Chapter 3 ABNORMAL CLASS OF TRASH

My words silenced them for a split second, just a split second. But enough to see the change in their expressions. Kevin frowned, Reno narrowed his eyes, Dimas looked a little hesitant. Good, a little psychological pressure never hurt. Then Kevin laughed loudly, disdainfully.

"Look at him."

"Just killing a level 1 monster already makes me feel strong."

His friends smiled sarcastically. It was strange how consistently humans underestimated things they didn't understand. I gripped my branch tighter. It felt a little different now, more solid, still like a stalk. But there was a warm, flowing sensation within it. Like it was slowly coming to life. "Interesting," Kevin raised his sword, the fire burning brighter.

"I'm getting bored."

He looked at me with a faint smile.

"Just end it."

Reno raised his hand, a small bolt of lightning gathering in his palm. Dimas drew his bow, three against one. Not counting the two others behind him, the odds were bad. But now I had at least one chance. Escape or chaos. I chose a combination of both.

"Arrow!" Kevin shouted.

Dimas shoots.

SWIING!

The arrow flew fast, and I moved to the side. It was easier than before. The +1 Agility really hit me. Good, the arrow missed. It stuck in the tree trunk. Reno attacked next, a small bolt of lightning shooting out like a bullet. I jumped back.

HANDS!

The ground where I was standing exploded slightly. Okay, I didn't want to get hit by that. Kevin advanced, fast. His sword slashed horizontally, flames slicing through the air. I ducked, heat whipping through my hair. Too close, I stabbed the branch into his stomach. Kevin easily deflected it.

"Slowly." he said.

I agree, very slow. But that wasn't the main goal. I backed away, observing the surroundings: the trees, the large roots, the fog, the fairly complex terrain. Good, if it were a pure stats duel, I'd lose. Taking advantage of the environment? There was still hope. Kevin pursued again, aggressively. Overconfidence, a classic mistake. He slashed from above. I rolled to the right, his sword hitting a large tree root, getting stuck for a split second. Enough, I hit his hand with a branch.

TOK.

Kevin twitched, not out of concern. More of annoyance, as he looked increasingly irritated. It was worth it.

"Damn it!"

He drew his sword. Reno attacked again. Lightning flashed, and I zigzagged. A small explosion erupted behind me. Dimas fired two arrows in quick succession, and I took cover behind a tree. The arrow struck, almost hitting my shoulder. Very close. Okay, the scenario was still bad. I needed a kill, just one, a weak target. Then more.

My eyes glanced at the two men behind Kevin. They hadn't advanced much, somewhat backing up, more nervous, more hesitant. Ideal targets, I took a breath. The decision had been made. Kevin attacked again. This time I didn't retreat, I advanced. Straight at him. Kevin looked a little surprised, his sword thrusting straight at me. I twisted, barely dodging. The tip of the sword grazed the side of my stomach, stinging, warm, and bleeding.

But I managed to get into his blind spot, and I pushed Kevin's body aside. I passed him and ran.

"What-?!" he shouted.

The target changed, and I headed straight for one of the kids in the back. Rafi, his class was a support type. Not particularly combat-oriented, his expression panicked.

"Uh- wait-"

There was no time, I hit his chin with the branch. He staggered, and I swept him off his feet. Falling, I stabbed him in the neck. My movement stopped for a split second. My last human thoughts tried to resist.

But only for a split second. Too late, the stab went through. Rafi froze, his eyes wide. His body stopped moving. Silence, one second, two seconds. Everyone froze, shocked. Great, I just killed the first human, and it turned out to be far more effective than a speech.

A notification appears.

Human target slain

Devour Root activated.

Absorption possible.

Roots emerged from the branches, piercing Rafi's body. Energy far greater than the monster's flowed into my body. Hot, powerful, brutal. I gritted my teeth.

Spam notification.

Strength +2

Agility +2

Mana +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 3 reached.

Level 4 reached.

Trait acquired:

Minor Mana Sense

I slowly lifted my head, my body feeling lighter, stronger, much better. Oh, the scalability was incredible. Kevin took a half step back, his expression completely changed. It wasn't one of disdain anymore. It was one of fear now, which was good.

"What was that?" someone whispered.

I turned the twig in my hand, its surface changing again. Now there were small thorns growing on the sides, a rougher shape, more like a weapon. Progressing, Kevin looked at Rafi's corpse, then at me.

"Monster." he said softly.

I chuckled. Funny, just five minutes ago they were trying to kill me. Now my moral compass is activated. Interesting, I stared at them.

"Weren't you the ones who started it?"

No one answered. Dimas took a step back, and the others looked pale. The momentum had shifted, and they knew it. Kevin gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with conflict. Fear, anger, ego-a terrible mix. But finally, he shouted.

"KILL HIM!"

Ah, still in denial. Honor the commitment.

They attacked again, but this time it was different. I was level 4, and the difference in stats was palpable. I dodged arrows more easily, dodged lightning, and got close to Reno. Hit, stab, strike, kill.

The real battle had just begun, and for the first time since coming to this world, I began to feel like I had a chance. Not to survive, but to win.

[END CHAPTER 3]