Paola leaned back on the weathered wooden bench outside the blacksmith shop, her gaze drifting aimlessly over the bustling street. The mid-afternoon sun bathed the town of Emberfall in a golden light, casting long shadows on the cobblestones. She absently traced the lines in the stone with her bare toes, feeling the rough texture against her skin. Her cloak, once a reliable piece of gear, hung limply over her shoulders, still frayed and damaged from the relentless battles she had endured. She knew it had a self-repair feature, but she had pushed it too far, overworked it to the point where even its magic couldn’t keep up with the continuous strain.
Ayla’s words echoed in her mind, reassuring her that the cloak’s failure was not a reflection of her abilities, but rather the caliber of the enemies she faced. “You’re fighting foes far stronger than you’ve ever trained for, Paola,” Ayla had said, her voice a comforting balm to Paola’s self-doubt. “It will heal, just give it time.” Paola had found truth in those words, though it didn’t make the constant injuries any less frustrating.
Her thoughts drifted to the night spent in intense training with Jester. His time dilation skill was nothing short of miraculous. What should have been a few hours had stretched into what felt like days. His skill was able to turn ten hours into forty. She had gained more experience in that one night than she had in weeks of regular training, but the cost was exhaustion that weighed heavily on her now.
Paola’s eyes wandered to the blacksmith’s storefront, its heavy wooden door propped open to let the heat of the forge escape. The air was thick with the scent of molten metal and burning coals. The walls were lined with tools and weapons in various stages of completion, their polished surfaces gleaming in the firelight. Inside, Poca was deep in conversation with Bruno, the burly blacksmith. Paola could see her through the open window, her light blue skin glowing with an orange tint from the forge’s flames. Poca’s dark hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves, and the stitches that stretched from the corners of her lips to her ears gave her an almost doll-like appearance, a constant reminder of the oddities she embodied.
Poca was explaining something with animated gestures, her thick French accent adding a melodic rhythm to her words. Paola caught snippets of the conversation, enough to understand that Poca was discussing Carter, her puppet. The thought of Carter—his unnerving, too-wide smile and the way he guarded their cart—sent a shiver down Paola’s spine. Poca had assured her that Carter wasn’t dead, just knocked out, and that Bruno was helping to reanimate him, improving his body in the process.
Paola still couldn’t fully wrap her mind around Poca’s abilities. A healer who also crafted and controlled puppets, breathing life into them with her strange magic. It was fascinating, but also unsettling. How did Poca reconcile these skills? Paola wondered if she would ever truly understand this enigmatic woman who had become such a significant part of her life.
She glanced back at Poca through the window, watching as she laughed at something Bruno said. The sound was muffled, but Paola could imagine the soft “Oui” that would follow, her voice filled with that gentle, understanding tone that had become so familiar. They had shared more than just battles and beds; they had shared a connection that Paola still didn’t fully comprehend.
Paola looked down at herself, at the loincloth that covered her chest and lower region. It was laughably minimal, but she had long since embraced the necessity of being practically naked. The “nudist trait,” as she had begrudgingly accepted it, was something she had once grumbled about incessantly. Now, it was just another part of who she had become. Every piece of clothing she added dropped her skills and stats; she had spent too much time in this state to go back now. It wasn’t just comfort—it was efficiency.
Passersby cast furtive glances in her direction as they hurried by, their eyes lingering not on her near-nakedness, but on her. Paola, the one who had killed Ta’huka, the one who had fought and survived the battle of Emberfall. Her name was already spreading through the small town like wildfire. She could see the recognition in their eyes, the way some men hesitated, clearly contemplating whether to approach her. The attention was both flattering and unnerving, but she couldn’t deny the power that came with it. Paola had killed Ta’huka, the legend who controlled the River Lurkers and took down five adventurers with less of a team. Now, she was the one people would talk about, the one whose name would be whispered in awe and fear.
She leaned back, letting her head rest against the wall behind her, trying to push the thoughts of fame and responsibility aside. After this, after Poca finished with Carter, they were going to talk with Ayla. The three of them needed to figure out how to make their relationship work, and Paola wasn’t sure how she felt about that. The idea of such a conversation felt as daunting as any battle she had faced. But first, she had to visit the Grove of Echoes, to check in on everything she's been neglecting.
For now, though, she sat and watched the world move around her, feeling a strange mix of indifference and anticipation. The sun was high, the day was warm, and the future was uncertain. But Paola was ready to face whatever came next, whether it was a conversation about love, a fight for her life, or simply another step in this strange, chaotic journey she had found herself on.
