“She’s here!

She froze our fields, our animals starved to death, and now she’s gonna finish the job, I know it! Why, why did the Arbiter send us against that… that THING? Why on Nortanis did we AGREE!? How could we hope to kill something like Her!? The omnidragon-”

-From the journal of an unknown dragon hunter, found within his frozen village.

Nashariel pov

After wondering for a while, Nashariel decided to pick the most general skills possible. She was almost certain that these ones could work in all forms, as opposed to [Improved flammability] or [Inspiring light], which clearly belonged to the dragon she could buy them from. Crossing her fingers, Nashariel started her shopping spree.

*Improved flight Lvl 1

Everyone can flap their wings, wobbling in the sky and calling it a day. This skill will help you navigate the winds, hopefully avoiding you a... let’s go with unpleasant landing.

You have slightly more control, speed, and maneuverability when flying.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl. *

Nicholas told Nashariel that dragons started flying around her age. Getting some help learning sounds good in my book. I can’t wait to finally fly!

After roaming among the chambers for a while, Nashariel noticed that all dragons possessed a specialty. It made perfect sense, and it was surely going to speed up all her future purchases.

*Stealth, Venom, Improved burrow, Improved swimming, Fury, Improved learning, and Identify have been acquired.

No free skills remaining. 2 skill points have been spent.

Stealth Lvl 1

Sometimes, you have to be sneaky. Hunter or hunted, going unnoticed in the right circumstances can be a healthy habit to possess. Can’t hurt to be extra careful, right?

You are slightly harder to notice, whenever you wish so.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl. *

There wasn’t a reason to not get this skill, it was amazing for hunting, as some of her ambushes had proved many times.

*Venom Lvl 1

Most small beings possess a toxin in their arsenal, making them deadly even for much larger predators. This tool is as dangerous as it is common, so be careful on your journey.

Your claws and teeth can produce a toxin. Its damage is based on your power.

You cannot poison yourself with this skill.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl. *

Boars had tough hides. Since getting through them was difficult, Nashariel wanted an option that took care of that, other than her elementless Breath. Plus, now that she was stronger, the dragoness could consider fighting the bigger monsters.

*Improved burrow Lvl 1

Excavating holes is a common practice among monsters. Humanoids tend to do it too, only for having the upper side crashing on them soon after. This skill will prevent that. Hopefully.

The ground is broken through slightly easier and faster, while the structural integrity is improved.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl.

Improved swimming Lvl 1

Most beings can learn how to swim, but few can do it in adverse currents, especially if a monster is trying to eat them. Be it water or lava, this skill has you covered. Although, you may want to wait on having lava baths.

You have slightly more control, speed, and maneuverability when swimming.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl. *

Nashariel waited for another message from the tablet, but nothing resounded. Additional movement skills sound good to have, merge or not. Plus, a water dragon unable to swim properly would look ridiculous. Let’s ignore the lava part... for now.

*Fury Lvl 1

Rage is a powerful emotion, making you ignore pain or heavy wounds to reach your goal. Sometimes, throwing away every subtlety and smashing your enemy into pulp is the right tactic, and this skill cannot wait to help.

Damage inflicted is slightly increased, Awareness is slightly reduced.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl. *

Nashariel often read about the fire dragons' temper, and the devastation they rained down on the people. Obviously, she didn't plan to raze cities, but acquiring something resembling a trump card could prove vital.

*Identify Lvl 1

Knowledge is power. This skill will help you to decide if engaging with the creature in front of you is a good idea or not; thus, increasing your survival chances.

Selecting a creature, or a group nearby provides information. If you happen to know your enemy already, this skill will provide a brief recap.

Range increases with levels.

Upgrade cost: 1 skill point Lvl. *

Another of the essential skills. Perhaps the most common one among all of them, even if it was considered rude using it on someone without their permission. It cost two points to buy, but Nashariel didn’t care in the slightest.

*Improved learning Lvl 1

Most monsters are mindless beings, whose only goal is to eat and level. However, some, such as yourself, possess an inner drive to better themselves on an intellectual level... which is all the more frightening for humanoids.

You learn and remember slightly faster and easier.

This skill is influenced by your awareness.

