EP.55
Terror Bird.
It was quite a famous creature.
In popular media, it often plays the role of being hunted down by Smilodon.
But if you were to ask if that was the case in reality, well, I’m not so sure.
Look at that size and beak.
If a Smilodon tried to play around, it would get a hole in its head.
I’ve never seen a Smilodon here, but in my opinion, it’s probably a 50-50 scenario.
The Terror Bird could be rated a 5, while the Smilodon is also a 5.
By the way, it’s really big.
If Dang So-young were here, she would have made a fuss.
“That, that’s… the legendary spirit, Zhuque!”
But considering its name is Terror Bird, maybe she would have just called it that?
I am a bit curious about that.
“Kiiiiiik!”
The Terror Bird is a strong creature.
One should think of it as an enemy with excellent attack power and speed.
Especially its attacks using that curved beak are very dangerous.
If hit by that vertically descending strike, it could create a hole in my bones.
However, that attack is not perfect.
For its attack to be effective, my size needs to be smaller than its.
After all, it employs a technique that strikes almost vertically down.
My size, grounded on two legs, was not smaller than its.
That doesn’t mean I cannot be attacked, though. Still, it’s significant that I can avoid its most dangerous attack.
“Grrrrr…”
I threatened again with a low growl.
The Terror Bird seemed a bit flustered upon seeing my size.
From a distance, it might have thought I was just a large lizard.
Maybe I got up for a scratch or something.
What kind of lizard do you think would fight on two legs?
Their confusion was only natural.
“Kiiik!”
But I shouldn’t let my guard down.
Though they seemed momentarily surprised, they hadn’t stopped thinking about hunting me.
Terror Birds probably have hunted several enemies with shapes similar to mine.
While there may not be any two-legged lizards, two-legged dinosaurs would be common in this area.
“Kiiik!”
The one on the left was a bit smaller.
It would probably be obeying the commands of the one on the right.
Should I take on the leader first or the weaker opponent?
There was no time to think.
Pababababat!
The larger Terror Bird charged at me.
In that instant, the Terror Bird’s dash, achieving speeds of up to 50 km/h, was something my short lizard legs could never evade.
For a typical lizard, that is.
I activated a sprint and used the Dragon Claw Technique to evade its rush.
“Kiiik!”
The Terror Bird looked flustered.
I immediately landed a Dragon Claw attack.
Whoosh!
My attack aimed to tear off its wing but only managed to pluck some feathers.
Yet, I was still in a position to continue my assault. I could immediately use my other hand to follow up.
Even so, I quickly propelled my body back.
After all, I was facing a 2-to-1 situation now.
If it was a Terror Bird, it could easily reach me while I attempted my second strike.
Tudadadadot!
As I dodged, another one’s beak attack came flying in.
If I hadn’t jumped, I would have taken the hit directly.
I leaped back once more.
Pabat!
Even for me, dodging that speed’s flanking attack up close would be tough.
I created some distance, and at a glance, it seemed like the original scenario was being recreated.
“Kiiik!”
They were making odd cries to communicate.
The large lizard in front of them.
Since my speed was comparable to theirs, they must be discussing how to deal with me.
One troubling aspect was that they were not considering retreating.
“Grrrr…”
They continued to make consecutive mistakes.
Not chasing me down right away after creating some distance was their blunder.
They needed to either flee or close in immediately.
One of the two had to be done.
[Activating “Poison Creation lv4”.]
Swoosh!
A large amount of poison was suddenly generated.
The Terror Bird appeared momentarily startled by the sudden poison but quickly resumed its vigilant stance, glaring at me.
Against the Anodontosaurus, I had employed a strategy of slicking the ground to throw it off balance.
However, with grass covering the ground here, that tactic was not an option.
But that’s alright.
I had a different purpose in mind.
I rushed toward the creature at high speed.
It seemed to question my actions as I widened the distance before approaching again, and the Terror Birds charged at me simultaneously.
[Activating “Poison Gathering lv2”.]
The location for gathering the poison was my right hand.
To be precise, it was the feather of the Terror Bird I had ripped off using the Dragon Claw Technique.
The feather I was holding became saturated with poison.
In an instant, I threw the feather into the air.
This was a technique mimicking Ten Thousand Flowers Rain.
If I were to use the Reverse Scale, I could achieve an even more perfected version of Ten Thousand Flowers Rain.
However, I chose not to.
Using the Reverse Scale would essentially mean expending my full power from the start.
I am a lizard.
A full-power combat right from the beginning, like a lion, was something I should avoid.
There are many variables in a battle.
Using all my strength before grasping the opponent’s capabilities is a surefire way to defeat.
The way to fight for survival in the wild is to engage in a reconnaissance battle, slowly ramping up my strength to match the opponent’s.
Of course, if I were confident in leveling up, it would be a different story.
Swoosh!
The feathers infused with poison were not intended to take its life.
My primary goal was to obscure its vision.
Pabababat!
Most of the feathers were blocked by its thick fur.
However, a few managed to embed in its skin and were sufficient to slow down the speed of one Terror Bird.
