Author note: I didn't think I would write a longer chapter than the previous one... I was wrong. Anyway I really wanted to get this out tonight, so I just about managed to finish it. Hope you enjoy!

~Day 31~

I woke up with Samora clinging on to my body, once again I had to wait for her to wake up, but that could change today.

How you ask?

I plan to evolve today, that's how.

Well, I suppose it's not certain I'll evolve today, something might happen whilst I'm in the dungeon, or I might just not be able to level up enough. Still, that's two evolutions in just about a month, even I understand how abnormal that is, I don't want to sound arrogant, but I think I'm pretty amazing. Although it's probably more thanks to whatever being reincarnated me for giving me the ability than my natural ability, I wonder if they're watching me at the moment?

With anticipation I set off for the dungeon as usual. However on my way there I did see something strange, a group of small, muddy green men hunting Lesser and Greater Frogs. Everyone has seen one of these creatures before, Goblins. This is the first time I've seen them here though, if I remember correctly Ellephwen said their village was on top of the cliff. Did they come down here to train? Wait, they can't mean to take part in the battle against King Lavias can they? Just five of them are having trouble with a group of Greater Frogs, they wouldn't stand a chance.

An average Goblin is just a little stronger than a Lesser Frog, so it's not like they're the weakest race, but unless they evolve several times they would just be in the way fighting Lavias. Perhaps they're just levelling themselves to protect their village as there's been a huge increase in adventurers recently. Either way I'll leave them alone, there's no point in just mindlessly hunting them.

I'll talk to Ellephwen about it tonight.

I arrived at the dungeon and began levelling. I want to evolve today so I made sure to aim mainly for the Elder Wolves or the Crying Mollits. There didn't seem to be any more adventurers coming in here today, good. Ellephwen told Ayla and her party to warn the other adventurers off from the Lair of the Lonely Wolf dungeon, partly as lower levelled adventurers would be likely to die and partly because I train here and she doesn't want them mistaking me for a hostile monster. Well if the adventurers that come here have trouble with the monsters on the first floor then I don't think I would have too much to worry about even if they did attack me.

...

The day passed by quickly. The levelling went well, but not well enough. I fought hard and found as many Elders and Mollits as I could, but it wasn't quite enough. I didn't really keep count today, but I think I managed to kill about ten Crying Mollits and slightly less Elder Grey Wolves. Also quite a few of the other inhabitants of the first floor, but it still wasn't enough.

Overall level has increased from [Level 88] to [Level 97]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 28}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 29}]

[Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 7] has increased to [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 8]

[Kingsfoot lvl 1] has increased to [Kingsfoot lvl 2]

[Warriors Heart lvl 16] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 17]

I was close to levelling, but if I stayed out any longer Ellephwen and Samora would get worried and I really don't want to worry Ellephwen in her current situation.

As I began walking back to the entrance I started seeing the ground littered with something, that something being Goblin corpses. What are the Goblins doing here? Did they follow me, or since they've lived in this area for so long do they just know about the dungeons? Picking up pace a little I arrived at a point I could see light from outside the dungeon. In front of me was an army of Goblins and a Crying Mollit... What was a Mollit doing all the way out here? Wait, were all those corpses from trying to lure out a Crying Mollit to the main force? That's so reckless, I saw about 30 Goblin corpses on the way here! Then again, looking at the mass of green ahead of me, they probably had a few to spare... There must have been over 100 of them.

The huge mass of small green bodies swarmed the Crying Mollit completely overwhelming it. When they were finally finished with it the Mollits corpse was barely recognisable, his guts were sprawled over his body, his nose had been partially hacked off hanging by nerves and veins. One of his eyes has been partially gouged out and two of his limbs has been chopped to pieces... Death by Goblins seems like a painful way to die.

I heard some commotion from the back of the army, using Amplified Vision I looked at where the sound was coming from. There was a group of Hobgoblins and one of them was pointing at me... That can't be good.

Hobgoblins are the normal evolved form of Goblins, as intelligent as a mortal and about as strong as a novice adventurer. So they're a lot more trouble than normal Goblins. Judging by the situation the Hobgoblins are training the Goblins hard to evolve them. Belric said that all the monsters close to King Laviases current location were going to be told about his awakening, they were to be told that if they didn't want to fight then they should run somewhere safer. Clearly these Hobgoblins were told recently and they chose to fight. Even if they all evolve to Hobgoblins it won't help them, they'll need to be much stronger.

The Hobgoblins came to the front of the group whilst staring at me, now most of the Goblins have noticed me too. The largest Hobgoblin which seemed to be the leader yelled something in the Goblin language whilst pointing at me. A lot of the Goblins began grinning... Well this isn't good.

The Goblins ran at me... Really you're just going to attack?!? I'm just one Mushman, are they expecting a lot of levels due to the fact that I'm clearly a variant?! The Goblin army was blocking the exit, it looks like I have no other choice than to fight.

Due to my levelling I have enough mana to activate Mushroom Shield again, charging at the sea of green with the shield held out in front of me I crushed any Goblin directly ahead of me. A few Goblins cut me as I ran past, but their blades were dull and small, so not much damage was done.

A large spear slashed down at me, one of the Hobgoblins lunged at me whilst grinning maniacally, I dodged backwards using the shield to smash in to his chin from underneath. The Hobgoblins jaw was dislodged and his head smashed against the ceiling.

Two more of the Hobgoblins ran at me, one used a two-handed sword and swung it at me I tried to dodge, but couldn't move. A large part of the Goblin army clung on to me desperate to stop my movements, I quickly spun my shield around to block the Hobgoblins incoming sword.

