Chapter 15: Moments Before Battle
Running through the sparse trees, Ethan’s mind was focused on the upcoming battle.
It was going to be his first life-and-death battle. However, he was prepared. His plans had been revealed prematurely, perfectly displaying the blood ant queen’s vigilance and intelligence.
Had he decided to delay this decision, who knows what traps she might prepare for him if given enough time?
"Thinking about the nature of these protective ants, it’s safe to consider that the queen resides in the deepest parts of the nest. In that way, I can easily take over the blood ants as long as no other E-rank monsters are hiding amongst the group." Considering this, Ethan thought of a safe-to-use strategy.
His mind was completely focused on his victory. Even as he reached the ravine, he coldly swept his gaze across his surroundings.
’No traps here. No guards either.’ This discovery made Ethan question his decision in the slightest.
From his understanding, the blood ant queen was vigilant and shrewd. Despite finding out about the traitors in her family, how could she not prepare any measures?
’Could it be that the zombie ant was not discovered by the blood ant queen but rather a normal soldier ant?’ As soon as this thought appeared, Ethan dismissed it immediately.
’No, that’s not it... I should use all my cards beforehand and prepare as much as I can.’
"System, open the ’Wood-Rank Selection Box.’"
*Ding!*
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[#/System Notification/#]
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[Wood-Rank Selection Box Activated.]
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[Opening Selection Box...]
[...]
[Please select one reward.]
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■ Option 1 — Minor Evolution Crystal (F)
A crystallized fragment of biological energy.
May be directly assimilated to slightly increase evolution progress.
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■ Option 2 — Skill Proficiency Scroll
Immediately increases the proficiency of one selected skill by a small amount.
Temporarily doubles all proficiency gained by the selected skill.
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■ Option 3 — Monster Detection Scroll
A consumable scroll that temporarily enhances the user’s perception.
Nearby monsters and their approximate rank will be sensed within a limited radius.
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■ Option 4 — Blood Recovery Potion
Instantly restores a moderate amount of biological energy.
Highly effective for recovering from severe injuries.
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■ Option 5 — Random Wood-Rank Equipment Blueprint
Obtain one random blueprint suitable for undead, weapons, or armor.
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[Remaining Selections:]
└ ■ 1
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Instantly, a system window materialized before his eyes, displaying numerous choices with sufficient descriptions.
Reading through the screen, Ethan thoroughly thought about the consequences of acquiring each reward.
"The third option is useless for me, since even though I’m going into enemy territory, I already have enough strength and information to block their attacks. Options fourth and fifth are the same as well."
"The first one might sound plausible, but what I need the most right now is this!" Filtering out the useless choices, Ethan made up his mind and confidently tapped on the second option.
Instantly, a wave of light emerged from his touch, slowly spreading to the corners of the screen.
The screen began to emit a soft yet striking glow, letting its rays stretch out of the screen. The rays of light converged merely an inch before the screen, condensing into a small lump of light.
As if molding according to Ethan’s choice, the light expanded and formed the shape of a rolled sheet of paper.
Then, the glow slowly subsided as the system screen went back to its original state.
At the same time, the light dissipated from his newly formed item, revealing its rough and aged surface.
Ethan stretched out his hand and immediately grabbed the scroll gently. Even in his eyes, the scroll looked untrustworthy.
’A single piece of worn and torn paper, wrapped around itself and held together with an extraordinarily weak thread...’ Squinting his eyes comically, he was having a hard time trusting the System’s credibility.
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[#/System Notification/#]
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[Reward Selected.]
└ ■ Skill Proficiency Scroll
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[Item Acquired.]
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[Item Description:]
A special consumable that immediately increases the proficiency of one selected skill by a small amount.
After use, all proficiency gained by the selected skill is temporarily increased by 2×.
Duration:
└ ■ 3 hours.
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[How to Use:]
Mentally select one eligible skill while holding the Skill Proficiency Scroll.
The scroll will activate automatically upon confirmation.
Warning:
└ ■ The selected skill cannot be changed once the scroll has been consumed.
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Following the system’s directions, Ethan gently spoke the name of the skill within his mind.
Instantly, the scroll within his hands showed a reaction. Bright particles of golden light emerged from its surface, flying towards Ethan’s body.
The particles seamlessly blended into his jade-green skin. Moments later, the scroll itself was reduced to nothingness.
[Skill Proficiency Increased.]
└ ■ Dormant Infection (F)
[The selected skill has gained additional proficiency.]
[Future proficiency gained by this skill has been temporarily doubled.]
"Good!" Realizing that the scroll had worked perfectly, Ethan’s lips curled.
Without saying a word, he jumped right into the ravine. The group of zombie blood ants behind him followed suit.