(Morax: POV)
Slowly but surely I opened my eyes.
Then I immediately closed them again due to the light I saw giving me a splitting headache as soon as I did so.
'Ok, let's not do that again.' I thought.
I waited a few moments for my headache to stop. Then once it did so I opened my eyes again.
But this time I did it slowly.
Which worked.
I was able to open my eyes without any issues.
Once I did I noticed I was inside of a tent.
I also noticed there was something in my left hand.
Turning my head I looked to see a hand holding my own. I then looked to see who the hand belonged too, and saw it was Ryuu.
She is currently lying next to me, sleeping soundly.
To say I'm surprised is an understatement.
Although I'm able to touch Ryuu I rarely do so. I don't want to make her uncomfortable, and she is still an elf with a lot of their values embedded into her.
So for her to be holding my hand, and sleeping next to me while doing so is just unbelievable since we are not lovers.
Yet that is.
As I tried to make sense of the situation I continued looking at Ryuu's sleeping face. She looks so peaceful and content.
Not like normal where she usually has the blank expression on her face.
I have to say, I like this image of her. Which is why I am currently burning into my brain for later.
Once I saved the image of Ryuu's sleeping face into my memories I attempted to slowly slip my hand out of her grasp and leave the tent.
But the moment I did this Ryuu's eyes shot open, and started staring into my own.
...
...
...
...
Neither of us said a word and just continued to look at each other.
This went on for five minutes until I finally decided to break the stalemate.
"So, looks like you're finally awake." I said. A cheeky grin on my face as I did so.
Ryuu didn't respond.
Instead she got red in the face like a tomato and immediately slipped her hand out of my grasp and turned her entire body to face the other direction.
"Am, Ryuu."
"Gah!!" She cried, hands on her face as she did so.
"Hey, Ryuu." I said again.
But her squeals of embarrassment only got louder.
Then before I knew it Ryuu was outside the tent faster than I could blink.
Her voice echoing back in a moment later.
"Morax is awake!" She shouted.
Then her voice completely faded.
A few moments after it did so the tent flap opened up and Leonmitchelli entered, a relieved smile on her face.
"Ah Morax thank goodness. You finally woke up." She said.
"Yeah." I said. "So, how long have I been asleep?" I asked her.
"Three days." Leonmitchelli answered.
"Three days huh." I mused. Not surprised at all.
After my dragonification ended I felt all my physical stamina along with all my mind completely gone right before I passed out.
That's the first time something like that has ever happened to me since becoming an adventurer. I felt like I was going to die.
Though I am glad that didn't happen.
Even so, this tells me I need to be careful when using that transformation again in the future. Because if me ended up exhausted like this happens every time I transform then dragonification will be my last resort.
Since it is literally a double-edged sword for me right now.
And speaking of, looks like I'm more like the original Morax than I thought.
Since I remember he could also transform into a dragon as well.
Though this poses an even bigger question.
I don't remember anyone in the original Danmachi series being able to transform into a dragon. Sure animal demi-humans can beastify, but again I never saw one transform into a dragon. So then, how can I and what does that make me?
As I pondered this I suddenly saw finger snapping in front of my face.
Getting out of my head I saw Leonmitchelli looking at me.
"Morax, you there?" She asked.
"Yeah, sorry." I said. "Just thinking about everything that's happened is all."
"Yeah, the same." Leonmitchelli said. "So, are you hungry?"
As soon as she asked me this I felt hunger. Along with the urge to use the restroom.
"Bathroom first, then food." I said.
Leonmitchelli nodded.
She then moved to help me up and get me outside the tent.
When we were I saw we were on the eighteenth floor in a campsite. I also saw everyone else.
Except for Ryuu.
As soon as everyone saw me they smiled, and I returned to the favor.
Then I immediately felt like I was going to pee on myself and quickly called Ryner over to help me into the woods so I could relieve myself.
Moving faster he came to help me and I managed to make it just in time.
I then returned to camp and was given a meal, getting an update on our situation as I did so.
So none of our members died.
Which lifted a weight off my chest.
