Getting down from the tree trunk was harder than I expected, especially with the body of a newborn and having to get used to having a tail. But after a few tries, I managed to climb down without further complications. That's when the real problem began: What do I do now?
I'm in a new world, a universe where humans specialize in hunting monsters. I'm a monster, other monsters see me as food…
"Well, I'm screwed," I thought, but that didn't erase the smile from my face. I mean, what Monster Hunter fan hasn't dreamed of stepping into this world and fighting its monsters with their own hands? And the thought of being able to travel to other worlds only fueled my excitement.
"Oh, right, the system!" I remembered, and as if responding to my thoughts, a blue screen appeared in front of my face.
[Name: Chryssia
Abilities:
Special: Devour, Synthesis, World Travel
Events]
"Alright… What are events? Come to think of it, this must be the change that goddess mentioned… and I've got a new name now. Not bad, I guess."
Since the trunk was in a very exposed spot, I figured it wasn't the best place to stay, so I decided to move. Peeking over a bush, I looked in the direction where the Great Jagras had gone. Not seeing him, his pack, or any other danger, I ventured forward.
Following the path the Jagras had taken, I noticed some birds, but they were too high up for me to catch. What was within reach, however, was a small gecko at the base of a tree, munching on some insects. I watched the little creature from a distance so it wouldn't notice me.
"I don't know the limits of my body yet, and I'm still quite small, so I doubt I can catch that gecko before it escapes. I guess there's only one option."
And so, I hatched my brilliant plan: I picked up a stone that fit snugly in my hand and threw it at the gecko's head. To my surprise, it actually worked! While it didn't kill the creature, it knocked it off the tree and left it writhing in pain on the ground.
I quickly ran over and grabbed the gecko in my hands.
"Do I just… kill it?" I asked aloud to no one in particular, staring at the small creature writhing in pain, trying to escape my grasp. Honestly, I felt a little guilty.
"I've killed insects before, but never something this big... But if it's not you, it'll be me. Sorry, little guy."
With newfound determination, I twisted the gecko's neck, ending its suffering.
"Well, the hard part's over. Now comes the disgusting part."
Lacking the means or time to prepare it, I simply ate the gecko raw, biting into its flesh.
"Huh, tastes like chicken," I mused. Realizing this wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I finished eating the gecko.
[Abilities obtained: Climbing Claws, Tail Shedding
Accept: YES/NO]
Without much thought, I selected "Yes." I immediately felt a burning sensation in my fingers, toes, and the base of my tail.
After a few seconds, the sensation faded. I looked at my fingers and noticed they were slightly wider, with longer claws. When I stretched them, I realized they could retract in the opposite direction, like a gecko's claws, though they could still retract normally as well.
I didn't test my tail much; I simply read the description of the ability, which was exactly what I thought. I could detach my tail from my body if necessary, and it would grow back after some time.
Afterward, I noticed the insects the gecko had been eating. They were a group of ants, and without hesitation, I grabbed a few and ate them directly.
[Abilities obtained: Pheromone Detection, Ant Strength, Chitin Shield, Bite Force, Burrowing, Formic Acid Spit, 360° Vision
Accept: YES/NO]
Excited by the sheer number of abilities the ants granted, I didn't hesitate to press "Yes." Instantly, I felt a burning sensation all over my body, but especially in my head, horns, jaws, and tail.
As quickly as it came, the sensation disappeared.
"Okay, this is starting to get annoying. I guess I should check my status to see what's changed."
[Name: Chryssia
Abilities:
Special: Devour, Synthesis, World Travel
Body: Climbing Claws, Tail Shedding, Ant Strength, 360° Vision (4/6)
Offensive: Bite Force, Formic Acid Spit (2/6)
Defensive: Chitin Shield (1/6)
Social: Pheromone Detection (1/6)
Survival: Burrowing (1/6)
Events]
"Alright, what do those numbers at the end mean? It seems like they depend on the number of abilities I have in each category. The question is, what happens when I reach six in any of them?"
"I guess there's only one way to find out."
I then read the description of each ability and noticed something interesting.
"It looks like I have active and passive abilities," I said, coating my hand in a chitin shell and then making it disappear. The passive abilities seemed to be the source of the burning sensation I kept feeling.
The new passive abilities included: Ant Strength, which improved my overall strength; 360° Vision, which I didn't notice at first, but I now had two extra pairs of eyes that allowed me to see in all directions, though it felt natural; and Burrowing, which didn't cause any visible mutations but enhanced my instincts for digging.
The active abilities were: Formic Acid Spit, which mutated my tail again, making it thicker and capable of ejecting acid from the tip; Chitin Shield, which let me cover parts of my body in a protective shell; and Pheromone Detection, which altered my horns so I could sense pheromones in the environment.
"Alright, now… I guess I'll climb this tree."
And so I did. It was difficult at first, but after a few tries, I got the hang of it and managed to climb without further issues.
"Wow," was all I could say upon reaching the treetop and seeing the Ancient Forest in all its splendor. Let me tell you, the game doesn't do it justice.
I could see the plains connecting to Astera, with herds of Aptonoth grazing peacefully, and Astera itself in the distance. Turning around, my amazement only grew as I beheld the massive tree that towered over the ground for more than a kilometer. I even spotted a Rathalos soaring through the skies in search of prey.
Taking in this breathtaking view that would stay with me for the rest of my life, I could only say one thing:
"Welcome to the New World, Chryssia."
I appreciate any comments, suggestions, or reviews. It would also be very helpful to receive suggestions for future worlds.