Poor Gale. His sanity slowly slipped further from him with each moment he watched me drink mouthful after mouthful of the unfinished meal potion. The only thing that was not finished was the reduction to improve portability.
Another thing I noticed after Gale put the flame out from under the cauldron was that the liquid, while hot, never burned my mouth. Another sign that these stats really do make a difference.
When I was finished, I read my HUD and saw a healthy five thousand, six hundred, and twelve percent energy.
Gale hung his head. “Finished? I’m afraid to ask how you did that.”
I headed for the door. My body felt wired, like I had just drank several straight shots of expresso. “Yeah. Woo. Okay, Shadara, let’s go. I really need to go. Can we go?”
Shadara chuckled. “Yeah, let’s go. And Gale, don’t bother asking. It’s complicated.”
The panther woman wrapped her arms around my shoulders and guided me out of the room. We walked to a nearby tent and went inside.
I struggled to keep myself from bouncing out of control. So I looked for the nearest chair and sat down, gripping it tight. “I’ve never had this much energy before. It’s like I need to do something with it. I’m going to crash, aren’t I? Well, I’m going to do something with all this energy. I’m not looking forward to it.”
Shadara put a finger over my lips. “I get it. You’re rambling.”
I pulled her hand down. “It’s not my fault. Everyone is moving just so slow. But, um, I might as well do it now. My skin is itchy, like really itchy.” To prove my point, I scratched my chest, legs, and neck. “Can you keep everyone out? You might also want to step out too. This might get a little uncomfortable to watch.”
Shadara lifted an eyebrow. “More uncomfortable than going through it yourself?”
I shook my head as I scratched at the back of my head. “Stupid itch. Oh, sorry. Yeah, not even remotely. Listen, I won’t tell you what’s going to happen. You’ll probably try to talk me out of it.” I ran my hands up and down my legs as fast as I could to deal with the itch. “But I’ll tell you afterwords. It’ll be pretty important. Just wait for me outside and don’t come in, no matter what you hear. I’ll come out when I’m done.”
Shadara stood up and held out her hands. “You’re right. Now I don’t want to know. Against my better judgment, I’m going to trust you. Just believe that whatever happens, we’ll get through it together.”
She reached out a hand for my head, but before she could touch it, she pulled it away and sprinted out of the room.
I stripped out of my clothes. They’ll probably get destroyed by whatever’s going to happen. Then I moved to the center of the tent. My skin was a touch darker than I remembered, like I had started tanning. Right. Werewolf transformation is still incoming.
We wish to remind you of your options. You can still integrate with the werewolf transformation. Likewise, available to you is the mana battery installation and using the mana flare to convert all your mana into the shadow corruption to purge yourself of the werewolf DNA. You can also replace your entire body with mechanical replacements and decapitate yourself after pushing all your mana out of your head. There is also the option to integrate both the shadow mana battery and the lycanthrope transformation.
Both? I mean, yeah, I can afford it. But I thought I made it clear that I’m not becoming a werewolf. That still hasn’t changed.
We will abide by your decision.
Good, now let’s begin with the shadow mana battery.
Mana battery (shadow) integration available:
Cost: 333,333 shards.
Purchase?
Yes.
Beginning with mana conversion. Prepare for the mana flare in 3… 2… 1…
There was no preparation. My entire body erupted in black flames that burned me inside and out. I would’ve screamed if my lungs weren’t full of the flames. Even my eyes went black as I fell to the ground and rolled, desperately, futilely attempting to put out the fire consuming me.
Creating mana battery…
Even with all the burning, something swelled within my chest. The pressure built until it felt like it was going to explode. But instead of exploding, all the burning sensations over my entire body were pulled into my chest. This only added to the pressure.
My eyes returned, only to see that my body was a ruined mess. My body looked like ground meat, with exposed and partially dissolved bones. The shadow corruption had burned through my metal skin and muscles.
My body wouldn’t move, so all I could do was watch as my nanites worked to reconstitute my body. My energy reserves plummeted, as did my mana. My mana quickly dropped down to one hundred percent, and I could see a glow coming from within my chest.