The only serious injuries belong to Ryuu. Which have been taken care and treated.
After I passed out the others collected me, the Goliath magic stone and the drop item the Goliath Tooth and made their way here to the eighteenth floor. They then set up camp and have been watching over me ever since until I woke up.
Finishing my fifth bowl of beef stew I nodded.
"Thanks guys." I said.
"No problem." Ryner said. "You would have done the same for any of us."
I would, in a heartbeat.
"Yeah. I would." I said. "Also just curious, in case I hadn't woken up on my own what would've you have done?"
"If you didn't wake up within five days we agreed to move you back to the surface as fast as possible and then take you straight to the Dian Cecht familia." Leonmitchelli informed me.
I nodded.
Because given what I experienced I would've wanted a doctor to look at me as well. And the Dian Cecht familia has the best healers in Orario.
I still might go to them once we return topside.
After I talk to Athena about the situation first.
Since this is something she definitely needs to know about, and that others outside the familia cannot.
I don't want to think how many gods would try to forcefully recruit me if they knew what I could do. Conversely some people might try and kill me.
Like Ais, since she has a hate-boner for anything dragon related given what happened to her parents.
Until I understand what happened to me I need to tread very carefully.
"So Morax let me ask, what was with that transformation?" Echidna spoke.
Saying the question on everyone's mind.
"Honestly I have no idea." I told her. "I really don't. But that's the first thing I'm going to ask Athena about once we return to the surface. Until then, what happened to me doesn't leave the familia."
Everyone nodded at my words.
Once they did so I started looking around but didn't see Ryuu anywhere.
"So, where's Ryuu?" I asked her.
"In her tent." Diluc answered.
"Yeah." William added. "After she told us you were awake she went in there and hasn't come out. Her face was also a bit red too. It was really weird." He said. "Do you think we should check on her?"
"I'm sure she's fine." I said.
Since I know she's only like that because she's embarrassed about holding my hand.
But if I tell the others that Ryuu might die of embarrassment so for now I'll keep to myself.
Once the matter with Ryuu was settled I decided to head back to the tent and return to sleep.
I'm still tired after all.
Laying down I drifted back off to dreamland.
---------------------
(3rd Person: POV)
As Morax drifted back off to sleep Ryuu was in her own tent, her pillow pressed into her face. Her legs flailing about in the air.
Why?
Because she is embarrassed just like Morax suspected.
After they reached the eighteenth floor and set up camp Ryuu had her leg attended to properly through the use of potions and her own magic.
It sped up the recovery immensely and they discovered the damage wasn't as bad as they first thought.
So Ryuu's leg was healed in two days.
And once it was she decided to help look after Morax.
Given all that he went through.
So last night Ryuu took her first shift, choosing to do the nightwatch.
As the time passed by on Ryuu's watch she noticed Morax beginning to twist and turn in his sleep. Seeing this Ryuu wanted to calm him down.
But thought that holding him down was the worst idea possible given his condition.
So when Morax extended a hand in her direction Ryuu suddenly found herself grasping it without even thinking.
After she did so Morax settled down and slept soundly.
Seeing this Ryuu smiled.
Then before she knew it she herself feel asleep, which led to the situation with Morax earlier.
A situation Ryuu never intended to have happen.
But it did.
And now her elven pride is wounded.
As well as her pride as a young girl.
Ryuu removed her face from her pillow and pulled it into her chest, hugging it tightly.
Her face still bright red as a tomato.
"Morax, he saw me. He definitely saw me sleeping." Ryuu mused. "Not only that but he saw me holding his hand. His hand." Ryuu said, steam beginning to come out of her head as she did so.
"Hah. We were holding hands. And sleeping while doing so. How...how lewd." Ryuu squealed. "What if Morax thinks I'm some sort of pervert now?"
Bringing her pillow back up to her face Ryuu screamed into it, her embarrassment about the situation earlier sending her into a total tailspin.
Not even realizing the real reason she was feeling so ashamed at the moment.
Ryuu Lion has just taken her first steps to being a maiden in love.
