You know, curiosity killed the cat. But I'm not even a cat so take that! Ha! Sucks for you!

The small bundle of plant was quite happy after deciding on which path to take. She was getting better at this after all! Being a quite indecisive person back on earth caused endless headaches and irritating problems, but, no more! She was a strong independent plant who didn't need anyone's help! A loud crash in the distance toward the entrance to the cave seemed to happen in response to her gloating.

Ah. Sorry. My mistake. Forgive me. Ms. Karma.

Curiously she stared, fully unable to demystify the curious and fearsome crash.

Glad I picked the other way. Really glad, thank you me! I'm a lifesaver!

The rumbling shook the floor in what felt like a volcanic tremor if not for it's short duration. Movement from much deeper in the cave caught her attention, a small but frantic pair of eyes running directly toward her. It was Mr. Hops!

No, no, no that can't be right. Mrs. Hops perhaps?

Almost caught off guard by the cute fluff ball again she readied herself to dodge out of the way of it's bounding leaps.

I've only got a small window of time that Mrs. Hops will be locked into the trajectory! I've gotta make my timing count!

Tensing her body she determinedly faced her cute but deadly enemy. Right up until that very moment that Mrs. Hops darted past her.

Wha?

The bunny was now a significant distance from where she stood, poised for nothing, besides looking like an idiot.

Guess I wasn't on the menu today! Hmph! It must be a sign I've gotten stronger! Your sacrifice was not in vain Mr. Hops!

The rumbling now felt more distinct, vastly closer, and now just out of eyeshot. She slowly turned to look at the path inward to the depths of the massive cave seeing a giant silhouette.

Nope! Ok, ok, it probably won't notice me if I just--

A massive front leg crashed down a few steps to her right. The impact was so intense it created a wind that sent her tumbling helplessly toward the cave wall. Colliding with an unassuming plop she felt surprisingly little pain at the collision. Though she concurred it was her weight or lack thereof.

Don't notice me, I'm not tasty I promise!

Gazing at the monitor lizard like colossus was awe inspiring. Possibly the most curious property of the big lumbering brute was it's beautiful glowing blue scales, having color like the ocean depths and a gait that was longer than she could travel in half an hour.

Seriously, what is this kind of thing even doing here? Isn't it against the laws of gravity for it to be this big? That's not playing by the rules!! You cheater

She noticed another peculiar addition to the collosal lizard, a massive status bar following it's hulking figure.

Kelzärgria

Lvl: ??? Daggroth

HP: ???

MP: ???

SP: ???

AP: ???

Wait, why can't I see? Hmm.. I'm gonna guess it's either the level difference or related to a skill.

It was the first time she had seen a title, and a pretty lofty sounding one at that. Striking a leaf to her chin she watched curiously as the tail of the oversized lizard finally disappeared from view.

Well, for now I'll just assume he's some kind of big shot. He didn't seem to be a plant eater so maybe he could be friendly! Ok probably not. But there is still hope!

Shaking off the whimsical thoughts she put on her most serious face. It was time to explore properly and figure out how to eat!

Eating without a mouth huh? Sounds like a tricky one…

Darting bravely from bush to bush she busily scurried with her stubby root like legs. Rushing to the next bush she stopped fast in her tracks bashing into something she couldn't quite see.

Oww… wait a second, is this some kind of invisible wall?

Her leafy appendage cautiously reached out to an area that looked rather casually. A nondescript patch of empty space just before a bush, but somehow, it was solid.

It feels kind of like rubber! Come on me! Let's find a way around it! Can't give up yet!

She trailed her arm against it while travelling parallel to the unseen wobbly force that blocked her way. First to the left, she made her way all the way to the wall still firmly feeling the rubbery resistance greeting back. It was a setback to be sure but she was stubborn, stubborn and feverishly curious!

Hmm, not down here? What about here? No luck. Hmhmhm… don't underestimate me rubber foe!! I will punish you! Or at least sneak past.

She was nearly about to give up on the left side near the wall when she felt a very different texture brush against her palm.

Hmm?

The strangest part of the texture is it felt undulating, pulsating, almost alive.

