Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Young Spark Fire Dragon *] has risen from [Level 0] to [Level 4] Attributes have increased due to level up Acquired 600 skill points Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Mana Control Lv. 5] [Dismantle Lv. 5] gained

*pwoooh*

Oof.

Acquisition requirement fulfilled. [Water Resistance Lv. 1] acquired

'Ow, finally!'

Minor Heal.

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Holy Magic Lv. 6] evolved into [Holy Magic Lv. 7] Skill requirement fulfilled. [Holy Amp] gained

Now die! Wind Bullet! Rock Bullet!

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Wind Magic Lv. 1] evolved into [Wind Magic Lv. 2] Magic gained: [Wind Cutter]

From the edges of my wings, a ball of rock and wind were materialized on each side with mana and shot out towards the two fish I was fighting. Both spells lodged into the skulls of the two [Spring Lake Barracuda] and killed them instantly.

Spring lake Barracuda A barracuda that has adapted to freshwater. Although treated as a normal fish, it is technically classified as a monster, as it can evolve. Rank F

'Nice work. It’s nice to have an earth spell that doesn’t require us to be on the ground, huh?'

'Yeah, but this whole hunting session is such a pain. I gave up counting after getting hit by 20 of their water attacks but isn’t getting a single resistance skill too hard?!'

'Don’t ask me. Blame the gods.'

It’s all your fault, Dragon God!

Well, back to being serious. After my parallel mind gave me the much-needed pep talk, we found an underground lake at the end of the path.

I finally found it. Water. I could finally take a nice long bath and wash all the blood, dirt and filth that my body is carrying around. It’s been so long since I felt clean that I have even gotten used to my terrible body odor.

After illuminating the area with some floating [Light]s, I found out that the lake is filled with fish! Not only is there a ton of fish, but also fish monsters.

Parallel mind suggested using this opportunity to learn the [Water Resistance] skill by letting them hit me with their [Water Magic]. The thing is, we underestimated the effect of [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood]'s detrimental growth on any water-related skill. I got it in the end, but, oh man, it hurtsssss. It wasn’t joking about my body’s weakness to water.

Not only is it super painful, but it also takes off a good chunk off my Health. No joke.

It takes forever to learn something as simple as [Water Resistance Lv. 1] and it makes me question if I’m developing self-harming tendencies. If it weren’t for the SP usage reduction, I would seriously assume that [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood] is meant to torture me or something.

Have I told you that I hate pain?

I honestly can’t tell you how long I’ve been here. I’ll just say that the fishes aren’t giving me much experience, due to our rank difference, and that I’ve been constantly hunting them to reach level 4.

Still, doing that has been a more enjoyable time than the forest. I might have disliked the cave in the beginning, but I cannot describe it as anything but heaven now.

I can finally sleep properly. I have a great amount of easy to get meat. Enough water for me to last for days, even if I use most of it for cleaning. Oh, have I mention how good it feels to feel clean? My scales are so smooth now, ooooh yeah.

My city-girl heart has finally found a small haven for R&R.

'So…it’s been quite some time now, I think. Did you find them?'

I hesitantly asked my parallel mind, who has been searching through my brain for certain memories of my past. My patience, in my opinion, is pretty high if I'm made to await an answer but getting a confirmation for this question is making me more anxious, than waiting for an invitation from a studio to make my dream come true.

'...No.'

…My hopes got shot down.

'…I see…'

'Our memory is in shambles. All the important ones, whether good or bad, are still there but the names and faces of all the people we knew…are all gone.'

'…Fuck.'

I knew something was off. I knew that I was missing something when I had that annoying dream, but I think I already realized how weird my memories have become ever since my rebirth. How frustrating.

'Urgh, and just after I finally got my priorities straightened.'

'It kinda does make my whole speech useless. The meaning is lost without the proper memory to associate to.'

“Sigh…Nah, it isn’t. You did well. You really gave it your all to make me feel better and I got better.

'Haha. I do love praises, but false flattery doesn’t make me feel better.'

My praise was honest from the heart, she’s been working tirelessly without complaining, with the same anxiousness to know what's going on with me. No, I think it is even worse for her, as she had to continue searching over and over again, with the light of hope constantly turning on and back off again.

Praises are awesome. I like praises. I don’t want her to believe I only gave it out of pity. It seems we got a bit out of synchro.

'I’m completely serious. It’s a shame that I can’t fully remember it all, but nothing you said was incorrect. I really did need to get my shit together, and just ‘cause I forgot my name and those of my parents doesn’t invalidate the memories and teaching I got from them. I still want to be an idol that can shine brilliantly.'

It’s like they say: The show must go on!