Upgrade cost: 2 points Lvl. *

The best for last! Something told Nashariel that mastering all those forms would have been troublesome. Re-reading all of her books for the third time? Piece of cake. Cake…Nashariel drooled at her last pre-awakening memory.

Shaking off that thought, Nashariel returned to the giant slab of stone, deciding to finally spend her stat points.

*Name: Nashariel Holyshield.

Race: Omnidragon (young)

Current humanoid form: Human dragokin

Current attunement: -

Age: 13

Level: 35

Available stat points: 1270

Available skill points: 128

Strength: 20 - 21

Power: 16 - 17

Resilience: 24 - 26

Vitality: 22 - 24

Dexterity: 14 - 15

Awareness: 14 - 15

Essence: 10 - 11

Endurance: 18 - 19

Hp: 220

Mana: 110

Stamina: 180 *

Yeah, those were lots of points all at once. That skill is amazing. Thank you, mom! Now, real question... what do I want to focus on? Essence is useless to me at the moment, so the rest is more important… still, I won’t get this many points at once for a long time, if ever. I’ll put in a few.

Too much endurance is unnecessary, since I live in a city, and I can hunt whenever I want. Resilience has the absolute priority. Getting stomped hurts. Power and awareness… the two stats were competing for the spot. In the end, the latter won. Seeing how easily her father skewered those monsters left a lasting impact on Nashariel.

*Available free stat points: 0

Strength: 220 - 235

Power: 116 - 124

Resilience: 274 - 293

Vitality: 222 - 238

Dexterity: 214 - 229

Awareness: 174 - 186

Essence: 80 - 86

Endurance: 118 - 126

Hp: 2380

Mana: 860

Stamina: 1260 *

Nashariel confirmed the changes, her whole body starting to itch, while her mind seemed to break through a dam.

The girl’s muscles became hard as steel, bones turning as heavy as stone. Nashariel’s mind became sharper than ever before, and, even in her status, she could notice every single crack of the stones, each little detail on the elemental doors appeared as clear as sunlight as if a blanket suddenly vanished from her eyesight.

Minutes later, the sensations faded away.

Nashariel stretched a bit, her body cracking a few times. Prodding her human skin, the girl found it tougher than her pre-awakening dragon scales. I wonder if a boar can even damage me now. The little ones, at least. Now, for the skill points.

Lianna almost ordered Nashariel to raise her growth skills to the maximum, before looking at anything else, as they weren't retroactive. Plus, the twentieth level of a skill granted additional benefits but cost twice as much. She chose to follow this advice, because, even if her bonuses per level were a fixed value, the stats weren’t.

*Remaining free skill points: 106

Omnidragon prowess Lvl 1-> 20

New % increase -> 45%

For having reached the cap, Omnidragon prowess adds 5% to its multipliers.

Total multiplier 50%

Omnidragon prowess has reached its cap. You may evolve this skill by spending 125 points and reaching level 60.

Strength: 220 - 330

Power: 116 - 174

Resilience: 274 - 411

Vitality: 222 - 333

Dexterity: 214 - 321

Awareness: 174 - 261

Essence: 80 - 120

Endurance: 118 - 177

Hp: 3330

Mana: 1200

Stamina: 1770 *

Nashariel whistled in appreciation. Yeah, this had been the right decision, even if it was the boring one. A flat half more in all stats? Worth every single point. She glanced at the zero in her stat points. I kinda want more already, the girl chuckled.

*Absorbed: 4 stat points, 2 skill points. *

... How did I gain points? [Omnidragon kin] mentioned absorbing energy from around me. Am I taking in the cathedral’s mana, or my family’s? More importantly, for how much longer will I remain stuck in here? Nicholas talked about days, but I don’t like the idea.

Huffing in annoyance mixed with appreciation, Nashariel decided to take a look at her new dragon form.

Her dragon body had grown massively. Nashariel was as tall as an elephant, long three times that from snout to tail-tip. Damn. Still gray scales, though. I guess I do look like an elephant. A scaled, winged, element-breathing one. Eh, could be worse.

Thankfully, the plaza-like place enlarged itself, and everything grew dragon-sized. Neat!

Nashariel couldn’t test her skills in her status, so she made herself familiar with the place. Hours later, the familiar sensation of fainting returned.

