Even though its allies said to be careful, the cockroach avatar didn't listen. Driven by its insatiable hunger. It devoured all the mushrooms, confident that its regeneration ability would protect it from harm.
Proudly flaunting its full belly to its companions, the avatar felt invincible. However, shortly after eating the mushrooms, it began to convulse and show signs of sickness. Despite its regeneration skill, the mushrooms were poisonous.
As the other cockroaches watched in horror, the avatar's condition worsened rapidly. Despite its attempts to heal, the poison overwhelmed its body, and tragically, the cockroach avatar succumbed to its own greed. ]
The simulation came to an end, the screen fading to black as the fate of the cockroach avatar was sealed. Arata couldn't help but mutter a curse as he watched the cockroach dumbly die due to its greed, eating a deadly mushroom.
...
[ The cockroach has perished. ]
[ The monster simulation has ended. ]
[ Result ]
Survival Duration: 10 days
Total Kills: 0
Abilities Acquired: 2
Cause of Death: Consumption of highly poisonous glowing mushrooms.
Highlight: Day 9
— Successfully mimicked scavenging techniques and unlocked the "Scavenge" ability.
Simulation Score: E -
[ Generating rewards... ]
Choose 1 from the following for your rewards:
A. Minor Regeneration
— The user possesses the ability to rapidly heal minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises. It can also regenerate a lost limb, but this process takes time and leaves the user vulnerable during regeneration.
B. Scavenge
— The user gains a heightened ability to locate items within a specific radius in its surroundings. By paying close attention and using their senses, they can locate useful items like food, tools, or hidden treasures within a specific area.
C. Increased Mana
— This upgrade increases your mana, which is like your energy. Mana is what you use to cast abilities that involve magic. So, with more mana, you can use magic more effectively.
"Well, that didn't go as planned. Its greediness led to its downfall."
"Perhaps I underestimated the risks associated with the greed trait. The cockroach just wasn't smart enough to resist temptation. It's a lesson learned, I suppose."
"Ahh, I want to complain, but it'll just make me more depressed. Let's focus on the positive side. At least the cockroach survived for 10 days and even learned a new ability, right?"
"Come to think of it... If I hadn't chosen the greed trait for the cockroach, there's a chance it might not have learned the scavenging ability. It must have copied the other cockroaches because of its greed. Maybe it wasn't all bad after all."
With a nod of understanding, Arata cleared his mind of lingering thoughts and shifted his focus to the new texts across the screen.
"Now, let's assess our options. All of these rewards could be useful, but I need to choose wisely."
"Increased Mana could be beneficial, but without knowing my current mana level, it's a bit of a gamble. I'll have to pass on that one for now."
"Between Minor Regeneration and Scavenge..."
"Regeneration could be a literal lifesaver in dire situations, patching up wounds and ensuring survival. However, Scavenge offers a strategic edge, enabling me to navigate the unfamiliar world more efficiently and gather essential resources."
"I think I'll go with Scavenge. It's a strategic choice, offering versatility and the potential for long-term survival. Besides, in my new surroundings, scavenging might just be the key to staying one step ahead."
[ Reward confirmed. Selected Reward: Scavenge. ]
[ Returning to the real world... ]
.
.
.
Arata's senses slowly adjusted as he found himself back in the forest. He glanced around, noting the familiar environment. It seemed unchanged, yet he knew he had just experienced a different reality.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Arata turned to the system and asked.
"Hey, how much time has passed in the real world while I was in the monster simulation?"
[ "Answer." ]
[ "The simulation lasted for approximately 0.000001 milliseconds in real time, host. ]
"Milliseconds only? That's incredibly short. Miles faster than a blink."
"But I suppose it makes sense, considering that the cockroach only lived for 10 days."
"What's the conversion of seconds to milliseconds again? Forgot my math. Must've left it in my other brain."
[ "Answer." ]
[ "1 second is equivalent to 1,000 milliseconds, host." ]
Arata nodded, mentally recalculating the time frame.
"Got it. Thanks." he said with a grin before instructing the system once more to display his status.
With a familiar hum, the holographic screen materialized in front of his eyes, presenting his current information.
✤ ────⚌+++:-: ۞ :-:+++⚌──── ✤
[ Status ]
Name: Arata
Race: Slime
Grade: F -
Simulation Ticket: 0
[ Ability ]
— Water Blast F -
— Scavenge F -
[ Mission ]
Task 1: Defeat 5 Grade F - Monsters
— Progress: 0/5
— Reward: Access to Inventory, 1 Simulation Ticket
Task 2: Explore the Area
Status: In Progress
Reward: 1 Simulation Ticket
✤ ────⚌+++:-: ۞ :-:+++⚌──── ✤
Arata's eyes twinkled with excitement as he examined his abilities.
"Ah, there it is, the scavenging skill. Now, system, how exactly do I go about casting my abilities? I'm itching to put both of them to the test."
[ "Answer." ]
[ "Understood, host. Let's begin by acquainting you with the fundamental concept of mana control. Mana is the essence of magic, it is the one that fuels the powers of your abilities. To manipulate mana effectively, one must first establish a connection with their inner energy. ]
[ "Imagine mana as the air you breathe, present everywhere in this realm. To control it, you must first feel its presence within your inner core. Close your eyes and focus inward. Visualize a glowing orb of energy at the center of your being. This orb represents your mana storage, brimming with potential." ]
[ "Next, focus on this orb and try to draw mana from the surroundings into it. Picture streams of energy flowing into the orb, replenishing it with power. Feel the energy swirling and pulsating within you, ready to be harnessed for your spells. ]
[ "As you practice, you'll find it easier to sense and manipulate mana. Remember, patience and concentration are key. Now, let's move on to casting your abilities." ]
[ "Firstly, it's crucial to grasp that different abilities demand distinct casting methods, which vary based on their nature. Take your Water Blast skill, for instance. It's activated by directing mana toward your mouth and envisioning it taking the shape of water. Essentially, it's about harnessing the energy within you and molding it into the desired form." ]
"So, it's like shaping the mana into water and then releasing it through my mouth?" Arata asked, listening intently to the explanations.
[ Correct, host. You'll find that each ability requires a different approach, but the principle remains the same. Gather your mana and shape it according to the skill's requirements. ]
[ Let's move on to your Scavenge ability. Unlike Water Blast, which focuses on manipulation through visualization, Scavenge is about extending your senses and manipulating mana through tactile feedback." ]
[ "For Scavenge, you'll want to extend your senses outward, reaching out with your mind to feel the mana in your surroundings. It's about sensing the energy signatures of nearby objects and drawing them closer to you." ]
[ "As you do this, concentrate on the type of item you're seeking. Whether it's food, tools, or hidden treasures, envision them in your mind. Feel the mana responding to your intent, guiding you toward the desired objects. ]