Chapter 10: Transformation
Standing at the edge of the Azazeer Forest, an ominous chill ran down my spine. The forest emanated a dark energy that clung to the air like a thick fog. Its towering trees, reaching nearly a hundred feet high, loomed over us, their gnarled branches intertwining to block out most of the sunlight. Every instinct screamed at me to turn back. But I had no choice—this cursed world left me no safe haven.
Silverfang growled lowly, sensing my hesitation. Lira floated silently beside us, her light dimmed in the oppressive atmosphere. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward. "Let's get this over with," I muttered. The ground beneath my boots felt damp and unwelcoming, and each step echoed eerily in the stillness of the forest.
To my surprise, the first stretch of the journey was uneventful. The air was heavy with tension, but no threats emerged from the shadows. As night fell, the forest transformed; its foreboding energy seemed to intensify, the darkness pressing in on us. I decided it was best to stop and rest for the night.
We found a small clearing, and I settled against Silverfang's warm fur. Her tail curled protectively around me, its weight and warmth reassuring. It was a gesture of comfort and safety that made me feel less alone in this cursed existence. Lira sat vigilantly nearby, her luminous form providing a faint glow that pushed back the suffocating darkness.
For a brief moment, as I drifted into sleep, I thought about the strange beauty of this world. Despite the fear and hatred I endured, there were still moments like these that brought me solace. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn't entirely cursed.
When morning came, I stirred awake, feeling the cool air against my skin. Something was different. Silverfang's warmth was gone. My eyes shot open, and I froze at the sight before me.
A girl knelt nearby, her figure delicate yet striking. She had long silver hair that shimmered faintly in the morning light, wolf ears twitching atop her head, and a fluffy silver tail swaying nervously behind her. Her golden eyes met mine, filled with curiosity and something akin to confusion.
"Who…?" I began, but before I could finish, the familiar voice of the system interrupted.
Silverfang has reached Level 10. Evolution complete.
Abilities and stats upgraded. Intelligence significantly increased.
The words echoed in my mind as I stared at the girl, realization dawning on me. "Silverfang?" I asked cautiously.
She nodded slowly. "Yes, Master. It's me." Her voice was soft but carried a melodic quality, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words.
The system continued:
"Orion Valor's stats have increased due to bond evolution.
Silverfang has unlocked new forms and gained enhanced communication capabilities."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "Alright," I muttered to myself. "First things first." I stood and turned to her, realizing she had nothing to cover herself with. Heat rose to my face as I quickly averted my gaze. "Stay here. Don't move."
I gathered large leaves and sturdy vines, fashioning a makeshift outfit. Handing it to her, I instructed, "Put this on. I'll show you how to wear it."
Silverfang tilted her head, clearly confused, but she obeyed without question. With some guidance, she managed to wrap the makeshift clothes around herself. It wasn't perfect, but it would do for now.
"There," I said, finally looking at her. "From now on, when you're in this form, you must wear clothes. Understand?"
She nodded obediently. "Yes, Master. But… why?"
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's… complicated. Just trust me on this."
Silverfang seemed to accept this explanation, though her ears twitched in confusion. "As you wish, Master."
Curious about her transformation, I asked, "Do you feel different? Did anything happen before you woke up like this?"
She shook her head. "No, Master. When I woke up, I was already like this."
"Can you change back to your previous form?" I asked.
Without a word, Silverfang's body shimmered, and in an instant, she was back in her wolf form. The transformation was seamless, almost natural. Then, just as quickly, she returned to her human form, once again unclothed. I sighed and handed her the makeshift clothes again.
"Always wear these when you're in human form," I ordered firmly.
"Understood, Master," she replied, her tail swishing behind her.
Lira, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Silverfang… human… girl?" Her ethereal voice was tinged with confusion and curiosity.
"It seems her evolution granted her a human form," I explained, though I was still processing the reality of it myself.
The morning passed with a mix of awkwardness and adjustment as we tried to navigate this new dynamic. Silverfang's transformation was a game-changer, both in terms of her abilities and our bond. It was clear that this journey to Azazeer Forest would bring more surprises—and challenges—than I had anticipated.