“Did you have fun last night?” Deckard asked me as I reached Labyrinth Square. He wasn’t mocking me. After all, there was no reason. I wasn’t hungover, nor had I caused a ruckus yesterday, but I did have fun. Against all odds, it turned out to be quite a pleasant night. Sure, there were some tensions and hiccups - Harper, being Harper, was grumpy about Stella the whole time. However, once Idleaf showed up, the whole night took a whole different turn.

“Good morning to you, too. And yes, you could say I had fun. Anyway, what are you doing here? Where’s Squad Four?” They were the ones I was supposed to meet here this morning, not him.

“In the barracks,” said Deckard, casually, unfazed, hands in his pockets. “Change of Plans. According to San and Pinescar, they need to get their shit together first. Well, you know, get to know each other better before they let them down into the depths.”

“Shouldn’t I be there too, then?”

He chuckled. “Didn’t you get to know your squad leader well enough yesterday? I think she got a good taste of you, too.”

“You mean...”

“Yeah, because of what she pulled off, she hardly got to know what the three of them are capable of, their limits. Thus you are with me today, Little Beast. I hope you don’t mind?”

I grinned back. “Do I ever?”

“Good, because we have a lot of work to do, and you have big decisions to make.”

That gave me pause. “What decision?”

“Haven’t you dragged your time with [Eleaden Standard Language] for too long?”

Oh, that. “I thought I’d give it more...thought.”

“Sure, don’t rush the decision. Wise. But it’s dumb to put it off just because you don’t know what skill to take. Come on, let’s go down. I bought you some good grilled meat; you’re gonna love it.”

He didn’t wait for me to process what he had just said and headed down the stairs to the teleportation platform. “Wait, what do you mean by the meat? I already had breakfast.”

“No doubt. You’d be grumpy if you didn’t.”

“You wouldn’t be?” I mean, who wasn’t a little grumpy when they were hungry, right?

“Sure, I would. I wouldn’t actually growl at people around me, though,” he laughed. “No, what I’m saying is you need to get your reserves up. That fight with Palemoon certainly took a lot out of you, not to mention the regeneration. Ready?” He asked me suddenly as we reached the platform. After I nodded, he picked floor ten, and in the very next heartbeat, we were swallowed up in white light.

With the familiar cry of Traiana echoing in my mind, we arrived among the rolling meadows and hills. Deckard immediately looked around, checking the surroundings, scaring any beasts away, while I enjoyed the light breeze, the fresh air carrying the scent of flowers, and the grass tickling my bare feet.

“Plus,” he said after placing the Threads anchor on the platform. “If that [Behemoth] skill of yours works even a little bit like the skills similar to it, you’re stuck because you never used it to its full potential.”

Okay, I may or may not have mentioned that to Deckard. The fact that he figured out my problem with the skill based on just that pissed me off. It took me way longer. Couldn’t he have told me sooner and saved me the trouble? On the other hand, it made me feel good that I figured it out on my own, albeit with some difficulty.

“So you want me to sit down and...eat?”

“That’s the gist of it.”

“We could have done that up above, in a restaurant or something,” I argued. Not that this wasn’t a nice place to be.

“It would be a pain in the ass to address your skills there.”

Ah, the [Eleaden Standard Language] again. He wasn’t going to just let it go, huh? Damn! “Do you have any skills in mind?”

“That should be my question, Little Beast.”

Yeah, right, so... “Well, I have no idea. I’d love it if my blows packed a punch. Know what I mean?”

“Sure. Is that all?”

“Isn’t that enough to go by?”

“Come on, humor me.”

“Tank stuff. I’m supposed to be one, but I don’t feel like one. Maybe some kind of taunt skill, I don’t know?”

“Now you’re talking. Not what I recommend, though.”

“Why?”

“You may fill the role of a tank in the squad, but that’s not what you really are and want to be, or am I wrong?”

He wasn’t. The tank was not something I pictured myself as. “You’re right, annoyingly.”

“Here you go. That’s a lot of skills we can cross off. Come on, let’s find places to sit down and work it out.”

It took us a while to find a decent spot, but it was a nice, quiet walk through the grass. The only thing missing was the setting or rising sun on the horizon - the perpetual light of the false sky was just irritating - and the dew on the grass to cool my feet.

“Here,” Deckard said as a large bowl of grilled meat appeared between us. Yeah, a bowl, not a tray, or a plate, a fucking bowl that, by my estimation, held a good ten kilos of meat.

“You expect me to eat it all?”

The bastard grinned. “I have five more like this one.”

“Are you shitting me?” I mean, all you had to do was look at the sheer volume of the meat. That couldn’t fit in my stomach, and he had five more servings like that?

“I kid you not. The shitting... up to you.”

The blood rushed to my cheeks, and I had to force myself to swallow a few curses. My digestion may have been much better than on Earth, but it was still far from perfect enough to digest everything I ate. Let’s just say there was still a waste, and looking at the amount of meat...a shiver ran down my spine.

Deckard noticed the twitch and chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t envy you. However, if you don’t want to stay stuck, you better eat it.”

“Do I have to? Can’t I just take it slow? Eating more for dinner?” Useless whining and I knew it. I tried this eating tactic, which was why I was still stuck with the skill and why my behemoth stomach was only a little over half full. As my skills grew stronger, gaining new tiers, everything I did require more energy, especially shifting from one beast form to another and back. The larger portions just barely kept my extra nutrient storage full as it was.

