Checking in with Ghost and Dawn, we found them in a similar state to us, having just received their loot. Melody, who sat by Ghost’s side, seemed relieved that we hadn’t been permanently injured. Aerith, Lemon and Sheep soon joined us as the medical staff left, giving Sheep and I a report on our injuries.

“So there are actual monsters in this world…” Aerith bites her bottom lip while looking at her hands.

“We need to discuss that. I thought this world would just be Husks or variations of them, yet that thing existed.” Sheep collapsed on one of the chairs. We were in one of the empty offices on the first floor, designed for those under the leaders that were under me.

“The System called it a Plague Bearer, right? It specifically said it’s also a Butterfly, so is it like how you have Husk variations like Acidmancer?” As I spoke, I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought of more Butterflies roaming the world.

“So it won’t just be Husks? Then why aren’t there more of those Plague Bearers around? Geralt mentioned he had never seen anything but Husks. Even the Dragon had been a Husk.”

“Perhaps Husks are a type of enemy, they do look undead. Though the Dragon didn’t…” Responding to Lemon, Ghost had an unusually serious expression on his face and Melody, who sat on his lap, spoke up next.

“Maybe the enemies here have tiers? Or is it based on their uniqueness? If a Husk bit us, maybe we’d turn into a Husk? The Plague Bearer Butterfly did indeed release a plague, the decay that had all but killed everything in its surroundings and bore into our skin.”

We all sank into thought before I clapped my hands, drawing everyone's attention. “Alright, let’s shelf this discussion for now. Sheep, can you write a report and upload it about our encounter? I want you to analyse what happened and what we should do in the future, as well as documenting everything about what the Butterfly did, including that strange wall.”

“Got it, will do.”

“As for the rest of us. Aerith, Lemon and Melody, rest for a day or two then get back to your duties, we can’t delay on getting the base built since we’ve only got a month before this so called World Shift and two months before the Nexus event. Focus on getting the wall done, once I’ve recovered I’ll get going with building base defences.”

“Got it.”

“As for myself, Ghost, Dawn and Winter, we’re to recover until our broken arms and legs are healed. Once that has happened, we’ll then advance to Lvl 3 in pairs. I assume everyone here can advance?” They nodded but looked a bit confused with Sheep asking what they wanted to know.

“Why wait? Advance now.”

“Cause I have a strange feeling that if I were to advance now these injuries may cause a problem. I’d rather be in peak condition before advancing.”

“Makes sense. These advancements increase our strength overall, so if we advance while critically injured it may cause problems.” Melody nodded at my words while the others looked convinced. With that, we parted with Winter and I slowly headed upstairs to my office. Since there is a working shower, bathroom and kitchen up there, it would be the best place for us to rest and not draw attention.

The next three weeks passed without incident. All production of machinery and weaponry had halted which caused a lot of a delay to certain jobs, like machines that broke down or weapons for those that needed them. After the third examination of my arm, they were satisfied and removed the plastering along with Winter’s. Though her leg still needed more time, with the plaster removed we got used to using them again before I turned my attention to advancing.

“I’ll watch over you while you advance. Seems the others want you to go first as well.” Winter sat on the edge of the bed along with me. Thanks to our experiences, we knew that one would pass out for a few days upon advancing. With just eight days until the World Shift, we knew it was important to advance quickly. Breathing in, I brought up the System and selected Y on the notification to advance. However, I didn’t pass out, instead a new window came up.

Evolution is required for Lvl 3. Please select one of the following options which are based off your achievements, uniqueness, Jobs and Title:

Human, Type: 471,283: An all rounder Human, they have balanced Strength, Reflex, Endurance, Agility and Stamina. Well suited for those who fight in close combat.

Void Walker - Humanoid Form: A being that uses the power of the Void and can mark their prey, making it easier to hunt. They specialise at assassinations from both long range and close.

Crypt Stalker: An undead necromancer who uses the fallen to overwhelm their enemy. Once their army kills, it becomes impossible to stop their advance as the Crypt Stalker raises their enemy into their army.

Aerathil (Unique to Entity Midnight): An Elven markswoman that channels the powers of nature, summoning the spirits of the world to assist her. She specialises in long range combat and weapons, her unique vision not allowing her enemies to flee.

“A-ah?!” Looking at this screen, I blinked a few times before looking at Winter and telling her what I saw.

“E-evolution?” She looked hesitant and I felt the same way, changing to another type of being? That’s a scary thought. Looking at the choices, I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the choices and if this wasn’t our very lives I would absolutely want to choose Crypt Stalker. Being a necromancer that could command an army that snowballed hard would be huge, though I knew it wasn’t going to be picked, there is no way I could pick that. I didn’t want to be an undead.

“We won’t change mentally…will we?” I pursed my lips while looking at Rebecca. I didn’t want to change if it meant my feelings towards her changed. I also knew though, if we didn’t evolve, we couldn’t become stronger.

