Oh, right... I remembered that there was some sort of a transformation event for my [Lycan] [Hidden Quest]. I'm guessing the [Mind Link] setting must have zonk me out for it. That must be the reason why I feel like crud today.
But wait... The announcement said that the [Full Link] has been deactivated. But that's crazy. I heard that setting is supposed to put you in full trance at the risk of migraines and mental being. I didn't expect the game to activate automatically during my transformation. I hope I didn't do anything stupid while I was in a trance.
[Oh! I didn't expect you to wake up so soon.]
I turn around and see a certain [Lycan] village leader carrying a tray of meat and a cup of water.
"Morning, Fenrir," I greeted. "I'm guessing my transformation went well, huh?"
[It's more than okay. Why don't you look at yourself? I brought a full mirror if you're interested.]
Huh... I didn't notice the new furniture until he mentioned it right now. I managed to get out from the bed despite my grogginess from my transformation and look at my reflection in the mirror. To say I'm shocked at what I saw is an understatement.
My lack of clothes except with my ripped shorts aside, my jaw dropped once I saw my once lanky body now had six-pack abs and swollen muscles that were almost reminiscent of a bodybuilder. I have also grown a few inches that's more on par with my real-life height and my now-bluish silver hair has grown longer up to my shoulders. Not only that, there's a nagging feeling there is something wrong with my hands. I look down and see that they were normal at first. But I suddenly felt a pitch in my fingers and I gasped to see my nails growing longer and sharper. I also noticed my changes weren't limited to my body as I felt something through my teeth. I opened my mouth and saw some of my front teeth were replaced by fangs.
I'm a bit freaked out by them at first. But for some reason, I feel comfortable with them in my mouth. Is it because of my new nature as a [Lycan]? Who knows...
[So... How are you feeling?]
I turn around and look at Fenrir after checking the new changes in my body. "It felt so surreal," I answered while looking at what I assumed to be my new claws. "Yet it felt so natural to me. It's as if I was meant to be a [Lycanthrope] right from the beginning!"
That might be an exaggeration. But I can't help this newfound bundle of energy I'm feeling after seeing my new body. Is this what Lawrence meant by "recreating my character"? If so, it means that I'm not playing the same character anymore. I'm not the weak old "Lowry" anymore.
[If that's the case, how about you christen yourself with a new name?]
I raise my eyebrow when I turn my attention back to Fenrir. "Is that possible?"
He responded with a nod. [You are now part of the
Then, a new window pops up.
A new name... I have a chance of a fresh start. This isn't just recreating my character. It's restarting my journey into
"For me, it's not optional with where I'm going next."
I tap [YES] without any second thoughts and type in my new name. With one more [YES], Lowry isn't in [Isekai] anymore.
"As of this moment, just call me
I smiled upon seeing the notice popped up with my new name in the game.
[Well, Lunar, I'm looking forward to your new journey ahead of you,] Fenrir answered with a nod.
"I promise I won't let you and the village down, Fenrir."
He then responds with a smirk. [Knowing you, I know you will make us proud.] He clapped his hands next. [Now then, you must be hungry after your first transformation. I already put a fresh shirt and shoes in the closet, so feel free to use them until you have your new clothes.]
I nod back at him. I'm glad I'm not going out them running half-naked...
Huh? This smell... It doesn't seem like it came from the food downstairs, but something about it is bugging me.
Wait, Lyco?! Does that mean he's in the forest?! How the hell did he find this place?!
[Hmm? What's the matter, Lunar?]
I shake my head. I know it might be a coincidence, but it smells like he's nearby.
"AAARRRGGGGHHH!!!"
Of course, I had to pick up his familiar scream as well. There's no time to waste!
"Sorry, Fenrir. Breakfast can wait. I need to find someone first! He could be in danger!"
I quickly equip both the shirt and shoes Fenrir provided and rush out of the guest room.
[Lunar, wait!]
I feel bad leaving Fenrir behind like that. But Lyco is in danger and I have to save him before the forest monsters get to him! I ran down the stairs and rushed out of the door when...
