《The Evolutionary Tale of a Mere Ghost Shrimp Rise to become A Sea Devil Incarnate》


 Volume One Arc 01: Blue Star Chapter 1: Respawn

    Volume One Arc 01: Blue Star Chapter 1: Respawn


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    The date is June 23rd 2019. A world-defining event has occurred that would forever change the course of mankind''s history. One that is on par or even greater than the scale of that one big meteorite that has managed to successfully wipe out all of the existing dinosaurs.


    In the blink of an eye, everything that we have managed to simply build up till this point; the thousands of years of history, starting from the mere first stick-wielding primates in the jungle to the now highly advanced technological science civilisation as we know it today. The hundreds of meters tall skyscrapers and fancy architectural buildings are simply washed away by the Great Flood.


    An ever-rising Great Flood that has managed to terraform the entirety of the planet Earth; within a matter of seconds, everything was indeed buried beneath the thousands of kilometres of deep ocean waters. Mankind has become like the old sunken Titanic ship, a mere relic of the old distant past and an ancient modern civilisation that has gone extinct.


    And it all seems to have begun with the sudden appearance of a huge gargantuan dimensional gate, a doorway that seems to connect Earth towards another dimensional plane of existence. the size of more than half of the largest continent in the world (Asia), appeared above the western regions of the Atlantic Ocean.


    As gigantic sea monsters and oceanic creatures began to rapidly spawn out from the dimensional gate. They invade both the Earth''s large oceanic eco-system and the land wildlife, thereby bringing great changes.


    A colossal sea serpent, roughly over a kilometre long in length, the size of four average size ferry combine; its mere presence alone is enough to stir up ocean waves, causing sea storm, and create turbulent winds. When its huge body drops drown from the sky and hit the large body of water, the massive impact was enough to cause a large ripple within the ocean waters, which invoke a huge massive tidal wave which swept over the entirety of the United Kingdom.


    The giant tsunami wave, generated by the colossal sea serpent, crashed into the west coast side of the British Isles and quickly made its way towards the mainland. Within seconds, it swept across the entirety of Ireland and the south side of the British Isles.


    The momentum of the tsunami didn''t even slow down a bit, as it continues to rise even more, and sped up, under the control of an outside external force that is much stronger than mother nature herself.


    The wave struct the many metropolitan areas in some major cities; uprooting some trees, destroyed houses and buildings, as they are forcefully carried on over by the strong turbulent currents. Clashing amongst each other, until they are reduced to a pile of rubble.


    In under an hour, the entire population of the UK was submerged under the water, their long-living existence was extinguished from the face of the Earth. As millions of lives were lost as result, but no one was able to stop it nor prevent it, with the water sea level continue to rise rapidly, affecting all continental areas and countries, reducing the size of their mainland to a fraction of what it once was.


    Everything was swept away by the oceanic sea waves; the long-standing architectural history of what mankind has made up to this moment, slowly crumbled down like wet sands. And in its wakes, the numerous dead bodies of humans and animals alike, in death they are one of the same, suspended underwater until they float to the surface by themselves.


    It happened in an instant, as a large body of seawater soon covered the mainland. The painful sensation of being under intense water pressure, as the partial weight of the ocean waters, is pressed completely against my body.


    Saltwater touching every inch of my body, as I slowly sink into the depths of the ocean waters, trapped underneath the debris of some collapsed building. I have no way to escape.


    Small air bubbles escaped from my mouth, as my lungs are quickly being displaced with seawater. I quickly resigned to my fates, without question asks. My field of visions impeded for being submerged underwater, as I stared upwards, glancing at the fleeting paths of sunlight; white swirls of light refracted off the surface of the water.


    There are numerous shoals of fishes, some that I have never before seen, are swimming amongst the upper sea levels of the sunken British Isles.


    ''So this is death, huh?'' I thought so to myself.


    Continuing on where I left off, ''Where I will be killed off by some kind of unnatural disaster...''


    ''Goodbye world...'' The last words of my voice (thought) before departing from this world.


    Day 001


    Ding!


    A mechanical beep resounded inside my head. From within the pitch blackness of the mind, a visual blue pop up screen then appears before me.


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[Welcome newcomer to the great world of Croettiosos...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A greeting message welcoming me to the new world appeared before me, but my mind was a bit too hazy and clouded, unresponsive to that short of a stimulus. So I passively ignored it without a second thought.


    After some time has passed, I then felt something, as the lingering sense of unending tiredness and weakness began to fade away from my body. A resounding heartbeat, though quite quiet but is still beating slow, therefore proving that I am alive.


    ''The feeling of being alive...'' I thought so to myself.


    ''I''m happy knowing that I''m able to move my body, but somehow my body felt somewhat different and I can''t just put my hands on top of it.'' Moving the parts of my body, I noticed that I have several limps. ''Too much to even count...''


    Unaware of the fact that I have been reincarnated as a Ghost Shrimp. The Ghost Shrimp species fall under the decapod crustacean section, as their bodies are segmented and consist of 10 pairs of legs. The first four sets of legs have tiny claws at the end of them that helps it pick up things, one ordinary, and the last 5 pairs are swimming legs.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    I noticed that my crustacean-like body is submerged in some kind of fluid. It felt a bit sticky, as it sticks to my soft bare skin (shell).


    I am trapped in some sort of tight space, surrounded by a soft gelatinous translucent like spherical structure, that resembles an amphibious egg of some kind. ''Have I been reborn?'' I started to question myself. It was then, did I remembered that I did die.


    ''Is this an egg, or am I in some kind of pod. What am I even? Am I even still logically human anymore?'' I inferred, jumping to baseless conclusions, based on the recent information that I''ve collected.


    This still does not yet quell my sense of unrest. I still haven''t gotten over my death yet, but since I was not that too attached to my last life. It didn''t take me that long to accept the fact that I''ve died and been reborn in someplace.


    A first-hand experience of reincarnation, with my memories and personality left intact, that must be something of a great fortune. ''I am now curious about what I have now reincarnated into, seeing as how I am now submerged underwater, in a gelatinous semi-transparent egg. I must be some kind of aquatic animal.'' I thought to myself.


    ''A fish, probably not.'' I immediately rejected that idea, ''Since I could feel that I numerous limps; countless legs, but no fins. So it''s gonna be some sort of shellfish/crustaceans.'' I assumed.


    Tapping my many feet against the translucent eggshell, I could feel a strange sensation. It''s not like the typical sensation of having skin touching against a smooth surface. It''s more like wearing exterior clothing, in a sense, it''s more akin to armour.


    ''I am a shrimp.'' I came to a logical conclusion based on my findings.


    It was time for me to emerge out of my shell, as I twist and turn, with my numerous spiney lance-like legs, I pierced into the eggshell interior. It putting a strain on the pale translucent oval cage of organic material. It then ripped apart like paper, piece by piece, it broke.


    ''I am now free.'' I happily exclaimed.


    Emerging out from the translucent oval-shaped eggshell, my body floats suspended in the body water. Instinctively, relying on my instinct, my body reacted, as my many arrays of feet start kicking, spurring backwards in motions, propelling me forwards. This sort of feeling...


    ''It is amazing. Now I understand why aquatic life feels so interesting. Its way of life is certainly quite different compare to us land mammals.'' I thought.


    Swimming across the ocean seabed, my interest in aquatic life is piqued. With my sense of curiosity fulfilled, I raised my legs upwards, seeing many spiney like spider legs. I can only come to a logical conclusion.


    ''I am a Shrimp. Well, life as a shrimp won''t be too bad. It would at least be interesting for a start.'' I thought.


    Amidst my discovery, a small aquatic critter, crescent body shaped, covered in translucent white shell armour, swims steadily past me.


    A creature that resembles a shrimp. It''s tiny and young, pure white, with semi-developed shell exoskeleton. Fully black pupils. It''s developed whiskers swirling around as it moves. The creature is of the same kind of species as me.


    ''It was not alone.'' I thought as I saw more of my brethren.


    There were as many as hundreds or even thousands of us, baby shrimps, floating around beneath the ocean seabed. Thousands of empty or sometimes broken translucent eggshells filled the ocean seabed. It left a moment of awe in me, as I gazed back at my birthplace, the place of my birth.


    Sometime later, my small belly began to rumble, as I''ve felt a slumbering sense of hunger behold me.


    ''I''m hungry!'' I thought.


    The first obstacle that arrived after my reincarnation and that is acquiring food. Where would I get the food? What do shrimps even eat in the first place?


    ''If I recall. I remembered watching a nature wildlife video, that wild shrimps in the ocean would eat plant matter, dead fish, clams, snails and crabs, worms and any other decaying organic matter they find. Basically a scavenger. Pure omnivores, as they would eat anything they would find...'' I thought.


    ''Finding dead carcasses of deceased animals would be quite difficult, but not impossible. However, wandering away from the nest is a safe idea.'' I thought.


    An idea suddenly came to mind, as I eagerly swam down deep to the ocean seabed, landing on the rocky ground. My landing then sends a small flurry of sand in all directions. Curious to test the experiment, I eagerly made my made to the area, that is packed full with broken eggshells.


    With my small tiny mandible, I start to nibble and devour on the broken bits of the shattered gelatinous translucent eggshells.


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[You have consumed the broken remains of the Ghost Shrimp''s eggshells...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[High Calcium concentration detected...]</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[Due to being in an early infancy stage, 48 hours after birth, the host will experience accelerated evolutionary growth...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''Evolutionary growth...'' I commented.


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[Due to being in an accelerated evolutionary phase. The high concentration of calcium detected in the host''s body has hastened the development of the host''s exoskeleton. The prerequisite racial skill { Weak Armour Lv1}{ Reinforced Exoskeleton Lv1} { Tier 1 Defence up Lv1} acquired...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''Well, cool! I''ve obtained skills and abilities. This is so much more like a game than I thought.'' I commented.


    Feeling contented, I continued to happily devour on the remains of the eggshells, till I am full. Though the taste may be a bit mild and tasteless, the salty contents of the ocean waters, somehow affected my tastebuds.


    ''I will have to make do with this for now until I''ve levelled up my defences, sufficient enough to increase my chance of survival.'' I thought.


    As my small belly starts to grow bigger, I''m becoming a lot fatter. Me, a fat shrimp. However, due to the accelerated evolutionary phase, my growth rate is being accelerated, and the calories I''ve built up are being burned at an extreme rate, converting the excess nutrients into organic material to strengthen my exoskeleton.


    Slowly, as I continued to diet on the eggshells, my semi-transparent white exoskeletons then become a lot thicker, stronger, and durable. Enough to be able to withstand many blows. However, there is no guarantee that there is no such predator that could easily devour me in one bite, because of the size differences.


    ''It is only logical to think of this kind of situation, as the deep ocean is extremely vast.'' I commented.


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Armor Lv1} has become { Weak Armor Lv2}...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The Skill { Reinforced Exoskeleton Lv1} has become { Reinforced Exoskeleton Lv2}...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Defence up Lv1} has become { Tier 1 Defence up Lv2}...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The original semi-transparent white exoskeleton starts to become a lot more opaque, losing the transparency, as I increased the levels of my {Reinforced Exoskeleton} skill.


