Chapter 15: The Throng Vs A Glutton

Slightly downcast from spotting the trees and being unable to leave, I wander aimlessly.

‘With the sun up, I should probably wait until night again. A bit irritating that all those people happened to be there… and nuns!? The only thing that could be worse than nuns is a nun with noble roots. Nay! Wait! A French nun with noble roots—a nightmarish thought!’

A horrible image of the terrible nun flashes in my mind, nearly causing me to shiver.

‘Well, there is not a need to dwell on it any longer. If I am proceeding to the surface, I can use this time to prepare… I suppose I may as well choose the ‘Comrade Cracker’ adaptation. It was the only one that offered any genuine protection. I shall be leaving at sundown, and it shall give me some time to make certain nothing unexpected occurs due to its addition.’

Earl summons the purple wall, and I choose the ‘adaptation.’

The flame dances intensely, becoming far more active than before, which causes the area to light up with a purple hue. I twist my back and stomach ungracefully in order to view what occurs around the kiln. A dark black haze spews from all sides of the shell. Lifting my arm, I observe a distinct lighter layer of haze slide over the darker layer of my arm. Instead of resembling a smoky cloud girl, I take on more of an overt human figure.

Still a bit thin and hazy, but more defined. However, most of the definition seems to have flown into the dress rather than my actual ‘skin,’ making it look like a vague phantom girl wearing a somber transparent dress. However, what is most surprising is...

‘The haze took the shape of that raggedy dress I consumed! And… and!’ Gazing at my reflection a bit in the murky water. ‘My arms! My shoulders! They are exposed...! Is all the fashion of this era so risque!?’

Twisting back and forth, I study my figure as the haze settles. The haze has dyed the area where my skin should be a dark gray, while the gown I ate, along with my hair, has turned into an even darker black. It leaves my arms, shoulders, and the upper portion of my bust exposed and covers my torso and legs. The dress flows outwards where it contacts the ground. I can vaguely make out my shoeless feet obscured by the dress’s twisting black haze.

I shake my head in defeat. ‘I mean, it is not as if I am not accustomed to having to wear whatever clothing I can find, but I cannot change out of this!’ I slide my hand over the dress, finding my hand does not slip through as before. ‘It does not matter! I… I do look rather elegant, and it is not as if I am a person any longer... I am simply taking the shape of one, so there is nary a need to concern myself.’

With my thoughts moving into uncomfortable territory, I banish them. ‘Prithee, Cosmic System, display my ‘Status’ and ‘Chronicles,’ I have not checked them in some time.’

‘It seems my durability has increased along with my stats? What is responsible for that? Sturdiness, I suppose, would make the most sense. My Mana also increased. Could that be the work of the Orenda? Also, my membrane defense contains a number now, and again the colors have changed. Perchance, are they related to the adaptations? This would be so much more helpful if someone could teach me. I should observe my status and chronicles more carefully to learn what happens.’

Pushing away my shame, my thoughts turn to the elderly rats. ‘I have time, so why not visit the elderly rats. They are quite interesting to observe, and it might advance my Naturalist skill as well... But, perhaps, I should use this as an opportunity to get stronger. I can return to the elderly rats later.’

Pondering my best course of action, I recall I had committed to returning to the copepod throng previously. ‘I could battle them to help increase my skill and stats. Not to mention, they provided me Essence when I ate them previously. Essence is something I will always be in desperate need of if things continue as they are... Aye! Be brave, Constance! They were rather slow anyway, so it should not be too horrid a task!’

I spend some time musing the best way to battle the wicked Copepod Throng.

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Presently, I am moving toward the location of the Copepod Throng. While thinking about it, I realized that I do not know if they are even capable of harming me. My only weakness is the kiln, but I do not know if they have the means to damage it. Still, even then, if I divide them enough, they will not be tall enough to reach the kiln eliminating any worry. Thus, I returned to the location of the wafer box and am now balancing the box precariously above my head.

‘I believe this would have been impossible before increasing my Strength stat. Still, I pray this transpires as I hope.’

It takes a bit of time, but eventually, I arrive at the location where I first met the disgusting creatures. The box’s flimsiness makes me a bit nervous, but I flex my thin haze arms courageously.

‘Nay! I am certain this will not fail! It will undoubtedly work!’

As expected, the water ripples and out crawls the creatures.

I rush forward, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

‘Hah! I shall be thy undoing monsters!’