Paola closed her eyes, allowing the noise of the bustling town and the whirlwind of her thoughts to fade into the background. She wanted to steal just a moment of peace, to let herself drift away from the turmoil of battle and the complicated emotions that seemed to be her constant companions. But before she could even reach that calm, a familiar voice brought her back to reality.
"Paola, mon cher," Poca called out as she stepped out of the blacksmith’s shop, her light blue skin glowing softly in the sunlight. "Carter's body will be ready by the time you return. Bruno is ze best, oui?"
Paola opened her eyes and looked up at Poca, who stood there with her usual bright smile. Poca’s mismatched eyes—one green, the other a swirling mix of purple hues—gleamed with excitement as she continued, "I’ll walk with you to ze Echo Gate, if zat is alright?"
"Of course," Paola replied, pushing herself up from the bench. Her muscles ached slightly, a reminder of the brutal battles she had endured. But she shrugged off the discomfort, focusing instead on Poca’s enthusiasm. As they began to walk, Paola listened to Poca happily recount Carter’s bravery during the battle.
“Carter fought for his life, you know,” Poca said, her accent thickening as she spoke quickly. “Both of his arms, gone! Ripped off by zat cursed beast, and I couldn’t even put zem back on during ze fight. But he didn’t stop, non! He kept going, kept fighting, just like you, mon cher.”
Paola couldn’t help but smile at the way Poca spoke about Carter, as if he were more than just a puppet, more than just a creation of wood and magic. There was a warmth in Poca’s voice, a pride that Paola could only admire. “He really did fight well,” Paola admitted, a touch of amazement in her tone. “There were a couple of times when I thought I was done for, but Carter… he saved me. More than once.”
Poca beamed, her smile wide and genuine. “Zat is what he was made for, to protect. But really, it is nothing, Paola.”
Paola playfully nudged Poca with her elbow, her grin matching Poca’s. “Nothing? Poca, you’re being far too modest. I owe him, and I owe you.”
Poca’s coy smile returned, and she shrugged her shoulders in that delicate way of hers, as if brushing off Paola’s gratitude. “C’est la vie, as zey say. We all do what we must.”
The two of them walked side by side through the town of Emberfall, the cobblestone streets under Paola’s bare feet familiar yet still strange. The town was alive with activity, people bustling about their daily tasks, the market stalls full of vibrant produce and goods. But despite the lively atmosphere, Paola could sense the underlying tension in the air. The battle of Emberfall was still fresh in everyone’s minds, the scars of the fight not yet fully healed.
As they passed by, people glanced in their direction, some with curiosity, others with recognition. Whispers followed in their wake, and Paola could feel the weight of those gazes, though she chose to ignore them. She was used to the attention by now, the way her name had become something of a legend in this small town. It was unnerving, but also a reality she had accepted.
They made their way toward the center of town, where the square had been hastily restored. The destruction caused by the battle had been severe, but the mages and craftsmen had worked tirelessly to repair the damage. The fountain that once stood as the centerpiece of the square had been destroyed, replaced by a new one—a sleek, modern design that lacked the history and charm of its predecessor. Paola felt a pang of sadness as she passed by it, remembering the ancient fountain that had once been there.
She stopped for a moment, turning to Poca. “Your healing magic… it’s the only reason we won that fight,” Paola said, her voice serious, cutting through the casual tone they had maintained until now. She wanted Poca to understand the depth of her gratitude, the significance of what she had done.
Poca looked at her with a soft smile, shaking her head slightly. “I already told you, mon cher, it was nothing. Just doing what I could.”
But Paola wasn’t satisfied with that answer. She reached out and took Poca’s hand, stopping her just outside the square. Poca’s eyes widened slightly at the touch, but she didn’t pull away. Paola looked deeply into those mismatched eyes, her own gaze intense and sincere. “No, Poca. I need you to know how much it meant to me. To all of us. You saved lives out there. You saved *my* life.”
Poca’s usual playful demeanor softened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—something vulnerable, something real. Paola hesitated, the words she wanted to say catching in her throat. She could feel the warmth of Poca’s hand in hers, the way it fit so naturally, so perfectly.
Before she could second-guess herself, before the doubts could creep in, Paola leaned in and pressed her lips against Poca’s. It was a soft kiss, tentative and filled with the emotions that Paola had been struggling to understand. This was only their second kiss, but the first that Paola had initiated. The first that came purely from her own desire, her own feelings.
