There's something suspicious about this whole week. Hmm... where did it begin? I'd say those mornings where Master took control of my body while Julie shoved a funnel down my main throat and force-fed me the worst liquid imaginable tipped me off. Not the first time they fed me poison, but this time I was sure I would die.

  The fact that many of the first generation have quietly disappeared is also concerning. And then there's this place—this isn't the petty area, it's so much bigger, and just look at that crowd. And finally, to top it all off, here's my opponent.

  Telephos (sentient), level 7

  base class: human, (physique->endurance#1, equipment->weapons#1), level 7

  Yup, a very odd day indeed. Someone tell me, how is this a fair fight? I'd like to think I could probably take on a human child—depending on what abilities it has, and provided they didn't give it a weapon—but this, a fully grown man, and armed as well?

  After running several laps from the human—potential punishments for cowardice be damned—I notice something odd: he doesn't seem too confident with that weapon. Titus would have rushed in, sliced once, and the crowd would be off getting snacks by now. This guy... he's too cautious.

  Is he afraid of me? I'm only level 9. He's got to be twice my weight and walks as fast I can run. Perhaps this human is using my own brand of deception tactics, but that makes little sense when he has the speed advantage anyway.

  Okay, I'll bite—literally, I mean—I'll close in, take a quick nibble, and dash away to see what happens.

  Steady, steady, and "KSHAAAAA!" Almost scratched him but not quite. He swings the sword and nicks my cheek. Interesting though, poor sword technique—I say having never held one myself. Let's see what happens if I let him get closer. Slowly, I let the man push me into a corner, backtracking each time he advances. Now ‘cornered’, I wait to see what move he will make.

  After much hesitation, my opponent decides on a cautionary stab, maximizing reach. Okay, I'll need to lean more on my acting skills to encourage him. Back up against the wall, pretend to be startled when it brushes against my back, hiss nervously to show fear, and there it is! Telephos lunges forward and stabs me clean in the center of the main neck.

  A quick lesson for aspiring gladiators, never stab a hydra: you want to use long slicing motions, no chopping, no poking, no stabbing, always slicing—and you're about to learn why.

  The sword slides into my neck with little resistance, tip poking out the other side. Immediately, I twist my neck, bending my spine such that it presses hard on the flat side of the blade, pinching metal between tendons, muscles and bone. Next, I activate rapid regeneration +2 to tighten my grip on his weapon.

  The human yanks at the hilt of the weapon, now with both hands. It doesn't budge but I am pulled towards him. I send heads number three and four to both his flanks. He lets go and backpedals.

  If Telephos had any battle sense he would have charged in and wrestled me at this point. He has the strength advantage, and my venom is not strong enough to outright kill something his size. It's so clear what he should do, but instead, he just backs off and freezes with indecision.

  I use this time to pull the sword out and heal. Let's see, how to wield this thing? Holding it in one mouth makes the grip too weak. Coiling a neck around doesn't work either: the hilt is too short and the head just gets in the way. And what do we do when a head get in the way?

  I bite the head off and trim the neck to make it thinner. I heal the self-inflicted wound, but only a little, only enough to regrow the skin and a tiny midget head. There, now I can hold it properly.

  I swing the sword at the human a few times but don't land any hits. My control is terrible. Who knew swordsmanship would be so hard without hands? It doesn't matter though, the human is so fixated on the flailing sword that he forget I have three free heads. Ironically, the exact reverse of the mistake the ankylosaur had made.

  Of course I knew they would make me fight a human eventually, but I never imagined it would be like this. How do I put it? Telephos was no gladiator, and the fight was no fight at all. Honestly, I'm disappointed. Let me fight a real human gladiator! I can handle it! Okay, not really, really. I would die. But one day—when I get bigger—mark my words, the human bodies will be piled so high they'll need a bigger arena. And with such aspirations in mind, its time to level up!

  Congratulations! you have reached level 10, +1 ability point.

