Alvaric was still confused about what had just happened. He hadn't done anything, yet he had somehow completed his mission. Whether it was a blessing or not, his instincts told him that something terrifying lurked deeper inside the Ant Bee nest. The presence that had killed the Queen Ant Bee.
"Whatever it is, it's definitely strong."
Alvaric glanced at his status window.
[Level: 36]
[HP: 2,000/2,000]
[MP: 30/30]
[Stamina: 550/550]
[Strength: 65]
[Agility: 18]
[Intelligence: 12]
[Luck: 400]
[Skill: Enhanced Regeneration (Passive)]
[Description: Restores 1% of HP and stamina every second.]
Alvaric was stunned by his stats. They were extraordinary. One percent was a huge number. At his current level, he could regenerate 20 HP every second. That was a massive advantage. He no longer needed to fear the poison from level-three Ant Bees.
"Where's my new item?"
A second later, the object in Alvaric's hand changed. His Knife Stone transformed. The name "Vapper's Dagger" appeared on it—Alvaric's new weapon.
Vapper's Dagger had a slender, curved blade like a snake's fang, with a sharp tip and fine serrated edges meant to tear through enemies. Its metallic surface shimmered with a bluish hue, with grooves running along it filled with turquoise-green poison. The hilt was decorated with snake-scale patterns that appeared to move when the dagger was turned. Every swing left behind a faint trail of dark orange mist.
Alvaric couldn't help but be amazed at his new weapon. This was what he had imagined when he first got summoned—something extraordinary, not the weak equipment he had started with.
"With this, I can defeat anything," Alvaric said smugly.
He smiled with satisfaction as he looked at Vapper's Dagger in his hand. With this new weapon, he felt more confident. He might even try to take on the Giant Sandworm, even though his level was still far below that desert monster. Alvaric turned around, ready to head back up. He had gotten a useful weapon and skill.
But just as he was about to leave, something suddenly happened.
SSSHKKK!
A sharp metallic hiss cut through the air. Alvaric reacted instantly, leaping to the side just before something slammed into the ground where he had been standing. His eyes widened as he swallowed hard.
BOOM!
Dust exploded everywhere. Alvaric furrowed his brow, eyes locked on the source of the attack.
As the dust settled, a tall, slender figure turned toward him. Its body was glossy black with crimson lines running across it. It stood upright on two legs like a human, but it was entirely an ant. It was the same size as Alvaric.
On its arms were two elongated blades like swords. Their eyes locked.
[Prince of Ant Bee – Level 25]
[HP: ???]
[Status: Enraged]
"Prince of Ant Bee?!" Alvaric groaned.
The monster raised one of its blades, pointing it directly at Alvaric. A hissing sound escaped its mouth.
"I will kill you," it said.
Alvaric was stunned. A monster that could talk? He hadn't known that was possible. He was certain now—this opponent was a special, powerful monster. He had gained a decent weapon and skill, but he still wasn't sure he could win.
"DIE!"
The ant shot forward with shocking speed. Alvaric could barely follow its movements—it moved like lightning.
KLANG!
Vapper's Dagger clashed with the creature's blade, sparks flying. Alvaric felt an immense force in his hand. His body was pushed back two centimeters. He realized immediately—this monster was stronger than him. He quickly retreated a few steps to put some distance between them and think.
But the ant monster didn't give him a chance. It appeared in front of him again. Alvaric dodged the first strike, but the monster followed up with a barrage of relentless attacks. Alvaric was overwhelmed, sustaining wounds across his body.
"Damn it. He's stronger and faster than me," Alvaric muttered.
Blood streamed from his wounds. They were healing, but the pain was real. Alvaric kept moving. His eyes tracked his opponent's every movement. Vapper's Dagger had trouble landing a hit. He was constantly on the defensive.
But slowly, Alvaric began to adapt. He started matching his opponent's pace. The fight grew more balanced.
"You're quite something, human. I didn't expect a human to be able to match me," said the Prince of Ant Bee.
He raised both his sharp arms. His red eyes locked onto Alvaric. There was no killing intent, but that didn't mean the ant wasn't serious about the fight. He would kill Alvaric for trespassing into his home.
"I didn't intend to kill you, but since you're here, this is your death."
Alvaric glanced toward the exit. He considered running—but dismissed the idea. With their difference in speed, fleeing would only expose his back to the enemy. That was a bad decision. Alvaric took a deep breath and nodded.
"Fine. I'll fight you seriously," Alvaric said, taking a fighting stance. His eyes grew sharper. "I won't die here—not after getting a cool weapon and skill."
"Oh? Is that so?" The ant monster smirked, intrigued. "Then entertain me before I kill you."
Both fighters charged forward. The real battle began—this time, seriously.
SLASH!
Both sustained injuries from each other's attacks. Alvaric's left arm went limp. The Ant Bee's poison had affected him—of course it had, this was the prince of the entire colony.
Blood gushed from Alvaric's left arm.
[HP: 1,450/2,000]
"Damn...!" he hissed, glancing at the wound. Then he looked back at the ant monster. "You've got some tough skin, huh."
Alvaric's Vapper's Dagger hadn't cut his opponent. Even his best strikes had failed to do any damage. That meant the dagger's poison effect hadn't worked—the prince's skin was too tough.
The Prince of Ant Bee raised his right arm, showing a small crack on it. "You're strong." The monster's eyes locked on Alvaric again. "Your regeneration is troublesome. But if I keep injuring you, it'll be useless."
Alvaric smirked. "If you can do that, then go ahead. I'm waiting."
The ant monster opened its mouth. Suddenly, its abdomen swelled, and several ant bees crawled out. They were small at first, but within seconds they grew into level-five Ant Bees. Not one. Not two. Ten of them.
"Now that's just unfair," Alvaric groaned.