Alan awoke feeling confused, weak, and most of all, hungry. In fact, he was so unbelievably hungry that it was difficult to hear Gaea's voice over the rumbling of his stomach. It didn't help that he had a bright-red System notification angrily flashing in the corner of his eye, demanding immediate attention. He quickly opened it up, if only to get rid of the damned thing.
*WARNING* You have permanently bound another Soul to that of your own! This has brought about mutations in the fundamental make-up of your Spirit, and wholly altered the trajectory of your Evolutionary Path! An influx of Spiritual Energy above your Evolutionary Grade has increased the potency of your Spiritual Wellspring!
Remarkable! Due to binding your spirit with a being naturally attuned to the Water Element, you have received the [Water Affinity]!
[Water Affinity]- Your body is slowly becoming one with the Water Element. Physical attacks can now deal a small amount of Water Elemental damage. Damage recieved from all Water-based Spells and Techniques has been reduced. Damage caused by all Water-based Spells and Techniques has been increased. Mana cost of all Water-based Spells and Techniques has been reduced. Casting and Cooldown times for all Water-based Spells have been reduced. Mana cost of all Non-Water-Related Spells have been slightly increased.
Remarkable! Due to gaining the [Water Affinity] you have gained the (Uncommon) Skill [Water Manipulation]!
(U)[Water Manipulation] Lvl 1- Upon activation, this Skill provides the ability to shape, alter and manipulate the Water Element at a basic Level.
Shaping, Alteration, and Manipulation of the Water Element increases with Skill level.
CALCULATING ADDITIONAL CHANGES…… *ERROR!* RECALCULATING…… *ERROR!* Unable to accurately assess changes while your Soul-bound partner is undergoing Evolution.
Alan was unsure whether to be excited, or worried. But by the time he finished reading the incomplete notice, Gaea had already lost her patience, and rid him of the desire to contemplate it any further.
“…I SAID,” As her words boomed out, Alan was hit with a freezing wind carrying the voice of his Goddess. “You should probably check on the Naga!!“
Shocked into action, Alan sat up, and immediately slammed his head into the bottom of the Crystal platform holding Su'ong in place directly above him. He laid back down and cupped his face in the palms of his hands. “What the fu..“ Alan's words were cut off in a hiss of pain. He winced as he felt several something's that were cool and sharp stab into his left cheek and forehead.
“What the fuck is happening to me?!“ He groaned out, blood running down his brow and into his only functional eye. He pulled his hands away from his face, and blinked rapidly. His heart thudded in his chest as he came to a sudden realization.
“I… I have a new hand? But what the fuck is wrong with it?! And why won't my left eye open?...“ Alan grumbled out in a tired voice.
Alan lowered his newly regrown left hand out of sight. He refused to believe what he was seeing. It must be that the blow to the head, and the blood in my eye, are causing me to see things… Yeah that's gotta be it! He hoped as he pulled his canteen from his Inventory. After flushing out his eye, Alan raised his left hand and grimaced when it's appearance hadn't changed in the slightest. Oh shit… This can't be good. He was looking at the elongated, misshapen hand of a reptilian.
Three far-too-long, and abnormally-thick fingers sat above a short, and stumpy thumb. Each of which were covered in small aquamarine scales and topped with a two-inch long, slightly curved black claw. The palm of his hand was leathery and brown, and the scales started up again at the base of his wrist.
And they don't stop there… Alan whined as he studied the sleek lines of his once tan, and now blue and green scaled forearm. He sucked in a deep breath when he realized a five-inch-long bone spike jutted up out of his elbow, right where the scales gave way and tan flesh made its return.
Bending his arm to get a closer look, Alan let out a gasp as he felt a pop, and the spike nearly doubled in length. He straightened out his arm, and although he could feel another slight pop, and a bit of pressure, there was no pain as the majority of the spike retracted into his elbow.
“Ok, I'll admit, that's pretty damned awesome.“ Alan mumbled as he flexed and un-flexed his arm. He gently touched the tip of the protrusion, and winced when applying even the slightest amount of pressure pierced his finger and drew blood. He ran the tips of his clawed fingers over the fleshy skin of his right hand. It was surprising to find that the leathery flesh of his palm felt hot, and rough to the touch.
The domed enclosure swiftly returned to a comfortable temperature, and the impatient voice of his Goddess drew his attention back to the matter at hand.
“I understand that you have undergone some unsettling changes, but you will have to admire them later,” she said as Alan rolled out from under the platform holding Su'ong, and climbed to his feet.
When he saw what was sitting on the platform where he expected to see Su'ong, Alan's heart began to race. There was nothing there aside from a mass of leathery strips taking on the rough shape of a four-foot-tall egg.