*Clang!*

The sword was smashed out of the Hobgoblins hand, but I felt a sharp pain in my back, the other Hobgoblin that had charged at me tried to carve me in half with a one-handed long sword. She backed away with eyes wide, was she having difficulty understanding why I wasn't in two pieces? I'm sorry Miss Goblin, but luckily I have very good defence. The sword was slowly being pushed out of my body by my Regeneration. Spinning my Shield around my body at a great speed I forced the horde of Goblins off of me, a huge chunk of the Goblin forces were wiped out with a single motion. The Goblins weren't smirking any more, the Goblin leader seemed to be sweating slightly.

A lot of the surviving Goblins began to run away, that's fine by me. Maybe they'll learn their lesson from this. Unfortunately the Hobgoblins did not run away, now that I can see them clearly there were a total of eight still alive.

I decided to attack first, jumping head first at the Hobgoblin female that stabbed me earlier, with her sword still embedded in me she had no defence and was sent flying backwards. The other Hobgoblins reacted quickly, six of them charged at me whilst the other one stayed in the back... Wait! That's a mage, a Hobgoblin mage!

I should take him out quickly, my magic defence isn't as high. I thrust my shield towards him, but he had already finished casting magic. My body was covered in flame. I squealed in pain, but kept my shields momentum up crushing the mage against the wall.

My body was scorched, it would heal, but all I could feel was pain from my helmet to my stubby feet. As I winced through the pain I deflected the Hobgoblin leaders strike, he was wielding a battleaxe. Pushing him back with the shield I turned around to head butt the Hobgoblin with the double handed sword. He fell backwards, I span my Shield around smacking him from the side to finish him off. There are only five left...

Other than the leader the other four Hobgoblins looked like they wanted to run away, from their appearance they must be relatively newly evolved, meaning they just watched their superiors being killed.

My body was starting to heal... I was feeling a little better. I charged at one of the four weaker Hobgoblins he pulled his his sword to block my attack, but instead was hit from the side by my Shield. Caught off guard he smashed in to the side of another one of the Hobgoblins. Not giving them a chance to get up I slammed the shield down on their falling bodies. Blood gurgled out of their mouths as they died.

The other two weaker Hobgoblins dropped their weapons and ran away whilst the leader grimaced. He's not running away, has he resigned himself? I thought he would be a coward by how harsh he treats him subordinates, but it seems as though I misjudged him.

The Hobgoblin initiated one final attack swinging his axe down towards me, swiftly dodging to the right I retaliated with a head butt up against his head.

He flew backwards, struggling he slowly began to get back up. As he stood he stared at me clearly resolved to keep fighting. He's... Brave.

I think I'll give him a chance to go. Killing him right now, feels a bit off somehow. It's not like he's a child or anything, but my gut feeling is to let him go. I nodded in the direction of the entrance whilst looking at him. He looked at me slightly confused at first then his face lit up in surprise.

He hesitated for a few second, then knelt down in front of me saying something in the Goblin Language... I really can't understand you, but I'm guessing you're thanking me?

The Hobgoblin walked outside, I can see why the Goblins didn't run away now, he's not one to back out of a fight. Well, he did back out this time, so maybe he'll realise that some fights you can't win, even with such overwhelming numbers. Hopefully he'll take the survivors and get out of here.

Anyway, I did kill quite a few Goblins and Hobgoblins in there. I didn't pay attention as I didn't get a chance, but I finally got to level 100.

Overall Level has increased from [Level 97] to [Level 100]

[Pain Resistance lvl 9] has increased to [Pain Resistance lvl 10]

Pain Resistance has reached max level.

Branch skill [Poison Resistance lvl 1] learnt.

Branch skill [Mind Resistance lvl 1] learnt.

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 29}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 31}]

[Warriors Heart lvl 17] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 18]

[Warriors Will lvl 12] has increased to [Warriors Will lvl 13]

[Intermediate Regeneration lvl 2] has increased to [Intermediate Regeneration lvl 3]

Before I get on to my evolution, I first have to look at something else that excites me. Pain Resistance has reached max level, this doesn't mean that I no longer feel pain, of course. Not feeling pain would be something bad, you wouldn't be able to tell if you were being stabbed or attacked, which wouldn't help. However better than that I gained two branch skills. Poison Resistance speaks for itself, I already have tough stomach which would help with ingested poison, but I don't have any resistance to poison magic or poisoned coated weapons. The other branch skill I acquired is Mind Resistance, which I think would be resistance to things like illusionary magic or mind control, just anything that effects my mind negatively. Wait, I wonder if when activated it would also prevent Ellephwen from using telepathy on me? Well even if it does Ellephwen is a lot more powerful than me so it probably wouldn't be very effective against her.

More importantly than that however, are my evolution choices.

[Evolution now available: Mushman Warrior]

[Variant evolution now available: Mushman, Mushman Knight Guardian]

[Evolution now available: Greater Treechild]

[Evolution now available: Cission Raptor]

[Evolution now available: Lesser Ent]

[Evolution now available: Lesser Floskin]

[Evolution now available: Lesser Dryad]

[Variant evolution now available: Dryand, Virga Ferrea]

[Evolution now available: Solliun]

There... Are a lot to choose from. I'm not in a rush this time as I'm not dying, so I can take my time to choose. I suppose I'll take the time from walking home to decide.

I began walking home. First off I should narrow it down quickly, if possible I want to choose a variant evolution. So already that only leaves me two choices, Mushman Knight Guardian which is quite obviously just the next step from what I am at the moment, or Virga Ferrea... The Virga Ferrea is a Dryad variant, that's literally all I know about it. I've never heard of them, I'll ask Ellephwen when I get home if she has. The name doesn't help either, a lot of monster in our world are named after a language that doesn't exist in our world, or at least doesn't any more.

Hmm... Since it's a Dryad variant it's very likely to have actual arms isn't it? Whereas Mushmen Knight Guardians are a complete unknown in that department. I've never heard of Mushmen evolving to the point of having arms...

...

I'll ask Ellephwen when I get back...

...

When I finally reached home and nudged the door open I saw Ellephwen still in her bed, I'm honestly getting a little worried now. Samora said it shouldn't be too long, but still...

