On our way to the canyon's core, we ran into zero problems—unless the fact that no wolves were in sight was the problem.

  The sun hung high, brightening the place like some pale Grand Canyon, only greyer. The mountains towered, their faces, a mesmerizing sight from where we stood. It made me wonder if the whole formation was natural—as if the topography had been sculpted on purpose—but I didn't much care.

  Also, during our lazy walk, I noticed a pattern: every now and then one of the soldiers would pull out a cellphone-like device—just like the one Alexei used a few hours ago—peer at it, tapping it a couple of times while looking around, he would then say to Gaspard, "all clear."

  I wonder what that was for...

  Anyway since I have time now, might as well check my status. I obtained a fair amount of magic fibers after killing the wolves previously.

  _ _ _

  [Game Status]

  Race: Chimera

  Soul(s): Earthling / Nebularian

  Current Identities: Eliza White / Eliza Belladone / Test Subject C-127

  Level: 15

  Strength: 20

  Dexterity: 20

  Vitality: 30

  Magic Power: 7

  Mental Fortitude: 22

  Gene(s): Chtonian (1/3) / Xenomorph (dormant) / Primordial Demon (dormant) / Dragon (dormant)

  Magic fibers: 2854

  _ _ _

  After briefly glancing at the amount, I noticed that I got enough to increase by two levels. So I then consumed the magic fibers and put everything into Mental Fortitude since it was the sole stat actively used by my genes.

  I also remarked that Rebecca Silver didn’t count as an identity. Was there some sort of condition for it to be considered one..? Probably the number of persons that knew me with this name. Twelve people is indeed too little.

  Hm. But now that this was done...

  'I'm bored again.'

  This adventure is too uneventful! I previously thought that travelling with the Federation would be better, but looks like I was wrong! Ugh!

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  To kill the time, I decided to bait Alexei into having a conversation with me. He seemed less dull than Isaac, so I was certain he could keep me entertained.

  Lightly tapping his shoulder, I started. "Alexei, can you tell me more about you? And the Federation?"

  I asked innocently, begging with my eyes.

  And it seemed that my cuteness reached his heart since he soon answered my question, "I am just your regular guy; my path lead to join the army. Being from the Republic of Minova, the Federation was the sole place where I could easily secure a job that paid well. Even if it came with some dangers."

  "Yes yes, Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." I said nodding repeatedly.

  "What's that?" He threw me a weird look.

  "Oh, it's a quote from some guy who likes to run." I shrugged.

  But seeing his strange face only intensifying, I added. "Never mind." I'd nearly forgotten I was in another world...

  "..."

  "..."

  I coughed and swiftly changed subject, "Anyway, tell me more about the Federation!"

  A heavy sigh came from the blond man, "I can't tell you much about that... unless you have plans in joining the Federation..?"

  ...Was he seriously recruiting me?

  "Can't you just tell me the basics..?" I pressed.

  "..."

  He ignored me and kept walking. 'What a boring man...'

  So I switched targets, A soldier with ashen grey hair and sharp eyes. Strangely, I had a bizarre feeling of familiarity from him, and curiosity tugged me.

  "Hello! What's your name? I'm Rebecca it's nice to meet you!"

  He glared as if I were an annoyance, but still answered, although flatly. "Cinza."

  To everyone else, that voice might have sounded emotionless, but I could sense the anxiousness hidden in it. Of what? I didn’t know, but I felt it.

  "Say... for how long have you been a soldier? And do you like it..?" I kept pestering.

  He stayed silent. It seemed like he didn't want to talk...

  'Huuh... I wonder why..?'

  Meh, I don't care. Let's bother him a lot. I'm sure it will be fun!

  _ _ _

  'That woman is odd', I thought while secretly glancing at the person who presented herself as 'Rebecca'.

  And I felt strange whenever she was near me, there must be something wrong with me...

  As I was thinking intensely, she was speaking to me. Well she was more like trying. This incessant buzzing really started to annoy me quite a lot, so I finally decided to give her a piece of my mind.

  "Can't you shut up for a minute? I am in no mood to talk right now."

  Hm. That should suffice to keep her away.

  However as if to throw my hopes away, came the childish retort, "Oh... but I just want to be friends with you... You're so rude!" She replied, eyes wide.

  Mouth slightly opened, eyes half closed, I stared at her. "What are you saying now? Mind your own business."

  Shooing her away, I turned my head, proceeding to ignore her again. But I could still hear her irritating chatter beside me. Unending and unnerving.

  I was about to shut her down again when suddenly...

  thud—

  Knees fell, an impending sense of dread invaded me. As if I could feel my imminent doom.

  My ears started ringing, my breathing growing rough and uneven, my blood ran cold.

  Fright, panic, terror, unease, anguish, anxiousness, nervousness... fear.

  I clutched my chest and forced breathing deep and steady. Around me, the others also dropped to their knees, gasping, faces drained of color. Rebecca was down, too—breathing, but paler than the rest, eyes fixed ahead.

  So I turned to look... and I wish I hadn't.

  Perched on a small cliff above us, stood a hunched skinny figure leaning on a wooden staff. Its clothes, in tatters, were in a profound black; so deep the light seemed to vanish into them. The face was distorted, every part was curled downwards, as if falling from their original place; its mouth, nose, eyes, ears and even its dark grey skin. The somber indigo of its eyes was the only color reflected on its twisted visage.

  I couldn't look away, fear numbed my thoughts. My escape plan already faded away, along with my sanity that was slowly being peeled away.

  "Wh.. what the hell is this..?"

  Voice trembling, I asked. More so to keep my mind straight than anything else.

  Then... it moved. Slowly, it raised its staff with both hands. Slowly, it straightened its back and closed its eyes. And suddenly...

  It slammed it down.

  No sound was formed, the wind not stirred.

  Silence ensued, the world stayed still.

  Dread remained. Death took shape.

  My body grew weaker; and darkness engulfed...

  ..us.

  __ __ __