“The procedure was mostly successful, though Su'ong will most likely need another 12 hours or so for her evolution to run its course.“
“E… Evolution? Is that why she looks like that? What's with the… Sorry Su'ong, but what's up with the creepy egg-thing?“ Alan stammered. He looked around the closed room, searching for Gaea, but all he found was a small, stone grey hand protruding from the ceiling. He couldn't stop himself from shuddering at the sight of the smiling mouth in the center of its palm.
When its lips began to move, the disembodied hand spoke with the unmistakable voice of Alan's Goddess. “Well… Evolution was a bit of an overstatement. It is more of a Devolution than anything. Although the Soul-binding was a success, as you already know, much of her spirit was already lost or damaged before we ever began. She Hemorrhaged entire Levels worth of energy. And although it was necessary, the Soul-Graft you performed has permanently melded a portion of your (G-Stage) soul to that of her own, which changed the fundamental make-up of her spirit.“
“Add to that the loss of her Class and Earth attunement that the Dungeon was providing her with, and there's quite honestly not much left to work with. I can't say for certain, because this isn't something I've ever done before, but she will most likey lose all of the Skills, and Skill Levels she accrued while within the Dungeon. At the very least those pertaining to the Earth Element. She is currently undergoing changes that are similar to, and of a much greater degree than your own.“ Gaea's hand said ominously.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“What happened to your body?“ Alan asked, having a conversation with a talking hand was unsettling to say the least.
“Oh, this isn't my body!“ The hand-mouth began to giggle. “This is nothing more than one of my many clones. While you were out, a matter came up that I had to see to personally, but I assure you, I stayed until the Ritual was completed!“
“By the way, I'd like to congratulate you on making your first successful trade in the multiverse!“ Gaea's clone wagged it's fingers happily. “Winning your Soul-bound partners freedom, in exchange for nothing more than a promise of assistance! And from a Dungeon Wraith no less! This is a feat you should be proud of. Although…” The Hand grew suddenly still.
“I feel I should tell you, System Oath-Quests are not a matter to be taken lightly. If you planned on finding a way to weasel out of your end of the bargain, I would strongly advise against it. Just do your best, and I'm sure it will work out!“
Alan wasn't sure if he was just imagining things, but all of a sudden, Gaea didn't sound very convincing.
“I have a request as well," Gaea stated quietly. “Though like most of everything you need to know, we won't be able to talk about it until after you've completed your Tutorial and returned to Earth.
Alan didn't even hesitate. “I'll do whatever I can to help Gaea, you just tell me when," he stated firmly.
An orb of crackling orange energy surrounded him once more, lifting up his short, newly regrown hair, and signifying his return to the Sandstone Palace. Alan found the idea of somehow being separated from Su'ong now instilled him with a Soul-deep agitation. Unwilling to risk it, he gently lifted the leathery, egg-like form off of the sheet of crystal and held her close.
“Keep your wits about you. Though you might've gained a new ally, and potential friend in the Dungeon Wraith, I fear that will only make the Dungeon's Core resent you even more. Stay alive Alan Robbins. I hope to see you soon!“ Gaea's clone said cheerfully. Even without eyes, it somehow managed to pin Alan in place with a serious look. While its smile said 'Good luck' something about it's demeanor seemed to say 'do not forget what I told you'.
Alan clutched Su'ong's egg as gently as possible as he began his return trip to the Sandstone Palace Dungeon. As he hurtled forward at impossible speeds, his awareness drifted away, becoming one with a glaringly-bright white light.
Just as he felt the return of solid ground, [Gaea's Benevolence] began to fade away. Now partially exposed to the staggering winds, and stinging rain, Alan braced himself. After activating [Dual-casting] he focused his Mana into forming a pair of [Vortex Shield]s.
As the Spells formed, he squinted his only usable eye against the storm, and watched on awe. Four jet-black tornados slowly receded into the heavy cloud cover, revealing the mangled form of the Boss lying motionless on the floor.
It looked as if it had been shoved through a meat-grinder, and then placed in an oven. The protective layer of stone armor was nowhere to be seen, and hardly anything remained of its flesh. The Boss was nothing more than a single, bleeding wound.
When he saw at least ten lightning bolts strike the motionless boss in the same spot on the side of its head, Alan was met with the voice of Uncle Alex echoing out of his memories. “Lightning never strikes twice in the same place Alan.“
“What a liar,” Alan mouthed.
