As I got closer and closer to the D-grade Objective, I began to slow my pace, carefully avoiding going near any of the light plants. I skulked amongst the thick foliage of the brush and moved from tree to tree, using any cover I could find.

  There were surely other races already lying in wait, and I had no idea as to what their detection capabilities were. Better to be safe than sorry and move as stealthily as possible.

  I checked the system UI clock- still 6 hours to go. I stopped about 300 meters from the objective marker and quietly clambered up a nearby tree, heart pounding as my clammy palms slipped against the rough bark.

  I’d already finished most of my preparations- both my Nanoblade and Lycoph claws were coated in paralytic poison, potions had been stowed at the ready on my belt, and I’d scouted most of the surrounding area for hiding spots in case things went south. I also rubbed an aromatic native plant over myself to eliminate my scent and mimic the surrounding vegetation.

  I hadn’t upgraded my weapon yet because Melchior had said the average stats of combatants from Tier 5 worlds were in the 20s. The Nanoblade had enough Attack Power to penetrate a physique stat of 40, while my Lycoph claws should be at least of the same level as well.

  The Nanoblade didn’t have much strength stat backing it up when I swung, but it’d be fine against a physique stat only in the 20s.

  From my vantage point in the trees, I could clearly see the Objective’s spawn location, sitting in the middle of a large clearing.

  As I scanned the surrounding area, I quickly spotted a sign of movement only a couple dozen meters away from me.

  A group of reptilian creatures, vaguely humanoid in shape, were slowly moving forward in the darkness. I hadn’t seen them while on the ground, but in the air, I could see them as clear as day. Judging from the way they fumbled about with their scaly hands, groping in confusion in front of them, it was clear they were having difficulty seeing anything.

  However, there was nothing they could do; a light source would immediately expose their location and most likely spell their doom. As such, they awkwardly continued on, guided only by the meagre illumination of the light plants scattered here and there.

  One by one, more groups of all shapes and sizes began to appear, believing themselves to be concealed by the embrace of shadow.

  From what I observed, none of the competitors were able to see in the dark, giving me a huge advantage. However, that didn’t mean they were completely clueless; a beastman resembling a giant tiger bared its teeth as its nose constantly twitched and a pale grey creature swayed its large, floppy ears back and forth like an antenna.

  There was also the chance that some of them had abilities from the ability gacha that enhanced their perception, which would level the playing field.

  Even worse, I was the only one completely alone- every other party present was in a group. As such, I had to avoid any direct confrontations with any of them until I was absolutely sure of their capabilities and what their abilities were.

  Time seemed to drag on endlessly, as I waited with bated breath.

  I formulated a quick plan; if the Objective spawned as a reward for the first one who reached it, I’d immediately give up and retreat.

  With my low agility stat, there was no way I’d make it to the Objective first, not to mention whoever received the reward would likely be dogpiled by the rest of the groups.

  If it was something else, like a monster hunt, I’d bide my time in the shadows and see if I could sneak in a cheeky kill steal.

  I made a mental note of where all the races I’d seen were currently positioned, formulating a potential escape route. I had to be careful however, as there might be more groups lurking further back that I hadn’t seen.

  Finally, when only 10 minutes remained, a system notification popped up.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Ding!

  Ah, unlucky. With a sigh I got up and slid down the tree, intending to quietly slip away before the impending chaos.

  Suddenly, the system message began to distort and shake, the words contorting into an indecipherable mess.

  A new notification then appeared.

  The system message, now a dark crimson, began to rearrange itself with entirely different contents.

  A massive glowing barrier of light appeared, sealing the area in completely.

  No way. You can’t be serious right?

  Goddamn sick psycho. It’d been harmless the first couple times it had appeared, but now it was finally showing its true colors.

  Looks of panic and confusion filled the faces of the various groups scattered about, as hackles raised and weapons were slowly drawn.

  It wanted me to survive against every other race here? There had to be at least a few hundred, if not more, combatants present.

  Screw that. Ignoring any pretense of stealth, I began sprinting through the forest, desperately trying to escape.

  As the barrier of light quickly approached, I charged forward with my Lycoph arm squarely centered, intent on smashing my way through.

  Thud!

  Like running into a metal wall, I was bounced off and knocked flat on my feet as the barrier remained completely unharmed.

  Groaning, I got up as I rubbed my aching shoulder. That bastard had made sure I wouldn’t be able to run.

  My only option now was to somehow hide and look for an opportunity after most of the fighting had settled down. The major issue was the commotion I’d made while running here; most likely at least some of the groups now knew I was here and would be looking for me.

  If any of them found me, there’d be no way I could run with my pitiful agility stat and I’d quickly be surrounded and slaughtered. Hiding in the darkness and hoping they wouldn’t find me was a tenuous prospect at best.

  Damn. Damn. Damn. What do I do? The cold grasp of death seemed to be approaching swiftly.

  If the problem was my agility....then it simply had to be raised. And unfortunately, I knew the only option available to me right now.

  With a grimace, I pulled out two Deinopi legs from my Inventory.

  This was something that I should have done long ago, but hadn’t, maybe out of a subconscious desire to remain physically human for as long as possible.

  And now, I was reaping the consequences.

  Chewing the anesthetic plant extract once more, I placed the hairy yet muscular legs by my side and sat down.

  Drawing the Nanoblade, I held it horizontally in front of me.

  Swish!

  With one smooth movement, the Nanoblade passed through with almost no resistance and cleanly severed my left leg.

  The tsunami of pain, now a familiar friend, swept over me as I calmly sealed the fountain of blood with the Deinopi leg.

  Nevertheless, the thick, metallic stench of blood perfused the air.

  Not much time left now; they had my scent.

  After confirming, I uncorked the Greater Potion reserved for emergencies and poured it over the wound.

  Holding true to its name and outrageous price tag, the Greater Potion allowed the Deinopi leg to complete its fusion within mere seconds, as the intense itching sensation quickly subsided.

  Swish!

  My right leg was quickly lopped off and replaced as well, leaving me with a pair of long, segmented appendages covered in a thick yellow fur.

  Now standing nearly a full meter taller than before, I slightly wobbled as I adjusted to my grotesque legs.

  In the near distance, distorted figures could be seen rapidly approaching.

  Let’s dance.