Monster Hunter

"Yes!"

[Derrick Tarlin, 16 (Body) & 37 (Mind) — Human]

[Class : 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 > by eating raw monster meat and surviving its nearly always lethal and devastating effects. When you eat the meat of monsters you've vanquished, you will now acquire a part of their strength and, in rare occasions, inherit one of their skills! You can also feed it to your summons to accelerate their growth]

Derrick was floored. Such growth was phenomenal, to the point where he couldn't help but think he was blessed by the gods. The system had obviously sent him a jab by saying he had been tremendously stupid, but he didn't care.

After all, ignorance was bliss.

He also felt his shoulder, which was already completely healed.

While getting off the ground, he started inspecting his surroundings to make sure he hadn't attracted other creatures.

When everything was clear, he went to Io, who still stood guard, and patted him.

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

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

''I can't be vulnerable like that again... I'll have to figure out a way to consume this safely''

After packing his things, he left the bloody scene behind and headed out. 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''

The design appeared in his mind, along with the remaining 236 red dots and the path towards the exit.

''Time for the hunt to begin''

When he said these words, his heartbeat accelerated.

After the fight he had just experienced, coupled with the massive gains, this cave was clearly a blessing in disguise.

Leaving anything behind would be a terrible waste.

''Let's find another solitary beast. I'm not strong enough to take on these small groups. From what I can see, there's one pretty close..."

However, before proceeding, he continued thinking and, out of nowhere, slapped his forehead.

"But it could also mean it's strong enough to have its own territory... Ahhhhh...''

After a long sigh, he came back to his senses. He had indeed risked a lot by coming here, and he knew that a creature that was alone was not necessarily an easy prey.

This could easily lead to his demise.

''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 and they immediately left.

They flew in the cold and moist 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, allowing them a fair viewpoint of the field.

As soon as they landed, Io once again merged with Derrick's shadow.

Adding in his armors' special abilities, he was basically invisible to the naked eye. It was time to check out his next victim.

What he saw in front of him, however, left him speechless.

''What the hell is that thing?! It looks like a dragon!''

While using his <Enhanced Vision>, he could see the beasts' characteristics, which sent chills through his entire body.

It was dozens of meters long and approximately 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, while also being equipped with razor-sharp claws.

The beast also had a massive tail swaying around, seemingly waiting to use it like a club that would turn its opponents to smithereens. It also had a long and slender purplish tongue hanging out of its mouth, which gave off a poisonous aura. Accompanying it were teeth that were sure to lacerate anything they came in contact with.

''System, use <Appraisal >''

[Viper Varanus Komodoensis]

[Strength : 1?]

[Agility : 1?]

[Endurance : 1?]

[Vitality : 1?]

[Magic Power : 12]

[Traits : ???]

[Weakness : ???]

[The Host isn't strong enough to see all its stats]

''Ah?! I'm way too weak to fight this bastard... The only thing I can detect is its magic power, which still trounces me. Thankfully I didn't charge in there, or I'd be dead in an instant...''

After analyzing the creature for a while longer, Derrick's fear disappeared, instead replaced by greed. The only thing he could think about were all the benefits that'd come from killing 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 and the first step in his plan to attain revenge.

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

His green eyes shone before vanishing in the darkness.

***

And just like that, a few months had gone by.

The boy, who was previously clumsy and weak, had disappeared. His skin had turned pale white, and his previously golden hair had turned a shade darker whilst arriving at his waist.

Derrick had matured at lightning speeds, with bulging muscles now covering his entire body. He was also covered in scars, which showed the hardships he had endured and the harshness of this environment. He had grown an inch taller, now sitting at 5'11" (1.80 m).

For a 16-year-old, he was a freak of nature.

His green eyes had also gained an extra depth to them, now shining like emeralds. They were the only light coming from him in this near total darkness.

He had also replaced the old 'assassination' gear with much more 'adequate' equipment.

His new armor looked ordinary, but it radiated a dangerous aura that screamed to stay away. As for the weapon stringed on his back, it was a bone-made sword emanating strong bloodlust. Both of these were his finest works so far.

Derrick was ready, and he was currently walking in the direction of the location he had left all these months ago.

His personality had also undergone major changes. Life, in his eyes, had lost all value if it tried to kill him.

The difficult times in this cave had made him learn this the hard way.

If one wanted to live, weakness wasn't allowed. Mercy would, undoubtedly, get you killed. Only by grazing death multiple times had he finally assimilated this lesson.

Of course, he hadn't turned into a total psychopath, but he was certain of one thing : he wouldn't hesitate to cut down whoever blocked his path.

"I'm finally back... I hope you haven't missed me too much"

Derrick's shadow strongly trembled, with Io's eyes shining in excitement.