  Congratulations! you have reached the 1st milestone, +2 domain points, primary class slot unlocked. Next domain milestone at level 20, secondary class slot unlocks at level 40.

  Select a domain to unlock,

  - physique->constitution#2

  - biology->restoration#2

  - biology->adaptation#1

  System says this will control my future class options. Let me think... my biggest weakness is a lack of offense. Really, my only remotely offensive abilities are the two passives, contortion and strength. Right now my main priority is landing more hits.

  To be honest, none of what is offered here is ideal in that regard. (biology->adaptation#) lets you enhance existing anatomy. I think that cutter monkey a ate after my first arena fight had (biology->adaptation#1). That was probably why its claws were so long and sharp. Perhaps this domain will give me passives for bigger and sharper teeth. My fangs really are too delicate. They snap right off if my opponent moves too much or has thick skin.

  System tells me that (#2) domains can give higher tier classes than (#1), so I'm tempted to just improve constitution. But, on the other hand, if I use that reasoning for every domain selection, my abilities will never diversify.

  Domain unlocked, (biology->adaptation#1). Select a second domain to unlock,

  - physique->constitution#2

  - biology->restoration#2

  - mind->comprehension#1

  System tells me that (mind->comprehension#) governs my understanding +1 ability.

  Understanding +1: Improves your ability to comprehend complex concepts.

  I received it when being named and am quite pleased with what it does. I used to react instinctively to situations, but after gaining understanding +1, I've switched to actually thinking about my options. System hasn't offered understanding +2 since then, but tells me it will if I take a (mind->comprehension#1) class.

  It won't improve my offense directly, and (#2) domains are simply better. And yet... my gut is telling me to go with (mind->comprehension#1). I'm not sure why. Call it a hunch, or intuition, but that icon just feels strangely reassuring...

  You know, when you think about it, isn't outsmarting enemies exactly how Titus keeps winning. That's right! Titus doesn't rely on any one weapon, move, technique or tactic. Titus has ten dirty tricks up his sleeve for every situation, and that, that is how a real gladiator wins.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  Domain unlocked, (mind->comprehension#1). Select a primary class or defer to the next level-up. Available options are,

  - everflesh: (physique->constitution#1, biology->restoration#1)

  - ironscale: (physique->constitution#1, biology->adaptation#1)

  - woundweaver (biology->adaptation#1, mind->comprehension#1)

  - venomguard (affliction->poison#1, physique->constitution#1)

  - venomous-piercer (affliction->poison#1, biology->adaptation#1)

  - regenative (biology->restoration#1, mind->comprehension#1)

  These are all rank 1 classes, so which is better depends on how its used and how well it suits your species. Let's look at the descriptions,

  Everflesh: Your vitality is a bottomless pit. Deplete you enemy's stamina and win by attrition.

  Ironscale: Turn your scales into an impenetrable suit of armor.

  Woundweaver: Guide your enemies blade through you flesh like a scalpel. Take playing possum to a gruesome new level.

  Venomguard: Poison your weapons. Poison your flesh. Poison your surroundings. Don't worry, you're immune.

  Venomous-Piercer: Punch through armor and deliver strong poisons straight to your enemy's arteries.

  Regenative: Through mediation you can heal wounds, restore stamina, and gain physical buffs.

  I need to address my offense problem, so armor and more regeneration isn't worth considering. That rules out everflesh... and maybe ironscale as well. But System says any class with (biology->adaptation#1) will make tooth enhancements easier to get—though venomous-piercer is better specialized for that.

  Venomous-piercer seem like a good candidate. It should let me use my teeth without breaking them, and I can finally unlock those poison enhancing abilities. Unfortunately, it probably won't grant me the extra speed I need to actually land hits.

  Venomguard might make my lack of speed less relevant, but poisoning my environment would cause enemies keep their distance, and that would make getting a hold of them harder. I don't want to lose my constriction options.