"ARGH!!! Do you have to be too rough, ma'am?!"
I froze at the strange sight outside of Fenrir's house. I found Lyco, but not being attacked. Rather, he's being stretched out on the table by Mellie like a masseuse.
[Don't complain so much. Even before he transformed into a [Lycan], Lawrence grits his teeth and he recovered most of his strength back because of my gentle hands,] Mellie said with a grin.
I winced as I watched him struggling from her massage. "How is this "gentle"?!"
[Again, not to worry. I'm not as good as my mother, but I promise you will go back with your muscles refreshed!]
But despite her words, Lyco kept screaming while I stood there, wondering what the heck am I watching.
Eventually, they finished his massage and I watched Lyco gasping as if he was dying from it. As for Mellie, she's enjoying a rabbit steak with me, Fenrir, and Claw in the dining room.
[I heard everything from Fenrir and Lawrence, little cub. Congrats on becoming a fully-fledged [Lycan],] Mellie said. [You must be excited after your first full moon.]
"Uh... Yeah," I muttered after chewing a few slices of steak. "But I'm more surprised that my friend is here in the village, too. How did you get here anyway, Lyco?"
Lyco woke up and quickly turned to me next. "I was asking you the same question!" He exclaimed. "How did you transform into a werewolf?! And what the hell happened to you, Lowry?! You look like one of those berserker characters in fantasy novels!"
I'm gonna pretend that's a compliment rather than a snarky insult.
"The name's Lunar now, Lyco. I kinda took a special [Hidden Quest] and let myself turn into a [Lycanthrope]," I explained. "I'm planning to get my hair cut, but it's better than the weak old me."
Lyco stared at me for a while. I'm not surprised he's disbelieved at my words. I'm also shocked at the changes myself. But I accepted it since I wanted to change from my cowardly self and having this new appearance is a first step in standing up for myself against my detractors and bullies such as Savior and his guild.
"You ain't kidding. No wonder why you were able to rip Sien and his cronies last night."
"Excuse me?"
Why did he mention Savior's yes man? I don't remember that happening.
"I think he's talking about the incident after your first transformation, kid."
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As soon as I heard that voice, I turned around and encountered Lawrence entering the house through the front door.
"Good morning, Lawrence," I greeted. "Uh... What do you mean by "incident"?"
[A few adventurers broke into the forest's shrine like last time,] Fenrir answered. [Your friend, Lyco was helping me with the lumber that day when we learned of their motives thanks to your previous encounter with their associates.]
I almost dropped my fork once I heard that similar incident. Dammit! Even after they got penalized, those viper jerks still won't give up the shrine! I guess one werewolf attack wasn't enough to deter them. But that aside, this raises some more questions about my missing memories.
"And what happened to them?" I asked again.
[We defended the shrine until they used weapons against beast monsters on us. The same thing happened to your friend at their leader's hands. We would have died until you came along and slaughtered them.]
No wonder... If Fenrir wasn't here right now because of Sien and [Viper Fangs], I wouldn't forgive myself about it...
Wait... I did what?!
"Me?! What do you mean I slaughtered them?!"
Did he say that right? Realistically from a gameplay perspective, there's no way I can beat him with the [Total Mastery Level] gap between us!
"I couldn't believe it as well. But I saw you stabbing Sien's gut like butter and shredding his goons no problem!" Lyco said. "I'm surprised you haven't been labeled as a PK after that massacre!"
"But killing Sien in an unfair fight? There's no way I could have survived that," I reasoned. "Besides, I thought first full moon transformations were supposed to lose my mind and attack friend or foe."
"Yeah, we can't deny that fact," Lawrence explained. "However, when I first found you, it was the exact opposite..."
[A night ago...]
Lawrence was rushing through the trees in his werewolf form along with the NPC guards. This was his first time witnessing a first full moon transformation outside of his own and he didn't expect the young player to escape from his enclosure so soon. If he recalled, he was heading in the direction where the
His eyes widened after reading the notice. If that was true, then there might be a chance a fight was inevitable. He knew Lowry wasn't a bit strong even in his wild state, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that option.
