[center][h2][color=F0E68C]Asteria[/color][/h2][/center][hr][hr]
Rather than being put out by the system’s response, Asteria was thrilled. [color=F0E68C][i]Of course, it’s tracking the progress, just not in a way visible to me until I either level up or ask it to show me. So, if I only word the request differently, I could get the desired result.[/i][/color] A system that responded to her commands was even more indicative that this world was game-esque than the skills and level-ups had been, but it wasn’t yet clear how well that could be taken advantage of. Something to think of later, as moments she’d begun digging, they were disturbed by the purple hell-wasp. Every part of the insect screamed danger, from its stinger, to the antennae, the proboscis, and even the fucking claws it had on each leg. Moreover, it had easily evaded the stone she’d sent flying, and charged them. Asteria rolled away, staying low to the ground. The bug didn’t seem to want to get close enough for them to hit with melee attacks, yet it continued circling, lowering menacingly until its body brushed the tall grass stalks. If it wanted to hit them, it would have to get low enough, and that was a moment they could aim to hit it in turn.

Asteria saw Ed had a similar idea, as he took up a batter stance, ready to smack away the bug once it got close enough. But this thing was smart, so Asteria observed its actions closely, focusing on all its minute movements, trying to get a read on its intentions. If only they knew a weakness- Asteria almost smacked herself as it occurred to her that not only did she have a skill for that, but also the necessary mana. She skidded to the side, letting the enemy focus on Ed for the time, while she used Monster Analysis II on the insect. Until she got the system notification regarding the beetle, she would sneakily gather a few stones into a heap, then wait for the opportune moment when the insect was too busy either getting pummelled by Ed or avoiding the Ratman’s attack to avoid her projectile. Wrapping her tail tightly around a stone, Asteria crouched low, intensely watching the insect, the direction of its body, the movements of its head, wings, and body, committing the unfamiliar movements of an insect to memory. In this way, she could detect a hesitation, an opportunity, a weakness or a distraction on part of the insect. And when the time came, she would let loose her projectile with all the force her body was able to muster.

[hider=Action summary]
Takes note of the way the system responded to her request.
Wonders about the fourth-wall breaking nature of the maybe-maybe-not 'game' world.
Is intimidated slightly by the insect.
Rolls away from it, staying low to the ground.
Sees Ed getting ready to hit it with a stick when it comes near.
Uses Monster Analysis II on the insect.
Gathers nearby stones in a pile.
Wraps tail around a stone.
Patiently and intently observes the insect.
Tries to get a read on the way the enemy moves, what it intends.
Stays silent and still, watching and waiting for an opportunity when the bug is too distracted to avoid the next attack.
Intends to let loose her projectile with full force whenever she judges the insect would be least likely to notice and/or avoid it.
[/hider]