  Regenative uses the (mind->comprehension#1) domains, and should make it easier to upgrade the understanding +1 ability, but it seems like something that leans on preparation and its not like I get much of a heads-up on what I'll be forced to fight in the arena.

  Woundweaver will give me better control over my body and make my plaing dead tactics more believable. But really, this class just sounds like a ticket to bad metal health—and yet... my gut is telling me to take it. I'm not sure why. Call it a hunch, or intuition, but that (comprehension->mind#1) icon feels strangely reassuring.

  I'd hate not to use any of the domains I just unlocked. I wish there were some other option that used both (biology->adaptation#1) and (mind->comprehension#1). Enough thinking, the best way to diversify my abilities is to diversify my class domains.

  You have adopted ‘woundweaver’ as your primary class. Because this is a deception class, others will see it as ‘regenative’. Note, class concealment can be countered by inspection specialists.

  Select an ability for your primary class. Available options are,

  - understanding +2 (passive)

  - student of anatomy +1 (passive)

  - exaggerated injuries +1 (passive)

  - assumed limp +1 (active)

  - assumed death +1 (active)

  - guide injury +1 (active)

  - study injury +1 (active)

  Understanding +2: Improves your ability to comprehend complex concepts.

  Student of Anatomy +1: Gain anatomical insights each time you encounter a new species for the first time, and again when defeating one for first time.

  Exaggerated Injuries +1: Your body passively adjusts itself to make injuries appear more severe than they are.

  Assumed Limp +1: Unlike the more common ‘fake-limp’, this variant physically modifies your body to make the desired injury real until dismissed. (cool-down, 3 minutes)

  Assumed Death +1: Unlike the more common ‘play-dead’, this variant physically modifies your body to imitate death until dismissed. (cool-down, 1 hour)

  Guide Injury +1: Your perception of time slows down and you gain significant internal bodily control and awareness. Can only be activated while being injured. Self or ally inflicted wounds do not count. (duration, 1 second), (cool-down, 2 minutes)

  Study Injury +1: Gain anatomical insights from an injury. Only works on injuries inflicted by enemies to you or an ally. (cool-down, 1 day)

  Hmm, there are a lot of interesting options here, but being smarter is what I'm after right now.

  You have selected ‘understanding +2’. This ability has been moved to your primary class for easier leveling.

  Deluge (named monster), level 10

  base class: hydra (physique->constitution#1, biology->restoration#1, affliction->poison#1), level 8

  - dense fat +3 (passive)

  - contortion +2 (passive)

  - strength +1 (passive)

  - rapid regeneration +2 (active)

  primary class: woundweaver (biology->adaptation#1, mind->comprehension#1), level 2, concealed as ‘regenative’

  - understanding +2 (passive)

  When Master next sees me, he grabs Julie and forces her to dance with him. They then move me upstairs. This new room is circular and a ring of large windows lines its perimeter. I recognize this, it's the top of the tower. From here I can look down on most of Perlin city. It really would be a cool experience if not for Master being here doing weird human things.

  Pungent liquids and powders are mixed into a bucket of blood. Now they're painting something on the floor with it. This doesn't look anything like Julie's usual paintings. There's plenty of lines, but they don't seem to form anything I can recognize.

  Honestly, this is just a waste of good blood. Think of all the hungry monsters who could've drank that. There's one right here. Anyway, don't be fooled by my nonchalance, I'm actually terrified. A lot of hydras my age have quietly disappeared recently. One day they're there, the next... empty cages everywhere.

  And look, it's not like any of us have ever gotten along well, but we are—in a way—part of a whole, and there's a certain feeling of loss that comes with realizing that another familiar face is gone forever.

  Enough thinking about the past. Right now I should be more concerned for my own life. I'm picking up all sorts of sinister from that glowing red circle—and yes, it's glowing now.

