"Is this how they bathe?" Seraphina thought to herself, a weary, almost disbelieving question. The sheer luxury of it, after days of grime, blood, and constant fear, was overwhelming. She didn't hesitate. Without another thought for her nakedness or her injuries, she stumbled forward, her battered body craving the warmth. She was already standing directly under the cascading waterfall, letting the hot water wash over her, a desperate, silent prayer of gratitude in her heart.
The hot water of the waterfall cascaded over Seraphina's ravaged body, washing away the layers of grime, dried blood, and sweat that clung to her. Each rivulet carried away a piece of the horror, revealing the pale, bruised skin beneath. She scrubbed vigorously, letting the pure, steaming water cleanse every inch, feeling the immediate, soothing relief against her throbbing muscles and aching bones. The metallic tang of blood finally faded, replaced by the clean scent of water.
Once thoroughly washed, she eased herself into the hot spring pool. The warmth enveloped her, a blissful embrace that seeped deep into her shattered body. A soft sigh of pure contentment escaped her lips. The agonizing aches and deep-seated soreness that had plagued her since her rebirth slowly began to ebb, replaced by a gentle, comforting thrum. Her muscles, once screaming in protest at every twitch, now felt looser, more pliable. The water truly was working wonders, a miraculous balm for her tortured form.
As she soaked, letting the mineral-rich water work its magic, Seraphina felt a subtle shift within her. The relentless throb of pain that had constantly vied for her attention finally receded into a manageable background hum. Her Minor Regeneration and Pain Nullification (Minor), while slow, were clearly being amplified by the restorative environment. She could feel her remaining HP slowly, steadily, ticking upwards, an internal comfort that allowed her to finally relax, if only for a brief moment.
Seraphina finally pulled herself from the hot spring, the water clinging to her skin before dripping away. As her feet touched the cool stone, a profound sense of relief washed over her. The agonizing pain that had been her constant companion for what felt like an eternity was, miraculously, gone. Her body felt light, invigorated, as if she had never endured the gruesome transformation or the zombie attack.
"Stats," she murmured, a hopeful whisper.
The translucent screen shimmered before her, and her eyes immediately darted to her health bar. What she saw made her jaw drop. Her eyes widened, unable to comprehend the impossible.
Health: 100/100
It was full. Completely full. Not just recovered to her original maximum of 24, but a staggering 100! She quickly scanned her other stats. Her level was still 3. Her other attributes – Strength 14, Defense 13, Agility 25, Intelligence 50, Charm 30, Luck 7, MP 30 – remained unchanged. Only her Health had surged to this impossible level.
"Could it be the hot spring?" she thought, her mind racing. Could this ancient, miraculous pool not only heal but also permanently boost her maximum health? The implications were staggering. This wasn't just a place to recover; it was a fountain of monstrous vitality. The more she stayed in this forgotten temple, the more she tried to understand the bizarre, escalating rules of this universe, the more she was shocked.
But just as her mind grappled with this incredible discovery, another, even more unexpected realization settled upon her, causing her to freeze. It wasn't a notification, or a new pain, but an internal shift, subtle yet profound, that sent a new wave of shock through her. Something about her perception, her very being, had fundamentally changed while she healed in the waters.
As Seraphina stood, fully healed and free of pain, the sheer impossible surge in her health left her reeling. A hundred hit points. It defied all logic, hinting at a power far beyond simple recovery. But just as she tried to comprehend this miraculous boost from the hot spring, a new, far more profound realization settled upon her, one that chilled her to the bone even as it ignited a terrifying sense of potential.
It wasn't a visual cue, or a sound, but an internal resonance. Her senses, now unclouded by pain, felt... open. Before, she had seen, heard, touched. Now, she felt something else entirely.
A faint, almost imperceptible hum resonated in the air, a subtle vibration that wasn't sound, but a deeper sense of life. She could feel the sprawling, ancient life of the World Tree that embraced the temple, a vast, pulsating energy field that permeated the very stone around her. But more unsettling, she could feel the vital essence of every living thing in the surrounding forest – the tiny insects scuttling in the cracks, the distant birds, the unseen creatures rustling in the undergrowth.
It was like a form of biological sonar, a terrifying extension of her senses directly tied to her Monster Core and her Gluttony trait. She didn't just see them; she could sense their life force, a shimmering warmth, a subtle signature that spoke of their existence, their potential as prey, their edibility. This wasn't the cold, analytical data of her Scan skill. This was primal, instinctive, a hungry awareness that transformed the entire world into a landscape of vibrant, consumable energy.