When she pulled away, Paola watched as Poca’s cheeks turned a deep violet, a stark contrast to her light blue skin. Paola couldn’t help but smile at the sight, realizing that this was how Poca blushed. It was endearing, and Paola found herself more captivated by the woman in front of her than ever before.
Poca looked down, her violet cheeks still glowing. “You… you really didn’t have to do zat, Paola,” she murmured, her voice uncharacteristically shy.
Paola chuckled softly, still holding Poca’s hand. “I know, but I wanted to. I’m thankful for everything, Poca. For your healing, for Carter, for… well, just for you.”
Poca finally looked up, meeting Paola’s eyes again. The vulnerability was still there, but now it was mixed with a warmth that made Paola’s heart skip a beat. “Zen I am thankful too, for you, mon cher. I am glad to have been of help.”
They stood there for a moment longer, just holding hands, as the world continued to move around them. The square, now bustling with life once more, seemed distant, as if they were in their own little world, just the two of them.
Finally, Paola gave Poca’s hand a gentle squeeze and nodded toward the direction of the Echo Gate. “Shall we?”
Poca nodded, her smile returning to its usual playful lilt. “Oui, let us go, mon cher.”
They continued their walk through Emberfall, the Echo Gate now in sight, and though Paola knew the challenges ahead were far from over, in this moment, she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in a long time. With Poca by her side and the memory of that kiss still fresh on her lips, Paola was ready to take on whatever came next.
The Echo Gate stood before Paola, an ancient and mystical structure that hummed with a deep, resonant energy. Its towering archway was made of stone so intricately carved that it seemed to shift and shimmer in the light, as though the gate itself were alive. Vines twisted around the columns, their leaves glowing faintly with an inner light, pulsing rhythmically like the heartbeat of the gate. Set into the stone was a massive, circular portal, its surface swirling with colors and patterns that defied comprehension, as if the very fabric of reality were bending and weaving within its frame.
Atop the gate sat the Guardian, a small stone golem no taller than Paola’s knee. The golem was shaped like a chubby child, with rounded limbs and an oversized head. Its surface was weathered and worn, cracks running across its body, giving it an ancient and endearing appearance. Two large, expressive eyes were etched into its face, unblinking and filled with a serene, gentle wisdom that belied its size. It sat unmoving, its tiny hands resting on its knees, as if in a perpetual state of contemplation.
Despite its stillness, Paola knew the golem was alive, watching her with quiet intensity. The Guardian of the Echo Gate was a protector, a silent sentinel that ensured only those worthy could pass through the portal into the Grove of Echoes. She had heard about it move once before, when it had silently acknowledged one's presence with a slight tilt of its head. Now, as she approached, it remained still, its eyes following her every step.
Poca stood beside Paola, her presence a comforting anchor in the strange and mystical surroundings. “Bonne chance, mon cher,” Poca said softly, her thick French accent wrapping warmly around the words. She reached out and squeezed Paola’s hand, her mismatched eyes—one green, one purple—glimmering with encouragement. “I’ll meet you back at ze blacksmith when you’re done. We’ll go see Ayla together, oui?”
Paola nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Thanks, Poca. I’ll be quick.” She gave Poca’s hand a final squeeze before letting go, turning her attention fully to the Echo Gate.
The Guardian’s eyes seemed to deepen as Paola stepped forward, the swirling colors of the portal reflecting in its stone gaze. Paola took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she prepared herself for what lay beyond. This was always a crucial step in her journey, one that would shape her path in this strange and dangerous world. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through her veins.
With a final glance at Poca, who waved encouragingly, Paola stepped through the Echo Gate. The world around her seemed to dissolve into a familiar void, and for a moment, she felt as though she were floating in a vast, empty space. The sensation was disorienting, but not unpleasant—she had been here before, after all, and knew what to expect.
As the void began to take shape, the Grove of Echoes manifested before her. The ethereal space was just as she remembered it, filled with towering trees that pulsed with an otherworldly energy. The air was thick with the scent of magic, a mix of pine and something floral she couldn’t quite place. A soft, warm light filtered through the canopy, casting everything in a serene, otherworldly glow.
Paola stepped forward, her bare feet sinking into the soft grass that covered the ground. The familiar environment was both comforting and awe-inspiring, a place of reflection and growth that resonated deeply with her. She knew that this was where she would confront the truth about herself, about being a T'shal'ara, and she felt a surge of determination well up within her.
