The warm water lapped against my skin, steam curling into the air like ghosts rising from the creek. It wasn't just any creek—it was a natural hot spring, its heat fueled by the [Fire-Stones] buried beneath the ground. Their faint glow turned the water an inviting amber, making it hard to resist soaking in its embrace.
I sighed, leaning back until the water reached just beneath my chin. The heat soaked into my muscles, loosening the knots and tension from weeks of fighting and grinding.
Even back in America, I'd loved taking a bath. There was something about it that felt almost sacred. The sensation of warm water washing away the grime and exhaustion of the day, leaving nothing but peace and relaxation. And here I was, light-years—or maybe dimensions—away from Earth, still finding comfort in the same simple pleasure.
My mind drifted, the memories of my first life flickering faintly like a distant fire. Faces blurred, their features indistinct. I couldn't even remember the exact details of my parents' faces anymore, only the warmth of their presence. The last clear memory was the moment I'd died, throwing myself into danger to save a stranger at a gas station.
I snorted softly. "Great trade-off, huh?"
That death had brought me here—my second life as the Celestial Hero. I could still picture the awe and terror on the faces of those who'd witnessed my awakening, the prophecied powers of fire and light sparking to life in my hands. And now…now I wasn't even that person anymore. I was Alice, reborn in a world that had nearly broken me once before.
I ran my hand along my arms and shoulders, my fingers brushing over smooth, toned skin. My bust shifted under my hand, and I frowned. Had my breasts gotten bigger?
A quick glance confirmed it. Not just bigger, but more shapely. My hips, too, had begun to swell slightly, adding curves to what had been a purely athletic frame. I sighed, shaking my head.
"Fantastic," I muttered. "Body's going the lewd route instead of the cute one."
Not that I'd ever cared about such things as a man, but now? The thought of dealing with larger breasts in a world of monsters, magic, and swordplay sounded like a hassle. I sank deeper into the water, letting it cover my face for a moment before surfacing with another sigh.
"Appraisal—Self," I muttered, swiping my hand across the air.
A blue screen shimmered into view, displaying my status.
+
Name: Alice
Race: Colossal
Title: Irregular
Emblem: Emblem of the Omega (Copper I)
Abilities:
[Root], [Mystic Eyes - Appraisal]
Stats:
Strength: FFF
Agility: FFF
Endurance: FFF
Intelligence: FFF
Luck: EX
Charisma: F
+
I let out a satisfied hum as I skimmed the screen. All FFF except Charisma. A part of me winced at the thought of being so…unlikeable on paper. Then again, charisma wasn't something I needed to crush monsters or survive.
What really mattered was my Emblem. Copper I was a point of pride. Few beings, even the most powerful Sovereigns, could boast of ranking up so quickly. My speed was largely thanks to how absurdly efficient my Emblem was at absorbing energy. Still, it wasn't enough. Copper I was nothing in the grand scheme of things.
I dismissed the screen with a flick, closing my eyes as I sank into meditation.
The cosmos of my inner world bloomed around me, infinite and beautiful. Stars twinkled in the vast expanse, their light reflected in the shimmering waves of a cosmic sea.
At the center of it all was the star. It burned brighter than anything else in this universe, its pure white radiance both inviting and overwhelming.
The tether connecting me to the star had grown more distinct, its color shifting to a faint gold. I stepped—or glided—closer, following the shimmering bridge of energy that stretched out before me.
The warmth grew as I neared the star, strength radiating from it in waves. Yet no matter how close I got, there was always more distance to cover.
I stopped, frowning at the gap that still separated us. Progress was progress, but it wasn't enough.
I need more.
I opened my eyes, the cosmic sea fading as reality returned. The hot spring's heat felt almost cool compared to the star's warmth, but it grounded me.
"Too bad I can't fight the star," I muttered, running a hand through my wet hair.
The problem wasn't just my rank—it was finding opponents strong enough to feed my growth. Most of the monsters I'd encountered were too weak to make a difference. I need something with an EE rank core, at least. Or better yet, a pure Magical Core—rare, but worth the effort.
Another sigh escaped me as I splashed water over my face. Somewhere along the line, my mentality had shifted. Monsters twice my strength weren't terrifying anymore; they were nothing more than walking EXP points. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. Doesn't matter. My Luck's EX. It'll sort itself out.
For now, my focus was on finding a town. Information was everything, and I needed to know where I was, when in the timeline I'd landed, and what had changed.
As if answering my thoughts, the bushes behind me shook.
I froze, my body tensing as my eyes flicked toward the sound. Water dripped from my arms as I slowly stood, turning to face the disturbance.
The rustling grew louder, something heavy pushing through the underbrush. My heart quickened, the familiar rush of adrenaline kicking in.
"Looks like Luck's already at work," I muttered, cracking my knuckles.