The hot spring, too, pulsed with a unique, ancient vitality, contributing to this profound shift. She was no longer just a human with monster abilities. Her very perception had been fundamentally altered, her existence now attuned to the vibrant, delicious hum of life itself. The world was suddenly vibrant with prey, and her inner monster stirred with an unprecedented hunger.
Seraphina stood, fully healed and now acutely aware of the shimmering symphony of life around her. Her gaze, no longer simply seeing, but sensing, fell upon one of the thick, ancient roots of the colossal tree that embraced the temple. She blinked, a new understanding dawning.
"No... It's not the hot spring," she whispered, her voice still a little raw, but filled with a new awe. "It's the tree."
She reached out, her fingers brushing against the rough, moss-covered surface of the root. A surge of cool, ancient energy seemed to flow into her, confirming her realization. This wasn't just a giant plant; it was the World Tree, a source of immense, life-giving power. Its presence had healed her, not just physically, but had awakened this new, terrifying predatory sense.
"Thank you," she said softly, the words a genuine, if bewildered, expression of gratitude to the silent giant. The tree had saved her, strengthened her, and perhaps, fundamentally reshaped her.
With her new, acute senses humming, her eyes then fell upon something else, a mundane yet utterly crucial find: a roughly woven towel, miraculously preserved and draped over a crumbling stone bench in the corner of the bathing chamber. It was simple, perhaps left by a long-dead devotee, but to Seraphina, it was a godsend. She moved quickly, wrapping the coarse fabric around her newly enhanced body. It was a small comfort, but it was a beginning.
Her immediate nakedness was addressed, if only temporarily. The world still hummed with the life she could now sense, and the World Tree stood as a benevolent, if silent, guardian. Maybe, just maybe, one day she could find a way to truly thank it. For now, survival remained her guiding star.
Wrapped in the simple towel, her body humming with newfound vitality and her senses alive with the subtle symphony of life, Seraphina moved with renewed purpose. The hot spring had been a revelation, but the temple beckoned, promising more secrets. She left the bathing chamber and ventured deeper into the ancient structure, her every step cautious but determined.
The air grew heavier, thick with the scent of damp stone and something else, something subtly sweet and wild. She navigated crumbling hallways and arched doorways, her eyes, now attuned to more than just light, searching every shadow. Then, in a small, alcove-like chamber, bathed in a solitary shaft of sunlight filtering through a high crack, she saw it.
Resting on a moss-covered pedestal was a single golden fruit. It shimmered with an ethereal light, unlike anything she had ever seen. Its skin was a vibrant, metallic gold, and its form was subtly alien, like a star-shaped dragon fruit, yet unmistakably fruit-like. The scent that wafted from it was intoxicating, a rich, complex aroma that spoke of sun-drenched sweetness and ancient, potent magic. It was utterly different from any flora she had encountered in this world.
Without hesitation, driven by an instinct far older than her human memories, Seraphina picked it up. Its warmth spread through her palm. She bit into it, the golden skin yielding with a soft snap. The flesh was succulent, bursting with a flavor that danced on her tongue – sweet, tangy, and invigorating, unlike anything she had ever tasted. She ate it entirely, savoring every bite.
As the last morsel dissolved, a brilliant notification screen flared before her eyes, confirming the extraordinary nature of her find.
Notification!
"Congratulations! You unlocked the Star Fruit Skill Tree."
"Fruit Consumed: Star Fruit: Golden Dragon Fruit Series (1 out of 1 found and consumed). Would you like to proceed? Yes/No?"
The System's question hung in the air. A skill tree. Not just a single skill or trait, but an entire lineage of potential abilities, all from this single, unique fruit. The implications were immense.
"Yes," Seraphina breathed, the single word a profound acceptance of the golden fruit's impossible promise.
The next thing she knew, her body collapsed. Not with pain, not with the agonizing dissolution of before, but with a sudden, overwhelming surge of raw, uncontained energy that simply buckled her knees and sent her sprawling onto the cold stone floor.
Before her eyes, the translucent notification screen exploded into a relentless, glorious spam:
Notifications!
"Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!" "Congratulations! Level Up!"
She blinked, once, twice, trying to clear the dazzling array of text. The level-up notifications kept flashing for several more seconds, a relentless cascade that implied an exponential leap in power. When they finally subsided, new, equally staggering messages filled the screen.
System Update!
"You have unused 200 Stat Points. Please allocate them."
