I wasn't sure how long had passed, but I'd run into a completely unfamiliar area. This place had no dry rocks like before—just a forest full of plants and various vegetation.
Nai wa~
Why is there a forest underground?
And there's light?
I can see a warm light like sunlight, and that only adds to my confusion. I looked up to find its source, but it seems to come from everywhere.
Whatever.
For now, I need to find shelter. I'm still excited about the messages I received earlier.
I wandered around but only saw forest terrain, and didn't encounter any living creatures.
Everything was silent.
Although there's light, there's no breeze.
After a while, I finally found a small cave.
Dragging the snake corpse here is exhausting.
I checked inside—the entrance is narrow, but the interior is spacious enough to hold the snake's body. Plus, there are plenty of trees and bushes outside to hide any traces.
I just need a bit more camouflage and it'll be perfect.
Okay, this is the spot.
But to be safe, I sense around and use Heaven Eye to observe the outside.
I'm not rushing to evolve yet—I don't know what happens during evolution. Based on what happened to the dragon and snake, I might be forced into a deep sleep.
I sealed the entrance with Spider Silk and stayed inside.
I spent two days observing. After confirming nothing unusual, I relaxed my guard.
Alright, next task: which evolution should I choose?
From the names, they're similar but distinguished by "Small" and "Base."
"Base" means I'm at the lowest tier?
"Small" just refers to my current size, and honestly it's convenient—I can move easily even in tight spaces.
Then that's my choice.
<
<
That's it...?
I thought—
I...
Why...
So sleepy...
Hey...
My consciousness blurred and I drifted into sleep.
…
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
...
Good morning.
How long has it been?
I looked around—the traps I set outside haven't been triggered.
Now the part I'm most eager for… checking my stats!
I nearly died three times, so don't disappoint me now.
<>
HP: 130/130
MP: 80/80 (+100)
SP: 160/160
Oh.
Appraisal leveled up too?
Now I can view my stats!
I've truly evolved—but why am I Lv4? I expected Lv1 like the snake.
Then it hit me: the experience from killing the snake didn't reset—it carried over!
I jumped in excitement, celebrating my survival and my achievement.
But I'm still not satisfied… what other skills leveled? How many skills do I have? Are there other stats?
None of that is displayed yet.
Since the entire leveling happened while I was asleep, I can't know which skills advanced and how much.
But thinking it through—I don't want to spend Skill Points right now. I already spent a lot boosting Flash.
I'll take it slow.
I feel like I've been leveling too fast lately. Though not bad, I'm falling behind in mastering core skills.
Now that I've reached a peaceful place, I'll rest for a while—really rest this time.
Yawn
Oh.
I suddenly feel very hungry—must be from evolving.
Perfect timing.
I began tearing off the spider silk covering the snake's corpse.
Hmm… the flesh is still tender.
Conclusion: edible.
Today I'll have an all-you-can-eat snake buffet.
Not expecting much—just hoping it's not poisonous.
Then, I enjoyed my meal... but the taste was awful!
After finishing the snake, I started to study my surroundings.
I still wonder why there are plants and light down here…
I tried using Appraisal.
[Elbrinat Great Dungeon, Floor 5, Sylvan Forest]
Nai wa!
There are floors?
Dropped down far earlier, so being on the 5th floor makes sense.
Sylvan Forest… but I sense nothing, even with Sensing—it's all silent.
Two possibilities: the inhabitants can bypass Sensing (not new), or they exist in another form.
My Sensing only detects physical bodies—so the second case is possible.
Should I go explore?
Hmm… yes, I should.
Now that I can defend myself, it shouldn't be too hard.
With that thought, I stepped outside.
It was indeed quiet.
Based on the name, "spiritual forest" suggests fairies, but Sensing picked up nothing.
Still, stepping out I felt watched, though Sensing registered no tremor.
I picked a direction and went on.
This area is connected and vast—I've walked more than 70 meters from my cave.
Along the way I continually used Heaven Eye to observe.
Oh, I see something… a house?
Why is there a house down here?
Is there a race living here?
Human house?
Closer inspection showed an old, damaged structure. An abandoned house.
I didn't approach at once—I cautiously checked for traps. Its design suggests intelligence, and intelligent beings set traps.
I advanced slowly.
Nothing happened; no tremors from Sensing.
So it really was empty.
I ran to the house, keeping a 10 m distance, and used Heaven Eye to survey inside.
There were some furnishings—things I recognized as human-made.
After double-checking, I felt safe enough to enter.
Lately I've become overly cautious… though in a dangerous world like this, caution isn't bad, so I'll keep it.