Author note: Wanted to have this chapter out yesterday, I couldn't finish it in time though due to having a hospital appointment (video games didn't help either) . I also noticed my chapters are getting longer and longer, I could try to shorten them and maybe put less lore dumps in there, maybe try to spread it out a bit more. What do people think?

~Day 21~

With all the excitement these past few days I forgot about something. Before I got chased by those Black Wolves I was looking for a dungeon. Since even the Greater Frogs aren't levelling me much any more I think I should search for a dungeon again, with that in mind I decided to ask Ellephwen if she knew of any nearby.

Honestly I should have just asked her when I evolved, dungeons seem the perfect place for levelling.

I walked over to Ellephwen who was preparing my lunch for today.

Ellephwen.

She turned around tilting her head slightly, "hmm?"

I found a cliff in the Frogs territory and I was wondering if you knew of any dungeons in that area.

Ellephwen thought for a moment.

"Ah, that must have been where you found the Black Wolf den. The Black Wolves have used the base of the Goblin Kings Cliff as their home for generations. Hmm, yes last time I checked there are three separate dungeons under the cliff."

So there are three then. More importantly I feel as though Ellephwen just glossed over some major information. There's a Goblin King nearby... Isn't that really serious? The last Goblin King terrorised an entire kingdom 300 years before I was born.

"Ah." *giggle* "You don't have to worry, the cliff is named after that same infamous King. His city once lived on top of it. There are still Goblins living in the ruins now. "

So there are Goblins up there. Goblins can be quite aggressive, but if they were a danger then Ellephwen would have told me about them earlier, so I can assume that they don't often come down here.

I guess with that out of the way, which of the three dungeons is closest?

"The closest? That would be the Lair of the Lonely Wolf. It's not the easiest dungeon in my territory, but you should be fine on the first floor. However, do not go to the second floor and beyond, it would be too dangerous."

Does that mean the dungeon boss is some kind of powerful Wolf? Dungeons are usually formed when a powerful Monster resides in a cave for a long time, the Monsters mana slowly transforms the cave in to a dungeon. Monsters are attracted by the powerful mana and subjugate themselves to the dungeon boss, the dungeon also gets deeper as time goes on, meaning you can tell the age of a dungeon by how many layers it has. The age doesn't dictate the strength of the Monsters however, the strength of the dungeon boss does.

I should be on my way then, Ellephwen told me the dungeon is actually near where I jumped down to when being chased by the Black Wolves, apparently there is a man made path leading down the side of the cliff and on the way from that to the crescent area I fell was the dungeon. Thank the Gods the Black Wolves didn't seem to know about the path.

Obviously on the way I activated my Guardian aura, so that I might gather an extra level or two.

By the time I found the dungeon I had killed 21 Lesser Frogs, 1 Greater Frog, 12 Spitting tree Snails and 1 Grey Wolf. It seems that I can manage to fight Grey Wolves without taking almost any damage now, it feels a little odd when just a few days ago I almost died from fighting two of them. I managed to level up a little which was a helpful warm up for the dungeon.

Overall level has increased from [Level 19] to [Level 20]

[Guardian lvl 3] has increased to [Guardian lvl 4]

I'm glad that Guardian levelled up, it means I'll have more control over it and I'll need to suppress it when I enter the dungeon. I have no idea what enemies I'll find in there so I don't want to draw to much attention. I'm staying on the first floor of course. Ellephwen said that would be the safest and I'm not some hot blooded youth like you read about in the old stories that acts recklessly. Well, if I can beat all enemies on the first floor I might take a peak at the second floor. That's not to say it's not tempting, I'm looking forward to another challenging battle after all.

I walked slowly through the entrance of the dungeon, from what I can see this dungeon is a cave dungeon, dungeons will change appearance depending on the dungeon boss, since a Wolf is the boss of this dungeon it simply takes the form of a cave.

As I started walking further in I saw my first monster, a Horned Rat, three in fact. They average a little taller than a Mushling but are the length of an adult Grey Wolf if you count the tail. I knew that a normal Rat was about as strong a Grey Wolf, so a Horned Rat would be at least a little stronger. I prepared to fight as one of the three Rats charged at me whilst the other two followed close behind.

The closest Rat aimed it's horn directly at my lower body, he was about as fast as the Black Wolf pups, I decided that jumping would leave me open to the other two, so I dodged to the right. The other two both jumped at me, I pivoted my body so that they would hit my helmet.

*crunch*

One of the Rats horns was crushed by my helmet whilst the other was slightly embedded in to my flesh. It stung a bit, but I barely felt it. I shook my body to get him off. His horn came loose and flew sideways, whilst he was still in the air I rammed him against the wall.

*SQUUEE!*

With my current body I managed to envelop and crush him entirely, he fell limp at my feet. With my current height I can't fight smaller monsters like I used to, I have to wait for them to jump to be able to hit them properly. I had to do the same for all the Monsters I fought on the way here, luckily smaller Monsters often seem to jump to attack, they sort of have to considering the majority of monsters are taller The Rat I dodged earlier pierced my back slightly, he must have jumped whilst I was distracted, I span around as fast as I could with his horn still in my body, using the momentum I span him into the dungeon wall. As it wasn't an attack with my helmet he didn't die. Although he did take some of my flesh with him as he came loose.

