Trust, Give Me a Reason to...

Continuing his mission to find his kin, hoping they held out long enough to get to them or not need him at all, Atlas fell silent, waiting for the System to complete it's analysis of his body.

There was no echo to his steps, no lonely clicking of metal on stone, not even the sound of his hovering 'tread.' He was silent, his hexlimbs precise, and his gait refined. It wasn't something achievable by any normal person put into new form, but with the injection of instincts, just moments after moving deeper into the cave, he was already quite comfortable.

Despite the silence, the cave was far from still.

The deeper he went, the more the very air seemed to thicken, cool and damp, clinging to his skin in a way that made his breath heavier. His keen senses, however new, picked up faint echoes—the shifting of loose stone far in the distance or the distant trickling of water over jagged rocks. Each sound, though distant, felt unnaturally loud in the oppressive quiet.

[Ok, host. The compiling of your [Status] is complete, do you want to see it now?] the chibi-Cortana asked, hovering on Atlas shoulder, seen only by him.

"Yeah, judging from how I'm feeling, my stats should be pretty good, right?" he asked.

Even though he tempered his expectations, there was a flicker of hope—hope for confirmation that his new body had power, something to anchor him in this unfamiliar, hostile world.

Yet, the silence around him only deepened, a vacuum that seemed to devour every breath.

[Name: Atlas]

[Form: Void(?) Astera Spiris Hatchling (Moron)] 

[Tier: 0]

[Level: 0]

[Essence: 0]

[Bio-Morphon: 0]

[Vitality: 6]

[Strength: 4]

[Dexterity: 10]

[Endurance: 5]

[Intelligence: 21] (equivalent to wet toast)

[Willpower: 37] 

[????: ?] (Dunno)

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[Inherent/Unique Skills]

[??????? ???? ????], [?????????? ???????????], [Astera Horn Awareness], [Astera Mindweave], [Wave Affinity], [Mind Affinity], [Hatchling Web Spinning], [Hatchling Neurotoxin (Corrupted)], [Hatchling String], [Consuming Void], [Neurodivergence]

[Skills]

[None]

[Mutations]

[Hexlimbs], [Astera Horns], [Wave Core], [Thought Node], [Astera Spiris Carapace (hatchling)], [Astera Spiris Toxin Sac], [Astera Spiris Spinnerets], [Astera Variant Arms], [Astera Variant Legs]

(As strong as a brain-dead snail and as smart as a sentient fart. You are the foremost example of evolutionary brilliance in the field of hopeful-degenerates. Truly extraordinary.)

--------------------------------------------------

Seeing the familiar blue screen, Atlas momentarily glanced over it, his eyes scanning it briefly before double-taking back to the top.

 ...

"..."

[...]

"System."

[I aim to please, host. How may I assist you? Are the numbers by any chance beyond your range of counting? Sadly I am unable to aid in this problem.] it asked, its voice one of an honest salesman, innocent of any fault, ready to serve in any capacity.

"First—No. Where do I even start? What the actual fuck is this?" Atlas uttered in absolute bafflement. He, truly, genuinely, from the bottom of his heart, wondered if this System would ever actually help him, or if it would sooner tell him to step on a landmine. As funny as it sounded, it didn't feel this way for Atlas anymore. The loneliness of his new reality only grew the longer he thought.

"Sometimes I genuinely wonder how this world hasn't been razed to the ground. I've been here for, like, a fucking hour and I've already imagined its explosion, implosion, vacuous obliteration, disintegration at the molecular level, and hydraulic flattening. Seriously, how has no one killed you yet?" His tone dripped with bubbling annoyance as he threw up his hands, feeling his hexlimbs twitch with frustration. "Hell, why am I not surprised you can't even figure out two of my abilities and one of my stats? Figures."

As his eyes panned over the various attributes his new body possessed, he was somewhat surprised and equally disappointed. It wasn't that his stats were horrible, but he was questioning how what he thought was so strong, was actually so weak. He felt like even at this size, he could do about as much damage as a rabid deer from Earth. And yet, his strength was 4?

[Host. These stats are 100% accurate. There is no possibility of deviation. Additionally, the System has done a deep-scan of your body for latent abilities in order to perfectly catalogue them in your [Status]. Everything is as stated. Do not question the System's capabilities,] the mini Cortana said, an edge of defensiveness now tinting its tone.

It seemed there were some thoughts that genuinely grinded its gears, but what did it expect? It called him a moron, a hopeful-degenerate, and failed in its only function, all at the same time.

"What the hell is [Consuming Void]? Sounds ominous," Atlas said, ignoring her.

[Consuming Void: [REDACTED]s are capable of devouring almost all things, this innate ability grants near infinite digestive ability. This ability is sealed to be at the same level as the [Digest] skill would be. As it is leveled up, it will increase in power at the same rate the [Digest] skill would.]

