Chapter 11: Into the Depths of Darkness

As I went on my way with the smooth rock rolling in front of me, I easily trampled any who blocked my path. Although getting in some easy kills...

I noticed something rather peculiar, the experience I collected wasn't going up as fast as the previous levels...

"Hmm... it couldn't be, right? Is this one of those systems that become exponentially more difficult to gain levels with the higher you get them?

If so... I need to be careful about what I'll be spending my attribute and skill points.

But... isn't this unfair in a way?

Up till now I only have had hardships... not much breathing room either... as if the creator of this world has some sick sadistic humor...

There was no doubt in my mind, that if someone would be watching me, that they were laughing their ass off all the time... enjoying to see me struggle and all...

Still... "The System" has given me a few worthwhile skills till now, <Jinsokku> and <Survivor> but still...

I only acquired <Survivor> because of the insane amount of hardships that I have been through and survived. Not to mention the possibility of

<Over-Eating>.

I sighed as I knew there was nothing much I could do other than giving it my all and pushing myself to the limit to gain new abilities.

At least... I was happy with the possibility of acquiring new skills outside of the "Skillpoint System".

Along the way I kept thinking about the possibilities of the system as I began to dream, quickly losing focus I noticed too late that the environment had become steeper than moments ago, the smooth rock or egg began to roll away from me, as it picked up in speed I got sidetracked yet again thinking about the possibility of it maybe even being both.

As I was unable to break it thus far I had assumed it could be a rock, while it's from clearly pointed at it being an egg... I finally snapped out of my philosophical thinking and realized the "rock" had taken off on his own.

Quickly I speeded after it, barely keeping up with its still increasing speed I looked further in the distance to calculate a way to make the rock lose momentum.

But before I did we arrived back at the pit where I had to fight those humongous black wasps...

The thought alone seemed to be enough to make me lose spirit, but refusing to give up my findings I collected my pride, courage, and last bits of energy as I rushed after it.

I succeeded in getting in front of the rock, and stood on the edge of the pit preparing to hold back the rock, but was unable to stop it. The sheer velocity and weight of the thing slammed me backward. Resulting in us both falling into the deep abyss of the pit.

Unsure how deep it was I had to give up on the rock, as my survival was more important vowing I would later return to find the rock I quickly shot our my <Elastic Tongue> as I tried to latch on to the roots that covered the sides of the pit.

Almost unable to see, I tried to swing to the side,

But as I did, the roots which I held on to broke...

Unable to latch on to anything else I tumbled down into the depth of the abyss, twirling around my axis I became so disoriented that I didn't recognize up from down. Now... in this darkness... I was even unable to see the surrounding walls as I kept falling, further and further...

Until the fall abruptly came to an end...

When I came to I seemed to be surrounded by nothing but darkness, a glance at my health showed that I was barely alive... I could quickly confirm this as I struggled to get up.

Bruises all over; even having my tail broken off I again did everything I could to get up.

Wondering how I could have survived a fall from a height like that... I couldn't think of a logical explanation when suddenly it dawned on me.

When it did I quickly checked my stamina bar,

Checking my status I soon found out that overbearing stamina had other uses.

It seemed that overeating had increased my healing capabilities in exchange for stamina.

My stamina now almost completely depleted... had proven to be a trusty asset to have...

"Bless you "Stamina" and you too my <Over-Eating> ability! I would have never survived this without you two..."

As I said this almost sarcastically, I had to be fair and acknowledge the fact that it had indeed saved my life. When I did a window popped up giving me multiple messages.

[Due to survival of an impossible situation <Survivor> gains another level. Allowing <Survivor lv 5> to go up to <Survivor lv 6>.]

[Due to the survival of extreme amounts of damage <Though Skin> levels up to <Though Skin lv MAX>.]

[Due to <Though Skin> reaching MAX level rank up will now commence, allowing <Though Skin> to evolve into <Hard Skin>.]

Because of this news, I quickly checked my new skill implied, as I was now able to use my <Observation> by merrily touching the word I wanted to observe.

When I did, a window popped up explaining to me what <Hard Skin> stood for. What I saw both confused me as much as it intrigued me.

<Hard Skin lv 1>

Gives the player a tougher hide,

harder than the previous <Though Skin> as it has now been "Ranked-up".

Although in essence, the skill is still true to its core, now it works with an armor class allowing the user to cancel out a lot of damage.

Toughness, physical, and piercing resistance increases with each level-up along with the newly unlocked attribute: armor.

What was this thing called armor? Would it in essence be the same thing as that in medical periods where they all wore iron chain mails, or even steel plates like the knights once wore?

As I couldn't hold back the excitement for the newly unlocked attribute I quickly began to <Observe> the attribute on its own.

Armor: This newly introduced mechanic allows the user to build up armor, as the number increases it will work in combination with the skill <Hard Skin> and their "Physical DEF" as well as their "Magical DEF".

Every 10 points put into this skill will effectively block 1% damage and gives the user 2,5 armor points that first need to be deducted before taking damage to their "Health-Points". As the armor breaks, there will be a small penalty increasing damage by 2% for the first 3 hits.

As I read the description of the newly unlocked attribute something inside me told me it had the potential to be broken, yet if kept unchecked could turn into a harsh Achilles heel.

Shortly after the window vanished a notice popped up.

[Due to the accumulation of enough experience <Observation lv 6> advances to <Observation lv 7>. Due to gaining an extra level and a new attribute you gain an extra skill point and a permanent +1 bonus on attribute points.]

De notice vanished just as vast as it appeared, but... Did I hear that correctly? Not only did I gain a level in <Observation> but because I unlocked a new attribute now I get a permanent +1 attribute point bonus?

How does this work? Do I gain extra attribute points with level-ups or is there another way around this?

As I tried to think of ways to exploit what I had just learned I soon realized something rather odd...

I found myself in pitch-black darkness...

How... how did I not realize this sooner?

As I tried to look around me the pressing feeling only grew more intense, I was unable to see... even when my eyes started to get used to the darkness... I was still, alone...