System Nemesis

[Derrick Tarlin, 10 years old]

[Cla.s.s : Necromancer]

[Strength : 2.3]

[Agility : 1.1]

[Endurance : 1.5]

[Vitality : 2.1]

[Magic Power : 5.3]

[Traits : Enhanced Body, Enhanced Vision, Death"s Valet, Gluttony]

[Skills : Appraisal, Contract (1/2), Summoning (1/1), Craftsman]

[New trait! You have acquired the trait Gluttony. When you eat the meat of monsters you"ve vanquished, you will acquire a part of their strength and, in rare occasions, inherit one of their skills!]

Derrick was floored. Such growth was phenomenal, to the point where he couldn"t help but think he was blessed by the G.o.ds. This major victory gave him a jovial expression. While getting off the ground, he started inspecting his surroundings, making sure he didn"t attract other creatures. When everything was clear, he went towards Io, who was still standing guard, and patted him.

""You"ve done well earlier. I"ll definitely make you stronger in the future""

After thanking his companion, he looked towards the meat that was still laying on the pouch.

""I can"t be that vulnerable again... I"ll have to figure out a way to consume this in a safe environment. As for that lizard, it"s not worth making a contract with. The items I got basically granted me its skills""

After packing his things, he left the b.l.o.o.d.y scene and headed out, leaving the depression. He was resolute and his gaze was full of determination. He knew what he had to do next.

""System, show me the map of the cave""

In his mind, the relief of the cave appeared, along with the remaining 236 red dots and the path towards the exit.

""Time for the hunt to begin...""

Derrick"s face slightly contorted and his heartbeat accelerated. After the fight he just experienced and what he gained, this cave was clearly a blessing in disguise. Leaving anything behind would be a terrible waste and he would certainly not disappoint.

""Let"s find another lonely beast. I"m not strong enough to take on these small groups. There"s one pretty close... But it could also mean it"s strong enough to have its own territory... Ahhhhh...""

After a long sigh, he regathered his fighting spirit. He had indeed risked a lot by coming here and he knew that a creature that was alone was not necessarily an easy prey. It could turn into his downfall.

""Anyway, my rotten luck seems to have turned around and overthinking things won"t accomplish anything either. I"ll just have to stay cautious. Let"s go!""

He jumped on Io"s back and this time, even though it was still quite painful, it was more bearable with his newly made armor and pants. They flew in the cold and moist ambient air for a few minutes before landing on a small, rock-like hill. It didn"t have any cover, but it was still far away from their target and it allowed them a fair viewpoint of the battlefield. Io had already merged in his shadow and with his armors" special abilities, he was basically invisible to the naked eye. However, what he saw in front of him left him speechless.

""What the h.e.l.l is that thing?! It looks like a f.u.c.king dragon!""

Using his Enhanced Vision, he could see every detail of the beast, sending chills throughout his spine. It was dozens of meters long and ten meters high. Its body was covered in dark greenish scales and its eyes were pitch black, seemingly without pupils. Its legs were long and muscular, equipped with razor-sharp claws. A ma.s.sive tail was swaying around, waiting to act like a club that would turn its opponents into smithereens. It also had a long, slender purplish tongue that gave a poisonous aura and accompanying it were teeth that would lacerate anything they came in contact with.

""System, use Appraisal!""

[Viper Vara.n.u.s Komodoensis]

[Strength : 1?]

[Agility : 1?]

[Endurance : 1?]

[Vitality : 1?]

[Magic Power : 12]

[Traits : ???]

[Weakness : ???]

""Ah?! It appears I"m too weak to fight this b.a.s.t.a.r.d... Only my magic power is strong enough to detect its counterpart. Thank G.o.d I didn"t charge in there... I"d be dead in an instant...""

After a.n.a.lyzing the creature for awhile longer, his fear had disappeared and greed was now covering his face. He was thinking about all the benefits that would come when he killed it and how it would propel him to a new level. After inspecting the map once again, he had come to the conclusion that this was the strongest monster in this place. It was the golden ticket that would allow him to pursue his dream.

""Well, if that"s the strongest out there, it"s time for me to get moving...""

His green eyes shone and he disappeared in the darkness.

Just like that, a few months went by. The boy that was clumsy and weak had vanished. His skin had turned pale white and his previous golden hair were now a shade darker. They also arrived at his thoracic cage. He had matured at lightning speed and bulging muscles were covering his body. He was covered in scars reflecting the hards.h.i.+ps of his adventures. He had grown an inch taller, sitting at 5"10"". For a 10 years old boy, he was a freak of nature. His green eyes were s.h.i.+ning like emeralds and were the only light radiating from him in the darkness. He had replaced his old gear that allowed him to a.s.sa.s.sinate multiple monsters and helped him climb through the ranks. His new armor looked ordinary, but it radiated a dangerous aura. The weapon stringed on his back was a bone-made sword that emanated strong bloodl.u.s.t. He was walking in the direction of the location he had left all these months ago and a sinister smile appeared on his face.

""I"m finally back... I hope you haven"t missed me too much...""

Derrick"s shadow strongly trembled and Io"s eyes shone through in excitement.