Chapter 3: Flash Step
Recognizing the beneficial effects of the drops from the horned rabbits, Chris decided to let Ming have the green pill first. With a contented "meow," the cat happily consumed the green pill after Chris placed it in Ming's mouth.
After administering the green pill, Chris observed the potential benefits of taking it, despite the usual association of green pills with poison. It didn't take long for visible results to appear on Ming. The wounds began to heal noticeably, with the pill taking effect in just 30 seconds, transforming Ming into its peak condition.
Although Ming's previous injuries were not severe, it was evident that the discomfort and exhaustion had taken a toll on the cat. The effectiveness and miraculous nature of the pill were truly unbelievable. Chris now realized the true potential and usefulness of the green pill, prompting him to examine the other pill, the blue one, with curiosity.
Ming glanced at Chris's hand, which held the blue pill, eagerly anticipating its consumption. Chris asked, concerned about any potential side effects from the extraordinary healing, "How do you feel?"
"Meow, I feel great! I can take on another rabbit," Ming replied, boasting confidently.
Relieved that nothing unusual had occurred, Chris noticed that Ming's gaze was fixed on his hand holding the blue pill. Without hesitation, he handed it over to Ming. After all, Ming had earned it through hard work, and Chris was eager to discover the abilities of this blue pill.
Ming slowly chewed the pill after receiving it from Chris. Within five seconds, Chris suddenly felt a change in his own body. He sensed an improvement in his overall constitution, albeit subtle. Turning his attention to Ming, he observed the little cat enjoying the pill as if under the influence of a high-end drug.
Driven by curiosity, Chris immediately checked Ming's status to confirm what had truly happened.
Beast: Night Cat
Level: 1 Star-Normal
Potential: Normal
Power level: 7/100
Trait: Loyal
Skills: None
Chris couldn't help but celebrate internally upon discovering the changes in Ming's status. There was a definite improvement in Ming's power level, which was fantastic news for Chris.
Realizing that the blue pill was meant to increase strength, Chris concluded that if Ming could catch a few more horned rabbits, the cat's power level would likely reach a 2-star Normal Beast equivalent. The star level for a normal beast was measured by tenths so if the beast reached the 2-star Normal level, its power level will play within 11-20.
"Shit, with this, I don't have to worry about Ming not getting stronger," Chris exclaimed happily, unknowingly picking up the cat from the ground and hugging it.
Ming, too, was excited about the improvements in its body.
"Alright, Ming, let's continue hunting," Chris said.
"Meow, okay," Ming responded, relishing in the satisfaction of taking down a horned rabbit.
They continued their journey, venturing deeper into the forest in search of more rabbits.
After half an hour of searching, they spotted two lone-horned rabbits, much to Chris and Ming's delight.
The rabbits remained unaware of their presence, as they were still a considerable distance away and concealed within the bushes.
Chris checked the status of the horned rabbits and realized that the two rabbits only had a power level of 3, much weaker than the previous one. However, since there were two of them this time, the challenge was higher for Ming.
Despite this, Chris wasn't worried. The power level of these two rabbits was not even comparable to Ming's current power level.
"Ming, do you think you can take down these two?" he asked.
Ming nodded and proceeded to attack the rabbits. After 2 minutes of fighting, Ming was able to defeat them. Although he sustained some injuries, they were lighter compared to the previous battle.
After successfully taking down the rabbits, two green pills, two blue pills, and a gold coin dropped as loot.
Chris decided to feed one green pill and two blue pills to Ming while keeping the other one in his system storage. He was curious if the pills could be manifested outside the dungeon. That would be great if that is possible.
After feeding Ming, the cat's power level increased to 11, which was exactly what Chris expected. He was satisfied with the result.
"Haha, with this, they can mock me all they want for being a white-level talent, but I can defeat geniuses and monsters in the future," he happily exclaimed, feeling relieved after the previous events.
