Black and silver flames erupted from my body, spiraling in perfect arcs. A halo formed above my head, split down the middle—one half black, the other silver.
The sensation was familiar.
I smiled.
"Good. My mastery remains."
That could only mean one thing—my Traits were still at the level of a **Trait Emperor**.
This was the highest level ones trait could attain. And now mine was at the peak.
Above me, the black-and-silver halo rotated steadily, sending ripples through the charged air. Swirling energies condensed from the halo into my body, forming a dual-colored core—obsidian and silver—pulsing in perfect harmony.
As it sank into my chest, warmth spread through every nerve. My body lifted from the ground, suspended by raw, concentrated force. When the flames finally receded, I landed softly, muscles tingling with renewed power.
A shard of cyan crystal caught my eye. Raising a hand, I focused my will.
The fragment trembled—then zipped into my palm.
"Telekinesis," I murmured, turning it over in my fingers. "A decent start."
---
"Tina!" My voice echoed through the alien wilderness.
At first, silence. Then I heard a rustle.
From the underbrush burst a serpentine creature. Its emerald scales gleamed like polished jade, and it moved with graceful fluidity—part snake, part lizard.
Within seconds, it slithered up my arm, coiling around my shoulder. Its forked tongue flicked the air before it nuzzled my palm. Intelligence glimmered in her eyes.
"Let's go, Tina," I said, stroking her smooth head.
---
The forest ahead pulsed with bioluminescence. Towering flora shimmered faintly; roots twisted like sleeping serpents. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and metal.
In a clearing ahead crouched a horned rabbit—larger than a boar, muscles bulging unnaturally. A single spiraled onyx horn jutted from its head.
"This should be easy prey."
Cil materialized in my grip, the crimson blade humming in anticipation.
I stepped forward—
**Snap.**
The rabbit's head shot up. Blood-red eyes locked on mine—feral, yet calculating.
In a blink, it charged.
Fast.
Too fast.
I barely dodged, swinging Cil in a wide arc. My blade missed by inches. The beast skidded, pivoted, then lunged again with terrifying speed.
Gritting my teeth, I hurled Cil like a spear.
The katana spun through the air—
**Shatter!**
The horn snapped off, and the blade pierced its skull with a wet, final _thunk_.
> **Level Up!**
> **Level Up!**
---
I didn't waste time skinning or cooking. Dropping to my knees, I tore into the rabbit's flesh. Blood filled my mouth—hot, thick, and metallic.
Tina joined in, her tiny jaws working furiously beside me.
Only when we'd gorged ourselves did I check my notifications:
- +2 Agility
- +1 Dexterity
- [Air Steps Acquired]
> [Conditions Met.]
> [Race Change Commencing.]
> [Note: Keep Your Mind Sane. Do Not Pass Out.]
> [Good Luck.]
"Ahhh—!"
The pain hit instantly. I dropped on all fours. Tina tilted her head, curious.
My bones shattered and reformed again and again the pain was intense to intense. My muscles tore apart, rebuilding with each pulse. Blood streamed from my nose, ears, and eyes.
Tina pressed against me, radiating warmth, while Cil lay nearby, humming faintly….
Then I heated the sound of light footsteps.
In a moment a woman emerged from the trees. Elegant. Cold. Lethal. Her black hair framed a face carved from marble, her ice-blue eyes was sharp and assessing. The air grew heavy under her presence.
Her gaze fell on Cil. Such a weird blade, her eyes blazed with curiosity.
In one smooth motion, she appeared in front of Cil in a grabbing motion.
Hummmm. Cil vibrated violently. She gasped, taking a deep breath. Cough she coughed out a mouthful of blood.
"Dropping Cil to the floor in an instant."
"What is this?" It is to powerful. How can this man weird such a blade.
Her gaze lingered in me. Then it was locked on the little creature on my chest.
Tina hissed, ready to strike. But the strange lady didn't flinch. Instead she bent to pick my sword.
I roared, my every movement laced with pain, and seized the woman's wrist.
"Don't. Touch. My. Sword."
With a flick of my will, Cil floated back to me.
"Store." The katana vanished into subspace.
"You bastard!" she snapped.
The pain peaked, hammering into my mind. My eyes rolled back. my spine shattered. Vision blurred.
My body began to change rapidly.
Bones stretched. Skin burned away. New flesh knit over the old.
The woman stumbled back, her confidence cracking. "Is… is he dying?"
Black flames erupted from me star-dotted, hungry, devouring the air. They stripped away my weakness, remaking me.
The last thing I saw before darkness claimed me was her wide, terrified eyes.