'Oh gosh. You are so adorable when you say that!'

'Huh?!'

Parallel mind hugged the mental image of my dragon self and even began caressing her head against mine. It was kinda embarrassing, even if it’s considered self-caressing.

'Ah, I meant that positively! That determination and that ambition. It’s like looking at my younger self again~'

'Wha-What the hell?! We died when we were 15! You have no right to act like an old grandma and treat me like a kid!'

'*chuckle* Sorry, sorry. Teasing you, while you act so childish is the best. Still, I do appreciate you saying that.'

'Praising me, when I’m sad, has always been Mama’s way to make me feel better. You know, that trait really is childish.'

'Ahh, forget it. Still, it is awesome that you got the determination to go on like that. Losing memories and forgetting your own name is kinda tough.'

'Well, all I need are the memories themselves.'

Names have importance but they aren’t the ones to push me forward.

'Ok, enough bantering about this stuff. Our food is ready, so let’s eat. The water and fish in our storage should last us about a month, depending on how gluttonous you are, so let’s leave afterward, ok?'

The reason why I only saved up a month’s worth of rations is that it finally hit its limit. I prioritized water over meat, as I can always hunt for meat, while getting water will be difficult.

Come to think of it, it didn’t rain once when I was still in the forest. Weird.

'Yup, let’s go find strong monsters.'

Grilled Fish with Kobold Fat Fish meat that was grilled over a flame, while being soaked in kobold fat. The fishy taste is completely gone, due to the fusion of kobold fat

********************

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Night Vision Lv. 3] evolved into [Night Vision Lv. 4]

Sigh

I should have stayed by the lake. I still haven't found a single thing in days! Tell me, what fantasy world cave is completely devoid of monsters guarding it. So big but no substance. There is a lake full of fish in it. Shouldn’t it have at least attracted one or two monsters towards this cave? I could return to it, but I couldn’t just continuously kill all the barracudas. That will send them into extinction!

Urgh, gotta stay positive. Didn't I just become 2 months old? Sure, I had to celebrate it in a dark and moist cave, but I had a grand fish feast. Imagine all that sashimi and grilled fish for free...pff, I'm pretty sure if I had paid, I would have gotten some actually good slices. I wouldn't pay sushi prices for what I made. I giggled at the thought of fine sushi made by a real professional itamae. (chef)

'You’re drooling…'

“Sorry…”

Honestly, it makes me uneasy that we have spent this much time in this cave. It feels like yesterday that I’ve become a month old. Argh, this whole walking around is boring me to death, so let’s sing something.

'You want to train our voice? I think, once it’s trained, it could sound pretty pleasant.'

'Maybe, but won’t it all be redundant when we get [Humanize]?'

'Yeah but come on. Just choose a song so I can sing. Something challenging, please.'

I can feel a smirk appearing on her mental image when she heard the word “challenging”.

'Challenging? Heh, how about “Imagine” from Ariana Grande? Let’s see you hit those high notes with that lizard voice.'

OMG, you are on! Those are some fighting words, girlfriend!

'Challenge accepted!'

Ahem.

“Kri…umph!"

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 7] evolved into [Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 8]

With a familiar loud bling sound ringing in my head, I swiftly closed my mouth before I could sing. Phew, that was close. If I had noticed just a second later, I would have probably exposed my location to whatever my skill is warning me.

The signal feels strong, about equal to that first garm, no, maybe it’s weaker. To be honest, I don’t think I can fight a rank D monster yet but getting a look at it shouldn’t be problematic.

'Buy [Presence Killer] before you go.'

Would you like to buy [Presence Killer] for 200 SP? Your current SP is 850

Ja.

You have bought [Presence Killer Lv. 1] Your current SP is 650 Presence Killer A skill to completely hide against detection abilities. The proficiency of the skill increases with every level. The skill cannot fully disrupt the detection of the user if the effort isn't put into it

This was one of the skills that I was able to identify on the first garm, the skill that most likely was the reason why I couldn’t sense it back then.

I admit, I’m very much relying on my skills warning me against dangers to survive. Skills are just that convenient.

I know I should fix that problem, but that can wait for the future. I have the feeling that I will need the power of all my skills for this encounter.

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Prediction Lv. 1] evolved into [Prediction Lv. 2]

I’ll make doubly sure that I won’t get detected. Digging my sickle-like claws deep in the ground, an attempt to clutch my fists out of human habit, I psyched myself up and began walking towards the signal.

With my skills and senses on maximum efficiency, I slowly crept towards the target, which caused more signals to appear which means that there are more enemies.

