'Oh? So that's why. Then, that means...'
A wave of anticipation and excitement swept through my body, however, I didn't allow myself get carried away by my imagination.
Its best not to make assumptions, so I asked her.
"Would you care to elaborate?"
She placed her hand on my cheek.
"Right now, you are a partial existence in this…reality. Therefore, you cannot fully interact with this world nor its inhabitants. By synchronising, you will be integrated into this realm, allowing you to take a new form and experience this world to the fullest" she said as she caressed my face.
'As I suspected... I need become an anime character. Haha, this really is ridiculous'
"Once the synchronisation process is complete, you can increase your influence on this world through the Integration System, but let's leave that for later" she said taking a step back.
'The Integration System? Don't tell me, it's like that?'
Various images flashed in my mind, causing my excitement to build. Although my arrival in this world happened through unimaginable circumstances, the least I could do was enjoy myself and have a great time right?
"I assume that you did the same? This is not your true form?"
She smiled seductively.
"You truly have no shame, asking a lady such impolite questions" she said.
I shrugged.
"I synchronised with this world, correct" she said while coiling a lock of her hair around her index finger.
'Yeah, that's not suspicious at all'
I got the notion that she would not elaborate any further, so I moved on.
"Will I be able to select my new form?"
"Explorers can assume whichever form they choose" she said.
'Any form? Well then, there is only one choice'
"Do you have something in mind?" she asked curiously.
"I do. I want to be a High Elf like you"
"Like me?" she asked visibly shocked.
"Absolutely. The male version, of course"
"Why?" she asked, her tone rather serious.
'What's this about?'
"Isn't it obvious? Humans have short lifespans. How can I enjoy this world to the fullest if I only live one-hundred years at most"
"That's true" she said in a more relaxed tone.
She placed her hands on my cheeks, then stared into my eyes with a penetrating gaze, as hers shone with a golden glow.
[What do you desire? Tell me honestly]
I heard the sound of her voice, but her mouth remained closed. Before I had the chance to question what was happening, scenes of me on Earth woods flashed in my mind, specially, my drunken tirade in the woods.
I relived those embarrassing moments all over again.
The Elf peered into my mind, laying everything bare. She heard and saw all of the thoughts and actions of drunk Mikhail, even the ones that I desperately wanted to forget.
After a few minutes, the colour of her eyes returned to a striking violet.
Sheahran looked at me with a gentle expression.
"Very well, I will grant your request" she said.
'Did you really have to dig that deep?'
I sighed.
"Thank –"
‐Whoosh!
"W-what is this?"
I tried to express my gratitude, however, Sheahran had other ideas. She lazily flicked her wrist, creating a gust of wind that pushed me backwards.
"Wait, Sheahran, what are you doing?"
The wind did not relent. Mercilessly, it continued pushing me towards the edge of the cliff.
'Fuck!'
Determined to regain a portion of the dignity that I lost due to my sudden panic, I did the only thing that I could think of to save face.
I shoved a double middle finger in her face as I went over the edge.
Her smiling face shrank rapidly as I plummeted towards the lake.
A large volume of air escaped from my lungs as I impacted the water. I struggled in vein as my body refused to move, as though paralysed by some supernatural force.
I sank into the lake without resistance.
With an all consuming fear gripping my mind, I failed to register the biting cold sensation immediately.
I sank deeper.
'Damn, it's so cold'
'Wait! How can I?... What's going on?'
As though she read my mind, Sheahran spoke.
"This is the Lake of Rebirth. It has special properties that allows it to interact with an Explorer's body" she said.
At some point during my submersion, she descended from the cliff.
She walked on the lake's surface gracefully before coming to a halt directly above me.
'Her voice sounds so clear'
I knew that logic no longer existed, at least as I understood things before. Yet, I found myself trying to process the events happening in front of me with an Earthly mentality.
Despite being frozen at the bottom of the lake, I breathed normally.
My hearing and vision that should be distorted due to my submersion, appeared unobstructed.
