Title: A Centipede Wants to Live Peacefully.
Summary: I always wished to escape reality, believing in fairy tales, and immersing myself in books to distract myself from the duties of an adult. I wished to live in a cottage somewhere in a forest, free from the bustle of the city. I could never imagine that I would lose my life and then be reincarnated as a monster. Is my wish possible?
I remember placing my hand on the classroom doorknob when a sudden burst of light obscured my vision, resulting in a quick flash of pain. Then it was dark, and for a long time. "Did I die?" I thought, fear creeping into my mind, my heart thumping rapidly in my chest. Then it hit me. I have a heartbeat so I couldn't be dead. So that begs to question...where the heck am I?
Slowly, I began to hear unintelligible sounds around me, and the feeling of something crawling all over my body sent my mind into overdrive. I wanted to scream but an inhuman sound came out of my mouth. I became confused since it sounded quite similar to the sounds around me. I shivered instinctively, wondering what sort of hell I fell into.
As if reading my mind, my eyes decided it was the right time to operate. My vision was horrible I don't remember my vision being this bad. I never wore glasses. Soon, the sight before me came into focus, still blurry, but visible. The color of red was all I could see. Some were moving and some were still. I tried to swallow hard but it wasn't working. It was as if all my human facilities were gone. One of the red eyes came close to me, that's when I was able to see what it was.
Centipedes.
They were fairly large ones too, bigger than any I've seen before. They were crawling around aimlessly, all over each other, all over me. I try to let out a scream again, a normal reaction in response to this terrifying sight. Yet, a sound between being brassy and piercing came out and it was quite unpleasant.
"What happened to me?" I thought, trying to move.
Once again, as if reading my mind, my body decides that it was time for me to move. The feeling was odd, not entirely unpleasant but very odd. I'm a smart girl, smart enough to know the pain I felt when I stood by the classroom door. If my guess was right then it was possible that I reincarnated, after all, I was something of an avid reader. However, this left one question in my mind.
How did I die?
Trying to find that out now would mean that I push my predicament to the bag of my mind, which was frankly impossible. I didn't dare to make a move, trying to logically think through this situation. I'm a capable adult with a fully developed mind and after a while of brainstorming and pulling what I knew from novels I came to three conclusions.
One, I was not being attacked by the centipedes around me.
Two, I came a centipede which was why I'm not being attacked.
Three, I'm probably in some sort of cave, judging by the feeling of the ground beneath me.
I moved my body which obviously different from that of humans the more I practiced. I familiarized myself with my own body, something I never thought I would have to do. It was as if I returned to being a child. I tried to look at myself, just to see what I look like, and curling my body around I was able to achieve that somewhat. It became a harder task with a pile of centipedes converging around me like a massive mating ball.
Still, the realization hadn't really settled in until just now. I have become one of them. I became a centipede. When I used to fantasize about being reincarnated college days, I always thought I would become a princess or a beautiful maiden. Any young girl would want those things for herself. To have a white knight sweep her off of her feet. Reality became a harsh master, and that was more than evident with my current situation.
I become a centipede.
It was so surreal to think that I really was in one of those 'Reincarnated As A Monster' stories that were popular when I was in college. The genre wasn't a favorite of mine, since I tended to favor more fantastical books with witches and the like but I still had read one or two of that genre that I enjoyed immensely. Usually, stories like those were either in the RPG style or governed by some sort of system in a world where monsters existed.
Then, what kind of world was I in?
Was it an apocalyptic world?
Or a world where the hero must exterminate the monsters to save the beautiful princess?
What kind of people lived in this world?
How did humans react to monsters?
So many questions to be answered yet no answers. Still, I wasn't foolish enough to think this world was just from a novel or some game. This is my reality now and there is a very high possibility that I could die and that was even higher now that I'm a monster. There wouldn't be some god or fairy waiting for me upon my awakening or assisting me.
I just didn't know how wrong I would be regarding my previous statement.
I took another look around me, my vision extremely poor being a hindrance. The red eyes from my brethren were the only light source in this forever darkness that consumed everything. But for now, I was protected, so now was the best time for me to adjust myself to this situation. I worked in a hard, demeaning, and life-sucking office job where my boss would put me in unfavorable situations which I would get into but I believed I could handle this situation as well.
