The AI makes sense Connor. But if you genuinely can not let go at the moment there is somewhat of a middle ground we can reach. However, it is a temporary fix at best and can only delay the inevitable. We can continue to coexist as we are for a little longer. But when the time comes we will have no other options. Focus within our soul. You will sense it as well if you look for it.

Connor, if you are truly set on this path of conflict then I can say no more. There is nothing else I can do but warn you that your other self is correct. Focus. Feel the instability in your mind and soul. Going on like this is a temporary measure at best, downright harmful at worst.

Then we will have a little time to work everything out. Also, I've been meaning to ask but you know crazy day. Why am I so calm? I'm getting upset or depressed but then it sort've fades away. I heard you mention something about pacifying me what did you mean?

In most cases, the System is not exactly welcomed with open arms by the inhabitants of worlds taken into the fold. So it can, one time only and only during the integration directly dampen the host's emotions to allow for comprehension of the recent and coming events. It is more frequently used for particularly emotional or distraught subjects. You were both emotional and in pain, I made the judgment to ask for the pacification. I do apologize but it was the most effective method to get through to you about your situation.

Ok Ok, I understand. I get it. I wasn't exactly in my right mind. But that does worry me. If the System can dampen my emotions like that who knows what else it could do. What if one day it takes over my mind or something.

It can not, Connor. There are rules even the System must abide by. Rules that can not be broken by anyone. They are enforced by the Multiverse itself. Its will is dominant over this reality, if the System were to ever go rogue or plot to rebel it would be stomped out by both the strong beings under its care, and the Multiverse would personally take action.

I guess that's a little comforting. So the laws of reality are on my side if the System goes too far. But you're talking about the Multiverse as if it has personality and a mind. Care to elaborate?

Gladly. The Multiverse and all Multiverses really while not possessing a mind in the traditional sense they do possess a will. Think of them as a base consciousness. It is defensive against both the other Multiverses and other more ethereal foreign influences but will protect itself and the Hosts inside. But enough about the state of the wider world you have much more present concerns at the current moment. You may not have forsaken your humanity Connor, but it has abandoned you. We will need to redesign your body and race, all of it.

Redesign? How? I don't have the knowledge or strength to do such a thing.

He is correct AI. We are lacking if we wish to perform such a feat.

I know but we'll do it anyway. I did mention the System would be footing the bill, didn't I? Come on, we must finish repairing your body before we can this place.

Alright. What do I-We have to do?

Call out to the System. It should be able to reveal the specifics more concisely.

Ah. Yes, I can see why you would need to step aside if being concise was the goal.

Was? Was that a joke? Other me? Hello?

I do believe it was. At my expense no less.

You know. I think we will get along just fine. SYSTEM. I am ready to redesign my body.

Bodily redesign(System Assisted)

Base form: Earth Human

Physical traits available: 6

Current Physical traits: n/a

Inborn Traits available: 3

Current Inborn Traits: Sapience

Current Focused Stats:0

Alright, that may be a little too concise. Basically were are redesigning your body using your current Earth Human form as a base. As you are a normal human without special physical characteristics you have 6 physical traits available. These are base physical alterations such as fur, claws, mane so forth. Inborn traits are significantly more special. They are what can be considered natural talents possessed by a race of magical beasts. Some are standard like an affinity towards a certain kind of magic while others are very unique and only possessed by that specific race such as a Phoenix's ability to be reborn from flames. It is not an overstatement to say your choices here will decide your future. Even when you complete your evolution these will be your only Inborn traits. I will guide the two of you through the process and help simplify your requests. So for now Physical Traits, What are you thinking, Connor?

You said my future is decided by these choices huh? Guess I need to have an idea of what that future should be. Have any thoughts Other me?

We are not human Connor. We must continue onward not like the man we once were. He will always be a core part of who we are. He will always be there, but his mindset is not suitable for us anymore. To continue onwards we must be a predator, a monster, a beast. To survive we must adapt and change with the world, lest we are crushed by it.

So that's it then. So long Connor Merrick the man here comes Connor Merrick creature of the night. Just like that?

Yes. Just like that. We do not have the luxury of continuing to hold onto our human form. You are clinging to your humanity and for now, that is fine. But our human form is gone. We have no choice, Connor.

If I may? I believe there is a compromise possible. Remember those Inborn traits I mentioned earlier. There is one called Therianthropy. It allows for the race to have 3 forms in 1 body. A human, a were-form, and their true beast form. With that, you could walk amongst humanity again as one of them.

That's a good compromise. SYSTEM. I select Therianthropy.

Alright.

Connor. Physical traits. I have some ideas. Our base form is fragile and small even in a mana-less world. We need reach, enhanced general capabilities, protection, natural weapons, and better metabolism.

I get the rest but metabolism?

Connor. Think scientifically for a moment. We are from a race that has specifically adapted to eating a wide diet of fruits, grains, vegetables, and cooked meats. In this new world, we will be inhuman and will have to eat much more raw unknown meats rather than a wide diet.

Huh. That makes a lot more sense than I would've expected from you.

Connor. I may have embraced our bestial soul but my mind is as intelligent as yours. And I possess all of our memories.

Oh. Sorry. Just hard to grasp that there is another me inside my head.

