Breakfast

Today, I realized something: I've been doing nothing but staying underground, grinding experience points. I've become exactly what I used to be in my previous life—holed up in my room, writing novels, playing games, and binge-watching Netflix. This won't do, but I'm so full. Maybe I should just stay here forever, make friends with my fellow worms.

You know that one time, in the middle of the night, when you suddenly get a random burst of motivation to exercise and go outside? Yeah, I want that to happen, but let's be real—I'm a worm.

You know what? Screw it. I'm going to take a peek above ground, scout for a new monster.

I dart my eyes left and right, a soft 'shaa shaa' sound accompanying my swift, cautious movements as I try to avoid detection. In the distance, I spot something—a small, injured white wolf and a massive white giant wolf, both locked in battle against a group of ogres. These ogres are straight out of a fantasy novel, each one holding crude, yet deadly, weapons and sporting rippling muscles.

The fight is intense. The giant white wolf, a majestic and powerful creature, struggles valiantly against the ogres. Its fur, silver and shining even in the dim cave light, glows with a faint ethereal aura. It lunges and bites, using its enormous strength to fend off the attackers, but the ogres, with their brute force and numbers, gradually overwhelm it. The ogres move with surprising coordination, surrounding the giant wolf and striking with heavy, bone-crushing blows. The sound of their weapons clashing against the wolf's armor-like fur echoes through the cavern.

Despite the wolf's strength, it's clear the battle is one-sided. The ogres' relentless assault begins to take its toll. With a final, desperate howl, the giant wolf collapses, its body battered and bleeding. The injured smaller wolf, clearly a cub, watches from a distance, too weak to join the fight. Somehow, it remains undetected by the ogres, who are too focused on their kill.

Once the giant wolf is down, the ogres only take half of its massive body, tearing it apart with their brute strength. Blood spills across the cave floor as they divide the spoils. Then, without a second glance, the ogres disperse, dragging their gruesome prize back into the shadows, leaving behind the torn remains of the once-great beast.

Surprisingly, this scene doesn't disturb me as much as I thought it would. Maybe it's because I'm no longer human. I can't even remember much about my past life, and for some unknown reason, I'm not curious about who put me in this world or why. Whatever the answer is, I'm thankful. This new life doesn't require work, rent, or socialization—just survival.

As I watch the ogres leave, I manage to crawl my way toward the injured small white wolf. Its eyes, filled with pain and fear, meet mine briefly before closing in resignation.

"I'm sorry," I whisper to myself.

I use [Parasitic Attach] on the small white wolf. It dies quickly, far too quickly. It must have been on its deathbed already.

[You have earned the skill [Greater Agility LV I] from the LV 3 [Greater Silver Wolf Cub]]

[Greater Agility LV I]

Increases speed and agility, allowing swift and precise movement, even in the most treacherous environments.

With the cub's lifeless body at my side, my attention turns to the remains of the giant silver wolf. If I could attach myself to a larger target like this, imagine the skills I could gain. But as I try to bite through its tough silver fur, I realize it's too thick for my tiny mouth to penetrate. Frustration begins to build, but then a thought strikes me—something I've never tried before.

I use [Dig] on the tough skin. To my surprise, it works. The ground-softening skill that allowed me to burrow through earth is effective on the wolf's hide. This is a big discovery. I can use [Dig] to create an entry point, then latch on with [Parasitic Attach]. If I stay inside a larger creature long enough, I might be able to drain it from within, unnoticed.

A slow grin spreads across my nonexistent face as the realization hits me: It's time to find my next meal.