If there really was a system then I should be able to access it. Therefore, just calling it up would be enough to summon it or hear like in the novels. But before I could make an attempt new family suddenly shifted as if sensing something and all I could see was red eyes started moving further away from me. I instinctively followed them, now wanting to be left behind, and not wanting to lose whatever protection I had.
This small action of movement I performed made me realize I was fast, and that somehow I was still able to move correctly in the darkness. I was moving up a rocky wall, unsure of what was in front of me so I just followed the red glowing eyes, catching up to them pretty quickly. I felt like we were moving for a very long time but I still tried to take note of my surroundings. Finally, I could see some sort of light, and then we were in a large cave area with glittering stones that lit up the area.
"Light, I can finally see something." I thought, a little pleased.
For the first time, I was able to see what I look like, through seeing my family, and they weren't pretty at all. I didn't have to look at myself to know I looked exactly the same. Flat, brown bodies, with multiple legs, large mandibles. Yeah, they were the typical centipedes from my world minus the size. That wasn't even the most shocking thing as seeing them attack an overgrown penguin that had the arms of a bodybuilder. Now, that was shocking and disturbing.
They swarmed the large monster in a mass of elongated bodies, attacking it with the ferociousness and persistence that only a centipede could muster. The monster swung one of its big arms, crushing a large amount of them but the sheer number of them proved too much for the monster.
"Do I have to eat other monsters too?" I grimaced.
I could accept a lot of things but eating monsters were something I couldn't accept. Yet, my body betrayed me again as the feeling of hunger decided to show up. I felt even hungrier after watching them have a feast on that fat penguin. I steeled myself, having no choice but to join them in their feast much to my displeasure. I skittered across the rocky floor quickly, jumping into the fray with equal ferociousness. I squeezed through the mass of bodies hoping to get near to its body just to get a bite.
I didn't realize how hungry I was until stabbed my claws into a body. Unexpectedly, my mandibles went through the body of one of the centipedes but my hunger forced me to ignore that tidbit and eat regardless of if they were alive or not. It tasted horrible, I concur, it tasted absolutely disgusting. The joys of hunger eclipsing my moral compass, letting me eat such a thing. I ate through the centipede and then ripped it into the fatty flesh of the penguin monster.
The sight of blood did little to deter my conquest of eating as much as I wanted. I soon found myself creating a path into the body itself, surrounded by walls of flesh. I ate until my belly was full and I was completely satisfied. In my state satisfaction, I failed to notice that my centipede family had left me. I curled my body up, looking at my body in a daze. There was blood all over me, recalling that somehow I lost myself in my hunger. I was disgusted with myself but still was contented. It was a conundrum of feelings but it was still necessary for my survival so I pushed my feelings of disgust deep into my mind.
Coming to my senses, I sensed that I was alone and that there was a mist around me that wasn't there before. This obscured my already poor sight, practically leaving me blind to everything. But as all centipedes do, I was able to feel the vibrations beneath traveling through the ground. Similarly, if the thundering footsteps were any indication then it meant that danger had finally found me. Suddenly, the system rang out in my head, telling me there were notifications, followed by words appearing in my mind.
[Kin Eater] title acquired.
Skill proficiency reached. Acquired skill [Taboo LV1]
Skill proficiency reached. Acquired skill [Heretic Magic LV1]
I had no time to question the words implanted in my head because before I knew it I was surrounded by three more of those penguin monsters. Their forms were blurry with my poor vision but I could still see their sheer size. "You don't want to do this.." I said in my mind as if they could hear me. They roared in response, raising their bulky arms in the air. I quickly unfurled my body, sensing my impending doom, and skittered across the floor quickly towards the nearest monster, hoping to get under its body.
BOOM!
I felt myself being launched in the air from the force of the attack that completely decimated the ground. I, unfortunately, landed on one of the penguin monsters. I was extremely scared and the only escape was on my mind. I was completely sure that I was no match for these monsters alone. I crawled across its back quickly, jumping off before I could be slammed into the wall from the way its body was leaning back.
The thunderous sound behind me was the sound of the wall being crushed by the weight of the penguin monster who had slammed its back against the wall to crush me. I skittered across the rock floor, moving in an s-shape to deter the penguins that were running after me in a sporty manner. I managed to see a small crack in the wall, I quickly slipped through before I could be crushed.