Behind him the other Rat didn't seem to know what to do without it's horn, he panicked and tried to bite at my legs. So he won't jump up without his horn? Then the only way I can really beat him would be... To crush him under my weight... I jumped on him.

*SQUEEE!*

*Squish!*

Overall level has increased from [Level 20] to [Level 21]

*SQWWAAR!*

There was an angry screech behind me, the last Rat jumped at my back again. That's not very smart, I quickly jumped sideways and charged at the side of the Rat, he turned his head and his horn dug into my helmet. it was too late to stop, as I crushed him against the wall his horn dug deep in to my flesh.

[Pain Resistance lvl 5] has increased to [Pain Resistance lvl 6]

[Lesser Regeneration lvl 4] has increased to [Lesser Regeneration lvl 5]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 11}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 12}]

I grunted at the pain. It's no wonder my Pain Resistance increased a level, whilst I have received a lot of damage so far this wound is incredibly deep. My lesser regeneration gradually forced the horn out as it tried to heal my wound. The feeling of a sharp horn being forced out of my head was horrific, even with Pain Resistance. My blood trickled down my face.

*clang*

The horn finally came loose. That was exhausting, if I was human that would have killed me. Then again if I was human that wolf bite a few days would have killed me.

Come to think of it, where is the Mushmans brain located, It's not in the head, or I would be dead, do they even have a brain? I really don't understand how Mushmen work.

Still, if that was one fight on the first floor, I see why Ellephwen didn't want me to go any further down. I decided to cautiously travel further in. The cave began to get darker as I got further from the entrance making my Night Vision activate. Good hopefully it will level a little whilst I fight.

...

...

Phew, half the day has passed, I almost haven't had a chance to take a break and have taken quite a few hits. I killed 11 more Horned Rats after that initial battle. I've also seen three other species whilst I've been here. The most common species in here were Razbats, they don't have much individual strength, but often attack in large numbers, they use their sharp razor-like claws to slowly whittle away their targets health. I managed to kill over 30, it was hard to tell exact numbers as they swarmed. Thanks to my high defence I didn't die despite being swarmed. I took a lot of shallow cuts from them, but no permanent damage.

The second species I found were the Grey Wolves, well it makes sense considering that dungeon boss is also a Wolf. I killed 7 of them, there was a path leading past where I found them which I guess is the Grey Wolves territory. Since I didn't want to walk straight into the middle of a Wolf den I didn't carry on down that path. Well I could probably survive down there, but it's probably best to wait until I'm a little stronger.

The final species I fought against was a single Crying Mollit. No they aren't literally crying, there was a curious pattern they all had under both eyes that looked like tears. Mollits are a cousin species to Moles, however Moles are passive whilst Mollits are carnivorous and aggressive. Crying Mollits are an evolutionary path of normal Mollits which grow to around 8 ft tall. So he was about double my size. The fight was quite difficult, but the big guy was quite slow, to make up for it he was incredibly durable and had a lot of strength. He managed to hit me once during the fight and knocked a quarter of my health off.

I enjoyed the fight greatly, I think I was grinning the whole way through, there's definitely something a little odd about that. After that particular battle I'm now exhausted so I'm going to head home for today. Going to this dungeon was the right choice, I'm definitely going to be using it for a while. It also gave me a good chance to measure my current strength, I could probably fight a average mortal hunter properly as I am now. I checked my level and skill improvements.

Overall level has increased from [Level 21] to [Level 30]

[Night Vision lvl 5] has increased to [Night Vision lvl 7]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 12}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 14}]

[Unarmed Combat Novice lvl 9] has increased to [Unarmed Combat Novice lvl 10]

[Swiftfoot lvl 4] has increased to [Swiftfoot lvl 5]

[Warriors Heart lvl 6] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 8]

[Warriors Will lvl 5] has increased to [Warriors Will lvl 6]

[Lesser Regeneration lvl 5] has increased to [Lesser Regeneration lvl 6]

I was happy with the amount of level ups, but the most important skill at the moment was my Unarmed Combat skill, it's reached level 10. Which means it's next level up with evolve it into Unarmed Combat Journeyman. That was quite exciting to me.

Also since Warriors Will is taking a longer time to level than Warriors Heart I've come to the conclusion that it levels fastest when my life is in danger, which to be honest isn't ideal. Guardian also didn't level as I wasn't the aura.

I managed to reach the dungeon entrance without many more battles, I will be back here tomorrow as well, this really is a great place to level. It's also huge, I was walking around the first floor for half a day, but I wasn't even able to find the entrance to the second floor.

I arrived home and saw a worried Dryad run over.

"What happened, why are you so covered in blood?" Ellephwen frantically cleaned my body whilst questioning me.