Apology accepted. Now. Our traits. AI is there anything we should know for our physical traits?

Not really. They are much more basic than Inborn traits but still get creative and something may end up saving you.

Alright. Then generally stronger. Generally enhanced body for one. You have a preference, Other Connor?

A tail. We need to reach beyond our physical form. A weapon. Oswald has a nice one. The tail of a scorpion.

Ok. Fair enough. Odd to take a trait from my pet scorpion, but it is a badass tail, even on an 8-inch insect.

My selection then. A superior metabolism and all relevant features.

Another set of arms. Our hands and fingers are small and allow for delicate workings. Having more would only be beneficial.

We're really turning into an inhuman monster, aren't we. Well. Needs must. A hide to protect our body.

Final selection. Claws. Retractable like a cat's

All requested Physical traits are viable. Enacting changes.

One Inborn trait requested. Enacting changes.

Alright, final two Inborn traits. Choose carefully you two.

May I ask a question, AI? So far we've been assuming. May we assume there is magic of some sort in this new world? Given your usage of the word mana, it seems a reasonable assumption.

And you would be correct Connor. There will be magic and skills in the new world. Stats as well. It is a standard RPG-esque system. The creator was a fan of such games.

Creator? I thought you said the Multiverse didn't have that much of a mind?

It doesn't. But the creator of the System was a brilliant mage billions and billions of years ago. After he made the System the Multiverse took control of it and made it the primary method of strength within its borders.

Aah. Ok. So other me. Let's make ourselves a race of massively talented magical beasts. What do we need?

I'm thinking mana regeneration. If we can mix it with something to enhance survivability and maybe other bonuses that would work well. Anything like that AI?

There is one. It is an extremely powerful ability. Called Spirit Blood. it will double your mana capacity, cause your health regeneration to also serve as a secondary mana regen buff, as well as increasing the effectiveness of the Spirit stat to a minor degree and the Vitality stat slightly. Also given you are a beast, it will cause your blood to take on basic spiritual qualities and make it a valuable treasure for potion production once you level up and evolve a few times.

Shit. That's more than enough for me. I'll take that all day.

Final one. Let's break it down. We need power. Raw power. Something that stacks on our other bonuses. So far we have adaptability and disguise, as well as magical stamina from regeneration. Something that will only improve our strengths while covering some of our weaknesses. Any ideas?

Hmm. AI. Do beasts get specific bonuses that regular hosts don't?

Yes. Beasts such as the one you will become get much more stats per level and base stats than Classed Hosts. While Hosts are given classes and achieve more classes or class upgrades as they reach level milestones beasts evolve going through vast improvements in stats and oftentimes will undergo a magical evolution that leads to a direct upgrade in magical prowess.

So our benefits will always be based on raw stats and rare, powerful magics.

Yes so what leans into that. I don't doubt we can grasp magic later so what will give us stats. The more the merrier yet we want to focus it. We will gain enough stats as it is from what the AI says so focus our power on a few and become exceptional.

AI. What do you recommend from what we've discussed?

Alright, there are 7 primary stats. Strength, Constitution, Spirit, Vitality, Agility, Wisdom, and Intelligence. Intelligence increases mana amount and damage of magical skills, Wisdom increases mana regeneration and ease of direct mana manipulation which is used to power magical artifacts and adapt spells, Agility increases the perception of time and senses while not directly making you faster it will allow you greater control and precision of actions as well as stamina amount, Vitality affects health regeneration and health amount, Spirit is an ethereal stat affecting control of abilities and affects all regenerations, Constitution affects stamina amount and stamina regeneration as well as the effectiveness of certain vitality based skills, and finally, Strength affects muscular strength and raw physical power as well as stamina and health amounts . There is an Inborn trait that will greatly improve 3 of them. It is a powerful ability, for beasts especially, even being named Beast King's Blessing.

Thank you, AI. So. We should think about what synergizes best with our other Inborn traits and intentions.

Well. We decided on magic when we agreed on the other, didn't we? It boosts vitality and spirit while allowing vitality to increase mana regeneration as well as survivability. So Vitality and Spirit are a given in my mind. As for the other, if we are going the spells route we should go Intelligence.

Then we are in agreement. SYSTEM. We have decided.

Final 2 Inborn traits received. Enacting changes.

Race traits finalized.

Select Base Stats of Race.

Available Stat points:35

These stats will decide the general stats for a Level 1 being in the Race you are creating. And for reference, these are based upon the base stats of Humans which are 10 in each. You will start with an increase of 35 stat points. And simply to clarify these base human stats are not something achievable for normal humans, it is the absolute peak of humanity's potential without mana. Someone being able to achieve 10 in all 7 stats is simply impossible for a regular human lifespan.

Ok. Let's do it. I'm thinking 3 to all non-focused stats and the rest split equally among the 3 focused.

Sounds good to me. As long as we don't fall too far behind in the other stats. Besides I can't wait to physically dominate my enemies. It will be fun won't it, Connor?

Ah. Bestial half. Almost forgot. But you know what. I think you're right.

OK. SYSTEM Stats selected.

Stats selected.

Race design complete.

New Race in progress.

Good luck Connor Edgar Merrick.

Dissolving initial AI system assistant.

That is my cue. Farewell, both of you. I hope you climb high enough for us to meet again.