Real Monster of Multiverse

After escaping from the hunter, I returned to my cave, and I began planning my next steps.

—They'll definitely tell the other hunters about me, so I have to expect company in the coming days —I started pacing in the cave as I kept talking to myself—. So, it's best to move until things calm down a bit.

The question is: where should I go? The most direct path to the Wildspire Wastes is through Astera, and the way to the Coral Highlands and the Rotten Vale will only appear after Zorah Magdaros passes.

—Of course, assuming the big guy hasn't passed through yet… I still need to figure out what point in the story I'm at.

And the Elder's Recess… no, I don't want to die, so where to?

—… That's it! Why just stay on land?

…

POV Cain

—Nothing over here!

—Nothing over here either!

—Even less here!

—Sigh Keep looking! That monster must be somewhere.

Today started like any other day, except with the imminent arrival of the Fifth Fleet. Everyone was running back and forth like headless chickens, preparing everything. But we've been like this for a couple of months, so it's nothing new.

What was new was seeing the Commander clearly nervous, giving orders to search for a new species of monster in the Ancient Forest. Normally, discovering a new species would be cause for celebration, but… everyone was on edge, even the Research Chief, who would usually be running around like a child upon hearing this kind of news, was just standing there with a grim expression, muttering to himself.

Even all other activities were ordered to stop! So we dropped everything: preparations for the Fifth Fleet, patrols, expeditions, etc.

I'm a veteran hunter who came with the Second Fleet. Although it was mostly blacksmiths and builders, there were a few hunters among us. This isn't the first time we've found a new monster in the New World, but it is the first time it has caused this much chaos.

Not even when Kulve Taroth appeared and disappeared was there this much commotion! And Kulve Taroth is a confirmed Elder Dragon!

… Although I admit, the report is… intriguing. I don't think in the entire history of the Guild there's ever been a humanoid monster found. That's definitely remarkable, but I doubt that alone is enough for this level of mobilization.

There's something more going on here, and for it to make the Commander this nervous, it can't be good.

—Sigh I'm too old for this.

…

POV Chryssia

—Now, how do I catch a fish?

Here I am, on a beautiful beach, alone, thinking about how to catch a fish, eat it, and gain gills so I can hunt underwater.

And yes, this is my master plan to avoid the hunters. They think I'm a terrestrial being, so for a while, I'll become an aquatic one. But like any plan, it needs a beginning, and that beginning is getting gills.

I know I can hold my breath longer than a normal person, but I'm not a whale, so I'd rather avoid having to constantly surface for air.

—How do I fish? Do I just jump into the water and catch something with my hands? … I really don't have a better idea, so let's do it.

Little by little, I waded into the sea. I don't know if it's because of the time of year or the geographical location, but the water was quite cool. Not cold, just cool.

I had to go a few meters in before I could fully submerge. My eyes took a bit of time to adjust to being underwater, but when I could finally see the sea, I could only think one thing.

Every day, this world seems more beautiful to me.

Before me was a massive coral reef, with all imaginable colors and shapes. There were all kinds of fish, either in schools or alone, swimming peacefully, except for those fleeing predators like larger fish or sharks.

I was mesmerized, recording every fragment in my mind until I realized I was out of air. I don't know when, but it seems the current had carried me a bit deeper into the sea.

While rising to the surface, an old memory resurfaced.

…

Smack —You're a damn waste! You'll never achieve anything in life.

They yelled at me while I was curled up on the floor, trying not to cry because I knew that would only make things worse.

—I can't believe I gave birth to a waste like you! Why can't you be more like your brother?!

When I heard this, I couldn't hold back the tears anymore, and as a reward, I received another slap and more yelling.

…

—Screw you too, Mom. The thing I enjoyed most when I died was knowing I'd never have to hear you again. And now look at me. Look at me! I'll be the one on top in the end! And you'll just be rotting underground! Do you hear me?!

After yelling at the sky, I dove back underwater. This time, I didn't get distracted admiring the sea. I searched for the nearest fish, which was some kind of tuna. I approached it from above, and using all my strength, I lunged at it.

I rammed it with my head, disorienting it, grabbed it with my hands, and without hesitation, started eating it.

[Skills obtained: gills, fin

Accept: YES/NO]

I felt the burning sensation around my neck, arms, and back. After that, I felt the seawater entering my body, replacing my need for oxygen. I looked around, searching for my next prey.

… Look at me