The dark abyss surrounding me began to feel constricting, like a prison I couldn't escape. I flailed my newfound limbs, hoping for a hint of familiarity or sensation that made sense. All I got in return was the fluid resistance, a faint ripple that reminded me I wasn't dreaming—this was my new reality.
⟨Analysing host's mental state…⟩
⟨Detected: Panic, confusion, denial. Administering calming stimulus.⟩
A warm sensation spread across my body—or whatever I had become—like a soothing balm easing my nerves. It didn't erase the panic, but it dulled the edges enough for me to think somewhat clearly.
⟨Host status: Stabilized. Shall I explain your current situation?⟩
"Yes! Please, explain what's going on. What am I? Why am I like this?" I thought, I was desperate for answers.
⟨Acknowledged. Host sustained fatal injuries in previous form. Standard healing was unfeasible, so a complete reconstruction was initiated. You are now in a new body optimized for survival.⟩
"Reconstruction? Survival? Why the hell would you turn me into a jellyfish?! How is this survival?" I demanded, though the voice in my head didn't seem fazed by my frustration.
⟨Your prior body's state required extensive modification. The Medusozoan Variant was chosen due to its unique biological properties, including cellular regeneration and environmental adaptability. Furthermore, your subconscious traits influenced the reconstruction process.⟩
"My subconscious? Are you saying I wanted this?"
⟨Not explicitly. However, subconscious inclinations, survival instincts, and compatibility metrics heavily influenced the result. The Medusozoan form aligns with those⟩
"What do you mean by that? And who are you?"
⟨I am Decipher your unique skill, an integrated support system designed to assist the host in adapting to their new form and environment. My primary function is to ensure your survival and facilitate progression.⟩
"Progression? Why does this sound like some kind of twisted game?"
⟨The term 'progression' refers to the evolutionary potential embedded within your current form. As you adapt and interact with the environment, you will unlock abilities and physical enhancements necessary for survival.⟩
"Great, so I'm just a science experiment," I muttered, though Decipher's explanation did little to clarify the bigger question: Why me?
"What about my past life? Why was I in this situation to begin with?" I don't know why but my memories were Hazy.
⟨Partial data retrieval successful. Fatal injuries sustained due to external trauma. Memory degradation detected; fragments of prior existence are incomplete. Shall I retrieve what is available?⟩
"Yes, please," I replied, though the pit in my stomach—assuming I still had one—grew heavier.
A brief silence followed, broken only by the faint hum of Decipher's processes.
⟨Fragment retrieved: Host died after got crushed by a chandelier while saving a colleague.⟩
As soon as I heard that memories started to flood into my mind, I remembered everything, the party and the gossips we had in the office everything.
"How can you talk? Aren't you a skill?" I was curious about it.
⟨Excellent question, Host. While I am categorized as a skill, my function extends beyond passive abilities. I am designed with a cognitive framework to interact with you efficiently and adapt to your needs.⟩
"You mean you're like an AI?"
⟨ ಠ︵ಠ ⟩
"Are you pouting?" I asked
⟨Negative, Host. I am incapable of emotions such as pouting. My response was a visual representation to indicate mild disapproval at the oversimplification of my functions.⟩
"Sure, and I'm the king of jellyfish now," I muttered, rolling my... well, whatever jellyfish had instead of eyes.
⟨To clarify, your analogy is inaccurate. However, with sufficient progression, achieving a dominant status in your environment is within the realm of possibility.⟩
"That was sarcasm," I groaned. "Alright, Decipher, if you're done trying to one-up me in wit, can we focus on getting me out of this abyss? I feel like I'm floating in a sensory deprivation tank."
⟨Understood, Host. Initiating environmental scan...⟩
A moment passed before I felt a subtle hum resonate through my surroundings. It was as if Decipher had extended invisible tendrils, probing the abyss for anything noteworthy.
⟨Scan complete. Current location: Eastern sea cave approximately 1200 meters below surface level. Surrounding area contains minimal light and sparse biological activity.⟩
"Sea cave? 1200 meters?" I muttered, the words feeling foreign on my nonexistent tongue. "No wonder it feels like I'm drowning in nothingness."
"What is my objective in this world? Typically the reincarnted person will slay the dragon or kill the demon king right? So what is my purpose"
⟨Your purpose in this world is not predefined. Unlike conventional reincarnation scenarios where the host is tasked with specific heroic duties, your situation is unique. You are not bound by prophecy or fate to slay dragons or defeat demon kings. Your existence here is designed for adaptability and survival. As you progress, you will encounter challenges and opportunities that may define your purpose, but the choice of path remains yours to determine.⟩
I couldn't help but feel a little unsettled. "So, I'm essentially a blank slate in this new world?"
⟨In a sense, yes. However, your past life's instincts and subconscious inclinations may influence your actions and decisions. The ability to evolve and adapt to the environment, along with unlocking new abilities, will shape your journey.⟩
"Great," I muttered, trying to get a grip on the situation. "I guess I'm a living experiment with no guidebook. Any tips on how to avoid drowning in this cave?"
⟨Host's new form provides several advantages. Your Medusozoan biology allows for enhanced mobility in aquatic environments. Additionally, your cellular regeneration will help you recover from any physical harm you may encounter. To navigate the current environment, simply focus on your surroundings and direct your movement with your newly acquired limbs.⟩
"Alright," I thought, trying to will myself to move. There was still so much I didn't understand about my new body, but at least the panic was starting to subside. Now I had to figure out how to survive in this strange, suffocating abyss and maybe—just maybe—find a way out.
"Do I have those status? Like those seen in anime?"
⟨Host status: Query acknowledged. Analyzing available systems…⟩
A brief pause followed before Decipher's response filtered through my thoughts.
⟨Affirmative. As part of your adaptation process, you have access to a rudimentary status system. This interface will allow you to monitor your physical and magical attributes, along with unlocked abilities and skills. Would you like to access your status now?⟩
"Yeah, I could use some kind of overview," I muttered, wondering just how ridiculous my status could look.
⟨Displaying host's current status…⟩
Name: [Not Assigned]
Race: Medusozoan Variant
Unique Skills:
• Decipher↓
• Drain↓
Racial Skills:
• Bioluminescence
• Aquatic Adaption
• Tentacle Control
• Cellular Regeneration
Resistance:
• Thermal Balance
• Pain Tolerance
The status screen that Decipher provided was sparse but surprisingly detailed for a being that was, for all intents and purposes, brand new to this world. I focused on the list, trying to absorb the information.
"Drain?" I muttered, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
⟨Drain will allow you to drain out the skills from other beings that you defeated.⟩
"Right. So, it's not just about surviving this environment, but also growing stronger by taking things from others?" I asked, trying to understand the implications.
⟨Correct, Host. However, the process is not without its risks. Skills taken from others may carry residual mental and physical effects, which could influence your adaptation. Proceed with caution.⟩
"Wonderful," I muttered sarcastically. "A whole bunch of new problems to deal with on top of everything else."
⟨But don't worry, as long as I'm here I can remove the residual effects from those skills⟩
While saying that I felt like Decipher is being proud and it made me chuckle.