I told Ellephwen about what happened. Her eyes were wide. Samora asked what happened so Ellephwen told her that I was already ready to evolve. Samora ran up to me and started shaking me.

"DON'T EVOLVE. STAY A MUSHMAN!! STAY A MUSHMAAAN!" She was almost crying... That's a little pathetic Samora... Even for you.

Ignoring her I proceed to ask Ellephwen about the Virga Ferrea variant. She thought for a moment and shook her head.

"I'm afraid I haven't interacted with many other Dryads, we're rare enough as it and variants amongst us are even rarer. As much as I would love for you to be a Dryad, I can't help you with this decision Ellena."

I see... I'll think about it a bit more whilst I eat dinner, I think it would be best to evolve on a full stomach.

...

Okay I've decided, I'll become a Dryad, or a Virga Ferrea, more specifically...

I lay in bed before choosing to evolve, after all it will put me to sleep, I want to be comfortable whilst I evolve.

[Evolution variant Virga Ferrea, Dryad has been chosen]

[Evolution has begun]

Good bye, Mushman.

~Day 32~

"This isn't so bad either..."

I woke to see a blushing Samora staring down at me... I was a little hazy so I rubbed my eyes...

Wait... Rubbed my eyes?!

I looked at my hands.. My hands attached to my arms...

"I HAVE ARMS!!" Samora jumped a little as I shouted excitedly. Wait shouted?

I gasped. "I can talk... I have arms and I can talk! FINALLY!"

I jumped up and hugged Samora.

"w-w-w-w-wait. Let go Ellie, please let go." Samora was blushing, huh, why was she blushing?

I pulled back from her as she asked and noticed something... I'm taller than her, by quite a bit. Samora was looking down with a beet red face.

I looked down at my body, oh that's why. I was completely naked. Obviously I was, Mushmen don't need clothing, but now I've evolved in to something that does, I have all the parts after all... This is really embarrassing.

I rushed to my bed and wrapped the bedsheets around me...

*Giggle*

Turning around I could see Ellephwen sitting up in bed, having watched the entire situation.

"I'm happy for you, my Kin, but perhaps we should get you dressed before you do anything else." Ellephwen smiled at me.

I nodded quickly. "Okay" A meek voice leaked out of my mouth.

...

Ellephwen gave me some basic clothes. Due to her making them for herself they were a bit small on me. The shirt was short enough to reveal my waist and was quite tight around my chest, that's not as if I have giant breasts or something. They're reasonably sized, it's just that my whole chest is quite muscular.

Speaking of muscular, that's the first thing I noticed looking in the mirror. I was definitely a Dryad, but I'm taller and very muscular. My skin is a shade darker than Ellephwens and my eyes are black with blue irises, instead of the usual pitch black eyes that Dryads have.

The strangest part was my face, it looked almost exactly like my face in my previous life, only more... beautiful... Dryads are a naturally beautiful race, it's in their nature after all, but there's just something odd about seeing my old face like this.

The last thing I noticed was my hair, Dryad hair has two forms, some evolutions have branch-like hair, like Ellephwen. My hair is the other form, very mortal like hair, just thicker. It was long reaching down to my waist. However, what was strangest was the colour, it's crimson, with white stripes and blotches.

My hair looked like... Like the helmet of a mushroom basically.

*sigh*

I can't even escape being a Mushroom when I evolve.

I shouldn't complain I suppose, Ellephwen guessed that it became like this due to my unique skill Mushroom Helmet, it makes sense really, how could it be a 'Mushroom' Helmet without the mushroom?

So does that mean my head still has a lot better defence than the rest of me? Oh, speaking of defence I haven't even looked at my stats yet.

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 31 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title: Kin of Ellephwen]

{Level: 01] + 12

[Health: 814/814] + 644

[Mana: 153/153] + 109

[Stamina: 803/803] +628

[Hunger: 803/803] +628

[Attack: 620] + 482

[Defence: 1221] +886

[Magic Attack: 182] + 131

[Magic Defence: 336] +213

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] Up! [Poison Resistance lvl 2] New! [Mind Resistance lvl 2] New! [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 4] Up! [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 32}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 7] Up! [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 9] Up! [Kingsfoot lvl 3] Up! [Warriors Heart lvl 19] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 14] Up! [Warriors Strength lvl 3] New! [Intermediate Regeneration lvl 4] Up! [Guardian lvl 7] Up! [Dryads Charm lvl 1] new!]

Wow... Just wow. So much to think about..

First off my stats, just one evolution made me... So much more powerful, my defence is already over 1000. Honestly, it's hard to believe. Even my magic skills are over 100...

Secondly looking at my skills, it seems as though they all levelled once thanks to the evolution. I also appear to have gained two new skills, Warriors Strength and Dryads Charm...

"It seems as though you had a third dormant skill, possibly awakened by your strength reaching a certain level?" Ellephwen who still had the habit of reading my thoughts explained to me.

"How do you know it's another awakened skill?" I asked her whilst smiling, I still can't stop grinning about being able to talk.

"I don't know for certain, but judging by the similarity to your two previous dormant skills it is likely. However, it is merely a prediction." Ellephwen answered.

I guess I'll have to wait to find out, although it does seem likely that she's right.

Al right, so that's Warriors Strength, what about Dryads Charm?

"Ah... Yes... 'Dryads Charm'." Ellephwen smiled slightly mischievously.

"Eh, even though Ellies a variant she still has the Charm?" Samora aimed a question at Ellephwen.

She's calmed down now, it was kind of cute seeing such an innocent side to her. It turns out as much as she clings to me and takes her clothes of whilst she sleeps, she hasn't actually seen too many people nude before.

"Variant or not, she is still a Dryad. Anyway Ellena, Dryads Charm is a skill that every Dryad is born with. It's the reason we're known as a naturally charming species to the mortal races, as it level it just makes you generally more charming, people are more likely to trust you, or fall in love with you. It's a very useful skill." Ellephwen explained.

