All Consuming Beast System

In order to level up, I need to hunt. Although I still need to be careful as to not challenge far stronger opponents, which right now means anything above a G-ranked creature. Fionn had studied some of the basics of hunting, which was super handy for me, who has no desire to waste time with a book when I could be killing. As the memories describe the rankings of creatures the system screen pops up in front of me.

*Ding!*

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Creature Tier List

Divine- Lvl 91-100

SSS- Lvl 81-90

SS- Lvl 71-80

S- Lvl 61-70

A- Lvl 51-60

B- Lvl 41-50

C- Lvl 31-40

D- Lvl 21-30

E- Lvl11-20

F- Lvl 6-10

G- Lvl 1-5

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Based on the studies of the previous Fionn, I should stay around the edges of the forest, as that where the weaker monsters roam.

Taking my gear into the woods I decide to follow a small party of 3, made up of a tall, broad-shouldered fighter carrying a mace, a small brunette girl carrying multiple daggers and wearing a leather tunic. The last member of the rather relaxed trio was a thin young man carrying a short bow, which although not quite as devastating in power, was much more accurate in close ranges. The trio is well equipped and relaxed, demonstrating a level of confidence unexpected of such low levels, demonstrating their preparations, or arrogance. Either way, Ill get something out of it.

Though the party seem well equipped, they
e clearly not hunters, far too loud and they
e not too concerned about airflow, which can reveal ones scent or ambushes. While I judged the bad habits of the trio, an ear-piercing shriek came from the dagger-wielding girl, her previous calm demeanour shattered by the sight of the approaching creature.

”What the ** is that? ” I exclaimed, a little grossed out by the creature myself. The worm, maybe 4 feet in length, and with a body like a wine barrel, crawled towards the party with an unassumed speed. With razor-sharp, needle-like teeth lining the inside of the worms throat and mouth, it truly was disgusting to look at.

”Its a grorm. Don worry its only a G-rank beast, so well be fine, ” called the archer, obviously attempting to calm down his panicked teammates. Taking aim at the grorm, he released his arrow, somehow veering off into the thicket despite the short distance. The trio formed a battle formation, with the two close-range fighters holding off the worm while the archer fired arrows at the surprisingly nimble worm. Little damage was done to the creature, the fighters mace smacking uselessly on the soft, squishy flesh, while the rogue-like brunette wasn confident enough to tackle the creature, getting close to the dozens of teeth so she could drive her blades in. However, it seemed the archer on the party recognised the worms lack of intelligence, as it simply bit at whoever was closest to its face. Sneaking around the back of the grorm, he remained close to it, firing two arrows from close range, causing the beast to slump lifeless, to the floor.

Looking at the teamwork of the trio and the opportunities it provided I questioned my solo hunting idea slightly. Hmm, while Im still weak it may be worth having a teammate or two, so long as they can handle themselves. As the group decided to move on, the rogue-like brunette points out that they forgot to prepare a map. Note to self; While being wealthy may increase the chances of education, it doesn mean they
e intelligent.

Having learnt what I could from the group I decide to go hunting, sneaking through the trees and keenly listening for any sounds which may warn me of an approaching creature or person. As I trek I heard the crisp snap of bones breaking, which I discover to have been caused by a small kobold as it consumes the carcass of a rabbit. The kobold with lizard-like scales, looked frail, with its weapons a few feet away from the rabbit where it had been discarded at the thought of fresh meat. Perfect prey. Alone and distracted. I can use the bastard sword as its too heavy, plus the scales help protect against slashes as the blade can catch on anything, similar to the mace and grorm. Gently placing my bag on the ground and retrieving my hand mallet I sneak through the thicket, keeping behind the kobold and out of sight. Pouncing on the creature I strike at its head, aiming to stun the beast with the first blow. Tackling it to the ground I strike at its head again and again and again, blood spattering over the ground in droplets, as its face, now crudely misshapen and concaved, lay still.

*Ding! XP gained +10*

”Now to try out that skill, Devour. ”

*Ding! Skill is automatically activated when the host consumes the heart of his prey.*

Wait so every time Ill have to rip open their ribcage and tear their heart out and eat it. Yeah, super subtle. Cracking the ribs with the hand mallet I yank the small dripping mess of meat from the scaly body, consuming it in one go.

*Ding! Stat Point gained +1*

Definitely going into strength

Going from 3 to 4 so suddenly is so noticeable. Not that that means Im strong, Im still below average across my stats, but if I get 10 XP per kill, including their hearts thats another 4 points plus any I get when I level up.

While walking through the forest I could hear other beasts and novices fighting in the distance, however, it was the nearby cries for help from a weedy-looking boy as he was chased by a kobold warrior and a kobold shaman that drew my attention.

”Hey, you there. Help Me ”

”Tsk, no spectating for me. ” Drawing my kitchen knife and the still bloodied hand mallet, I sprint at the kobold shaman, recognising the threat of an unchecked magician. After all, my father Loki was a menace with just his deceptive illusions.

*Ding! Breaker of Chains has been activated. Bind Failed*

Thanking the gods for my skill, I plunge the knife into the shamans chest and swing the mallet into its head before scrambling up to face the warrior. As I pull the knife from the ribs of the shaman I hear a worrying ”snap ” before the broken blade comes free from the ribcage, obviously having been stuck between the narrow ribcage of the creature. Drawing the bastard sword I face my foe. While the sword was too heavy to use one-handed, or with any real level of swordsmanship, I didn have any and the length would prove useful in the fight. Holding the blade in front of me defensively I wait for the charging kobold warrior. Sidestepping and deflecting the incoming spear thrust, I shift the momentum of the swing into a backswing, embedding the sword most of the way through its chest.

As I pull the sword free from the torso, I hear the footsteps of the fleeing damsel (yes its a guy, Fionn has a terrible personality). ”Oh thank the gods, how could I ever thank you enough. ”

”Money. ”

”Oh, hmm yeah I guess that makes sense. We
e all broke after buying equipment, especially you by the look of that sword. ”

*Ding! Breaker of Chains has been activated. Bind has failed.*

What??