This could be bad. No matter how enthusiastic I am about this confrontation, I really shouldn’t risk it. My stealth abilities aren’t high enough and if it were another garm, I would definitely be caught and killed.

Hmm…

Staying around won't be of any help. The first thing I need is information, whether this threat is dangerous enough to force me to backtrack and find another way out of this cave. I feel a bit nervous about it, but this has to be done. One brave step at a time.

You can do it. Nothing will go wrong. You have the power and skill to not be detected. It’s only a little peek.

…

Phew.

Thankfully it’s not garms. It was quite stressful when I began building up tension and fear, that something like what I experienced in the forest will happen again, but it seems all of it is being replaced by a will to improve.

Orc A muscular humanoid monster with two small tusks. Although not the smartest, these monsters still possess an adequate amount of intelligence. Stunning strength and sturdy defense must be planned for when one fights such a creature. It has a strong sense of smell, despite its small nose. Rank D

There seems to be 5 of them gathered here. Looking through their status…their stats are inferior compared to the two garms but all of them have jobs. Similar to the kobolds, the orcs use weapons and weapon abilities to compensate for their inferior stats in comparison to a pure monster, like me or the garms.

'You ok with that?'

'Yeah. I have to admit that I am itching for a fight after your whole speech.'

At the end of the day, these orcs are rank D monsters, a rank that I cannot underestimate at my current state. They are equally as fearsome as those garms. That is what I need to always remember. Being overly cautious isn’t a bad thing here.

'Game face on. Come on!'

Their profile has given me a good enough idea that I now know that I can defeat them! They are slow but strong. In a one-on-one match, I know that my new powers can take down each and every one of them, but the problem lies with getting them separated in the first place.

Even with my firepower, I wouldn’t dare expect an orc to fall with a single attack, meaning that I probably need to go for an ambush attack to soften them up first.

'Unfair as it sounds, it is the best plan to approach this fight.'

'Ha haha. Even I feel a bit too excited about this. Guess I can't control it when I'm literally feeling the same urge to fight, like yours.'

'Shush, one of them is moving!'

Yup, it seems like the group is separating. The lonesome one seems to be walking towards…the lake? This is perfect. Once he lets down his guard, I'll strike!

Gotta be patient with this. No need to rush after all. The battle plan is set, and all I need to do is execute it properly.

Time to re-enter the spotlight!

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Identify Lv. 8] [Presence Killer Lv. 2] gained

_____________________________________________________

MC's Status Board Profile: Name: * Level: 4 Race: Young Spark Fire Dragon Age: 2 Months Status: Health: 289/289 (+44) Mana: 879/879 (+136) Strength: 198 (+39) Intelligence: 216 (+66) Vitality: 121 (+17) Wisdom: 138 (+22) Agility: 370 (+67) Stamina: 206/206 (+32) Effects: None Skill Points: 650 (+400) Unique Skill:

[Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 4]

[Spark Fire’s Fire Boost]

Skill:

[Mana Control Lv. 5] (+1)

[Holy Magic Lv. 7] (+1)

[Holy Amp] (New)

[Fire Magic Lv. 4]

[Earth Magic Lv. 4]

[Wind Magic Lv. 2] (+1)

[Space-Time Magic Lv. 2]

[Primal Magics]

[Stealth Lv. 5]

[Identify Lv. 8] (+1)

[Prediction Lv. 2] (+1)

[Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 8] (+1)

[Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 1]

[Night Vision Lv. 4] (+1)

[Presence Killer Lv. 2] (New)

[Evasion Lv. 3]

[Acrobatic Lv. 2]

[Mana Strike Lv. 3]

[Enhanced Claws Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Fangs Lv. 3]

[Cooking Lv. 5]

[Dismantle Lv. 5] (+1)

[Parallel Thoughts Lv. 1]

[Physical Resistance Lv. 4]

[Pain Resistance Lv. 4]

[Holy Resistance Lv. 4]

[Fire Resistance Lv. 4]

[Earth Resistance Lv. 4]

[Wind Resistance Lv. 1]

[Water Resistance Lv. 1] (New)

[Enhanced Health Growth Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Mana Capacity Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Strength Growth Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Vitality Growth Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Wisdom Growth Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Stamina Growth Lv. 1]

Ability List:

[Flame Blast] [Spark Claws] [Spark Flame]

Spell List:

[Minor Heal] [Cure] [Modest Heal] [Smite] [Light] [Holy Protection]

[Fire] [Firebolt] [Imbue Fire] [Fire Ball]

[Earth Wall] [Rock Blast] [Earth Strike] [Rock Bullet]

[Wind Bullet] [Wind Cutter]

[Haste] [Storage Magic]

[Shine]

Titles: [The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator]