Kapitel 8: Rotten Ghoul
[Manifest]
Riku wasted no time activating one of his dark crow's skills as soon as the game system's confirmation appeared.
'This skill will consume 9 mana from your pool, but don't worry, I'll attempt to recover it afterward,' he murmured to himself.
Replenishing a depleted mana pool had a straightforward solution. In this realm, mutants could restore their mana pool by consuming a bottle filled with blue liquid. Comparable to the mechanics found in other games, this substance was termed a "mana potion," enabling users to expedite their mana pool's rejuvenation. On occasion, high-quality potions obtained from formidable monsters could even enhance the mana pool, enlarging it further.
In the event that you lacked any potions, your only option would be to rely on natural mana pool replenishment. However, this method would demand a substantial amount of time. Statistics from American scientists suggested a rate of one mana pool recovery every 30 minutes.
Beyond that, effective training came into play. Engaging in rigorous skill usage, to the point of exhaustion, was a necessity to expand your mana pool.
___
Riku's mana pool remained depleted, causing the mana coursing through his body to be as tenuous as a thread. Positioning his left hand near the creature's exposed wound, he needed to exercise intense focus to prevent disrupting the delicate mana flow throughout his body, essential for successfully invoking this skill.
"Stay composed, Riku; you've got this," he whispered to himself, attempting to bolster his confidence.
A blue-white radiance coalesced within his left hand, while he observed the monster's dark red blood starting to simmer and bubble as a result.
It was boiling? Why?
Riku steadfastly maintained his stance, unwilling to allow any external factors to disrupt his intense focus. Intriguingly, the blood seemed to be responding to his skill, indicating a reaction.
Gradually, as the blood approached Riku's outstretched hand, it began to coalesce in a specific formation.
He was well aware of the skill he intended to invoke, but the challenge lay in the execution. The process was proving to be considerably lengthier than he had anticipated.
Splash... Splash... Splash...
The monster's blood ascended leisurely, converging towards his hand. Unfortunately, the blood also started to splatter uncontrollably, some of it staining Riku's pants—a clear indication of his struggle in mastering the skill's control.
His brow furrowed in response to the sharp pain shooting through his left arm. "What the heck is happening?" He considered retreating, the sensation far from ordinary. However, he couldn't afford to abandon the effort now. "No, there's no turning back. Failure means waiting for hours before I can use [Manifest] again."
Indeed, Riku's assessment was accurate. His mana pool was a mere 15, implying that failure would condemn him to a two-and-a-half-hour cooldown. Overexerting himself in this perilous, unfamiliar forest was out of the question.
Despite his discomfort at the slimy, fishy blood encroaching upon his hand, he couldn't allow that to distract from the more intense pain. Ignoring it was impossible; the sensation was so agonizing that he let out a scream.
Ahh!
I-I can't take this anymore!
W-What's wrong with this skill?!
Thud!
Falling to the ground, Riku writhed and rolled in torment, clutching his left arm. The sensation was akin to the monster's blood being drawn into his body and searing his flesh.
His pupils dilated and a crimson hue encircled them. Unintentionally, he allowed saliva to escape his mouth, his fingers scraping the ground as he struggled to endure.
In this world, the [Manifest] skill seemed to involve the incorporation of other monsters' genes by consuming their blood. Yet, Riku hadn't anticipated the excruciating agony that accompanied its use.
His mouth gaped open, his eyes registering the unsettling change in their color. Evidently, the Tibber's genes were taking root and evolving within his body.
-2
-2
-2
Simultaneously, due to the intensity of the pain, his HP plummeted by an additional 6 health points.
[You've been injured!]
Although the screen before him remained vivid, a haze began to cloud his vision, gradually overtaking him until he succumbed beneath the shelter of the towering tree.
After 45 minutes had elapsed in what felt like an instant, Riku managed to replenish one of his mana pools. Slowly, he blinked his eyes open as the excruciating pain began to recede from his body, except for his head which felt incredibly heavy.
[The [Manifest] skill was successfully cast!]
[Acquired Copied Skill: Fire Claw]
Fire Claw: By invoking this skill, you can deal +35 damage and inflict a +2% burning effect, causing the target to lose one HP every two seconds. The burning effect lasts for 10.0 seconds. Skill cost: 4 mana pool.