But as she took another step, something shifted. A sudden, searing pain exploded in her lower back and skull, causing her to stumble forward. The sensation was like being torched from the inside out, as if someone were digging into her muscles and pulling them apart. Paola gasped, clutching at her head as the pain intensified, her vision blurring as tears sprang to her eyes.
She wanted to scream, to fight against the agony that was consuming her, but her body wouldn’t respond. All she could do was curl up into a ball on the soft grass, her hands gripping her head as she silently screamed, the pain overwhelming every thought, every sense. It was as if her very soul was being torn apart, each nerve set aflame by an unseen force.
What was happening to her? The thought flitted through her mind, but it was impossible to hold onto anything for more than a moment. The pain was too all-consuming, too all-encompassing. It felt like it would never end, like she would be trapped in this torturous moment forever.
But then, just as suddenly as it had started, the pain was gone. It left as quickly as it had come, leaving Paola lying on the ground, panting and trembling. The grass beneath her felt cool and soothing against her skin, and she clung to it as she tried to steady her racing heart.
Slowly, cautiously, Paola opened her eyes. The world around her was unchanged—the Grove of Echoes still shimmered with its ethereal light, the trees still pulsed with their strange, calming energy. But Paola knew that something within her had changed. She could feel it, deep in her bones, a new awareness that hadn’t been there before.
She lay there, unmoving, as the realization dawned on her. She didn’t want to believe it, didn’t want to acknowledge the truth that was slowly unfurling in her mind. But the evidence was undeniable. She could feel it—she could feel them.
Her tail twitched behind her, in anger or in confusion, she couldn’t tell. It was a sensation that was both foreign and familiar, as though the tail had always been a part of her, even though she knew that wasn’t the case. She could sense every flick, every movement, and she knew that it was responding to her emotions, mimicking the turmoil that churned inside her.
Paola didn’t want to move. She didn’t want to see, didn’t want to confront the reality of what had just happened. But she knew she had to. Slowly, hesitantly, she reached up and touched her head, her fingers brushing against something soft and unfamiliar.
Her ears. They weren’t where they should be. They weren’t the ears she had been born with. Instead, they were perched atop her head, twitching slightly as she touched them. They felt… real. More than real. They were warm, sensitive to her touch, and covered in soft, plush fur that was distinctly not human.
Her breath hitched in her throat as her fingers continued their exploration, tracing the edges of her new ears. They were cat ears—there was no other way to describe them. And they were hers. Somehow, impossibly, they were a part of her.
Paola’s hand trembled as she moved it down, trailing over her shoulder, her side, until she reached her lower back. There, just above her tailbone, she felt it—a fuzzy, plush tail that extended out from her body, twitching slightly as she made contact. It was thick and soft, not like any hair she had ever felt on her body before. It was an extension of herself, something she could control if she focused on it. But even when she wasn’t consciously thinking about it, it moved of its own accord, responding to her emotions in a way that was both unnerving and fascinating.
How was this possible? How could this be real? Paola’s mind raced with questions, with fear and awe and confusion. She had always been a gamer, had always loved the fantasy worlds she could escape into, where anything was possible. But this… this was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
She thought back to Earth, to the countless hours she had spent immersed in anime and games, to the fantasies she had entertained about being a neko girl in a world of centaurs and werewolves. It had all seemed so distant, so impossible, just a fun daydream to pass the time.
But now, it was real. She was a neko girl, in a world where magic and monsters were real. She had cat ears and a tail, and she could feel them, control them, as naturally as she could move her own limbs. It was too much to take in, too much to process.
Paola curled up tighter, her hand still gently touching the base of her tail where it met her skin. It felt like it had always been there, like it was as much a part of her as her arms or legs. But she knew that wasn’t true. She knew that this was new, that something had changed within her, and she didn’t understand how or why.
She lay there for what felt like an eternity, her mind spinning with thoughts and emotions she couldn’t fully grasp. She didn’t want to move, didn’t want to uncurl from the protective ball she had formed, didn’t want to face whatever new reality awaited her. But she knew she couldn’t stay like this forever. She had to get up. She had to find out what had happened to her, what this new transformation meant.
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With a deep breath, Paola slowly uncurled, pushing herself up into a sitting position. Her tail swished behind her, brushing against the grass, and her ears twitched on top of her head, picking up the faint sounds of the Grove around her. It was strange, disorienting, but also strangely natural. She was already beginning to acclimate to these new sensations, to this new body that was somehow hers.
Tentatively, she reached up and touched her ears again, tracing their soft edges with trembling fingers. The sensation was almost soothing, grounding her in the reality of what had happened. She couldn’t deny it any longer. This was real. This was her new reality.
