Chapter 5: My Name
"What's that? Get me that food!"
It's strange, the food in this world taste so good. It's been a while since I've eaten real food, usually the food I ate is monster, well not exactly ate but absorb.
"Aye, aye. Don't be hasty." Lyra is with me, and we are exploring the kingdom.
I asked for her to tour me and this is the best decision I've ever made.
Lyra laughed, handing me a small piece of grilled meat from the vendor we had stopped at. "You really do have an appetite, don't you?"
I nibbled on the meat, the flames on my head flickering happily. "I didn't realize food could taste this good! I could eat everything in sight."
Lyra chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, let's pace ourselves. There's plenty more to see, and we don't want you turning into a flame ball of endless hunger."
I grinned in my rabbit form, the soft blue flames atop my head flickering brightly. "Fair enough. So, where to next?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment, glancing around the bustling street before her eyes lit up. "How about we visit the castle? It's not every day a magical creature like you gets to see where the royal family resides."
"The castle? Won't we be noticed? I mean, I'm... kind of unusual." I flicked my ears nervously.
"Don't worry. The city is used to seeing magical creatures here and there, and besides, with me by your side, you'll just look like a fancy pet. The real trick is not drawing too much attention." She winked, making me feel a little more at ease.
We made our way through the winding streets, leaving the lively market district behind and entering the grand avenues that led toward the towering castle. The buildings here were more ornate, and the crowds thinned out, replaced by well-dressed citizens and guards patrolling in shining armor.
As we approached the castle gates, I marveled at the towering stone walls and the banners flying high above, bearing the kingdom's emblem—a majestic golden eagle soaring over a field of deep blue. The air felt different here, filled with the weight of history and power.
"Whoa... this place is huge," I whispered, hopping onto Lyra's shoulder for a better view.
"Yeah, it's impressive, isn't it?" Lyra said, her voice filled with admiration. "I've only been inside a few times for guild-related business, but it never gets old. The castle is the heart of the kingdom. Everything important happens here."
The guards at the gate eyed us warily as we approached, but one of them recognized Lyra and nodded in greeting. "Back again, Lyra? What brings you to the castle today?"
"Just showing my new friend here around. Figured it wouldn't hurt to let him see the outside of the castle."
The guard's gaze shifted to me, his brow raising slightly at the sight of the flamed rabbit perched on her shoulder. "A curious companion you've got there. Keep him out of trouble, alright?"
Lyra grinned. "Always do."
As we passed through the towering gates into the castle grounds, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and nervousness. The castle's grandeur was overwhelming, with its sprawling gardens, towering spires, and the glint of sunlight reflecting off marble statues of past kings and queens. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and a sense of ancient power.
"Stick close," Lyra said, her tone casual but her eyes alert. "We're just here for a look, nothing more."
I nodded, though my curiosity was already pulling me in a thousand directions. The castle's inner workings seemed to pulse with life—servants bustling about, knights on patrol, and the faint sound of music drifting from the open windows of the grand halls.
As we walked through the courtyard, something caught my attention. A pair of figures stood near the grand fountain, deep in conversation. One of them was a tall woman dressed in regal clothing, her long silver hair flowing down her back. The other was a man in dark robes, his face partially obscured by a hood. There was something unsettling about him—an aura of coldness that made the flames on my head flicker uncertainly.
"Who's that?" I whispered to Lyra, nodding toward the pair.
Lyra glanced over and frowned. "That's Lady Aurelia, the Queen's advisor. She's one of the most powerful magic users in the kingdom. The man… I don't recognize him."
Strange, I can feel the intense aura radiating from that man. Does Lyra can't feel that aura? Whoever that is, I probably shouldn't mess with him.
[Notice: Due to high intensity of magic, your form will change.]
"W-Wait, Lyra, let's leave this place."
Lyra glanced at me in confusion. "What? Why? We're just—" Her eyes widened as she noticed my body starting to shimmer, the flames on my head flickering wildly.
