Surprisingly, a new story that has nothing to do with either Lost Sword or Rda. I jotted down what came to mind and after finishing it and breaking it into some chapters something nice came out, so I asked WhiteDragonSky to translate it as I try to write that damn chapter 21 of Rda, that no matter how hard I try I can't to finish. Well, read on and let me know what you think, also because I haven't read any other Danmachi stories with a xenos as the protagonist actually.

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The thought of death would frighten anyone, unconsciously or not, at least that was what I believed. I was anxious at first when the idea crossed my mind, but after some reflection I wondered what would happen. Would it be like losing consciousness and never waking up again? Would I stand before the creator and be judged? Would I wind up some other way? Perhaps I would reborn, as if nothing occurred, envisioning my past life as elusive, meaningless dreams? Or would I still remain myself, but without being the former one?

I received the answer with cancer. Stage two, not too bothersome and treatable. A few rounds of chemo therapy and it would go away, then I would have to undergo further check-ups, taking medicine and regular visits for another year. Or, at least, that's what was supposed to happen. During the final session, I don't know for what reason or twist of fate, they screwed up the dosage and gave me the infusion in a much larger bag than usual, despite all my worried warnings about the markedly abnormal change and the awful burning I felt afterwards yet no one doubted something would go wrong.

15 times. They gave me 15 times the maximum dosage I was supposed to receive. In addition to the cancer cells they slowly and painfully set my life in shambles. First the nausea, then the fever, followed by dizziness and eventually hallucinations. Two agonising weeks later in that damned hospital I could no longer understand the concept of time or between reality and illusion. A month later I couldn't even tell if I was dead, as I had lost all sense of perception, unable to determine whether I was awake or merely dreaming.

I only realized I was cold, but my body was burning up inside. I wanted this agony to stop. I wanted to put an end to this pain.

Control confirmed. Acquisition manipulation of the ice element, successful.

I wanted the heat to stop. Feeling my skin burn was so aberrant. It was surely the most painful sensation I have ever experienced and I couldn't even scream because of it.

Control confirmed. Acquisition manipulation of the fire element, successful operation.

Just when I'd decided to get back on the right track and was putting all my efforts into it, my body had already succumbed to the effects... why couldn't it have been a little more resilient?

Control confirmed. Increased regenerative capacity acquired, successful operation, also confirmed a physical mutation to make the host capable of containing the physical enhancement.

Even so, I didn't want to die here, alone in this abomination of a hospital... is it maybe wrong for me to yearn and see the dawn of a new day? Maybe they could revive me with... I don't know, defibrillation?

Control confirmed. Acquisition of lightning element manipulation, successful operation.

Warning: due to the impossibility of containing the information in possession, a new skill has been created 'Grand master'.

I had to laugh at the prospect of dying. Just when I had started university, all it took was one bloody mistake that snatched away the chance to pursue my dream. I should be filled with anger, frustration, sorrow, but fatigue had seized all emotions. Not too much time passed until I uttered one last breath as my forces yielded to the dark...

Until I fell.

"Gmnngn..." I let out a groan as I feel the weight of the solid, hard ground.

I crack my eyes open and see a stone wall. The setting is dark, very dim, but despite it all I can see something. Using my arms to sit up, I end up falling on my side instead. I blink in confusion. How is it possible that I feel so...light? It's as if my mind is strangely clearer now, and I'm far too relaxed. I don't feel the excruciating pain throughout my body as usual and my body temperature is normal. I can tell even without the need for a thermometer, the fever has disappeared. In an attempt to move, I try to turn over on my back but for some reason I can't. I lie on my stomach in an attempt to get back on my feet and when I do I am hit by an alarming discovery which made the blood in my veins run cold.

Scaly claws. In place of my hands I have paws with blackish-grey scales covering my entire body, complete with dark claws. I blink upon seeing them. I lift one of my paws to take a closer look at it, bending my neck at an impossible angle, and notice the entirety of my body is no longer human.