“I doubt it…no, I highly doubt it. We’ve undergone a large change with these new bodies yet how we feel, act and interact with everyone is still the same, except we’re more inclined to combat. I don’t think we’d change mentally, Ruby.”

Smiling at her words, I rest my head on her shoulder while dismissing the window. “I want to advance with you, so let’s wait.”

“Ah? But I’m still waiting for my leg.”

“They’re checking it tomorrow, right? Then perhaps they’ll remove the plaster and we can advance. We can ask someone to watch over us.”

Rebecca interlocked her hand with mine. “Mm, as long as you’re fine with it.” We sat there, just by ourselves, in silence for a while before deciding to sleep. After waking, we headed to Asura and after removing the plaster, she gave her approval that Rebecca’s leg had completely healed. Once we left, Rebecca and I walked around while she got used to walking on the leg again before finding Dawn, who we ran into first, and after she agreed to watch over us, we headed back to our house.

Like me, Rebecca had several options including one that is unique to her. Very similar to mine, it’s for an Elven warrior that fought up close and personal, relying on fast reflexes and strength to overcome her enemies. Both of us lay down in the bed with Dawn standing to the side. We already made our choice, and selecting Aerathil, I breathed in and meeting Rebecca’s eyes, I interlocked my hand with hers and selected yes.

***

I stood, naked, in a darkened void, darkness surrounding me. I felt fear, that I had once again started another future dream. A calmness took hold as the fear built, my mind telling me this wasn’t a future dream. In front of me, dozens of lights suddenly appeared and slowly merged, a naked, beautiful woman appeared, with a face that I had longed to see. Rebecca, but her face isn’t her new one, but the one from our world.

She looked at me, in equal shock. I stepped…floated towards her as she also came towards me at the same time. We reach out, our hands grasping the others as we pull each other into a hug. The moment we did, the darkness around us blew away, revealing a beautiful forest, filled with long, twirling trees, the sound of water rushing came from the distance. Short, well kept grass below us showcased the flowery scenery, and before I could enjoy the sight, my mind warped as I returned to my slumber.

***

I felt myself stirring, as if from a long slumber. Even with my eyes closed, I could still see the HUB, the timer for the World Shift with three hours left. My eyes flicker open as something falls away from my body, a voice reaching my ears as the sight of my roof appears.

“Oh! You’re both awake!” Hearing the voice, I blinked, slowly sitting up as more things fell from me. Looking to my right, I saw not only Dawn, but Melody and Aerith quickly standing to look at us, all three wearing looks of shock. Slowly, I turned my head to look at Rebecca and what I saw gave me butterflies in my stomach.

There, a face that resembled Rebecca’s from this world entered my vision, but there were changes. Her long, blue hair with purple streaks was now silky smooth, running beautifully down her shoulders. She had short, pointy ears that one would expect from an elf, her facial features were a lot softer, the burns from our various fires still there, but a bit lighter. Looking down, I saw that her body had become leaner, slimmer from before. Her breasts were slightly larger and her legs were gorgeous. She too, looked me over and our eyes locked onto the hands that still held each other.

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“Holy shit, you’re both elves?!” As I’m about to look at Melody, I notice my surroundings. Thick, light green vines surrounded the bed and spreading from the bed grass grew, short but beautiful. The smell entered my nose, fresh grass that had somehow appeared.

“Oh, you noticed? It’s not just this room, the entire base is covered in grass, flowers and newly sprouted plants and trees.” Hearing Dawn, I slowly lifted myself from the bed, my hand separating from Rebecca’s as we both got up unsteadily.

My clothing felt too large for my body and looking down I saw that my body had also become leaner and slimmer, except my breasts had stayed the same size. Moving towards a window, I moved the curtains out of the way and saw the outside.

A night sky blanketed us from above, illuminating a beautiful landscape of fresh grass, flowers and sproutlings. My vision picked it all up easily, everything sharp and crisp. I noticed small colourful orbs, the size of a pinky nail, moving throughout the base. Rubbing my eyes, I saw Rebecca next to me before turning to the others.

“What are the colourful orbs?”

“Huh? Orbs?” Melody looks out the window with a frown before looking at me. “Have you still got sleep on the brain? There aren’t any orbs.”

Turning to Rebecca, she shook her head as well. I couldn’t take my eyes off her when she shook her head, I found it irresistibly cute. Eventually tearing my eyes off her, I slowly moved and sat down on the bed, looking carefully at my body once again before looking up.

“Is the grass new?”

“No, it appeared when you both started to advance. As soon as you both fell asleep, vines raptured from the ground and surrounded you both in a cocoon and a few minutes later grass just started growing. It’s like someone pressed the fast forward button, it quickly grew and grew out. It stopped after growing about three kilometres in every direction.”

“So you three have been here since?”

“Sheep ordered us to. Aerith doesn’t need to be hands on with building and I’ve used most of what I had. Since we were also girls, Sheep asked for us to keep an eye on you. The sudden appearance of fresh, soft green grass shocked everyone after all, he wanted to ensure you both were safe.”