"No, no, no, not here!" I whispered urgently. My small rabbit form began to glow brighter, the magical energy I'd been suppressing threatening to burst forth.
"Okay, okay! Let's get out of here," Lyra muttered, turning quickly to head back toward the gate. She moved fast but tried to keep her movements casual, avoiding any unnecessary attention. I could feel the pressure building inside me, my other form struggling to break free.
We made it through the gates and hurried into a secluded alley just outside the castle grounds. Lyra set me down gently, her face etched with concern.
"What's going on with you?" She asked, her hand resting on her sword as if ready to defend me from whatever was happening.
[Notice: Mana level is increasing rapidly.]
I panted as the magical energy surged through me, the flames flaring erratically. "It's the aura from that man... it's overwhelming. I can't control my transformation anymore. My mana levels are spiking."
[Notice: Due to high mana level, you're now capable of creating your human form.]
I froze as the notification flashed in my mind.
"Human form? What...?" I muttered, the pressure inside me building to a peak. My body glowed brighter, the flames on my head flaring up intensely. The figure did mention about getting a human form if I have enough mana, but this is too sudden.
[Notice: Would you like to create a human form?]
My mind raced as the notification flashed again, the overwhelming energy coursing through me. Could I really handle this transformation right now? The magic felt wild, almost uncontrollable. But with no other options and the pressure inside me building rapidly, I hesitated for only a moment.
"Yes, I want to create a human form!" I thought, focusing all my will on the transformation.
[Notice: Human form creation initiated. Please select characteristics.]
Suddenly, a series of images and choices flooded my mind, showing different appearances—height, build, hair color, and even clothing style.
The images flashed by rapidly, too quickly for me to focus on any one detail. My mind was buzzing with the intense magical energy, making it hard to think straight.
"I don't care about the details—just something that works!" I thought desperately, trying to concentrate as my body shimmered with light.
[Notice: Default settings selected.]
The magic around me began to solidify, the blinding glow dimming as my new form took shape. My limbs stretched and shifted, my rabbit form melting away into something taller, more human. The flames that once flickered above my head coalesced into a wave of soft, white hair, and my small body morphed into that of a human figure.
As the light finally faded, I opened my eyes to see Lyra staring at me, her mouth agape.
"Well?" I asked, looking down at myself. I'm don't have any clothing and my body is fit.
[Notice: You've successfully transform into a male human, your abilities are now advanced due to your high mana.]
[Absorption Ability Evolved into Devour.]
[Enhanced Speed Evolved into Ultra Speed.]
[Enhanced Strength Evolved into Ultra Strength.]
[Enhanced Durability Evolved into Ultra Durability.]
[Lightning Resistance Evolved.]
[Healing Evolved into Chrono Healing - (Extra Passive) Regeneration Evolved into Hyper Regeneration.]
[Savage Instinct Evolved into Primal Instinct - (Extra Passive Gained) Menacing Aura.]
[(Skill) Call of Lighting Evolved into Thunderstorm - (Extra Skill Gained) Red Lightning.]
[New Ability Gained - Fire Resistance Evolved.]
[New Ability Gained - Water Resistance Evolved.]
[New Ability Gained - Earth Resistance Evolved.]
[Ability Combining - Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning - Ability Gained - Elemental Resistance.]
[Form Evolved - Minor Flame Beast into Flame Beast King.]
I stood there, blinking as the notifications continued to flood my mind, the sheer power of my new form overwhelming me. Lyra's expression was a mix of shock and awe, her hand slowly lowering from her sword.
"You... you're human now?" She asked, her voice shaky. "What just happened? You were a rabbit five minutes ago!"
"I guess this is what happens when my mana hits an overload," I muttered, still getting used to the sensation of being human. My body felt solid and powerful, every inch of me humming with magical energy. The newfound strength coursing through my veins was almost intoxicating. "I didn't expect this to happen so soon. I think that man back at the castle triggered it with his aura."
