Chapter 7: The Veridian Constrictors!
The air in the clearing was thick and heavy, not only with the metallic scent of blood and the musky odor of the Veridian Constrictors, but also with a palpable sense of danger. Five reptilian giants lay coiled amidst the carnage, their slow, deliberate movements belying the immense power contained within their massive bodies.
Daniel remained hidden at the edge, his mind racing, weighing the potential spoils against the very real possibility of becoming the sixth victim swallowed whole.
His assessment remained unchanged: the Constrictors were sluggish, preoccupied with digesting their recent, unfortunate meals. Their impaired Agility (26, further reduced) was their primary weakness.
His own Agility (13.1) wasn't stellar, but combined with the burst potential of [Adrenal Surge] (F-Grade, +50% Agility for 5 seconds), he could likely achieve short bursts of speed significantly exceeding theirs.
His E-grade Vibro-Knife (+50 Attack) and E-grade Deflector Vest (+50 Defense) provided a fighting chance, and [Kinetic Pulse] (D-Grade) offered a way to potentially stagger or push back a lunging head or coiling body. The greatest risk was being grappled by [Constrict]. If that happened, escape was unlikely.
The reward, however, was immense. Enough EXP from five Level 1 creatures to potentially hit Level 2. The promise of attribute gains from assimilating the snake corpses once his charges regenerated. The potential for new skills from the three fallen Awakened (two conveniently stored inside the snakes). And the nagging feeling that creatures guarding territory this fiercely might be protecting more than just their latest meal. Treasure, resources, something valuable might be hidden nearby.
He formulated a strategy: target the three most sluggish-looking snakes first, the two with obvious bulges in their midsections and one other that seemed particularly lethargic. Taking them out quickly would reduce the numbers, minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed. If things went south, [Adrenal Surge] was his escape plan. He couldn't afford hesitation.
Daniel moved from his cover, attempting a stealthy approach, using the scattered debris and patches of tall, blade-like grass for concealment. He got within ten meters before the nearest Constrictor reacted. Its head snapped up, swiveling directly towards him, forked tongue flicking out, tasting the air. The heat-sensing pits near its nostrils must have detected his body warmth, rendering traditional stealth useless against these particular predators.
So much for the quiet approach. Daniel abandoned stealth instantly. "Boom!" He didn't shout, but the explosive burst of movement as he activated [Adrenal Surge] created a miniature sonic disturbance. The ground trembled slightly under the force of his launch. He became a grey blur, the wind striking his face as he closed the remaining distance in a heartbeat. The F-grade skill flooded his system with adrenaline, sharpening his senses, making the world seem to move in slow motion for precious seconds.