Chapter 78 - 73

Judging by the Lightning Wolf’s question, it seemed like he didn’t even come close to the monster during his hunt. After all, if he did manage to do that, then I had no doubt that the mantis would use that skill on him in an attempt to escape or lay an ambush.

'… It is an ability that somehow interfered with the target’s senses.' I summarized for the Lightning Wolf.

“How about… your ability…?” By my ability, the Lightning Wolf probably meant my perception skill.

'Unfortunately, it can even affect that.' I affirmed with certainty.

“That is… indeed troublesome…” The Lightning Wolf paused in thought. “But in… that case… how’d you… fight back…?”

To be honest, I was quite reluctant to reveal the truth to the Lightning Wolf. Especially because this time, it involved the effect of my skill which I could use as my hidden trump card if I was cornered and desperate. The problem was, I couldn’t just spout some outright lie since that would only further increase their suspicion. If that happened, the Lightning Wolf would without a doubt tighten their already strict surveillance on me, thus limiting the freedom of my movements. And in the worst-case scenario, this guy might attack me right then and there if by chance he somehow sees through my lie. Adding the fact that I was basically in the middle of his territory, then that would surely spell the end of my me.

After much deliberation, I had a sudden flash of inspiration. 'It may have something to do with my ability or state of mind. Maybe, it is a combination of both.' I answered in a casual tone.

With such a vague answer, the Lightning Wolf would at least be uncertain whether it was an effect of a skill, or if it only happened by chance. Furthermore, even if he thought that it was a skill, he still didn’t have enough details and information to make a solid guess. I mean, from his point of view, it could either be a targeted effect or a generalized one. In short, what I gave him was a rough idea that still needs some test and confirmation. More than that, he also couldn’t blame me for answering as such because he also did the same earlier when I asked if the mantis had escaped from him before.

“… I see…” The Lightning Wolf said without probing any further. “Anyway… about that…” He gestured towards the corpse of the stray wolf. “What do… you think…?”

By the lead of the Lightning Wolf, I stood up and moved closer to examine the corpse. And in just a single glance, I noticed that the dead wolf only has one fatal injury. That said injury was a deep stab wound at the right side of its stomach, near its ribs. From how it looked, I could confirm that one of the causes of death was due to blood loss. But upon closer inspection, I realized that there was something odd about the corpse’s injury.

'What the—' I couldn’t help but gasp.

I found myself at a loss for words upon scrutinizing the wound using my eyes. Because for one, the wound was giving off an extremely pungent smell. Moreover, the flesh around the wound also seemed to be rotting even though it had only been a few hours since the wolf’s death. And it wasn’t that simple either, because besides the flesh looking like it had been rotting for weeks, that decay was also spreading around little by little, it was as if the corpse had been contaminated by some kind of infectious disease.

Seeing such a scene, I didn’t even dare to touch that disgusting wound. After all, I had not the slightest idea how contagious it was. In my mind, I reminded myself that it was better to be careful now than to suffer in misery later. 'This is dangerous. In fact, I highly suggest using your lightning power to burn this corpse. As for how it became like this, it is probably the result of ability.' I explained and warned while taking a step back.

“… As expected…” The Lightning Wolf said before adding with a heavy tone, “that thing… is really… a handful…”

Agreed…

My conversation with the Lightning Wolf took about fifteen to thirty minutes. And on my way back to my temporary shelter, I found myself feeling a mixture of relief and confusion. Relief because the Lightning Wolf didn’t tighten my surveillance and confusion because of his still unknown motives. To be honest, I even felt a little bit of fear especially because I know that there was nothing more horrific than the unknown.

Inside my temporary shelter, I lied down on my usual spot acting as if I was trying to rest my exhausted body and mind. Then, after making sure that no one was watching, I decided to confirm my one thing. To do that, I gazed at my left front paw before releasing my claws.

*Shing*

Accompanied by that fast and sharp sound, my claws revealed themselves in front of my eyes. 'Tsk! Looks like my hunch is right.' Without the need for any additional effort, I immediately saw the problem in just a single glance. To be more specific, the claws in my right front paw had also been affected by that nasty decay-like effect.

'As I thought, that mantis’ claws are laced with that decay-like effect. Most likely, it is a contact-based effect.' Luckily, it seemed like my claws had long since negated that decay. Because of that, I didn’t have to worry about it spreading throughout my body although it still left some damage on my claws. 'That additional effect of this Dismantling Claws really came in handy.

Besides the effects that the Dismantling Claw had inherited from its predecessor skills, this claw of mine had once again gained an additional effect after my ascension. According to the description, it now has the ability to resist or negate any magic-based or effect augmented spells and abilities. Of course, that didn’t mean that it could fully dispel such powers. From what I understood, both its speed and effect were inversely proportional to the size and potency of the spells or abilities that it was trying to dissolve.

'Since that decay-like effect still left some damage to my claws, despite its negating effect, it is pretty clear that the mantis’ ability is terrifyingly potent. But on the other hand, this also suggested that I at least have the means to defend against those scythe-like arms.' I concluded before deactivating my claws.

'The only problem now is that mental attack…' Based on what I observed, I already made rough speculation about the possible limitations of that supposed skill. Mainly, it all has something to do with its continued uses and activation. One of my theories was that the skill lost its effectiveness when it was used in succession without that any time intervals in-between. The other one was that it became less and less potent the more it was cast against the same individual.

Although both of these theories were based on my personal experience, there was still another factor that I couldn’t neglect. 'That’s right, it’s also possible that the said effect was only the result of the influence of my skill—Presence of Mind.'

'That mantis probably used that skill to bypass the Lightning Wolf’s subordinates during their search. Of course, it may have turned out differently if the Lightning Wolf at least got close to the mantis. But judging by what I heard from that alpha, it is obvious that the mantis deliberately avoided a confrontation, and it may be because of its weakened state due to its recent evolution at that time. Though regardless of its reason, it shows that the mantis isn’t just a vicious beast that would easily fall for a simple trap. Instead, it is quite a cunning monster that I need to be wary about.'

At some point during my analysis, a wolf had come to deliver my portion for today’s hunt. After receiving my share and watching the delivery wolf leave, I immediately began to eat to replenish some of my lost strength. Besides that, I also used Gorge in some of that meat in order to repair the damage on my claws. This was because I have this impression that despite it being the result of my skill, my claws were still technically a part of my body. So, in essence, it should be possible to mend the damage just like how I could heal the wounds on my body by using this skill. And just like what I expected, the damage on my claws had vanished without even leaving a trace behind.

I couldn’t help but smile upon seeing that almost magical scene. 'Nice.' I thought as I finished my meal. And probably because of my good mood, I somehow had a peaceful sleep that night.