The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as Emma and Lyria made their way back to the cave. Emma had been feeling the familiar itch of nearing another evolution, and she knew it was time to return to a safe place where she could undergo the transformation without any interruptions.
Lyria trotted beside her, her small hands clutching the new knife Emma had helped her fashion from a sturdy branch and some sharp stones. They had spent the last few days honing Lyria's skills, and the girl had become quite adept at defending herself. Emma was proud of her progress, but today's task was different.
They reached the cave, a cool, dark refuge that had become their temporary home. Emma turned to Lyria and began scratching words into the dirt with her claw.
"I need to evolve again. It will take some time, and I need you to stay here and not worry."
Lyria's eyes widened, but she nodded. "I'll be okay, Emma. You do what you need to do."
Emma smiled in her dragon way, a soft rumble of reassurance. She then communicated with the system.
"What if we're attacked while I'm evolving?"
The system responded with a calm, mechanical voice, "I will erect a protective barrier around the cave. No monster will be able to enter."
Emma felt a wave of relief. She nodded to Lyria one last time before settling down in the center of the cave. The system had informed her that the evolution process would take two hours, during which she would be completely vulnerable. But knowing Lyria would be safe behind the barrier allowed Emma to relax as much as possible.
Closing her eyes, Emma let herself be drawn into the familiar darkness of the evolution space. The system's voice echoed in the void.
"Choose the type of dragon you wish to evolve into."
A series of options appeared before her, each one more impressive than the last. Emma scanned through them, her eyes narrowing in concentration. Finally, she made her choice—the most powerful option available, the Celestial Dragon. It promised not only enhanced physical abilities but also a range of new, potent skills.
"Are you sure?" the system asked.
"Yes," Emma replied firmly.
"Commencing evolution."
The process began with a rush of energy that surged through her body, filling every cell with power. Emma could feel her old form breaking down and reshaping into something new, something stronger. Time seemed to blur as the transformation continued, each moment stretching into infinity.
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and an instant, the darkness receded, and Emma opened her eyes. The evolution was complete.
She stretched her new form, feeling the immense power coursing through her. Her scales had turned a shimmering iridescent blue, glinting in the dim light of the cave. She had grown significantly, now standing at nearly fifteen feet tall, her wingspan wide enough to cover the entire cave entrance.
**Emma's Status:**
**Level: 30**
**Experience: 0/4000**
**Health: 2400/2400**
**Mana: 1200/1200**
**Strength: 140**
**Agility: 140**
**Intelligence: 104**
**Luck: 100 (Max)**
**Race: Celestial Dragon**
**Skills: Inferno Breath (evolved from Fire Breath), Enhanced Perception (evolved from Enhanced Senses), Gale Slash (evolved from Wind Slash), Diamond Scale Armor (evolved from Scale Armor), Supreme Flight (evolved from Flight), Tsunami Blast (evolved from Aqua Blast), Celestial Beam (new skill)**
Emma marveled at her new abilities and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The system's voice cut through her thoughts, now more advanced and comprehensive.
**System Upgrade:**
- Skill Analysis: View the skills of any monster.
- Map Function: Display a detailed map of the surrounding area.
- Inventory: Store up to 100 non-living items.
Emma was thrilled by these new features. She could now see the full potential of her enemies, navigate the forest with ease, and store items they might find useful. She knew she had to keep the system's existence a secret, but its capabilities were invaluable.
"Emma?" Lyria's voice was tentative, filled with awe.
Emma turned to see Lyria standing at the edge of the cave, her eyes wide. She quickly scratched a message into the dirt.
"Don't be afraid. It's still me."
Lyria stepped closer, her initial fear giving way to amazement. "You look so beautiful, Emma. And so strong!"
Emma lowered her massive head to nuzzle Lyria gently. The girl giggled and hugged her snout, her small arms barely wrapping around Emma's larger frame.
With her evolution complete, Emma felt more confident than ever. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but with her new abilities and the system's support, she was ready to face anything.
"Let's continue training tomorrow," she scratched into the dirt. "But for now, let's just enjoy this moment."
Lyria nodded eagerly. "I'm glad you're still here, Emma."
Emma rumbled softly, a deep sense of contentment settling over her. She watched over Lyria as the girl prepared their modest dinner, feeling a profound sense of purpose , and Emma knew she would protect Lyria with everything she had.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Emma lay down, her body coiled protectively around Lyria. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire and the gentle presence of the girl she had come to care for deeply.
The night was peaceful, the forest quiet around them. Emma drifted into a deep sleep, confident in their safety and looking forward to the future.