chapter 8: Rising Instincts

Xena peeked out cautiously from the coral reef's shelter, her golden eyes glowing faintly as she activated her Eye of Truth skill. The green, pulsating light above the shark's head revealed its level: "Shark (Level 17)" Her heart skipped a beat as the realization sank in. Level 17, She almost lost her composure, her golden scales bristling with unease."I'm just a fish! A level 8 fish!" she cursed under her breath, her voice a mix of panic and self-deprecating humor. The gap between their levels was like the vast ocean itself-too great, too terrifying.The shark's immense frame cut through the water with a terrifying grace, its dark silhouette a harbinger of death for anything smaller or weaker. Xena watched as the predator confidently patrolled the coral reef, its hunger evident in the way it darted at any unsuspecting prey. She sighed deeply, frustration bubbling within her as she moved her large, shimmering fins.She bolted away from the coral reef in a flash of golden light, keeping to the shadows of the underwater terrain. Her home-her sanctuary-was no longer safe. "I'll get stronger," she murmured, her voice barely audible in the quiet expanse of the ocean. "You guys must hold on," she whispered to her fish siblings, who were likely cowering in their hiding spots.The ocean stretched before her like an endless blue void, dotted with scattered reefs and patches of seaweed. The water around her felt colder, heavier, as she ventured further away from the familiar coral reef. She shivered, a mix of fear and determination coursing through her. It was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of currents and the occasional clicking of distant creatures.Xena's sharp golden eyes scanned her surroundings with a predator's focus. The water around her shimmered faintly as sunlight pierced through from above, casting dancing patterns on the seabed below. Suddenly, she caught sight of a faint movement-a creature nestled on the ocean floor. Activating her Eye of Truth, the green glow revealed its level: "Cuttlefish (Level 8)." Her heart steadied. Finally, something within her league.The cuttlefish was an odd yet mesmerizing sight. Its broad, flat body blended seamlessly with the sandy seabed, its chromatophores pulsing with shifting patterns of color that mimicked its surroundings. Its eight arms curled and uncurled lazily, but its sharp, complex eyes darted around, providing an eerie sense of intelligence.Xena hesitated, staying near the open water. The seabed was unfamiliar territory, and she didn't trust what might be lurking beneath the sand-hidden predators like worms or snakes. But she knew she had to act. Hydro Boost surged through her veins as she activated the skill, her golden fins cutting through the water like a blade. The temporary speed burst drained 2 MP, leaving her with 13 MP, but the rush of adrenaline sharpened her senses.The cuttlefish noticed her immediately. Its body shifted colors, warning her off with a hypnotic display of chromatophores. It flared its arms aggressively and darted toward her with surprising speed. Xena twisted her tail, her enhanced agility allowing her to evade the attack with ease. The predator's Instinct skill was vital now, but she needed a clear opening."Calm, Xena. Stay calm," she muttered, circling the cuttlefish cautiously. The creature, realizing its initial lunge had failed, released a dark cloud of ink, the murky haze spreading rapidly in the water. Her vision blurred, the world around her becoming an indistinct void."Focus." Activating Predator's Instinct for 2 MP, she felt a heightened awareness settle over her. The ink cloud was no longer an impenetrable barrier-it was a distraction, and through it, she could sense the cuttlefish's faint vibrations as it repositioned itself.Xena surged forward, darting through the ink cloud with a precision that surprised even her. She unleashed Aqua Slash (3 MP) as soon as she emerged, sending a high-pressure blade of water slicing through the murk. The attack hit its mark, grazing the cuttlefish's side. It screeched-a high-pitched, warbling sound that sent chills down her spine.The cuttlefish trembled, retreating momentarily, but it wasn't giving up. It shot forward again, its tentacles splayed wide as it aimed for her with renewed aggression. Xena braced herself, feeling the weight of the ocean pressing around her. She unleashed Electric Pulse (3 MP), the shockwave rippling outward and stunning the cuttlefish mid-charge.The stunned creature flailed helplessly, its body spasming as the electric current coursed through it. Xena, now with only 5 MP, knew she had to end this quickly. She lunged forward, clamping her jaws onto its soft underbelly, and activated Devour (1 MP). Energy flowed into her as the skill drained the life force from her prey, replenishing her stamina and restoring her resolve.The cuttlefish let out one final, desperate thrash of its tentacles, but Xena was ready. She dodged with a graceful twist of her tail and delivered a final, decisive bite to its head. The creature went limp, its lifeless body floating in the water."Ugh," Xena gagged, spitting out the head in disgust. The taste was briny and unpleasant. She much preferred using Devour to absorb energy rather than eating her prey like a normal fish. The faint glow of experience energy enveloped her as the system notification chimed in her mind."Ding! +30 EXP"Her golden body shimmered faintly, the glow intensifying as her level increased. She felt a familiar, painful surge coursing through her as her body adapted to her newfound strength. Her scales grew harder, her golden form larger. Now 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, she felt a newfound sense of power-but it wasn't enough."Ding! Level up. 3 stat points awarded. Choose one of these skills to unlock:

- Underwater Forge: Temporarily enhances the sharpness of bites, increasing attack damage by 20% for 30 seconds. MP Cost: 5. Cooldown: 1 minute.

- Iron Scales: Permanently hardens your scales, reducing physical damage by 10%. (Passive)"

The choices appeared before her, tempting her with their promise of growth. Xena floated in the open water, her golden fins swaying gently as she contemplated her next move. Her MP pool was low at 4 MP, but she quickly decided to allocate her newly earned stat points to MP, raising it to a total of 18 MP.She weighed the skills carefully. Iron Scales offered consistent defense, but Underwater Forge appealed to her newfound appreciation for direct attacks. "System, I'll pick Underwater Forge," she said firmly.The ocean around her grew darker as she swam cautiously back toward the coral reef, careful to avoid the shark's patrol route. Her body was weary, her golden scales dimming slightly from the effort of battle, but her spirit was alight with determination. For her siblings and her home, she would grow stronger. This was only the beginning.