Looking at Selenia, I sat down. I knew I wasn’t physically here. Like last time, I am in my Astral Body, though I don’t remember seeing the System say I would be arriving here. Selenia taps the table as the usual snacks and teas appear. Pouring me a cup of tea, she handed it to me.
“Now, I won’t keep you long, after all your body is currently undergoing reconstruction and it won’t be long till your Astral body is required. Now, Alisha.” Leaning forward a bit, Selenia waited for a few seconds before talking again. “Do you know the difference between being a Blessed of Celestia or a Chosen of Celestia?”
Thinking for a moment, I hadn’t really known what either term had meant. Saying so, Selenia nodded. “As expected. Well, let me explain. A Blessed is one that has been acknowledged by a God or Goddess, they are those that have potential within Their realm. For example one may have potential in Fire magic, thus they may become a Blessed of the God of Fire.
“To become a Blessed however, you must have unwavering faith and loyalty towards that God or Goddess. There are also exceptions where one may be a Blessed and have potential in a realm of magic that isn’t related to that God or Goddess, though this is rare. Alisha, you are not a Blessed.”
Tilting my head, I felt confused. I’ve been labelled as a Blessed since I first met Tessa, yet now I’m being told I wasn’t one?
“A Chosen is one who a God or Goddess has chosen because of their immense potential. A Chosen however is far more different in that their fate will be tied to what their potential is, and to the God that chose them. You, Alisha, were Chosen the moment you awoke your True Magic Nature in Zalus. Did you not find it strange that you received that item from completing the True Route shortly afterwards that mutated your evolution?”
Frowning as I recalled, I remembered obtaining the Crystallised Tear of the Moon Goddess as a quest reward from back then. Looking at Selenia, something clicked in my mind. “The Moon Goddess gave it to me?”
“Correct. Your True Magic Nature isn’t something as simple as showing what magic you have affinity for, it shows the magic that is true to you, something that you can easily comprehend. Your Lunar magic was also born from this, the same goes for your Wind magic. You’ve never had trouble with either, have you? Astral Ice magic is one you have good potential for while Lightning magic is something you need to learn more of.”
Frowning, I cross my arms. This was indeed something I had wanted to know for the longest time. “So why am I this so-called Chosen?” Selenia…hesitates. It was only for a second, but I’ve never seen her hesitate.
“I can only tell you one of the reasons. As for the other reasons…I’m sorry, you’re not ready yet.” As I’m about to speak out against that, she put a hand up. “I will tell you in the future. It might not be for a long time, but I promise you I will tell you once you’re ready.” After a few seconds, I hold back a sigh before nodding my head, deciding to trust her for now.
“One of the reasons is purely because of what you are, not what you think you are. You, rightfully, believe yourself to be a human and monster hybrid, and while that is true on the surface, on a deeper level it is not true. I can not tell you what exactly you are, you must do that yourself.”
My mind goes blank at her words. At a deeper level I wasn’t a human and monster hybrid? “But…I have a monster form? I was born and raised as a slave in Crater, I remember the cages, how I was forced to bury bodies of my own kind, of the times of cutting wood and being forced into dungeons. I know how they created us…”
“And it’s all true, you were indeed born and raised in Crater. Your origins however are not the same as those you were with. Alisha, you have wondered why you show monster traits like your ears and tail whilst your two friends did not, correct?”
As I frowned in thought, Selenia continued. “You gained your ears upon awakening your mana lake the first time, when you consumed the Pure Mana Crystal, correct?” Looking at Selenia, I nod. “Then you gained your tail upon evolution while also growing taller.”
“So I’ll gain something else after this evolution?” Tilting my head, Selenia chuckled.
“Likely not. Alisha, when you get the chance in Crater Hell, search that town. Find your mother, and then you’ll learn of your true origins.” As my vision started going dark suddenly, I still felt confused over what she talked about.
Suddenly, Selenia had a pained expression on her face as her nose started bleeding slightly. “Tell Alexander about the Blessed Orb of Salus in Crater!” Feeling a tug, I felt my mind overcome with sleep once more.
***
Body Reconstruction Complete. Beginning Mana Realm and Veins Reconstruction.
Detected Mana Spirit Pearl. Growth is estimated to be at 80% complete, is not ready to be born. Will not interfere in Reconstruction.
