluntly: wanna bully some weaklings.
Specifically, vent frustration.
Can't just take it lying down. Can't revenge the impossible yet, so take it out on easy prey.
Kinda petty?
I wasn't vengeful as a human.
No grudges; too soft for porter life long-term.
This change came post-transformation.
I'd noticed, but liked it.
Human me was "big-hearted" at best, pushover at worst.
Narrow-minded now? Better—clear on favors and grudges.
Though I haven't tested the "grudge" part yet.
Oh, right... broke a promise.
-Shiii───
I hissed shortly.
Failed to keep my vow with the Surprise Bird.
Wanted to reunite it with mate and egg...
Truly a shame.