The Spear Beetle's projectile crashed against my shield, the impact reverberating through the chassis but leaving the steel-chitin construction unmarred. I thrust upward with the massive sword gripped in my right hand, the blade crushing the insect into the cavern ceiling. Black ichor dripped down as the creature's carapace split.

My new combat chassis, which I had taken to calling the defensive frame, performed beyond expectations in the dark tunnels of the Academy Hellzone. The six articulated legs, modeled after the Cave Stalkers' own limbs, let me match the monsters' agility. I skittered sideways as another Spear Beetle launched its thorax-spines, the rotating shield panels on my back swiveling to intercept the barrage.

The chassis design had come together perfectly. The harvested Scorn Spider chitin layered between steel plates created armor that could withstand the most punishing attacks. Even the Giant Cave Crickets' sonic shriek barely penetrated the reinforced helm.

A third Spear Beetle emerged from a crack in the wall. I pivoted smoothly on four legs while the other two kept my larger body balanced. The creature's projectile glanced off my rotating shield as I closed the distance. My blade found the weak spot between its thorax plates, ending the fight.

The defensive frame's true advantage lay in its ability to engage multiple threats. Unlike my previous combat chassis with its focus on raw striking power, this design emphasized survivability and control. The six legs gave me unprecedented stability, letting me weather hits that would have staggered my old frame. The rotating shields could track and block attacks from multiple angles, perfect for dealing with the Spear Beetles' coordinated assaults.

Congratulations! You have defeated numerous enemies and have gained experience.

I examined the dead insects, analyzing their carapaces for useful components. Their thorax-spines might work well as additional armor plates. The chassis' modular design allowed for easy integration of new materials, a feature I'd specifically included after studying the monsters' own adaptable biology.

I looked down at the defensive frame's oversized right arm, which looked gigantic next to my organic left arm which was bare of any armor. The mechanical limb dwarfed my pale flesh, its steel-chitin construction gleaming dully in the cavern's dim light. I had designed it to provide as much power and force into my attacks as the body could handle, which was a lot. The hydraulics and reinforced joints could deliver strikes that would shatter stone.

I then admired the new weapon I had created to match the power of the new arm: a long, broad-bladed sword that was more of a lance than a sword. The blade stretched nearly twice my height, its edges serrated like a Cave Stalker's mandibles. It was as oversized as the right arm was, but balanced enough that it wouldn't cause my new body to tip over. The distribution of weight across the six legs helped compensate for the massive weapon.

Kolin's estoc was large, for a human. In this new, much larger frame, it was severely undersized. The noble's blade looked like a dinner knife compared to my newly forged weapon. I had to create this giant lance-sword to take full advantage of the defensive frame's power. The weapon's reach and mass perfectly complemented the chassis's enhanced strength, allowing me to channel maximum force into each strike.

I crouched at the entrance of a narrow tunnel, my enhanced vision scanning the darkness beyond. The passage promised unexplored territory, but its mouth measured barely four feet across, far too small for my new defensive frame to squeeze through.

If I flexed my six legs the chassis stood nearly nine feet tall at full extension. Even crouched I would be too bulky to navigate these tighter spaces. The rotating shield panels alone added two feet to my width. While the design excelled at combat, it sacrificed the mobility that had let me slip through the Hellzone's maze-like structure.

In order to get down into the Hellzone in the first place, I had to use Assembly to widen the entrance even further in order to accommodate my new, larger body. Needless to say, it took me several hours to open up the fissure in the secret basement room, hours that I could have dedicated to fighting monsters and getting stronger.

My organic left hand traced the tunnel wall. Behind this narrow opening lay unexplored territory, possibly holding stronger monsters and valuable materials. But the defensive frame's size locked me out of roughly a third of the passages I'd discovered so far.

I needed a solution that didn't involve redesigning the entire chassis. Perhaps I could create a smaller secondary frame for exploration, something I could swap into when needed. But maintaining three complete combat bodies would drain my resources. The materials I harvested from monsters barely covered repairs and upgrades to my current frame.

