34 Continued: Growth Phase

First, dispose of the mouse I’ve been neglecting while focused on鉴定.

Sssssss.

Splash!

Gurgle.

Gulp!

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Poison Fang LV6' upgraded to 'Poison Fang LV7'.]

Ah.

Seems my fever hasn’t ended yet.

Marvelous.

Given the meager status attributes revealed, removing this poison fang from me would leave almost no means of attack.

The level of this poison fang—our sole offensive method—holds significant importance.

Time to end today’s exploration.

Stamina gauge remains well above depletion, but overexertion is prohibited.

Create makeshift shelter on-site.

Now that safety is secured, consume the mouse—no.

After eating so much, hunger is not pronounced.

It’s not impossible to eat it, but better to save it for later—after waking up, rather than forcing it now.

So, today, sleep in.

Before that, there’s something to do before sleeping.

Wriggle—

Wobble—

Nudge—

Nothing indecent is happening, really?

Just practicing thread manipulation.

After trying, I’ve determined: only one thread can be controlled at a time.

Movement speed: barely faster than a worm squirming.

Range of control: quite broad, as long as the body makes contact with the thread.

MP cost: negligible.

That’s what I’ve learned.

Currently, it’s useless in combat.

So, as a result, I’ll practice during the pre-sleep routine—burning MP, steadily raising the skill level, step by step.

The skill level increase should raise the capabilities mentioned earlier accordingly.

If she could handle鉴定, then mastering thread manipulation at level six should make it usable.

The path to that point might be a little long, though.

Once the level increases, there are several things I’d like to test.

Protective garments made from thread—something I abandoned before. Or using it in a decisive, specialized manner. Since detection failed last time, I’d also like to redevelop thread-based reconnaissance.

Many possibilities open up.

[Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Thread Manipulation LV1' upgraded to 'Thread Manipulation LV2']

As soon as it said that, level up confirmed.

Wriggle—wriggle—wriggle.

Undulate—undulate—undulate.

Twist—twist—twist.

Hm.

Not bad movement.

Extremely effective.

The level increase slightly improved the movement quality.

Still not a level useful in combat, but movement has improved noticeably. Might become usable earlier than expected.

MP still has ample reserves. Will push proficiency gains to the limit.

Hm.

Ah, slept well.

Ended up pushing until MP was nearly depleted, raised Thread Control skill level to three.

Planned to continue until MP was completely exhausted, but as MP dwindled, a sense of danger emerged.

Not clear what exactly was dangerous, but instinctively recognized that depleting MP was hazardous. Decided to stop at the limit.

After one night’s rest, MP has fully recovered.

Yes.

No issue with practicing Thread Control before sleep now.

Wait—hold on.

Since MP has fully recovered, shouldn't I practice Thread Control upon waking?

If MP naturally recovers over time, and I never use it in daily life, shouldn't it recover during hunting?

Yes.

That would be more efficient.

If there’s an issue, I can just restrict it to right before sleep from tomorrow on. Better to test it.

Thus, I practiced Thread Control.

At the moment MP was nearly depleted,

A celestial voice (temporary designation) echoed:

"Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Thread Control LV3' upgraded to 'Thread Control LV4'."

Good. Good.

Progressing smoothly.

I can’t confirm how much better the movement has become, since MP was nearly depleted. But at LV4, it should be usable at a reasonable level.

Still unusable in combat, but perhaps capable of basic experiments—like crafting a protective suit—within the简易home.

Evening is beginning to look promising.

Well then, breakfast it is.

Menu: the mouse from yesterday.

Then, I begin.

Hmm.

Tasteless.

MP remains unchanged after consumption.

As expected, MP does not recover through food intake.

Perhaps potions exist that restore MP. Maybe certain ingredients, when consumed, restore MP.

Meat from creatures with high magical affinity might restore MP.

Though, I’ve never encountered a monster that used magic-like abilities before.

Yet, since evolution, performance has improved.

Skills level up rapidly. New titles acquired.

This is a surge in progress.

As if time itself is telling me to shine.

Hehehe.

There is nothing left to stop me now!

Hehehe.

Pushing forward at this pace, growing stronger with each step, moving deeper into the labyrinth.

I’ve confirmed the labyrinth is excessively vast. The exit must be sought with patience and time.

Now, my radiant day begins anew!

Hehehe.