Ah, I forgot I had bled quite a lot today I'm still getting used to fighting with a bigger body and not be able to fight smaller enemies properly made things a little... difficult.

"Still, if you are this injured then the dungeon must have grown in difficulty. I don't know why I didn't think about the chance of that happening, it has been over 100 years since I last went in there after all. I'm such a fool."

Ellephwen grumbled under her breath. I did hear something interesting though.

A hundred years... Why haven't you been there in over a hundred years?

Ellephwen stopped for a moment. "I have lived for a long time, for around a hundred years I have tried to live in peace, conquering a dungeon was one of the last things on my mind. Ah, but don't try to ask my age again, I'm still not telling you." She explained.

Tch. Still, I really don't know too much about Ellephwen, do I?

After she was done cleaning my blood off she told me that I shouldn't go back to that dungeon tomorrow. I argued that I managed to take out a Crying Mollist, so I should be fine on the first floor if I'm careful. Although she was reluctant she eventually agreed, Ellephwens acting more and more like a mother as the days go on.

Anyway, for today's education she wanted to confirm my knowledge on evolution. I told her what I knew, monsters and some skills could evolve when they reach certain level several times over. Whilst the other species could only grow in level. She shook her head. She told me to sit down as the full explanation might take a little while.

All species could evolve and as far as Ellephwen knew there was no evolutionary limit. As monsters evolve the easiest and the earliest out of all the species most mortals don't know that they can also evolve eventually. All noble or above common Demons know that they're able to evolve and the majority of elves know. The reason it is mostly unknown for other species is because of how difficult it is for them to evolve. It is most difficult for humans as it takes 1000 levels for them to evolve, on average a retired human Knight is around level 150-300 so they often die of old age before they can reach 1000. However because of how difficult it is for them humans become incredibly powerful if they manage it, Ellephwen even said a single evolved human can compare to a God attribute monster in strength. For Dwarfs it takes 700 levels to evolve, since the dwarfs value strength and battle ability highly most of their most powerful warriors become kings. So every so often a king will evolve. The Beastkin all have different evolution levels depending on the subspecies. Subspecies such as Catmen, Bearmen, Wolfmen etc. Their evolution level can range from about level 400 - 600.

For Elves who are not mortal and do not age evolution is more common, so it's quite known in their society. They evolve at level 500. Finally the Demons also evolve at level 500, despite also not ageing Demons are a lot more warlike than Elves so they often die before they can evolve. By the way the average level of a Demon warrior at death is 250- 350, so they aren't that much more powerful than humans. Also despite being mortals, Dwarves have the highest level at death as their warriors average at level 350 - 400.

Since people do evolve every so often, it is quite surprising that the information hasn't spread. Ellephwen said that it's because when it's discovered the person or kingdom they are discovered in will keep quiet about it so other countries don't find out. Even if the evolved person in question fights on the battlefield the kingdom can just say that they are just incredibly powerful. Then that evolved person is often forgotten to history or becomes a legend.

Or at least that was they way it was when I was human. These days it's a lot more common knowledge with most higher ups of most countries knowing. It's still not known by most commoners though.

I did wonder why Humans had such a harder time than other species to evolve. Ellephwen told me it is because once around seven thousand years ago when it only took 400 levels for a human to evolve, an ancient evolved Human king used his strength to rule over the entire world and then attempted to go to war with the Gods. To punish him and the humans that followed him, the Gods gave his species the chance to gain the strength to challenge them, but made it almost impossible to gain that strength in a human lifetime.

Still, I just had a lot of incredible information dropped on me and I had to process it all at once.

Most races can't reach level 100 as fast as I did, I only managed to level so fast due to being a incredibly weak monster. for most races it takes many, many years of training.

With a lot to think about I went to bed, it was late but I was wide awake. To be honest I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight...

~Day 22~

I... Am so tired. I really didn't get much sleep last night.

I've learnt a lot but what I learnt yesterday, it was too surprising.

Still I'm sure the fighting I'll do on the way to the dungeon will wake me up.

I told Ellephwen to stop worrying and left for the dungeon. On they way I activated my Guardian aura just as I did yesterday.

By the time I reached the dungeon I was wide awake, I gathered a large group of monsters as usual, but the numbers seemed less today. I think I should probably stop killing so many monsters on the way to the dungeon before I start to upset the ecosystem. Besides I barely grew a single level.

Overall level has increased from [Level 30] to [Level 31]

My job today is to try to find the way to the second floor, I'm not planning on using it, but it would be good to know where it is for when I'm ready to use it.

I plunged in to the dungeon for a second time. Killing anything that got in my way. By the time I got to the point where I killed my first Crying Mollit yesterday, I had already killed 8 Horned Rats, 3 Grey Wolves and around 25 Razbats, but no Crying Mollits. I think that the Mollit den is further on and the one I killed was just the furthest out, maybe a sentry or something. Also whilst the numbers of Monsters grow back quickly in dungeons due to the bosses mana after only one day it wont be back to normal, hence why I didn't get as many kills. Of course I grew a few levels from that, but it's less than yesterday. Seriously the difference between now and when I was a Mushling is ridiculous.