"You have 100 Dragon Points unused. Please allocate them in the Golden Dragon Skill Tree section of the Star Skills Tree."
"Depending on what traits and skills you use it on, your body will go into inter-biological metamorphosis like the other times."
"Congratulations! You acquire a Golden Monster Core. You now have three hearts."
"Congratulations! Your Monster Core and Golden Monster Core fused. Your Golden Core is now Golden Monster Core +2."
"Congratulations! All skills and traits obtained before consuming the Star Fruit: Golden Dragon Fruit Series have leveled up by two levels."
"Congratulations! Monster Eater, Monsters, and Normal skill trees unlocked."
"Congratulations! System Store (Lvl. 1) unlocked."
"Permission to upgrade the System? Yes/No?"
Seraphina lay on the floor, dazed but no longer in pain, staring at the sheer, mind-boggling scale of her ascension. Levels upon levels gained in an instant. 200 stat points. A new type of point, Dragon Points, for a dedicated Golden Dragon Skill Tree. The chilling reminder of further physical metamorphosis.
But then, the truly astonishing. A third heart, a Golden Monster Core, which had immediately fused and upgraded her existing one. And perhaps most immediately impactful: ALL her existing skills and traits – Awareness, Night Vision, Pain Nullification, Minor Regeneration, Predatory Gaze, Scan, Wall Crawling, Venom Gland, Enhanced Agility, Rengo Claws, Pheromone Secretion – had leveled up by TWO levels. This wasn't just a boost; it was a quantum leap.
New, vast skill trees were now open, and a System Store! It was almost too much to process. The world had gone from trying to kill her to showering her with unimaginable power, all because of a single, golden fruit.
The final prompt, a simple Yes/No for a "System Upgrade," hung in the air, awaiting her command.
"Yes," Seraphina whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The word was barely out before the system responded.
System Update Initiated
"Please wait for update to begin. System will be down for 00:10:09 for update to finish."
With that, the vast cascade of notifications vanished, replaced by a stark, digital clock. 00:10:09... 00:10:08... 00:10:07... it counted down relentlessly. All the menus, the stats, the skill trees, the tempting System Store – everything was gone, inaccessible. Seraphina lay there, naked and vulnerable again, though now astonishingly powerful, forced into a ten-minute limbo while the very interface of her new existence underwent a profound change.
The ancient temple remained silent around her, the only sound the faint, rhythmic ticking of the digital clock and the powerful, dual thrum of her original heart and her now Golden Monster Core +2. She was left alone with her thoughts, her miraculously healed body, and the knowledge that she had just ascended to a level of power she couldn't yet fathom. The painful inter-biological metamorphosis that the System warned about loomed in her future, dependent on how she allocated her 200 Stat Points and 100 Dragon Points. But for now, all she could do was wait.
The System's countdown ticked relentlessly, a stark reminder of the digital limbo Seraphina was in. With a shrug, she decided waiting idly was useless. Her body, miraculously healed and brimming with a new, potent kind of energy, demanded action. Wrapped in the towel, she began to slowly explore the rest of the temple, her keen new senses alert for anything unusual.
The temple was larger than it seemed, a maze of silent, dust-laden chambers and crumbling corridors. The ancient air hung heavy, imbued with the deep, earthy scent of the World Tree and a faint, sweet aroma that she now recognized as pure life essence. She moved with cautious purpose, her eyes scanning every shadow, her ears straining for any sound beyond her own muffled footsteps.
It took her a while, but finally, she pushed open a heavy stone door that groaned in protest. Beyond it lay a sight that made her eyes light up, even in the dim light. This was a treasure room. Heaps of glittering gold coins lay scattered on the floor, alongside mounds of uncut, shimmering jewels – rubies, emeralds, sapphires – piled high in ancient wooden chests that had long since rotted away. Gleaming silver artifacts, tarnished but unmistakably valuable, lay amidst the bounty.
On a low, stone table directly next to the door, distinct from the haphazard piles of wealth, lay a rolled-up parchment note and a single, multifaceted crystal. The crystal pulsed with a soft, internal light, reflecting the golden glow of the room's riches.
Seraphina moved towards the table, her heart pounding with a different kind of excitement. She picked up the note first, unrolling the brittle parchment carefully. The writing, though ancient, was clear and seemed almost to glow with a faint, magical script:
"Whoever finds this temple and the wondrous treasure inside can have both. Just speak your name to the crystal, and tell it that you accept ownership. Also, the Crystal acts as an inventory bag; you can put anything and everything in it, and it transfers to the temple. You can also upgrade the crystal, which will upgrade the temple. The requirement for leveling it up is random. As the new owner, you will be at Level 1."