The sound of skittering echoed from the narrow tunnel. Something moved in the darkness beyond, something that could navigate these confined spaces with ease. I caught glimpses of chitin and legs, similar to the Cave Stalkers but more compact. The creature's design might hold answers to my mobility problem.

I studied the monster's movements, noting how its segmented body flexed and compressed. If I could incorporate that type of articulation into my frame, I might be able to collapse my profile when needed. But, then again, did I really need to?

I watched the insectoid creature scuttle through the narrow passage, its movements precise and efficient. Why was I so focused on modifying my own frame when I could create something entirely separate from myself? A scout, small enough to slip through these tight spaces while relaying information back to me. Like a mage's familiar, only non-magical.

My organic hand reached for various materials inside Depository as ideas began forming in my head. The creature's basic structure could serve as a template: multiple legs for stability, segmented body for flexibility, sensory apparatus for navigation. But instead of the biological components, I could craft a mechanical version using Assembly.

I pulled out various bits of monster chitin and spare metal parts from my Depository. The materials from the Spear Beetles would work well; their thorax-spines could be repurposed into legs, and their sensor nodes could be modified into optical units with a little bit of tinkering. The Cave Stalker components I'd harvested provided excellent joint mechanisms that I could scale down.

Assembly began constructing the scout's parts almost at the same pace as I mentally designed them. My skill with the ability had grown by leaps and bounds since arriving at the Academy, though the ability itself had not raised in rank on my status box.

Integration should allow me to connect with any machine I built. In theory, I could extend that connection to a separate device, controlling it as if it were part of my own body. The scout wouldn't need complex decision-making capabilities; just enough processing power to transmit sensory data back to me.

I continued to assemble the first prototype, keeping the design simple: eight articulated legs, a low-profile body segment, and basic optical sensors. The challenge lay in miniaturizing the components while maintaining durability. Each leg needed precise joint articulation to navigate irregular surfaces, and the body had to be sturdy enough to withstand falls and impacts.

As I worked, I realized this approach solved multiple problems. Not only would the scout let me explore inaccessible areas, but it could also serve as an advance warning system during combat. I could deploy it to track monster movements or locate valuable resources without risking my main frame.

The small automaton took shape under my fingers, its brass-and-chitin construction gleaming in the dim light. I integrated a simplified version of an insect's own sensory system, allowing it to detect movement and heat signatures. The legs clicked softly as I tested each joint, ensuring smooth operation.

I sent the mental command to activate the scout, anticipating the familiar connection of Integration linking me to my creation. Nothing happened. The automaton remained motionless, its eight legs frozen in their ready position.

I frowned. The connection that let me control my mechanical body parts should have extended to this new device as well. I reached out again, focusing on establishing the link that came so naturally with my other prosthetics.

Still nothing. The scout sat lifeless, despite its perfectly crafted joints and sensors.

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My organic hand touched the brass-chitin construct. The familiar sensation of Integration flickered briefly, then vanished as soon as I pulled away. I tried again, holding contact longer this time. The connection formed instantly while my flesh pressed against the metal, but broke the moment I released it.

The realization hit me: Integration required direct physical contact. Whatever power or ability allowed me to control mechanical components only worked when they were actually attached to what remained of my original body. The scout would need to be physically connected to me to function.

Disappointment and frustration welled up. I had spent an hour crafting this delicate mechanism, only to discover a fundamental flaw in my assumption about how Integration worked. The scout was useless if it couldn't operate independently.

With a mental command, I opened Depository and stored the failed prototype inside. Perhaps I could salvage the components for other projects, but the core concept would need a complete redesign. The narrow passages of the deeper Hellzone would remain unexplored, at least until I found a better solution.

I moved through the wider tunnels, my six legs clicking against stone as I navigated the underground passages. The new chassis performed admirably, its rotating shields deflecting stray attacks while the reinforced legs provided stable footing on the uneven terrain.