Overall level has increased from [Level 31] to [Level 35]

[Night Vision lvl 7] has increased to [Night Vision lvl 8]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 14}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 15}]

[Swiftfoot lvl 5] has increased to [Swiftfoot lvl 6]

[Warriors Heart lvl 8] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 9]

[Lesser Regeneration lvl 6] has increased to [Lesser Regeneration lvl 7]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 15}] abilty: [Mushroom Shield] unlocked.

[Prerequisites: 20 mana required for ability unlock.]

Night vision is close to max level, my vision is now close to day time, it's looks like mid dawn. Still no evolution of Unarmed Combat yet, not that I'm expecting anything major from the evolution, I'm still excited. What? No I'm not ignoring the most major part, I just don't know what to think about it. Ellephwen did tell me that unique skills have a chance of having unique abilities, so I at least know what it is. Let's see should I activate it now? It says it costs 20 mana for a single use and I have no idea how long it lasts or what it does. With the name Mushroom Shield it must be a defensive ability, well it would considering which skill it came from.

...Al right I'll try and use it against the Mollits if they are down here. They have a powerful attack after all, let's see what this ability can do.

Walking further in to what I believed to be the Mollits den I came across two of them, confirming my thoughts, one was larger than the first Mollit I fought. He looks the same as the other one so he clearly not evolved though, just larger.

They both noticed me so I activated my new ability, my mana became empty and in front of me a round, floating and partially transparent mushroom top appeared. It was flat with the same pattern as my helmet. The large Mollit tried to smash it. When he punched it he cried out in pain as his fingers became broken and mangled. That's incredible, there was now a crack on the shield, but it still managed to deflect a full power attack from a Mollit. It must have double the defence of my helmet.

The other Mollit ran past the shield, he wasn't particularly fast, but he used the opportunity to charge at me. I could probably stop him without my shield, but I wonder if...

*SMACK*

I willed the Shield to fly towards the charging Mollit, the shield smashed in to the side of his head making him fall sideways. This is good, this is very good. I've gained a real weapon, although with my mana as it is I can probably only use it a few times a day.

I used the shield to keep the large Mollit back by blocking his attacks whilst charging at the second which was still getting back up. I head butted the Mollit in the stomach, knocking him back over. Quickly turning back around I forced the shield against the face of the large one, pulling it back then repeatedly pummelling him. After a few hits, I heard a loud crunch as his body shook then fell to the floor, making the ground rumble slightly under his weight.

I was too close to the remaining Mollit and he got a hit on me knocking my body toward the dungeon wall, as I flew backwards I sent my shield towards his head too, he tried to lift his arm to block it, but he was too slow, the shield reached his head crushing it too. I still slammed against the wall, but managed to win with minimum damage.

Overall Level has increased from [Level 35] to [Level 37]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 15}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 16}]

[Unarmed Combat Novice lvl 10] has evolved into [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 1]

[Guardian lvl 4] has increased to [Guardian lvl 5]

Excellent, my first skill evolution! I can feel it as well, a significant boost to my fighting ability. I also managed to gain two levels from two enemies. I guess that's how strong the Crying Mollits are...

Hmm.

I'm not reckless, I don't think it would be a good idea to go and train in their den until I'm stronger, judging by their strength fighting more than two at once would be extremely difficult, probably deadly.

Where do I go now though? Hmm, ah, I know...

There was one tunnel I haven't tried yet, one led to the Grey Wolves, where I would probably be overwhelmed by numbers, the second was this direction which seems to be the Mollit den and the third I have no idea about. Should I wait until tomorrow to search it..?

Yes, I think that might be for the best, I'm being a lot more cautious after my evolution so it might take a little longer to evolve again, but it's not even been a month yet, so I'm not in any rush.

After a small while the shield dissipated, counting from when I first activated it, about 15 minutes had passed. So judging by that it could be that every level of Mushroom Helmet gives me another minute of use for the Mushroom Shield. That seems plausible. It also further increases the usefulness of the ability, the shield can last quite a while and can defend against quite powerful hits. However with my poor mana and recharge rate, I can only use it about 4 times a day. It's a shame, but it should improve as I level.

I arrived home and nudged the door open.

"ELLIEEEE!"

Samora came running to me and squeezed my body, ow ow ow ow! How can she give such a deadly hug? What sort of strength does she have!?

"ELLEPHWEN SAID YOU WENT TO SOMEWHERE DANGEROUS! ARE YOU OKAY, YOU'RE NOT DYING?!?" Samora blubbberd whilst hugging me.

I looked at Ellephwen. Sighing she walked over and dragged Samora off me.

"Samora, Ellena is clearly fine and to be honest, I think you're actually doing more damage to her than that dungeon ever could."

"EH!?" Samora sulked as she wobbled out the door, she turned around and looked back before closing the door. What did she even come here for?

"She came here to drop something off. She inquired as to where you were and I... told her." Ellephwen averted her eyes slightly.

Dropping off something, what was she dropping off?

