Chapter 44: The Survival of Magical Beasts (Part One)

The scorpion that stood upright was enormous, yet the details of its body structure were no different from those of its kin. Its entire form was tightly encased in a blue-black carapace, leaving not a single gap. The shell gleamed with a pronounced metallic sheen, clearly possessing formidable physical defenses. Six segmented limbs extended along either side of its body, seeming almost too slender compared to its massive frame. Two huge pincers, attached to abnormally thick forelimbs, boasted claws nearly half a meter long, clashing with a resounding clang of metal when closed—a truly intimidating sight.

These features alone were remarkable, but the key lay in its tail. Sixteen segments formed a tubular appendage, each part interlocked and narrowing as it approached the tip, which ended in a needle as black as ink. To call it a stinger would be an understatement—it was more akin to a blade. At this moment, the scorpion’s tail was raised high, the blade shaped like the numeral "9," its tip pointed directly at Catherine, a clear sign of its lethal intent.

The scorpion scraped its six legs restlessly, yet seemed in no hurry to attack. Catherine seized the moment to limber up, and called out to Ling Mo, “Master, could you please tell me some basic information about this scorpion?”

Ling Mo refused. “That’s not how things are done. In the magical beast rainforest, you’ll encounter countless creatures you don’t recognize, so you must learn to adapt to the unknown. If I tell you about the scorpion beforehand, your battle will become much easier.”

“Can’t you make it up to me for not telling me about the Ink Ghost Mushroom’s poison?” Catherine smiled, then added, “I have enough energy left for five minutes of fighting—I need to end this quickly.”

Ling Mo studied Catherine for a moment, then sighed. “This scorpion is called the Flatstone Scorpion. Normally, it’s about two meters long, but this one has grown larger from living near the Ink Ghost Mushroom colony. Its carapace contains obsidian, making it highly resistant to magical attacks, and its shell is thick, so physical defenses are strong too. It usually has two innate abilities: one is ‘Burrowing Pierce,’ where it tunnels underground and strikes from beneath, causing prolonged dizziness; the other is ‘Terrifying Assassination,’ where its pincers cross rapidly to shred its target. Legend has it Flatstone Scorpions have a third talent: they can channel earth magic to cause tremors, slowing their prey with violent vibrations. This one’s size suggests it may have mastered that skill.”

Catherine gestured toward the intimidating tail. “That tail looks far too formidable. How dangerous is it? Is it venomous?”

“It looks scary, but it’s not poisonous, and its stabbing speed isn’t fast,” Ling Mo shrugged. “The metal shell on its tail is tightly interlocked and highly defensive, but because the tail must rotate, there are gaps between the plates—making it its weakest point. The tail is the most vulnerable part of its body. That’s why I say sharing its information beforehand will make your fight much easier.”

“Ha, thanks for the tip, Master!” Catherine finished her warm-up and ceased her staring contest with the scorpion. She drew her dagger and launched herself at it!

A figure barely over a meter tall leaping at a giant Flatstone Scorpion several meters long looked like a moth rushing into flames. The scorpion was surprised that such a small prey dared to attack directly, but its simple mind did not recognize ‘surprise.’ Instinct governed its actions. Its two black eyes retracted into the shell, the left pincer thrust forward, snapping viciously with the clear intent to bisect Catherine.

Only when facing such a monster did one realize how swift its movements could be. The pincer’s advance seemed ordinary, but Catherine saw clearly: the lower half of the scorpion’s giant claw, attached to a special joint, snapped backward like a living spring, then the claw closed with a speed rivaling razor wind—almost as if a safety lock had been released!

But it was futile!

Such rapid moves were, in Catherine’s eyes, not truly fast. The pincer’s advance appeared in slow motion to her; she even had the leisure to examine the patterns on the scorpion’s claw before calmly shifting aside, dodging the giant pincer and bringing her dagger down hard upon the scorpion’s head!

The missed first strike did not surprise the Flatstone Scorpion. Its head carapace was the toughest part, with a structure that placed its brain far from the outer shell. Relying on its thick hide, it made no attempt to dodge. Instead, it raised its other massive pincer and, with the same movement, aimed for Catherine’s waist—a clear attempt to trade injuries.