Paola closed her eyes, taking another deep breath as she tried to steady herself. There was so much she didn’t understand, so much she still needed to learn. What was her sacrifice? What did it mean to be a T'shal'ara? Was she breaking into a new tier, a new level of power? What other changes were waiting for her, hidden in the menus she had yet to access?
Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, but she knew that the only way to find answers was to move forward. Slowly, she opened her eyes and focused her mind, calling up the familiar interface that had become a part of her journey in Udanara.
Paola stood shakily, her legs trembling as she pushed herself upright. The familiar interface of the Grove of Echoes materialized around her, the soft light from the surrounding trees casting an ethereal glow on the display before her. She blinked, trying to focus as her vision adjusted to the sudden shift in perspective. It was like stepping into an old-school video game, the kind she used to play for hours back on Earth. Her body, now altered in ways she was still trying to comprehend, was displayed like a character in a selection screen, slowly rotating so she could see herself from all angles.
A new tab had appeared at the top of the interface, glowing faintly as if beckoning her to explore it. The word "Race" was displayed in bold letters, and Paola felt a knot tighten in her stomach. This was it. This was where she would find out what she had become. With a mix of trepidation and determination, she selected the tab.
The screen flickered and then opened to reveal a detailed overview of her new race: the T'shal'ara. As she read through the information, her eyes widened, and her heart pounded in her chest. It was overwhelming, yet fascinating—this was who she was now, a member of a race she had never even heard of until now.
Race Overview
The T'shal'ara, she read, were a powerful and ancient race of feline people who once roamed Udanara. They were known for their incredible physical and magical abilities, revered and feared by other races. Their unique blend of agility, strength, and mystical powers made them formidable warriors and rulers. However, their potential to dominate and reshape the world led to their systematic hunting and extermination by other races, who saw them as a threat to the balance of power. For centuries, the T'shal'ara were believed to be extinct, with only legends and remnants of their culture remaining.
Paola swallowed hard, trying to process the weight of this revelation. She was part of a race that was nearly wiped out, a race so powerful that the rest of the world had banded together to eliminate them. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
Physical Traits
The interface detailed the physical traits of the T'shal'ara, and Paola instinctively touched her ears and tail again, feeling the reality of what she had become.
Ears: The T'shal'ara had cat-like ears that were highly sensitive to sound, giving them an acute sense of hearing far surpassing that of humans.
Eyes: Their eyes were slitted, like those of a cat, allowing them to see clearly in low-light conditions and granting them enhanced visual acuity.
Tails: They possessed long, flexible tails that aided in balance and agility, making them exceptionally nimble and difficult to outmaneuver in combat.
Claws: The T'shal'ara had retractable bone claws as strong as steel, which could extend from their fingers and toes, making them lethal in close combat.
Physical Appearance: Apart from these feline traits, the T'shal'ara resembled humans, with varying skin tones, hair colors, and physiques, but all possessed a lithe and muscular build optimized for speed, strength, and dexterity.
Paola flexed her fingers, half-expecting to see claws extend from her fingertips. She felt a faint tingling sensation but nothing more. Perhaps it was something she needed to practice or unlock further. The thought of wielding claws as weapons both intrigued and unsettled her.
Abilities
The T'shal'ara’s abilities were outlined next, and Paola couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as she read through them.
Enhanced Agility and Reflexes: The T'shal'ara could move with blinding speed and precision, their reflexes honed to react instantly to any threat. This made them nearly impossible to hit in combat unless caught off guard.
Night Vision: Their slitted eyes allowed them to see in near-total darkness, making them excellent hunters and warriors, especially in the dark.
Enhanced Strength: Despite their lean appearance, the T'shal'ara possessed immense physical strength, capable of overpowering much larger opponents.
Claw Strike: Their bone claws could cut through most materials, including metal, and were used as both offensive and defensive weapons in combat.
Mystical Affinity: The T'shal'ara had a natural affinity for magic, particularly in the areas of elemental control, stealth, and illusion. They could manipulate these forces to enhance their combat abilities, create powerful illusions, or even blend into their surroundings.
Paola felt a strange sense of connection to these abilities, as if they had always been a part of her, just waiting to be unlocked. She wondered how much of this power she had already accessed and how much more there was to discover.
Cultural and Historical Background
The interface then shifted to the cultural and historical background of the T'shal'ara, and Paola’s heart ached as she read about their downfall.
