77 Unlucky 7
Something about this feels off, you know?
From the fact that the tatsu no otoshi go is a dragon.
『Dragon: A sub-species of monster, said to be beneath the dragon lineage. Though lower in rank, some possess capabilities equivalent to true dragons.』
Yeah.
A monster belonging to the sub-species of earth dragon.
Would it be classified as a fire dragon in terms of lineage?
If an earth dragon exists, then a fire dragon should exist too.
Please don’t tell me it’s in this mid-level.
I’ll pray it isn’t.
Anyway, my thoughts just drifted into escapism a bit. Let’s get back to the matter at hand—how to deal with this.
『Elrogeneseven LV7
Status
HP: 461/461 (Green)
MP: 223/223 (Blue)
SP: 218/218 (Yellow)
: 451/466 (Red)
Average Attack: 368
Average Defense: 311
Average Magic: 161
Average Resistance: 158
Average Speed: 155
Status鉴定 failed.'
'Elro Geneseven: A low-tier dragon species dwelling within the middle layers of the Elro Great Labyrinth. Omnivorous; capable of consuming almost anything due to its wide mouth.'
The creature drifted slowly through magma.
Despite being classified as a lower-tier dragon, its appearance resembled a catfish more than anything else.
The name 'Seven' did not suit it at all.
Complaining about naming conventions in this world was pointless.
Its most distinctive feature remained the catfish-like wide mouth.
If swallowed by that, it would be terrible—my size would vanish completely inside.
Successfully identifying its status was significant.
The probability of successfully identifying a creature's status was roughly one in three.
Hitting that one chance here was fortunate.
Entering battle without knowing the exact status of a catfish-like creature was too risky.
Weak monsters dominated the mid-tier, but this catfish was by far the strongest among them.
Ideally, I would bypass it.
Yet the catfish was swimming directly near the path I needed to take.
Given past trends, the likelihood of it attacking is high.
Hmm.
What should I do?
I could probably escape if I ran—my speed is sufficient—but being pursued indefinitely by that excessively high red gauge would be problematic.
Even though my yellow gauge is low, it’s still more than double theirs.
Most importantly, I can’t see its skill set.
If the catfish has acquired high-level SP reduction, I might not be able to escape at all.
Though I doubt that’s the case.
It’s stronger than I’d like for a direct confrontation.
Then again, I should probably just run.
Yes.
Pushing my limits isn’t advisable.
Recently on a winning streak, but getting carried away at moments like this always leads to trouble.
I’ve learned that, too.
Must not get overconfident.
Need to remain humble.
Therefore, proceed cautiously.
If spotted, flee at full speed.
At that moment, another catfish emerged from the magma below, close by.
Huh?
Eugh!?
This isn’t right!?
I wasn’t even overconfident, and now I’m in danger!?
The catfish locked eyes with me, blinked once in confusion, then opened its massive mouth.
Backstep!
The catfish’s mouth snapped shut where I had been standing.
It slowly dragged itself onto dry land.
I hadn’t noticed before, but this one has limbs.
And its entire body is covered in scales resembling those of a dragon.
High defense rating.
Yes.
Better run.
Gah!?
Turning to flee, she saw the catfish from earlier had crawled onto land.
Positioned for a pincer attack—no escape possible now!?
What now!?
Fine—then there's only one option: eliminate the catfish before me immediately!
Wrap venom thread around the catfish’s body.
It will burn instantly, but even a small dose of poison will do!
As expected, the thread ignites immediately.
Check the catfish’s HP to confirm poison effect.
Slight decrease.
Poison is effective.
Then, if I can deliver it properly—
The catfish opens its mouth wide.
Charging straight ahead.
No—!
Dangerous!
But she deliberately draws it in—right to the limit!
At the very moment the gaping mouth reaches her, activate venom synthesis!
Just barely retreat!
The catfish consumes the synthesized spider venom—directly into its mouth—instead of her.
Instantly, the catfish’s HP begins to plummet at an extreme rate.
The rate of depletion is not negligible.
In response, the catfish writhes in agony.
Oh… my poison has become this potent…?
T-t-then there’s another one!?
Turning her gaze, the second catfish had retreated slightly, visibly shaken by its companion’s distress.
O-oh.
Yeah, seeing a companion suffer like that… you’d think it’s bad too.
I thought dragons never fled, but it seems the catfish are no different.
The healthier catfish pivoted sharply and fled.
Seriously…?
I was just about to run myself.
Never thought it would be the other way around.
Still… shouldn’t I be getting a little cocky?
I’m not exactly weak, am I?
For now, deliver the finishing blow to the struggling catfish.
Activate venom synthesis—aimed at the face of the convulsing catfish.
The catfish twitched once and ceased movement.
《Experience points have reached threshold. Individual, Small Poison Talact, has leveled up from LV6 to LV7.》
《Base stats have increased.》
《Skill proficiency bonus has been acquired.》
《Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Focus LV9' has advanced to 'Focus LV10'.》
《Condition met. Skill 'Focus LV10' has branched into Skill 'Thought Acceleration LV1'.》
《Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Evasion LV4' has advanced to 'Evasion LV5'.》
《Proficiency has reached threshold. Skill 'Life LV7' has advanced to 'Life LV8'.》
《Skill points have been acquired.》
Hmm?
At the same time as the level-up, focus appears to have capped out.