"Ah, just some potions and something else not important. Unfortunately I have almost no knowledge or skill in using healing magic. So Samora created these in case you ever come back heavily injured again."

Can I not take them with me?

"I'm afraid not, they need the appropriate amount of mana poured in to them to activate and you don't have enough."

I see...

"Anyway, I have something more important than that to show you, I finished your bed." Proudly pointing to where my old bed used to be was a large double canopy bed.

That's... Really elaborate, do I need something so elaborate? It looks like something from a nobleman s house.

Ellephwen looked slightly dejected " Do you not like it?" She asked tilting her head.

No, It's really beautiful, but do I really need something so large?

"It's better to be prepared. I have no idea how large the species you will evolve in to next will be." She said smiling.

I suppose she's right, to be entirely honest I was looking forward to trying it out, the carving was amazing and the mattress looked extremely inviting. Before then however, was dinner and then education.

Today's education was short. Ellephwen just wanted to make sure my Dwarven knowledge was adequate. Of course I knew quite a lot about Dwarfs, there was a family of them in my village. The Dwarfs have the longest life spans out of the mortal races. There was a Dwarven king in my time who had reached 540 common years of age. The Dwarves don't have kingdoms like the other races do, individual kings just rule over a single city and often a few surrounding villages. The Dwarven territory on the Central Continent is about the same size of a large kingdom with about 10 kings, or at least that was how it was in my time.

They are a warrior race and because of that there are usually one or two wars going on between the Dwarven kings. However if the Dwarven territory is threatened by other races they will often fight together. That's not to say they're outirght hostile, plenty of Dwarves live with the other mortal races and plenty others become adventurers.

Ellephwen nodded, as I often talked to the Dwarves in my village I knew enough about them. She said that not much has changed concerning the Dwarfs in the past 200 years. There are currently only eight Dwarf kings. A 9th has started building a city on the Monster Continent, but that's about it.

With Ellephwen satisfied, I was finally able to test out my new bed. I found it very comfortable, although just as I suspected it was a little large.

I heard the door open, is Ellephwen going outside for something?

Hmm something is on my bed.

*shuffle*

...

...Samora, get out of my bed.

~Day 23~

I woke up with a half naked Samora wrapped around me, I let her sleep in my bed purely because I could not talk so I couldn't tell her to get out. Yes, purely for that reason.

"Mmmmm" A noise came out of the waking Samora, as she began to stretch.

She must have lingered around the house after Ellephwen told her off.

"Good morning little Ellie" She smiled at me.

Seriously, put on some clothes. Why do Elves always have such large chests anyway?

"Samora..." Ellephwen appeared behind Samora and grabbed her by the shoulder.

Samoras ears pricked up and her eyes widened "Eh? Wh.. What could possibly be the problem?"

"What are you doing to my kin?" Ellephwen asked Samora with a terrifying smile.

She dragged Samora out of the house kicking and screaming. Ellephwen really is becoming more and more like an overprotective mother as the days go on. Almost a I won't give me daughter to you feeling, or is it just dislike of Samora..?

Anyway, today I was planning to search the third path in the dungeon. On the way to the third tunnel I activated my Guardian Aura, I even had activated for a short while in the dungeon. Which may have been a mistake as I was attacked by 8 Horned Rats and around 20 Razbats at the same time. This meant that I unfortunately already had to activate my shield using it to attack a huge number of the Razbats, killing several in one hit. I managed to pull through the battle with only shallow wounds, but it may have been a bit wasteful to use the Shield.

Overall level has increased from [Level 37] to [Level 39]

[Pain Resistance lvl 6] has increased to [Pain resistance lvl 7]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 16}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 17}]

[Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 1] has increased to [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 2]

[Swiftfoot lvl 6] has increased to [Swiftfoot lvl 7]

[Guardian lvl 5] has increased to [Guardian lvl 6]

I suffered quite a lot of pain due to my enemies numbers, but none of them could cause wounds dangerous or deep enough to really cause any real damage. I was becoming quite fast as well thanks to Swiftfoot, so I managed to get out of range of most of the dangerous blows.

Anyway I began walking down the new path, I have yet to see a new species down here, but I have seen a growing number of Horned Rats. So is this the Horned Rat den?

As I delved deeper in to the Rats territory I fought increasing numbers of the creatures. They seemed to average in groups of 3 - 5. After walking for a few hours I eventually came to a large room. It was about 40 ft high, whilst the cave tunnels were around 15 ft. A small amount of sunlight radiated from a small hole in the roof and spread out to cover most of the cavern floor which was covered in healthy looking grass. There were a few trees dotted around the room and at the centre of the room was a flowing river circled around the centre of the cave which was a 10 ft cliff which sloped down to ground level behind it.

Sleeping on top of the miniature cliff was a 9 ft tall Rat, judging by the fact that it has 2 horns I'm guessing it's a Rat Lord. Surrounding him were half a dozen Giant Horned Rats. So is he some sort of mini boss on this floor? He definitely looks too strong for me, even if you forget his bodyguards I don't think I could beat him. Behind the Rat Lord at the back of the room was a large pile of bones and the decomposing remains of mortals. Amongst the bodies was equipment of varying degrees of quality and rarity.