Origins: The T'shal'ara were believed to have originated from the ancient forests of Udanara, where they lived in harmony with nature and the magical energies of the land. They were deeply spiritual, worshipping a pantheon of feline deities that granted them their powers.
Society: The T'shal'ara lived in tightly-knit clans, each led by a chieftain who was both a warrior and a spiritual leader. Their society valued strength, honor, and cunning, with a strong emphasis on loyalty to the clan.
Conflict and Downfall: As their power and influence grew, the T'shal'ara began to expand their territory, leading to conflicts with other races. Their superiority in combat and magic made them nearly unstoppable, causing fear among other races. This fear led to a coalition of nations that waged a genocidal campaign against the T'shal'ara, ultimately driving them to near extinction.
Legacy: Though believed to be extinct, the T'shal'ara left behind a legacy of awe and terror. Ruins of their ancient cities, hidden in deep forests and mountains, still contain powerful relics and artifacts. Their legends persist, and some believe that a few T'shal'ara may still exist, hidden from the world, waiting for the right moment to reclaim their place in Udanara.
The tragedy of their history weighed heavily on Paola. She was part of a race that had been hunted to near extinction, their greatness and potential seen as a threat by the rest of the world. Yet, despite their downfall, they had left behind a legacy that still inspired both fear and wonder. And now, she was a part of that legacy.
Rarity and Impact
The final section of the interface summarized the rarity and impact of the T'shal'ara, further solidifying the gravity of her transformation.
Rarity: As a Diamond Tier race, the T'shal'ara were incredibly rare. The few that remained were either in hiding or had integrated into other societies, concealing their true nature to avoid persecution.
Potential: The T'shal'ara were considered one of the most powerful races ever to exist in Udanara. Their potential for both physical and magical dominance made them a target, but it also meant that any surviving T'shal'ara would be a force to be reckoned with, possibly altering the balance of power in the world.
Paola stared at the words, her mind racing. She was part of a Diamond Tier race, one of the most powerful beings in existence. The implications of that were staggering. She had been thrust into a role that she hadn’t asked for, into a destiny that she was only beginning to understand.
Summary
The screen concluded with a summary of the T'shal'ara, consolidating everything Paola had just learned.
The T'shal'ara were a legendary and nearly extinct Diamond Tier race of feline people, known for their unmatched physical and magical abilities. Hunted to near extinction due to their potential to dominate the world, they now existed only in myths and hidden corners of Udanara. Their unique traits—cat ears, slitted eyes, tails, and bone claws—along with their powerful abilities, made them one of the most formidable races ever to have existed in the world of Udanara.
Paola took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of everything. She was no longer just a human, no longer just Paola. She was T'shal'ara, a member of a race thought to be extinct, a being of immense potential and power. But with that power came a history of tragedy, of persecution and near annihilation. What did this mean for her future? What would her role be in Udanara now?
As she stood there, the weight of her new identity pressing down on her, Paola noticed something at the bottom of the screen. It was a faint glow, almost unnoticeable at first, but it grew brighter as she focused on it. It was another tab—Milestones—and it had changed.
Paola frowned, her curiosity piqued. She hadn’t expected anything to change so soon, but it seemed that her transformation had triggered something. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the tab. There was so much she still didn’t understand, so much that she needed to process about being T'shal'ara. But she knew that whatever lay within that tab would offer her more insights, more clues about what was happening to her.
Paola hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the Milestones tab. She had just come to terms with her new identity as a T'shal'ara, and now she was about to delve into the ever-growing list of milestones that seemed to document every strange, ridiculous, and occasionally profound aspect of her journey. With a deep breath, she mentally selected the tab, ready to see what new achievements had been unlocked.
The interface shifted, displaying a new series of milestones that had been added since her last visit. Each one was accompanied by the same snarky, comedic tone that had both amused and irritated her from the start. She couldn’t help but smile, despite the whirlwind of emotions she was still grappling with.
The first new milestone caught her eye, and she read it aloud to herself, the absurdity of it making her chuckle.
Milestone Unlocked:
Death’s Frequent Flier
- You’ve made a habit of dying and returning. Maybe death has a frequent flier program, and you’re racking up those miles—naked, of course.
- Reward: 500 XP (Nudist Bonus: 750 XP)
Paola shook her head, the idea that she was now a "frequent flier" with death a little too on the nose. But, given how many times she had skirted the edge of oblivion, it wasn’t exactly inaccurate.
The next milestone appeared, and Paola felt a strange sense of pride mixed with disbelief as she read it.