    <table border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Notification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>[You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Defence up Lv2} has become { Tier 1 Defence up Lv3}...]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    When night vastly approaches, darkness soon covers the underwater seabed. The only source of light in this vast aquatic life area comes from the moon. The crescent-shaped moon, though it gave off the minimalist amount of light, it is still far from enough to light up a path for the nocturnal creatures of the night.


    Similar to others, I alongside my other siblings, burrowed our bodies into the grounds. The dirt soil stuck to our bodies, camouflaging us from incoming predators.

 Its Either Kill or be Killed

    Day 002


    The second day after my reincarnation, I awake to the constant loud sounds of bubbles popping. It would seem that my siblings are fighting amongst themselves. Desperately, competing amongst themselves to find food. Some of them are even devouring on the dead carcasses of their brethren, resorting to cannibalism, right before my very eyes.


    ''This is disgusting and vile. Watching them kill one another for a simple matter as finding food.'' It gave me a deep sense of repugnance, as I scowled at their wicked act.


    I continued to peacefully devour on the remains of the discarded eggshells. While, at the same time, I watched my brothers and sisters killing one another, without a sense of remorse, committing the vile act of infanticide.


    Some of them, are even devouring unhatched eggs, or underdeveloped ghost shrimps, killing them in the process, to satiate their newfound hunger.


    One of them decided to approach me, while I was having my meal, dining on the fine delicacy of eggshells. I didn''t immediately attack it, only becoming somewhat aware of its existence, as it draws closer towards my direction.


    ''Gukui! (Food!)'' The tiny ghost shrimp screamed.


    Sensing the hostility of the individual, as it charges towards me with the intention to kill. Nevertheless, I retaliated, sparing it no ounce of mercy, even if it were related to me by blood. With my spiney spider-like legs, covered in a harden layered reinforced exoskeleton, pierced through the soft underdeveloped exoskeleton of the ghost shrimp. Directly, stabbed into its flesh like a meat skewer, blue blood steadily flows out from its wound. The tiny ghost shrimp then bleed to death, having been killed by me.


    [You have killed a Ghost Shrimp. You have earned 100 x2 (200) experience points...]


    [You have levelled up and become level 2...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv1} has been acquired...]


    [You have met the basic requirement. The title { Kin Slayer } has been acquired...]


    ''It would seem that I''ve acquired a new skill. { Weak Stab } is it. It seems to not do much but increased the output of damage with my stab attack. This would be extremely useful if I increased the level and proficiency of the skill.'' I commented.


    With the threat eliminated, I tossed the dead carcass of my brother around. It floats and sunk down to the bottom of the seabed. Immediately, as the dead carcass sunk to the ground, a swarm of ghost shrimps rushed in, like hungry vultures, they rapidly began to devour the dead carcass before my eyes.


    ''Disgusting!'' I didn''t hide my sense of disgust for it all, felt no guilt for killing it, as I continued my meal.


    ''Maybe it''s because I was originally human, that I felt no guilt killing these vermins. Even if they were my siblings related by blood. They are still strangers to me, in which I hold no personal attachment to.'' I thought, coming to a logical conclusion, establishing my own beliefs.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Armor Lv2} has become { Weak Armor Lv3}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The Skill { Reinforced Exoskeleton Lv2} has become { Reinforced Exoskeleton Lv3}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Defence up Lv3} has become { Tier 1 Defence up Lv4}...]


    I continued to dine on the remaining eggshells, increasing the levels and proficiency of my defence skills, until there was no nothing left to eat within the facility. By the time that I finished my meal, more than a third of the total ghost shrimp''s population has been reduced to nothing. Only the strong remain, the weak are being killed off, consumed by the strong.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ''It''s the natural law of the wild, survival of the fittest, where the strong devour the weak.'' I commented.


    By the end of the day, after the initial killings, more than a third of the total ghost shrimps population has been purged. Those that have survived, have gained overall stats boost, and skills, from grinding levels.


    When night approaches, I burrowed myself into the ground, with my tiny body hidden underneath the soil, somewhat escaping the detection of incoming predators.


    Day 003


    A new day arrives, as I unburrowed myself out from the hole, peaking my small-sized shrimp head out. The sun has risen, peeking over the horizon, rays of sunlight stretching over the ocean seabed, pushing back the once encumbering darkness.


    ''It''s a bright new day...'' I happily commented.


    ''It''s time for me to earn some more levels. I can''t be behind my siblings, or else I might risk the chance of being hunted, used for experience points by others.'' I sinisterly thought as I cleared my head.


    My ghostly paled body emerged out from the burrowed hole. Watching from a distance, as seemingly my many hundreds of brethren, awaken from their slumber. Their morning wake up call, screeching loudly, one after another, resounded across the seabed, resembles an army band.


    Unexpectedly, the tiny ghost shrimps in which I thought were originally idiots, has by far exceeded my expectations. The hundreds of tiny ghost shrimps then split up, and gather into individual large groups, with the strongest in each group being the leader. Their intellect stats has been buffed up, and increased somewhat, even rivalling that of humans.


    ''If they were to continue to grow like this, then for sure the power scale would be flipped upside down. However, if every sentient lifeform in this universe is capable of evolving, and grow, thanks to the system. Then the future will be limitless...'' I thought, growing goosebumps, thinking alongside this track of thought.


    Unaware of the plans, set up by my siblings, I''ve decided to journey out alone, and go out solo by myself. It would seem to be the best idea at the moment, as I don''t actually truly one hundred percent trust my so-called siblings, after the incident that happened yesterday.


    I ventured out alone. I swam across the vast seabed, venturing out not so far away from the burrow. Slow and steady, as I carefully observed my surroundings.


    In the midst of my search, I have been looking out for any potential prey; small aquatic critters, and sea snails. Something that I could possibly kill with ease, and gather enough experience points to grind levels. I tend to avoid large predators, or those considered a high enough threat level that would endanger my life.


    In the middle of my scavenger hunt, I unknowingly encountered a small group, approximately around two or three, wild violet ghost sea snails.


    ''These wild violet ghost sea snails are indeed quite fascinating.'' I commented.


    The violet sea snails are a pale translucent gastropod, with a purple-violet seashell, it can be found all around the world, but mostly found common in tropical and subtropical waters. The little travellers normally spend their entire life adrift on the ocean''s current waves. However, every once in a while, once their mating season hits, they would travel in groups to the south, to look for potential mates.


    While other typical sea snails or slugs tend to leave a slimy trail behind them as they travel. This type of species takes another tack. It excretes a semi-fluid mucus from a gland on beneath its foot that agitates the water around it to simulate air bubbles, which it traps inside its translucent body.


    Once an enemy has been detected, within its attack range, the violet sea snail then inflates up, taking in the absorbed air bubbles into its body, mixed with its acidic bodily fluids it launches darts of acid spits at its targets. Either agitating the enemy to send a verbal warning to back off or fired off a constant barrage to try and eliminate the target.


    I slowly swam up from behind the violet sea snail, its blindspot, who remained stationary in place. It was releasing its strong gastro bodily fluids, secreted outside its body, in the process, of breaking down the content of its food.


    It was not even that difficult to outmanoeuvre the violet sea snails and enter its blind spot, because of the difference in body type and species advantage. It couldn''t be called a challenge.


    ''Now I''m the hunter and your my first prey.'' I commented.


    I swam behind it, and jumped on the back of its seashell, with my unanticipated surprise attack, the violet sea snail didn''t see it coming. I lunged myself forwards, with my numerous spiney spider-like legs pierced into the soft gelatinous flesh of the violet sea snail.


    The violet sea snail immediately deflated, burst into bits like a balloon, as the air bubbles trapped inside its body, rapidly escape outwards. Translucent, semi-transparent white fluids, which is its blood, floats out from its body. Within seconds, the violet sea snail bleeds to death, being skewered horribly by me.


    [You have killed a Violet Sea Snail level 3. You have earned 247 x2 (496) experience points...]


    [You have levelled up and become level 4...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv1} has become { Weak Stab Lv2}...]

 Victory at What Cost

    Having killed the violet sea snail, my legs pierced into its soft gelatinous lumps of flesh, its body bursts, becoming a deflated balloon. It releases out a putrid stench, mixed with the concentrated gastro bodily fluids hidden withinside its body.


    ''The smell stinks.'' I commented.


    My eyes then became as wide as a doll''s eyes, the black pupil enlargens, I screamed internally in pain, as the violet sea snail''s strong acidic bodily fluids stuck to my legs. It starts to dissolves the thickly layered exoskeleton on my legs, but due to the high concentration of calcium carbonate in my diet.


    The calcium carbonate which is used to strengthen my exoskeleton, and bones, can be used as an alkaline agent similar to limestone. It possesses the ability to neutralize, or partially neutralize strong acids.


    The neutralization process occurs when the strong acids are placed in intimate contact with limestone chips, which causes a strong intense reaction with Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3, the primary constituent of limestone) to form water, carbon dioxide, and calcium salts. The strong gastro acidic bodily fluids of the violet sea snails are effectively neutralized, rendering further harmless to my body.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Acid Resistance Lv1} has been acquired...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Acid Resistance Lv1} has become { Weak Acid Resistance Lv2}...]


    The pain has somewhat resided, but the burned marks left behind by the strong acid of the violet sea snail has partially melted the thickly layered exoskeleton on my legs, making it somewhat resembled a half-burnt candled, with the melted waxed nearly completely dribbled off the candle before hardening.


    ''You guys are toast! I will annihilate every last one of you! I will leave none of you alive!'' Filled with untold rage, and being consumed by my bloodlust. I continued to decimate the last two violet sea snails before me.


    ''Bubbles! Bubble! Bubble! (Attack! It killed our brother! Kill it!)'' The two violet sea snailed retaliated.


    The last two few violet sea snails immediately reacted after its companion was killed off, right before its very eyes. The two violet sea snails inflated their bodies like balloons, inhaled air bubbles, and gathers the strong acidic bodily fluid withinside its mouth, like a poison dart, it then fired the acidic spit towards my direction.


    By chance, I was able to evade the initial shot that was fired at me, by utilizing the dead carcass of the violet sea snail that I''ve killed, as a shield to my advantage to block the acid shot.


    However, soon having seen the dead carcass of its brethren, hanging on in my hands, being used as a shield to block its acidic attacks. There was a deep wide hole on the surface of the deflated violet sea snail carcass, as its dead carcass was partially melted by the strong acidic spit of the other violet sea snail.


    Its purple violet seashell managed to withstand the full frontal of the other violet sea snail''s strong acidic attack. Not before, cracks began to form on the surface of the violet seashell, and the strong gastro acidic fluids seeping in through the cracks, melting the insides and internal organs of the dead violet sea snails.


    ''Bubbles! Bubbles! (How dare you use our dead brother as a shield!)'' The violet sea snail screamed in rage, having seen how I treated its so-called brother''s dead body.


