As Lin Feng lay hidden beneath tangled roots near the ravine, a realization slowly formed.
"Why are they hunting me so relentlessly…?"
Then memory struck.
He once read an article in his previous life — wolves tracking a leopard for days after it killed one of their cubs.
His golden pupils narrowed.
"They're not hunting for territory."
"They want revenge."
A cold understanding settled over him.
If he returned to the forest surface now, the pack would tear him apart.
He needed strength.
And quickly.
The ant colony below the ravine was dangerous — but manageable.
"First, I heal."
He curled his body and allowed himself to rest.
When he woke the next morning, something surprised him.
His wounds were gone.
The cuts had sealed. The bruising faded.
Level-up recovery.
Not perfect healing — but enough.
A small advantage.
Without hesitation, he descended toward the ant tunnels.
He activated Spirit Eye.
---
[Target Analysis]
Name: None
Race: Black Ant
Level: 3
Strength: 6
Agility: 7
Defense: 2
Mana: 0
Description: Underground colony predator. Navigates in total darkness using antenna vibration sensing. Possesses venom that causes extreme burning pain. Multiple venom stacks (10–20 ants) can kill a Level 7 creature.
---
Lin Feng assessed calmly.
"Easy prey… if isolated."
He lunged and crushed one ant instantly.
But the ground trembled.
Dozens rushed toward him.
He retreated immediately.
"Numbers… that's the problem."
Direct assault wouldn't work.
Then a plan formed.
Hit.
Run.
Repeat.
He waited near the tunnel entrance. The moment one ant strayed too far, he struck.
[Scale Points +2]
He grabbed the corpse and sprinted away before reinforcements arrived.
Once at a safe distance, he bit down.
The taste was horrible.
Bitter. Acidic. Metallic.
He nearly spat it out.
"…Disgusting."
Still, he forced himself to swallow.
[Devour Successful]
[XP +5]
"How much until next level?"
[245 / 400 XP]
Lin Feng froze.
"…I still need 155 XP."
That meant dozens more.
He exhaled slowly.
"Then I hunt."
For five days, he refined his method.
Strike. Retreat. Devour. Rest.
Strike. Retreat. Devour. Hide.
He did not fight the colony.
He harvested it.
Pain from venom bites built resistance.
Repeated exposure strengthened his body.
On the fifth day—
[Level Up]
Energy surged through his limbs.
[Level Up]
Again.
And again.
By the time the colony grew wary of the predator in their tunnels—
He was Level 9.
"Status."
---
[Host Status]
Name: Lin Feng
Race: Normal Lizard
Level: 9
Skills:
Spirit Eye – Level 2 (13%)
Venom Bite – Level 2 (34%)
Poison Resistance – Level 1 (45%)
Spark-Sight – Level 1 (12%)
Attributes:
Strength: 25
Agility: 15
Defense: 17
Mana: 12
---
"Describe Poison Resistance and Spark-Sight."
---
[Skill – Poison Resistance (Passive)]
Level: 1
Description: Reduces toxin duration and pain intensity. Repeated exposure increases mastery. Can evolve.
---
[Skill – Spark-Sight (Active)]
Level: 1
Cost: 2 Mana per minute
Description: Emits rapid, pulse-like flashes of draconic vision, allowing brief detection of movement and heat signatures in darkness. Causes eye strain with extended use. Can evolve.
---
Lin Feng's tail flicked slowly.
Heat detection.
Dark vision.
Venom resistance.
Strength nearly doubled.
A faint smirk formed.
"I'm ready."
His golden eyes turned toward the deeper tunnels.
"This time… I hunt inside their home."