This time, Nashariel found herself outside of the closing trunk, noticing that six branches were now infused by an element.

The girl blinked many times, and the next thing she saw was her egg-like thing quickly crumbling, the pieces vanishing mid-air in thousands of gray particles.

Her family was still there, looking like they had played with cards. As usual, Tom had towers of gold, while Nicholas’s side was empty. Her parents were sure that Tom had learned a few tricks from the fey.

Nashariel towered over them, feeling like a giant staring at human children. She was almost scraping the ceiling, so the girl shifted back to humanoid form.

An unexpected weight momentarily unbalanced Nashariel. Glancing backward, the girl grimaced. A large pair of wings and a long, thick tail were happily swishing behind her.

Nashariel was also taller, more muscular… and naked. Flushing, the girl put her new wings to good use, improvising a cloak.

Nashariel’s family smiled at her. “Welcome back, Nash.”

Thalom ran, giving her his cloak.

She fiddled with it for some time. It was large enough to cover her body at the moment. “Thanks! How did it look from outside?”

Their smile strained a bit. “... which choice did you make, dear?” Asked mom, ignoring Nashariel’s question.

The dragoness froze for a moment. Why is she alarmed? Nashariel revealed her sub-species name, explaining to her family how she spent her time up until now. Nicholas was furiously scribbling on his book. Did I tell him something new? "... and then I woke up. What happened here?"

“A few hours ago, your egg turned black and started to siphon mana. We thought that you made a... specific choice.” Replied Tom. He looked relieved.

Oh Astill, they thought I chose a dark form. Well, technically I can be that too, but I didn’t exactly choose it. That must count for something, right? “I’m... sorry?”

Mom waved my apologies away. “It wasn’t your fault, little light. Should we head home?”

Nashariel nodded, wagging her new tail. She remembered that mom mentioned something about presents, after her awakening. The literal one.

“Have fun with your gift, little one.” Winked Thomas. He knows something!

"I believe it will be to your liking." Nick chuckled. Shutting down his skill, he continued. "I shall research more about your species. Maybe something useful will pop up."

Nashariel thanked him. He always cared, especially if the Library was involved.

They all teleported out, leaving their two friends in the building. Out of the cathedral, Nashariel could appreciate her risen stats in full.

Thanks to her stats, the world had become... more real. The colors were more intense, the crowd’s chatter louder, her body adapting almost instantly to walking with additional limbs… those kinds of stuff.

Once home, Thalom and Lianna nudged Nashariel upstairs. She darted into her room, deaf to the gouges in the wood left by her wings, leaping over part of the stairs. She could apologize later.

On her bed... it was there.

Only Astill knew how long she had waited for it.

Ragnar's first-ever published adventure, bound in a fish monster’s leather, with the title engraved in golden aqueum.

This adventure of his was two centuries old, at the very least.

Nashariel shouted her approval at the top of her lungs.

Nicholas pov

This turn of events was... exciting!

Nicholas knew that the little one had something different in her since… well, since she transformed at five. Now, that had been an unexpected turn of events.

Finally, Nashariel's status bothered to show the girl her own species's name, so he could start researching. Not that he didn't before, but a normal girl transforming into a dragon overnight? It had been unheard of. Although he never bothered to [Identify] the little one before that moment. Did they simply assume that she was a dragokin? Unfortunately, they would never know.

Now, dragons were among the most powerful monsters, and the scholar was sure that a sub-species called "Omni-" was bound to be among the top-tier ones. Fortunately, little Nashariel didn’t share the destructive inclinations of most of her cousins.

Thal and Lia were wonderful as friends and even more as parents. Nicholas shivered at the thought of a dragon grown somewhere else. Nashariel wouldn’t have been the first dragon to be enslaved in an army or grown into one. Or worse.

Anyhow, Thomas and Nicholas strolled to the library. Since the tall man’s [Scholar’s Archive] held no knowledge about omnidragons, he believed they had to be a rare kind of being. Surely, this colossal place had at least something about that species, right?

The duo went directly to the public monster section, then to the dragon-related one. They went through tens and tens of volumes, finding nothing in an entire day. During one of their deserved pauses, the scholar scratched his beard in confusion. “I don’t get it! Is this an actual new species?”

