Shivay gripped the reins of his new companion, the Shadowmare, feeling the wind whip against his face as they raced across the open plains. The sensation of speed, strength, and pure freedom was exhilarating. Every powerful stride of the beast beneath him made his pulse quicken with excitement.
As they crested a hill, Shivay brought the Shadowmare to a halt, his gaze sweeping across the rolling landscape ahead. The air was cool, the sky above painted with the soft colors of twilight. He patted the creature's scaled neck, a grin spreading across his face.
"You need a name," Shivay said, his voice thoughtful as he looked down at the magnificent creature. "Something that suits your strength… your speed."
The Shadowmare snorted softly, its third eye glancing back at him, as if awaiting his decision. Shivay could feel the connection between them growing stronger, a bond formed through battle and respect.
"How about 'Nyx'?" he suggested, thinking of the night, of shadows and darkness. "It means night. You move like a shadow, and your scales shine like the stars."
The beast gave a soft rumble, its approval evident in the subtle tilt of its head. Shivay smiled, knowing the name fit perfectly.
"Nyx it is then."
With that, they resumed their journey. The map to the next heart was etched clearly in Shivay's mind, and Nyx carried him effortlessly over rough terrain, the powerful strides of the creature making short work of the wilderness. But as they traveled, Shivay's thoughts began to drift to his own appearance—his body, his form, and the power that now coursed through his veins.
Since absorbing the ancient heart, his primal ape form had given him incredible strength, but now he wanted more. He was a Progenitor, a being that could evolve beyond normal limits. And one of his abilities, the shapeshifting skill, had always intrigued him. In its current form, it allowed him to shift into other creatures, but it was basic, and now he desired something more refined, more powerful.
"Shunaya," he called out mentally. "I've been thinking. My shapeshifting ability—can I upgrade it? I need more control, more precision."
Shunaya's voice responded immediately. "You can, Master. The shapeshifting ability can be enhanced to allow you not only to change into creatures but also to craft forms based on your imagination and aura. You will no longer be bound by the constraints of copying other species. You can become something entirely new."
Shivay's eyes gleamed with interest. "That's exactly what I need. I want to be able to take on a form that represents the power within me."
He opened the system interface, his gaze falling on the shapeshifting skill. It glowed faintly, indicating its potential for an upgrade. Without hesitation, Shivay channeled his ether into the skill, feeling the power shift and expand. The upgrade took hold, his connection to the ability deepening.
[Shapeshifting Skill Upgraded: Form Creation Unlocked]
A notification appeared before him, and Shivay's grin widened. Now, he wasn't limited to taking the forms of others—he could craft his own.
"Shunaya," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I've always imagined the power of a dragon—something ancient, powerful, and nearly unstoppable. Can I create a humanoid dragon form?"
Shunaya's voice was calm but encouraging. "Yes, Master. Dragons are creatures of immense power, and in a humanoid form, you will retain both your intelligence and the raw strength of a dragon. Focus on the image in your mind, and the ether will guide you."
Shivay closed his eyes, envisioning the form he wanted. His mind conjured the image of a powerful dragon—scales like molten gold, wings folded behind him, a humanoid figure with sharp claws and glowing eyes. He focused on the aura of strength, wisdom, and dominance that dragons possessed.
The ether within him stirred, and he felt his body begin to shift. His muscles rippled, his skin hardening into scales as his frame elongated. A pair of wings sprouted from his back, folding neatly against his body, while his eyes glowed with an ethereal light. His senses sharpened even further, and he could feel the power of his new form surge through him.
When Shivay opened his eyes, he was no longer in his primal ape form. He stood tall, his body encased in golden scales that shimmered in the fading light, his hands tipped with razor-sharp claws. He flexed his wings, feeling the raw strength in them. His vision was sharper, his senses attuned to the flow of ether around him.
"This… this is incredible," he muttered, marveling at his new form. He felt stronger, more focused, and more in tune with the world around him. It was as though he had unlocked a new level of his potential.
"Your new form is impressive," Shunaya said, her voice carrying a note of admiration. "But be mindful of the power it brings. This form will draw attention—it's not something you can use lightly."
"I understand," Shivay replied. "But right now, I feel like this is exactly what I need to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
As he tested his new abilities, suddenly, Shunaya's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone urgent. "Master, there's something nearby."
Shivay's senses sharpened, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He hadn't noticed it before, but now he could feel it too—a presence lurking just beyond the tree line. Something—or someone—was watching him.
"What is it?" Shivay asked quietly, his eyes narrowing as he tried to pinpoint the location of the disturbance.
"I'm not sure," Shunaya replied. "But it's powerful. I can sense its ether—it's trying to conceal itself, but not well enough. It knows you're here, and it's observing."
Shivay's instincts flared. He had been careful, but clearly, his actions had drawn attention. Whether this presence was friend or foe was yet to be determined, but he wasn't about to be caught off guard.
"Stay alert, Nyx," Shivay whispered to his mount, patting the Shadowmare's neck gently. The beast snorted in response, its ears twitching as it, too, sensed the disturbance.
Shivay shifted his stance, ready for whatever might emerge from the shadows. The ether around him hummed with tension, and he knew that something—or someone—was about to reveal itself.