Hunt for Exp

I was sure Rorick would be upset once he learnt I had left, but I knew he’d get over it. It’s not like I had left forever, I just had something to pick up before coming back.

It sounded that simple, but in reality, I had quite the task ahead of me.

Alright, the Duskmaw’s not only stronger than me, but quite fast too. It seemed to focus more on its claws and heavy body, so I assume it’s a beast-type fighter. If I can’t rely on speed or defence, I’ll have to go for a full attack this time around. I should be able to gain some distance with Earth Manipulation, but once it’s distracted, I’ll hit it with all I have!

After the reading Rorick and I did together, I learnt that I was currently in the Vestigial Forest, a pretty secluded part of the continent of humans. There wasn’t much information, but based on everything I heard from the chief and in that book, the Isperia flower did exist and it was located at the edge of the forest.

Almost everything in this forest relies on its speed, except for a select few. If I can find those few, I’ll be able to do some hunting on my way to the Duskmaw.

Traversing through the trees and shrubbery, I appraised everything I could. Two-headed birds with vibrant colours streaked across the sky. Boars with short, moss-covered tusks scattered between the trees at speeds I could only dream of. None of which was my target.

{FeatherTwin Lv6} {Wild Boar Lv4} {FeatherTwin Lv2} {FeatherTwin Lv3} {Wild Boar Lv3} {FeatherTwin Lv4}

Not there either. Did I have the area wrong? According to the notes in the book, it should nest around areas like this one.

Tall Delwood trees surrounded me, a maze of silver leaves in every direction. This spot was particularly shady, exactly as the texts said it would be found.

I raised my arms into a fighting stance as I spotted the curved horn of a beetle-like creature against the bark of a tree. It easily doubled my size and was coated in what looked to be a sturdy, green and silver armour. Its thin wings shuddered along its back plate as it sucked on the bark of the tree with a long, straw-shaped tongue.

That’s seriously nasty! That thing looks even worse than the sketch from Rorick's book. Is it even the same thing? The description matches, let’s check the name.

{Armoured Lyrian Beetle Lv13}

That checks out, it’s definitely the same creature from the records. Great, then I’ll get the attack in while it’s distracted. Spikes!

As I commanded, the earth at the base of the tree reacted with a glowing magical circle and three large spikes erupted from the ground, into its backside. The beetle shifted its weight using the six muscular legs on its side and avoided harm's way.

It’s sturdy as hell! I gawked at the shattered stone spikes and noticed its beady eyes locked onto me. It’s sizing me up, just like the book said it would. Wait, that means next it will–

A burst of wind broke off against the side of the tree and sent scattered leaves around me as the beetle charged through the air. An unsettling grinding sound resonated from its body as its wings vibrated together and a moment later, I was faced with a large curved horn, coated in solid green plating.

It’s rough point collided into my arm and I felt the cracks on my hand split open.

{-30 HP}

So strong! This is a bad matchup, it’s way too strong to take head-on like this!

I shifted my weight back, but was toppled over by the overwhelming burst of power against me. It felt like I had been hit with a boat.

Shit, I’ll need to recover. Get off already!

Using my skill, I raised two pillars from the ground and managed to lift the beetle three feet into the air. From that position, it took off into flight and landed against another tree, not far.

It’s a lot scarier when it's on the move, but this is good. Using you, I might be able to get some good practice in. I scooped up a handful of dirt and squeezed it into a ball. Stay right there.

{Piercing Stone activated}

The bullet of solid dirt shot forward and hit its back with a powerful blow that left a reasonable crack in its shell. There was some hope after all.

Its wings opened into a sprawl as it moved off the tree again and into the air. Its horn aimed at me. With it too far off the ground, I couldn’t rely on Earth Manipulation, so I took a defensive stance.

Fine, bring it on!

Using a branch as a foothold, it launched towards me and picked up a terrifying speed that cracked my confidence. The reverberations reached my legs as I took on the brunt of its attack. My grip on its horn loosened as it thrashed around, but I couldn’t afford to let go.

Not bad, but I’m still standing.

I noticed the legs at its side wriggling around for something to grip onto, but didn’t release my grip. I buried my feet into the dirt a bit more and sloped my shoulders, then brought it down into a crash against the floor. It took a bit of damage from that, but nothing it couldn’t shake off.

“Ki-ki-ki!” A sharp clicking sound broke from its mouth as it tossed around.

You think that was it? Think again.

The dirt it stood on lit up with the large magic circle and morphed the ground into a soft putty that its body sank into. A moment later, steaks made from solid stone broke out of the ground from all directions and pierced the brittle wings along its back.

Painful shrieks erupted, “Kiiiiiiiiiii—!!!” The thin material of its wings tore and broke apart as it fought for freedom.

I might not be able to break your armour that easily, but without your wings, you’re helpless against me. Now that you can’t fly, it’s time to break that pesky shell. So do me a favour, and die quietly!!

I charged in and bore my hands on its shoulders, my grip firm against its rounded shell. It thrashed uncontrollably and broke the stone, stake by stake. My grip managed a crack or two, but with its constant tossing, I couldn’t steady my hold on it.

Damn, it’s tough… even with my strength.

I felt the full force of its horn hit into my chest and my feet rose from the ground. It felt all too familiar and panic clouded my mind as the beetle had me nearly ten feet in the air.

It charged ahead. With a powerful swing, I forced my body into a spin and managed to go into a full, repeated flip.

Bulldoze!

I brought both hands together and crashed against its horn. A curdling CRUNCH screamed under my fists as I broke through its attack and crushed down on its shell body. Splits and cracks raced across its armour and shattered under my weight.

The writhing nearly flung me off, but out of instinct, I grabbed on and clung to it until everything stopped.

{100 Exp gained}

Geez… What a fight, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how crazy things can get.

I inspected the broken pieces and splints across my body. There were a few more than before, but without any pain receptors, it was hard to notice when they popped up.

Damn, I actually took on some heavy scars from this fight. As long as I have mana, I should be able to gain my health back, right?

I decided to use the chance and reviewed my stats.

{Myranite Golem Lv12}

Attack: 170

Agility: 15

Vitality: 225

Defence: 300

MP: 80

Alright then, how about my skills?

{Bulldoze} {Greater Appraisal} {Greater Earth Manipulation} {Basic Light Manipulation} {Hide} {Piercing Stone} {Sense} {Glow}

They really got out of hand… I didn’t realise I had this many skills. Maybe I should try and add to my arsenal before taking on the Duskmaw? Nah, I need to focus on levelling. If I get any more along the way, I’ll take it.

For now, though, I have a lot more experience points to gain.