Chapter 19 - New skills

"Hollowfication has been completed." Siri's voice whispered in Kiyota's ear.

As the pain slowly disappeared, Kiyota slowly opened his eyes, his vision adjusting to his new form. He felt his vision turn brighter and heightened senses. Kiyota looked down at himself, not recognising his own body. His human form had transformed into a massive, muscular body covered in crimson skin. Four arms extended from his torso, each ending in four giant, razor-sharp claws. His legs, now thick and powerful, also bore four menacing claws at the ends. He felt a strange sensation on his neck and realised he now had fish-like gills. As he focused on them, he sensed they could produce some kind of acid. A pair of large, red wings unfurled from his back, stretching out impressively.

"ARGHHHHH!" Kiyota's voice came out as a loud thundering roar.

Kiyota tried to say something, but his new body didn't let him.

"Your new form grants you significant power increases and new abilities. You have received three new skills." Siri said.

Curious and slightly apprehensive, Kiyota commanded, 'Siri, show me my Status.'

A holographic panel appeared before him:

---

Host: Kiyota Jin

Level: 10

EXP: 10/500

Health: 3,000/3,000

Dexterity: 1,240

Strength: 2,210

Reiatsu: 6,750/6,750

Remaining status points: 15

Skills: Danger Stop, Basic Genjutsu, Chidori, Instant Regeneration, Acid Touch, Acid Spit

Shop: Unavailable (Unlocks at level 25)

---

Kiyota flexed his new limbs, feeling the raw power coursing through them. Despite the monstrous appearance, he felt fully in control of his mind and actions. His two new hands felt a bit awkward.

'I can feel the power, but...' Kiyota thought.

Suddenly, Kiyota sensed movement nearby. The approaching hollows were close now.

"They're here," Kiyota growled, his new instincts kicking in. "Let's see what this new form can do."

As the first of the enemy hollows rounded the corner, Kiyota spread his wings and let out a bone-chilling roar. The battle was about to begin, and for the first time since arriving in Hueco Mundo, Kiyota felt truly ready. Kiyota flew up shakily and turned invisible.

"5 hollows have arrived, host." Siri's voice rang.

'Siri, what are the reiatsu levels of the new hollows?'

"All below 2,000, and the weakest has a reiatsu of 1,400." Siri replied, its emotionless tone filling Kiyota's mind.

Kiyota thought, 'Are they really this weak, or am I just really strong?...'

"It's both, host. Your current form has a high amount of reiatsu. You are one step below a Gillian. Usually, hollows transform into Gillian's at 5,000 reiatsu. You have passed that threshold. Your body can hold up to 20,000 reiatsu before transforming. When you reach 20,000 you will automatically transform into a Gillian." Siri said.

Kiyota grinned, a predatory expression which looked horrifying on his mask. "That sounds perfect. Let's get started."

With a flap of his wings, Kiyota launched himself towards the unsuspecting hollows. His claws sliced through the first one effortlessly as he landed on top of it, still invisible. The other hollows looked at the body and then looked around confused. Kiyota took the opportunity to slash another. The hollow roared as its body disintegrated.

"Three more left, host," Siri stated.

"Thanks," Kiyota replied sarcastically.

"My pleasure." Siri responded.

Kiyota turned visible again and launched a blast of acid spit at one of the hollows. The acid melted a hole right through its mask, and it disintegrated instantly. The remaining two hollows attacked him simultaneously, one from the front and the other from the rear.

'Slippery bastards!' Kiyota thought, dodging the first attack.

Kiyota roared, firing a stream of green liquid that shot from his throat and splashed on the second hollow's body, injuring it. The third hollow was closing in fast, its claws raised.

'Chidori!' Kiyota said in his head as he coated his arms in blue lightning.

He took the incoming attack straight on and countered with a powerful Pierce, leaving a giant hole in its chest. It fell down and disintegrated. Kiyota then turned his attention to the final hollow, which was trying to escape.

'Hmm, you are a smart one...' Kiyota thought. ' You can't escape.'

The hollow roared, fleeing. Kiyota finished off the injured hollow which was on the ground with a stomp and dashed over to the fleeing hollow.

"Level up."

"Not so fast!" Kiyota's voice echoed as he lunged and slashed the hollow's body.

The hollow roared in pain as Kiyota's attack pierced its tough mask, shattering it and leaving nothing.

"Level up."

Kiyota walked back further in the exclave and sat down.

'Status panel.' Kiyota thought to himself.

---

Host: Kiyota Jin

Level: 12

EXP: 10/500

Health: 4,500/4,500

Dexterity: 1,480

Strength: 2,500

Reiatsu: 7,750/7,750

Remaining status points: 15

Skills: Danger Stop, Basic Genjutsu, Chidori, Instant Regeneration, Acid Touch, Acid Spit

Shop: Unavailable (Unlocks at level 25)

---

'Siri, what's the point of status points? A one point difference in my stat isn't going to do much.' Kiyota asked curious.

"The original purpose of status points is to be a currency in the shop. Status points can be used early on to improve stats when needed." Siri responded.

'Hmm…'

Kiyota decided to leave the status points alone for now, not wanting to waste them.

'Siri, where are the nearest high-level hollows?'

"There are lots of them below you." Siri said flatly.

'What...! Oh, you mean the Menos Forest?'

"Yes, host."

'Alright, let's go to the Menos Forest. Can you open a portal?'

"Negative. Opening a portal is impossible. You are still a basic hollow." Siri responded.

'Hmmm, well... I have to do it the old-fashioned way. Finding the hole.'

"New quest issued." Siri said.

'Open quest panel.'

----

New Quest: Kill 20 hollows

Time limit: 4 hours

Reward: 100 Status Points, 6-Hour EXP Boost

----

'Easy enough.' Kiyota though to himself.

'I wonder what happened after I got dragged inside the portal. I think Rukia and Ichigo are probably scared for me. Maybe they even think I'm dead, or worse, a hollow. I wonder if I can ever return home? NO... I will return.' Kiyota thought to himself.

He closed his eyes and started sleeping. Kiyota slept for about two hours.

He opened his eyes. 'It's time, Siri. Where's the nearest hollow?'

"400 meters west." Siri replied.

Kiyota flew out of the exclave and took off, flying above the barren white dunes. After a few hours of hunting hollows, Kiyota had one more left. Kiyota have levelled up 4 times after killing 19 hollows. Invisible, Kiyota circled the clueless hollow that was slithering on the sand white dunes. He bombarded it with an acid spit rain and then swooped in and killed in a single slash with his chidori.

"Quest complete. Rewards given."