Seraphina's brow furrowed slightly at the last sentence – Level 1? That seemed odd given her current, uncounted, but clearly immense, level up. But the thought was fleeting. An inventory bag? And a link to the temple itself? This was monumental.
She picked up the crystal. It felt cool and smooth against her palm, humming faintly with energy. "I, Seraphina Brodior, take ownership of the temple and its treasure," she said, her voice echoing slightly in the silent chamber.
As the words left her lips, the crystal pulsed with a brighter, intense golden light, then, almost too fast to follow, it seemed to dissolve and disappear directly into her forehead. A profound, almost spiritual connection blossomed within her mind, a sense of vast, empty space that was clearly the promised inventory. However, with the System still undergoing its update, the promised "Inventory" tab was not yet visible, her access to it still locked behind the ticking countdown.
The clock continued: 00:00:15... 00:00:14...
The digital countdown relentlessly ticked down: 00:00:03... 00:00:02... 00:00:01...
Then, silence. The stark timer vanished. Seraphina felt a profound click in her mind, a rush of data, a sense of vast systems coming back online. The System was back, and it was different.
A new, golden light pulsed from within her. The ancient stone of the temple seemed to hum with a deeper resonance, as if acknowledging a new master. And before her eyes, the familiar translucent screen shimmered, completely reorganized.
System Upgrade Complete!
The layout was cleaner, more intuitive. New tabs gleamed with unread notifications. But her immediate thoughts were for the temple itself, now inexplicably linked to her.
"Seraphina Brodior," a new, resonant voice, deeper and more authoritative than the previous System's, echoed directly in her mind. It was no longer text on a screen but a voice only she could hear. "Owner of the Temple of the World's Embrace. Any item stored via your Inventory Crystal is held within the temple's dimensional space. It is completely secure and only accessible by you, the owner. As a new owner, you are attuned to the temple's wards. No being may enter without your explicit permission, unless they possess a power level significantly greater than the temple's current protection."
The voice paused, then continued, a subtle shift in tone, as if assessing her. "Your current Temple Protection Level is commensurate with your Golden Monster Core +2. Any attempt to breach the temple without your consent will alert you directly. Furthermore, the World Tree's influence grants an additional layer of natural concealment and deterrence to non-native entities."
Seraphina's relief was palpable. Her vast treasure trove of gold and jewels, the precious items she might find, and even her own physical safety were now guaranteed within these ancient walls. She had not only acquired a formidable power-up but a secure base, a sanctuary in this cruel world.
She looked around the treasure room, her eyes now gleaming with determination rather than just awe. The choices before her were immense.
Seraphina blinked, her expression a mix of surprise and a touch of weary acceptance. "You can talk now? Well at least you're not like the other one." Her thoughts drifted to the previous System's flippant, almost sadistic text prompts.
However, the System seemed to delight in proving her wrong. "Of course I can talk," a new, distinctly feminine voice resonated directly in Seraphina's mind. It sounded sweet, melodic even, but there was an underlying, almost imperceptible current of sharp disdain. "It's just you were too weak. In fact, it's clear luck that you found that star fruit, otherwise I'd be waiting a really long time before I could actually speak to you."
The voice was like honey laced with venom, a trick designed to disarm, yet it only solidified Seraphina's wariness. This new System was just as cutting, just as arrogant, but with a refined, insidious edge. Her immense power-up had come with a new, equally demanding, and perhaps more dangerous, overseer.
Seraphina sighed, a long, weary sound that echoed in the vast treasure room. The System's new, dulcet, yet clearly condescending voice was already grating on her nerves. "Okay, anyway, Stats," she mumbled, forcing her attention back to the overwhelming task at hand.
The translucent screen immediately reappeared, now cleaner, sharper, reflecting the System's upgrade. Her eyes immediately dropped to her Level.
Seraphina Brodior
Level: 14
Race: Humanoid Slime
Class: (Monster Eater)
Health: 100/100
Agility: 25 (+2 levels = 27)
Strength: 14 (+2 levels = 16)
Defense: 13 (+2 levels = 15)
MP: 30 (+2 levels = 32)
Intelligence: 50 (+2 levels = 52)
Charm: 30 (+2 levels = 32)
Luck: 7 (+2 levels = 9)
Unassigned Stat Points: 200
Dragon Points: 100
Cores:
Golden Monster Core +2 (Fused)
Skills & Traits (Leveled up by 2):
Awareness Level 4 (from 2)
Night Vision Level 3 (from 1)
Pain Nullification (Minor) Level 3 (from 1)
Minor Regeneration (Passive) Level 3 (from 1)
Predatory Gaze Level 3 (from 1)
Scan Level 3 (from 1)
Wall Crawling (Minor) Level 3 (from 1)
Venom Gland (Minor) Level 3 (from 1)
Enhanced Agility (Minor) Level 3 (from 1)
Rengo Claws Level 3 (from 1)
Pheromone Secretion Level 3 (from 1)
Transformation: Slime Level 3 (from 1)
Partial Transformation Level 3 (from 1)
Shifting Level 3 (from 1)
Gluttony Level 3 (from 1)
Unlocked Skill Trees:
Monster Eater Skill Tree
Monsters Skill Tree
Normal Skill Tree
Star Fruit Skill Tree (Golden Dragon Fruit Series section)
Other:
System Store (Lvl. 1) unlocked
Temple of the World's Embrace (Owner)
Seraphina's eyes widened. Level 14. An incredible leap from her meager Level 3. Her base stats had all risen by two points from the skill/trait level-up, and she still had a staggering 200 unassigned stat points and 100 Dragon Points. She was a powerhouse, practically overnight.
The realization of her immense power was intoxicating, almost overwhelming. She was no longer a helpless survivor; she was a force to be reckoned with. The temple, its treasures, and her new abilities laid before her an entirely new path in this cruel world.
"Okay, first thing first, let's allocate the stat points," Seraphina muttered, her voice firm with newfound resolve. The sheer number, 200 unassigned stat points, was staggering, a blank canvas of potential. Her current stats, boosted by the Star Fruit, were already impressive, but she knew this was her chance to truly shape her build, to become an unstoppable force in this brutal world.
Her mind raced, recalling her past weaknesses and the System's earlier, cutting remarks about them. Strength and Defense were vital for survival and combat. Agility was crucial for her predatory and evasive instincts. Intelligence was her greatest natural asset, making her cunning and strategic. And Luck... her abysmal 1% luck had nearly killed her multiple times before its recent, minor increase. That still needed serious attention.
She considered several approaches:
Stat Allocation Strategy: The Apex Predator
This strategy aims to turn Seraphina into a truly dominant force, capable of both dishing out and withstanding immense punishment, while mitigating her remaining weaknesses and leveraging her existing strengths.
1. Fortify Core Attributes & Survivability (100 Points)
+40 points to Strength (Total: 56): This will transform her into a physical powerhouse. With Rengo Claws Level 3, she'll be able to tear through almost anything at her current level, making her offensive capabilities terrifying.
+40 points to Defense (Total: 55): A massive boost to her durability. Combined with her increased HP, this will make her incredibly resilient, allowing her to tank significant damage and recover. This is crucial for sustained combat.
+20 points to Agility (Total: 47): Maintaining high agility ensures she retains her speed, evasiveness, and predatory movement, allowing her to dictate engagements and avoid hits even when her defense is high.
2. Bolster Luck & Strategic Acumen (60 Points)
+30 points to Luck (Total: 39): While still not exceptionally high by cosmic standards, jumping from 9 to 39 is a monumental leap. This will drastically improve her chances of finding rare items, encountering favorable situations, and avoiding unexpected misfortunes. It's an investment in the long game.
+30 points to Intelligence (Total: 82): Reinforcing her highest natural stat makes her an unparalleled strategist and problem-solver. It will also likely enhance her understanding and control over her monster abilities, and potentially boost mana regeneration and skill effectiveness.
3. Enhance Secondary Support (40 Points)
+20 points to MP (Total: 52): More MP means more uses of her active skills (like Predatory Gaze or future abilities from skill trees).
+20 points to Charm (Total: 52): While not directly combat-related, a high Charm can be invaluable for influencing others, gaining allies, or even intimidating foes in non-physical ways, especially if she ever encounters intelligent beings.
Seraphina paused, reviewing the numbers, her extraordinary intellect rapidly calculating the possibilities. Two hundred points was a colossal sum. She didn't need to specialize; she had enough to turn all her weaknesses into formidable strengths, and her current strengths into unparalleled advantages.
"I have enough to boost all stats," she declared, her decision firm.
As her will solidified, the 200 unused stat points flowed, distributing themselves across her attributes, strengthening every facet of her being. A profound sense of balance settled within her, her body humming with new, harmonious power.
Stats Update!
Agility: 27 + 29 = 56
Strength: 16 + 28 = 44
Defense: 15 + 29 = 44
MP: 32 + 28 = 60
Intelligence: 52 + 28 = 80
Charm: 32 + 29 = 61
Luck: 9 + 29 = 38
Unassigned Stat Points: 0
Seraphina's Level 14 body pulsed with raw might. Her Agility now allowed her to move with incredible speed and grace. Her Strength and Defense made her a physical force, capable of dealing and withstanding substantial damage. Her MP reserves were robust, her Intelligence unparalleled, her Charm radiating a captivating aura, and her Luck, once a terrifying liability, was now a significant asset.
She was an incredibly well-rounded powerhouse, a true anomaly forged in the crucible of this harsh world. With her primary stat points allocated, her gaze shifted to the remaining aspects of her power-up. She still had 100 Dragon Points to allocate within the unique Golden Dragon Skill Tree and the newly unlocked System Store to explore.
With her core stats now exceptionally powerful, Seraphina turned her attention to the next layer of her immense power-up. Her mind, now incredibly sharp with 80 Intelligence, easily navigated the newly upgraded System interface. She located the Star Fruit Skill Tree and, within it, the specific section dedicated to the Golden Dragon Skill Tree.
The screen transformed, displaying a complex, glowing network of nodes, each representing a potential skill or trait. At the top, a shimmering golden dragon's head served as the root, branching out into intricate pathways. She had 100 Dragon Points to spend here, a new, exclusive currency for this unique tree.
The System's sweet, yet subtly condescending, feminine voice resonated in her mind. "Ah, the Golden Dragon Skill Tree. A rare and potent lineage, indeed. These skills are far beyond your... common acquisitions. Choose wisely, Seraphina. Every allocation here will bring a significant inter-biological metamorphosis, shaping your very essence."
Seraphina ignored the jab. Her focus was entirely on the skills presented. The descriptions were tantalizing, promising power on a scale she hadn't yet imagined.
Golden Dragon Skill Tree
Dragon Points Available: 100
Here are some of the initial skills and traits available:
Golden Scales (Trait - 20 Dragon Points): Develops incredibly tough, golden scales across the user's body, significantly increasing Defense and granting Resistance to Fire and Physical Damage. (Requires minor biological metamorphosis: noticeable golden sheen on skin, hardening of epidermis.)
Dragon's Breath (Skill - 30 Dragon Points): Allows the user to exhale a cone of focused golden flames, dealing high Fire Damage to targets in an area. MP cost varies with duration. (Requires moderate biological metamorphosis: internal heat regulation, subtle changes to vocal cords/throat.)
Draconic Fortitude (Trait - 25 Dragon Points): Greatly increases Health Regeneration and provides Immunity to most Poisons and Diseases. (Requires minor biological metamorphosis: enhanced internal organs, increased metabolic rate.)
Dragon's Roar (Skill - 20 Dragon Points): Unleashes a powerful roar that intimidates and disorients enemies in a wide radius. More effective than Predatory Gaze on higher-level foes. MP cost varies. (Requires minor biological metamorphosis: strengthening of vocal cords and lungs.)
Golden Mana Affinity (Trait - 15 Dragon Points): Increases MP Regeneration and the efficiency of all magical/energy-based skills. (Requires minor biological metamorphosis: subtle energetic glow around the core, enhanced mana channels.)
Seraphina reviewed the initial offerings, each a tempting proposition. The System's warning about inter-biological metamorphosis echoed, but with her experience, she knew pain often came with power.
Seraphina meticulously examined the Golden Dragon Skill Tree, her extraordinary Intelligence calculating the optimal path. The promise of inter-biological metamorphosis was daunting, but the power offered outweighed the potential pain. Her choice was clear: a blend of defense, offense, healing, and energy enhancement.
"Golden Scales," she declared, the words firm. "Dragon's Breath. Draconic Fortitude. And Golden Mana Affinity."
A powerful, resonant hum vibrated through her being as the Dragon Points drained from her reserve, flowing into the chosen nodes.
Golden Dragon Skill Tree Allocation Confirmed!
Golden Scales (Trait - 20 Dragon Points)
Dragon's Breath (Skill - 30 Dragon Points)
Draconic Fortitude (Trait - 25 Dragon Points)
Golden Mana Affinity (Trait - 15 Dragon Points)
Dragon Points Remaining: 10
As the skills locked in, Seraphina felt a profound and immediate shift within her. A warm, golden energy surged from her Golden Monster Core +2, spreading throughout her body. Her skin tingled, then hardened, developing an almost imperceptible golden sheen. Her internal organs churned and rearranged themselves with surprising speed, feeling more robust, more efficient. A deep, comfortable heat settled in her chest and throat, a nascent fire waiting to be unleashed. Her very essence became more attuned to the ambient mana in the air.
The pain of these metamorphoses was present, but dull, easily managed by her now Pain Nullification (Minor) Level 3. She could feel the subtle, yet undeniable, changes occurring, solidifying her status as a creature far beyond mere human.
Seraphina opened her eyes, feeling immensely more powerful. She still had 10 Dragon Points remaining, not enough for another major skill but perhaps enough to push an existing one, or save for future, more advanced abilities within the tree. She studied the remaining skills, considering her options.
Seraphina's sharp gaze swept over the remaining branches of the Golden Dragon Skill Tree, looking for a skill she could acquire with her precious 10 Dragon Points. Many of the higher-tier abilities remained tantalizingly out of reach, but as she focused, a smaller, more specific node shimmered into view, connected to the roots of her recently acquired traits.
Golden Dragon Skill Tree
Dragon Points Available: 10
Dragon's Glimmer (Passive Trait - 10 Dragon Points): A subtle emanation of the Golden Dragon's essence that passively enhances perception and charisma. Grants a minor increase to Awareness and Charm, and can subtly deter weak, malevolent spirits or low-tier undead by its purifying presence. (Requires minor biological metamorphosis: a faint, almost imperceptible golden luminescence that can be consciously suppressed.)
The Dragon's Glimmer trait. It wasn't a flashy attack or a new defensive layer, but a passive enhancement to her existing strengths. More Awareness would make her even harder to surprise, and increased Charm could prove unexpectedly useful. The deterrence against weak malevolent spirits and undead was an added bonus, particularly given her recent encounter with the zombie. It was a subtle, yet highly practical investment.
Seraphina considered the Dragon's Glimmer trait. It was subtle, but its passive benefits to her perception and charm, along with its minor deterrent effect, felt like a wise investment for her last few Dragon Points.
"Dragon's Glimmer," she affirmed, and the final 10 points flowed away, activating the last accessible node in the initial branching of the Golden Dragon Skill Tree. A soft, almost imperceptible golden luminescence shimmered over her skin for a moment, then faded, leaving her feeling subtly more attuned to her surroundings, and with a faint, almost magnetic pull to her presence.
Golden Dragon Skill Tree Allocation Complete!
Dragon's Glimmer (Passive Trait - 10 Dragon Points)
Dragon Points Remaining: 0
With all her Dragon Points spent, Seraphina now possessed a formidable array of draconic abilities. She was a walking paradox: a Humanoid Slime infused with the essence of a Golden Dragon.
Her mind, now freed from the immediate task of allocation, immediately turned to the future. "How am I going to get more points?" she mused aloud, her voice echoing faintly in the quiet temple. She knew the answer for stat points was simple – leveling up. But Dragon Points? This was a new currency, tied to a very specific, incredibly rare fruit. The System had mentioned the "Golden Dragon Fruit Series" was "1 out of 1 found and consumed." Did that mean she had used the only one? Or simply the first in a series yet to be discovered?
The System's sweet, knowing voice chimed in. "A very astute question, Seraphina. Dragon Points, and indeed further advancements in the Golden Dragon Skill Tree, are acquired through the consumption of other fruits within the Star Fruit series, or by absorbing particularly potent dragonic entities. Both are exceedingly rare in this realm. However," the voice paused, a hint of amusement in its tone, "as the owner of this Temple of the World's Embrace, and with your Golden Monster Core +2, you now possess a unique advantage. This temple, and by extension, you, are connected to the World Tree. Deep within this structure, there may be pathways, or perhaps dormant energies, that can eventually guide you to more."
The System left her with that tantalizing hint, a new mystery to unravel. She had completed a massive transformation, but her journey had only just begun. The temple, with its secrets, now felt like the next frontier.
With her stats allocated and new draconic power thrumming beneath her skin, Seraphina's enhanced senses continued to sweep the treasure room. Her eyes, sharpened by Awareness Level 4 and Dragon's Glimmer, caught on something glinting in a shadowed corner.
On an ornate armor stand, a set of armor stood proudly. It wasn't full plate, nor was it practical battle gear. Her gaze lingered, taking in the details. The design was undeniably risqué, even slutty in her opinion. It was skimpy, revealing far more skin than it covered: a form-fitting, segmented top that barely concealed her newly enlarged breasts, a low-slung, equally minimal bottom piece, and long, fingerless gauntlets that seemed to be made of some dark, flexible metal. The most substantial pieces were the thigh-high leather boots, gleaming darkly, reaching to her thighs. The material looked durable, possibly leather reinforced with light plating.
A wave of internal conflict washed over Seraphina. Her human modesty recoiled. "Should I even wear this?" she wondered aloud, the very thought feeling humiliating. It was utterly impractical for true combat, leaving vast swathes of her body exposed. And then there was the practical concern: "Would it even fit her now?" Her recent metamorphosis had been profound; her body was toned, but also strangely dense and undoubtedly different.
Yet, as her eyes darted around the room, the grim reality set in. This was it. This was her only choice for clothing. The other treasures were gold, jewels, and then, in another section of the room, she noted an array of weapons – various swords, daggers, and even a heavy mace. But no other clothing.
The armor was her ticket out of this state of perpetual towel-wearing vulnerability. Despite its immodesty, it was armor nonetheless, and certainly better than nothing. The decision, though distasteful, was becoming clear.
The thought of donning the risqué armor made Seraphina's skin crawl. Her Intelligence kicked in, searching for an alternative. "Let me check the system store, surely it has armor," she muttered, a spark of hope igniting in her chest.
She quickly navigated the upgraded System interface, opening the newly unlocked System Store (Lvl. 1). A grid of items appeared, each with a price in a new currency she didn't yet recognize. Her hope quickly morphed into disappointment. The available armor options weren't really any better. In fact, many of them seemed to be variations on the same theme: leather straps, reinforced bracers, skimpy corsets, or chainmail bikinis. There were no full suits of plate, no practical stealth suits, nothing that offered full coverage or protection without sacrificing a significant portion of her dignity or leaving her largely exposed.
It seemed the universe, or at least this particular System Store, had a distinct aesthetic preference for its female adventurers. The available options were clearly designed more for "allure" than for actual battlefield utility, or at least, not for the kind of utility Seraphina instinctively desired.
She sighed, the reality of her predicament settling back in. The skimpy armor on the stand was still her only immediate option for protection and covering her nakedness.
"You can't blame anyone but yourself, idiot," the System's sweet, mocking voice chimed in, its tone dripping with self-satisfaction.
Seraphina's temper, surprisingly, flared despite her newfound calm. "What the hell do you mean?" she snapped, the words raw.
"You wanted a build where you're an agile apex predator, right?" the System continued, completely unfazed. "Well, these clothes help mobility, and also; you got the goods so why not show it a little. You might be dumb, but you're not a bad looker either."
The insult, delivered with such an infuriatingly pleasant tone, hit its mark. The implication that her physical enhancements dictated her wardrobe was infuriating. Yet, as she looked at the skimpy armor and then at her greatly increased Agility (56), a grudging, painful logic began to form. These outfits, while immodest, were indeed designed for maximum freedom of movement. And her newly acquired "goods," as the System so crudely put it, were undeniably part of her new, monstrous physiology, perhaps even linked to her terrifying Charm (61).
"Is there a way I can make or synthesize items or armors?" Seraphina asked, her mind already racing through possibilities. If she couldn't find suitable attire, perhaps she could create it.
"That will be unlocked at Level 25," the System's voice replied, cutting off her nascent hope with a definitive, if still sweet, tone.
A sigh of frustration escaped Seraphina. Level 25. She was Level 14 now, a monumental leap from her previous state, but still eleven levels away from being able to craft her own gear. The skimpy armor, it seemed, was truly her only viable option for now. Her disdain for it warred with the stark reality of her nakedness and the need for any kind of protection.
"Is there a way I can make or synthesize items or armors?" Seraphina asked, her mind already racing through possibilities. If she couldn't find suitable attire, perhaps she could create it.
"That will be unlocked at Level 25," the System's voice replied, cutting off her nascent hope with a definitive, if still sweet, tone.
A sigh of frustration escaped Seraphina. Level 25. She was Level 14 now, a monumental leap from her previous state, but still eleven levels away from being able to craft her own gear. The skimpy armor, it seemed, was truly her only viable option for now. Her disdain for it warred with the stark reality of her nakedness and the need for any kind of protection.