A sudden decrease in speed from its comrade.
The Terror Bird was moving too fast, making it impossible to pivot even if it became aware of the situation.
Thus, a one-on-one confrontation was established.
Swoosh!
I struck its wing fiercely with the Dragon Claw Technique.
“Creeeeek!”
The Terror Bird screeched in pain.
Seizing the opportunity, I launched another attack.
Crunch!
I bit down hard on its neck with my large teeth.
“Kiiik!”
The Terror Bird thrashed wildly.
With such a large size, its stamina was impressive.
It wouldn’t be dying from this.
Thud thud!
[Activating “Poison Fangs lv10”.]
I injected a sufficient amount of poison.
Perhaps if I used the Death Roll, I could break its neck right there, but it was time for me to retreat.
Another Terror Bird, staggering on its feet, was approaching me.
Dash!
I drew my body back once more.
Crunch!
A beak came flying at me, grazing me.
Wham!
Its beak plunged into the ground with a force capable of piercing it.
The Terror Bird that had been poisoned was now charging at me.
Crunch!
A swift flanking attack ensued.
If I dodged to the left, its beak came flying at me, and trying to retreat once more, its beak was already coming in from somewhere.
There was no gap as its sharp claws and muscular wings constantly swooped in.
Bam!
But they were poisoned.
As time passed, their speed could only decrease.
The more they moved, the more the poison would spread.
If it was a creature hit by a hastily prepared Ten Thousand Flowers Rain, it might be different, but one struck by Poison Fangs had a high chance of losing consciousness within minutes.
If I could just stall for time, I would win.
“Kiiik!”
Beaks were flying toward me, crossing in mid-air.
As I leapt to avoid the attacks, I could see them turning their bodies.
Finally, they realized something.
Killing me within the remaining time was impossible.
If they waited any longer, they would end up being the hunted.
Even with what little stamina they had left, they needed to flee.
They seemed to think that even with a slight edge in speed, they wouldn’t be able to follow me if I bolted.
This is when I should use my full power.
When the enemy underestimates my strength.
When the techniques I possess can yield optimal results.
[Activating “Reverse Scale lv1”.]
[Temporarily acquiring “Reverse Yan Energy Activation”.]
Kraaack!
My overwhelming inner strength bore down upon their bodies.
Unlike White Smoke’s use, my effect merely slows them down.
But that’s sufficient.
High Dragon Techniques.
I took a single step toward the creatures.
Crack!
With the Reverse Yan Energy Activation, I could vaguely sense what the essence of “middle” is.
Slow yet powerful.
Slow yet unavoidable.
Strong yet escape is not possible.
This is the essence of High Dragon Techniques.
River Dragon Shock.
Kraaaaaack!
The earth began to twist.
The ground cracked from where I stepped, resembling a living dragon swimming, stretching toward the Terror Birds right before them.
Boom!
A shockwave surged upward, threatening to swallow the enemy.
It struck the fleeing Terror Bird.
“Creeeeek!”
It screamed, but it was already too late.
I quickly dashed in and focused strength into both hands.
Well done.
Two chickens.
I struck their heads simultaneously with the Dragon Claw Technique infused with my inner strength.
Kraaaaaack!
[Your level has increased.]
[Your level has increased.]
[Your level has increased.]
Defeating two Terror Birds in the process, I gained three levels.
It’s a bit disappointing, but I can’t help but feel satisfied.
It was a decent haul.
After all, securing two sizable chickens is significant.
With this size, it should give me at least another level once I finish eating.
Just then, I suddenly began to hear bird sounds.
“Caw-caw!”
It seemed crows were drawn to the scent of blood.
I could spare a piece of meat, but could they keep it down a bit?
Others might come to join them.
I looked up toward the source of the sound.
It wasn’t crows.
A slightly smaller yet colorful bird was soaring in circles above me.
So, should I call it a parrot?
“I, the lizard, have killed a bird that cannot fly!”
Indeed, it was a parrot.
If it can speak, it must mimic human speech.
Hold on.
Can a parrot speak this proactively?
Could that parrot be an incredibly intelligent mutation?
【Golden Parrot LV3】
Even from a wild perspective, that parrot appeared to be an ordinary one.
“Caw-caw! The snake, the Snake Queen is laughing!”
Something felt ominous.
What could the Snake Queen possibly signify?
I felt uneasy about it.
I need to catch that bird first.
If I handle it carefully, it might spill some info.
I readied my hind legs to pounce.
“Uoohhh….”
Kugugugung.
Something gigantic was flying this way, toppling trees as it approached.
“Caw-caw! The king is passing by!”
Kugugung….
“Uoohhh….”
Finally, it revealed itself.
A massive, pure white body came into view.
What should I call that?
No creature could honestly be called a bird upon seeing that.
Below its neck, it resembled a colossal bird from a fairy tale.
But the upper half posed a problem.
Fluttering black ornaments.
It had the kind of appearance that could recite classics like “The Analects.”
A long neck.
And a human face.
“Uoohhh!”
That’s a Human-Faced Bird!
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