Great. Now my chest is going to glow.
Thankfully, Orange put my body back together quickly. I even had nine hundred and eighty-nine percent energy left over. Thoughtful of Orange to keep things rounded for me so that I had extra energy left over after all this. I sat up and put my hand on my chest, which had stopped glowing once the skin that belonged there had regrown.
So, what’s new?
Mana battery (shadow) integration:
The host has a mana battery integrated into their body. This provides a direct source to store and retrieve excess mana. Due to the amount of corrupted shadow mana absorbed, all mana in the battery will be converted into shadow mana. A side effect has also transformed all the host’s magical potential into shadow magic and prevents them from learning any others. The host’s system has also developed a subsystem to develop their shadow powers.
Warning: if the battery suffers significant damage, it will cause a rupture and result in a catastrophically explosive release of mana. The host will likely not survive such an event, at this time.
Stat bonus: +75 arcane.
Shadow powers subsystem available.
My jaw hung limp as I stared at the ending line. My system has another system. Is that what that means?
Simply put, but correct.
I blinked and rubbed my eyes. Then I looked at my arm blade. Well, I won't have a better opportunity to do this. Orange, can you finally make this thing retractable?
We suggest upgrading your bones to reduce the strain on them when using it.
Yeah, sure. Oh, and please keep the arm blade easy to use; nothing complicated.
Synthetic bone level 1 (arms) upgrade available:
Cost: 20,430 shards.
Retractable upgrade Arm blade (right) available:
Cost: 22,680 shards.
Purchase?
Yes
A sudden surge of energy pulsed through my body. I suddenly felt very flush as the process began. I braced myself for the inevitable pain that accompanied my upgrades.
The pain crept in gradually, starting with a deep ache in my arms. It felt as though my bones were being slowly pulled apart. Then the cascade of cracks as the bones shattered filled the tiny tent. I clenched my teeth as I screamed. Sweat poured down my forehead.
My arms flopped like cooked noodles, as there was no structure holding them up.
The upgrade process continued. I could feel them, starting from my shoulder, rebuilding my skeleton. The sensation was unnerving; a nauseating wave of throbs and stabbing radiated through my arms.
Once the bone upgrade was complete, I barely had a moment to admire the fact my arms could hold their shape again. The nanites shifted their attention to the next enhancement—the retractable arm blade. The pain returned and intensified as a surge of pressure coursed through my right arm. It felt as though the nanites were pulling my new bones out of my arm through my skin.
A low hum resonated in my head. My fingers instinctively curled into fists as I gritted my teeth against the persistent ache. I threw my head back and groaned. Finally, as the last phase of the upgrade unfolded, I felt a subtle shift in my arm. The pain began to recede, along with the blade protruding from my forearm.
I wiped the sweat from my face and felt the new weight in my arms. They felt heavier.
Synthetic bones (arms) level 1:
The host’s bones have been replaced with an organic metal. This metal is nonmagnetic, conductive, and immune to oxidation. They have significantly greater mass than organic bones but have better mana conductivity as well.
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Stat bonus: +10 toughness, +5 arcane.
Synthetic bones (arms) level 2 available: 40,860 shards
Purchase?
Arm blade (right), retractable:
The host’s right forearm bones have been fused with an additional floating bone, effectively creating a natural weapon. This bone can retract and settle between the radius and ulna. Due to the epidermal plating (arms) level 1 augment, the blade is coated in the same metal as the arm, altering its offensive capabilities to scale with epidermal plating’s toughness rather than the host’s power.
Stat Bonus: +17 Power.
No.
I could feel the muscles in my arm attached to the new bone that sat in an almost track-like grove. With a quick flex of the muscle, the blade shot out with a satisfying ring. It was just like my arm blade from before, but it seemed to lose some of its edge and looked more like a spike.
“Oh ho. That’s so cool.”
I also felt with another twitch, I could "lock" it in place and not have to worry about it folding back in. My hand ran along my metal skin. The lack of feeling felt like a glaring void I didn’t want to ignore anymore.
