The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 8 (Part 1):

Horned Rabbits traveled in packs, much like the Ironclad Armadillos.

Moreover, perhaps because there was more food here than in the barren wasteland, their numbers were greater. Thanks to that, it didn’t take long to fully absorb their essence at 100%.

[Level up!]
[Essence Devoured: 100%]
[Essence Grade: Common]
[You have completely absorbed one species’ essence.]
[Skill – Agile Hind Legs has been added.]

[Agile Hind Legs]
– Rank: ★
– Type: Active
– Effect: Concentrates power in the legs to execute a rapid leap. An essence that momentarily increases jump distance and speed.

Due to my mass, I couldn’t achieve the bullet-like speed of the original Horned Rabbit, but it was useful for closing gaps with enemies.

Not quite a proper charge skill, though.

The [Skills] granted to Players were far more potent—abilities like forcibly shoving enemies or disrupting their posture with a single charge, or freely manipulating elemental attributes.

While [Armor] offered excellent defense, its high mana cost made it inefficient.

Yet, my [Devour] had a distinct advantage:

‘It interweaves skills.’

For example, combining the Horned Rabbit’s [Agile Hind Legs] with the goblin essence [Swift Escape] from the Tower’s first floor could unlock the skill [Full Sprint]. A form of synergy.

Merging two essences didn’t erase their original traits—I could still deploy [Agile Hind Legs] and [Swift Escape] separately, or use the fused [Full Sprint]. The key was that different combinations could forge multiple skills.

Hence, gathering as many essences as possible was critical.

Now, let’s review my progress since entering the tutorial stage:

– Age: 23
– Level: 4 / Race: Human
– Rank: Unranked / Class: None
– Ability: Devour

Stats:
– Strength: 46.6 (+15)
– Agility: 38.2 → 40.7 (+12)
– Stamina: 38.3 → 59.7
– Endurance: 33.9 → 60.2
– Mana: 53.7 → 94.5
– Bonus Stats: 5

Stamina, Endurance, and Mana had skyrocketed. The Dragonfang Soldiers, Ironclad Armadillos, and Slimes—all monsters excelling in durability or endurance—were to thank. Mana, bolstered by [Dragon’s Heart], was steadily accumulating.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“This is insane.”

A first-day Player with stats like this? The average tutorial graduate hovered around Level 30. Even after two weeks here, achieving these specs would’ve been impossible.

Knowing the future really is cheating.

“Awesome.”

Grinning, I clenched my fists. There was still much to obtain in the tutorial. I was already eager to see how much stronger I’d become in a month.

At this rate, I could afford to accelerate my plans.

Next target: The essence of the plains’ ruler, the Silver Fang.

—

I headed south across the plains. The Horned Rabbit population had sharply declined—understandably, since venturing further would lead to the territory of the Silver Fang, the apex predator of the plains and forest region.

– Silver Fangs required a minimum 7-player team to challenge.
– Tank-class Players had to learn [Taunting Shout] by the lakeside.
– Mage-class Players needed at least a 2-star skill.

There were quite a few other things to prepare.

That’s how formidable the Silver Fang was.

“There they are.”

I hid behind a nearby tree.

“Grrr… Woof!”

“Woof woof!”

Three white-furred wolves were prowling the area.

Predators of the plains—Silver Fangs.

A manageable number for a first encounter.

*Rustle— Rustle—* I advanced, crushing the tall grass underfoot.

“Woof!”

“Grrrr!”

The moment they spotted me, the pack bared their teeth and charged with hostility.

[Fierce Charge]

A straight, direct path—easy to read.

Truly straightforward creatures.

Right before impact, I leaped from my spot.

“Grrr?”

The Silver Fang narrowly missed me. Still mid-air, I stomped down on one.

*CRUNCH!*

Its wide-open jaws were forcibly slammed shut.

Pinned by my foot, the Silver Fang flailed its four legs, trying to escape.

“Leaving won’t be as easy as arriving.”

*CRACK!* A kick to its throat sent it into a groggy stagger.

“Grrr!”

One of the other wolves, having arrived a bit late, swung its front paw at me.

“Too slow.”

I ducked, its claws grazing my collar. An attack that could shred carbon steel.

Not that it mattered.

“Not if it doesn’t hit.”

Using the momentum, I backflipped.

*Thwack!* My rotating leg shattered the Silver Fang’s jaw. Its lolling tongue suggested it wouldn’t recover soon.

“That makes it one-on-one now, Right?”

I smirked at the remaining wolf.

Though Silver Fangs were among the tutorial’s stronger monsters, their low endurance and predictable patterns made them manageable. Their true danger lay elsewhere.

“Arooo! Arf!”

The last Silver Fang tucked its tail and fled.

That right there was the danger.

‘They retreat when outmatched.’

The ones patrolling the plains were scouts. If overwhelmed, they’d retreat and return with reinforcements—at least 30 of them. Even with my stats, facing 30 at once would be grueling.

So—

“I’ll kill them before they run.”

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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