[Mental value -5]
The system's icy notification sounded in his ears, as though warning Li Xian just how dangerous the scene before him was.
The bizarre appearance of the monster with a human body and a fish's head fit seamlessly into the surroundings full of organs, making him instinctively begin to see it as the culprit behind this space.
Above its chest was half a fish. Its mouth gaped toward the ceiling, revealing densely packed fangs, and a milky-white film covered its cloudy eyes. A patch of scales on its body had broken off in a neat line, and blood streamed from the wound.
A ring of unidentifiable organs hung from the severed end of the fish's upper body, surrounding the human body beneath it like a bloody curtain.
The "monster" did not advance quickly, but it exerted an overwhelming pressure. Blood seeped from its dangling organs, gathering into channels along the fish-scale patterns on the floor.
Li Xian picked up the sharp knife beside his pillow and gripped it tightly, then silently stood up, taking a defensive stance as he backed away.
The distance between them kept shrinking until less than a foot remained, yet the terrifying monster still showed no sign of attacking.
A fine layer of cold sweat formed on the palm gripping the knife. With the other party making no move, Li Xian did not want to act rashly, lest he provoke him and make matters worse.
As they remained at an impasse, the mechanical voice sounded in his head again.
[Mental value -5]
It seemed to be urging Li Xian to make a decision quickly.
Just then, the monster opposite him raised an arm. Its fingertips slipped through the gaps between the organs hanging before it and reached straight toward Li