Aha! What could you be?

She poked at first feeling the strange filmy feel that indented easily. The sinking leaf hand gave her a sense of power for the very first time since her life started. Convinced nothing would happen if she decided to attack. A smirk crossed her face moments before her arm began it's windup for the fortold moment of her first attack!

Take this!

Her leafy arms cut deep into the pace of it's quivering surface. For half a moment she felt a perfect mixture of surprise and satisfaction.

Ha! I guess I'm pretty strong after all! Wait, too deep! Too deep!

The punch had been successful, no that wasn't the problem it was too effective. The heartbeat of the goey void quickened as her arm began disappearing inside it. She tried to pull back, but, to no avail, she was on a one way trip to the other side.

Just let go already!

The small plant girl raised her other leaf and began chopping at a record pace. Her second arm avoided the fate of the first but with every pulse she was sucked in even more. Without warning the pace quickened reaching her torso.

I know I wanted to explore but this isn't what I meant!! I give! I give!

Despite her rampant apologies blazing through her mind she found herself plopped out firmly on the other side. Frazzled and blinking she sat in abject disbelief.

Crap! I hope I'm not trapped here, and poor Mr. Munch will be all alone…

She slapped herself across the face pepping up with a very determined look.

No! We are not gonna let that cocky jerk have the last laugh! I'd rather be dead than be your footstool! Hmph. Bet you're disappointed now huh?

She had gotten so busy in her little tantrum that she barely noticed the differences of color here within the barrier. It was just the same if not for the camera filter like effect bringing out the stark white hues.

Guess going back is no good huh? It feels more like concrete from this side. I guess curiosity got me good…

She scurried along a bit deeper giving up on a way back through the same place, though the area opened up massively in all directions. By all accounts that she could manage, it was impossible to figure out just how big it was from her current location.

What's more…

There was movement, small and big, fast and slow, a veritable ecosystem sprawled out in every direction. Though there was one especially curious detail that caught her eye immediately, a large spire of stone that almost looked like an office building. It was far too far to properly say for sure but it was certainly worth looking into.

Civilization? Here? I don't quite know how to feel about it.. something feels very wrong.

Reflective, mirror like crystals peeked up dotting the massive chamber reminding her of the chasm where she set her skills and attribute points.

There's been something that's been bothering me…

She focused her thoughts on her status and sure enough the window appeared before her.

Dita

Lvl. 1 Nightgloom

HP: 7 / 22

MP: 5 / 10

SP: 1 / 1

AP: 0 / 14

I knew it! My resources keep dropping! But why?

She immediately jumped to the obvious, hunger. Though she couldn't quite say for sure yet that was her theory.

Unless…

She stuck her foot out in front of her gathering the courage to look at them for the second time in her life.

Could it be that I need to do something about this?

She gazed at what appeared to be a still moist wound on the pad of her foot. But if this was really a wound then why didn't it hurt?

Wait! There's gotta be something in the extended menu for some kind of inspect skill! I need more info!

She gazed over the status page top to bottom but couldn't seem to activate the small question marks next to the abilities and skills.

Hmm.. to access the menu I just have to think about it so who's bright idea was it to make descriptions hidden?!

Frantically focusing on the question marks, even staring them down accomplished nothing. Heck, she even tried to strike a magical girl pose, all attempts ending in a resounding failure.

Ahh!! I give up! If you don't want me to have the info then I'll find another way!

In frustration she slammed her little arm down on the console. Surprisingly it had resistance and made a buzzing sound before showing some new text.

Completely shocked she looked toward it like a baby bird who just witnessed their mother push their sibling out of the nest for the first time.

Menu? You can talk?

She was greeted by no new text boxes convincing her that it was ignoring her.

Hey! I'm talking to you! Yeah you, damn crappy menu!

Her hands against crashed into the menu with a buzz.

Look, that doesn't matter right now. What matters is!--

Who the hell are you calling "insufficient"?!

She was equal parts shocked and bloodthirsty now. The mocking console was in for a deadly flurry of punches until it apologized.

You're my status menu damnit! Give me the info or we're both screwed.