"What the hell is going on?! " I wanted to scream, but all it came out was a muffled roar. I gasp a little from the sore throat afterwards.

From the looks of it the shape of my body is a huge dragon, judging by the scales covering my (?) new frame, along with massive and definitely large wings, big enough to cover the entire shape of my body if I wrap them around myself. I turn around and see a lack of natural light except for a bit of glowing moss here and there. A stream is also there. I get up hesitantly, not used to walking on all fours, and approach it, wobbling and falling a couple of times, but eventually I reach the watercourse. Apart from what has already been confirmed I had the appearance of a beast, a black dragon with two large horns on its head, eyes similar to those of a reptile and heterochromatic, one being blood red and the other ice blue. My build is quite muscular, and the tail very large. I also try to open my mouth and as expected I have a row of razor sharp teeth. I close it and stare astonished at the water. I plunge my face into the stream and emerge to find the same reflection again.

'So I am not dreaming but how is this possible?' I couldn't really speak, the shape of my jaw didn't allow it. 'The feeling of the water when I was immersed is too clear to be a simple hallucination but I dont understand I should be dead...so what the heck happened?'

Not having much choice I sit contemplating my new appearance, but I hear a creaking sound below me and spot some broken ice on the ground. A few spikes across my body glow faintly in blue and off-white. I stand up in alarm.

'Seriously, what on earth is all this?'

'Answer: to enable the acquisition of more skills, a body was created to contain them'

"Uwa?! Who's there!?" again, only a roar comes out instead of my words, but it wasn't important now. A voice just answered me and I'm sure to be quite young (21) to become crazy too!

'Answer: Due to the extra Skill "Grand Master" it is possible to hear the voice of your subconscious for quick answers'

'Skill? What in the world is it talking about? What even are you? But more importantly how have I obtained a skill like this in the first place?' I ask with mixed emotions. On the one hand I was still confused about this new reality and grateful to have some kind of answer about my current condition but on the other I was really scared because I was kind of taking the self-talk to a whole new level...maybe I really am going crazy.

'Answer: I am an artificial entity with the purpose of guiding you as you adjust in this new world and that is everything you need to know. As for your skills they were obtained through radical actions or by repeating them multiple times and should the world recognise a certain move it will become an existing skill to enhance said action'.

'Ah I see fairly simple although I am still struggling to believe this' I reply to the voice, rather grateful for the explanation given albeit there is an underlying sense of unease about the whole ordeal' 'So...how do I use this new body? Other than walking and running or even flying can I do anything else?'

'Answer: your new body is provided with immense physical strength, fast regeneration and elemental manipulation'

'...without mincing words I see, how broken is this new body?' I ask curious and concerned about the subject. The havoc I might cause if not careful...I shudder at the very thought.

'Answer:...a lot'

'...You hesitated for a moment there, should I be worried?!' I enquire alarmed, not sure exactly why.

'Answer: there is no foundation to make an exact calculation, therefore the answer is unfeasible for the time being, however there are various hostile presences in this floor on which you can test the new abilities'

'What?! Are you asking me to kill people in order to try out my moves?!' I inquire shocked but the program's answer came as impassively as the others.

'Answer: you are currently in a place where monsters are generated in masses and only started to arise after your arrival probably due to your unique energy, you are deemed different, therefore a threat. Eliminating them with a surprise attack is the most efficient strategy for your survival'.

'And you couldn't have told me that straight away?!' I yelp terrified at the idea of enemies seeking my blood, not even ten minutes after my rebirth.

'Answer: you never asked'.

'If something like this happens warn me first!' I shout back at the absurdity of which it came out ' actually can you explain to me how to use my powers?'

'Answer: Your horns can channel your new powers easily. Monster bodies are generated from magical essence but unlike them yours is distinct but operates in the same way. If you direct the flow of magical energy you will be able to control your elements and speak.'

'Sounds complicated...' something wet collides with my horns, and I raise an eyebrow when reaching for them I realise they have remained dry. The water I had soaked my face with earlier had already evaporated.

