A bone-jarring thud, thud, thud reverberates from up the left tunnel, each heavy footfall a hammer blow against the sudden silence, instantly icing my veins. Something big is about to be in this cavern with me. I briefly consider hauling ass down the right tunnel, but the thought dies almost as soon as it's formed. Whatever this thing is, it's large and fast, the thundering of its footfalls getting louder at an alarming rate. Damn this new body! I'm still getting used to walking on four limbs, not to mention the tail. Even if this cavern is only a few dozen yards across, I'd likely be seen by the time I got my feet under me and started running. No, I'll have to hide.

  Quickly, I whip my head about, frantically searching for a place to stuff myself. From what I can tell, I'm not a tall creature—only a few feet high at the shoulder, if I had to guess—but I am long. Most of the stalagmites around here are too small to conceal me, and the rocks aren’t suitable either...Wait, there! A large, flat rock leans against one of the cavern corners. Notably absent of the blue light veins, the rock creates a perfect dark cubby. I hurriedly dive behind it as quickly as possible, my claws scraping against the dirt as I run. Luckily, I do, because the beast comes stomping into view just two seconds later.

  Initially mistaking the massive, bovine head for a bison, I'm quickly proven wrong. This thing, is a monster. Like a void made flesh, the beast rumbles into full view, and it takes all my willpower not to squeak in fear. At least ten feet tall at the shoulder and covered in shaggy, obsidian fur that devours the pulsating light from the walls, it trundles through the cavern like a king. Twin ivory swords—its horns—jut from the sides of its head, almost scraping the cave ceiling as it knuckles forward. Because, of course, it has arms. Thick as tree trunks with hands the size of small boulders, it lumbers forward on its knuckles, every step leaving behind a dark, acrid smoke that quickly dissipates. Looking closer, there's smoke pouring off this guy in waves, though it disappears when it gets too far from its body. Most striking to me are its eyes. Twin icy blue, beady eyes survey the cavern with naked hunger, briefly passing over my hiding spot and sending a shiver down my spine. The monster yawns as it continues its ponderous walk through the cave, showing off its razor-sharp teeth and two enormous tusks.

  What, in the hell, is this thing, Puzzle? No one told me I'd be dealing with demon beasts in my new life! I mean, really, what am I even supposed to do in this situation? Running would be suicide! This thing is so massive it could probably reach across this cavern and scoop me up as a snack from anywhere in here! ...Okay, maybe it couldn't do that, but It’d definitely be able to chase me down. What else can I do? Fight? A shudder runs through me at the thought. No, that's even more out of the question than running. Armed to the literal teeth I may be, I'd be squished pretty much immediately if I went out there.

  As I ponder my options, the Shadow Bison, as I'm one to call it, makes my decision for me. Lumbering to a suspiciously bison-shaped diviot in the right side of the cavern, the monster lies down with a thud and lets out a contented sign. Is it...going to sleep? That could be good for me. If I wait until it's asleep, I might be able to sneak out of here without issue. Unfortunately, that still leaves me here for an undetermined amount of time.

  In that case, maybe I should check my Status? I’ll likely be here for a while, and I vaguely remember something about an unused Skill Point and “Biomass," whatever that is. I doubt anything in the caves above or below will come on down to fight Wooly Willy over there, so I should use this time to familiarize myself with everything I can, including my new body. So saying, I call on my status internally, and a scroll unrolls in my vision once again.

  [Status:]

  [Name:] Aria Drake

  [Level: 1; Tier 1]

  [Species:] Drakeling (Kentri)

  [Stats:]

  ? Health: 50/50

  ? Mana: 0

  ? Might: 20

  ? Toughness: 24

  ? Cunning: 25

  ? Will: 21

  [Skill Points:] 1

  [Biomass:] 1

  Besides the new counters for Skill Points and Biomass, everything looks to be in order. Alright, let's get started. First things first, I need to familiarize myself with my existing abilities, starting with my skills. As tempting as it is to jump straight into getting a new skill, it is better to tackle the known before the unknown. Now let's see, where are you, you little—ah, here we are.