Well... It does sound quite useful, although it's not my ideal skill, I'm sure I'll have use of it later in life.

Anyway, now that I'm settled in I want to test my new body...

"Ellephwen, do you have any armour that will fit me?" I asked her whilst flexing my arms.

Ellephwen looked up at me. "Keen to test your new body? It's unfortunate, but I don't have any armour, I don't wear it. Even if I did I'm not sure it would fit you."

I see... I could try the armour in the Rat Lords den. I'm planning on heading there first after all... Even then, would any of that fit me?

Hmm. The only answer is to get custom armour, but I don't know anyone who can make armour. As a farmer I had experience skinning animals and sometimes made fur outfits as a hobby... So I could probably make leather and fur armour, but would that be good enough? It will have to do until I find a proper blacksmith at least.

So what about a weapon? Well... Should I just stick with unarmed combat? I've levelled it up to this point already after all, however that was when I was a Mushman, will I just know how to fight as a Dryad due to my Unarmed Combat skill?

I won't know unless I try.

Tying up my hair in a long ponytail and strapping a belt to my waist with a bag filled with provisions I left for the dungeon. For the first time as a Virga Ferrea.

Walking in to the entrance, it was still filled with Goblin corpses, if I'm going to skin animals to make armour I'll need a skinning knife, there should be a usable one amongst the corpses.

After looting around the Goblin corpses for a while, I eventually found a small knife sharper than the others. It was still pretty blunt, but I can probably sharpen it without too much issue. Taking the scabbard off the Goblin I attached it to my belt placing the dagger inside.

I began my walk to the Rat Lords den.

First off, before I fight him I should test my new strength. Ellephwen looked up Warriors Strength in her book, it basically just makes me stronger and my skin tougher. I spotted my first opponents, a group of five Horned Rats. I charged at them, in less than a second I was next to them kicking the closest Rat in to another two.

*SQUUUUE!*

*Splat!*

...He practically exploded... I mean not literally, but there was a large blood splatter on the dungeon wall... and there was some viscera too... The last two Horned Rats jumped at me, that's quite brave of them, this is a good opportunity to test my defence. I raised my arm to intercept their attack.

*Crack*

Their horns cracked in half, the two Rats panicked and ran away...

How does one evolution make so much difference? I suppose thinking back a few Horned Rats horns bent or snapped even near the end of my previous evolution... I should remember most of the monsters on this floor are not particularly powerful.

I breezed through the rest of the Rats on the way to the Rat Lords den, reaching the room quite quickly I looked around with Amplified Vision to see what I'll be facing in here. It was the same as before, six Giant Horned Rats and a Rat Lord. The Rat Lord was even larger than me. This might be a fun fight, a smile crept on to my face.

Not wanting to delay the battle I immediately leaped at the Rat Lord pulling my arm back ready to punch. The Rat Lord stood up and swung his tail around, the tail was covered in sharp spikes. Activating Mushroom Shield I deflected the tail swing, but I was still sent flying sideways. Landing on my feet I slid backwards a few feet. The Giant Rats all charged at me, swiftly dodging in in between them I grabbed the one furthest at back by the tail.

*Squue!?*

Firmly gripping his tail I swung him around using him as a weapon against the other Giant Rats. This Rat was about 10 ft long and 5 ft tall and I was managing to spin him around with ease, thank you Warriors Strength. His horn pierced another Giant Rat so I let them go sending them flinging against the wall.

*Thump*

*SQUUUE!*

The Giant Rats horn dug in to the other Rats body due to the impact. The other four Rats pressed the attack, one pierced my arm as soon as I threw the first two. So the Giant Rats can pierce my skin? Pulling the horn out of my flesh I jumped backward holding the Rat by it's horn, I dropped him to the floor crushing his skull with my foot.... That might have been a little excessive.

*SCRAAAW!*

Looking up at where the sound came from the Rat Lord decided to get involved the battle. Good, this should be fun.

Charging head on at the Rat Lord, he did the same. I grabbed his horns stopping him in his tracks, this was a battle of strength. I tried to lift him above my head.

"YAAAAAAH!!"

I yelled out as I strained to lift his great weight above me, 9 ft tall and 30 ft long, this Rat was huge. The last two Giant Rats, hesitated slightly then charged at me whilst my hands were full holding the Rat Lord up.

I grinned. They're doing exactly as I wanted. With all my strength I thrust the Rat Lord down crushing the last two Giant Rats. I could have used my shield to block them of course, but that would only be effective against one at a time.

*Scraaaw!*

Well it seem as though it didn't particularly effect the Lord himself. The Rat Lord swung his tail at me again I jumped up over it landing behind him, I ran up on top of his body, pulling my arm back and tensing my muscle I thrust my fist toward his head.

*Crack*

The Rat Lords skull cracked, I launched a repeated flurry of punches against the same spot, the Rat Lord was squealing in pain, but eventually stopped moving...

Overall level has increased from [Level 01] to [Level 03]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 32] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 33}]

[Warriors Strength lvl 3] has increased to [Warriors Strength lvl 5]

So that's all I get from killing the Rat Lord? I suppose it makes sense, I'm a lot more powerful than I was before so the time it takes to level would increase, just this dramatically?

Since I was planning on making leather armour I should start by using the Rat Lords hide, I know the process of tanning, it will likely take a few days to finish completely, but I can probably make a bit of basic hide armour for now.

Before skinning him I should check through the adventurers corpses, it's a little morbid, but they don't need it any more.

Looking through their gear there wasn't anything particularly rare or high quality, this is the first floor after all, the adventurers that died here weren't too high level.

I found a pair of leather pauldrons and boots on what must have been a very muscular man that just about fit me. It was nice to finally be wearing something on my feet again, they'd gotten so dirty. Speaking of dirt I could really do with a bath.

I also found a proper skinning knife on what was probably a hunters corpse, so began to skin the huge Rat Lord.