Thomas shrugged, resting his overused eyes. “Why not? Monsters evolve all the time. Astill knows how many types of slimes infest the ruins.”

He did have a point. Nicholas still remembered the Mire-Man eater, a being two-hundred levels strong that they fought years ago. The scholar briefly explained to Thomas the short version of monsters’ evolution, such as the environment needed to support it. "In short, even if Nashariel had been raised in a purely magical environment, she should have become a Flow dragon, or, Goddess forbid that from happening, a Primordial dragon.” He shivered.

Thomas nodded, standing. “Let’s ask your colleagues. Maybe it’s simply in a level above.” He proposed, his shoulders creaking with his stretch.

“Before that, we should search into legends. Sometimes rare monsters are put in there." Not his primary field, but it wouldn’t be the first time a supposed legend made its way into the bestiary section.

"Nick, my eyes are starting to cross," Thomas replied in a flat tone.

Nicholas chuckled. “Then go now. I'll take care of the paper part."

He nodded, going his way. Nicholas was pretty sure that he heard his friend sigh in relief. He’s not wrong, Grandmasters of the past learned that many people couldn't handle the truth about the true perils of this world, especially the other continents. The levels above are usually reserved for higher Tier monsters, not the ones below level 300…

Were omnidragons part of that “secret” knowledge too? Nicholas had to know; if he couldn’t find anything, then he was sure that the current Grandmaster could help them, as he tried to do before.

Nashariel and her parents deserved every bit of help he could get them.

Nashariel pov

The blood-boar gored Nashariel, who used her dragon hands to block the monster's charge, sliding a few meters backward.

She chomped its thick neck. As soon as the dragoness got a better grip, she twirled around once, twice, then released the boar. The girl hissed at her wounded chest.

The beast got propelled through two trees. It rose again, shaking on its legs, but with fury pouring out of its eyes. This one has more vitality than me, realized Nashariel, not really a surprise, choosing to be a jack of all trades had to have consequences, after all.

*Blood-boar Lvl 36.

A common giant boar decided to develop its body's potential through a blood attunement. Common near swamps or in competitive wild environments, this monster is particularly resilient. It’s recommended to not bleed against them. *

[Identify] had proved its usefulness, as expected.

The variant rasped the ground, the blood streaks on its dark-red fur getting absorbed. The beast swelled in size, its squeal turning deafening. Whoops.

Nashariel roared in kind, standing on her hind legs to appear bigger. While the monster charged, the dragoness flapped her enormous wings, aiding her jump. She smirked from above, before the wind created by the other creature's movement made her fall flat on the grass, dizzy.

The monstrous boar, blinded by its fury, smashed through every tree on its path, then turned towards the dragoness for a second round.

Nashariel managed to get up and received the full charge on her shoulder. The impact’s force cleared the monsters’ surroundings from the fallen leaves. The tusks dug into Nashariel down to her bones, grazing them. She screamed in pain and anger, feeling her blood getting drained by her foe.

She clenched her jaws, shifting to darkness, then used her breath weapon. We can both play the draining game!

Dark, eerie mist fully enveloped the beast, who completely ignored the apparent lack of visibility. Vitality flooded Nashariel, helping her wounds to close up. After the [Dragon’s breath] ended, she shifted to water.

The remnants of the mist got pierced by a water jet. Nashariel aimed at the monster's head, splattering two out of its four eyes. It whimpered in agony, but Nashariel was relentless. She activated her [Venom], mercilessly assaulting the beast’s throat.

Desperate, the blood-boar jumped on the dragoness.

Too caught up in her own attack, she didn't dodge in time, and a ton's worth of pure anger crushed her. Swiftly, Nashariel shifted to fire, superior strength flooding her muscles, activating [Fury]. The combined might of her skill and this new form barely allowed her to reverse their positions.

While above the blood-boar, Nashariel slashed wherever she could. The boar retaliated with its hooves, but the dragoness ignored the weak strikes. Once a few seconds had passed, she unleashed her [Dragon’s breath] once more, flames bathing both combatants.

As soon as her skill ended, a bell resounded in Nashariel’s mind.

*Blood-boar Lvl 36 defeated.

Hunt rewards: 10 stat and 6 skill points.