    I snickered devilishly, as my eyes gleamed with the intent to kill. Still holding onto the dead carcass of the violet sea snail, utilizing it as a shield, to block the majority of the violet sea snail''s acid attacks. I speedily charge towards the other two remaining violet sea snail, not without incurring some severe physical damage done to my body.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Acid Resistance Lv2} has become { Weak Acid Resistance Lv3}...]


    ''Damn it!'' I screamed internally, enduring the burned pain, I''ve felt covering my body.


    There are many holes withinside the dead carcass of the violet sea snail, some of its acidic bodily fluids leak out of from its wounds, and onto myself. Damaging my body in the process.


    However, with my thickly layered exoskeleton body, partially being made from mainly calcium carbonate organic materials. It was able to somewhat put up a resistance, and partially neutralized the strong gastro bodily fluid acids of the violet sea snail.


    I didn''t get out unscathed, as part of my exoskeleton in the leg regions, and back region is partially melted. You could see my translucent bodily flesh through the melted parts.


    Once within reach of another Violet sea snail, I discarded the dead carcass of the one I''ve killed and used as a shield. The dead carcass acted as a diversion, as it drops from up above the violet sea snail, obscuring its line of sight and changing its projectile accuracy. The projectile acid shot missed its target, with its trajectory changed by the dead carcass blocking its line of sight.


    ''Bubbles! (Damn it!)'' One of the violet sea snails screamed.


    ''Bubbles! (Brother, watch out!)'' The other violet sea snail shouted, catching the other one-off guard.


    It was already too late, as I''ve already outmanoeuvred the violet sea snail in open waters, my body dived down like a spear, as I''ve latched onto the back of the distracted violet sea snail. Repeated what happened to the first one, I viciously pierced the gelatinous body of the violet sea snail I''m latched onto, with my spiney spider-like legs.


    My spiney spider-like legs pierced into the gelatinous body of the violet sea snail, like a balloon, it became deflated, as the air bubbles escaped from its body. It soon bleeds to death within seconds, like the first one, as it''s acidic blue blood mixed with the ocean''s waters.


    ''Bubbles! Bubble! (Brother, no! You bastard, you''ve killed him!)'' The last violet sea snail screamed at me.


    [You have killed a Violet Sea Snail level 5. You have earned 368 x2 (736) experience points...]


    [You have levelled up and become level 6...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv2} has become { Weak Stab Lv3}...]


    ''You''re next! There is no escape for you! Die, bitch!'' I shouted as I swam forwards, towards its direction.


    ''Bubbles! Bubbles! (Stay back! You murderer!'' The last violet sea snail shouted.


    I managed to outmanoeuvre it, within this vast open waters, as the violet sea snail starts to run low on its ammo. The number of bodily fluids it could produce, could not outpace the consumption rate at which reach it fires acidic spit shots at me. The trapped air, which it uses to compress, the acid fluids are starting to run low, decreasing the speed and power of which the acid shot it is firing at.


    Within seconds, I approached the last remaining violet sea snail, my figure seems impending large its eyes. As a faint white ghostly silhouette appeared in the reflection of its black antenna-like eyes. A sense of impending doom soon crawls up on the violet sea snail''s back.


    The violet sea snail reacted almost immediately, as it tries to crawl back within its seashell, but I didn''t let it go that easily. When it''s gelatinous like fleshy body retreated back inside its seashell, I flipped the violet sea snail seashell unto its back, like the phrase ''don''t poke the bear.'' With my spiney spider-like legs, I played skewered the pig, while the violet sea snail remains in its shell, I constantly stab at it''s inside with my spiney spider-like legs, provoking a reaction.


    The violet sea snail screamed internally, as I continued to stab it with my spiney spider-like legs. Blue blood starts to slowly flow out from the wound, but it hasn''t died yet. It lasted way much longer than the previous two.


    ''It was probably that by staying withinside its seashell. It can prevent the loss of air bubbles trapped withinside its body, and slow down the rate of blood loss. Nevertheless, it can not deter its inevitable end. It''s death.'' I commented, as the violent sea snail soon died from blood loss.


    [You have killed a Violet Sea Snail level 7. You have earned 481 x2 (962) experience points...]


    [You have levelled up and become level 9...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv3} has become { Weak Stab Lv4}...]


    ''It would seem that this last one is much higher levelled than the previous two. I assumed that this one is probably the party leader... Nice! I''ve levelled up to level 9 in this hunt. Eight levels in one hunt. What a lucky gain.'' I happily commented.

 Bio-Growth Points

    I won the fight, and killed those three violet sea snails, which gained me an explosive amount of experience points and levels, but at what cost. As I felt pain wracked my whole body, my exoskeleton nearly completely melted and is in complete tatters.


    ''I may not be able to survive another fight! If I were to suddenly encounter another foe of similar levels.'' I complained. Nevertheless, I bare with it, for now, and reap the rewards of my first hunt.


    ''My first hunt. It is the Violet Sea Snail. Its body contains acidic bodily fluids. I wonder if it is even edible... even if it is not edible. I still can''t waste food here in the wild. Everything is essential to survive in the wild. The energy and stamina you need to conserve in order to survive.'' I thought, unanimously, I decided to trust my gut feeling, and go with the flow.


    With my small-sized mandibles, I took a small chunk of gelatinous flesh from the violet sea snail, and it tastes extremely bitter. This is probably due to the acidic contents of its bodily fluids mixing in with its bodily flesh.


    ''The acidity is negligible when it is diluted and not concentrated. It is not strong like I initially thought or is it because of my increase acid resistance that it is starting to have less of an effect on me.'' I commented.


    I consumed the flesh of the violet sea snail, and the seashells of the violet sea snails in rapid succession, alternating between the two to reduce the bad bitter after taste.


    Unknown to me at the time, but this sort of method to eat sea snails, was quite common in the gourmet seafood world. As the calcium carbonate of the seashells acts as an alkaline agent, which neutralizes the strong internal acids of the gastropod, without destroying anything, leaving the content of its meat and flesh intact.


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 5 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the exoskeleton seashells of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    ''What! What are these so-called bio-growth points? Is it something new.'' I commented, as my attention is piqued.


    [Bio-growth points are essentially merit points created in order to aid the host (monsters) in creating mutations that eventually leads to evolution. Bio-growth points can also be used as currency to buy skills or traits from the system, in which you have unlocked after you consumed the biomass, and acquired their genetic DNA sequence...]


    [The higher the amount of bio-growth points the host has in their arsenal, the rarer evolutionary paths the host can unlock...]


    [Bio-growth points are acquired through the consumption of another lifeform; flesh, bones, plants, any sort of organic matter...]


    Almost immediately, having heard my response, the system immediately answered my inquiry, as a line of blue text soon appeared before my retina.


    [You have acquired the genetic DNA sequence of the Violet Sea Snail. {Intermediate Gastric Gland} {Mucous Gland} { Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} unlocked...]


    ''What!'' I shouted, as I read through the threads of blue text, that appeared before my retina. Their context totally astounded me. The potential and mutations that I could gain from the system.


    ''This is incredible!'' I screamed out in a joyous occasion after I''ve discovered this fact.


    ''I wondered if I could buy the [ Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} skill from the system. It could come in pretty handy right about now, but how much bio-growth point would that literally cost me.'' I thought.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} from the monster system for 120 bio-growth points?]


    I instinctively replied ''yes''. However, the response was slightly disheartening.


    [You possess an insufficient amount of bio-growth points. You could not purchase the { Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} skill. Current bio-growth points: 7...]


    ''It costs so much, and I have so little amounts of these so-called bio-growth points.'' I grow slightly depressed about discovering this obvious fact. Nevertheless, I know have a goal that I want to achieve. The sooner the better.


    ''Wait a minute, there! Didn''t I consume a lot of organic material at the nest? If even seashells are considered organic material, then wouldn''t eggshells be the same.'' I commented, and the system immediately gave a response.


    [In order to prevent any unnecessary cheat and unfair advantage from the system. Any organic material produced or excreted out from the parent of the species would not count as bio-growth points until the initial 48 hours are up. However, consuming the flesh of the same parent species would increase within the 48 hours timespan...]


    ''I didn''t know that the monster system could be so vile, and encourage cannibalism, and infanticide. Well, this is another world after all. There is no use to add human logic into it all, when they are not even humans in the first place, we''re monsters after all.'' I commented, which seems to sours my mood a bit, as I relented to release all of my pent up frustration.


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 5 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the exoskeleton seashells of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 5 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the exoskeleton seashells of a Violet Sea Snail. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [Your current amount of bio-growth points: 21...]


    I continued to dine on the remaining remnants of the dead carcasses of the violet sea snail that I killed, in order to increase my arsenal of bio-growth points, I must first consume more biomass, to get biomass, I must find and kill more prey. Repeat the same cycle, until I''ve gathered enough bio-growth points to buy the {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} skill from the monster system.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Acid Resistance Lv3} has become { Weak Acid Resistance Lv4}...]


    After having finished my meal, I almost recovered the entirety of my stamina and energy to continue, I didn''t continue the hunt, instead, I decided to make the decision to head back to the nest, to recover from the wounds that were inflicted on my body.


    I could still feel the pain that has wrecked my body, though the pain has somewhat lessened, it is still there and has yet to have completely disappeared.


    Without much further thought, I began to make my way back, retreating back to the comforts and safety of the nest. Though I don''t exactly trust my safety in the hands of my siblings. It is still a lot better than being completely alone, safety in numbers can most definitely reassure me of my chances of survival.


    I slowly began to make my way back to the nest, whilst, constantly on guard, utilizing my long elongated whiskers as feelers, feeling the vibrations of waves and the movements of water particles within the waters. Whenever my elongated whiskers would vibrate it would detect abnormal movements, indicating that there was another lifeform or organism nearby, that creating vibrations or movements in the water.


    If the detected enemy was of formidable size, and quite ferocious, something that I could not handle. So I would immediately retreat the moment, my eyes gain visual of the target.


    It didn''t take me long to return back the burrowed nest, everyone was in a lively energetic atmosphere, it would seem that their hunt has gone very well, and they were quite successful. Most have managed to increased a few levels or two.


    However, there were a few amongst the group that was left out, feeling a bit sad and gloomy, like an outsider. Some were quite seriously wounded, many with a damaged exoskeleton, destroyed carapaces, and severed limbs. These kinds of things do tend to happen, occasionally, in the wild, when our lifestyle is always fraught with unsuspecting danger at every corner.


    When I returned to the burrow nest, I was met with the constant gazes of my ghost shrimps siblings, feeling all of their black pupil like eyes landed on me. It immediately gave me goosebumps, but I simply ignore it for it now.


    I went to a small corner of the burrow, isolated from the rest of my siblings, with the least of my siblings around.


    I burrowed my body under the ground, as the dirt-covered soil camouflages my body. I immediately went to sleep, to get some well indeed rest, to recover my stamina from the tortuous battle with violet sea snail.

 The Bigger the Better

    Day 004


    When morning arrives, the bottom of the ocean seabed in which I lay, starts to brighten up a bit. The darkness retreated back to the abyss, as I start to awake from my slumber, burrowing my head out from the ground. The dirt sand gave way, as a tiny white hook-like head pops out, sticking out from the ground.