Some of that equipment looked quite high quality, which would be nice if I could use it. I decided to come back here when I evolved and had arms, hopefully I'll be strong enough to fight the Rat Lord at that time. Still, I wonder if each monster species in this dungeon has some sort of leader? Does that mean the way down to the second floor is behind one of them? Probably the leader of the Mollits as they're the strongest species of Monster I've met so far.

Where should I go for the rest of the day then..? Since it was probably the safest bet I think I'll go further in to the Grey Wolves den for now. Besides, If I'm careful I should be able to avoid fighting too many at once.

I arrived at the Wolves tunnel. I shouldn't spend too long here as it's already almost time to head back. I headed in.

Oddly enough the number of Wolves that I fought never seemed to go above five at once, even so it wasn't an entirely easily won battle, of course compared to the group of eight Horned Rats I fought earlier five Grey Wolves weren't much. However when I found the group of five I had already used my shield against a group of four Wolves and it had ran out. Making it a bit more difficult.

After beating the five Wolves I arrived at a split in the tunnel that went in five directions, if there is one the Grey Wolf leader is probably down one of these tunnels. I suppose to make it easier I'll just start with the path furthest left and go down each one individually. It was already getting a bit late, so I decided to just search one of the tunnels for today.

Hmm... There didn't seem to be many adult Wolves down the first tunnel, there were many young pups though, even babies by the looks of them. I wonder if this is where the young are brought up? Ah, that Mother and child Wolf I fought against as a Mushling must have come from this den, it's close by so that makes sense, besides Wolves often live in packs anyway.

This is a problem though...

I mentally sighed. I don't feel right just slaughtering children, fighting other children wasn't so bad when I was also a child, but I'm technically an adult now and the pups wouldn't stand much of a chance. It doesn't seem there's anything else further down this tunnel that I could see with my Night Vision, just more children and a few parents... Okay then, I'll leave this tunnel alone and come back and try the other tunnels tomorrow.

On my way back I checked the rest of my growth from today.

Overall level has increased from [Level 39] to [Level 43]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 18}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 19}]

[Warriors Heart lvl 9] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 10]

When I got back I slowly nudged the door open looking around to make sure Samora doesn't jump me again, it doesn't seem like she's here this time. Breathing a sigh of relieve I walked inside.

Ellephwen told me not to worry about Samora for a few days as she was doing something important. She then told me she wanted to ask me about my knowledge on the Beastkin today, it seems she wants to confirm my knowledge on the other races at the moment.

I told her what I know, Beastkin are the final and third race of the mortals. There exists only one kingdom ruled by the Beastkin and that is on the Monster Continent. The other races weren't prejudice to Beastkin on the surface, however because of the fact that they originally evolved from Beast attribute Monsters there are always those that think they shouldn't have the same rights other races. Although from what Ellephwen has already told me many kingdoms these days see them as equals now, largely to the success and hospitality of the Great Beastkin Kingdom.

Ellephwen said that those are the basics, but there was a little more she wanted to tell me. Beastkin are technically both the strongest and the weakest of all three mortal races, the reason being is that they have many different subspecies. The most powerful known Beastkin subspecies are the very rare Tri-Horned Wolfmen. The Tri-Horned Wolf isn't the most powerful beast attribute monster, but for some reason they are the most powerful Beastkin.

The weakest subspecies are the Rabbitmen, to be honest it's mostly self explanatory as to why they're the weakest subspecies. Incidentally the current king of The Great Beastkin Kingdom is an oddly powerful Grey Wolfman, I don't know whether I want to meet him or not.

There's not really much else to say about the Beastkin, to talk about each subspecies in detail would take days, so it was left at that for today. So after dinner we headed for bed.

Hmm, although having Samora in my bed was a little distracting, this bed really is too large for just me.

~Day 24~

The plan today, was to search the rest of the Wolf tunnels in the dungeon.

Getting to the tunnel wasn't too much trouble, the population in the dungeon was now about half it was when I first came here. Of course I still managed to gain two levels from all the monsters I killed on the way. So I was at [Level 44].

I began to search through the second Wolf tunnel. This tunnel wasn't filled with the young like the other one, maybe each tunnel has a different purpose? I fought quite a few normal Grey Wolves, but as I got further in I found two slightly different Grey Wolves.

Elder Grey Wolves, an evolved form of Grey Wolves with greater strength, or at least that's what I think they are judging from the description Ellephwen gave me. They were around half a foot taller than normal Grey Wolves and had long, matted fur, they also had black streaks of fur along their head that were shaped slightly like lightning.

There were two of them, possibly guarding something. They noticed me and began to growl blocking my way. Well there's clearly something of importance in that direction.

I activated Mushroom Shield and charged at them. Using the shield I smacked it against one of the Elder Wolves and jumped over the second who charged at me, bringing the shield around I knocked the charging Wolf against the wall. Then quickly charging at his side head first, he yelped and then his body went limp. The other Wolf was right behind me, I brought the shield behind him and hit him from behind with it sending him flying towards me Head butting his body that came towards me I heard a crack.

