Learning to survive

While exploring the terrain, I took some time to understand my acquired skills. The Absorption skill allowed me to absorb organic matter using any part of my body. The Slime Skin replaced much of my blood with a slime-like substance that shared similar properties. Lastly, the Slime Master bestowed me with an extraordinary arm made of slime.

As I contemplated my abilities, I heard a rumbling approaching me. I quickly hid behind a tree. It was a large stone-like creature with a single shining eye. It seemed to be searching for me, but it was too powerful for me to confront directly. I couldn't defeat it by absorbing it either, as it would crush me. So, I decided to run away. The creature was aware of my general location, but it lacked intelligence, following me without strategy.

I tested its tracking ability by leaving its vicinity and hiding nearby. It predictably returned to the spot where I had left its range. Although the creature possessed great strength and endurance, its lack of intelligence was evident—it resembled a literal rock.

After evading the golem for a while, I stumbled upon another child engaged in their own battle against the towering creature. The kid possessed unique abilities, able to transform into a hybrid bird form and evade the golem's attacks. Despite their desperate efforts, they couldn't inflict any damage on the formidable foe. The golem remained unscathed while the child grew increasingly exhausted.

In a final attempt to escape, the child tried to flee, but the golem swiftly seized them by the leg and mercilessly slammed them into the ground, shattering their skull. Witnessing such a horrifying sight, disgust overwhelmed me like never before. I realized that engaging the golem in a one-on-one fight would be impossible in my current state.

As the life left the child's body, the golem wandered off in another direction. I chose not to pursue it, as I had my own concerns to contend with. However, driven by curiosity, I approached the lifeless form of the child and absorbed their essence.

In that moment, new skills manifested within me. I acquired the ability to transform into a raptor, granting me the power of avian traits. Additionally, I gained the knowledge of a potent claw strike, enhancing my combat capabilities.

Aware of the golem drawing closer, I continued my escape, constantly evading its pursuit. As I ran, I discovered the extent of my newfound abilities. I could selectively transform parts of my body into raptor-like forms, most notably my hands morphing into lethal claws. This allowed me to strike with greater power and gain an advantage in combat.