    I began to shake the dirt off my body, as I dug myself up to the surface, out from the ground. After a good night rests, I felt my body fully recovered, brimming with energy to spare.


    However, the severe wounds that were inflicted by the violet sea snail, were none recoverable at this moment. It would probably take roughly around one to three weeks before I could enter the molting cycle, and shed my own skin off, and build myself a new.


    Molting is a necessary process that all shrimps must go through numerous times as they grow up. When they are young, all shrimps will tend to shed their skin around once a week, varied from species to species. As soon as they have shed their shell, or exoskeleton off, they are quite very vulnerable to predators, as this is because their new shell is quite soft and has yet to harden in the beginning.


    ''For now, I must make do with what I now have. I must be resourceful, and not waste any opportunity I would get, whether it is big or small...'' I thought.


    Just as I was about to head off in search of food, I was immediately stopped in my tracks, as a small ghost shrimp roughly half my size, blocked my path. It quickly approaches me, like an impending arrow, heading towards my direction.


    I was on guard, raising my spiney spider-like legs, incredibly cautious, and weary, prepared to go on the offensive, when the time needs me.


    ''Please let me join your group! Or at least let me be your follower! I beg you!'' The little ghost shrimp said, cowering in fear, at my mere presence.


    ''What! You want to join me! You want to become my follower! Why?'' I asked, slightly surprised at the sudden turns of event. I would never have expected this.


    ''For sure, I would have thought that large groups like them, would despise loners type like me because I would contribute nothing and provide no benefits to them. I would only become a nuisance to them later on if I decided to stick with them. That is under normal circumstances of teamwork when I provide nothing to the group.'' I thought.


    ''However, in the wild it is different, it is only in greater numbers that tasks can be achieved in greater efficiency. For instance, hunting in a pact would make it easier if the task was evenly distributed, with one luring the target, the other tiring it out or wear them down, as the most agile one lands a decisive blow to kill the prey.'' I commented, recalling of a wildlife documentary I saw years ago.


    ''It is because you are currently the strongest one in our generation. You are not in a group or team, so I thought I could take the chance and ask you to take me in.'' The little ghost shrimp said to me, as its body shivering uncontrollably, curled into a fetal position. While it is nervously fidgeting with its legs.


    ''Strong! How could you tell that I''m strong?'' I asked the little ghost shrimp.


    According to the little ghost shrimp''s response, because of our species specialization and growth period. A big indicator of our strength lies in the individual sizes differences, as the higher level you are, the more bigger you would get. Due to the effects of growth, as each time a member of our species-levels up, the individual would increase by a centimeter in height.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    It is said that a full-grown adult ghost shrimp is roughly over a hundred centimeters tall, with its legs having hardened and become lances, reaching the maxed capped level at Lv100.


    Once an individual monster has reached the maxed level capped at Lv100, it means that the individual has met the prerequisite requirements for evolution. However, any experience points that are gained after reaching the maxed level capped are not added to the host and are instead then converted into bio-growth points.


    The more the host gathers up large amounts of bio-growth points, the more benefits they would gain, as rarer evolutionary paths would be unlocked. And skills otherwise wouldn''t be possible to acquire due to racial differences, can be bought with bio-growth points in the monster system, can also trigger a variant mutation, which simulates an environmental evolution that changes the host''s race, but isn''t actually classified as an evolution.


    ''So you want to become my follower is that right?'' I asked the little ghost shrimp.


    ''Yes! Please let me join! I''ve got nowhere else to go. Please!'' The little ghost shrimp nodded his head up and down, pleading to me to accept him.


    ''You would do anything I task you with. Even if it were quite dangerous like becoming shark bait would you still...'' I said, carefully choosing word by word, as to test the willpower of the individual.


    The little ghost shrimps shiver uncontrollably, on the brink of breaking into tears, as it suddenly it has gone quiet. It didn''t speak or uttered a single word out of its mouth, silently glancing towards my direction. This almost seems like bullying, but nevertheless, if I must place my safety in the hands of others, it must be someone capable and is not a coward.


    ''I don''t want to carry unwanted luggage around. It would just unnecessary dragged me down, or possibly in the slim chance, it could put my life at danger.'' I thought, glancing at the little ghost shrimp, my large size didn''t seem to make it better, only further serves to intimidate the little lad even further.


    The little ghost shrimp kept quiet for a while, as it glanced at me, then at the groups of ghost shrimps, and finally back at me.


    ''What little difference would it make? Whether I''m by myself or in a large group. Only the strong gets first pick and we the weakest get the leftovers. Sometimes or pretty much most of the time, there is nothing left for us, last pickers. At least I''ve got a much better chance of survival if I hang out with you. Even if it is a small piece of scrap. I would still be grateful...'' The little ghost shrimp cried, weeping in sorrow at its own worthlessness.


    ''Fine! I will take you under my wing, little one, but you must still do whatever I say.'' I said to the little ghost shrimp, as it jolts backward in joy and happiness.


    ''Yes! Yes! Thank you, so much! I promise that I will do everything you will say. Even down to the very last orders!'' The little ghost shrimp shouted out in joy.


    ''Now that is enough bickering, little one! Let us depart on for our hunt!'' I said to the little ghost shrimp.


    ''Yes, Boss!'' The little ghost shrimp nodded his head in response.


    The two of us then departed, leaving the safety and comforts of the nest of our own accord. We didn''t swim so far away from the burrow nest, and its location, but kept at a small distance a couple few meters away.


    The underwater ocean seabed is vast, and plentiful, filled with many wild sea life and fauna, that I could hardly count. We travel for who knows how long, as the underwater seabed is extremely vast.


    With my elongated long whisker spreading out, I utilized it as detectors to detect movements in the water, as it gently flows waving squiggly against the ocean currents.


    For as long as the eyes could see. There are massive sea corals, and large red sea urchins, lying around on the underwater seabeds, and at the ends of steep cliffs. I wondered if the red sea urchins and sea corals are even edible. There are still classified as living organisms after all.


    ''Red sea urchins are typically spiny, globular animals, though quite primitive by nature. They boast a powerful defense mechanism. Their large spiny spikes can sting, it can be extremely painful. This may cause extensive damage to the skin, bones, and even tissue.'' I commented.


    The spiky spines would hurt like hell when they pierced the skin, much like a large splinter would. So no wild animal would tend to devour red sea urchins whole, unless they want to prolong the agonizing pain, and caused internal bleeding.

 The Near Impenetrable Red Sea Starfish

    In the depths of the ocean waters, with the brine flowing past our limbs, the currents provide little to no resistance to us all. I alongside the little ghost shrimp swam for who knows how long, with no intended end or destination, but the goals of scouting for food.


    The deep blue sea is extremely beautiful, solemn, and quiet. It has so many secrets, stories yet to tell, and here we are exploring it all, admiring the many natural wonders and wildlife.


    Below the calm still, ocean waters, beneath the water surface, laying on the steep empty patches of the ocean seabed, with little wildlife and fauna, was a sizeable large individual starfish; reaching nearing a full 30 centimeter in length, with rough red stone coarse like skin, and five long stretching arms.


    ''This red sea starfish should be our next target. It is pretty much defenseless and immobile. Easy for the picking. Not many predators would choose to hunt and eat the meat of starfishes, because of their rocky hard texture.'' I said, expanding my knowledge.


    ''I see. You''re right, boss.'' The little ghost shrimp at my side commented.


    I and the little ghost swam down from above the seabed, kicking our legs backward, we moved towards the direction of the rocky underwater seabed, where the large sizeable red starfish lay immobile. I swam steadily around the red sea starfish, getting 360 degrees visual of the creature, gauging its bodily features, and testing if it has any defense mechanisms.


    ''The red sea starfish seems to completely lack any sort of natural offensive measures. It''s sort of pretty defenseless if I do say so myself. However, it possesses a defense mechanism, where when a predator has caught one of its five limbs. The red sea starfish can completely be severed or detached its caught limb from its main body to escape the predator. The severed limb would then wiggle around wildly, insinuating as if it is alive, to fool its predator, so that the main body could escape safely.


    On the other hand, the red sea starfish are natural predators of most mollusk species, that is because of most mollusks have a hinged two-part shell, which includes clams, mussels, oysters and scallops, as well as various types of octopus, snail, and squid.


    The mollusk would remain stationary, trapped within its homemade defensive seashell, as the red sea starfish wraps its many arms around the mollusk trapping it. It would then releases a highly acidic substance from its stomach, which slowly eats away from the outer seashell of the mollusks. So that it could make its way to the delicious insides of the mollusks. The natural apex predator of the mollusk species.'' I commented.


    ''I see! You''re right, boss!'' The little ghost shrimp nodded his head in confirmation, but still slightly confused at where all the information I''ve got comes from.


    Starfish are marine invertebrates with a typical hard exoskeleton similar to us. They typically have a central disc, which is its mouth and brain, in addition, to five additional limbs or arms, though some species of starfish have a larger number of arms. The aboral or upper surface may be smooth, granular or spiny, and is covered with overlapping plates.


    Many species are brightly colored in various shades of red or orange, while others are blue, grey or brown. Starfish have tube feet operated by a hydraulic system and a mouth at the center of the oral or lower surface.


    ''Let''s kill it before any unsuspecting predators come and find us.'' I said.


    ''I gotcha!'' The little ghost shrimp responded, following my lead.


    We swam closer towards the red sea starfish, as the red sea starfish immediately senses our presence, and is able to gain visual of us through its many eyes at the tip of its arms. More like light receptors able to detect the changes in light.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The red sea starfish immediately raises its large arms, attempting to swash us like flies. However, that proved to be ineffective, as we can just swim above the red sea starfish, and outside of its attack range. Even if the red sea starfish is more than twice my overall size, its limps are made to capture mollusks, not for attacking incoming predators. It couldn''t possibly strangle them to death like how most large snakes do.


    ''It isn''t capable of attacking. It''s just simply thwarting its large arms around as a way of intimidation in order to scare away dumb frightened predators.'' I said.


    I swam above the red sea starfish and landed on top of its central disc, the head of the red sea starfish. Utilizing my many spiney spider-like legs, I tried to stab the red sea starfish to death, aiming at its mere joints to separate its limb from its main body.


    However, it''s armored plated exoskeleton was a bit too tough, it took me several stabs in order to just create a little dent a dot in its armored plating, but that was enough to give me hope that it was possible. I start unleashing constant barrages until I''m tired out, wrecking one of the five limbs of the red sea starfish, as holes start to appear all over the joints of the red sea starfish.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv4} has become { Weak Stab Lv5}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up} acquired...]


    From repeating the same repetitive action hundreds of times, lunging my spiney spider-like legs at the red sea starfish. It seems that I have grown used to it, adapting to changes in my new way of life. The proficiency of how I''ve used my spike-like legs has improved considerably, letting me acquired a new skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up}.