  [Skills:]

  ? Rake: Level 2; Rank 1

  Improves the user’s ability to cut deeper and inflict more grievous wounds with claws, nails, or talons.

  ? Bite: Level 1; Rank 1

  Improves the user's ability to accurately and forcefully apply a bite using teeth, fangs, or mandibles.

  ? Hearing: Level 3; Rank 1

  Enhances the user's sensitivity to high and low-frequency sound waves. Further skill levels increase the range of hearing and reduce damage and disorientation due to sonic attacks.

  ? Tail Manipulation: Level 1; Rank 1

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Improves the user's ability to use their tail for fighting and general manipulation.

  You know, I think I was a little harsh on my skills when I first saw them. Based on their descriptions, I have a nice, decent spread of offense and utility. However, as lovely as they are, I don't think my current skills will be enough to help me escape. Being combat-focused isn't going to work against the Shadow Bison. Hearing could be helpful, if only to tell if the monster is sleeping or not, but that's about it. And Tail Manipulation...well, that just helps me control my tail better. No, I think I'll have to gamble on a new skill. And if that doesn't work...I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

  [You have one Skill Point available. Would you like to browse the Skill menu?]

  Why, if it isn't Mr. Voice. I was wondering where you ran off to. Yes, I would like to choose a new skill. Thank you for asking.

  [Purchaseable Skills:]

  ? Dash

  ? Dodge

  ? Dig

  ? Echolocation

  ? Grip

  ? Stealth

  ? Strike

  ? Scale Defense

  ? Tunnel Sense

  Immediately, a few catch my eye. I take the time to open up their descriptions as deep snoring begins to echo through the cavern. Looks like I'll have some time to browse.

  ? Stealth: Level 1; Rank 1

  Improves the user's ability to hide and move

  unseen.

  ? Dash: Level 1; Rank 1

  Allows the user to increase their speed over short distances at the cost of increased stamina drain.

  ? Echolocation: Level 1; Rank 1

  Allows the user to fire a low-power sonic pulse from their mouth, mapping a small area around them.

  Considering the immediate life-or-death stakes, these skills offer the most survival potential from the available options. Now, Puzzle, you may ask, “Why not just take stealth? It's obviously the most appropriate for the situation,” I counter that with, “Is it the most appropriate for all situations?” See, whether I like it or not, I've been dropped into a world of kill or be killed. I've read enough books to know that junior over there isn't the only beastie down here, and likely isn't even the biggest. To facilitate my continued survival, I have to look at the bigger picture. If I leave here alive, it likely won't be long before I get into a scuffle, so I need to choose a skill with that in mind.

  That being the case, while Stealth would certainly assist me in escaping, there's no guarantee that it would be effective in a fight. It's true that it could help me set up effective ambushes, but there might be creatures with senses that make concealment completely ineffective. Additionally, I am a fairly dark creature by nature. If I play my cards right and stick to shadowy areas and crevices, I should be able to get out of here without relying on this skill. Thankfully, it appears that the Shadow Bison has relatively poor eyesight, at least. Still, it’s a skill I can return to later.

  In that case, Dash would be a good second choice. A decisive burst of speed could let me escape this cavern quickly and give me the upper hand in a fight. It complements my attack skills well, but probably won't help with my utilities. Hmm. I'll put this one on the back burner for now.

  Echolocation, on the other claw, is a bit of a wildcard. It wouldn't necessarily help with a battle, but it might help me judge the odds before I get into one. Per the description, I could map out a small area via a sonic pulse. Could I map out a cave before entering, possibly warning me of monsters in advance? What about my Hearing skill? I already have incredibly sensitive ears; would they compound and create an even greater effect? Hell, I could even use it to escape by finding crevices to hide in that I otherwise might not have noticed. The more I think of the possibilities, the more excited I get. Yes, I think this'll work out nicely.

  [Would you like to purchase Echolocation? This will cost one skill point.]

  I'm gonna do it. Purchase Echolocation!