I close my eyes and sniff the air, smelling clearly the ash, rocks, warm air, moss and many other things. Once again something wet passes through my back. A puff of smoke comes out of my nostrils as I feel the sensation but couldn't quite grasp it. It was a constant trial and error, but as that sense of immersion increased, it became easier for me to grasp it the next time, and in no time at all I was able to conjure up my new ability at will.

'Notice: Skill magical perception acquired'

With that announcement, my senses are immediately assaulted by a gloomy and sickening feeling.

"What the heck is that?" i hear my own voice this time, but nevertheless remains the fact that i sensed numerous presences far away from me fluttering around or standing on the ground looking around.

'Answer: due to the skill "magical perception" your senses have sharpened and you can discern vividly anything with a drop of magical power in its body'

'So how do I do that? I can channel Mana now, I guess, but what about switching the elements or using the ones I have? Do I have to imagine them-'

Lightning shoots from my horns and blasts the wall in front of me, giving me free access to the floor I'm on. At the same time it also alerts all the nearby monsters staring at me.

A really huge number of red dragons and green wyverns flying around gaze at me. At a rough guess there must be more than a hundred of them. The plane I'm on, on the other hand, seems to be made of graphite.

The monsters roar and charge towards me. I feel my heart sink into my stomach at the scene but I realise one thing instantly...they seem to be moving in slow motion.

'What's the matter this time?" I ask less and less amazed by the surprises.

'Answer: your ability to analyse data at enhanced speed is enabled, allowing you to process information quickly and coolly'

'Clearly but we have another problem at the moment, how do I get out of this situation?' now that it pointed out, despite the dread I feel from seeing all those monsters charging with clear intent to kill me, I'm not freaking out. it's like I can think and act more lucidly and accurately.

'Answer: a large-scale electric-based attack would easily pierce the dragons' scales.'

'I get it' earlier lightning had appeared while I was fumbling with the Mana flow, so maybe if I try to imagine a lightning storm it should work the same as before? Resolving to ignore any form of grace, I pulled as much Mana as I could muster and gazed at the monsters as blue and white flashes crackled between my horns. I breathed a sigh to calm my nerves and swung my head, sending black lightning bolts flying everywhere at the herd of monsters charging.

The devastation coming next, however, was unexpected. A huge web of lightning flies towards the targets, striking and tearing through their bodies, ripping membranes and blowing away scales, while the stench of burnt flesh engulfs my nostrils to the point I wanted to puke. I crush any feelings of abhorrence and guilt in favour of my survival. It has the highest priority. Several lightning bolts emerge from the ground ripping through the air and striking the wyverns killing them, whether from the elemental attack or the fall I really don't care. A number of red dragons spread their jaws and a stream of fire flies towards me at an alarming speed. I almost instinctively cover myself with my wings, and after the impact I was thrown back. The blow itself was no big deal, but the burning sensation reminded me too much of the one which caused my death the first time, and I honestly wasn't keen to experience it again. Being burned from the inside out to the outside was excruciating, and the feeling of freshness that ran through me at the thought made me smile, although from an outside perspective my 'smile' could very well look ominous and devilish. With a deep grunt, I suddenly open my wings causing a large blast of wind to distort the flames towers rendering them unstable, before a huge wave of ice flew forward, covering the ground and all it touched with a crystalline layer. The monsters growled in discomfort as they began to freeze after a few seconds that the blizzard had set in, preventing their flames from burning properly and pushing them back as the colours of their bodies gradually faded down to icy states forming on them.

The whole process took a minute, I probably should have stopped earlier because I started to feel dizzy.

'Why do I feel so tired?' I ask my Skill, wrapping my head around to try and shake off the drowsiness.

'Answer: the attack used up almost all the magic power available. Actions like those will put a strain on the user's body, exhausting them quickly and in the worst case scenario could result in death'

'Wow... that' I ask startled, despite being too tired to really be 'solutions?'

'analysis...answer: inside the monsters appear to be cores containing magical power. Take them and absorb them to restore your energies'.