The same exact moment he asked, an even smaller blue screen popped up in front him, answering his question. Seeing the description, it seemed he really didn't gain anything good from this damn [Void Corruption]. 

"Haa..." Atlas sighed, it was starting to look like the entire universe was working together to play some cosmic joke on him. First he died and met an irresponsible god, then a System with a screw loose, and now he was wondering if even his new family would be examples of 'what could go wrong.'

As he pondered, he decided to pick up the pace. There wasn't much he could do about it, but this was his new life, and it looked like he'd have to get used to it. He wasn't as calm as he looked on the surface, the adventurous blood of an extreme fantasy-fan pulsed through his veins. He wanted to try magic, learn skills, and craft artifacts like he'd read of before, but after the soul-shaking experience of death, he'd changed. 

He couldn't see himself taking this new fantasy-land as lightly as he might have before. It just wasn't possible. He had plans, sure, things that he wanted to try, and even places he'd want to see if existed. But before he found some semblance of 'normalcy' he just didn't feel like himself, he felt constantly at risk, an unseen pressure baring down on his person.

"System, tell me something. How much functionality can I actually expect out of you? Get off your high horse for a minute, I get that there's something you're trying to do to me, your attitude doesn't make sense otherwise, but putting that aside FOR NOW, what can I actually expect from you?" Atlas asked, a rarely seen seriousness in his eyes. 

The tiny projection facing those eyes, momentarily stopped what it was about to say. In that purple and silver gaze that reflected its body, she saw indifference, cold, deadly indifference. It was the gaze of a creature bereft of hope, the gaze of the lost, or one on the path to depart. Yet, somehow, the System didn't seem surprised by this side of Atlas, merely frustrated, or somehow annoyed.

[Host. The System is not attempting to do anything to you. This directly goes against the founding constraints of all subsystems on [Sellene]. I am your greatest ally and most functional comrade, I may not fight by your side, but I can make it so you don't need me to,] she said, as if wronged by his words.

"Right. If you want me to believe that, prove it to me for once..." Atlas said, interrupting the little Cortana. As he stepped deeper into the narrow passage, it appeared to be slowly opening up into a massive chasm ahead. With a placid expression on his face, as if he couldn't be bothered with anything, Atlas continued:

"You know... I'm not looking for a friend, I don't need a new family, and I won't ever ask you for favors. I just need something I can trust for now, until I find a way not to have to in the future. I'm not asking you treat me like your master, or even your superior. I'm just telling you that right now, if you're really some 'comrade,' I need someone I can trust to help in a pinch, or at least keep me out of one 'till I can handle them myself." Atlas said, his face deadpan, as if he truly felt nothing.

"I've lost everyone I know, every single thing I hold dear, and this probably isn't the end of it. I get it, seriously. I'm starting to see the pattern, this isn't self pity. But that doesn't mean I'm not scared of it. I'm not sure if it was you, the real Cortana, or some other subsystem that did that... that disgusting shit to me back then... But I will never forgive you for it. Ever." he said, continuing his monologue.

As he continued into the larger open space of the cave, the darkness greeting him like a long lost friend, his eyes were all the System dared look at. There was something deeply unsettling about the eyes before her. They were beautiful, without question, and yet held within them something that disgusted her to a degree she found nigh insufferable. It was strangling, confusing, and extremely unnerving. 

"But I also won't hate your for it... I know. I probably wouldn't have come out on the other end of.. that state, in any good way, without you guys' help. But it wasn't your place. To tell you honestly, midget Cortana," he paused, finally looking towards the watching System projection, "I would have rather stopped existing then and there, but here I am. Do I want your pity? Fuck no. For better or for worse, I'm still here, somewhere new, and in a new body. I don't even know if just my soul is enough to consider me the same person that once existed. So much has changed, it's all so confusing, and you only make it harder. If that's your core programming, you succeed at it. Bigger Cortana... I know. I already know she was helping me. I appreciate it. But if your only goal here is to make me question every possible thing you tell me for a joke, trap, or possible attempt at control, what the hell should I even do?"

[. . .]

Hearing those words, the System's processors went nuts, for one reason or another, there were numerous that bothered it; In that moment, it knew exactly what this feeling it thought was disgust, actually was, and it was stifling.

[Understood, Host. You will one day regret the words you have just spoken. I swear to you this day will come. When it does, I will be there, to tell you something you've always ignored,] the little System said, floating before Atlas with a boiling of emotions that didn't match its existence. 

[Until that day, I will do as I have been, and provide what you need in the ways that I can. But like you refuse to change for the benefit of yourself, despite the Systems carefully considered planning, do not expect the System to change in order to allow you to remain as you are. You will change, I will witness it, and Sellene will foster it. For now, I ask you, what do you need from me?]