  My brain immediately begins to pound. Like water filling a basin, knowledge about the skill and how to use it pools in a mind that's already been shattered. It rushes over folds and digs into neurons as it implants the knowledge into my skull. And oh boy, does it hurt. Gah, I feel like my brain is about to explode! Gritting my teeth, it takes all my willpower to stay quiet and not bash my skull into the ground. Thankfully, the sensation fades before long, and all that's left is the skill and a dull headache.

  Hoo mama, what in the world was that about? Are skills supposed to hurt that much? A warning would have been nice, Voice. Grumbling internally, I quickly realize that something has changed in how I perceive the cavern. Everything is... louder? No, that's not quite right. It's more like every sound contains more information than it did before. Position, distance, size, and density all blend together into a cacophony of sonic waves. My ears twist and bend like radar dishes, trying to catch every sound as a partial picture of the cave begins to take shape in my mind's eye. Fascinating. It seems that unlocking this skill allows me to analyze any sound waves I can hear, but only partially. Maybe if I produce my own sound pulses, it'll clear things up? It's worth a shot.

  Following the skill's implanted instructions, I opened my mouth and released a near-silent trill toward the left tunnel. It's the least mapped out from the ambient sound and is opposite of the bison; I'd rather no risk waking the big guy. Almost immediately, my internal radar activated, filling my mind with a perfect map of the cavern. Moss, puddles, stalagmites, stalactites, cracks, and crevices—details I couldn't discern in the dim light—were now vividly clear. I could even 'see' a short distance into the tunnel, enough to know it split ahead. This was fantastic! It was everything Puzzle and I had hoped for, and more. Giddy with our excellent choice, I eagerly moved on to the next skill: Biomass

  [You have one Biomass available. Biomass will let you make modifications to your current monstrous form. Would you like to open the Mutation menu?]

  Let's get at it! Immediately, a new scroll unfolds and I get a good look.

  [Purchaseable Mutations:]

  ? Claws; +1: Sharpen your claws and improve their ability to slash.

  ? Ears; +1: Improve your sense of hearing and strengthen against sonic attacks.

  ? Scales; +1: Harden your scales, improving their ability to resist mundane damage.

  ? Tail; +1: Strengthen your tail and improve flexibility.

  ? Teeth; +1: Sharpen your teeth and improve their ability to pierce.

  ? Venom Gland; +1: Thicken your necrotoxin, improving potency and capacity.

  So many tantalizing options! And all of them seem good. Let's see here, which one should I—Alright, Aria, hold your horses. One precious point, and no idea how to earn another just yet. This decision needs strategy. Which mutation will offer the biggest bang for my buck right now? I don't think I'll be choosing any of the combat options like Teeth or Claws because—let’s be real—I don't have the combat experience to back up the upgrade.

  Maybe my Scales? It's currently my only direct defensive boost, so it's a solid choice. But how much of a boost is +1? Is it enough to justify spending my only point on it? I just don't know.

  Then there's my current strength: my Ears. They're already a key part of my build, and with Echolocation in the mix, their effectiveness is amplified considerably. So, do I double down on what's already working? Ugh, the agony of choice!

  ...Alright, I've made my decision.

  [Would you like to purchase Scales; +1? This will cost one Biomass.]

  Yes indeed-y! Instantly, a fizzy, almost electrical sensation begins at my nose and radiates outwards. My body responds with a creeping coldness, a bubbling feeling like intense carbonation. Looking down, the change is undeniable: my scales are visibly extending and solidifying, the color deepening. Though painless, it’s extremely disturbing. The transformation takes mere moments, and once it's done, the creeping cold fades away and I roll my shoulders with satisfaction. I feel slightly more robust than I did before. Nice.

  Scales over Ears, you ask? My hearing is already a finely tuned instrument. Between a naturally high Hearing skill and the newly acquired Echolocation, my sensory input is well covered. Defense, however, is a blank slate, a vulnerability I can not ignore. And a gut feeling tells me these reinforced scales will be the deciding factor in my upcoming departure.

  The rhythmic rumble of the Shadow Bison's snores and the cave's quiet hum are suddenly fractured by a new auditory assault from the left: the raw fury of monster roars clashing with the brutal sounds of combat