In silence I approach the downed creatures. I stare at the slaughtered Wyvern for a while while looking for the remaining magic power, and I locate it in the middle of the chest. I open it with my claws, and ignoring the blood I plunge my hand into it, grasping what I seek. I detach it from its body and glance at it. In my hand is a purple stone. It is slightly smaller than an infant's head. I have considered my size, and being six metres tall while on all fours and twenty metres long, I wonder how much I need to eat to be full. One thing that baffles me is why the vivern's corpse vanished after I pulled out the magic stone, but I shrug my shoulders, toss it in my mouth and gulp it down like candy.

'Analysis: external energy source assimilated. The magic stone acts as a core for the dragons of this plane, if struck or extracted they will instantly cease to function, even dropping monster parts in some cases. Through these stones it is possible to replenish, recharge or upgrade depending on the user's state'.

That was actually useful. I look around and see over a hundred monsters on the way. It was going to be a long day...sigh

A few days later...

After a few hours of fighting and some refreshments, I continued slaying the monsters appearing here until they had ceased, all the while I learned to fly in the process. Consuming nearly a thousand magic stones made me realize my power grew exponentially, but my control over the elements is still lacking, so I tend to prefer aoe attacks as they are easier to use rather than concentrated strikes. Wiggling my wings and flying was... odd. I was ecstatic as I felt the wind against the ruined membrane of my extra limbs, although I have to admit I can hardly fight in the air. I'm still too clumsy and tend to land not too well. As I gained strength my capacity and range of perception increased and I sensed a strange parasite extending like a crawler two floors below this one. From the deeper planes emerged odd insect monsters full of highly corrosive acid. Sometimes they scorched me so I had to attack them from a distance in the sky by blasting them with lightning and fire. Their magic stones were unlike the purple ones the dragons left behind so I have no idea why. I was unable to speculate when I knew nothing more than what I discovered by consuming them. The fact remained that a large group had come up through the upper floors and I wouldn't have worried too much about it if I hadn't sensed a large group of presences different from the ones before. They were more...normal. Powerful, but regular and distinct from the twisted and sinister ones of other monsters.

So I decided to rise up and warn them of their arrival, using the holes in the upper floors formed after a few hits from the red dragons. They had hit eight floors, and two of them had closed. Considering that I was unfamiliar with the maze-like corridors, I carried on by sensing the draughts, but I was too late nevertheless.

The entire floor was swarming with those insect monsters and what I assumed was a base camp was under siege.

I hesitated. If this place was hostile to me, there was no way it wasn't hostile to them. Even if I don't know them I know they'll attack me when they see me...but can I still try to talk to them? I grit my teeth unsure, but when I see the upright shields melting and people burnt by acid in a horrible way I reluctantly made my decision.

I clench my teeth and fly towards them, while I charge my lightning and then throw it diagonally at the monsters. They explode, but the shockwave spreads acid towards their fellow creatures through the angle at which I struck. I can feel the terrified stares of the people below me, but I dismiss them. I breathe out and an icy mist forms over the high plain used by those people to camp on, and chunks of ice fall creating a wall between the two groups. I crash-land on the wall and storing air in my lungs I spit as hard as I can, causing a huge fanned blaze which sweeps over and burns the monsters alive, melting my ice. The wall breaks under my weight and I flutter my wings to keep myself airborne once my attack ended. I glide in and turn back to the people, now that the glowing field blocks those kamikazes from approaching.

"Prepare your magics, as long as the earth burns and they can't strike you" my voice is rough and deep, really not bad but they all look at me stunned.

"The monster has spoken?!"

"Impossible!"

"Am I hallucinating?"

A lot of sarcastic, astonished and denying comments assailed my ears, but as I glanced at the various people I noticed a number of things. There's a mixed assortment of races here: humans, elves, beastmen (cats, dogs, rabbits and wolves? I'm not sure about the last one) , as well as some dwarves and a race who look like children I presume. One in particular caught my attention in particular. She was just as nervous as the others albeit she didn't show it too much, but she remains calmer nonetheless. She stares at me suspiciously probably weighing up her options. I assume she's the leader.