A pack of Cave Stalkers emerged from a side passage, their bioluminescent markings casting eerie blue light across the cavern walls. Their cat-like grace combined with insectoid features still unnerved me, but I'd grown accustomed to their attack patterns.

The lead Stalker pounced. My front legs shifted, bracing against the impact while my shields rotated to protect my vulnerable joints. Its claws scraped harmlessly against the chitin-steel plating. I countered with a precise strike, piercing its thorax.

Two more attacked from the sides. I spun, using my multiple legs to maintain balance while striking both creatures simultaneously. Their bodies dropped, adding to my growing collection of valuable parts.

Congratulations! You have defeated numerous enemies and have gained experience!

I picked each of the corpses up and watched as they vanished into my Depository. The magical space had proven invaluable. I could harvest entire monsters without worrying about decay or having to drag heavy components back through the tunnels. The preserved materials meant I always had fresh parts for repairs and upgrades.

I scanned the cavern ahead, my mental eyes adjusting to the dim light. The ceiling dripped with moisture, creating silvery trails down countless stalactites. Something felt off about the shadows above.

A whisper of movement caught my attention too late. Two Spear Beetles revealed themselves, their chitinous bodies blending perfectly with the stone formations. Their thoraxes flexed, preparing to strike.

Twin projectiles shot toward me. I tried to rotate my shields, but one spear struck my helmet with a resounding clang. The impact rattled through my frame, but the reinforced plating held. These weren't the first Spear Beetles I'd encountered; their natural weapons could punch through standard armor with ease.

I extended my lance-sword, its reach allowing me to strike without exposing my more vulnerable sections. The weapon's tip crushed through both beetles simultaneously, their bodies cracking against the ceiling. Green ichor dripped down before both corpses disappeared into my Depository.

Congratulations! You have defeated numerous enemies and have gained experience!

I touched the dent in my helmet, analyzing the damage. The spear had struck at an angle, deflecting most of the force. Still, I'd need to reinforce this section. Perhaps some of that beetle chitin could be integrated into the next iteration of my combat frame.

The encounter proved I needed to be more vigilant about checking above me. These creatures were evolving, developing better ambush tactics. Or perhaps I was simply pushing deeper into their territory, finding the more experienced hunters.

I pressed deeper into the tunnels, my mechanical legs moving with practiced precision. The familiar bioluminescent fungi that had lit my way through the upper levels was conspicuously absent here, plunging the passage into near-total darkness. My Mind Sight struggled to parse the shapes in such complete blackness; the ability worked better with at least some ambient light to work with.

The click of my legs against stone echoed through the silence. I slowed my pace, each step careful and measured. The chassis's weight distribution fed constant data through my integration points, helping me maintain perfect balance even in the darkness.

A soft rustling sound caught my attention. Something moved within a narrow crevice to my left; something big. The shape that emerged was familiar, though no less terrifying for its familiarity. Eight segmented legs, each as thick as my arm, supported a massive armored body. Foot-long fangs gleamed wetly in what little light remained. The Scorn Spider's greenish carapace seemed to absorb the darkness around it.

I activated Analyze, the ability feeding information directly into my mind:

Scorn Spider

Level 21

This one was stronger than the last Scorn Spider I'd encountered. That battle had nearly destroyed my previous chassis. But I'd learned from that fight, incorporated elements of spider anatomy into my new frame's design.

My shield panels pivoted forward with a soft whir of gears, overlapping to create a defensive wall between me and those massive fangs. The spider took a step closer, its movements unnaturally smooth for something so large.

I shifted my weight, spreading my six legs wider for better stability. The monster's size meant it would hit hard. I'd need all the structural support I could get. My lance-sword extended from its housing, ready to strike at the first opening.

The Scorn Spider's multiple eyes fixed on me, reflecting what little light remained in this lightless place. It moved another step closer, testing my defenses. I remained motionless, shields raised, waiting for the inevitable attack.

