Jiang Wei is bound to the Soul Evolution System after Aylin's time crystal and desperation trigger a transformation on Earth. His first form is an emperor penguin. The system rewards survival and adaptation, but it punishes failure without mercy.
Known Stage One abilities: Penguin Reflexes, Penguin Camouflage, Penguin Instincts, Tactical Strike, Enhanced Beak Strike, Ice Bullets, and Cold Aura. Human form is temporary and can expire at bad times.
Aylin is from a world overrun by Yokai. She has failed four candidates before Jiang. She needs someone who can synchronize with the system and return with her to fight for her home.
The active enemy is Yokai Gredudande. Its body can be expelled, but its core remains. The current mission is to kill Gredudande before Aylin's timer reaches zero.
The larger power system is Tri Animus: Spirit Essence, Physical Essence, and Natural Essence. Spirit Essence is rare and appears gold. The Cardinal's prayer manifested it through chains of light, which suggests Earth still has buried access to the old forces.
The next story question is whether the Vatican rod can reveal Gredudande's core, and whether Jiang must be whole, human, or penguin to break it.