"..." Atlas was somewhat stunned by this reaction, not because it was less critical than he thought she'd be, but because it felt far more personal, and he didn't understand why. Skeptical as he was though, he answered bluntly:

"Are you able to scan my surroundings or warn me prematurely of dangers? Am I able to count on you as a form of radar, map, or even just an alarm of sorts? Also, am I able to ask you for explanations on the [Skill] System? What can I and can't I ask, or at least expect answers for? Finally, tell me the real reason I'm in this cave. I know you're hiding something. Cortana told me to find Velathra before I woke in the cave. That means she knew I wouldn't wake up there beforehand. What's going on, and what is so important about that place that you both are acting weird about it? If you only moved me away to save the other eggs from contamination, then why is it so important I head there now? Can't I just take my time?" Atlas asked.

[Host. I will compile the answers to your queries after requesting permission to do so from the [Exalted Mistress of All That Is Glorious and Brilliant]. I will be honest with you, host. As much as I want to explain certain functions and workings of the System, I have already shared with you the maximum permitted common knowledge of [Sellene] I am able to provide with your level of [Authority]. There are many considerations taking place to decide what should and should not be naturally disclosed for someone partaking in a new life here. If and once she accepts, I will share what you wish to know. Does the host find this acceptable?] the System asked with a gaze that matched his own. It was placid, as if all she thought about was fulfilling her task, and nothing more.

"Sure. Is there nothing you can tell me right now?" 

[Negative. All I can say is that the host will not be disappointed if you chose to listen to the System's arrangements. The task and intention of guiding you to Velathra is made with an unfathomable amount of data taken into consideration, and with the sole focus of determining what the host's best next step would be. Thus, when the System said these are carefully crafted plans, it was not lying. This is truly the best decision you can make.]

"... Fine. If what you're saying is true, I'll go there. I'll need a bit more to go on than just 'take my word for it,' but I'll try it out at least. BUT, I'll only head there after we scan through the cave for other eggs. If we find other Spiris, they can come with us 'till we get to Velathra. We're probably going to need them to handle whatever tries to stop us on the way. After that, they're on their own."

[Understood, I believe this to be a good alternative as well,] the System said with a cryptic smile.

As he pressed deeper into the cave, Atlas couldn't shake the growing sense that something was wrong—terribly wrong. The cavern felt alive, not in the sense of teeming with creatures, but as if the rock itself was watching, waiting. His every step became heavier, more labored, as if the cave floor were pulling at his legs. The air grew colder, and his breath formed faint clouds that hung in the stillness before fading into the gloom.

Then, there was a sound—a faint scraping, almost imperceptible, but there. Atlas stopped, holding his breath. The scraping ceased as well. His hexlimbs twitched instinctively, ready to strike or flee, but there was nothing. Only the darkness.

When he moved again, the scraping resumed, always just at the edge of hearing, like something following him through the shadows. He tried to ignore it, but each step felt more treacherous, as if the cave itself was conspiring to make him slip.

And then came the warmth.

It seeped into his exoskeleton, foreign and unsettling. In the depths of the cold cave, the warmth felt wrong. Unnatural. Along with it came a new sensation—something intangible that pressed against his mind, not a voice, but a presence. No, it was something more primal. His body was somehow picking up on this intangible presence long before it even entered his sensory range.

And so, as he continued deeper into the cavern, he finally felt something pop into his sensory area, a range of around ten meters with heightened clarity, and 12 of slightly reduced. The presence wasn't much larger than him, maybe only slightly taller, but much thicker due to it being spherical. Added to this, as he approached this object, he noticed warmth, and some kind of other sensation he couldn't quite explain in words.

It was like... hormones? Pheromones? He didn't really know, his understanding of the two words was actually very obscure. But whatever it was, it felt like biological communication of some sort, definitely not something he'd call magic, it was far too closely related to his new body or some kind of instinct of his race.

To him, this was very important, because all races had some form of inherent sense of danger, most commonly developed through evolutionary condition, conflict, and necessity. This meant a lot of things, but he wasn't sure if they were good.

As he approached, something deep within him stirred—an instinctual warning, or perhaps, an odd sense of connection. The closer he got, the stronger the feeling, and with it, a growing uncertainty. Was it a predator lying in wait, or something far more personal?

"The hell? Is this a honey trap?" he muttered, the System remaining in deep thought on his shoulder.

"Guess we'll find out..." 

Approaching a distance of 4 meters from the object Atlas's eyes finally picked up a small change in his vision. It was darker than night, and 4 meters was actually a large distance compared to his body's height, but he finally seemed to see the outline of whatever this thing was. 

Getting within the final meter, he was pretty sure he knew exactly what it was, but he didn't know whether to be extremely warry, cautious to the degree of preventative destruction, or to remain calm. 

"This could either be the best news I've found all day, or the worst shit-- No, actually second worst shit just after the existence of this dumbass System..."he muttered, his eyes finally setting into a grim expression of resolve.

Looking at the thing before him, it seemed Atlas had his first difficult decision to make, and he wanted to figure it out without the aid of the System:

Should he destroy a possible threat before it blossoms, or watch nature's magic flower despite the risk?