[Sir, I saw the village leader and a [Human] at the shrine!]
Just as he thought. He sprinted towards their destination and once he arrived, he yelled out, "Hey, is everyone alright?!"
But when they saw the whole area, they gasped only at the unexpected sight of bodies scattered on the ground with some disappearing in data. Not only that, they saw a familiar grey [Lycanthrope] with a young [Human] and a silver werewolf snuggling him.
"Uh.. What's going on here?" Lawrence asked cautiously, yet confused at this scene.
Fenrir growled in frustration. [It's a long story. All I can say is that we need more security around the shrine. This is the second time some [Adventurers] invaded the shrine in a month.]
"That's very concerning." He switched my gaze to the [Human] player next. "And that adventurer..."
[At ease, Lawrence. This [Human] is with me. Without him, I wouldn't protect the shrine with the offerings intact.]
"He's telling the truth, Mr... Uh... Werewolf guy," the [Human] player interrupted. "I was helping him with the lumber when we ran into those guys trying to raid it, thinking it's a dungeon. It also helped since I know those invaders as part of [Viper Fangs]."
[Viper Fangs]? If Lawrence recalled, those were the same players Lowry mentioned. He was shocked that they were willing to invade the shrine again. "Just what in the world those kids were thinking?!" He thought
But that would have to wait for him to guess. What he was more curious about was the silver werewolf acting like an affectionate dog.
"And that [Lycan]... I'm guessing he went out of control and killed the invaders, huh?"
[Actually, it's the opposite,] Fenrir answered. [The fledgling came and rescued us just as we lost against their underhanded tactics. What's more baffling was that he retained a semblance of his humanity and recognized the invaders as our enemies at first glance.]
"At first glance?! How was that possible?!" He thought in shock. "I barely controlled myself in my first transformation during the beta. But this kid managed to retain himself in a matter of an hour from his own. He really was full of surprises."
"I think I understand." Lawrence turned his attention back to the [Human] player next. "And what is your association with that werewolf, young man?"
The player sighed, who was somehow frustrated for some reason. Yet it has a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
"He's my real-life friend."
"BARK!!!"
The veteran player stared at both players, speechless at his answer.
"Why did I ask..."
I feel like my face is turning red at the thought of me snuggling Lyco like a loveable beagle. I was expecting myself to go around hunting monsters in my werewolf fervor. But I ended up being Lyco's literal lap dog?! What the hell are you thinking, wolf me?!
"On the bright side, at least your werewolf self is more friendly than you," Lyco remarked, which I frowned at this.
"Real funny." I turned to Lawrence and Fenrir next. "But that doesn't explain how I managed to kill all of those adventurers with my current strength."
[That's because when you first transform into your wolf body, you will gain immense strength on par with the strongest [Lycans] ever existed. But you can only possess that said strength in your very first full moon,] Fenrir explained. [As for your retained humanity, you were not only prepared for your inner wolf's arrival, but you embraced it like an old friend and accepted your transformation without resistance. If you would do the latter, your wolf self would have acted like any other [Lycan] during their first transformations.]
So a taste of power and an energetic and friendly werewolf, huh? I didn't recall that much, but I can recall how strong I was last night and I didn't have any pang of guilt when I woke up. "And that would explain how I got out of that fight unscathed after I woke up, right?"
Fenrir nodded before bowing to me. [I apologize for not mentioning that important detail.]
I shook my head and said, "No need to apologize. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't save you and Lyco in time. That's one thing I'm grateful for my wolf self."
"The feeling is mutual, Lo- I mean, Lunar," Lyco spoke up next. "As for Sien and his goons, I haven't checked on them yet in some other parts. But thanks to you, they will be suffering more than [Death Penalties] thanks to their PK attempt on us."
Right. Since I didn't have a [Player Killer] title on my name when I woke up, it seemed like the [PK Defense] must have gone up while I was in wolf mode. Which means they will suffer a huge [MEXP] loss and 3 hours of stat debuffs. At least there was a bright side to this incident. But that doesn't mean we're not out of the woods yet.