Current Magic and Magic Ranks:
Celestial Eclipse: Tier 3
Astral Ice: Tier 1
Wind: Tier 2
Lightning: Tier 0
Mana Realm and Veins Reconstruction has begun. 1% Complete.
Warning! Mana Realm and Veins are mutating.
This is expected due to Mana Realm and Vein mutating in the past, proceeding.
25% Complete.
…
50% Complete.
Warning! Insufficient mana.
Detecting Mana Gathering Magic Circle activation. Mana is being provided.
75% Complete.
…
90% Complete.
Warning! Insufficient mana.
New mana source detected. Proceeding.
Mana Realm and Vein Reconstruction and Mutation Complete.
Preparation complete. Evolution has begun.
Evolution Path: Celestial Nightweaver Fox
Grade: SS+
This is a unique race and will be partially restricted. A Chosen of Celestia, Alisha is a unique being that walks the path of the Night Sky, weaving it to her command.
Your Stats have tripled.
Your Stat growth has increased.
+3 Stat Ranks to Strength, Agility and Intelligence
+1 Stat Rank to Toughness
The stars are for you to command and most will respond to you.
During the night, those at or below your level that you consider to be an enemy will be weakened in your presence, while those up to ten levels above you are more vulnerable to your magic.
Your Mana Realm and Veins reflect the true night sky, producing pure Celestial Eclipse Energy. Your spells will use this energy if there is no night sky.
While under the night sky, your mana and energy will recover much faster and you no longer require sleep.
Your lifespan has increased by 250 years.
Due to being reinforced, your Mana Realm and Veins now naturally heal if damaged.
You will start receiving Class Experience from all sources, the amount will be determined on the action.
Your link with Alice has opened more. You may now gaze through her eyes.
The following talents have been combined:
Aspiring Hero + Historian -> Hero of History: You now gain 15% additional Stats and Experience from all sources, and 5% additional experience from Dungeons.
Starcaller + Supremacy of the Moon -> Fox of the Night Sky: You are immune to all forms of Lunar magic. Your Lunar or above magic will now cause certain effects, depending on the spell.
Reinvigorated Blood + Monster Regeneration II -> Toughened Skin I: Your regeneration is heightened, recovering from minor wounds instantly and severe wounds within minutes. Use your body’s stamina and energy, the less you have the more slowly your wounds will heal. +2 Stat Rank to Toughness.
Status
Elite Hero of History, Alisha
Race: Celestial Nightweaver Fox Level: 50 Experience: 0/500,000 Class: Lunar Fist of the Wind Class Level: 2 Class Exp: 6,000/150,000
Occupations:
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Adventurer Grade: Bronze Rank: A
Stats
Elite Hero of History, Alisha
Strength: C+ 3,495 (+699)* Agility: B+ 5,331 (+1,066)* Intelligence: C- 2,532 (+506)* Toughness E- 417 (+83)*
Current Bonuses: Monster Title
Skills and Talents
Elite Hero of History, Alisha
Skills: Talents: Lashing Fire Kick Hero of History Flowing Strikes Fox of the Night Sky Drunken Brawler Toughened Skin I True Monster Release Celestial Eclipse Mana
Evolution Complete. Awakening Alisha.
***
Third Person Narrative.
A normal night for Vale, light clouds covering the night sky, various shopkeepers pushing their wares to adventurers while those same adventurers came to and from the Guild. It was a normal, every day sight for Vale at such a late hour.
Suddenly, the clouds parted over the city, as if a hand swept them away. The night sky brightened while the top of the Guild shone with the same colour of the night sky, a beautiful, calming silver. Catching the attention of those who were awake, most looked at the sight then looked away. While not a common sight in Vale, there were those that had seen many phenomena before.
A particular shopkeeper chuckled softly while a new adventurer took in this sight. “Kiddo, you’ve never seen such a sight before? It occurs when a genius evolves! I’ve seen many, one even blanketed the skies in a fiery fire before! We had thought the end had come then, haha!” Laughing while the new adventurer looked amazed, he turned his sight to witness this new phenomenon.
On a rooftop of a particular building sat a pair of hooded adventurers. Twins, both elves. They, like others, were admiring the sight, however their conversation was different.
“She’s evolved. Level 50, right?”