Omnidragon Lvl up! *

The dragoness deactivated her skills, heaving for breath, and enjoying the smell permeating the air. Thank Astill I decided to upgrade my skills. Variants are impossibly strong! Thought Nashariel, sighing in relief for not causing a forest fire. She opened her status, immediately spending all her stat points.

* Name: Nashariel Holyshield

Race: Omnidragon (young)

Age: 13

Current humanoid form: -

Current attunement: Fire

Level: 35 -> 38

Available stat points: 0

Available skill points: 116

Strength: 230 - 345

Power: 140 - 210

Resilience: 300 - 450

Vitality: 230 - 345

Dexterity: 220 - 330

Awareness: 180 - 270

Essence: 80 - 120

Endurance: 122 – 183

Hp: 3056/3450

Mana: 984/1200

Stamina: 1230/1830

Skills:

Omnidragon kin Lvl -

Omnidragon prowess Lvl 20-capped

Dragon’s breath (II) Lvl 1-> 2

Dragon’s fighting style (II) Lvl 2-> 3

Identify Lvl 1-> 2

Improved flight Lvl 1-> 2

Stealth Lvl 1

Venom Lvl 1-> 3

Improved burrow Lvl 1

Improved swimming Lvl 1

Fury Lvl 1-> 3

Improved learning Lvl 1-> 2

Draconic breath weapon

A Breath weapon is an uncommon thing, monsters able to naturally use one are certainly deadlier than most. Use this Skill, and remind them exactly why the one from dragonkind is universally known as a synonym for catastrophe.

Damage and range of your breath weapon are considerably increased.

Secondary effects for all your elements can be applied, if you so choose. Doing so consumes a flat 10% of your mana for each breath.

Your mana can be used to further increase this skill’s potency, up to 30% of your total mana.

Your breath slightly alters its course to follow your target.

Upgrade cost: 4 points.

Draconic fighting style

You are an almighty dragon, not a mere beast! This evolved skill acknowledges this fact. Until now, you were no different than an animal. Tail, tooth, and claws were your only weapons, now the rest of your body joins your arsenal.

You can now use your wings and tail as a part of your fighting style.

Damage inflicted with your body is moderately increased.

Backlashes you suffer are slightly reduced.

Upgrade cost: 3 points. *

At first, Nashariel had been reluctant to spend her points when tackling with normal giant boars, but after meeting these variants, she quickly changed her mind. Evolving these two skills had required most of her points, but it had been oh so much worth it. She was glad about her decision to not leave essence too far behind her. It had proven to be the right choice.

Nashariel noticed that shifting between her forms required a little bit of stamina, and so did wrestling a boar as big as herself. Also, her fear about skills not working in other forms had been partially justified. [Fury] was always available, but [Venom] required hollowed claws and teeth to be delivered, which only her water and earth forms held. In short, some skills needed support from the body to be used. Another thing to consider when buying stuff, Nashariel decided.

As she had anticipated, leveling up [Omnidragon prowess] had been the right choice, if the boring one. The bonus stats had been what allowed her to stand her ground, and she decided to keep as many points as possible before evolving the skill, hoping for even more bonuses.

Fully recovered, Nashariel hopped back on her paws. She grabbed one of the boar’s legs, dragging the smoking corpse along.

Three days had passed since her awakening. Her parents had proposed to have a picnic in the forest, using it as an excuse to let her gain some fighting experience… and get free fresh dinner. Her mother had been much more at ease, now that Nashariel had evolved, asking only to be warned when the girl was out hunting. Fair, in the dragoness' opinion.

Nashariel was pretty much sold on entering the Church, but the new recruits could only enroll the first of each month, three weeks from now. The girl was glad about this since it allowed her to get a little more used to her newfound powers.

Once their tents were in sight, Nashariel saw that even Nicholas and Thomas were there. Do I need to hunt more? The girl pondered. Mentally shrugging, she approached.

The adults were looking slightly tense while waving at the dragoness. "Did something happen?" Questioned Nashariel, once she was close enough to not shout.

“I successfully found news about your kind, but the Grandmaster wants to speak with you.”

Nashariel found herself dumbfounded. What does he want from me? Hold on…“What have you found, exactly?”

He grimaced. “I wasn’t allowed to look into it.”

Duck.