Skill [Skinning lvl 1] gained.

After finishing skinning the mass of hide off the Lords body I gained a new skill. I had the same skill as a human so I was expecting to get this at some point.

Carrying the hide above my head I lumbered home, I could easily stay here for a while longer and battle the other two floor bosses, but if I want to make myself some decent hide armour I should head home now.

Arriving back home, I got a nice surprise. Ellephwen was out of bed, she was already practising cooking with one arm, next to her was a pile of her attempted meals. Samora was being made to sit down and eat the onslaught of food.

I smiled widely. "I'm back."

Ellephwen turned around. "Welcome... back?" She tilted her head after noticing what I was carrying.

"What is that?" Samora asked looking a little surprised.

"The hide of a Rat Lord, I thought I would make myself armour since I don't know any armour smiths. Is there anywhere I can set up tanning equipment?" I asked Ellephwen, it shouldn't take to long to set up some basic equipment, but even basic equipment will probably take up quite a bit of room.

Ellephwen smiled softly "Of course, you can use anywhere outside the house. Ah, unless of course it obstructs the entrance, of course."

I nodded "Understood."

Walking out the door I began to set up an area for leather working behind the house.

...

...

A few hours passed, it had turned dark outside, but I managed to set up some basic equipment. Everything was ready, I've done all the preparations, now I just have to wait a few days for it to be ready.

It's been an exciting day, I think tomorrow I'll challenge the Grey Wolf pack leader, his thick fur would be useful for keeping warm.

As I came back in the house Samora was placing food on the table, I'm guessing she ended up cooking due to Ellephwen not being about to cook properly yet. Speaking of Ellephwen she seems... A bit too fine with losing her arm, does she believe that she'll be able to get it back in a years time? If we defeat Lavias the curse on her regeneration skill should lift then she should be able to regenerate it.

Samora gave me the same food as Ellephwen, ah of course, I'm a Dryad now so no more moss I guess. That's actually a little sad...

After finishing dinner, I thanked Samora for the food, it was actually quite delicious, although in a different way to the moss.

"Uhm... Ellie can I still sleep with you?" Samora tentatively asked.

I sighed. "Where else are you going to sleep?"

She smiled brightly. Sighing again I got in to bed, followed quickly by Samora. Although this time Samora stayed on her side of the bed, well what could be considered her side, due to my size about a quarter of the bed was my side.

With a smile on my face, I quickly fell asleep.

~Day 33~

I woke up wide awake. I was excited to go and challenge the other first floor bosses. Samora was already awake, for once. apparently she had a hard time sleeping as there wasn't much room so she woke up quickly. It seems that she might need a bed for herself, then again she'll be going home soon... It's a shame really, I've gotten used to her living here.

"Actually, Samora will be staying here from now on to help out with the things I'm incapable of. She'll just be visiting the village once a day to check up on it." Ellephwen read my thoughts, does she really need to do that now that I can talk?

"Then where is she going to sleep?" I asked.

Ellephwen lifted her finger to her chin and pondered. "That is a problem, I didn't anticipate you become this large... With only one arm I can't make another bed for either of you..."

"Ah!" Samora exclaimed whilst placing breakfast on the table. "Why not just bring my bed from home? It's not too large or heavy. Ellie, do you think you could help me fetch it later when you get back from the dungeon?"

I sat down at the table whilst nodding, a human village, huh? It'll be my first time going to any kind of populated settlement since my reincarnation. They know Ellephwen, so they should be fine with me, right?

After breakfast, I put on all the equipment I acquired yesterday and set off for the dungeon. I was originally interested in battling both the Grey Wolf pack leader and the Mollit boss today, but due to my promise with Samora later, I only have enough time for one. Since I've already fought the Rat Lord maybe I should attack them in order of supposed strength? I say supposed as this is just the order of the base monsters strength, I have no idea which of the bosses is the strongest.

I arrived at the entrance of the Grey Wolfs tunnel, I don't have too much time so I sprinted down the tunnel towards the pack leader, a few of the Elder Wolves were in my way so I launched a flurry of kicks to knock them away.

I lowered my pace as I reached the main chamber where the pack leader should be... yes, this time he's here. Standing at the back facing away from me eating a Mollit corpse, the other Wolves seem to be terrified of him.

The pack leaders ears pricked up, he turned around and stared me in the eye. I narrowed my eyes and stared back.

All of the Elder Grey Wolves began to notice me, a low rumbling growl could be heard from the mass of Elders in the room. The pack leader stayed silent.

The Elder Wolves charged as a unit. Activating Mushroom shield I retaliated. Jumping toward them I kicked one from the side, the impact caused him to fly in to a large chunk of the other Wolves at a high velocity. The pack leader jumped at me I tried using the Shield to block him, the huge weight of his body pushed the shield backwards and knocked me back a few foot. I hastily moved my shield out of the way and aimed a kick directly at the leader. I felt the impact as he was knocked back slightly taking out a few Wolves as he fell.

*chomp*

Ouch, a group of Elder Wolves were biting in to my arms whilst piling on my body. I swung my arm to the ground crushing their heads against the floor. The hulking pack leader recovered quickly and jumped on me pinning me against the floor, he's quite agile for being so large.

Whilst pinning me with his forelegs he was trying to bite my head with his mouth, I strained my muscles and tried to move him off me. For a second he became distracted as his body was slightly lifted off the ground. In that brief moment I forced my arm loose from beneath his paw aiming a punch at the underside of his jaw.

The pack leader yelped as he was knocked backwards, blood splattering out of his mouth. I sprinted to wards him aiming another punch at the side of his jaw, several teeth flew out of his mouth as he fell to the side. I aimed a knee at his falling head.

*Crack*

Oh? I think I broke his jaw.... After waiting for a short while the pack leader wasn't getting back up... I don't think he's dead, is it a similar situation to the Wolf mother when I was a Mushling?