Exiting Babel Tower I felt the sun on my face.
A sensation I always find enjoyable after spending so much time in the dungeon.
We spent three more days on the eighteenth floor for my recovery.
Then once I was well enough we set off and here we are, now back on the surface.
Moving down the steps of Babel several people looked in our groups direction.
Not surprising considering we're lugging the monster core of Goliath with us.
The thing is five meters long after all. It's the biggest monster core I've ever seen. But I know there are other bigger monster cores deeper inside the dungeon. That's why I'm keeping my excitement in check.
For the most part.
But man did it feel good to tear that monster apart.
Ignoring the stares of others we made our way back home to the Owl House.
As soon as we arrived Reina and Athena came out to greet us, smiles on their faces.
"Welcome back everyone." Athena said.
"Yes, welcome back." Reina added.
"Thanks." I said.
"Yeah, thanks mom." Rogue said.
We all entered the house.
Then as soon as we did so Leonmitchelli, Rogue, and Ryuu went to go place the Goliath monster core in a safe place.
And speaking of Ryuu, ever since that incident in the tent when I caught her holding my hand she hasn't looked me in the eye.
Sure, she talks to me but only when necessary. Like when I gave her instructions as captain during our journey back to the surface.
But other than that she's been avoiding me like the plague.
If my skin wasn't so thick this kind of treatment would hurt me. But it doesn't.
Still I don't like this.
Which means I need to corner Ryuu and we need to have another chat like the one we did before that time I got injured.
I mentally sighed.
Just one more thing to add to my plate.
Oh well.
Nothing I can do about it but keep pressing on.
Turning to Athena I looked her directly in the eyes, a serious expression on my face. "Athena, there is a very important matter I need to discuss with you." I told her.
"Of course." Athena said.
Once I did so we went straight to her room.
Closing the door I moved to sit in a chair right in front of Athena, as she took a seat on her bed.
"So Morax, what is the urgent matter you need to discuss with me?" She asked.
As soon as Athena did so I took a deep breath and the re-counted everything that happened during the battle with the Goliath, including my transformation into a dragon.
Throughout it all Athena didn't interrupt, but as soon as I mentioned my dragonification she got an extremely serious look on her face. One I've never seen her with before.
Which just goes to show it really was a good idea to let her know about my situation immediately.
I finished my story and waited for Athena to respond.
"My, I'd never thought this would happen." Athena for. "For me to have an Adepti in my familia, and in this day and age." She spoke.
As soon as she did so my eyes went wide with shock.
Adepti is not a term that should be in this world. It is from Genshin Impact. Yet Athena just used it. Even though I've never heard anyone else use the term ever since being reborn in this world.
"Athena, what is an adepti?" I asked her.
"Listen well Morax, do not repeat what I'm about to tell you to anyone." Athena said. "Since the others saw I we will let them know together but no one else must find out what you can do. Lest you be hunted down like an animal for your power." She spoke.
I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Good." Athena said. "So then to answer your question. Back in the days when gods first descended to the moral world monsters ran rampant on the surface. You know this correct?"
"Yes." I said. "Everyone does."
"That is true. But what most don't know. No, I should say this is something only us gods know, is about the Adepti." Athena spoke. "I myself heard about this from several gods who were forced to return to heaven back during that time. In those days the process of us gods bestowing falna upon you mortals was new and untested. As such something unexpected happened that no one foresaw. When certain people killed a certain species of monster or beast the falna reacted and began to mutate their bodies. Giving them the ability to transform into said monster or beast."
"Sorry, what?" I questioned.
"Yes, what I am saying is that certain humans obtained the power to transform into beasts. Not unlike how certain demi-human species can do so today. But this and that our two very different things. The transformation techniques employed today are vastly weaker than the powers employed by the mortals who obtained them in the days of old. Just one of them could destroy an entire legion of monsters in no time at all. Because of this and because they could transform between their human and bestial states freely we dubbed these individual Adepti." Athena explained to me.
"Woah." I said.
Like seriously, woah.
My mind is blowing up right now.