    ''The skill { Dexterity Up} allows me to use my spike-like legs more effectively, modifying my joints, making it even more flexible and agile.'' I commented as I saw numerous blue notification appeared before my retina.


    ''Boss!'' The little ghost shrimp shouted at me.


    ''What is it, little one? I''m busy...'' I said to the little ghost shrimp, who just watches me off in the distance, afraid to approach the red sea starfish, as I unleashed countless piercing attacks like a mad man.


    ''Aren''t you even a bit tired, boss?'' The little ghost shrimp asked, a bit worriedly, but that still doesn''t unface me.


    ''Something like this is not even the least bit difficult, but it is a bit time-consuming. If we constantly worried about every little bit of thing, then how would we reached our goal. Just sit tight and wait for a bit.'' I said to the little ghost shrimp.


    ''Alright...'' The little ghost shrimp felt a bit disheartened at my quote but seeing me fight the red sea starfish diligently, without giving up. The little ghost shrimp then become a bit inspired, as it watches the fight with great appreciation.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv1} has become { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv2}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv5} has become { Weak Stab Lv6}...]


    I continued to unleash one piercing stab attack after another, therefore, becoming a torrent of blows. Until it finally couldn''t handle it anymore, the plated armor of the red sea starfish gave in and collapse, caving in, as I stabbed into its flesh and attempt to severing its limps apart.


    When it''s severed limp completely fallen apart and separate from its main body, the red sea starfish screeched, screaming in absolute pain.


    I didn''t let go, and stabbed my spiney spider-like legs through the entirety of the severed limb of the red sea starfish, as it convulses uncontrollably flaunting its severed arm around, before it becomes completely silent, as a milky semi-transparent like fluid flows out from its body, through the opened wound caused by me.


    [You have killed a Red Sea Starfish level 11 (1 out of 5). You have earned 574 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 10...]


    ''What! I''ve killed the Red Sea Starfish and leveled up, that is not possible, because the Red Sea Starfish is still alive. Unless each individual limb of the Red Sea Starfish is considered alive, and the main body is the hive mind.'' I screamed as I tried to make logical conclusions out of the current situation.


    ''Hahaha!'' I laughed as I carried the severed limb over to the little ghost shrimp.


    ''What''s the matter, boss? Why are you laughing?'' The little ghost shrimp asked me, finding my odd laugh rather peculiar, it couldn''t make heads or tails over it.


    ''Nothing much. I think I just found a large experience bank. With I fully kill this red sea starfish, then I would gain a large number of experience points, as well as level up my skills and skill proficiency in the process. Eat up little one, I''m sharing this with you. So that you would gain some bio-growth points to spend on improving your growth.'' I said.


    ''Do you mean it, boss?'' The little ghost shrimp asked rather excitedly, as he became rather jumpy.


    ''Yes!'' I replied with a nod of confirmation.

 Ghost Shrimp Possible Mutations

    [You have consumed the flesh of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 12 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 8 bio-growth points...]


    [You have acquired the genetic DNA sequence of the Red Sea Starfish. {Lesser Regeneration}{Plated Armor}{Tube Tendrils} unlocked...]


    I and the little ghost shrimp start to devour the severed limb of the red sea starfish before our very eyes. Its meat was quite brittle, and minced, slightly a bit chewy, but it tastes like dirt granules, giving off an earthy flavor. Nevertheless, I''m not the type to complain about the food, after I''ve spent so many hours preparing it.


    The exoskeleton of the red sea starfish was quite tough and a bit hard, so only I''m allowed to eat it since I''m used to eating hard seashells. In order for the little ghost shrimp to be able to experience some meager growth, it first needs to be able to defend itself. So it needs to build up its defense by increasing the thickness of its armored exoskeleton. This is done by consuming calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate can be found in almost all crustacean and mollusks aquatical creatures. So basically anything that has a harden exoskeleton or invertebrates.


    So instead I broke a piece of the red sea starfish plated exoskeleton and crushed it into tiny little bits, into swallowable size, with my mandible. I then gave it to the little ghost shrimp, so that it can ingest the tiny fragments of the calcium carbonate, and convert it into nutrients to build its shell.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Bite Lv1} acquired...]


    Due to me breaking down the plated armored exoskeleton, with my mandibles, into tiny little bits. I sort of learned a new skill, in the process, which helps increase the strength of my bite attacks.


    ''Pretty helpful if I do say so myself... wait a minute, does this count as force-feeding. Nah, I''m only breaking it down into sizeable bits and chunks, which little one could easily eat himself. Just like a mother bird, but I''m not barfing it out from my stomach, that is just gross.'' I thought.


    ''Say how many bio-growth points have you acquired, little one?'' I asked having grown rather curious.


    ''Just about 11 bio-growth points, boss. 9 from the red sea starfish''s flesh, and 3 from the plated exoskeleton which you gave me.'' The little ghost shrimp said, feeling a sense of joy, and a growing sense of attachment and trust towards me.


    ''Say boss!'' The little ghost shrimp asked me, looking in my particular direction.


    ''What is it, little one?'' I responded.


    ''Boss, thanks to the meal that you gave me. I''ve obtained brand new skills, it is called {Weak Armor}{Reinforced Exoskeleton}.'' The little ghost shrimp said.


    ''Those were the skills you were supposed to have learned in the beginning, either you kill and consumed the carcass of our brethren, or eaten the scattered eggshell remains of the incubation sphere.'' I responded to the little ghost shrimp''s quote.


    ''Oh!'' Having heard what I''ve just said, the little ghost shrimp recounted what happened just a few days ago.


    It was carnage. Dead bodies and remains of our brethren and siblings littered everywhere, either partially consumed or just dumped above ground, without any proper burial. The little ghost shrimp was almost killed due to that incident, hanging on its dear life, if it didn''t manage to escape before long, having sensed the incoming danger beforehand.Stolen novel; please report.


    Though the little ghost shrimp managed to escape the carnage. It didn''t escape from its hunger, having eaten nothing since its birth. It has been lying low, buried itself in the ground, afraid of being discovered.


    So it has been suffering silently until the little critter met me. How miserable its life must have been. Nevertheless, it is the way of the wild. The untold truth. Only those who are brave enough to step foot onto the unknown path and face countless dangers may benefit from it all.


    ''Cheer up, little one! It''s not something that you should need to be ashamed of. Everyone has points in time where they are weak and vulnerable. It is only through time and effort would that hole we call weakness to be closed and eventually covered. Some people would cover their weaknesses by relying on another. The same goes for the others, that is why we established independent groups and teams we could rely on.'' I said, listening to my speech, the little ghost shrimp then cheered up.


    He looked at me, and said, ''You''re right, boss. I should trust you. You are not like the others, who rely purely on strength, not only are you strong, but you are smart as well.'' The little ghost shrimp complemented, and seems to have a growing sense of admiration towards me.


    ''Boss, I''m quite curious. Have you bought anything from the monster system using bio-growth points yet? Like {Reinforced Mandibles}{Enlargen Tail Fin}{Camouflage Skin}.'' The little ghost shrimp commented, which completely surprises me a bit.


    ''What do you mean, little one? What skills are those?'' I turned and asked the little ghost shrimp.


    ''So you don''t know, boss? The last time I''ve checked, it was quite recently, when I unlocked the monster system function after eating the red sea starfish flesh and exoskeleton. Those skills that I''ve said before were already unlocked, and it is part of our race, the ghost shrimps.'' The little ghost shrimp commented, which further shocked me, emphasizing on the phrase ''it is part of our race, the ghost shrimps.''


    ''What!'' I screamed, as I hurriedly opened the monster system function, searching through the unlocked mutational skill list.


    [Monster Skill Store List]


    {Reinforced Mandible} - 20 BGP


    {Enlargen Tail Fin} - 20 BGP


    {Camouflaged} - 100 BGP


    {Intermediate Gastric Gland} - 240 BGP


    {Mucous Gland} - 120 BGP


    {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} - 120 BGP


    {Lesser Regeneration} - 240 BGP


    {Plated Exoskeleton} - 120 BGP


    {Tube Tendrils} - 100 BGP


    # # # # #


    [Current Bio-growth points: 41]


    Looking through the monster skill store list, I found the unlocked racial skills, that the little ghost shrimp was talking about, and I was immediately impressed.


    ''How come I didn''t found this out even sooner? Well, I will eventually found out when I gather enough bio-growth points to buy the {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} skill.'' I thought.


    ''Is there something the matter, boss.'' The little ghost shrimp asked, slightly worried about my wellbeing since I am speaking to myself.


    ''No, there is nothing wrong.'' I responded.


    ''Maybe I should spend all of the bio-growth points that I''ve gathered up till this point to buy the {Reinforced Mandible} and {Enlargen Tail Fin} skill. It is just a measly 40 bio-growth points, which I could easily earn back by killing all four limbs of the red sea starfish. The {Reinforced Mandible} will definitely come in handy, working well in conjunction with my {Weak Bite} skill, as I continued to level up my skill. Imagine if I could crush rocks with my mandible, it would definitely be useful.


    The {Enlargen Tain Fin} will definitely come in handy, as it would improve my mobility in water, just like a fish, I could use my tail fin to propel me forward. Instead, I have to use my legs to kick the water, so that I could swim forwards.'' I thought, making heads and tails, over the advantages and disadvantages of the skill.


    ''I would like to buy the skill {Reinforced Mandible} and {Enlargen Tail Fin}.'' I said to myself, and the monster system immediately responded, as blue screen notification appeared before my retina.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Reinforced Mandible} and {Enlargen Tail Fin} from the monster system for 40 bio-growth points?]


    ''Yes.'' I gave a short reply.


    [You have purchased the mutational skill {Reinforced Mandible} and {Enlargen Tail Fin} from the monster system. 40 bio-growth points deducted...]


    [You have learned the mutation skill { Reinforced Mandible Lv1}{ Enlargen Tail Fin Lv1} acquired...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 1]


    The moment I bought the mutational skill, I can feel a faint glow emanating from the front regions of my body, as my tiny mandibles started to grow in size, resembling sharp powerful pincers. As well as my horizontal tail fin starts to enlargen, it increased in length, giving me a boost of out maneuverability in waters.


    I flapped my horizontal tail fin up and down, causing a backward thrust, which propels me forward. Steadily, as I get used to this new burst of speed.


    ''Congratulations, boss! You''ve just now become stronger!'' The little ghost shrimp commented.

 Experience Grinding

    After a couple of hours of constant grinding, I managed to chip away at the plated armor of the red sea starfish, severing its five limbs, one at a time until there was none left, just the plated armor central disc, the brain of the red sea starfish.


    Second Kill!


    [You have killed a Red Sea Starfish level 11 (2 out of 5). You have earned 574 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 11...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv2} has become { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv3}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv6} has become { Weak Stab Lv7}...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 12 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 8 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 21]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Bite Lv1} has become { Weak Bite Lv2}...]


    Third Kill!


    [You have killed a Red Sea Starfish level 11 (3 out of 5). You have earned 574 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 12...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv3} has become { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv4}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv7} has become { Weak Stab Lv8}...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 12 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 8 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 41]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Bite Lv2} has become { Weak Bite Lv3}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Reinforced Mandible Lv1} has become { Weak Bite Lv2}...]


