It was truly hard to fathom the increase in speed. Alex had a hard time believing that just putting a few points into his stats would lead to this big of an improvement. For him it was magical. He wondered how much stronger he would be compared to before because he had only tried his speed and not strength.

Doing some acrobatics to land back on the ground Alex noticed how strange the environment was. He didn't really see before because he had tunnel-vision but now that he was forced to take a break he noticed. He was in a heavily wooded area, the trees were really tall, not red-wood level-tall but they were still really tall. The strangest feature about them though was this faint glow they were giving off, there was a canopy overhead so not much natural light came through. The whole thing gave off an eery feel.

Suddenly Alex heard the cracking of a twig near him, he jumped into battle position, rearing his blade. He looked around trying to find the enemy, but he spotted nothing; the trees got in his way. Between the large trees Alex found his target, it was a strange jaguar-looking creature. It was noticeably larger than their counterparts on earth, plus it had these strange glowing patterns on them. But most noticeably it had a large scorpion-like tail jutting out from its back.

Without a hint of hesitation, the Jaguar lunged. Alex noticed its speed, it was almost too hard to track with his eyes. But thankfully he had just improved himself. He rolled out of the way looking for an opportunity to strike. But Alex was overcome with weakness, feeling a burning sensation from his thigh he looked down. There he saw a roughly pin-sized hole swelling with his veins turning blue. Alex wanted to cut off circulation towards his leg but he couldn't do it in time.

The jaguar lunged without mercy towards Alex again. This time he knew his flaw though. Rather than trying to dodge out of the way, he faced the Jaguar head-on. It was hard to get into position to attack as his arms were feeling heavy luckily though he finished in time. As the Jaguar opened its mouth ready to take a bit out of Alex's shoulder Alex attacked first. With careful positioning of his blade, he drove it towards the Jaguar's mouth. What happened next would've surely shocked a bystander.

Using the Jaguar's own speed as his weapon, he cut the jaguars mouth in half. This visibly brought pain to the creature as it immediately slumped down and started writing on the ground. The lower portion of the creature's jaw was hanging on just barely supported by some sinew. Blood was pooling around its face as it slowly started moving less and less. Alex noticed he had managed to cut some of its neck open as well, he saw that he had hit a large jugular vein in its neck. A lucky strike for sure.

.....

> Level-up

.....

Alex heard the all-familiar ring in his head but he couldn't care less as he was losing consciousness. He had a hard time staying steady, clearly, the venom was taking a toll on Alex. But he wouldn't give in just yet. Alex shambled towards the body and opened his maw, with quick fluidity he gobbled the corpse down. Alex soon realized how big a mistake that was though. He immediately clutched his throat in agony. He fell to his knees visibly bloated.

Alex didn't want something to finish his meal before he could but he should've thought more carefully. The hunger was gnawing at him telling him to devour, if he had more control over his hunger he would've thought more carefully. Why in the world would you eat something you clearly know is venomous. Alex couldn't think of that though as he was ripping at his throat, he felt an unbelievable itch in. He was drawing blood and ripping flesh.

But he soon collapsed on the floor face down. There was a look of pure agony on his face.

.....

> Skill-Gained

> Physical change commencing for the installment of new skill

---

different perspective

A long-distance away from our dearly unconscious friend stood several tents erected forming a circle. In the centermost tent, some chatter could be heard.

Inside the centermost tent sat a table, 12 people were seated along the length of it. With the more important-looking people sitting towards the front. Strategist Zach sat right next to the front. Laying directly in the front sat a throne. An older-looking gentleman sat on it. He had his hands cusped on his forehead, he had a very serious look on his face as he was staring at the floor. A flimsy-looking crown lay on his head as a majestic red cape lay barren for all to see.

"Sir Zach surely you don't believe this plan will work? As much as I want to destroy those goblin-looking-Ventraxians you have to admit they beat us in every way!", A ragged-looking man voiced from near the back, "Our manpower will be best spent forming a barricade on important fronts!"

"General Smith you have to remember. Never before have we been able to pinpoint their location. This will be a chance to counterattack and actually deal some damage here. I know this plan will work, but what I am concerned about is what's to come, sure we can beat them here but what about later?" Zach responded with a gleam in his eye.