Overall level has increased from [Level 44] to [Level 45]

[Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 2] has increased to [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 3]

[Warriors Will lvl 6] has increased to [Warriors Will lvl 7]

Those two were quite fast, which made that a pretty exciting fight, even if it wasn't too deadly. If there was a third I could have been badly injured. I really have started to enjoy battle recently, more so after gaining the shield.

I carried on down the tunnel behind the Elder Grey Wolves, the tunnel opened up to a... Well a lake? What was a lake doing here, is that something to do with this being a dungeon? Although I suppose I saw a stream in the Rat Lords den, so this shouldn't be too surprising. Around the lake were a few trees and bushes covered with fruits and berries. Eating those berries were Lesser Rabbits, hundreds of them and chasing them around were young and fully grown Grey Wolves. So this must be the Wolves feeding ground, they had plenty of water and an abundant source of meat. It's a shame that this area is far too open and there are far too many Grey Wolves to consider fighting here. Especially since my Shield has ran out.

I headed back to look in the third tunnel. This one didn't really seem to have much as I headed deeper I seemed to find mortal and Monsters corpses. So this must be where they throw the bodies of whatever comes in to their den... As I reached the end of the tunnel my suspicions were confirmed. It was a deep hole with a horrible stench that permeated from it. I couldn't see any skeletons or corpses, but I could certainly smell some. Just how deep is this hole and how long have they been using it for this reason? Well it's not like that matters much, I'm not exactly planning to return here.

Let's see, I should have enough time to explore the other two tunnels, if they don't have much in that is. However one of the last two must have something important, especially as I haven't found their boss yet. I picked up my pace slightly and ventured in to the fourth tunnel, this one seems to be filled with only Elder Grey Wolves all in small groups together, I was attacked by six at once.

Damn, my mana has yet to recharge, I began running backwards dodging the Wolves as they came at me. I reached the tunnel entrance whilst spitting blood out of my mouth, two of the Wolves were limping by this point so I managed to deal some damage to them. I thought I might have a better chance at fighting them with more room. After a long and dangerous fight I managed to pull through with out taking any permanent damage. It was an exhilarating battle and I caught myself grinning several times. I was exhausted, but thanks to the difficulty of the fight I managed to level a few of my skills.

Overall level has increased from [Level 45] to [Level 48]

[Pain Resistance lvl 7] has increased to [Pain Resistance lvl 8]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 19}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 20}]

[Swiftfoot lvl 7] has increased to [Swiftfoot lvl 8]

[Warriors Heart lvl 10] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 11]

[Warriors Will lvl 7] has increased to [Warriors Will lvl 8]

[Lesser Regeneration lvl 7] has increased to [Lesser Regeneration lvl 8]

Dangerous fights were useful for levelling my skills. Anyway judging by the fact that the fourth tunnel has such a concentrated group of Elder Wolves then that must be where the pack leader is right? Obviously I can't go down there until I'm stronger, I saw even more Elder Wolves behind the ones I fought.

That means there is only one more tunnel left, I know where their leader is so I wonder what is down this last one... Hmm, I still have a bit of time left. I'll just check this last tunnel then head home.

That's odd, the last tunnel doesn't seem to have as many Wolves in, there are some Razbats around, but not many Wolves. After a short while with a disappointing amount of fights I arrived at... A downwards slope... So this is the way down to the second floor? That's a bit anticlimactic, I was hoping for it to be behind one of the first floor bosses. Well I suppose I've only confirmed one boss on this floor, but I assume each species has a leader.

Hmm, should I head down there tomorrow? At least I'm definitely not going down today, I'm tired enough as it is and the Monsters down there are sure to be quite a bit stronger than those here... I suppose I should decide tomorrow depending on how I'm feeling at the time. I would like to see what sort of enemies are down there at the very least.

So with that in mind I headed back home, honestly this dungeon has been very helpful these past few days and I haven't even gotten past the first floor. I also gained another level in Night Vision whilst I was in there, it basically looks like day when I have it activated now. One more level until it maxes out.

As I reached home I heard an unusual muffled voice inside.

Before I could open the door a human sized treelike Monster opened the door with a frown on his face, after he saw me, he seemed to scowl at me and click his tongue. Ellephwen came to the door with a troubled look in her eye, looking at the monster walking away.

What was that about I thought whilst looking at Ellephwen.

Noticing me she gave a troubled expression and told me;

"Hmm, it's just a little favour that was asked of me. He's a little upset that I failed."

So you can't tell me, huh? Well, I'm sure she would tell me if I needed to know.

Still, was he a Ent variant?

"Who, Gedill? No his race are cousins to the Ents. I believe you had a chance of evolving in to them. The Treechildren. Did you not notice the differences?"

I've never seen an Ent before.