She had just about enough of the insufferable menu helper.

Then what do I have to do to survive? Can you at least help a little bit? Maybe you could tell me how to achieve the info that's hidden ?

Her eye twitched at the text gloating across the screen as she could easily see where this was going. So he wasn't happy enough watching her struggles he just had to toss on some insult to injury didn't he.

No way! You're that jerkface non sexy garbage tier husbando in disguise aren't you!

The text appeared fast, this time with a choice.

Q: Will you comply?

Yes. No.

I don't think I have a choice yet.. I'll get revenge on that bastard for making me do this!!

She focused harnessing thoughts of slapping the jerkface god until he begged for mercy. She could practically see it! Now she just had to survive long enough to make it real. He would fear her someday!

Belphegor is my master.. and I.. want to be his footstool. There is that good enough?

Tip: Using earnesty in your words will make the phrase easier to register. >

Crossing her arms in a frustrated mess she uttered the words again.

Belphegor is my master and I want to be his footstool.

She held her breath waiting for the next text window to appear. Surely this time!

{Decrypt Lvl. 1}

The ability to understand language and details of commonplace intricacies. The limitations are highly defined and derivative from one's knowledge and understanding.

Once considered the most crucial skill to scholor and scribe. It is said that the practical use transcended expectations by ten fold!

The text may not have been received under the best circumstance but she was certainly relieved she didn't have to repeat herself again. As soon as she hit confirm another window popped up with a small version of her most hateful tormentor making a big dumb smile.

She hit the console again summoning a deep buzz in retort.

She made a rush toward the status menu to get a clearer understanding of her current situation, but this time it appeared to change drastically.

{Name: Dita}

{Lvl 1. Nightgloom}

{Attributes}

Current status points: 0

Strength: 2. Agility 0

Speed: 0. Dexterity: 0

Constitution: 0. Movement: 0

Magic: 1 Intelligence: -2

Luck: 6. Defense: 1

Resistance: 0 Mind: 2

Power: 1 Charisma: 7

Fire: -20 Water: 5. {Allignment}

Ice: 2 Wind: 5. -4

Earth: 25 Light: 19

Dark: 42 Lightning: -10

{Affixes}

Decrypt lvl. 1. {Titles}

Blessing of Ancor lvl. 1. Prejudice

Lucky lvl. 1

Nocturnal lvl. 1

Wait? My intelligence lowered? But why?

Briefly she gazed over the things that changed and quickly found the most likely culperit.

Prejudice

A title reserved for the cruel and tormentuos.

Effect:

Int -1

Allignment Evil

Dark affinity +3

Cruel Heart lvl. 1

Give me a break, negative int.. Are you trying to pick a fight menu?!

She hovered her leafy appendage over the strangest part of the title unsure of what to make of it.

Cruel heart? A new skill? Don't tell me it's totally useless or something…

Cruel Heart

Channel the power of hatred into pure force. The power is unpredictable and dangerous in nature.

It was crafted from the expungement souls which reside in the long forgotten corpse of the old world.

Power: Undefined.

Cost: 60% MP

60% HP

Allignment penalty.

Wait, isn't this too expensive? Even at full health and Mana it would be risky as it hurts me too. Besides, I really get a bad feeling about penalties.

She was quick to peek at something that she had been super curious about since the very start.

Decrypt work your magic! What am I?

Nightgloom

A common species of nocturnal plants which are thought to be the offspring of the moon. Often harvested for their sybolism and use in professing love. There is a legend spoken since long ago which says a couple formed by acceptance of nightgloom will never be separated. It's said to be due to the nightgloom absorbing the negative emotions leaving only the good in tact.

Common? I'm a common flower! And worse, I'm a desirable one for romantic couples to pick. In other words I'm going to be hunted.

She realized that despite her efforts she still completely lacked a clue to her mysterious loss of health.

Damnit! Maybe if I…

{A} It must be due to my AP! It's been at zero so maybe …

{B} No no it has to be due to hunger somehow I haven't eaten since...since forever !

{C}I bet it's him! He's totally trying to make me call out for his help...

But what one is truly it?