Milestone Unlocked:
Zombie, or Not to Be
-This would be awesome if there wasn't a whole race dedicated to undead. But, since that's the case, you get a milestone. Congrats.
- Reward: 600 XP (Nudist Bonus: 900 XP)
She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Coming back from the dead without turning into something monstrous was worth celebrating. The milestone felt like a testament to her resilience, even if the phrasing was as tongue-in-cheek as always.
Then, her eyes widened as she read the next milestone, which had a considerably higher reward attached to it.
Milestone Unlocked:
The Resurrectionist
- You’ve come back from the dead, not as a zombie, but as something far more powerful. Congratulations, you’re breaking all the rules of life and death, and doing it in style.
- Reward: 1500 XP (Nudist Bonus: 2250 XP)
The implication of this milestone sent a shiver down her spine. She had broken some sort of cosmic rule by coming back not as a mindless undead but as something else entirely. The weight of this realization settled over her, but there was a sense of accomplishment too. She had defied the natural order, and it had made her stronger.
The next milestone had her smirking again, the dark humor not lost on her.
Milestone Unlocked:
Beaststorm Survivor
- You survived a beaststorm. You must have really pissed off Mother Nature to be caught in one of those... and lived to tell the tale.
- Reward: 600 XP (Nudist Bonus: 900 XP)
Paola couldn’t help but remember the sheer chaos of the beaststorm, the terrifying power of nature that had nearly torn her apart. Surviving that had been nothing short of miraculous, and the milestone seemed to capture the absurdity of it perfectly. Well, technically, she didn't but... That's debatable, as she was slightly responsible for ending it.
The next one made her pause, a deep sense of satisfaction welling up inside her.
Milestone Unlocked:
The Giant Slayer
- You killed someone two tiers above your level. You’ve proved that size and power aren’t everything... but they certainly make for an epic victory.
- Reward: 1000 XP (Nudist Bonus: 1500 XP)
She remembered the fight vividly—the odds stacked against her, the sheer force of will it had taken to overcome Ta'huka. This milestone was a reminder of her strength and determination, a testament to how far she had come.
Finally, her eyes landed on a milestone that made her laugh out loud, the absurdity of it almost too much to handle.
Milestone Unlocked:
Harem’s Harbinger
- You’ve started a harem. Whether it’s out of love, strategy, or sheer charisma, you’ve got people lining up to follow you... and you’re doing it all without a stitch of clothing.
- Reward: 800 XP (Nudist Bonus: 1200 XP)
Paola couldn’t believe it. Starting a harem? The idea was ridiculous, yet as she thought about her relationships with Ayla and Poca, she had to admit there was some truth to it. The milestone was outrageous, but it captured the strange, winding path her life had taken in Udanara.
Paola let out a long sigh, shaking her head at the sheer craziness of it all. These milestones were like a bizarre diary of her journey, chronicling everything from her brushes with death to her unexpected romantic entanglements. The rewards were nice—especially with the Nudist Bonus—but it was the narrative they created that made her feel like she was living in some twisted, magical version of a video game.
As she took a moment to absorb the milestones, she noticed that the interface was nudging her towards the stats tab, as if to remind her there was more to explore. The tab was pulsing faintly, like an unread notification, drawing her attention to the details she had yet to fully examine.
Paola’s heart began to race again. There was so much more to uncover, to understand about herself and what she had become. The T'shal'ara race, her new abilities, the strange and powerful magic she had barely begun to tap into—it was all waiting for her behind that next tab.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to learn. There was no turning back now, no undoing what had been done. Paola was ready to dive deeper, to explore every facet of her new identity and the power that came with it.
With her mind’s eye, she selected the stats tab, feeling the anticipation build within her. This was it. The next step in understanding who she was and what she could do in this strange, dangerous world.
But before she could delve into the details, she took one last moment to center herself. This was a journey she had started as an ordinary girl from Earth, and now, as a T'shal'ara warrior, she was about to confront the reality of her transformation in full.
She exhaled slowly, letting go of the last remnants of hesitation. It was time to see just how much she had changed, and what that meant for her future in Udanara.
Her mind's eye focused on the stats tab, and the interface shifted once more, opening to reveal a detailed breakdown of her current abilities and attributes.
Paola felt a sense of further disconnect as she stared at the new abilities displayed in the interface. Everything she had just learned about herself—the transformation into a T'shal'ara, the milestones, the adjustments to her stats—it all seemed to be a whirlwind of changes that she struggled to keep up with. Was this good? Was this something she should be excited about? Or was it just another twist in the chaotic journey she had been thrown into since arriving in Udanara?