I walked over to the pack leaders face, he was staring at me... Just as I thought, there's no hate in his eyes. Are all Wolves like this? His jaw was at an odd angle, and blood quickly gushed out of it. He could probably get back up and fight again, but he knows he's already lost. He's probably in pain as well... I'll finish him quickly.

I reached around his neck with my entire arm span holding on to his head with one hand and snapped it, killing him instantly... Whilst I was doing this the rest of the surviving Wolves in the chamber were just watching, do they understand what happened?

The Elder Wolves backed off, but didn't leave the room.

Overall level has increased from [Level 03] to [Level 04]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 33}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 34}]

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

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

[Warriors Heart lvl 19] has increased to [Warriors Heart lvl 20]

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

Excellent, Unarmed Combat's almost ready to evolve again, although there isn't much else happening, it looks like it'll be slow levelling from now on...

Now, what should I do with the pack leader, some of the Elder Wolves began to leave, but a few others stayed to watch me. Hmm, I make it quick.

I quickly skinned the huge beast, the Elder Wolves had all left, did they just not want to see this? Come to think of it what happens now? Do they just choose the strongest Elder Wolf, what about the Horned Rats?

I'm guessing they just go leaderless until an especially powerful monster of their species appears amongst them?

[Skinning lvl 1] has increased to [Skinning lvl 2]

Ah, skinning is levelling quite fast... Is that just because I've only been skinning big boss monsters?

Picking up the pack leaders hide and fur, I began to walk towards the exit... wait, I should probably dispose of the bosses corpses, right? It could go very wrong if I just left mass hulks of rotting flesh here...

*sigh*

I left the hide near the entrance to the dungeon then proceeded to drag the two monsters corpses outside. They were too heavy to just carry, so this was the only way. Using my hands I hastily made two huge graves, placing the two boss monsters in them. The smaller monster corpses aren't worth worrying about, they'll just be eaten by the other species in the dungeon at some point.

With that I picked the hide and fur back up and carried on my walk back home.

Placing my new material round with the Rat Lords Hide, I walked back around to the front door.

"Ah, are you ready to go?" Samora looked up from the food she was eating, so they're carrying on with what they were doing yesterday?

I left the door open "I'm ready if you are." I signalled outside.

Samora got up and walked out the door as I held it open. Wishing us well Ellephwen waved us away.

Our pace was quite fast, we arrived at the village after only a few hours. There were about thirty houses surrounded by a crude-but-firm wooden wall. I hesitated for a few second in front of the gates. The two guards eyes opened in surprise and they began to panic, although their excitement began to settle down quickly after seeing Samora next to me.

After Samora talked to them for a few minutes they let us in, we hastily walked to Samoras house. Ah, I was getting a little self conscious, there were a lot of people staring at me, a few of the blushing others just looking surprised. A few children playing in the street just suddenly stopped staring at me with their mouths open. Well at least they're not trying to kill me...

We reached samoras house, inside were her two apprentices. They stood up quickly bowing towards Samora, as they saw me they fell backwards slightly.

Samora introduced us to each other.

They're 17 year old twins, Herred and Tomar, both have been interested in healing since Samora saved their mother from a disease four years ago. Both have quite a talent for healing magic, so she took them as her first apprentices. We didn't really time to chat as it would get dark in a few hours and we wanted to be home before them, they seemed friendly hard working lads though.

Picking up her bed we headed back through the village to go home. I was getting even more stares carrying a bed with one arm, many of them appeared to be a little fearful, although there were a few that seemed to be filled with awe this time around.

When finally got back out of the village I breathed a sigh of relief. If I ever go back in to a mortal settlement I think I'm going to have to wear a hooded robe or something. It's not like I'm against attention, but having that much is new to me... I think for now it will just be easier to disguise myself until I'm used to it.

The sun was beginning to fall below the horizon by the time we reached home, thanks to the doors size it wasn't to hard to get the bed in, the problem was where to place it. Ellephwen decided that we should move a few of her storage chests around. After making enough room for Samora's bed; which luckily wasn't too large, we had dinner. Then, finally retired for the night.

I had my own bed back and thanks to my size it didn't feel empty. Saying that, I think I will miss Samoras warmth as I sleep.

~Day 34~

I woke up a bit later today, was it due to having a whole bed to myself? Perhaps it's thanks to being able to take up more room and get in a more comfortable position...

Getting out of bed I saw Ellephwen sitting at the table reading a novel (how was she turning the pages?) and a seemingly shining Samora making breakfast.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked.

Samora smiled widely. "It was so nice to be back in my own bed again" She breathed a sigh contently.

I's good she's sleeping well, although the house is a little cluttered now thanks to us having to move the chests around.

Finishing breakfast quickly I wished the two of them goodbye and quickly made my way to the dungeon. This will be the day that I conquer the first level of the dungeon completely. Then, I can move on to the next floor. Ellephwen said that the dungeon had been around for about 300 years, considering the average growth rate of dungeons it should be about six floors deep, the sixth being the Lonely Wolfs home.

I made my way to the Mollit bosses den, I haven't fought a Crying Mollit in this body yet, but considering how it's been going so far I shouldn't have a problem with them. The problem was the boss, I could just about lift the giant Grey Wolf pack leader, so what about this 16 ft tall Mollit? I know I'll be able to concentrate on him, the mollits are a mostly independent species so he won't have guards like the other two floor bosses. I should be anxious about this upcoming battle, but all I can feel is anticipation, this battle-lust is really going to get me in trouble one day I'm certain...

As I got deeper in to the Mollits territory I came across the first Crying Mollit, he swung at me, the attack felt so slow now. Ducking underneath the attack I punched the Mollit in the stomach. The Mollit flew backwards rolling on the floor immediately after he threw up blood.

To finish him off I jumped towards him and aimed a fist directly at his head. His head cracked, then he became limp.

Al right, I can take care of Crying Mollits quite easily.