Its reasoning was sound. Its opponent resembled a monkey; if her waist or legs were injured, her speed would drop sharply, and she would be easy prey. If her defenses were weak, even better—she’d be sliced in two like a rag doll, her organs spilling everywhere. Ah, just thinking about that intoxicating scent of blood was enough to drive it wild!

As for the little ‘fang’ in her hand—what harm could it do? The downward strike wasn’t forceful, and the chosen target was its head’s hardest shell. Was she mocking it? Soon, it would enjoy a delicious meal… Thud!

Without question, Catherine struck first. With a soft hiss, the scorpion’s proud black armor was pierced as easily as paper. A deep mark was carved between its two small black eyes, slicing through its mouth formed by the pincers and exiting beneath the jaw!

Dark green fluid burst forth, and the scorpion shrieked in agony. The pincer meant for Catherine’s waist withdrew. Its head rose high, the mouth’s pincers trembling violently in pain, and its massive claws flailed wildly, forcing Catherine back. Its thick tail smashed the ground, destroying dozens of mushrooms and spraying Ink Ghost Mushroom ‘ink’ everywhere!

This dagger was truly powerful!

Catherine marveled inwardly, recalling Ling Mo’s teachings. Seizing upon the scorpion’s pain, she silently circled to its tail and stabbed at the joint of the giant tail’s shell!

Clang!

A sharp metallic ring sounded, and a sudden force nearly wrenched the dagger from Catherine’s hand. Even in its agony, the scorpion accurately swung its stinger, striking the blade of her dagger—just like the Butcher Bird pecking at the knife’s edge!

But this scorpion was far stronger than the Butcher Bird. Catherine tried twice more, both blocked precisely. Her palm went numb, and she felt her skin begin to split. She dared not continue, and tried to retreat. Yet the scorpion would not let her escape; its tail lashed and stabbed, forcing Catherine into dangerous situations, soon leaving her with two wounds.

Though the pressure was not overwhelming, Catherine had enough breath to speak. She cried out in frustration, “Master, didn’t you say its tail was its weakness and not fast? Why does it seem faster than the Butcher Bird?!”

Ling Mo’s mocking voice came from afar. “Heh, Flatstone Scorpions are among the oldest surviving species, their body structure set three hundred and sixty million years ago. They’ve survived five mass extinctions—a perfect species. The combat skills in their genes are leagues beyond those of the Butcher Bird, a newcomer. Stay calm! Observe carefully—is the scorpion truly fast, or are your movements larger, making it seem faster?”

Prompted by Ling Mo, Catherine watched closely and finally uncovered the secret behind the scorpion’s tail strikes—each time it lashed, the segments near the base and those near the stinger twisted in opposite directions! This meant every strike stored force for the next, halving the time required and allowing such a massive tail to leave afterimages.

Yet this S-shaped strike had a fatal flaw: there was always a relative stationary point on the tail! After two exchanges, Catherine pinpointed it—on the seventh segment. She crouched low, letting the scorpion’s tail whistle overhead, arms arched backward, the muscles near her shoulder blades and deltoids bulging as if sprouting wings. Mimicking the Butcher Bird, she gave a slight flap, pushed off with her feet, and soared like a giant Butcher Bird!

The blow was lightning fast. Gripping the dagger tightly, her right arm swung a broad arc in midair, landing precisely at the joint between the scorpion’s seventh and eighth tail segments. With a hiss and a spray of fresh green blood, Catherine severed the scorpion’s massive tail!

“Hiss hiss hiss!”

The sudden loss sent the Flatstone Scorpion into agonized howls. Its carapace glowed black, just like the Ink Ghost Mushrooms. Its six long legs scraped frantically at the ground, the giant pincers slammed down, and the enormous body vanished instantly, leaving a deep pit behind—no visible process of burrowing, just disappearance. Suspended in midair, Catherine felt a surge of intense danger. She shouted, twisting her body one hundred eighty degrees, gripping her dagger with both hands overhead, and slashed downward with all her strength!

Bang! The ground exploded, dirt and stones flying everywhere. Amid the haze, the scorpion’s fierce head appeared directly below Catherine, the wound between its eyes still oozing foul green fluid. Its claws now swung twice as fast as before, forming a net of death, closing in on Catherine with murderous intent!

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