Chapter 506 Getting too far (1/2)

The announcements of the Bearded One ring within my mind as my speedy foe falls to the ground, neatly bisected by the omen chomp.

[You have defeated Level 2 Regulus Bestiae saltus]

[You have gained XP]

[You have reached level 36.]

[You have reached level 37.]

[You have reached level 38.]

[You have reached level 39.]

[You have reached level 40.]

[You have reached level 41.]

[Basic profile unlocked.]

[Regulus Bestiae Saltus, Clawed Leaping Beast (VI). This modified version of the Leaping Beast excels in rapid movement and decisive strikes. Unsuited to extended engagements, its preferred strategy is to kill from the shadows with a single blow. Its powerful musculature and advanced claws give it the strength and penetrating power to tear through almost any defence.]

Heh. Almost any defence. Just not the Diamond Carapace!

Still, that was actually scarier than the final result showed. If my carapace was weaker, or if I didn't have the inner-plating, then there's a good chance the monster could have pierced through and minced my insides. Or if I didn't have my future-sense or rapid reflexes, then my carapace wouldn't have mattered as the creature would have stabbed me through the eye on its first attack. In the end, it was actually a bad matchup for the Leaping Beast. I was uniquely resilient against its preferred strategy and even possessed the means to slow it down long enough to damage it. Against most monsters I wager it would be able to finish them before they could blink. The Shapers were so focused on the Gravity Bomb that they picked my opponent based on that spell alone. Foolis.h.!.+

No matter. It's done, I survived another round. Hopefully my enemies amongst the Shapers are grinding their teeth watching another of their precious favourites go down in flames. More Bioma.s.s for me! And honestly, the experience is really piling up! Six entire levels from this guy! Juicy! I'm already past the halfway mark for my next evolution, which is frankly ridiculous. It wasn't that long ago I evolved. Am I going to get to tier six before Tiny can make it to tier five? That'll really irritate the big ape. Heheheh.

Pleasantly lost to my own thoughts I amble over to the Bioma.s.s and begin to drag it back to my side of the Arena. Soon enough the gates are opened and we're on our way back to my own cell. This will buy me a little more time, maybe another day, possibly two. I imagine the time between rounds will shrink, since there's far fewer fights in each round. In fact, going into round five, how many monsters are left? If we started with one hundred and twenty eight… there's only eight left once this round is done?! Holy moly! So I'm a quarter-finalist! Whoo!

Wait, I don't care about winning this thing, get me out of here! Although a few more levels wouldn't hurt…

No! Focus, Anthony! Get back to the Family. You can get levels in a heap of different ways, forget about the incredible wealth of Bioma.s.s each of these monsters represents. Speaking of which.

NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM.

[Already eating, you pig!] Torrina's teasing mental voice connects to mine.

[I'm starving. All that training drains a ton of energy.] I reply calmly as I continue to chomp away.