The sound of the monsters smashing the wall was in the distance behind me. I crawled through the small tunnel that was just big enough for me to fit through. The tunnel went on for a while so I took my time. I was relieved to escape such an ordeal and scolded my centipede "family" for leaving me behind to receive the hatred of those buff penguins. When I reached the end of the tunnel, I found myself in a quiet dark tunnel unable to see anything.
I could barely see in front of me and I didn't have the red eyes of other centipedes to act as a guide. I crept back into the tunnel to use as a temporary safe haven. Suddenly, words popped into my head followed by a screen popping up in front of me.
Skill proficiency reached. Acquired skill [Motion Perception LV1]
I wasn't surprised at this since in most novels the reincarnated person would refer to a system. I was more surprised at the skill I acquired. Since I was running blind since I arrived in this world, I probably unlocked this skill by just trying to see. I wasn't so sure of the mechanics but that was the most possible reason I could guess. I suddenly remembered the skills I acquired before I was chased down by those penguin monsters. I had no idea what Taboo or Heretic Magic was but they didn't sound like anything good. I pushed them to the back of my mind because I wouldn't be eating my kin again anytime soon.
As for the other skill I just gained, it was already in effect. I moved my antennae around rapidly since they were the only things peeking out of the hole. I could sense the movement of a single figure in front of me. They were hopping across the rocky floor if the vibrations and sounds were anything to go by. The sound of wet feet hitting the ground was unnerving. I wondered if whatever was there was able to see me or not but since I wasn't attacked then I was safe...for now. Now that I discovered there was a system that must mean levels existed as well and maybe skill points.
Number of skill points in possession: 200
I was expecting more but I was contented that I at least had skill points. Anyways, from the novels, I read there was one skill that was a massive help to the protagonist or heroine. The appraisal skill, I thought.
Currently, you have 100 skill points. The skill [Appraisal LV1] can be acquired by spending 100 skill points. Do you want to acquire it?
"Yes," I thought with relief because my chances of survival were steadily increasing.
[Appraisal LV1] was acquired. Remaining skill points: 100
Now that I had the appraisal skill I was eager to try it out on the monster that I could sense a few feet from my position. Tell me what is that thing out there, Appraisal!
Frog
So it's a frog-like monster? The information wasn't much to go by and it was probably because its level was low. I crept out of the hole, just my head peeking out, and used the appraisal skill to the right side of the large tunnel.
Frog Mouse Frog Deer Snake Frog Frog Snake Frog Snake Frog Frog Snake Penguin
I screamed inwardly at the voice in my head as I got an instant headache from appraising so many things at once. After the headache ebbed away I crawled back into the hole. Reminder, never to use appraisal skills so recklessly again. Instead, I settled from appraising the things closest to me.
Rock Wall Rock Wall Rock Wall
Proficiency has reached the required level. Skill [Appraisal LV1] has now become [Appraisal LV2]
I smiled inwardly, pleased with my progress, promising to myself to check out what other things I could see with the skill. I still had 100 more skill points to use so I wanted to use them to buy another skill.
Currently, you have 100 skill points. The skill [StealthLV1] can be acquired by spending 100 skill points.
Do you want to acquire it?
I bought the skill, knowing it would serve me well in the future.
[Stealth LV1] was acquired. Remaining skill points: 0
Can I check the list of skills I have?
Appraisal LV2
Paralysis Attack LV1
Paralysis Fang LV1
Paralysis Resistance LV1
Stealth LV1
Taboo LV1
Heretic Magic LV1
Motion Perception LV1
n% I = W
Skanda
So the basic skills I started out with were Paralysis Attack and Paralysis Resistance. The mandibles underneath my head would deliver the poison like other centipedes in my world? I looked at the n% I = W skill and didn't understand how it works since not much information was given on the little screen. However, there was information for the other skill Skanda, which boosts my speed stat and its growth and that was why I was so fast compared to the other centipedes.
I tried to recall the information facts about centipedes I read before but it was hard to recall. However, If I remembered correctly centipedes did, in fact, have a poor line of sight which would explain why my vision is so poor. But they can find prey by using their antennae which meant using my motion perception skill.