“That’s right, Brother. Perhaps she could help us, shall we seek her out?”
“Dear Sister, I doubt she’d be interested in a pair of broken elves like us.”
“Oh Brother. For the right price, anyone can be moved. We’ve saved up in the hopes one like her will come along.”
“You’re right, Sister. Shall we seek her out soon?”
“Mm!” Both nod at the same time before jumping off the building, back into the busy streets of the adventurer’s section of the city.
***
Alisha’s PoV
“Mm.” Stirring awake, I heard a cracking around me as I tried to stand. My body felt exhausted and opening my eyes, I looked around me. The entire room was now void of the blue mist and a light silver glow spread through the room which was slowly disappearing.
Looking down, my body had become a bit taller and certain parts of my body had gotten slimmer and stronger. My shirt was uncomfortably tighter due to my chest growing a bit more while my pants were not covering half of my shins. However, the clothing started expanding, becoming comfortable once more. Looking at the Extraordinary clothing, it was amazing that it could adjust like that.
“How do you feel?” Turning to Amanda, I could tell she seemed rather tired. Perhaps noticing my gaze, she smiled. “Don’t worry, we just needed to supply some additional mana for your evolution. It’s fairly common for those that use this room, so I’m used to it. So how do you feel? You’ve changed quite a bit.”
Tilting my head while wondering what she meant, she smiled softly before handing me a mirror the size of my hand. Accepting it, I looked at the mirror. My hair had gotten much longer and was now pure white instead of silver and it had a soft glow to it. My eyes were a tranquil blue, a shade lighter than before while my ears on top of my head matched the colour of my hair.
My face had changed slightly, and if I had to describe it, it had become more mature. Handing back the mirror, I moved my body slightly. It felt completely different, my arms and legs were slightly longer increasing my reach.
“Want to throw some moves my way?” Amanda gives me a wink. Nodding, I do so while she very easily brushes my punches aside with a finger. The power behind these blows surprised me greatly as I got used to the strength. Knowing I’d have to train for a while to get used to everything, I stopped and thanked her. “Very good. I’d say your strength is about level 60. Once you get used to your body I wouldn’t be surprised if it matched around level 65.
Flowing my mana through my body, I had no issues with using any of the spells I tried. In fact, the speed of casting had increased to where I only needed to visualise the spell and it was invoked.
“One of the stronger evolutions I’ve seen. Very good.” Nodding in approval, Amanda gestured to the doors. “The other executives left already, they passed their well wishes. They like to keep themselves busy. Elise and Alice are waiting down in the lounge.”
As we walked down the stairs in silence, we quickly arrived at the door to the executive lounge. “I’ll be going my own way now. Go get some rest, then return here. Now you’ve levelled to 50 and evolved, Bronze and Silver Grade requests are simply useless to you. Take the test for Gold Grade as soon as you can.”
Thanking her, she waved before disappearing into flames. Opening the doors, I found an exhausted looking Elise and an excited looking Alice on her lap, playing with a strange tiled cube, with different colours on each tile.
Alice’s head snaps to me before throwing the cube away and running over to me. “Mummy!” Leaping at me, I caught her while chuckling.
“Well, you’ve certainly changed. Congratulations.” Speaking while sounding tired, Elise came up and looked me up and down. “I believe you’ll need some new clothing as well, though your current clothing fits you well the others won’t.”
I smile at her comment. “Thanks for looking after Alice. How long has it been?”
“Three days. I take it your Race has evolved to SS+?”
“Yes, I’m not used to my body yet either.” I was gently holding Alice, making sure to control my strength as much as possible so as to not hurt her.
“As expected. As your advisor, I must tell you now. Do not get overconfident. You’re not the only one who is wandering around with a SS+ class, nor will you be the last. Be vigilant, monsters from here on out will also be more dangerous, it’s not uncommon for a level 50 monster to have the strength of a level 80.” Looking stern at first, her face then relaxed into a smile before patting me on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay though. Remember to come and see me if you need any help, okay?”
Thanking her once again, Elise walked with me towards the exit of the Guild. Perhaps due to the changes I had experienced, no one seemed to recognise me, though some saw Alice and seemed confused. A few had a look of realisation before nodding to me. They were Gold and Platinum Grade adventurers, while the Bronze and Silver Grades were the ones who mostly ignored me.