As she pondered these thoughts, Paola moved through her stats, adjusting the distribution of her skill points. She focused on boosting her health, strength, and agility, knowing she needed to be as resilient as possible in this unpredictable world.
New Attributes:
Durability: 41
Strength: 30
Agility: 49
Intelligence: 30
Wisdom: 62
Adjusted Stats:
Health (HP): 233/233
Mana: 192/192
Stamina: 171/171
But it wasn’t the numbers that made her pause. It was the skills themselves, the ones she had just gained—the ones that, despite being at level one, seemed to encompass so much potential and danger. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as she reviewed them.
1. CLAW AND DAGGER MASTERY
Description: With the addition of her bone claws, Paola had developed a hybrid combat style that seamlessly blended her dagger fighting techniques with her natural claws. This skill set enhanced her agility, precision, and lethality in close combat.
Claw Strike (Lvl I): Increases her critical hit chance by 10% when using claws and daggers in combination.
Predator’s Edge (Lvl II): Increases attack speed by 15% and reduces the enemy's ability to block or parry.
Razor’s Dance (Lvl III): Boosts evasion and grants a 20% chance to dodge incoming attacks while in a heightened state of awareness.
2. SHADOW POUNCE
Description: Utilizing her feline agility and the newly acquired Rapid Teleport skill, Paola could execute swift, unpredictable movements that allowed her to close in on enemies or escape danger instantly.
Rapid Teleport (Diamond Tier): Allows for teleportation up to 5 times within a 10-meter radius without using mana.
Shadow Ambush (Lvl I): Increases the damage of her first attack after teleportation by 25%.
Phase Slash (Lvl II): Increases bleed damage by 15% while teleporting.
Feline Grace (Lvl III): Increases movement speed and grants temporary invulnerability during teleportation.
3. PRIMAL INSTINCTS
Description: Paola’s new feline nature had awakened deep, primal instincts that enhanced her combat and survival abilities, giving her an edge in both offense and defense.
Predator’s Sense (Lvl I): Grants a passive bonus to perception and increases awareness.
Adrenaline Rush (Lvl II): Increases damage output and movement speed by 20% when her health drops below 30%.
Hunter’s Reflexes (Lvl III): Increases dodge and parry chance by 25% and grants a burst of speed when evading.
4. T’SHAL’ARA’S LEGACY
Description: As a member of the T’shal’ara, Paola tapped into the legacy of her ancient race, drawing upon their immense strength and potential.
Bone Claws Mastery (Lvl I): Increases the damage of claw attacks and grants a 10% bonus to armor penetration.
Feline Agility (Lvl II): Increases overall movement speed and reflexes by 20%.
T’shal’ara’s Fury (Lvl III): Boosts attack speed and critical hit rate for a short duration.
5. CHAOS UNLEASHED
Description: As the Harbinger of Chaos, Paola’s connection to the chaotic forces of the universe was growing stronger, allowing her to harness and control chaos energy to wreak havoc on her enemies.
Chaos Strike (Lvl I): Adds a random elemental effect to her attacks.
Anarchy Field (Lvl II): Reduces the accuracy and coordination of enemies within a certain radius.
Chaotic Surge (Lvl III): Temporarily boosts all stats and enhances the effects of her other abilities.
Paola blinked, her mind racing to comprehend what all this meant. The skills were powerful, even at level one, no doubt, but they also carried a weight that she wasn’t sure she was ready to bear. This wasn’t just about survival anymore—this was about power, control, and the potential for destruction. And yet, despite her unease, there was a part of her that understood it. This was the path she was on, the path she had to take.
Her eyes drifted to the small, pulsing star next to her level indicator. It was a subtle reminder of what she had been avoiding—the sacrifice she would need to make to break through to the Jade Tier. The concept of a sacrifice had always been abstract to her, something distant and intangible. But now, as she stood on the precipice of this new tier, it felt all too real.
She didn’t want to look. But she had to.
Taking a deep breath, Paola focused on the star. The interface responded to her mental command, the menus shifting and rearranging as she selected it. The screen before her darkened slightly, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow down. Her heart pounded in her chest as she prepared herself for whatever revelation was about to unfold.
This was it—the moment where she would learn what price she had to pay for this power. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, but there was no turning back now. She was committed, for better or worse.
Paola closed her eyes for a brief second, then opened them again, steeling herself for the truth. The interface flickered, and she felt her breath catch in her throat as the details began to form before her eyes.