    Fourth Kill!


    [You have killed a Red Sea Starfish level 11 (4 out of 5). You have earned 574 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 13...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv4} has become { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv5}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv8} has become { Weak Stab Lv9}...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 12 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 8 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 61]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Bite Lv3} has become { Weak Bite Lv4}...]


    Fifth Kill!


    [You have killed a Red Sea Starfish level 11 (5 out of 5). You have earned 574 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 14...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv5} has become { Tier 1 Dexterity Up Lv6}...]If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Stab Lv9} has become { Weak Stab Lv10} The skill { Weak Stab Lv10} has reached the maxed level and has evolved into { Strong Stab Lv1}...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 12 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of a Red Sea Starfish. You have received 8 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 81]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Weak Bite Lv4} has become { Weak Bite Lv5}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Reinforced Mandible Lv2} has become { Reinforced Mandible Lv3}...]


    After having killed all five limbs of the red sea starfish, all that remains was the central disc, the brain and the hive mind of the original red sea starfish. Tiredness swept over my body, pretty exhausted, as my muscle aches and is in pain, because of overuse and the constant stabbing motion.


    However, I wasn''t done yet, as my body was aching, there were creaking sounds in the movements of my joints. I ignored the pain, by focusing all of my concentration on experience grinding, killing the red sea starfish is my intended goal.


    I raised my many spiney spider-like legs, into the air, and descends downwards, with the added strength and penetration bonus of the {Strong Stab} skill, I pierced the armor plating of the red sea starfish, and into its flesh and the brain of the red sea starfish.


    ''Screech! Screech! Screech! (Bastard! I will kill you! Vermin!)'' The red sea starfish screamed, as its lifeforce is drained before its very eyes.


    Just like an H*adcrab, I wrapped myself around the head, or to be exact the brain of the red sea starfish, with my numerous spiney spider-like legs pierced into its flesh and clutch onto the internal intestine of the red sea starfish. With little force even used, I start to contract my legs, squeezing even harder, as I slowly crushed the brain matter of the red sea starfish to bits.


    [You have killed the Red Sea Starfish Central Disc (Brain). You have earned 1223 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 16...]


    With the final essence of the red sea starfish''s life force vanishing before my very eyes, it''s consciousness dissipating into nothing, I relished in my sweet victory, as I gazed at the twilight sky from above the sea.


    Wallow in my sweet and hard-earned victory, its time to collect my loot, as I ripped apart the many armor platings on the red sea starfish, and start devouring the brain of the red sea starfish, whilst sharing some bits and leftovers with the little ghost shrimps as well, being very generous to the little fella.


    [You have consumed the brain matter of the Red Sea Starfish Central Disc. You have received 27 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the plated exoskeleton of the Red Sea Starfish Central Disc. You have received 14 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 122]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Intelligent Up Lv1} acquired...]


    ''I''ve now obtained enough bio-growth points to buy the skill {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} from the monster system, but I could also buy the {Camouflaged} skill instead of the {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration} from the monster system. The {Camouflaged} skill seems a bit more useful at the current predicament, as I''m not exactly strong, and could possibly hide from incoming large predators, by camouflaging my skin to the external environment, escaping the enemy lines of visual detection.'' I thought, coming to a logical conclusion, weighing the pros and cons of each alternative option.


    ''Besides I could always save up enough bio-growth points to buy the {Weak Exoskeleton Regeneration] skill. It didn''t take me that long to gather up 122 bio-growth points. I could gather a lot more within a week or so.'' I thought, as I made up my decision, I decided to buy the skill that I wanted.


    ''I want to buy the mutational skill {Camouflaged}.'' I said, and the monster system responded, as a blue screen notification appeared before my retina.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Camouflaged} from the monster system for 100 bio-growth points?]


    ''Yes!'' I responded.


    [You have purchased the mutational skill {Camouflaged} from the monster system. 100 bio-growth points deducted...]


    [You have learned the mutation skill { Camouflaged Lv1} acquired...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 22]


    The moment I acquired the skill, I can feel my body instinctively change, though there weren''t many physical changes. The harden white exoskeleton starts to exhibit visual changes, as the color changes slightly to a more darkish sandy yellow, matching with the sandy environment.


    Though there many visible white patches, of my previously white exoskeleton, this is because of the skill level of the {camouflaged} skill being too extremely low, and I wasn''t able to fully utilize the skill effectively as an expert can, diminishing the effects of the {camouflaged} skill.


    ''Boss! The sky is darkening. We should head back to the nest. It is dangerous out in the dark!'' The little ghost shrimp said so in a hurry, as you can''t sway his eagerness to return back to the nest.


    ''Do not worry, little one? I know of a good place to stay for the night. We could hide in the sea corals for the night, to bide our time, until morning, when it is safe to come back out.'' I said, suggesting another alternative instead of heading back in a hurry during the night, as large nocturnal monsters may come out, and possible ambush us.


    ''Do you really mean it, boss?'' The little ghost shrimp asked me, his eyes brimming with a worried expression.


    ''Yes!'' I responded in affirmation.


    I and the little ghost shrimp then dragged the remaining leftovers of the red sea starfish''s carcass, that we didn''t manage to finish off, because we were full at the time, and use it as a bedtime snack. We slowly swam through, and enter a small forest of peach vibrant soft coral reefs, and use it as our temporary housing for the time being.

 True Experience Farming

    I and the little ghost shrimp moved into the forest of peach vibrant soft coral reef. The peach coloured tubes passing by us, swaying against the ocean waves.


    ''I wonder if I can eat these soft coral reefs. I saw many types of fishes eat these kinds of reefs, so why can''t I?'' A thought lingers at the top of my head.


    Nevertheless, being the opportunistic type of person, I went ahead, and nibble on the vibrant peach soft coral reefs.


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have acquired the genetic DNA sequence of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. {Hardening}{Photosynthesis}{Elongated Tubes}{Greater Regeneration} unlocked...]


    ''What! I seem to have gained some experience points from consuming a single strand of vibrant peach soft coral reefs.'' I exclaimed out in great shock, which totally shocks the little ghost shrimp beside me.


    ''What do you mean, boss? Is there something wrong? Are we in any sort of danger?'' The little ghost shrimp said growing slightly wary of its surroundings.


    ''We''re not in any sort of danger the least that I know of, but I''ve made an amazing discovery, and that is... you can gain experience point and bio-growth points from eating these vibrant peach soft coral reefs.'' I said to the little ghost shrimp.


    ''What! How is this possible? How much exp and bio-growth points do we gain out of this?'' The little ghost shrimp exclaimed, out in shock, having grown slightly curious about the matter.


    ''We earned a minuscule amount of experience points and bio-growth points in return, but the obvious advantage is, that we don''t have to put our lives at risk hunting, other creatures.'' I commented.


    ''This is incredible!'' The little ghost shrimp said having grown slightly excited.


    ''You should focus on the grinding of experience points, in order, for you to amass a large arsenal of bio-growth points, and also leveling up. You are still only just level one, after all.'' I said.


    ''Yes, boss! I will try to work hard and not let you down!'' The little ghost shrimp said, filled with enthusiasm, and is replaced with lively vigorous energy.


    The little ghost shrimp spared no effort, immediately going into overdrive, as he rapidly starts to mow down the colourful strands of vibrant peach soft coral reefs in the facility.


    ''Also, make sure not to kill all of the soft coral reefs. We need it to help us hide from oncoming predators. In addition, we should keep a conservable amount of the soft coral reefs alive, so that it could maintain itself, and eventually regrown it''s lost parts that we ate.'' I said, coming to a logical conclusion, and thinking about how it could possibly have a negative impact on the ecosystems if we were to have destroyed a certain amount of this ocean''s aquatic life.


    ''I understand, boss. I would keep it in mind.'' The little ghost shrimp replied though it didn''t understand much of what I''ve just said.


    However, he pretty much understands what my intentions are. So he willingly follows my orders to the utmost detail.


    It didn''t take him that long to level up, roughly half an hour or two, by consuming around ten to twenty strands of vibrant peach soft coral reefs. He then levels up from Lv1 to Lv2.


    ''Boss! I''ve just leveled up.'' The little ghost shrimp said.


    ''Good! You are now making some progress, little one.'' I responded as the little ghost shrimp is filled with joy, because of my words of praises.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The little ghost shrimp then continuously grind for experience points for hours, reaching level four, whilst also amassing a large pool of bio-growth points nearing the two hundred range.


    ''Little one, you should spend your bio-growth points carefully, if you want to improve your chances of survival. Focus mainly on mobility and defense for now. Buy {Reinforced Mandibles}{Enlargen Tail Fin}{Plated Exoskeleton} for now, with what little amount of bio-growth points you have amass.


    I will help train you in combat when you''ve grown a little stronger.'' I said, meticulously, thinking about the future of our group.


    ''I understand, boss. I place my trust in your decision.'' The little ghost shrimp said as he continues to devour on the many strands of vibrant peach soft coral reefs.


    The little ghost shrimp did as he was told, as I''ve instructed him, he bought the necessary mutational skill {Reinforced Mandibles}{Enlargen Tail Fin} and {Plated Exoskeleton}.


    The little ghost shrimp underwent through an unbelievable physical transformation, as the changes being made to his looks and appearance, was thanks to the mutational skill that he acquired from the monster system.


    The little ghost shrimp was no longer curved crescent body shaped, as the mutational skill {Enlargen Tail Fin} he acquired from the monster system, straighten his body up, somewhat, making it resembles the letter ''s'' in the alphabet.


    The mutational skill {Reinforced Mandibles} has changed the lower half facial skeletal structure of the little ghost shrimp, as his mandible increased in size, becoming a lot stronger and sharper.


    The {Plated Exoskeleton} mutational skill caused the little ghost shrimp to develop a hardened defense, as layers upon layers, placed on top of one another, creating a more solid defense, increasing the durability of his exoskeleton armor.


    He wasn''t the only one that has been grinding for points. For the past six hours, I have been grinding like crazy, severing large strands of vibrant peach soft coral reefs, and devouring it for experience and bio-growth points.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Strong Bite Lv1} has become { Strong Bite Lv2}...]


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Reinforced Mandibles Lv3} has become { Reinforced Mandibles Lv4}...]


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    * * *


    [You have leveled up and level 17...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 248]


    ''I''ve grinded for several hours, amassing a large pool of bio-growth points. Now I can buy the skills that I''ve wanted.'' I thought, growing slightly groggily, because of overworking myself.


    ''I want to buy the {Lesser Exoskeleton Regeneration} skill.'' I said, and the monster system immediately responded, as lines of blue text appeared before my retina.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Lesser Exoskeleton Regeneration} from the monster system for 120 bio-growth points?]


    ''Yes!'' I responded.


    [You have purchased the mutational skill {Lesser Exoskeleton Regeneration} from the monster system. 120 bio-growth points deducted...]