  They command me to move to the circle's center and tell me to ‘stay’. Will I disobey? I certainly don't want to stick around and find out what all this is about—but no, of course I won't disobey. There's no way to escape this place. I've stopped thinking about it years ago.

  Master drinks a glowing blue liquid which reminds me a bit of primer—though it lacks the signature atrocious smell. A stone obelisk stands at the edge of the circle and here the old man takes position, closes his eyes, and starts chanting.

  Tendrils of dark red mist rise and swirl around me. They grow, moving ever faster. With a loud crack, all the spooky energy implodes onto me. Master collapses and Julie moves to help him up.

  I'm about to panic when System decides to add to the confusion by making an appearance.

  Congratulations! you have been recognized as a sentient being. You have lost the ‘named monster’ tag. You have gained the ‘uplifted’ tag. Milestone domain unlocks decreased from 2 to 1. All sentient system functionality will hence forth apply to you.

  I don't think I am where I'm supposed to be. Years ago, back when they moved me to the clean room, it was then that I started accepting my captive life. I became a gladiator and gained the right to earn fresh meals and had something to focus on, something other than fear and regret. In the arena, for a brief moment every few weeks, I was the strong one, and that had been enough to keep me going.

  Foolishly, I had just assumed that this trend would continue. I assumed that all I had to do was endure and work hard and life would continue improving. My thinking has been all wrong. I knew I wasn't supposed to be here in the early days, but then, gradually, I came to accept things. Somewhere along the way I started seeing this life as the only possible life.

  I can't say my situation has gotten any worse recently, my thinking has simply changed. The stories I used to tell myself just aren't working anymore. There's no mystery as to where this change in thinking is coming from. Back when I hit level 10, I took understanding +2.

  I said before that I'll try not to bore you with my complaining, but I can no longer keep that promise. That's right. The tone of this story is about to take a dark turn. You thought this was going to be a lighthearted adventure story? Well guess again! switch-and-bait sucker, it's grim-dark now!

  Sorry... I make jokes to cope. I'll give you an overview of the thoughts plaguing my mind.

  How can I explain the difference between humans and hydra? Well, here's my take: hydra are predators, we eat what we kill. Our involvement with our food begins and ends there.

  Humans, by contrast, are a type of apex-parasite. In the swamp we had many parasites. Most are small things—they latch on to awkward spots and slowly leach off blood. Humans are like this, but on a far grander scale. If leeches and ticks worship any gods, I imagine they must be much like humans.

  A human's relationship with its food begins at birth, ends at death, and dominates every moment of the victim's life in-between. There are pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens and many more living in pens and cages like mine.

  Much like leeches, the apex-parasite is not content in eating its prey in one sitting, instead, it will repeatedly milk them or steal their eggs, maximizing long term exploitation.

  Human parasitism goes far beyond what simple ticks and leeches could ever dream up. There are things like horses which are used—not just for their meat—but also for their ability to lift or pull heavy objects. The apex parasite seeks the abilities they lack themselves in others and enslaves them to extend their own.

  I think I am in this last category. Deluge the gladiator! here to entertain you with violence. What a joke. How was I ever proud of that title?

  A lot of hydras from my generation are gone—likely dead. I used to lose sleep over it. Mostly it was fear. Not knowing what will happen to me or when. Fear... what a pointless emotion to have when you live in a cage and have no control over your own life.

  All my instincts are meaningless in this place. Even the abilities System gave me have been perverted into a spectacle. I don't fear death anymore. I have no more attachment to this world and there is nothing here that I fear to lose.

  I want to leave. Somewhere out there is the life I was meant to live.

  Ah, but my situation is hopeless. I'm wild thing stuck in a world shaped for parasites. I will likely die here.

  I've made two more escape attempts. The punishments are getting more severe. I won't stop trying. I'll pretend to have learned my lesson, observe their patterns, and try again. Forget the arena, this is my true battle. I will win, or die trying.