"But I still can't believe [Viper Fangs] is still out to get this forest's shrine," I groaned. "Why are they so keen about its offerings?"
"Maybe it has something to do with enhancing items and equipment?" Lyco guessed.
"True. But there's something more to it." I chew another piece of steak and swallow it so I can continue. "Do you know anything about the forest and its reputation, Fenrir?"
He shook his head and said, [Nothing came to mind. The village itself remained a secret to all but the trustworthy individuals and traveling [Lycans]. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this incident.]
"Regardless, we can't do anything other than making theories," Lawrence said. "As I suggested yesterday, we should tighten security around the shrine. It seemed like it was their target and not the village."
[Alright. But I'm still giving it the same treatment. The village might not be their target, but we should be prepared for the worst.]
"At least you guys got some plans to not repeat history," Lyco spoke up. "Don't worry. I promised not to tell a soul everything about [Lycans] or this village."
[Good. But just in case, you will be in solitary confinement,] Fenrir suggested.
"Yep! I'm going to be... WHAT?!"
I sheepishly chuckled at his shock while Fenrir continued, [Don't take it the wrong way, young man. I'm grateful for your help, but I'm concerned about your safety after yesterday's events. Rest assured we won't mark you. Your friend might agree, don't you think?]
There's no quest window popping out so far. But he's right. With Lyco now involved in [Viper Fangs'] petty attempts to get revenge on me, I can't risk his safety in the public eye for the time being.
"Don't worry! There's a lot of [Hidden Quests] and normal ones for you to do," I assured him with a thumbs-up. "It also helps to get to know the folks around here."
"Seriously?! Can't you give me a peek back at
While Lyco kept on complaining, Lawrence approached me and I noticed his whisper chat invitation from the friend list, which I accepted.
<
Why did he mention it now? But now that I think about it, there's no reason for me to hesitate now.
"Right. If you excuse me, I should knock myself out for the day," I said while pretending to yawn and stretch my arms.
[So soon?] Fenrir asked.
[Awww... I thought we might see your new wolf form, Mr. Lunar...] Claw whined.
"I wish I could, but I have other things to do," I excused. "Besides, with the first full moon done, I should take a break every now and then."
Lyco groaned and said, "Don't tell me you have to go back to that place again?"
I smirked. I get what he's saying, but it's different this time.
"Let's just say I have a big decision to make. But I need some time before I make a big announcement."
Lyco then raised his eyebrow. "Big announcement?"
I respond with a smirk. "You'll see."
[Later in the real world...]
Dammit! That's the second time we got kicked out of our penalty! What's worse is that damn [PK Defense] gave us a nasty [MEXP] cut! What's more embarrassing is that we died before we could find that traitor! If David hears about this, he will never forgive me for this second f*ck-up.
I looked around the street and noticed some people were already staring at me on this clear day. I shouldn't flip my lid so soon. There is still a scandal plan in place. Once I arrive at that traitor's workplace, I will drive him out of work so no one will give him another job again!
Hehehehe... I stare at the door of the general store with a big grin. I can imagine his face when his sleazy boss told him about the scandal and his so-called supportive colleagues stabbed him in the back with the fake evidence we planted.
"I didn't do it! I'm innocent! I'm only a poor bastard who only wants to be as rich as David! Boo-hoo!"
Haha! That's enough to break his tough-guy fa?ade and regret messing with the [Viper Fangs]! I just need to enter through this and hear his boss say...
"I quit."
Yeah! Quit!
...Wait. "QUIT"?! It was supposed to be "You're fired, Lowell!"
And that doesn't sound like his boss. That's Lucas standing right in front of him, smirking while placing a paper on the counter. He's not wearing the store uniform and most of his co-workers were staring at him in shock. His shitty friend is also there, but he's not helping him defend their accusations or kneeling down below the boss. This isn't right... He's supposed to be begging that he's innocent, not this!
What the hell is going on here?!
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