He further added, "Gentlemen, it seems I need to remind you of something. Were here today to discuss strategies after the battle, not before. The plan has already been approved by our lord. Lest you forget, he was the one who put this plan into motion."

The table seemed to quiet down after that. Most everyone had a forlorn look on their faces. It seemed they were more concerned about protecting their wellbeing than protecting their countries. Zach was disgusted, he worked hard, proved himself better, and forged himself to be able to sit where he did today. He cared a lot about his country, he had people to protect. And if these were the people in charge then it disgusted him.

But sadly they were in charge, he posed a question towards the group, "Gentlemen, do you have any idea on what we can do after this? We need ideas to do some real damage, even what we can do here will only be a dent in their army."

The table seemed to quiet down even more, nothing but the crackling of a fire could be heard. Annoyed Zach voiced out "Gentlemen, I am serious here. Our country is at stake here, the livelihood of it depends on the people sitting here!"

A deep and proud voice resounded, bringing everyone to their feet "It is important we plan but that is only one part of it. We need to actually enact, and for that gentlemen, I ask you. Can I, can we, trust you to enact this plan. Surely you aren't thinking of betraying our country?", "Surely you don't think I wouldn't have noticed you pulling your troops back, surely you don't think I wouldn't have noticed you talking to our enemies behind my back. Surely...", the voice paused, "Surely, you want the best for our country."

---

Alex awoke with a gasp. He supported himself on his hands as he wrenched his guts out. Dried blood and bile soon escaped from his mouth.

Alex suddenly felt a lump in his mouth he hadn't felt before, it felt strange. Alex felt like it was a muscle he could stretch, and by stretching it, something happened. He shot out a sticky black liquid, getting a closer look at it Alex noticed it was eerily similar to the liquid that was injected into him. It looked exactly like the liquid that was pooling in his wound. Feeling around his mouth Alex noticed his canines had grown hollow, he felt could inject venom into something if he wanted to.

Alex jumped back, this was too much for him. He had no idea what could've caused this. Thinking back to what happened before he passed out he remembered. Feeling hesitant he pulled up his [ SKILLS ].

.....

{ PASSIVE SKILLS | 45 SP | }

> 2436 Tormented Souls | lvl-max |

> Short-Sword mastery | lvl-1 |

> Shield mastery | lvl-1 |

> Stalker | lvl-1 | 0/3-used

> Venomous sting | lvl-1 | new |

{ ACTIVE SKILLS | 45-SP | }

> Charge | lvl-1 | 50-MP | 10s-duration |

.....

Curious Alex inspected his new skill more closely.

.....

> Venomous sting | lvl-1 | new |

Born in the annals of history your legend lies. Venom so potent it can kill a grown man. Many have fallen to your venom, and many more will.

-Gain the ability to spew poison

-Gain the ability to apply venom

-Both Venom and Poison are extremely paralyzing

(In order to accommodate for this skill your body had to be modified. Skill changed as your body couldn't supplement the growth of a tail. Effects will become more deadly as skill progresses. You can only spew venom or poison as much as your stamina can endure.)

.....

Alex realized several things, for starters he now knew his devourer skill could absorb more than skills. It could fundamentally change his body. This meant he needed to keep in mind what he ate because he didn't want to grow scales any time soon. He also realized the wide versatility of his new skill, Alex enjoyed torturing people and he could tell he'd fall in love with this new skill really soon.

Alex however felt a deep itch in his stomach, he was ravenous. Alex remembered his earlier task but figured he couldn't do anything about it. Now that his head was clear he realized how stupid it was for him to go after someone he knew nothing about. He didn't even want to think of how that being brought him here. He knew that person was absolutely beyond him so he had to bear with the loss of his collection. Although that didn't mean he wouldn't be absolutely pissed off about it though.

Alex went over towards his attribute tab to see if the physical change brought him any increase in stats.

.....

[ ATTRIBUTES ]

Alex Naverm | lvl-15 | 93-AP |

> Strength 33 [+]

> Dexterity 30 [+]

> Intelligence 20 [+]

> Perception 25[+]

> Talent 50 [NA]

.....

When Alex finished seeing what changed he decided to go find something to eat. Little did he know he was soon to have an encounter with the king of Galdraxia.