Chapter 10: Silent Struggles Beneath the Sea

The vast blue expanse was an endless canvas of motion and life. Xena's large, golden fish form moved through the chilly water with calculated caution, her senses heightened. The water was dark, tinged with faint streaks of sunlight filtering through the surface far above, casting shifting patterns across her path. Tiny, darting creatures—vibrant with blues, oranges, and yellows—flitted past her, unaware of the quiet predator gliding by. The gentle hum of the ocean was punctuated by the clicking of shrimp, the distant echo of dolphin calls, and the occasional rumble of unseen predators.Xena's mind, however, was elsewhere, preoccupied with her newfound strength. She had just earned six stat points from leveling up, and the system interface glowed faintly in her vision like an ethereal guide. Her thoughts raced. Should she allocate all six points to MP? Or perhaps distribute them across agility and strength? After careful deliberation, she made her choice."Allocate five stat points to MP and one stat point to agility," she whispered, her voice unheard in the vast ocean but loud within her mind.The system responded instantly, its glowing text confirming her decision:Name: Xena

Level: 11

Exp: 249/250

HP: 85/100

MP: 8/23

Agility: 7

Strength: 4

Intelligence: 8

Charm: 10

Skills: Devour, Eye of Truth, Hydro Boost, Electric Pulse, Healing Current, Aqua Slash, Coral Camouflage, Mana Absorption, Predator's Instinct, Underwater Forge, Iron Scales, Barrier Reef

Titles: Eel Slayer, Silent Predator, Serpent Slayer

Remaining stat points: 0

Her satisfaction was palpable, but she couldn't afford to linger on the achievement. Danger was everywhere in the sea. She needed just one more point of experience to level up, and her Eye of Truth remained active, scanning for potential threats.The dark sea offered no respite. The water grew colder as she swam, the taste of salt heavy on her tongue. The coral reef that she called home came into view—a sprawling underwater metropolis of vibrant reds, oranges, and purples, bustling with marine life. Yet, her golden scales made her a prime target. Xena swam into a large coral hole, just barely evading the attention of a distant shark patrolling the waters.Inside the sheltering embrace of the coral, she activated Mana Absorption, drawing in the faint threads of energy that surrounded her. A soothing warmth spread through her body, replenishing her MP bit by bit. The stillness of her hideout allowed her to think clearly."The system seems to only trigger sudden quests when the opponent is stronger than me," she thought, analyzing her recent encounters. "The danger is extreme, but the rewards are worth it. I leveled up twice from defeating that venomous sea snake."Her musings were interrupted by the familiar chime of the system:"Ding! Daily quest completed. Rewards: 3 Pearl Coins."The notification brought a small smile to her fish lips. Now, she had 36 Pearl Coins—currency she was still learning how to utilize. Resting in the coral, she continued absorbing mana until her MP was full. Her golden body shimmered faintly in the dim light, blending seamlessly into the surrounding coral with her Coral Camouflage.When she finally emerged, the ocean outside was as alive as ever. She swam a bit far from her coral reef home and come close to another lively coral reef. Schools of fish darted in synchronized movements, their scales flashing like underwater rainbows. The water was colder now, the taste of salt sharper on her lips. Her Eye of Truth picked up faint glimmers of movement above—a pack of barracudas.They loomed in the shadowy waters, sleek and predatory, their silver bodies shimmering menacingly as they moved together. Xena pressed herself against the coral, her heart racing. The Coral Camouflage activated instinctively, rendering her nearly invisible. The barracudas passed above her, their sharp eyes scanning the reef for prey.Her fish eyes narrowed as three broke off from the group. These level-9 predators were drawn to the rich pickings of the reef, where jacks, grunts, and snappers swam in abundance. Xena's mind sharpened. She couldn't run. She had to fight.With her Silent Predator title enhancing her stealth, she moved with ghostly precision. Her large body shifted silently, her golden scales blending into the coral backdrop. The first barracuda swam beneath her, oblivious to the danger above.She activated Predator's Instinct (MP: 2), and her vision honed in on its weak point just below the gills. Her powerful tail propelled her forward with deadly intent. With Underwater Forge (MP: 5) enhancing her bite, she struck with precision and force. Blood blossomed in the water like a crimson flower, and the barracuda thrashed briefly before going limp.Quickly, she activated Devour (MP: 0.5), consuming the barracuda's energy. Strength flooded her body, and a system notification confirmed her progress:"+35 EXP"

"Ding! Level up. 3 stat points awarded."

She didn't have time to pay attention to the system notification as the other two barracudas turned, their sharp eyes locking onto her. Xena didn't flinch. She moved to a thicker part of the coral, Her body was engulfed in the pain of leveling up and growing larger, but she forced the barracudas to approach one at a time.The first of the remaining two lunged, its powerful jaws snapping. She waited in pain until it was almost upon her, then unleashed Electric Pulse (MP: 3). A wave of energy radiated from her body, stunning the creature mid-attack. In the brief window of opportunity, she struck with another enhanced bite, tearing into its underbelly. It writhed in agony before falling still.The final barracuda hesitated, then surged forward with fury. Xena activated Hydro Boost (MP: 2), her agility spiking as she darted to the side, evading its attack. The water churned around them, the predator circling her in a deadly dance.Xena retaliated with Aqua Slash (MP: 3), a blade of water slicing through the barracuda's flank. It faltered, injured but still dangerous. As it lunged again, she met it head-on, sinking her sharp teeth into its weakened body.The battle ended with her final victorious bite. Blood and silence filled the water as the last predator fell.Exhausted but triumphant, Xena activated Devour (MP: 1) on the remaining 2 barracudas body, replenishing her strength and recovering energy. It was definitely hard fighting while leveling up with her bones being broken and repaired and her skin stretching to accommodate her size increase."+35 EXP"

"+35 EXP"

"Ding! Level up. 3 stat points awarded. Since the host leveled up twice, the system will assume that these skills are automatically chosen:

-Blur Current: Creates a brief afterimage of yourself in water, confusing enemies and reducing the chance of being hit.

MP Usage: 2, Cooldown: 1 minute.

- Venomous Bite: Temporarily enhances your bite with venom, causing enemies to take damage over time.

MP Usage: 3, Cooldown: 30 seconds"

Another surge of pain wracked her golden fish body as it grew, reaching five feet long and three feet wide. The cold, oppressive water pressed against her growing frame, its icy grip a constant reminder of her vulnerability.