Planning to thank Sheep later, I waited for Rebecca to sit on my lap before looking at the System. The first thing that I saw made my jaw drop. My health had increased to five hundred, while my mana increased to one thousand, a massive increase from before.

Along with Entity Winter, you are the first in this Iteration to reach the realm of Lvl 3 and successfully evolve. You have been provided additional rewards.

The power of your evolution with Entity Winter has caused your surroundings to become a Sanctuary, where those that are within it feel more connected to the world. Spirits are attracted to your Sanctuary. Those within your sanctuary receive increased health regeneration.

“Those orbs were spirits?” Muttering to myself while looking at the window, I turned my attention back to the System.

Entity Midnight and Entity Winter now have a unique connection with many mysterious benefits…

A bit annoyed that the System didn’t just tell us what these benefits were, I decided to ignore it as I moved on.

As the first to reach Lvl 3 in this iteration, you receive the following rewards:

1x Barrett M82 Sniper Rifle

10,000x .50 Caliber Rounds

1x Sharpshooter Spell Tablet

1x Sharpshooter Talent Stone

1x Bundle of Blueprints (Machinist)

Seeing a long case alone with a bundle and box appear, I ignore it and turn my attention to the last three notifications.

Aerathil Racial Spell: Call of the Spirits.

Call upon the spirits in the surroundings, seeking their aid. Spirits will assist you, their abilities depending on their colour.

Aerathil Racial Talent: Inroot

While stationary, magical roots spread out from you, drawing health and magic towards you. Healing depends on your surroundings.

As a Potential Hero and the first Lvl 3 Sharpshooter, you are now a Sharpshooter Sovereign, the most powerful Sharpshooter to exist in this iteration. Be careful however, mighty empires have fallen…

Raising an eyebrow at the System’s foreshadowing, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a warning to prevent me from becoming overconfident. Looking at the racial abilities, I felt a bit excited at them. Along with Refilling Shots, I’ve basically become a stationary high powered tank. Sorting through my mind, I realised I already knew how to use Call of the Spirits, but it’s less of a spell and more of a…call.

Deciding to try it out later, I open the case before me and see a large sniper rifle, one that filled me with excitement. Bringing up the System, my excitement died out as I saw that there was no Grade. At the same time, I realised that the System may never give us Graded equipment, meaning we would need Winter and Armorsmiths to make it instead. Picking up the spell tablet, I checked the System to see what spell it contained.

Sharpshooter Spell: Hunter’s Mark.

Mark a target. Once marked, you will always know where the target is, regardless of distance.

Mark Limit: 1

Mana Cost: 200 Mana

Using it, I let the knowledge fill my mind before turning my attention to the talent stone. Picking it up and using it, I realised that there was only one talent.

Sharpshooter Talent: Hunter’s Vision.

By focusing on a target that has been marked by Hunter’s Mark, you can see what they see and hear what they hear.

“Oh dang, that’s incredibly powerful.” Turning to Rebecca, I explained what I had received while the other girls listened in. Rebecca then told me what she had received. Her racial spell allowed her to create a duplicate of herself and swap with it while her racial talent allowed her to foresee a fatal attack within two seconds of it occurring, but it can only happen once every three months.

As for her spell, it releases a strong burst of magic, dazing opponents in front of her and her talent makes it so her damage is increased up to two times while they’re dazed from the ability. All up, she’d shifted slightly from being a front liner to more of a burster who could confuse and daze her opponents. As for her health, she now sat at five thousand. Melody tried punching her arm and noted that if she hadn’t held back, she’d likely have broken her fist, saying it’s like punching steel.

“Alright, we have about two hours left till the World Shift. Let’s go find Sheep and make sure we’re all prepared.” Standing, I usher everyone out before taking Rebecca’s hand and we both walk out. As I stepped out of the house, I saw people wandering around outside, all of them armed in one way or another, all of them seemingly alert. A few turned to us and looked at Rebecca and I in surprise. Not paying attention to them, since they’d sooner or later experience this sort of change, we made our way to the office, entering and heading to the second floor, meeting with Sheep in his office.

We enter to see Sheep with Diana behind him, Geralt with Cass, Trinity and Geode next to him and Jupiter with Melissa there. All of them turn to look at us, all of them reacting in the same manner. Melissa’s jaw drops, her eyes frozen on me while the rest just looked at us for a moment before Sheep spoke.

“Still human?” Turning to him, I half shrugged.

“Still me, but not sure if we’re human…” I had wondered about that. After all, in those future dreams I had been human…right?

“I have to say, I didn’t expect you both to change that much. Well, after that burst of forestry growing out I’m not exactly surprised.” Cass walks over and nods with approval.

Diana simply smiles and nods at me while Jupiter and Geralt turn back to Sheep. Looking at him and giving him a nod, he stands up.

“Alright, let’s go get ready for this World Shift. Gear up.”