Once suitable prey is located, a centipede would use their quick speed to capture, bite, and inject their prey with paralyzing venom. The bite and delivery of venom are by a pair of claws located on the centipede's first body segment. Once subdued, the prey is passed to the centipede's mouth where mandibles enable them to chew up and consume the prey.
So centipedes were fast ambush predators that relied on speed. I recall my narrow escape from the penguin monsters and how fast I moved and I was a lot faster than my family who was already fast. Speed was clearly one of my most important stats right now. Furthermore, my body was an advantage in subduing by wrapping myself around them to hold them in place.
I honed in on the frog that wasn't moving from where it last landed. If I needed to survive then I needed to fight my own battles. I didn't have my centipede family to protect me. I didn't have to activate my stealth skill since it was a passive skill and blending in with the rocky surface came naturally now. I crept from my spot and I couldn't tell if there was a rock in front of me or not because my motion perception could only detect moving objects. I could only hope to god that I didn't run into a rock, as I did before, but fortunately, I was able to reach the frog without hitting anything.
I latched onto the frog who wasn't expecting my presence. I wrapped my body around and sunk my claws into its body, administering the paralyzing agent. I could feel the poison leaving my body, as I pumped it into the frog.
Proficiency has reached the required level. Skill [Paralysis Attack LV1] has now become [Paralysis Attack LV2]
Proficiency has reached the required level. Skill [Paralysis Fang LV1] has now become [Paralysis Fang LV2]
I had no time to care about the system speaking in my mind as the frog struggled ferociously under my grasp. Before I knew it, I found myself on the ground, stabbing my claws into the frog repeatedly. We rolled around a few times, the frog screaming for murder. Before I could get in another bite, I sensed something coming towards my face, then I felt pain all over my face.
Skill proficiency reached. Acquired skill [Acid Resistance LV1]
Skill proficiency reached. Acquired skill [Poison Resistance LV1]
I Inwardly screamed as it felt like millions of needles stabbing me at once. I so wanted to let go and run away but if I let go I would probably end up in a worse situation. I tightened my hold on the frog, and this time used my mandibles to stab the frog along with my claws. The frog's movement became slower and slower until it finally stops. My paralyzing poison worked in subduing the frog monster. Using my antennae to sense its shallow breaths, I found the underside of its head and bit into its throat to administer the killing blow.
I killed it.
I killed my first prey on my own without help.
I looked down the dark tunnel and sensed multiple moving monsters coming in my direction. I quickly dragged the frog back into my hole quietly. Successfully back in my temporary home, I sense the monsters stop where I was for several minutes before moving on.
I'm so lucky I didn't die. I just know that I was in pain.
Experience points have reached a certain point. Individual, Elroe Ferect, Mai Yumehiro LV1 has become LV2
Every basic ability rose
Skill Proficiency Level Up Bonus acquired
Skill proficiency reached. Skill [Motion Perception LV1] has now become [Motion Perception LV2]
Skill points gained.
I could feel my skin melting and forging new skin over my body. A flash of light filled my vision and the pain from the frogs' attack disappeared. I finally reached level 2! I was happy about this small accomplishment but soon enough my stomach growled. I looked down at the frog beneath many feet and sighed inwardly.
I lowered my head and started devouring the frog. Using my mandibles, I pinched flesh from the frog, tearing it away. I brought the flesh to my countless serrated teeth and began to eat. I wanted to throw up, the extremely bitter taste was disgusting and it burned on the way down but I couldn't stop just because of this.
Proficiency has reached the required level. Skill [Poison Resistance LV1] has now become [Poison Resistance LV2]
Proficiency has reached the required level. Skill [Acid Resistance LV1] has now become [Acid Resistance LV2]
After I was done eating the frog, my mouth dripping with blood and poison, I curled up tightly to rest after filling my belly. Since I came here I didn't think about what I would do. What could a centipede really do in this world?
My name is Mai Yumehiro and I just want to live peacefully.
Is that so hard?
Name: Mai Yumehiro
Species: Elroe Ferect
Skills:
Appraisal LV2
Paralysis Attack LV2
Paralysis Fang LV2
Paralysis Resistance LV1
Stealth LV1
Taboo LV1
Heretic Magic LV1
Motion Perception LV2
n% I = W
Skanda
Acid Resistance LV2
Poison Resistance LV2