When they are only partially gathered, I tip the box’s balance. My aim is slightly off, resulting in the taking of a meager piece of my hair with it. Still! It descends toward the shallow water, striking the group with a watery thump. The sight of nearly half of the creatures trapped beneath the wafer box causes me to clench my fist victoriously.

‘Good lord! It actually worked! I did not truly believe it would work for even a moment!’ Despite their trapped companions, the remaining creatures gather. ‘Aye! I said I would avoid consuming any living creatures again, but for thou, I shall make an exception!’

The tendrils spread wide as I cast the cattail toward the group. Upon contact, the tendrils clasp together like a closing hand, engulfing a mass of the creatures. Together the copepods encompass the cattail, attempting to consume it, but it seems to only lead to their demise as the ones that bite it fall to the ground unmoving. Just as I believe this may go immeasurably better than I anticipated, the group splits, exposing an area of green.

Suddenly, a liquid spews from the area of green, just missing the kiln. I can hear the ground behind me sizzle beneath the influence of the liquid. Witnessing such a sight, I take a few steps back.

‘N-nay! I can do this! Such an attack shan’t deter me!’

Steadfast, I aim at the area of green and with as hard as I can swing the cattail at the scuttling mass. A portion of the creatures are sent spattering upon a nearby wall. With their numbers divided, I stretch the cattail toward the green creatures and allow the tendril to shovel them into itself.

The tendril consumes the last of the dangerous bunch, but before I may relax, a new stream of liquid strikes my eyes. My vision is partially washed away, causing me to be disoriented, but even so, I notice the spray came from the box that has been partly melted into a soup. They continue to shoot at my eyes, believing it to be a weak point. This is ultimately their downfall as the cattail greedily engulfs the last of the once menacing monsters.

With the threat eliminated, I shift my focus to pretending I am devouring a warm loaf of fresh-baked bread rather than the most revolting creatures I have ever beheld.

Allowing the leftover flavor to fill me, I stare at the blue screen happily. But before I can reflect on matters, one of Earl’s walls appears instead.

‘Oh? Earl, and the Cosmic System? At the same time? I had nearly forgotten the Cosmic System rewarded me Essence when I defeated The Bishop’s squid. Still, I suppose it makes sense since Earl is more concerned with eating and materials. In contrast, the Cosmic System seems to be more focused on battles, skills, and stat points. Yet, the Essence given by Earl was lower than I expected. Is it because I had already been awarded the bulk of the Essence by the Cosmic System when I defeated it? I do recall Earl stating that at one time. Hmm, I guess before I can assume anything, I should consume more varieties of food… Regardless, I achieved my goal! Aye! I have proven myself!’

I stand proudly with my chest puffed out.

‘Now things went so smoothly I should have time to observe the elderly rats! It could help me advance my Naturalist skill! Ah, things are finally looking up in this mad world!’

Working my way through the tunnels, a few thousand steps later, I manage to find the elderly rats. Four of them sit around with piles of the metal wafer containers, while one sits away from the bunch, seemingly sulking.

‘The one by itself seems to be the one that dropped its wafer box. I suppose the others are upset with him for leaving it behind. I should thank him for leaving it; it was of great use to me! Anyway, despite being separated from the others, it does not appear that he is missing out on any meals since it appears none of them are eating.’

The other four elderly rats sit in a circle, pounding the metal containers against the brick, accomplishing nothing more than denting the container’s edges. One of the elderly rats gets particularly frustrated and hurls a container against the brick tunnel. The container bounces off the brick while the elderly rat stomps about waving its arms and squeaking at the other containers as if scolding them for not opening.

‘Why would they steal something they are not even capable of opening?’

The one who threw the container walks over and then stops, squinting in my direction. I move slightly, causing my glowing eyes to sway, and the elderly rat responds by jumping with a loud squeak. It sustains its frantic squeaks, alerting the others, and with its portly legs, it retreats to its burrow. The other four elderly rats follow suit and stumble to their own respective burrows, poking their heads out with narrow eyes.

Glancing around, I notice that there is a second metal container lying nearby that seems to have suffered a similar fate.

‘Hmm, perhaps, I shall help them while I await nightfall. I am leaving shortly, and it’s not as if these elderly rats can inform anyone of my presence. They have already discovered me and do not appear to be aggressive; in fact, they seemed rather afraid of me. Therefore, why not have a bit of fun with them! It would be a delightful respite from always nearly dying!’