I can afford to fix what’s wrong with me now. Orange, if I upgraded my skin plating, would that return my sense of touch to them?
Epidermal plating (arms) level 2 upgrade available:
Cost: 29,700 shards per arm.
An additional 5,670 shards to include hands.
Purchase for 65,070?
Yes.
The initial luster of the metal on my arms darkened, taking on an almost molten appearance as it bubbled and melded together. It was a surreal sight, as if the metal were seemingly boiling before the pain truly set in. Yet the fiery pain did come. I screamed as sweat drenched every part of my body.
The pain ramped up as the upgrade grew more violent. Drops of molten metal sizzled as they dropped to the ground. As the nanites continued their work, the material became even darker, almost black, and things slowed down. I could feel a substantial weight reduction.
As the metal skin cooled, the once audible rustling as I moved my arms diminished, replaced by a near-silent glide. I panted as I twisted my arms and flexed my fingers. The black metal, now reflecting a sheen, gleamed in the meager light of the tent. Running my hands along my arms, I discovered a surreal smoothness, the feeling from them registering as a sensation I had almost forgotten.
The ridged texture from before disappeared, leaving a smooth surface that felt almost unreal. My fingernails mirrored the dark metal of my arms, now adorned with a polished metallic finish.
The seam lines around my joints became even more discreet, almost invisible to the naked eye. The overlapping sections at my elbows, wrists, and knuckles remained, but the lines were a fraction of what they were. What took me by surprise was that my arm, hand, and fingers all looked smaller than they were before. Or was it back to normal since the first upgrade made them larger? I can’t remember.
Epidermal plating (arms) level 2:
The entirety of the skin of the host’s arms has been replaced with an organic metal. This metal is flexible, nonmagnetic, conductive, and immune to oxidation. Defense and resistance in the augmented areas are doubled.
Stat bonus: +20 toughness, +20 resilience.
Epidermal plating (hands) level 2:
The entirety of the skin of the host’s hands has been replaced with an organic metal. This metal is flexible, nonmagnetic, conductive, and immune to oxidation. Defense and resistance in the augmented areas are doubled.
Stat bonus: +6 power, +6 agility.
Epidermal plating (arms) level 3 upgrade available:
Cost 59,400 shards per arm.
An additional 11,340 shards to include hands.
Purchase?
No.
I dismissed the messages, refusing the upgrade. “My arms can’t be the only thing I protect. After all, I have a literal bomb in my chest now.” I got up and felt light-headed. “Okay, take it easy. Some water will help.”
I looked at my energy and saw that there was still more than seven hundred percent. There was also something that wasn’t there before. It was a reading for battery reserves. The reading was almost seventeen hundred percent.
The percentage is based on your current maximum mana.
“Thanks.” I nearly slapped my forehead. “Why am I talking out loud? Am I going that crazy? Is the pain finally getting to me? Although, I’d admit, my pain tolerance has improved immensely from when I first got here.”
Orange, any possible upgrades to protect my chest, and specifically the mana battery inside it?
Epidermal plating (torso) Level 1 upgrade available:
Cost: 46,125 shards.
Purchase?
Sub-dermal plating (torso) Level 1 upgrade available:
Cost: 36,990 shards.
Purchase?
Nano-weave mesh skin (torso) Level 1 upgrade available:
Cost: 47,250 shards
Purchase?
Synthetic muscles (chest) Level 1 upgrade available:
Cost: 44,887 shards.
Purchase?
I could go with the same plating from my arms to my chest. I know what that’ll do, but sub-dermal means below the skin, right? Can I really have the same protection without turning my skin to metal? It’s cheaper too. That nano-weave mesh will make me look more like a freak with mismatched materials. The muscle upgrade sounds useful and might be something I do one day, but I don’t think it’ll provide as much protection as the other options.
I selected the sub-dermal plating upgrade. Immediately after I confirmed the purchase, my head was filled with a hum. The sensation of molten metal flowing beneath my skin dropped me to the ground, where I writhed. I gritted my teeth against the increasing pressure and build-up of bile at the back of my throat. Somehow, I pushed myself to my hands and knees as I opened my mouth to scream.