"Meow, I'm strong! I'll beat 10 rabbits next!" the cat boasted, sharing the same feeling as its tamer.
They continued to move forward in the forest, hunting like hungry wolves.
After eight hours of hunting, they managed to take down their 20th-horned rabbit, raising Ming's power level to 45.
The smile on Chris's face never faded. Ming's power level was now equivalent to a 5-star normal beast. Hunting horned rabbits felt like a walk in the park. Ming's battle proficiency had also increased, utilizing its speed and lethality to take down the rabbits.
They were able to keep 15 green pills as Ming's efficiency increased and they hadn't sustained any damage. The pills were only used to replenish Ming's power.
However, during their stay, Chris noticed some abnormalities in the dungeon. Firstly, time seemed to be frozen, with the sun shining at the same intensity since they entered. Secondly, there were only horned rabbits in the vicinity. Thirdly, there were no other structures in sight, as if the entire dungeon was just a forest.
Lastly, Chris discovered that he could see the dungeon monsters, but he was invisible to them. He had tried to confront a rabbit with a power level of 2, but it didn't notice him. What shocked him even more was when he tried to kick the rabbit, his foot passed through it as if he were hitting thin air. It feels like he was only an astral projection.
This led Chris to conclude that only Ming could attack monsters in the dungeon and that the dungeon was likely designed to strengthen beasts.
However, he wasn't completely sure if his conclusion was correct. Currently, they were resting, and Chris decided to open the market. He was excited because the 20th rabbit had given him the last coin he needed to afford the flash step skill in the system market.
Coin balance: 20
Available skills:
- Hardened Claw
Price: 20 coins
- Flash Step
Price: 20 coins
- Size Manipulation
Price: 50 coins
After selecting the Flash Step skill, a red light enveloped Chris's beast, Ming, for around 5 seconds. When the red light faded, Chris opened Ming's status to see the changes.
Beast: Night Cat
Level: 1 Star-Normal
Potential: Normal
Power level: 45/100
Trait: Loyal
Skills: Flash Step (initiate)
* Flash Step - A speed-based skill that allows the user to move instantly from a short distance in the blink of an eye.
Chris was highly satisfied with the skill. It was rare for a Normal-level beast to possess such a skill, especially with only normal-level potential. Only beasts with a high aptitude for learning skills or who have inherited unique skills from their bloodline usually have a skill at a normal level. Since Ming had a skill now, he was equivalent to those beasts.
Chris decided to check the system market again to see what his next target should be. However, he was surprised to find that the Flash Step skill was still available, but with a higher mastery level.
Coin balance: 20
Available skills:
- Hardened Claw
Price: 20 coins
- Flash Step (adept)
Price: 30 coins
- Size Manipulation
Price: 50 coins
Chris was speechless. There was a higher mastery version of the skill available. He knew that skills could have different levels of mastery, ranging from initiate to perfection. The higher the mastery, the easier it would be for Ming to execute the skill and the more effective it would be.
"This is great! We don't have to waste time and energy improving the skill. We just need to grind to achieve perfection," Chris thought.
Ming had no idea what had happened. The little cat only felt like some strange memories had invaded its mind, and suddenly it could use a speed-based skill. Its intelligence wasn't high enough to think critically about the phenomenon.
At the same time, a sudden system notice appeared in Chris's mind.
"Congratulations for clearing the mobs of the dungeon. The dungeon monster boss will now be spawned."
Chris was stunned. The announcement was sudden and almost gave him a heart attack.
The weather suddenly turned cloudy, indicating that rain was imminent. Simultaneously, a dark portal appeared, and a horned rabbit the size of a Dalmatian emerged from it. Compared to the mobs they had defeated, this boss looked much fiercer and had a black color.
Chris immediately checked the rabbit's status upon encountering it.
Beast: Horned Rabbit Boss
Power Level: 50
"Shit," he cursed in his mind.
Ming also sensed the danger and positioned itself for the upcoming battle.