Arriving at the Mollits main room I made my way around the wall of the room quietly, I still have no desire to hurt children so I want avoid the families noticing me.

However due to my much larger body sneaking past a gigantic room filled with Mollits proved to be quite difficult. Miraculously I wasn't spotted by any families, I'm pretty sure a Mollit child saw me, but he didn't seem to do anything about it.

There, I arrived at the boss Mollit with no incident. This will be my last fight before floor two.

I slowly walked in to the room, the giant Mollit noticed me immediately, he began slowly lumbering towards me.

I quickened my pace as I got closer to him pulling my arm back I landed a powerful punch in his body. Then my scenery changed to that of a stone wall.

...What just happened? My head was bleeding from a large cut running across my forehead, I turned around to see the giant Mollit turning around to face me without a single sign of injury.

He must have brought his arm round smacking me against this wall, his attack threw me about 30 ft with ease and my attack didn't even faze him... Despite the situation, I grinned, this is going to be an interesting fight.

I charged again, activating Mushroom shield as I ran, I smacked him in the side to try and distract him, if I aim a kick to his head that should do something right?

When I reached him I leaped up to his head and kicked it. He stumbled back a few steps, but instantly recovered slamming his arm down, I dodged to the side and grabbed hold of his arm. I wanted to see if I could budge him, I tried to pull him forward, but he was just too heavy, what's he made of, how does he weigh so damn much? His other arm flew towards me from the side, I let go of the arm I was holding and jumped up, I bounced of his chest and landed out of range of his attacks.

So how exactly do I beat this giant...?

...

Hmm, wait... I still have my Mushroom Helmet skill... So my head is still a lot stronger than the rest of my body, right...?

Well, let's find out.

I sprinted at the giant Mollit once again, dodging his two claws I aimed a head butt at his jaw.

*Crack!*

A direct hit that knocked the lumbering giant over, cracking his jaw. The ground shook as his fell. I actually knocked him over... I actually knocked that beast over....

The Mollit began to get up. I don't have time to mess around, I leaped on top of his body releasing a flurry of kicks against his face. A face which gradually became more and more of a bloody pulp. After about a minute of non stop kicking the resilient giant Mollit finally stopped moving.

Overall level has increased from [Level 04] to [Level 05]

[{Mushroom Helmet lvl 34}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 35}]

[Warriors Will lvl 14] has increased to [Warriors Will lvl 15]

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

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

Now, I should probably go home for today, but I really want to at least take a peak at the second floor. Of course there's also the issue of what to do with this massive body... I can't drag him outside like I did with the other two, I wouldn't be able to sneak him past the Mollits in the main chamber. The same with skinning him, I wouldn't be able to sneak such a large amount of hide past all those Mollits either... I suppose I already have plenty of hide to make leather anyway, so I don't really need any more.

Okay, I'll just bury him her. The grave will have to be huge though.

...

...

After I spent about an hour burying the giant Mollit I sneaked past all of the Mollits and headed for the entrance to the second floor. Finally, I doubt there'll be much difference in appearance between the two floors, but it's still exciting.

I reached the slope leading down to the second floor, taking a deep breath I delved down. Ah... Just as I thought, it looks exactly the same... How disappointing, I was hoping for a floor covered in lava or something. Well there is one major difference, the tunnel was about three times the size, it couldn't really be called a tunnel any more.

Anyway, I'll just have a look around with Amplified Vision to see what sort of monsters are on the second floor, then I'll head home.

Ah, Black Wolves. The first Monsters I spotted was a wondering pack of Black Wolves... That's quite a leap, Grey Wolves to Black Wolves, there are plenty of other Wolves in between their levels of strength. Well, Black Wolves are far from the strongest breed of Wolf, from what I know a normal Black Wolf is about twice as powerful as an Elder Grey Wolf and an Iron Wolf for instance is about four times stronger than a Black Wolf. That's just on average though, there are irregularities like the Grey Wolf pack leader.

The only other Monsters I saw were Razbats, higher levelled Razbats of course, but other than being slightly larger there didn't seem to be much difference in them. The entrance to the second floor must lead to the Black Wolves territory then, I doubt they're the only species on the second floor.

*sigh*

I wanted to see more, but I really should head home now.

On my way home I saw some monsters attacking a group of Greater Frogs, it was the Goblins again... Well it looks like they're mostly Hobgoblins this time, perhaps their leader learnt his lesson and is only attacking monsters in species range. I still think they should have moved away from Lavias though. As I thought that I turned to look at the colossal figure of King Lavias looming over the forest in the distance, I still can't see how we're meant to fight something like that.

I arrived home taking off my equipment.

Ellephwen was still reading her novel, she seemed to turning the page using magic, that's a bit of waste of mana isn't it? then again such a simple magic probably barely causes a ripple in the ocean of mana Ellephwen most likely has.

"Welcome back." She placed the novel down as she greeted me with a smile.

"I'm back." I returned a smile.

It seems that Ellephwen had nothing left she wanted to teach me. There are plenty of other countries, but she doesn't know much about them. Since she's a bit of a hermit all information on the outside world she gets is from Samora and a few others. As for anything else she could teach me, she says that I should learn about it myself. I understand what she means of course, but listening to Ellephwen talk about the world is... It was nice, it was relaxing and helpful.

I'll miss it.

Today Ellephwen tried cooking dinner, it was... Edible at least, although if you just went by Samoras expression who was moved to tears you would think it was liquid gold...

With not much to do I decided to study the current known world map... It's not something I want to think about, but now that I'm evolved I'm going to have to leave this house soon. I promised I would help fight Lavias in a years time, so they all encouraged me to go and do whatever I want until then, well and Gedill told me to find allies which would be difficult to do by just staying here.

So where should I go first... Yes, the first place I'll go are the ruins of my old village... It's not like I'm going to try and find survivors or something, most of the inhabitants were human, so they'll all be long dead regardless. I just feel as though I have to, that I have to see.

