A Cold-Blooded POV

Stretching out before Ethoss's very eyes, there was an impossible vista. Once again, he had encountered another looming natural ecosystem, it seemed almost like a different world entirely.

The forest was vast, and staggering trees dominated the lands. Each tree was veiled behind riotous and exuberant crimson red leaves which gave off a lavish and luxuriant vibe. The growth was lush and was decorated and designed a bit different from the forest Ethoss was used to, this included both a dense canopy formed by the crowns of the largest trees and a thick understory of smaller trees and shrubs.

The ground was covered with a carpet of grasses and strange magical plant life that were as bright as the trees were vibrant. This was all in addition to a multitude of giant bird-like monsters flitting about in the sky and darting through the branches, singing songs and chattering at each other.

All this combined with the sound of rushing water coming from the distance made for a serene and tranquil ambience. But all this beauty and tranquility made Ethoss uncomfortable and uneasy. He was not accustomed to such natural beauty. Instead, he was used to the nice and simple forest expanse he hunted in before. Moreover, after he had been living in a dark tunnel system for well over a week or two, it just seemed strange seeing such vivacious and lively colored plants and trees.

Looking back around at the vicinage closer to him, Ethoss inquisitivly payed very close focus back at the roots that basically grew into the tunnel and cavern network; the roots now pulsed with mana giving the surroundings(in his eyes) a ambients blue glow.

'That's a lot of mana. Where is it coming from though? Wait… tree roots usually suck up water from the soil to get its nutrients. Does that mean there's a water source in this red-leafy biome similar to the miracle lake?' Ethoss thought with scruinty.

This would also give reason to the humongous size of this tree that towered over its peers. Treading diligently, Ethoss climbed out of the rooted tunnel; to his left and right, enormous walls curved away into the distance - much too far for his +5 eyes to see. Additionally there was a stone roof that covered the land below it like a blanket.

'Now that I think about it, there was also a roof above the green forest expanse as well wasn't there? Interesting…'

Taking his first couple of steps in to the red-leafy biome, Ethoss had a plan. It was quite simple: First things first, he had to establish a new territory. Unlike before, he would have to start off small this time—most likely with a tiny corner piece of the red-leaf forest. He didn't know what were the potential monsters that inhabited this place yet, so the most logical route was to start off small - he couldn't be greedy just yet.

He moved along side the enormous wall to his right. This would allow Ethoss to have more safety as no monsters could abruptly ambush him, the wall was a sort of insurance - the only way anything could attack him, they would have to approach head first where they would meet face to face. Vigilant, Ethoss continued to move along the curved wall until he found a spot where the wall would bend and make a sharp turn, leaving a dent big enough for him to fit.

Seeing this, he made up his mind and decided to use this place to start off his territory. Before he went to set up his markings to lay claim of this place he still needed to secure a proper place for his rest and security. Luckily, Ethoss could dig, he never used his dig skill much it was becoming more useful day by day.

After twisting and turning, preparing a blueprint in his mind for how he wanted this underground home to be like, Ethoss got to work.

Using all three of his forefront legs he dug while simultaneously using his back claws to kick out the dirt and/or move it out of the way. Once he dug deep enough for his personal comfort, Ethoss began to widen then the space. With the excavated dirt he kicked out with his back claws he used that to block off certain parts of his underground home and compact the dirt more around the entrance to fit his body more conveniently.

Provided that his body frame was decently large, if another monster who was either as big as himself or small, were to attempt entering his underground home they would be able to get in without too much trouble. Even more so, give the fact that his defense was simply dirt it wouldn't really stop a intruder adequately.

However, that's where his markings would come into play; it was more of a outer barrier for his territory itself. By placing his markings, it would allow other monsters to know that he was here, additionally he would have to routinely remark his territory which would allow monsters to see how big he was.

This would intimidate most, however, of course there would be others who'd ignore his warnings due to either arrogance or extreme hunger, proper safety was essentially impossible at this current point in time but this was the best he could do at the moment.

[Dig has reached level 5, upgrade available]

During Ethoss's home renovations the apathetic voice rung in his head like an alarm. Oh? Another of his skills had reached level 5; Ethoss instantly paused his home editing and went to the status in his mind. After clicking on his skill, Dig, the voice resounded once again.

[Dig has reached level 5, upgrade available]

[Would you like to improve Dig to Excavation? This will cost 1 skill point]

Ethoss double checked his current amount of skill points to make sure there were still two left, after confirming he still had his two points he confirmed his purchase and upgrade of his skill.

Perhaps with this new skill upgrade he could make his home even more sturdy than he had intended. Excavation was like a subconscious guide that showed him what places within his underground space wasn't as compact as it should be, it also aided to enhance his efficiency and minimized his mistakes while shifting dirt.