Sheahran swiped her index finger above the opposite palm, creating a deep gash. She squeezed her hand while chanting words that I did not understand.
An unusually large volume of blood entered the lake, flowing towards me as though it had a will of its own.
A powerful force opened my mouth, allowing her blood to entire my body.
I barely had any time to process her actions before...
"AAAAAAAAAAH!"
Searing pain unlike anything I've felt in my life, coiled around my entire being like a vice-grip.
Without warning or a shout of "Hey, brace yourself"
My body burst into flames.
The scorching violet flames incinerated every muscle, bone and cell in my body. At least, that's how it felt.
Somehow, I remained conscious throughout the process, albeit barely.
My mind froze, unable process any thoughts or emotions.
At some point I forgot how to scream, and simply existed on the edge of death, in an unrelenting cycle of horrific pain and a feeling of emptiness.
I caught glimpses of Sheahran's face as she watched from the lake's surface. She had gentle expression that filled me with a sense of comfort, allowing my consciousness to fade.
***
"~Hmm~hmmm~hmmmm~"
A soothing melody tickled my ears as I regained consciousness.
A gentle breeze caressed my skin, providing a refreshing stimulation that I never knew I craved.
'Is it over?'
The temptation to open my eyes grew, but I resisted for one reason.
'This...feels so good'
An inexplicably soft, warm and supple sensation cushioned the back of my head, leaving me with a very difficult decision to make.
Should I stay like this and savour this luxurious lap pillow? Or open my eyes to the magnificent view that awaited me?
I held back the grin that threatened to escape.
Naturally, I had questions. But I decided to enjoy the pleasant sensation for a little while longer. I just suffered unimaginable torture, so I deserved some respite.
An intoxicating scent entered my nose causing my heart to flutter like a maiden in love.
'How can something smell like love, sex and home at the same time?'
It was then that I felt a presence close to my face.
"How much longer are you going to pretend to be asleep?" the familiar sultry voice asked.
'She noticed huh?'
I opened one eye.
"You're rather close"
"Does that bother you?" she asked with a raised brow.
"The last time you were this close, I flew over the edge of a cliff"
She grinned.
I closed my eye, then repositioned my head on her thighs.
"And was roasted alive"
Just remembering it gave me chills.
I crossed my arms.
"Are you pouting again?" she asked, giggling.
She placed her hand on my arm and squeezed gently.
That simple action caused my entire body to twitch as though it was hit with an electrical current.
'Damn... How are her hands so warm'
"Forgive me for not warning you" she said, caressing my arm.
'Why does it feel so good? This contrast, its just too much'
When I first arrived, I couldn't feel or smell anything. And now, it felt as though the sensory input that I lacked before had been significantly heightened.
Things changed too quickly, I felt overwhelmed.
Complete and utter dread filled my heart.
'Will I become like an anime girl in love?'
The thought of turning into a bright red tomato every time she touched me or said something cute…
Despair.
"But, If I did, would you have changed your mind?" she asked.
Her question snapped me out of my spiral.
I opened my eyes reflexively.
What sane person would willingly go through that torture?
Would I have changed my mind to prevent momentary excruciating pain?
I stared at her intently, specifically, my reflection in her violet eyes.
"That's ridiculous"
Even if she told me what to expect, I'd have no point of reference to sway my decision.
Most likely, I would have continued with the mind-set of, "It can't be that bad right? It's a small price to pay to become a High Elf"
And now that I've been through it and experienced that searing pain, I wouldn't want to go through it again if it can be helped.
I'm not a masochist with a cremation fetish.
That being said, I still believe that the price paid, paled in comparison to the reward obtained for persevering.
She nodded at my response.
"Then, let me congratulate you on a successful synchronisation" she said smiling.
"Thanks"
"Hey, why am I naked?"
I noticed it a while back, but decided not to mention it since she didn't seem to mind.
"Well, about your clothing…" she replied awkwardly.
"Right... Don't worry about it"
I cleared my throat.
"As much as I'd love to stay like this, I think it's time that I take a look at my new form"