I Was Reincarnated As A Monster Flower - Chapter 4

There they were. My prey the pitiful pebble mite. There were five of them all huddled up together and have been staying abnormally still for ten minutes already. I knew that insects sometimes enter a state of torpor which is basically they’re version of sleep, so this was probably the best time to strike. However, there was the small problem that there were five of them and one of me.

Sure, I am one of the most badass and smartest flowers you know but even I have my limits. These little critters I found shortly after entering one of the smaller tunnels which basically confirmed my theory that the smaller tunnels are where the weaker monsters live. Which basically means its where I’ll be living and hunting in for the time being. Creeping forward towards the pebble mites which were perched on a small ledge on the tunnel wall I slowly opened up my petals revealing the horror show worthy teeth that lay in wait inside.

I hung from the ceiling of the cave and took a moment to compose myself before lunging forward wrapping up one of the pebble mites inside my petals and shredding it to bloody scraps in a second with an audible crunching sound emanating from inside my petals.

[Pebble mite slain. 2 XP gained. One skill point awarded.]

[Monster core absorbed. One mutation point awarded. One MP absorbed.]

[Stealth level 1 has reached level 2]

By the time the pebble mites body disappeared wherever they disappeared the other mites were stirring as they shook off the state of torpor they were in before. The two pebble mites closest to me clicked their mandibles together threateningly as they lunged forward to tear into my stem. Before they landed their attacks, I managed to engulf one of the two attacking mite monsters and the ring of notifications played in my err mind. The other one however landed on me hooking its clawed legs onto my body as it began to gnaw on my stem. But then I slammed it into the ceiling impaling it with several thorns which it was just barely avoiding before. The other two mites had begun retreating desperate to avoid death.

[Climbing level 1 has reached level 2]

Muhahaha! Looks like your luck has run out mite scum! You shall be my dinner whether you like it or not!

Before rushing after the two retreating mites I took the time to eat the one I just killed getting another mutation point and mana in the process. I then began rushing forward after the pebble mites slightly faster than before with the leveled-up climbing skill. These mites were indeed as fast as I thought easily keeping several mite’s worth of distance between me and them, but alas that was just not fast enough. By now they had climbed onto the ceiling offering a somewhat level (but upside down) playing field to chase them on. Taking advantage of this I stretched my stem forward barely reaching forward far enough that I was able to snatch up the slower mite of the two and started right away on dismembering it with my chainsaw teeth.

The sound of its brethren being eaten seemed to be a terrifying sound to it as it started to zig and zag in a desperate attempt to lose me. But it wasn’t enough as I soon closed in on it and engulfed it just like I did its fellows.

[Level 2 available. Any XP gained from now on will be stockpiled for after the level up.]

Now that I’ve devoured some mites and am able to evolve let’s go find somewhere to keep my head down. I’m not quite sure if this system like the novels I’ve read knocks you out during the evolution process, but I didn’t want to take any risks. After some searching, I found myself my own smaller tunnel within a small tunnel and use my roots handy ability of being able to break through the softer parts of the cave to barricade myself in with a mixture of dirt and stones on either side of the tunnel. Now that I’m effectively cut off from any potential pebble mites seeking revenge for me killing their buddies lets check my status page.

[Level: 1 (level 2 available)

XP: 10/10

Intelligence: 25

Will: 15

Strength: 10

Toughness: 6

Agility: 5

Perception: 8

Endurance: 15

Charisma: 7

HP: 10/15

MP: 10/10]

Are you shitting me!? I only got hit by the mite once and it took 1/3 of my HP! Looks like I’m a glass cannon thanks to damnable low toughness stat. Anyways I’d like to level up now Alfred.

[Level 2 reached. 10 stat points available for use to increase stats. A bonus .5 stat points is available for every point in the intelligence stat. HP will be increased by 5 points every level.]

[Hidden achievement unlocked: Smarty pants.

Description: Tier-0 monsters with an intelligence of 10 or higher receive the bonus option of enhancing the monster core to a Tier-1 monster core becoming an honorary Tier-1 monster (Only in name) and receive a 100% increase in experience bonuses for killing a new monster species and a 25% bonus for killing enemies.]

….

I’m experiencing a mixture of happiness and sadness right now. This whole time I haven’t been even a Tier-1 monster whatever that means. But Tier-0. The 0 is already enough to tell me that I’m one of the weakest monsters in this place. I already knew that, but this hit the final nail in. No use sulking over this. I’m certainly going to take advantage of the bonus skill points to buff myself up to a more respectable level.

Let’s be smart about this. I can go two routes. I can put all my skill points into intelligence which means I put myself at risk since I’m still my pitifully weak self but in return get a total of 33 stat points the next level. A high-risk high reward all or nothing play. Or I could put some points into my human intellect and into my other stats to toughen myself up…. Tough decision. While I would like to become more powerful, I probably wouldn’t increase in my capabilities all that much with the mere total 22 of points worth increase.

Well I’ll be putting all of my points into intelligence. That would raise my intelligence stat considerably. And with the 25% increase in experience points gain for every monster kill I’ll be able to level up much faster than before. Hopefully I’ll be able to level up soon after this. As soon as I confirmed the stat allocation a new announcement popped up.

[Otherworlder bonus- Perks (Perks add an additional bonus effect. One perk will be available every 5 levels. With the exception of the level 1 perk which serves as an introduction perk.):

Quick learner (Requirement intelligence 10): 5% increase in XP gained

Regrowth (Requirement lose 1/3 of your HP at once): 1% of HP regenerated every second. Can be upgraded twice. Level 2 increases it to 2% HP/s

Messy eater (Spec into mouth-based attacks that maim, mutilate, and otherwise cause messy damage): All mouth-based attacks cause a bleed of strength times level divided by 5.]

Huh. Reminds me of a post-apocalyptic videogame I loved to play. I like it, but the fact that it’s a bonus for otherworlders intrigues me. By otherworlders does it mean reincarnated people like me? If so then does that mean they’re from earth like me or some other planet? Forget it. I can’t answer these questions, so I mind as well just move on to finishing up my evolution.

All three perks can provide a massive boost to my overall build. With the HP regen I’d be able to recover from attacks from others. The messy eater however would allow me to kill things much quicker and possibly hit above my weight grade. The quick learner perk though would help me level up quicker. Tough decision. I hate the idea of staying the glass cannon build I am but let’s face it I’m not even a glass cannon. I’m just a glass toothpick if anything. So, I’ll be going with messy eater. That way I can be qualified for the glass cannon role. I’ll just increase my toughness at the next level.

The moment I made by decision everything went black.