"Ah, well Ents are often above 30 ft tall and when sleeping are impossible to tell apart form a normal tree. They don't have arms, but instead have complete control over their branches being able to use them as arms instead. A Treechild instead has two arms and is human sized. They also have a clear human like body shape."

...So he was a Treechild, does that mean I would have arms now if I had chose to Evolve in to them? Gods damn it.

"I believe that you made the right choice, variants are rare and powerful and a normal Treechild is weaker than you are now. Gedill is quite an old and powerful Treechild, but he often hides his true appearance to get around easier."

So his actual appearance is different to that... Come to think of it he scowled at me on his way out, did I do something to him?

Ellephwen let out a quiet laugh. "No child, he was upset at you for choosing to evolve as a Mushman instead of a Treechild, he thought you might make a good wife one day."

Ehhh? How immature... I thought you said he was very old?

"He is, but age has nothing to do with maturity. Anyway, I'm afraid the task he asked of me must succeed, I have failed once, but I must try again. I'm sorry the education will have to wait for another day."

A she said that Ellephwen kissed my head and walked out the door, she turned around and said my dinner was warm and ready to be eaten.

So she'll be gone all night? I hopped up to my seat and ate my dinner... It's not as tasty as it usually is...

Time passed and she wasn't back, it was growing dark so I went to bed. To be honest I was a little frustrated, I know she was just trying to protect me, but I still want to know what's happening...

~Day 25~

Ellephwen still wasn't back... Should I head to the dungeon today without the lunch she makes? I suppose I can always just eat moss I find outside the dungeon. Yes, I think I'll do that.

I began to head to the door, but Ellephwen burst through the door looking slightly panicked.

"Ellena, you must remain here for today, do not go outside!" She looked me in the eyes whist holding my sides, her grip was a little to tight.

What was going on? Why do I have to stay here.

*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUGH!*

I heard an ear splitting roar that sounded like it came from over a mile away, what was that?

"It has something to do with yesterday, Gedill was acting as a messenger for the council of the Ents who asked a favour of me. An incredibly powerful monster known as the Ancient Ent King Lavias has awakened, a strong seal was supposed to stop him for coming back, but it must have been destroyed. It was my job to stop the humans nearby from digging inside his tomb, I thought I had convinced them to stop this time, but it seems I failed..."

The Ancient King Lavias? If you're acting like this then he is definitely hostile and I don't want my new home to be crushed, I want to help!

Ellephwen shook her head. "You can't, my kin. Lavias was a powerful King of the Ents over 2000 years ago. His strength can be compared to God attribute Monsters. His aura has awakened many powerful, deadly beasts throughout the forest."

I... Understand, if I went there I would just get in the way of whoever is going to fight him. I am... still too weak...

Ellephwen smiled gently. "Thank you, child. Be safe whilst I am gone."

Wait... You're going?

"Yes, all of the strongest beings within range are coming to fight him."

No, no you can't! You can't go...

Ellephwen hugged me.

" I must go, his anger can't be satiated, he will destroy everything he can on the continent. Please child, he must be stopped."

I looked up at her, there was pure determination in her eye. I was just trying to stop her, like a whining child, I guess I haven't matured as much as I thought. I hesitantly nodded my head, it sound like the mortals are to blame, but that doesn't, mean millions of them deserve to die for it. Just, explain it to me when you get back, please.

Ellephwen smiled giving me one last hug. "I will, Thank you, child. I wouldn't be able to concentrate without your consent."

Ellephwen ran out the door, as it opened I saw Samora, Gedill and a 13ft Bear like Monster, Samora saw me and gave me a warm smile and a wave.

"Don't worry little Ellie, I'll protect her."

The door closed and with that I was alone...

As the day passed I heard uncountable roars and explosions. Every so often a massive earthquake shook the room.

I was worried and scared, not for myself most of my fear is suppressed by my skills. I didn't want to lose Ellephwen as well, I don't want to lose Samora either. Is there just misfortune for all those close to me, or is it just an unhappy coincidence?

Why was this Ent King so angry anyway, I don't ever remember hearing about any such legend. Another earthquake knocked a plate off the kitchen counter.

Damn, I got conceited thinking I was stronger.

The battle continued all day, the night came around and there was still the sound of battle going on, how long will this go on?

It was about the time I usually go to bed... Ellephwen and Samora still aren't back yet. There's no way I can get to sleep tonight, not with everything that's going on.

*Rumble*

Damn it, another earthquake...

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 24 Days]

[Species: Mushman Guardian, Mushman]

[Height: 4'-4"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title: Kin of Ellephwen]

{Level: 48] + 29

[Health: 101/101] + 32

[Mana: 28/28] +11

[Stamina: 113/113] +28

[Hunger: 113/113] +28

[Attack: 99] +22

[Defence: 222] +54

[Magic Attack: 32] +12

[Magic Defence: 75] +26

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 8] Up! [Night vision lvl 9] Up! [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 20}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 5] Up! [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 3] Up! [Swiftfoot lvl 8] Up! [Warriors Heart lvl 11] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 8] Up! [Lesser Regeneration lvl 8] Up! [Guardian lvl 6] Up! ]