She's 170 cm tall with jade-coloured hair tied in a ponytail that reaches her waist, eyes of the same colour and Elf ears, despite being a bit longer than the others in the group. She wears a green dress with yellow trim, a white cloak over it, a black belt, a yellow sash, black leggings and long brown boots. She is holding a white staff with a silver shield-shaped top and some straps, also the same colour with blue stones set into them.

"You are the boss no? Tell your subordinates to hurry up and launch their attacks" I urge her again "Those monsters are odd. They are attracted to magic like a moth to a flame, so unless you have indestructible weapons I doubt you can cut them down."

"...I see. Do you know where they came from and if they have any particular weaknesses?" she asks harshly as she stares at the insect monsters which have already made their way forward, even passing over the bodies of their kin to get even one step closer.

"Nine floors below us. They don't have any particular weaknesses, fragile compared to the monsters I've encountered on the way up, but their acid is bothersome" I reply throwing another blast of web lightning.

More explosions and flying acid seem to convince the jade-haired elf to make up her mind.

"Mages begin the chant!" she orders as she positions her staff in front of her "May I ask you to cover us in the meantime?"

"Riveria-sama?!"

" It is a monster, we can't trust it!"

"Has she gone mad by any chance?!"

Riveria is her name? Well, better clarify a few things to make them more cooperative, I hope it works.

"For your information I could annihilate them all myself but I don't feel like it, that's why you'll be doing it" I reply trying to sound bored "I'm not an ally of yours but neither am I your enemy unless you give me reason to be. While I may have come to help you, I have no intention of saving you, you will do that on your own. I will only provide assistance because those pests are annoying me."

Regardless, they don't trust me and look at each other, wondering if it was the right thing to do, while Riveria begins to chant, followed shortly after by three other wizards. My horns crackle again and several bolts of lightning fall around the camp in flashes, killing groups of monsters with each jolt, preventing them from getting any closer. Now with time to chant in relative safety, the adventurers fall back into formation in front of the mages, creating a wall of sorts, while beneath the elves several magic circles glow as the chanting progresses.

'That was a bit odd mind you...are they empowering each other?'

'Answer: The magic circle underneath the elf named "Riveria" is increasing the strength of her magic, along with that of the other elves within her circle... it seems that it is also absorbing the excess magic power and transferring it to Riveria'.

This was a really useful skill. Considering the quality of magic power of the high elf, with a dozen mages and that circle having even half of them they would clean up the 58th floor in a few minutes...

When the chanting ends, I put an end to the electric cage formed around us and soon after a huge carpet bombardment burns the huge tide of monsters.

I didn't want to think badly of the first people I met after a month in a coma practically followed by a hard fight for survival, but I approached them to make sure that during the 'accidental' magic casting they didn't get me as well. I learned that trusting is good but not trusting is better. I really took that lesson to heart.

The members of the group cheered as they saw the explosions stop, with no monsters around, and Riveria looked around still on alert.

"If you're wondering if any survived, then I assure you there are none left on this floor" my voice cuts off the adventurers' happiness, bringing them back to reality.

"Are you sure?" she asks doubtfully.

"I can feel the magical power of anyone on this plane, and there are no other monsters like those here, although a particularly large one is rising fast" I warn them as I hear a monster much stronger than the others rising through the planes. Many look at me horrified and wary.

"I understand" she grimaces "Thanks for the help...do you have a name?"

They all stare at me with their conflicting thoughts when their leader tries to interact with me. However there is a problem. What should I call myself? I'm not going to use the one from my previous life, but I haven't really had time to think about a new name...

"I don't have one, nor did I expect to use it so soon, so I'll think about it after we have dealt with this" I reply sincerely and she nods slowly, then looks around.

