Chapter 19 The Harves (1/2)

This is clearly one ticked off slug. I really wish I had considered what I would do if the monster turned out to be an acid spitting nightmare of death.

Too late to weep ant tears, since ants can't cry anyway. Only thing to do is finish off this slug. The problem is that I have a limited supply of acid within me, usually only three or four shots worth at a time. I haven't managed to time exactly how long it takes to regenerate each blast yet so after firing one more round I won't know how long it will take until another becomes available.

Since I can't really attack the slug with my mandibles, the acid is my only option. Somehow I have to land a decisive blow with my final acid attack.

I can think of one strategy but I really don't want to have to take such a risk!

Why have you forced me into this situation Gandalf!? If I wasn't in such a hurry I'd never even consider this!

Gritting my mandibles I begin to move towards the slug, trying to keep my profile low by moving between uneven folds in the rock wall.

[Grip has reached level 4]

Finally! How long do I have to scramble about on walls and ceilings before this skill will level up?! Perhaps I it only really considers time I spend fighting whilst on walls?

No time to worry about it now, battle is at hand!

The slug is moving through its own acid now, sliding over the adhesive muck without taking any damage, probably protected by its slime barrier. I think the monster usually hunts by immobilizing and burning its foe with this stuff before closing in for the feast.

Here goes nothing.

I've managed to close to within ten metres of the slug. I'm sure its seen me moving closer but probably hasn't been able to pinpoint me. Seemingly unfazed the slug continues to advance towards my location.

I take a deep breath and then attempt my strategy. Leaping to a standing position, I proudly present my backside to the slug, waggling it about in front of the creatures disbelieving eye stalks.

Get an eyeful slug! Like what you see?

Apparently even a monstrous slug creature over two metres long is unsure how to react to an ant wiggling its b.u.m at it. The creature pauses is shock before rearing back with its toothy mouth wide open.

Now! Fire!

[Acid Shot has reached Level 4]

A shot so perfect even Gandalf approves!

The sizzling liquid erupts out of my gaster at tremendous speed, arcing through the air in a solid jet of death. The slug has compressed its body, preparing to lunge forward and fire another blast when my own acid splashes directly into its face and crucially, straight down the monsters gullet.

The reaction is immediate. The slug contorts itself in response, falling off the wall and slapping wetly against the floor where it continues to writhe as the acid burns away inside it. The rocky protrusions along its back sc.r.a.pe and scratch against the stone with loud rasping noises. Hopefully nothing is drawn to investigate…

A flawless plan!

I'd hope by baiting the monster I'd be able to fire a critical shot inside its mouth, which I'd figured would be the only way I could deal fatal damage with one shot of acid, since the rest of the creature is still protected by its slime barrier.

I continue to obverse my victim as it suffers under the effects of my attack.

I mean, I hope I dealt fatal damage….

[You have defeated Level 4 Alcyoneum Slug]

[You have gained XP]

Triumph! The slug has finally ceased its writhing and gone limp, a two meter long sludgy picture of disgusting mollusc.

Now for the task of consuming my prey..

I mean, now that I think about it… Do I really have to … eat … that?

If an ant could vomit I'd be on the verge of it now….

Don't be stupid Anthony, people on Earth ate molluscs like snails all the time! You can't afford to turn up your nose at any source of Bioma.s.s so stop whining and dig into that slug!

Ugh.

Approaching the slug I take note of its slime layer. The creature isn't producing slime anymore but most parts of it are still coated in the stuff, I'll have to remove it before I can eat the whole thing.

Using more dirt to soak away the slime I clean off one half before I start to eat it. I only manage to get halfway through before I become full … this is one big slug.

[You have consumed a new source of bioma.s.s: Alcyoneum Slug. You are awarded one Bioma.s.s]