The Scorn Spider lunged, its massive form a blur of chitin and fangs. My blade met its charge, smashing down onto its back with devastating force. The impact shook the cavern, spider and sword colliding with the stone floor. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ground from the point of impact.

For a moment, I thought the battle was over. Then an ear-splitting screech filled the tunnel as the spider exploded upward. Its carapace was cracked, green ichor seeping from the wounds, but its strength seemed undiminished. It slammed into my shield wall with terrifying force.

Foot-long fangs scraped and stabbed against my defenses, seeking weak points between the overlapping panels. The assault drove me backward, my mechanical legs leaving deep grooves in the stone floor. I locked my joints, redistributing power to my stabilizers. The spider's momentum slowed, then stopped as I held my ground.

Again and again those deadly fangs struck my shields. Each impact sent vibrations through my frame, but the reinforced chitin-steel composite held. I had learned well from my last encounter with one of these creatures. Where my previous chassis had buckled under such an assault, this one was purpose-built to withstand exactly this kind of punishment.

I thrust my sword-lance through a gap in my shield wall. The blade found its mark, slashing across the spider's face. Multiple eyes burst under the strike, spraying ichor across my shields. The wounded creature retreated, skittering backward into the darkness.

I did not relent, chasing after the retreating monster. My six legs blurred under me as I darted forwards, matching the spider's speed. My sword-lance thrust forwards, its serrated blade clashing against one of the Scorn Spider's forward legs. The carapace cracked, green ichor leaking from the damage.

Over and over I struck, the pistons in my right arm working hard as it drove the giant sword into the spider's body, the sharp tip piercing its armor and penetrating deep into the beast. The creature's screams echoed through the tunnel, a sound of primal rage and pain that would have chilled living blood.

Eventually, the spider's retreat was stopped when it backed up into the wall. My blade committed its final thrust, piercing its midsection and pinning the Scorn Spider to the rock. It screamed as I used my shields to pummel its head into paste.

Congratulations! You have defeated and have gained experience! You are now Level 17!

Green ichor dripped down the wall, pooling beneath the creature's broken body. The remains vanished into my Depository, joining my growing collection of monster parts. My combat chassis bore scratches and dents from the encounter, but nothing that couldn't be repaired.

I leaned against the cavern wall, analyzing the experience notification that still hovered in my vision. The jump from level sixteen to seventeen after a single opponent seemed unusual. My previous battles with lower-level creatures had required multiple kills to advance.

The Cave Stalkers, despite their ferocity, barely registered in terms of experience gained. Even in groups, they provided minimal advancement. Yet this Scorn Spider, like the one before it, had granted me an entire level.

I accessed my status screen, examining the numbers. The spider had been level twenty-one, five levels above my previous standing. The Cave Stalkers typically ranged from level twelve to fourteen, closer to my own level. Perhaps therein lay the answer.

My mechanical fingers tapped against the stone as I considered the pattern. The System might be designed to reward risk-taking, encouraging growth through challenging stronger opponents rather than grinding against weaker ones. It made tactical sense. Warriors would push themselves to face greater challenges rather than stagnate fighting those weaker than themselves.

The implications excited me. If true, this meant I could advance faster by seeking out higher-level opponents. But it also meant greater danger. That Scorn Spider could have easily destroyed me if not for my upgraded chassis.

I checked the time through my internal chronometer. Dawn approached, and with it my meeting with Genta and her group. The goblin girl had mentioned there were five monster students total at the Academy. Perhaps they understood the System's experience mechanics better than I did.

My fingers traced the dents in my shield panels. The spider's fangs had left deep scratches in the metal. I would need to repair this damage before returning to classes, but more importantly, I needed answers about how the System truly worked.

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough. If Genta's group had insights about experience gain and leveling, it would prove invaluable for my development. And with Lyman's challenge looming, I needed every advantage I could get.

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