Chapter 16: Facing the Rank 5
Lizarius watched as the second crocodile emerged from the waterfall. So that's what the roar was for, he thought. The crocodile's blue eyes glowed with fury as it took in the scene: the corpse of its companion and Lizarius standing nearby, blood dripping from his mouth. It plunged into the pool at the base of the falls and swam swiftly towards Lizarius, who remained motionless, his expression unreadable.
The crocodile emerged from the water, towering over Lizarius. It's way bigger than the other one, he observed. "System, what's its rank?" he asked.
Before the system could reply, the crocodile swung its massive tail, the blow tearing through the air towards Lizarius. Reacting instinctively, Lizarius thrust both wings forward to block the attack, but the force of the blow sent him hurtling through the forest, smashing through trees.
The crocodile moved closer to the corpse of the first crocodile. Realizing it was dead, its eyes narrowed, and it let out a terrifying roar. Rank 5, mid-stage beast. Blue Scale Crocodile, the system announced.
Lizarius slowly rose from the wreckage of shattered trees. A mid-stage Rank 5… that's why I couldn't even take a hit from it, he thought, wincing. I didn't think my wings would hold up. They're stronger than I thought. He stood ready to attack, lightning crackling from his horns and body, his yellow eyes glowing fiercely. "System, how many points do I have left?"
You have 200 points, the system replied.
"System," Lizarius commanded, "evolve the Golden Scales gene." He felt a change in his tail, but continued his train of thought. I was a little worried I might not get any genes from it. Lucky you came now. You have to die.
The crocodile, its eyes burning with rage, charged towards Lizarius, unleashing a lightning strike. The lightning tore through the air, hitting the approaching crocodile, who roared in pain, steam rising from its body. But the crocodile didn't stop. It reached Lizarius and opened its massive jaws, attempting to bite down.
Evolution complete, the system announced.
At the same moment, Lizarius swung his tail, the golden scales at its tip crackling with lightning. The scales shot into the crocodile's open mouth.
The crocodile shrieked in agony. Lizarius quickly moved, attempting to take flight, but the crocodile swung its tail again, striking Lizarius before he could react. The force of the impact sent him crashing to the ground.