    [You have learned the mutational skill { Lesser Exoskeleton Regeneration Lv1} acquired...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 128]


    Searching through the monster skill store list, I''ve also bought a couple of new skills, which helped improve my combat capabilities.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Tier 1 Strength Up} from the monster system for 100 bio-growth points?]


    ''Yes!'' I responded.


    [You have purchased the mutational skill {Tier 1 Strength Up} from the monster system. 100 bio-growth points deducted...]


    [You have learned the mutational skill { Tier 1 Strength Up Lv1} acquired...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 28]


    ''It has reached way past my bedtime hours.'' I thought.


    As I look up from down below, at the starry night sky. The moon is out in the open, fully at the centre of the starry night sky, with millions of stars behind it.


    ''What a brilliant sight to behold. I wish I could see it much closer with a telescope. Though I don''t know if this world''s science and technology has advanced this far yet. I have to find it out sooner or later...'' I thought to myself, as I slowly fell asleep on the soft comforts of the vibrant peach soft corals reefs.


    ''Boss!'' The little ghost shrimp called out to me, but upon hearing no response from me.


    He assumed I must be asleep.


    ''So you must have fallen asleep, boss... I just wanted to say thank you for what you''ve done. And I''m grateful for what you''ve gifted me.'' The little ghost shrimp said in an inaudible low tone, unaware that I was still conscious.


    ''Your welcome.'' I responded, my mouth moved, but no sound was uttered.


    This concludes the end of the fourth day after my reincarnation.

 Fish Skewers for Breakfast

    Day 5


    A new day arrives, as the sun has arisen, casting rays of sunlight over the vast deep blue sea.


    I slowly awoke from my dreams, feeling quite energetic and refresh, my body rejuvenated, as the scars left behind by the melted carapace, caused by the violet sea snail''s acid shot, nearly vanished.


    ''The irritating painful feeling that I''ve got from the acid shot attack of the violet sea snail has completely dissipated. I''ve now felt completely refreshed, after. the irritating pain has disappeared, almost like I''ve been reborn.'' I thought to myself.


    Having woken up from my slumber, I''ve felt refresh and am filled with energy. I''ve stood up, poking the belly of the vibrant peach soft coral reefs with my many spine spider-like legs, and then have a look at my surroundings, seeing the sleeping figure of the little ghost shrimp.


    ''He must have worked hard, being up all night, experience farming.'' I smiled.


    ''It''s time to go look for something to eat, my breakfast. I''m sure am quite hungry.'' I said feeling an empty feeling in my stomach.


    ''Maybe I should dine on these fine soft coral reefs for now, as a snack to fill my stomach up, before I go out hunting by myself.'' I said to myself.


    Meticulously, my long 12 inch whiskers, detected something within the facility, as I''ve sense movements within the waters. It''s not the same as the swaying motion of the vibrant peach soft coral reefs, slow and rhythmic, keeping in terms with the rhythm.


    ''It seems to be quite close by, perhaps a herbivore type of fish, that dines on soft coral reefs.'' I thought, as I slowly draw closer to towards the target.


    The peach coloured soft coral reefs passing by me, as I am able to gauge the faintest outline and shape of the creature.


    It doesn''t seem to be that large at all, roughly around six inches in length, two inches in height. It seems to possess a fish-like body that seems resembles a clownfish, except its fish scales, are more illustrious than usual, resembling pure amber itself, as it reflects the light off the surface of the body.


    I slowly draw nearer towards the location of the target, whilst keeping my presence hidden as possible, making as little noise as possible.


    Once I was a few feets away, I let the passive {Camouflaged} skill takes over, as my exoskeleton skin colour starts to change, matching with the colour scheme of the surroundings. Increasing my stealth ability, making the target less likely to discover me visually.


    ''The target is right in front of me. Now is my chance to make a move, whilst it''s distracted eating the soft sea coral.'' I thought to myself, silently eyeing the target in front of me.


    With one short burst of speed, I flapped my enlarged tail fin up and down, propelling me forward in a straight line, heading for the direction of the amber scaled clownfish.


    The speed that I am traveling, heading in a straight line, is akin to an arrow, as I shot straight forward. With my two frontal spiney spider-like legs raised, just like spears, they pierced through the hard amber scales and soft flesh.


    Blood escapes its body rather quickly, becoming fish skewers, the amber scaled clownfish tried desperately to escape. Wiggling its body profusely, and vigorously to no avail, as its life force is drained before its very eyes.


    ''It''s dead!'' I said, seeing the lifeless dead body of the amber scaled clownfish before my eyes.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    [You have killed a level 7 Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 361 experience points...]


    Confirming the death of the amber scaled clownfish, as the line of blue text appeared before my very eyes.


    I retracted my spiney spider-like legs, bringing the dead body of the amber scaled clownfish closer to my mouth, as I start to chomp on it. Taking large bites, as I relished on the taste of fish meat, the first good meal after I was reborn into this world.


    ''The amber scaled clownfish tastes so delicious, but too bad its too few in numbers, and it''s hard to come by!'' I commented.


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Anber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 27 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the bones of the Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 9 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 64]


    [You have acquired the genetic DNA sequence of the Amber Scaled Clownfish. {Amber Scale Armor}{Weak Blunt Resistance} unlocked...]


    ''It would seem the amber scaled clownfish have some pretty useful skills in its arsenal. Too bad it lacks a strong counter against penetration damage. My spears like legs were able to pierce through its defenses quite easily.'' I commented, feeling quite full of myself.


    I retracted right back into the forest of vibrant peach soft coral reefs. I''ve decided to spend my free time farming for experience points and bio-growth points, instead of going out hunting, as I wait for the next selection of amber scaled clownfish that approaches the soft coral reefs I''m currently in.


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    [You have killed a strand of Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 7 experience points...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Vibrant Peach Soft Coral Reefs. You have received 2 bio-growth points...]


    * * *


    [You have leveled up and become level 18...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 19...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 378]


    After grinding for hours, two amber scaled clownfish pops up at different time intervals, and I''ve completely slaughtered them for dinner. Sharing one with the little ghost shrimp.


    [You have killed a level 11 Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 687 experience points...]


    [You have leveled up and become level 20...]


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 43 bio-growth points...]


    [You have consumed the bones of the Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 13 bio-growth points...]


    [Current bio-growth points: 434]


    [You have killed a level 4 Amber Scaled Clownfish. You have received 276 experience points...]


    With the newly large pool of bio-growth points, I amassed over the span of a couple of hours. I excitedly opened up the monster skill store list and searched through the menu for any viable skills that may be proved to be useful to me.


    [Monster Skill Store List]


    {Intermediate Gastric Gland} - 240 BGP


    {Mucous Gland} - 120 BGP


    {Lesser Regeneration} - 240 BGP


    {Plated Exoskeleton} - 120 BGP


    {Tube Tendrils} - 100 BGP


    {Amber Scale Armor} - 240 BGP


    {Weak Blunt Resistance} - 100 BGP


    # # # #


    [Current bio-growth points: 434]


    ''I''ve made up my mind, I''ve decided to buy the skill {Plated Exoskeleton} and the new skill {Amber Scale Armor} testing it out if it even makes any sort of difference.'' I commented, and the monster system immediately responded, as lines of blue notification screen appeared before my retina.


    [Do you wish to buy the mutational skill {Plated Exoskeleton} and {Amber Scale Armor} from the monster system for 360 bio-growth points?]


    ''Yes!'' I responded rather excitedly.


    [You have purchased the mutational skill {Plated Exoskeleton} and {Amber Scale Armor} from the monster system. 360 bio-growth points deducted...]


    [You have learned the mutational skill { Plated Exoskeleton Lv1}{ Amber Scale Armor Lv1} acquired...]


    After I''ve bought the skill, I can feel my body suddenly underwent some visible changes, as layers of thickly plated exoskeleton armor started forming around me. With the addition of the {Amber Scale Armor} skill, something incredible happens, as spikes start to form around on the outer rim of the thickly plated exoskeleton armor, and it is then covered in hard amber coloured scales, increasing its overall durability and defense.


    When the day comes to an end, and night vastly approaches, I and the little ghost shrimp hid in the forest of vibrant peach soft coral reefs, utilizing the large vibrant peach tubes as cover.


    However, deep inside me, I''ve felt an unnerving feeling, something that is unpleasant. A sense of growing anxiety.


    ''Is something bad about to happen? Is this what I''m feeling, or just an ordinary upset stomach.'' I thought to myself, as I slowly went to sleep.

 Unforeseen Threat

    Unbeknownst to me at the time, while I and the little ghost shrimp were away from the nest, danger lurks everywhere, whether it is in or out of sight. Wandering around beneath the ocean sea bed.


    An unforeseeable danger of incomprehensible proportions, fastly approaches the den, the nest of the little ghost shrimp family.


    The threat level is beyond comprehensible; the beast weighing over 25 kilograms (55 pounds), with its height and the length of its body over a meter tall. It carries a large boulder-sized rocky seashell on its back.


    The red sea horse conch snail slowly slivers on the ocean seabed, sweeping away a flurry of sand in its path, as its large muscular foot contracts and expands, enabling it to move forward.


    The red sea horse conch snail is travelling at a slow break neck paste, allowing for the many ghost shrimps that currently remained in the nest, to gauge the faint outline of a large ominous shadow approaching their nest.


    ''Leader! Something big is fastly approaching our nest! It seems too big to be normal. What do we do.'' One of the surrounding ghost shrimp screams, alerting the other ghost shrimps within the facility.


    ''It''s impossible to tell whether or not we can handle the creature... Go and inform the members of our group, wake them up if you have to, we''re leaving.'' The leader of the group, the strongest and biggest one out of the group, issued a direct command to his underlings.


    ''What about the others. Those that are not part of our group, should we wake them up, and inform them as well?'' One of the ghost shrimp commented.


    The leader of the group frowns, and issued a direct response, feeling obligated to give a firm stance relative to his position of power.


    ''We are not obligated to take care of others like they are not obligated to take care of our wellbeing. Even if we are related by blood, if they are not in our group, then they are strangers. Why should we care for strangers? So who would look out for us if we''re not careful, only ourselves...'' The leader said, emanating an aura of indifference, which attracts the attention of his many followers.


    ''Now do as what I''ve just said!'' The leader issued a command.


    ''Yes, sir!'' His many followers immediately responded.


    They went out scowling across the ocean seabed, within the facility of their nest, following their leader''s direct command. They began waking up their sleeping companions, gathering into large teams and is then prepared to leave their nest. Their once so-called safe haven, home, and paradise.


    ''Let''s leave before the creature catches up to us. We use the others as cannon fodder to buy us some time to escape. Our survival is the number one priority do you understand.'' The leader said.


    ''Yes, sir!'' His followers responded.


    The leader and his group immediately fled the facility of the nest, leaving the rest of its brethren behind to act as cannon fodder, to buy them time for their escape.


    Meanwhile, the other great leaders, each leading their own individual group of ghost shrimps, have immediately taken noticed of this. They are quick on the uptake, having gathered into large groups, with the great leaders of each group, attending the conference at the centre of the nest.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ''I assure you guys know why we gathering here, at this point in time, in the middle of the night.'' One of the great ghost shrimp leaders spoke, starting off the conference of the strongest, in the ghost shrimp family.