I can see the shame and frustration at the failure to command the resistance, but I couldn't offer any words of comfort, nor would I really know how to do that in the first place. All of this was new to me as well, and if it weren't for the pain of some bite wounds and acid, I would think I was actually dreaming. The ground shakes as the new monster emerges, breaking through the ground from below. The lower body is similar to that of the caterpillar monsters I just killed, but the upper part puzzles me. It's humanoid, with four limbs that look either palmate or wing-like, and a head that seems to have hair-like tentacles. In the face, a slit opens up to act as a mouth. It moves and exudes a glowing powder that as soon as it touches the ground, it explodes with a violent roar, with a shockwave that has come this far and sent some people flying off not too firmly on the ground.

"Mn?" I noticed a peculiar oscillation in its energy signature. 'What was it?

'Answer: the unknown energy source is produced by a parasite within the body which caused a mutation of the unknown species'

I feel Riveria shifting her gaze between me and the monster a couple of times, then looking at the camp with her wounded soldiers.

"Ask your question" I urge her, already knowing what she wanted to ask me.

"...can you lend us your help again?" she asks through gritted teeth in frustration.

"Why are you asking a stranger for help? You clearly don't trust me, so I don't see a reason to. I remind you I only helped you because it would have come in handy."

"Unfortunately you're the only one here who can stall against them" she admits disappointed "We hadn't imagined a new species like that one would appear and we don't have the firepower to take them on, not without the members on a mission to the 51st floor"

Her admission surprises me a little, but I do have a reason to save them. Intel.

"If I take that monster down, you must answer any of my questions about this world" I glance at her and she raises an eyebrow confused by my request "I have no reason to help you other than the information I lack about this world. If you answer my questions, I will help you save your companions. Do you agree to the terms?"

She stares at me for a few seconds while the monster advances, before relenting and nodding.

"I don't know what you wish to know, but I will answer all your questions as long as you do not endanger my familia" she agrees.

'familia'? peculiar term, another question to ask later.

"I accept the terms. I hope you'll do the same once I'm done with this."

Considering the explosive dust, I'd say ice is the safest option. Freezing it to keep it from exploding would have been a good way to get Riveria and the others away. I flap my wings and launch myself at the mutated monster, quickly covering myself in ice armour. He swings his various limbs to send up a big wave of dust, but I inhale a large cloud of freezing air which froze all the particles in the air, turning them into tiny icy crystals. I rush at him, piercing his sides with my claws covered with ice armour which, despite the liquid having corroded it, has begun to freeze it from the inside. In order to guarantee that no stray blows reach the camp, I flip it over, turning it against another wall, and with a roar a tide of ice hits the monster, covering the ground, the trees and everything around us in white. The beast flails beneath me, and opens its mouth from which it spews acid, along with its tentacles. Despite having such a low temperature to freeze the corrosive liquid, the glacial armour takes a few seconds anyway, then partially melts it. I lift it up and slam it on the ground a second time, before giving it a trust which sends him flying far away. At least 400 metres from me. I took the opportunity to change elements as his pores are frozen and he can't get the powder out. Using fire, I shoot a huge tide of fire at him, which raises the temperature from -276 degrees to over 4000 in an instant and causes a huge explosion from the thermal shock, which brutally knocks the monster over.

When the dust settles, you can see what a disaster I've made. Hectares of land turned into scorched earth in a few moments. The monster is in a bad way because of the thermal explosion, the dust stuck on him and also just because of the heat of my flames. By now he is blackened because of that last attack so I decide to finish him off by trying something. I channel mele my horns the magical power to change element from fire to lightning, and concentrate the power in an area of interest. Large enough to run over the monster, but concentrated in one spot rather than scattered everywhere. A large column of black lightning strikes the monster, which screams in convulsions before swelling and exploding.

I blink as I see the crater formed by my attack before the blast.

'Maybe it's best to decrease the lightning for now...' if I'm not careful I could do major damage.

I turn towards the 50th floor entrance to go redeem my reward.

(Ps: Yes, I like to write someone's death in an imaginative way, even if the one I described comes from a real case)