With my mind made up I put the map away and went to bed, falling drifting off to sleep quickly.

~Day 35~

Originally I had planned to being my exploration of the dungeons second floor today, but something came up.

When I went round back to check up on how the hide was coming along I noticed that it looked ready. So today I was going to attempt to create my first set of leather armour.

Skill [Tanning lvl 1] gained.

Oh, I gained a skill for tanning? Well I also had this skill in my previous life, so it isn't too surprising for me to acquire it.

So anyway, let's get on with making some armour...

...

...

Many hours had passed and most of the hide I acquired from the two boss monsters was in a pile of failed remains a few foot away from me, but at last I have made a competent set of armour, that also doubles as clothing.

First things first, thanks to using bosses hides for my armour the leather was thick and durable, it seemed sturdier than iron armour, well I can't be certain of course as I've never worn iron armour before, perhaps it's just my bragging.

Anyway on to the set I've created. First of was the leather overcoat, it was long reaching just below my knees, but only at the back creating a sort of cape like appearance, the coat was sleeveless as leather sleeves can sometimes be quite restrictive to arm movement. The inside was lined with the fur of the pack leader protruding out at the top in to a thick fluffy collar around my neck. It was warm and soft, it also meant that the leather would not chafe against my body. I made two thick leather pauldrons attached around the front and back by a belt connected to both. I wore thick wrist armour also lined with fur which were connected to fingerless gloves made of the same material. I made boots and greaves, but made sure to not restrict my knees leaving them with no leather covering them, restricting limbs was a bad idea for a fighter like me. finally was my leather chest piece which was word over my short shirt, making sure not to restrict my breasts the armour stuck out slightly, but it covered what it needed to cover. I made it hang down over my stomach in segments which I tied around my back to keep in place.

Finally I had a decent outfit.

Looking at the sky it was too late for me to test out my new armour today, so I headed back in to the house.

What greeted me was a p*ssed off looking Treechild.

"So this is your new appearance, aye?" Gedill sneered looking me up and down. Is he annoyed that I didn't choose to evolve in to a Treechild again?

"Can I help you, Gedill?" I asked him.

Gedill stood up from the chair he was sitting in and walked right up to me. "What are you still doing here?" He snarled.

I was slightly taken aback. "Excuse me?"

"What. Are. You. Still. Doing. Here. I'm pretty sure I told you to go and find allies as soon you were capable. Did I not?" He spoke with a condescending tone.

He was irritating me. "I'll go when I've finished clearing the Lair of the Lonely Wolf, I should be strong enough by then." I replied.

"No you will not! It's far too dangerous out there. What if the mortals mistake you for a mindless monster and attack you?!" Ellephwen interrupted the conversation.

"YOU CAN'T KEEP CODDLING THE GIRL ELLEPHWEN. She'll never f*cking mature if you're always like this..." Gedill yelled at Ellephwen.

He was really starting to p*ss me off. I grabbed him by the collar. "Don't you dare talk to her like that, scum!" I forced the words out through gritted teeth.

Gedills eyes narrowed and his face turned red with rage. "How dare you talk to me like that you b*tch... DO YOU HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOUR ELDERS?"

"I don't care how old you are, I'm not going to respect you for your age, I'm going to respect you if you've earned it and you haven't earned sh*t." I snapped back at him whilst dropping him on the floor.

His eyes filled with rage, but he didn't fight back... Was he scared of Belrics retribution if he did? Make no mistake I know Gedill was far more powerful than me, but I couldn't hold in my anger.

"SO this is what you're truly like... It disgusts me that we have to rely on someone like you." Gedill picked himself and walked to the door.

"Just hurry up and leave." He growled before slamming the door.

The room was silent for a few minutes...

"Well that was... Awkward." I commented.

"EELLLIEE, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???! YOU CAN'T GO P*SSING GEDILL OFF?!" Samora ran up to me and gave me a hug.

I looked away slightly. "I couldn't just stand there and say nothing, could I?"

Samora and Ellephwen smiled awkwardly.

"Child, Gedill will only listen to Belric a certain degree, if you anger him too much not even Belric would be able to help you." Ellephwen lectured slightly.

Ellephwen sighed.

"anyway enough of that. Let me see how your new clothes look on you." She looked me up and down smiling.

Relieved to have stopped talking about Gedill I happily showed off my new outfit. We discussed outfit ideas for a good few hours after that. It was nice to talk about something so simple for a change, it reminded of when me and my friends would discuss what to pay the tailor to make in our village.

Still I couldn't help but to think about what Gedill said... I'll have to leave this place quite soon won't I?

We had a late dinner tonight, Ellephwen cooked again and there's already been improvement since yesterday.

With satisfied stomachs, I took off my newly made armor and we all went to bed, but I think it'll take me a while to get too sleep this night...

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 34 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title: Kin of Ellephwen]

{Level: 05] + 4

[Health: 905/905] + 91

[Mana: 179/179] + 26

[Stamina: 891/891] +88

[Hunger: 891/891] +88

[Attack: 692] + 72

[Defence: 1322] +101

[Magic Attack: 211] + 29

[Magic Defence: 387] +51

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 2] [Mind Resistance lvl 2] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 5] Up! [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 35}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Journeyman lvl 10] Up! [Kingsfoot lvl 4] Up! [Warriors Heart lvl 20] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 15] Up! [Warriors Strength lvl 7] Up! [Intermediate Regeneration lvl 5] Up! [Guardian lvl 7] [Dryads Charm lvl 1] [Skinning lvl 2] New! [Tanning lvl 1] New! [Leatherworking lvl 2] New! ]

Another note: If you want to know what Ellena looks like then in my mind it's very similar to a female Aman from Tera Online. Except without the horns and a few other things :D

Also I did some research in to the tanning process, although I didn't entirely understand it so I left it quite vague. If anyone understand the process a lot better than me and I made any glaring mistakes please do tell me.