    ''It''s about that large in posing figure that is approaching in our direction, am I correct?'' Another great ghost shrimp leader spoke up.


    ''Yes, that is correct.'' The previous great ghost shrimp leader responded.


    ''What is there to worry about, it''s just one measly enemy. I''m sure we can easily kill it, by greatly outnumbering it with our large numbers. Even if it is strong and large, its stamina and health are not endless. I''m sure that we are able to slowly whittled down its health, stamina, and defences until we can eventually kill it ourselves.'' Another great ghost shrimp leader decided to spoke up, in an arrogant tone with pride and arrogance.


    Some of the other great ghost shrimp leaders look displeased at his response. However, the vast majority of individual group leaders would agree with his point of view.


    ''I disagree! We should fight a battle that we stood and should have a fair chance of surviving. Not a losing battle which results in great heavy loses. I and my group will not participate in this affair.'' One of the smarter ones out of the great ghost shrimp leaders spoke up.


    ''Me neither.'' ''Our group won''t participate as well.''


    Almost like a ripple in an ocean, which creates more rippling waves, as they grow in intensity; more groups are beginning to show great disapproval for the plan.


    ''Fine! You guys can leave if you want to, but you will be branded as cowards. Failures! Who escaped at the first sign of a strong enemy.'' The great ghost shrimp who, who spoke of the plan, shouted at the other cowardly great ghost shrimp leaders.


    ''If it is just a chance to survive and live another day, then I would greatly accept it. Being branded a coward is a lot better than dying a dogs death as cannon fodder.'' The great ghost shrimp leader said as they left the conference, to go into hiding.


    ''Leave, you cowards! Let''s just forget about them and proceed on with the plan.'' The great ghost leader said, as they all came to the same decision, and decided to fight the battle against the red sea horse conch snail.


    An hour passes by, as the gigantic red sea horse conch snail, reaches its destination. It steps foot, outside the boundary of the ghost shrimp nest, when a massive army of hundreds of little ghost shrimp gathers. Launching consecutive attacks on the large red sea horse conch snail.


    The red sea horse conch snail shrugged it off, as the numerous prickling needle-like legs felt like nothing to it, it didn''t pierce through its large fortress castle-like shell. Meanwhile, the thick harden blubber of flesh and muscles in its muscular foot, helps it insulate and protect it from external outside damages.


    The red sea horse conch snail has a large cone-shaped mouth, in the front, attached to its body, instead of the usual singular head with eyes on top.


    It opens up its mouth, by sliding down it thick hardens skin, revealing four proboscis long spear-like tubes.


    The four proboscis tubes act like feelers, utilizing it to get a feel of the enemy. When the long proboscis-like tube touches the body of a nearby little ghost shrimp, it''s hidden mechanism activates, as a thin bone-like needle is shot out, stabbing the little ghost shrimp.


    The little ghost shrimp would then become paralyzed, as the thin bone-like needle injects a small dosage of strong paralysitic toxins. Temporary knocking out its opponent, or render them incapable of escape.


    The paralysed little ghost shrimp remains stationary and frozen, as its body and muscles are unmoving and unresponsive.


    The spear-like hook that is attached to the little ghost shrimp body, then began to be reeled in at astonishing speeds, pulling the paralyzed little ghost shrimp into the mouth of the red sea horse conch snail.


    ''No! Someone, please save me! I don''t want to die!'' The little ghost shrimp cried, but it was already too late.


    The paralyzed little ghost shrimp was swallowed whole, as the pressure of the red sea horse conch snail, crushed the body of the little ghost shrimp, immediately killing it.


    Many of the ghost shrimp look up in horror, as they all saw one of its brethren being killed, right before their very eyes.


    This filled them with an unimaginable sense of terror and fear. At the same time, anger and rage, for their brother being killed in battle. However, this could hardly be called a battle, as it''s a one-sided slaughter.


    The red sea horse conch snail continued the one-sided slaughter into the night, killing more than two-thirds of the total ghost shrimp population remaining in the nest.


    Meanwhile, I was still sleeping soundly in the forest of vibrant peach soft coral reefs, unaware of what was going on. The mass killings, genocidal slaughter of my own brethrens.

 Inside the Stomach of a Beast

    Day 6


    When the morning arrives, I was roused from my deep sleep, by a spiney spider-like leg tapping on my back carapace.


    I wasn''t alarmed, since it was just a gentle tapping, to get my attention. There was no hostility in the atmosphere, so that was a dead give away.


    ''What is it?'' I asked the little one.


    ''I''ve finally reached level 10, I''ve been up all night grinding as you have said.'' The little ghost shrimp excitedly responded.


    Apparently, while I was asleep, the little ghost shrimp has been up all night, killing strands of the vibrant peach soft coral reefs for experience points.


    You could see the obvious growth in the little ghost shrimp''s eyes, as he has grown a couple of inches or two taller since the last time I''ve seen him, which was just yesterday before sundown.


    His exoskeleton carapace has thickened and hardened a bit, thanks to the small calcium diet of eating the vibrant peach soft coral reefs. He is able to grow and develop his exoskeleton carapace so fast.


    ''Boss, I''m tired.'' The little ghost shrimp starts to whine about how tired he is.


    ''Well, you were up all night. Not taking a break grinding experience points. So what would you have expected?'' I nonchalantly commented.


    ''Really...'' The little ghost shrimp embarrassingly laughed.


    ''At the very least he is making some progress, though it is not faster than actual simulated combat ones.'' I thought as I looked at the little ghost shrimp, from top to bottom.


    ''Boss, I''m hungry.'' The little ghost shrimp said as I have sworn, I could hear his stomach rumbling.


    ''You can''t be serious, little one. You''ve eaten a lot of soft corals overnight and you are still hungry. Well, the vibrant peach soft coral reefs are not that very nutritional in providing nourishment, it is still beneficial to us crustaceans in building our exoskeleton.'' I commented.


    ''We should head out, and find some real food, every once in a while. Or else our hunting skills will become a little rusty.'' I said as I am filled with the energy to start another day.


    ''Yes, boss.'' The little ghost shrimp said so tiredly, wiping its eyes with its leg.


    The little ghost shrimp swam, following after me, and was just about to head out of the forest of vibrant peach soft coral reefs, when my long whiskers vibrate aimlessly, detecting strong movements within waters.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Detection Lv1} acquired...]


    ''Stop! Fall back! Fall back, little one!'' I shouted, as loud as I could, greatly alarming the little ghost shrimp.


    It was already too late, by the time, we became aware of its existence. It has already caught sight of us, as a large shadowy snake-like figure, fastly approaches us at breakneck speeds.


    The red steel viper eel, reaching almost 2 meters tall, deep neon green eyes, with rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its serpent-like body is covered in vivid red dragon scales, resembling rose petals itself.


    The red steel viper''s side fins are not even that large and aren''t mainly used for swimming, but rather for combat. The spinal bones of the side fins, which forms the skeletal structure of the fin, protrude outwards, becoming elongated blades, in which the red steel viper eel used to slash its enemies with.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The red steel viper eel opened its mouth, revealing its two large rows of razor-sharp teeth, as it raced fastly towards us.


    My heart is beating quite rapidly, palpitating, blood pumping around my body, as everything becomes quiet, zoning out. The only sound that I hear was the sound of my heart beating in my chest.


    I''ve felt my chest tightened, almost like an invisible pressure is pressed on top of me. It is squeezing me tight.


    ''My body... I can''t move.'' I thought, as my body froze in place, it just won''t listen to me.


    ''Is this instinctual fear.'' I said to myself, as I looked over at my side, the little ghost shrimp was scared witless.


    His body was constantly, spasming out of his control, as his mandible clatter together, making bone-breaking sounds.


    ''So this is fear. All life possesses fear. Everyone has something that they are afraid of. On the instinctual level, embedded in our gene, all life fears death. It is something impossible to escape. All life has a time limit. A beginning and an end... All hope is lost, as I''m ready to accept my end.'' I said so to myself, I closed my eyes, as darkness slowly spreads over me.


    The rows of razor-sharp teeth passed by me, they missed their intended target. Nevertheless, I was still swallowed in the process, but alive and well. No harm came to me. I''m not missing a limb or anything. I wasn''t even harmed the least bit.


    ''Wasn''t I suppose to die?'' I asked myself a question, not expecting a response.


    ''That large red steel viper eel must be a huge idiot, by not killing me, swallowing a live creature can often sometimes have severe consequences.'' I said, whilst smiling devilishly, as I start to concoct of a plan to escape.


    ''I wonder where the little one is? He was with me not that long ago. I hope he is safe and made it out alive in one piece.'' I said, growing slightly worried over the missing fella.


    It was a cave mouth of impenetrable darkness, with no light be able to penetrate through. I walked, as I watched my body dissolved in the surrounding blackness, unable to make out the figure of my likeliness.


    The cold dank waters of the red steel viper eel''s stomach, the putrid smell of decaying flesh, from the monster the red steel viper eel has eaten.


    ''It sure is pretty dark, damp, and smelly in here. I''m not sure if the red steel viper eel''s internal stomach gastro acids are strong enough to dissolve me. I should try to find and see whether the little one is still alive a healthy or not.'' I said to myself, as I walk deeper into the stomach of the red steel viper eel.


    [You have reached the maximum skill proficiency. The skill { Tier 1 Enhanced Eyesight Lv1} acquired...]


    ''It would seem that my eyes are beginning to slowly adapt to darkness, as I could faintly make-out greyish black outlines. It is still completely black in here.'' I said to myself growing slightly bored.


    ''What''s this!'' I said so slightly alarmed, as my body bumped into something solid, that is blocking my path.


    I tried to gauge the shape and size of the obstacle. It seems to be extremely chunky, with no defined shape, or texture. The surface of the object is quite hard, but slightly smooth, as liquids, viscous liquids seep out. It smells metallic like iron.


    Behind the hard surface was soft meaty chunks of flesh, some areas were nice and tender, while others were springy and elastic. There was some kind of hard stone cylinder rods, piercing through the meat chunks, which I assume to be bone fragments.


    ''This is a chunk of flesh and meat of a creature the red steel viper eel ate. Its size is roughly thrice my overall current size. I''m currently roughly around 30 centimetres in size, around the same length as a full-length centimetre ruler. The creature in which the red steel viper eel bit a huge chunk of flesh must be massive.'' I said loudly, quite amazed by the ordeal, and recent discovery.


    ''If there is a creature as big as the red steel viper in the red sea ocean, then there''s gotta be more sea creatures roughly its size, or even greater.'' I said, coming to a logical conclusion.


    ''This world is certainly fascinating. At least more interesting than the previous one where I''m from.'' I said to myself.


    ''Bone Appetit.'' I said so to myself, as I start to dine on the delicious chunk of meat, I''ve found lying around in the stomach of the red steel viper eel.


    [You have consumed the flesh of the Blue Whale Catfish. You have received 241 bio-growth points...]