It's been a month since we meet Alice in the woods. Still don't know what Alice project is. However, I grateful that I can read some books about magic spells. There are many variations. But Gento prefers to take a rest beside while I read Alice's book. Feeling lucky about my next life. But suddenly, Alice's project has done. That means it's time for Alice to move from here. Pretty sad because I want to learn some magic spell for my life. At least I can protect myself and Gento. That day, I help Alice pack her stuff.
"Pretty fun to work with you, Torino, Gento," Alice says.
"Me too," I answer her.
"I'm happy can assist you too," Gento answer her too.
"Well, I think nothing else. But I have a feeling that I forgot something," Alice says.
"Hmmm, my memories are pretty bad. Do you remember, Gento?" I ask Gento.
"Hmmm, well. What about the prize you promise to us?" Gento asks her.
"Oh my, that's it. Wait, I have something good for you, and this would be interesting," Shiron takes something from the bag.
"Don't tell me that you gonna try that....,"
"Here, take this pill. I know that you want to learn about magic from me, but I was to busy with my project. This pill could give you the power you need to learn about magics. Because you're an ordinary human, and Gento is a tiger, it should be okay. But, for witches, it will enhance your power for a while. But for humans, your magic power is permanently yours. Sound's nice, right?" Alice explain.
"Sound's good for me. How about you, Gento?" I ask him.
"Hmmm, pretty dangerous because I'm a tiger. But, better try it. There're 2 pills for Gento and I. I put one of them in Gento's mouth.
"Hmmm, kinda weird," I say
"I agree," Gento confirms.
"Of course, that's medicine. I made it in case of war. That should do it," Alice explains. Gento and I have swallowed it.
"Oh, well. I feel kinda....." Gento drops.
"Gento, what's going on, Alice? Damn it, my head..," I ask her.
"Hmm, interesting. I didn't expect that one,"
"Damn it, why Alice, wh....," I feel awful. Then, my vision getting blurry and turn into pitch-black instantly.
Not long after then, I can hear some sounds. A bit hard to open my eyes, but I'm still trying. I can feel that I'm transported by something. My vision is still blurry a bit. I can feel all over my body is hairy with stripes. There's a woman figure in front of me. I hope it's Alice.
"Feel better, Torino? Or should I call you, Gento?" She greets me.
"The hell you are talking about?" I ask.
"Well, I admit it. That was pretty intense. I must use my dark magic to save you, Gento," She explains.
"Gento, my name is Torino anyway. Where's Gento?" I'm looking around for Gento, he's not here. Looks like Alice and I are inside the horse-drawn carriage.
"He's not here," Alice confirms.
"What? Could you explain what happens?" And, could you tell me why I'm in a white tiger body??!!! Hold up, these stripes..... this is GENTO'S BODIES, RIGHT????" I was pretty surprised with my new form.
"Listen, I know you're very confused. but I just save your life!" She explains. I take a deep breath to calm my mind to prevent me from doing something ridiculous.
"Okay, could you explain what just happen?" I ask her calmly
"Much better. Well, I'm sorry. That pills are my Prototype. I've tested it in animals only, but I need to do it in humans directly. I know that sounds insane, but I've calculated," She explains.
"Prototype?? Then, your calculation went wrong today? I ask for more info.
"I know it's hard and sounds ridiculous, but you're not a human, Gento. The reaction of the pill is kinda weird to you. You were a witch or kind of it, Gento, not a human. It shows the feedback for a while, but it went wrong because you're partially a human,"
"Hold up, did you mean I wasn't an ordinary human?"
"Yes, that explains the reason that you can understand your white tiger,"
"And you forcing me to change my name with Gento. Why?"
"In short, you and your big cat are half-lives after swallowed that pill. It gives me an idea to apologize to you after you wake up,"
"Are you mean, this fluffy body?"
"Yes, that's the only way to save you both. But I know only one can live. It's hard to explain, but I'm sure you will understand. Shortly, I merge your big cat's soul to you. I don't understand this part, but after your big cat soul merged, your body changes a bit until now. I can turn it back, like your magic's take over your body into this,"
"That's mean, I'm not a human all over time. I'm a... big, fluffy, and muscular white tiger... I guess?" I flex my muscle a bit. It's hard and strong enough to flip over this cart. But I think my height doesn't change too much.
"Well, enjoy your prize,"
"Wait, what happens with my parents then?"
"Your parents? Don't worry, I use your big cat's bodies to pretend your death,"
"WHEEEE??!!!!! That means I'm dead to my family???"
"You're not a human, you know that. You must figure it out by yourself! Find something new, and start your new life. From now, you're not Torino anymore. GENTO, use that name. Torino is dead today," She shouts. I am speechless. I can't blame her because she has tried her best to save me.
"So, I'm alone after this?" I say it coldly.
"I'm afraid that's true. I need to continue my journey alone,"
"And let me die outside there?"
"...."
"Why you remain silent?" I push her a bit more.
"Well, I don't want my effort to become useless. Take this!" She spawns a pair of steel bracelets with 4 pearls on top of it and put it on my wrist.
"What is this?"
"I'll explain it later after we arrived"