A light blue screen materialized before his eyes. "Now I possess a skill that can deliver more potent damage," he muttered to himself.
Upon realizing that he had obtained only one skill from the monster, Riku wasn't taken aback. Being a level 1 mutant, his capabilities were still subpar.
"I should exercise caution with using the [Manifest] skill," he reasoned.
Internally, he considered himself fortunate that no other monsters were in proximity when he had lost consciousness. Had any been nearby, he was convinced he would have met an untimely demise.
[Answer!]
- The excruciating pain you experienced while using the [Manifest] skill stems from your body's lack of compatibility with external genes.
His surprise caused him to blink his eyes open, not anticipating that the game system would directly address his pressing concern.
"What happens if I manifest too many monster's genes?" he pondered, his gaze fixed on the screen, hoping for further insights.
[Answer!]
- If your physical condition isn't optimal and you absorb genes from various monsters, there's a significant risk of your body being consumed by the monsters or undergoing an explosive reaction. Since your entire body acts as the vessel, it's imperative to strengthen it before employing the [Manifest] skill.
[Dark Crow's Gene]: This gene specializes in the appropriation of other monsters' abilities.
As realization dawned on Riku, he understood that the daily quest was not coincidental. The timing of the quest's appearance seemed to be directly linked to his utilization of the [Manifest] skill.
"How many times can I use this skill with my current condition?" he contemplated, directing his attention to the screen.
[Answer!]
- Zero times. If you force yourself to absorb a gene, it will result in your death.
His eyebrows twitched slightly. "Is that so? I suppose it's wiser for now to focus on the daily quest. The 'Hunting quest' doesn't seem to have a time limit."
Summoning his strength, Riku pushed himself into a standing position by leveraging his hands on the ground. "Hold on a moment!" He exclaimed, abruptly covering his mouth as a pungent, rancid odor assaulted his senses.
In a surprisingly short span of time, Tibber's body had deteriorated due to the activity of the worms, which were no larger than Riku's index finger.
Nonetheless, a more pressing issue arose: the putrid and fishy odors that seemed to pervade the entire forest, emanating from the remnants of the monster's blood.
"No! This is a disaster! I have 20 minutes left before I need to use the [Fly] skill," he exclaimed, his concern evident as he scanned his surroundings.
(Mana pool: 7)
With a mana pool of 7 at his disposal, Riku contemplated the use of his [Fly] skill. To ensure he remained conscious after employing the skill, he recognized the need to possess an additional mana pool—preferably at least one more.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The distant, heavy footfalls of approaching monsters reached Riku's ears. It was evident that he had been slow to realize that the residual monster's blood could serve as a magnet for other creatures.
"Why did I make such a mistake? I've practically lured every monster in the vicinity here. I must change my location immediately; it's not safe!"
Without hesitation, Riku bolted toward the right, seeking refuge among the dense undergrowth where towering bushes could mask his presence.
"I can't guarantee victory against two or three monsters in combat. With my current mana pool, they'd have the upper hand."
Swoosh!
In his haste, he swiped through the thick bushes before him to create a path. However, he had to once again muffle his mouth due to the pungent odor that caught him off guard.
Bam!
As he tumbled to the ground, his rear end landed heavily. "Damn it! Why is there a rotten ghoul in a place like this?!"
[Rotten Ghoul]: An undead creature that reappears in various sections of the dungeon, guarding specific locations. This monster has a particular appetite for animal flesh, especially human flesh.
Before him lay a human corpse in advanced stages of decomposition. It was a mere semblance of skin stretched over disjointed limbs and fragments of what once formed a body.
[Rotten Ghoul's Abilities]
• [Claw]
• [Bite]
• [Vomit Tar]: Expels a vile liquid from its body, igniting a 5-meter-long flame. This fiery attack ceases once the monster recharges, requiring five to seven seconds before it can attack again.
• [Fire Hazard (Passive)]: It can generate a potent internal fire, and its classification is medium undead.
Five rotten ghouls stood ahead, their demeanor appearing ravenous for human flesh.
[Rotten Ghouls HP: 170/170]
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein