Chapter 76 - Making Choices

The regrowth of my limbs progresses steadily over the next few days. Whilst waiting for them to be fully regrown, I've been taking it easy, resting my battered body and preparing for the Ritual of Rebirth.

"So, we get to choose the monster we're reborn as?" Kelsh, the male Pyrean tilts his head quizzically. His shark-like teeth glint as he speaks, and he has a tendency to keep his lips such that the sharp edges of his teeth are visible.

Most likely an intimidation technique that's become a habit. Pyrean teeth are indeed sharp and can inflict deep lacerations on unguarded skin. From just a cursory glance at his memories I can tell he's had to act tough to get by.

"Within some limits. You see, the Ritual cannot add power, at least not without greatly adding to the chance that it fails." Sensing the confusion of the two others, Tiana and Erkut, I elaborate.

"When you make an Undead, it is Raised with the Core Statistics of the body it was made from. However, the Core Stats of an Undead are often much higher than those of humanoids or even some monsters. Over time, their Core Stats will rise much quicker than normal until they meet the normal Stats of the species of Undead they were turned into."

I pause, checking to make sure they're all following along so far. They are, good.

"However, you will not become Undead, you will become normal monsters. Therefore that process doesn't happen. So I need you to choose monsters that have Stats close to those you have. Of course, since you'll become monsters, you'll be able to grow and Evolve like normal."

At least, I hope you will.

Tiana nods her head slowly. Our Hivemind bond tells me that she's understanding, and is already thinking of options that fit within this new constraint. Erkut seems a bit dejected, possibly because this means his desired pick is way out of reach.

"So Dragonoids are completely out of the question?" Kelsh asks.

"They are. Of course, you could choose a Pseudo Dragonoid and hope that you're able to Evolve into a true Dragon." I reply, noting how Erkut's face lights up in realization. "If you tell me of your desired new form, I should be able to advice you, Erkut." I smile at him as he blushes.

"Well, I've already picked something that fits the criteria, so I'll just confirm it with you later." Tiana casts a glance at Erkut before getting up and walking off. She's a bit odd, that Tiana. Nice enough when in one of her rare good moods, but she gets these bouts of gloom that see her wandering off alone and getting quite upset if anyone follows her.

Of course, I can always tell where she is and what she's doing, so I have no worries about it.

"Ah- Millibelle, I wanted to become an Akhlut, but that's far beyond what's possible, isn't it?" Erkut mumbles, clearly shy about his pick.

*Akhlut - An apex predator that combines the features of a giant wolf and an orca. Its ability to hunt just as well on land as in the freezing waters of its arctic home makes it beloved as a symbol of adaptability for the people of the frozen north.*

Ah, I can see why he wants to become one of those. Any possible options for him to eventually achieve that dream?

*Scanning...*

*Option 1: Sea Hare - Combines the features of a hare and an otter. A low powered grazer, it avoids predators with speed and maneuverability both on land and in water. Evolving from the Sea Hare is the Amaroka, also known as the Lesser Glacial Wolf, which then can Evolve into the Akhlut.*

*Option 2: Skaldwylg - Small but determined carnivore closely resembling a cross between the arctic fox and wolverine of your World. Evolving from it is the Einkei, then Kelding, before finally being able to become the Akhlut.*

*Option 1 would be faster, though Erkut would be weaker for most of the time before reaching the Akhlut. Option 2 would provide better survivability, but take longer as it involves more Evolutionary steps.*

As I relay this to Erkut, his face contorts quite adorably as he thinks deeply. "You have as long as you need to decide, do not do so in a hurry, lest you'll forever regret your choice." I advice him before turning to Kelsh.

"I haven't even been able to settle on what I want..." He admits, shyly rubbing the back of his head as he stares down his shoes. "As I said, take as long as you need to decide. I'd hate to perform the Ritual and have you later realize you regret your choice. This is, after all, the choice that will determine how you're going to live the rest of your life." I remind them both.

I get up, limping away on my three good legs, towards the edge of the grove. I can sense the Death and Life Dragons being close to returning home now, and I wish to greet them.

Before long, they crest the edge of the grove, descending down towards me. They seem... different? They must have Evolved whilst away! It's no wonder, really, considering what they've both been through.

The former Death Dragon has shrunk, going from being bigger than me to being a bit smaller than me, placing them roughly at the size of a normal horse. Their previously thin frame has bulked out though, and they seem to ripple with muscles now.

Their scales have toughened and taken on an odd rectangular shape, their color like black lacquer. Their horns are more like moose antlers, the tips broad and shovel-like. I inspect them.

*Daimyo Dragon*

*An EXRare mid-tier Death Dragon that has survived countless battles against humanoids. Excels in close quarters combat, leveraging its speed and small but powerful frame against even the biggest opponent. Said to be a master strategist, it has been observed recruiting less powerful monsters to its side, training them in combat in order to protect its nest. It's unknown just what these other monsters gain in return, as it is highly dangerous for humanoids to stay near a Daimyo nest for long due to its aggressive nature. Heralded as a sure sign of incoming strife and battle between nations.

Due to its rarity, and lethality when fighting humanoids in particular, very few have ever been hunted. As such, not much is known of the potential uses of its parts, but one can hazard an educated guess that they would be powerful indeed.*

*Rank: 8 Stars*

Wait, Daimyo as in like, Oda Nobunaga Daimyo? So... Warlord Dragon. I see. Makes sense, considering the mass slaughter they went on during the battle between Parshura and Harmek.

Next, the former Life Dragon. Their size is much the same as before, though they've slimmed down slightly, taking on quite the elegant appearance. Hovering above their head, framed by their curling, almost swirling, horns, is a shining ball that hums with Life Magic.

Their scales seem to have vanished from most of their body, leaving just a couple of rows of broad, pearlescent fish-like scales running from their head to their tail. In replacement of the scales, semi-translucent skin shimmers as they move, and where the scales that remain end, a long, flowing membrane flutters forth, giving the impression of a veil or cape.

Their wings are similar in looks to this veil, and seem almost too frail to carry their body in flight. Overall, they exude an aura of dainty elegance.

*Saint Dragon*

*An EXRare mid-tier Life Dragon that has overcome its innate dislike of humanoids and saved the lives of dozens of them with its magic. It is heralded as a sign of peace and prosperity. The glowing orb it carries between its horns is packed with Life Element, and it passively heals and fortifies all life near it via this orb. A sworn pacifist, it has lost all will and ability to fight, making it one of the few known herbivorous Dragonoids.

As hunting a Saint Dragon is seen as taboo, none have ever been hunted, at least that history knows of. Parts have been harvested off of discovered dead Saint Dragons, though one shudders to think of the depravity of the monster that would attack something as peaceful as a Saint Dragon. Unsurprisingly, the parts are useless for weapons, as if the spirit of the Saint Dragon lingers on, preventing its earthly remains from causing harm even if the Dragon itself is long since dead.*

*Rank: Not really applicable, but 8 Stars on account of being a mid-tier Dragon*

They look quite striking together, the fierce looking Daimyo and serene looking Saint. Lagging slightly behind, is what used to be the Lurastray Shadow sent along with them. Its form is now eerily humanoid, its wings having turned into feathered arms tipped in long, black talons.

Sprouting from its back is a large pair of jet-black wings. The rest of its plumage has gone from the all black of the Lurastray to being speckled with blood-red spots that seem to shift ever so slightly, giving the distinct illusion of leering eyes.

*Wightingale*

*A Lurastray that has fed upon the dead of a battlefield. Infused with the lingering regrets and sorrows of those who have lost their life in battles fought on behalf of others, it's said that for each victim, two scarlet spots appear on its body. It seeks out humanoids that are soon to die a drawn out death, and attempts to deliver to them a swift end. This peculiarity means many seek medical attention soon after spotting a Wightningale, and many do indeed suffer from deadly ailments without their knowledge.

Adept in Air and Dark Spells, but truly excels in hit and run tactics, reaching speeds so high all one sees is the scarlet blur of its plumage. Like all Undead, the weak spot is the head, though being able to hit it is a considerable challenge unless the monster is somehow prevented from moving altogether.

A bit too small to be able to deliver many useful parts, its eyes and talons are sought after for use in warding charms, though.*

*Rating: 4 Stars*

It's the size of a small child, and eagerly toddles up to me once it's landed. I absentmindedly pat it on the head as I address the Dragons.

"Congratulations on your Evolution, both of you." I smile to them, happy to see them well. The Saint trails off, perhaps afraid to offend. Daimyo adds, nodding sadly.

Seemingly content with the headpats, the Wightingale wanders off towards the center of the grove. I begin filling the two Dragons in on what's happened on my end whilst they've been away, only to be interrupted by a shrill cry.

That's Grandma!

Monsters run towards the source of the scream as I hobble after them. When I get there, most all of the Servants are clustered around something, and I have to order them to part way so that I can get a look at the scene.

There, facing down a frightened Grandma, is the Wightingale. Its entire body trembles, and I can sense the discord building within it as it struggles against the chains of my orders to not harm humans.

"Sleep" I Command the Wightingale, and it slumps forward, asleep before it even touches the ground. Grandma inhales deeply, seems she's been holding her breath. Still trembling from the shock of the experience, I get a Jotun to carry her into her hut. I use Size Change, a twinge of guilt as I remember how I got this Skill.

Following them inside, the Jotun then leaves us two alone, and the door closes behind him. I can sense the presence of most of the Servants bunched up outside the door though, so it's not really a one-on-one conversation.

"W-what a dreadful creature..." Grandma mumbles as she tries to steady her voice. "Are you okay? Did it hurt you?" I ask.

"I... It didn't attack me. But scare the life out of me it did." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "I'm sure you know why it reacted that way to me." She almost spits the words, as if she knows this is a long time coming, yet she's angry that is has.

"Wightingales seek out those suffering from terminal illnesses to grant them a swift death... You know, I could have cured you, why didn't you come to me?" I try to hide my frustration. I might have failed though, as Grandma winces slightly before responding to me.

"It's... I have Life Poisoning. An overabundance of Life Element causes the flesh to grow out of control... And using healing Spells on me would... It would just speed up the process." Samantha seems to melt before me. The staunch and headstrong woman I've come to know dissolves into a weak and tired old woman who is dying to an uncurable disease.

*Life Poisoning would be called 'cancer' in your World. And... in this World there is no cure. Regular Purifying at a Divine Spring slows the spread, but scans of Samanthas body indicate it has spread to many organs. She has months at best.*

World Knowledge answers my question even without me asking it. That means... Even back then at the Spring where I first met her...

"I know it's hard to understand, but I'm content. I've lived a life most would be envious of. Those trips I took to the village were to settle my final affairs. I'm almost ready. I just want a bit more time with Delpha... Just a bit longer. Until the pain becomes too much." Tears trickle down her cheeks as she draws shaky breaths.

"I... I want you to do it, Millibelle. Then, in a way, I'll always be with her. She's like the grand-daughter I never had, you know." She clears her throat before continuing. "If you could tell Delpha to come see me, that'd be good. I... I need to tell her this myself. And I'll let you know when I'm ready."

As I open the door to the hut, I have just enough time to sidestep Delpha as she rushes into the small room. Leaving quietly, I order the Servants to disperse and give the two some time alone. Abe and Mabe languish outside the hut though, clearly distraught that their beloved friend is so sad.