When the last bolt fell, The Spell came to a close, prompting the Green dome of [Gaea's Benevolence] to drift away in thin green streamers. Though he knew he'd missed out on the majority of the show, he couldn't help but be satisfied with his first-ever casting of [Gaea's Tempest].
While activating [Examine], Alan saw that the final flurry of lightning strikes had completely obliterated the already sunken-in left side of the Wyrm's face and neck. The Spell had fully torn it to shreds, leaving the beasts lower jaw completely ripped free. It was barely held in place by a few strips of tendon and muscle.
Lvl 22 Adolescent Earth Wyrm- HP: 56/11000
The violent dislocation of the Wyrm's jaw made an opening that exposed the beast's insides. Though the Boss was basically dead, Alan could still see a faint light radiating from deep within the gaping neck wound. While the Wyrm was still seemingly unconscious due to the calamitous effects of Alan's most powerful Spell, Alan layered the first [Vortex Shield] over Su'ong's defenseless egg form, and the second he placed around himself.
He knew he was taking a risk, leaving Su'ong so exposed, but felt it would be even worse not to finish off the Boss while he had the opportunity to do so. Alan sucked in a breath between clenched teeth while he activated {Meteoric Rush}, and launched himself at the Wyrm before it could put up any defenses.
He shoved his arms into the Boss's body, grabbing tightly onto the glowing cube within. When pulling it out failed to be as easy as he'd hoped, Alan decided to get some practice in with his new claws. As he tugged with his right hand, the razor-tipped fingers of his left hand swept from side to side. The body of the Wyrm began to spasm as veins, muscle and sinew were destroyed. Like blades of grass falling to a sharp scythe, everything holding the glowing cube in place was severed, and fell away.
In the end, Alan was left holding a meaty, violet-colored cube as he watched the corpse of his overpowered enemy being absorbed into the Dungeon floor. He stored his still-bleeding trophy as his Kill Log gave him the long-desired notice.
Remarkable! You have defeated a Lvl 22 Earth Wyrm!
+451,980 Exp!
Remarkable! You have reached Level 20! +40 free status points! Evolution to next Evolutionary Stage (F) is still available! You have 46 unallocated status points.
449,043 Exp to next Level!
Remarkable! As the first Denizen of the (Human) Tutorial to defeat a Boss Monster, you have Earned the Title The Boss's Boss!
The Boss's Boss- +5 Strength, +5 Endurance
Remarkable! As the first Denizen of the (Human) Tutorial to slay something two or more Evolutionary Stages ahead of your own, you have Earned the Title Apostle of Heracles!
Apostle of Heracles- +5 Strength, +5 Agility, +5 Endurance, Slight reduction in the pressure felt when up against enemies of a higher Evolutionary Stage. Provides access to the Tower of Eurysteus, however the Tower will remain inaccessible to you until successful completion of the Tutorial. (Minimum Tower Requirements) (E-Stage) of Evolution, and the ownership of at least (1) Crest.
“YES! WE FUCKING KILLED IT!!“ Alan pumped his fists and roared. That was so much worse than I was expecting. He looked at his dinosaur arm and frowned.
“And this thing is going to take some getting used to…” Alan ceased his complaints as a (Silver) Loot Box took the place of the Earth Wyrm's corpse.
“Don't worry Su'ong,” Alan said over his shoulder to the Naga-Egg behind him, “Half of whatever loot is in here will be put aside for you…” He placed his hand on the box, and when prompted, he selected Yes. The lid raised, bathing him in invigorating silver light.
Caution! You have been bestowed the (Mana Regen) Buff. Mana Regeneration rate increased by 10% for duration of Buff.
Duration: 5 minutes.
The chest contained 500 (Silver) Lotus Coins, 2 (Silver) Tutorial Tokens, a (Common) Mana-thread Fishing Pole, a (Common) Crossbow, and a heavily-engraved, palm-sized disc called a [Stone of Calling].
After storing his loot with plans of a later study, Alan returned to Su'ong's side. “Alright sleeping beauty,” he said as he lifted the eerily-light Egg off the floor, “Let's get the fuck out of this shitbox, and find somewhere to have a meal. And maybe even a nap…”
“Hey there friend Alan!“ a rough, but excited voice called out from behind one of the few Stalagmites that hadn't been destroyed in the fighting.
Alan narrowed his eye and focused on the robed figure as it strode into view. “Reggie! What's up bud? Is everything ok?“
Reggie pulled back his cowl and nodded enthusiasticly. “Congratulations are in order!“ he said with a sly grin. “You just managed to kill the oldest, and most powerful Dungeon Born Monster that we had to throw at you!“
“However…” He covered his mouth with a fist and cleared his throat noisily. “That was close. Quite close indeed…”