There's not much to say about the process of hitting the River Crab.
Although the River Crab has been enhanced and can almost take on Jet and Troy alone, it's still far from being a match for Rhode.
Rhode flipped it over with one punch, turned it back with two, and the River Crab obediently carried him for a ride.
The River Crab also showed Rhode its new ability.
Sharing vision is still the same, but a barely perceptible mist spreads from its antennae, widening Rhode's visible view.
Even with walls in the way, he could still see what was behind them, lasting for a few seconds until the mist dissipated.
"A temporary total-perspective skill?"
Rhode had a bold idea.
—Using this move for reconnaissance could definitely improve his effectiveness a lot.
He strolled out of the river on the River Crab, passing through a blooming triangular bush to check out the blue side jungle.
A big and a small Stone Beetle were quietly pretending to be stones in a nook, seemingly unchanged, perhaps not enhanced or...
Upon seeing him, the Stone Beetles suddenly 'came alive', preparing to attack like the River Crab, as if even planning to involve the River Crab in the fight.
"Do I really have to clear the jungle?"
Rhode jumped onto the back of the Ancient Stone Beetle, as the purple River Crab turned and fled, seemingly faster than before.
With the Ancient Stone Beetle's body structure, it couldn't reach the enemy on its back, so it dove underground with Rhode still on top.
Everything went pitch black before Rhode's eyes, but as soon as he thought 'so dark', a faint mist spread out from him.
Everything in the soil became crystal clear, and Rhode seemed to see every grain of sand, every speck of dirt, including the Ancient Stone Beetle speared by Aite and the Stone Beetle that had just chased after them.
Is this the ability the Void Swift Crab just demonstrated? The problem is, he hadn't even used Receiving Magic yet.
He could directly use the River Crab's ability?
Rhode felt a little excited, and if that were the case, he tried imagining swimming through the soil like when in Stone Beetle form.
But ultimately, he broke through the ground using brute force.
Does that mean I have to defeat them first?
Rhode clenched his fist, smiling kindly at the Stone Beetles trying to drag him back underground.
This was your move first.
...
Later on, a tired Rhode returned to the Little Dragon Pit.
After spending roughly half a day, Rhode had thoroughly beaten the Stone Beetles, Shadow Wolves, Magic Swamp Frogs, and Beaked Birds in the blue side jungle.
He finally acquired the Stone Beetle's digging ability, the Shadow Wolf's enhanced sense of smell, the Magic Swamp Frog's venom spraying, and the Beaked Bird's Soaring Feather.
These abilities, much like the River Crab's vision expansion, turned into magic he could use without transforming.
However, the Beaked Bird's Soaring Feather was a bit tricky, as he had to use his hair to cast it...
So although they could grow back after being shot, the weird cool sensation on his scalp was odd.
Nevertheless, it was quite a gain, as he now felt like Ultraman Tiga, normally in a combined form, with a long list of skills suitable for any situation.
When he used Receiving Magic again, he could transform into either a power-type or speed-type specialized form, focusing on enhancing one particular skill.
Perhaps battling other wild creatures tomorrow could further increase his overall abilities in normal form.
If even the Elemental Sub-Dragons...
Rhode felt the Dragon Soul situation might be more unique, unlikely to let him challenge a Giant Dragon alone.
Otherwise, he could probably strike a deal with the big brothers and sisters for a little performance, right?
Furthermore, other wild creatures had become a bit stronger, though not as significantly as the River Crab, and their appearance hadn't changed at all.
However, the Tree Monster and Golem had become almost unrecognizable to him.
The two giant creatures had, as expected, turned purple, roaring as soon as they saw Rhode.
Their imposing presence made Rhode briefly wonder if the Canyon Vanguard was squatting in the wrong place.
Eager to check out the Dragon Pit, Rhode decided not to provoke them today, planning to deal with them tomorrow instead.
Who would have thought, as soon as he entered the Upper Lane River, another dumb crab would crash into him.
Just as Rhode got it under control, a swarm of blue-purple bugs jumped out of the Dragon Pit's exit.
With their nimble shapes, they moved quickly down the river, swarming toward Rhode.
For the first time, Rhode found the swarm tactic disgusting after using it on others so many times, reminiscent of his struggle against endless rat hordes in the past.
What made matters worse was that these little bugs were adorned with deep purple halos, bigger in size, each surrounded by a transparent shield protecting them.
The deep purple halo was evidently not the Broken Ghost Crown, but a buff given by Baron Nash.
If remembered correctly, that effect was called Baron's Hand in the game, enhancing minions' attack power, attack range, and damage reduction.
A rather versatile boost indeed.
As for the shield, though unfamiliar to Rhode, it blocked venom, needles, punches, acting like an all-encompassing defense magic.
Once fragile bugs suddenly gained considerable combat prowess, coupled with staggering numbers, made Rhode's life miserable.
So he spent most of the afternoon dealing with and studying these Void Worms, yet failed to even take a peek inside the Dragon Pit by day's end.
Hunger finally getting the better of him, Rhode called over the Void Swift Crab spectating from afar and hurried back to the Little Dragon Pit.
The Marine Sub-Dragon was lounging about, greeting Rhode, "Back? How's it going?"
While speaking, she offered Rhode a Healing Magic, comforting his weary body significantly.
"Thanks, I suppose it was a fruitful day," Rhode said, holding two Honey Fruits he grabbed along the way, "Want some?"
The Marine Sub-Dragon declined, "No, thanks."
Rhode took a bite himself, and after a while, suddenly asked, "By the way, what do you usually eat?"
"We don't need to eat anything specific, as long as there's Magic Power, we can survive," the Marine Sub-Dragon replied, "Purgatory sometimes bites those exploding red berries for fun."
Explosive Fruit, Rhode had seen it in the jungle today, red and capable of blasting heroes away in the game.
Here, he dared not mess with it casually.
Now, he's a bit curious, if eaten, would it propel him away or shatter his teeth?
After finishing two Honey Fruits, Rhode asked again, "Mind if I visit the Throat of Dishonor? And Worm... I mean the big Poro you mentioned."