A gargled wail filled the tent, making me glad that, through all the screams and pain, Shadara wasn’t there to watch. It started subtly from my waist. An audible click sound reverberated through my body. It was followed by another and another. Once they reached my collarbone, they stopped. Each movement sent a ripple of discomfort through me.
I need more than physical protection. Orange. Give me the level two upgrade, now. If I’m in for a penny, I’m in for a pound.
Sub-dermal plating (torso) Level 2 upgrade available:
Cost: 73,980 shards.
Purchase?
Do it!
The pain intensified as what I could only believe was the overlapping plates adjusting beneath my skin. The metallic layers bubbled and seared the flesh of my chest. I could smell the burnt flesh and gagged.
The clicking returned as my entire torso tightened like a vice was pushing in from every direction at once. I couldn’t breathe and, therefore, did not scream. The clicking was louder than before. Each one sounded more like branches snapping once they reached my neck.
And all at once, the pain and pressure dissipated. The redness of my skin returned to the normal creamy white I’d been used to all my life. I took several ragged gasps as I could feel the plates sliding with each inhale and again with each exhale. It wasn’t uncomfortable now.
Is my waist even narrower? I placed my hands on my breasts, and they felt the same size, but the hundreds of shifting plates under them were odd to feel on the outside and inside at the same time. Maybe it was my imagination.
I cautiously stood up, testing the flexibility of my torso. The overlapping plates responded to my movements, adapting perfectly to every twist and turn. I could feel the added weight, but it wasn’t cumbersome. I placed a hand over my chest, where the mana battery was, and my skin felt cooler.
Okay, what did I do to myself?
Sub-dermal plating (torso) level 2:
An inner layer of small, overlapping, organic metal lines the host’s torso. This metal is flexible, nonmagnetic, conductive, and immune to oxidation. Defense and resistance in the augmented areas are increased by 50%.
Stat bonus: +25 toughness, +25 resilience.
Sub-dermal plating (torso) Level 3 upgrade available:
Cost: 147,960 shards.
Insufficient funds.
I looked at my status and quickly split the unassigned points from Tasha between resilience and toughness.
Name: Rina Lone Augments: Level: 28 Cellular Regeneration Agility: (+6) 251 Synthetic eyes: lvl. 2 Arcane: (+80) 230 HUD Power: (+10) 75 Epidermal plating (arms) lvl. 2 Quickness: 405 Epidermal plating (hands) lvl. 2 Resilience: (+55) 225 Arm blade (right), Retractable Toughness: (+45) 215 Synthetic tendons (legs) lvl. 1 Unassigned Points: 0 Synthetic muscle (legs) lvl. 1 Shards: 53,384 Synthetic tendons (arms) lvl. 1 Synthetic muscle (arms) lvl. 1 Shadow Powers: Mana battery (shadow) integration Manifestation lvl. 1 Synthetic bones (arms) lvl. 1 Shaping lvl. 1 Sub-dermal plating (torso) lvl. 2
I spent so much. I mean, I got a lot out of it. The whole not slowly dying and not turning into a werewolf was pretty important. It looks like I really got carried away with buying upgrades.
You did.
Aren’t you supposed to be impartial in all this? Or at least on my side?
We agree with all of your purchases. We also considered it prudent to withhold some upgrades after giving more consideration to what was available. You never looked at what shadow powers were available. Your purchases were, from an objective view, impulsive.
Whatever. I’m stronger and harder to hurt. It’s what you want in the end. Besides, when am I going to have an opportunity for this much privacy? Shadara can't stand when I do this. I can’t stand seeing her watch me go through all this pain.
We suggest you work to improve your interpersonal skills.
You first.
I sighed. Well, at least this is probably a good time to stop now. And I might as well see what my shadow powers are about. My hand ran across my still-bald head. And I need to do something about that too.
I took one last look at my plated arms. The things I do to survive…