No matter what, I have to get all of them before I evolve. The bonus is just too juicy.
With my first job done the next logical step for me is to test my new body in combat.
Although I hate to do it, I think targeting the centipede nest makes a lot of sense. I was able to defeat them before without evolving and the risk is low. Let's go see what I can do now.
It take me about an hour to make my way back to the centipede mound and up into my scout tree once more. I'm significantly heavier now so climbing trees is a bit more difficult ,but not much more since my weight increase is balanced with an increase in strength.
I'm not even sure how many centipedes I should take on at once now. I was able to do three, four with a bit of trouble. Five was a nightmare from which I'd had to turn tail and hide.
Let's try four…
Despite me picking on these centipedes quite a bit, their numbers don't seem much diminished, if anything there is more activity here than there was before. Large groups of up to ten are leaving and returning with a higher frequency than I'd seen not that long ago. What is going on with these guys? Population explosion?
I have to wait a fair while before a group of four heads out into the forest for hunting.
Once I spot them I don't miss the opportunity and immediately climb down to follow them.
I can move quite a bit faster now, with my longer legs and more powerful frame. I'm able to overtake the convoy easily.
For some reason I just don't feel the same sort of tension I did before.
I'm so much larger than these centipedes now. Where once they almost looked me in the eye I'm now able to look down on them comfortably. Almost like I'm bullying the tiny little things.
Bah! No sympathy for centipedes!
Once I get in front I don't waste any time and place myself directly in front of them.
Welcome! To your doom!
POW!
The first blast of restrictive acid is launched with superb accuracy, covering the lead centipede across its back and down one side.
Without watching the result too carefully I quickly line up and fire again.
POW!
Take that! The second centipede is directly struck as it moves forward to assess the threat to its ally.
Come at me you little grubs!
However, the uninjured centipedes don't charge forward as they did before. Seeing the large, evolved ant they hesitate and remain with their wounded allies, clacking their claws threateningly.
I probably have three more shots of acid left in the tank to be honest but instead of continuing the ranged assault I decide to get up close and personal. I won't learn anything if I just shoot them down from range.
The two centipedes I've already struck are struggling to recover their feet, the hardening, sticky acid is locking some of their legs and gumming up their body sections, even as it continues to burn them. They won't be able to fight for some time yet.
Fine then. If you guys won't come to me, I'll go to you!
I charge and quickly build up furious momentum. I can almost see fear in their beady, red eyes as I rush at them like an insect tank. I don't try anything fancy, I just barrel directly into the closest centipede, not giving it time to defend itself. The claws reach up and try to rip at my carapace but are simply not strong enough to do much to me.
I dart forward, my larger and deadlier mandibles glowing brightly. Crushing bite!
[you have defeated level 2 Claw centipede]
[You have gained XP]
One hit KO.
I didn't even target the head. My mandibles simply shattered the defensive carapace and tore the centipede clean in half.
Holy moly!
The remaining unharmed centipede has approached with its tail high in the air, ready to strike! Instead of backing away I launch myself forward, catching the tail out of the air as it begins to descend and severing it with one more ferocious chomp!
Then another to finish the monster off.
[You have defeated level 1 Claw Centipede]
[You have gained XP]
The two shot centipedes are still writhing on the ground, unable to even stand properly. I think my restrictive acid may be super effective against these centipedes, considering how many legs and segments they have it must be a nightmare for them if they get gummed up and can't move half of their body.
I finish off the other two with one bite each.
….
That was a demolition!
They couldn't threaten me at all! I could probably take on a group of five, even six!
This is the difference a single evolution can make! I might even be able to take on the massive adult centipede.
Even though I said I'd never eat, I won't let good Biomass go to waste.
After eating all four of them I manage to gain two Biomass.
Looks like my ability to gain Biomass from these guys has at least halved. This is the penalty for being an evolved creature attacking those weaker than them.
I'll save these points for now until I can build up to five an upgrade my mandibles. Now that I've become this strong I feel a bit more confident now.
At least, confident enough to follow the pheromone trail. Time to find my family!