Lyra stepped closer, inspecting me carefully. "You look... well, normal. Except for the hair." She laughed nervously, eyeing the soft white flames that still flickered at the tips of my hair. "But... what about your abilities? Are you okay? You were glowing pretty intensely back there."
I nodded, feeling the surge of power settle into a more manageable state. "I think I'm more than okay." I looked at my hands, feeling the immense energy ready to be unleashed at any moment.
Lyra gave me a half-smile, still clearly processing everything. "Well, you've gone from being a cute, flame-headed rabbit to something... a lot more."
"Come on, say it." I grin at her.
"Say what?"
"I look hot, right? I mean, can you see this abs? My body is fit."
Lyra raised an eyebrow and then burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking. "Oh, now I see. Not only did you transform into a human, but you've gained an ego boost too, huh?"
I flexed my new muscles jokingly. "Well, can you blame me? I went from fluffy bunny to—" I struck a pose, smirking, "—Hot human. That's gotta count for something."
"Yeah, but put some clothes on."
I glanced down at my very exposed, albeit impressively fit, form and shrugged. "Fair point. Clothes might be a good idea."
Lyra reached into her back and pulled her cloak, tossing it over to me. "Here. It's not much, but it'll cover the essentials until we can get you some proper clothes. We can't have you strutting around the city like this, or you'll cause even more of a scene."
I caught the cloak and wrapped it around myself, fastening it loosely. "Thanks. I don't want to start a riot because of my... uh, new look."
Lyra smirked. "Oh, trust me, you'd definitely cause a scene, but not the kind you're thinking of."
I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around the transformation. My body felt different—more grounded yet overflowing with energy. Even though I was in control, the amount of power I now held was staggering. I looked at my hands, feeling the faint crackle of lightning beneath my skin.
"Anyway, we've been talking for like three days, and I still haven't caught your name. What is it?" Lyra asked. I have name but I don't know If I want to use it in this world.
It felt distant now, like a remnant of a past life. Maybe it would be better to leave that behind and start fresh here, in this new world, with my new form and abilities.
"I suppose... I should come up with something that suits this place," I mused aloud, looking at Lyra.
She raised an eyebrow. "You don't know your own name?"
"I do, but it's... complicated. Let's just say it doesn't quite fit here. But if I'm going to be human now, I should probably have a name that feels right for this world."
Lyra smiled, leaning against the alley wall. "Alright, hotshot. What kind of name are you thinking? Something powerful? Mysterious? Or do you want to stick with something simple?"
I paused, considering my options. Something that reflects my strength but isn't too showy.
"How about... Riyuko?" I finally said, the name feeling right as it rolled off my tongue. Riyuko sounds good. Like some kind of an angel, my white hair gives off the vibe of an angel I think.
Lyra gave a nod, her smile widening. "Riyuko, huh?" She pushed herself off the wall and stretched. "Well, Riyuko, looks like we'll need to find you some real clothes and maybe keep you out of trouble until you get a better handle on those powers."
[Notice: 'Riyuko' has been updated as your new name.]
[Request: Give the system a name too.]
"A system name, huh?" I muttered, glancing at Lyra and then back at the notifications. Giving the system a name felt oddly fitting. After all, if I'm reinventing myself, why not give the entity that's been guiding me a little personality too?
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "System? What are you talking about?"
"Well, let's just say I've got a little voice in my head that keeps track of things for me. It wants a name now." I smirked, thinking of how often it chimed in with those 'notices' and 'requests.'
She laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, great, so not only do you transform and get crazy new powers, but now you're talking to some invisible voice? I can't wait to see how this unfolds."
I ignored the sarcasm and focused on what name would suit the system. It needed to be something useful and guiding, but with a bit of edge—like the system itself.
"How about… Aether?" I said aloud. "It fits the whole mystical vibe, and it sounds like a guide that's always in the background."
[Notice: System name updated to 'Aether.']
Weekly Power Status
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