"I know, it's a lot to take in and probably hard to believe. But it's true. Adepti were real." Athena said.
"You said were." I spoke. "What happened to them?" I asked.
"They all died in battle or simply stopped appearing once the falna system was perfected." Athena said. "Still, that's not to say they vanished entirely. Through the ages several people have acquired the powers of Adepti. However they are few and far between. Not like in the old days when they appeared regularly. Which again, is due to the perfection of the falna system. But let's not get off topic. The point I am trying to make Morax is that you are one of these rare Adepti." Athena explained to me.
"I see." I said. "So what's going to happen to me?" I asked her.
"Nothing." Athena said. "Now that you've awakened your power that's that. But like I said, keep this to yourself. Other gods will try to snatch you up if they learn of your Adepti status. A lot of them covert power above all else."
"Again, understood." I said. "Also, will people be able to tell that I can transform?"
"Not at all." Athena said. "Unless you tell them or they get a look at your status. Also, demi-humans won't be able to tell your transformed based on your scent. So so long as no one visually sees you transform they won't know you have the power." She explained to me.
Hearing that I sighed out in relief.
This is all good to know.
But man, to think I am one of these Adepti.
My life is never going to be boring again.
"Ok, now that that's out of the way, let me update your status." Athena said.
"Yes please." I said.
I then turned around in the chair and removed my shirt.
Once I did so Athena began updating my status, the faint glow from my back indicating she was doing so.
"Oh, looks like you have reached the requirements to leve up Morax." Athena said. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." I said.
"Ok then." Athena said.
I then felt her initiate the level up.
"Morax, the level up has happened." Athena said. "And thanks to it you've obtained new magic."
"Nice." I said.
"Now then, your choice of developmental abilities are as follows: mage, abnormal resistance, and spearmanship." Athena told me.
"Abnormal resistance please." I said.
Since that's a key developmental ability to have for the lower floors.
"Ok then." Athena said.
I then felt another wave of energy hit my body.
"It's done." Athena said.
She then handed me a piece of paper with my new status and I looked at it.
------------------------------------
Name: Morax Lapis
Level: Three
Strength: S900>I0
Endurance: A878>I0
Dexterity: A840>I0
Agility: S901>I0
Magic: S910>I0
Magic:
Geo Force: Allows the user to create and manipulate earth constructs such as weapons. The more complex the constructs are the faster Mind is drained.
Chant: Ground and soil, heed my command and come forth!
Seismic Burst: An enchantment-type magic that allows the user to generate compressed vibrational energy around their arms or legs and coat their weapons with it.
Chant: Tear the Earth asunder!
Slot 3: ?
Skills:
Geo Archon: Increases the effect and power of any earth-based magic. It also doubles the user's strength and agility stats anytime they are in combat within rocky terrain. This allows one to be able to sense people within a 50 meter radius upon rocky terrain, but only if they are part of one's familia.
Dragonification: Allows one to transform into a dragon that is seven meters in length. Doing so boosts all of his stats by double. Active trigger. Transformation drastically drains mind and physical stamina.
Gaia's Embrace: When inside of rocky terrain the user's mind and physical stamina is actively but slowly restored faster than normal.
Developmental Abilities:
Hunter: Rank H
Abnormal Resistance: I
--------------------------------------
Looking at my new status I smiled like a madman.
Not only at my new skill, but also at my new magic which basically makes me Whitebeard from One Piece.
Ah, today is a good day.
Once I memorized my sheet I handed it back to Athena who disposed of it.
I then excused myself and headed towards my room.
Since after everything that has happened I need a hot shower and a good sleep in a comfortable bed.
Once I get that I'll deal with everything else.
Yes, I most certainly will.
---------------------------
A/N: Just to be clear the Adepti are not part of the original Danmachi story or lore. I added it to explain Morax's powers.
Comentario de párrafo
¡La función de comentarios de párrafo ya está en la Web! Mueva el mouse sobre cualquier párrafo y haga clic en el icono para agregar su comentario.
Además, siempre puedes desactivarlo en Ajustes.
ENTIENDO