“I need rest as do you Alisha. Take care of yourself.” Elise parts with us as Alice and I walk in the direction to my house. Alice played with my hair along the way while giggling to herself, seemingly not bothered by my new look.
Arriving at our house, it was still rather quiet. I had thought Xia, Elizabeth or Aubrey would be waiting for me, but I recalled that I never once mentioned where I was going or what was happening. Planning to tell them all later, I climbed upstairs, deal with Alice screaming about hating baths before laying down with her running around playing as I fell asleep.
***
Hearing a knocking coming from my door, I stirred awake. At some point Alice had jumped into the bed and fallen asleep while resting her head on my stomach. I stood up after gently placing her head onto a pillow and pulled the bedroom door…off its hinges, only to reveal Xia standing there, looking at the door that was now being held up by me before looking towards me.
Placing the door to the side, Xia spoke. “I’ll request the courthouse to send someone to repair that, Madam.”
“I told you not to call me that, Xia.” Yawning a bit, I walked with Xia downstairs and into the kitchen. I felt extremely hungry and could only think of making breakfast.
“My apologies, Alisha. I’ve come to report that I have not succeeded in finding any information about what Madam Alice may be.”
Quickly preparing food, I cut a slice of meat and cut the bench in half. Looking at my hands, I was having trouble adjusting my strength.
“I have also successfully joined the Adventurer’s Guild to make it easier for myself to follow you. I was graded at Gold Grade, C Rank. Do you require assistance, Alisha?”
Frowning at the counter that I had cut twice more, I turned to Xia and shook my head. “No, I’m fine. Xia.”
“Yes, Alisha?”
“Why have you not reacted to anything, like me being unable to control my strength or the changes to my body?”
Xia raises an eyebrow before setting it down again. “Once my level was unrestricted to 50, I figured you would undergo evolution and thanks to the phenomenon last night I had already expected these changes.”
“Phenomenon?” Tilting my head while throwing whatever monster meat remained into the oven, I heard Xia explain what had happened. Feeling shocked, Xia simply finished the story.
“It’s not a sight seen often, and is quite rare, however the citizens of Vale have seen them in the past so it’s not a huge deal.”
Serving her the mess of breakfast I had attempted while sitting down with mine, I asked her what she thought.
“Well, Alisha. I believe your long hair opens you to attacks. If someone were to grab your hair, it wouldn’t be easy to get them to let go, it's a rather dangerous weakness. Your breasts have also grown slightly and may get in the way of fighting, though getting used to your body will help resolve that problem it is important to remember. Your legs being longer also means your step has gotten bigger, meaning you can close distance easily.”
Nodding along with her words, she had a point about my hair. I ran down to the middle of my back, and when I asked her how short I should have it, she pointed to her own hair, which was about shoulder length.
“Can you cut mine now then? I plan to go take the test for Gold Grade this morning.”
“Certainly, Alisha.” After finishing her breakfast, Xia used my rapier to cut my hair to shoulder length, about the same length as hers. “Do you wish to tie it up? It’ll make it harder to grab.”
“Sure. Thank you, Xia.”
“I’m always at your service, Alisha.”
As she ties my hair back into a ponytail, Xia spoke once again. “Alisha, I believe it would be best to get used to your newly acquired strength before heading to the Guild, so they may correctly identify your Rank.”
Thinking over those words, I nodded in agreement. Hearing Alice run downstairs, she entered the kitchen and looked at Xia.
“Xi Xi!” Jumping at Xia, who caught who, Alice looked up at Xia. “Alice hungry!”
For a second I could’ve sworn I saw fear in Xia’s eyes when Alice said those words. Believing myself to have mistakenly seen something, I dug out a bag of monster cores as Alice smiled. “Yay!”
“Have you seen Elizabeth, Xia?”
“No. I did check in with the Guild and according to an attendant named Claire she has been doing requests and is currently out on one. Clair believes Elizabeth will be back in a matter of days.”
“Thanks for checking. Alright, let's head to Flowing River. I’ll be able to train better there and I need to let Halone and Tael know about my evolution.”
As we head out, I look at the last message the System had given me after my evolution. A message that made me motivated to continue to get stronger.
The Blood God now sees you as a threat.