So, in the end, without Deckard having to say a word to me, I sat down on the ground next to the bowl and started digging into the grilled meat. As always, it was super delicious, which made the whole overstuffing-myself thing a little easier.

“Good to see that it’s to your liking...and that you see reason.”

I was tempted to give him the finger which I found out had a similar meaning here on Eleaden, or at least in Sahal, as on Earth. An obscene hand gesture equivalent in meaning to “shove it up your arse”. Though, not wanting to piss off the one who fed me too much, I held back and just gave him an ironic-ish grin. “It could use some sauce and something to wash it down.”

Deckard laughed. “Do you know that it costs more to buy you food than to equip you with proper gear?”

Yeah, I was aware of that. After all, I wasn’t stupid and could do the math. Sure, I could argue that he didn’t have to buy me such expensive food or that he wasn’t the one who bought me the gear. But that would be like shooting myself in the foot. Plus, there was a reason why he was buying high-quality food besides its better taste. It was simply more nourishing. “Thank you,” I mumbled with my mouth full.

“Glad you can appreciate it,” he said, more amused than pleased, before pulling out a ceramic sauce bottle and a jug of water. “Anything else?”

Knowing that asking for a table, chair, and cutlery would be too much, I shook my head. After all, this was not a five-star restaurant, but something akin to a field trip, a very dangerous one.

“Okay,” he breathed, looking into my eyes. “Now, back to your skills.”

“What about them?” I know, feigning ignorance hardly ever works.

“Come on, Little Beast. It’s already been a few days since we talked about it. More than enough time to make up your mind.” Yeah, after I mentioned that I already feel proficient enough in my Standard to get rid of the skill, we talked about it briefly, very briefly. Rather, he just told me to give it some thought and take my time; that having the right skills was essential.

So, why the fucking rush now?!

“D..damn...didn’t you tell me to take my time?” I asked, trying not to choke on my mouthful.

“I did, and I gave you time. Look, you can put it off as long as you want. I get it. On the one hand, there’s the fear of you not being able to communicate, and on the other, the big decision about skills. But the longer you put it off, the longer it will be on your mind, eating away at you, weighing your mind down. Not to mention, you could be making some actual progress in those skills by now.”

All truth that was hard to argue against, especially when you had a mouthful. “Okay, I....” I paused, thinking about it again, swallowing another bite. “[Master’s Shield], I’m thinking of swapping that skill for another. [Fierce Pounce] maybe.”

That genuinely surprised Deckard, who expected me to bring up [Eleaden Standard Language] instead. Understandable. However, I thought it would be better to deal with my Class Skills first and then my General Skills.

“That’s a bold move. I thought you liked that skill.”

I don’t think I’ve ever said anything like that. The truth was that it grew on me, though. After initial issues with it, I found a use for the skill and made it work. “It’s Stella.” She put a seed in my head. In fact, that seed was there from the beginning, a seed of doubt that it wasn’t the right skill for me.

“What about her?”

“She says I’m too spread out, skill-wise. Tank, fighter, shifter, mage, and who knows what else.”

“Then I must agree with the girl.”

That gave me pause. “You do? Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s normal.”

Was it? Stella said otherwise. Not that I would trust her over Deckard, just...

“Look, I mean normal for someone like you. That girl most likely failed to see that you’re, in a way, like a newly grown adult who has just gained access to the system. You test your class, skills, potential, and limits. It’s normal. Plus, spreading your skills out more isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

“Yet you agree with her. Wait...it isn’t?”

“It doesn’t have to be. For example, the Warden loses the hand he was holding the shield in. Don’t ask me how, but know that there are injuries that healers can’t fix. So, he lost his hand and now has two options: either forget the shield completely or forget the sword in his other hand and raise the shield in that one. Either way, some of his skills will be useless to him now, and he will need new ones to fill in his weaknesses. As a result, he may start to lean more towards magic, which to some may seem like he’s spreading himself too thin,” Deckard paused to catch his breath, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “There’s always more to it, Little Beast.”

He didn’t have to tell me that. The world was never as simple as one would wish. “So what’s wrong with my skills?” I thought I had put together a decent skillset under his and Lord Wigram’s guidance. On second thought, they just gave me their opinions and left the final call entirely up to me. Not so wise, most likely.

“Considering what you are, not so much,” Deckard said casually, as if what he’d said a moment ago was just some bullshit I shouldn’t have paid attention to. Nevertheless, he didn’t give me a chance to tell him what I thought about it. “You’re a hybrid of human and beast, so I think it’s natural for you to shift between the forms. Plus, your class is about challenging what it means to be human. And then there’s your bestial side, which gives you a strong body, be it in terms of physical strength, constitution, or regeneration. Not to mention your heart; magic is simply a part of you. In other words, a shifter and mage are simply what you are, while a fighter is what you want to be. But it’s also where you’re most lacking with your skills.”

It turned into a more serious conversation than I expected. Not sure exactly what I was expecting, though. Tackling the skills was never simple. “So, [Master’s Shield]?”

“It took you quite a while to figure. It may be a magical skill in nature and suited for a tank, but not for a fighter.” He said it like it was quite obvious.

Irritated, I licked the sauce off my lips and burped. Getting more food down was starting to be a struggle. “What if it’s a mistake to want to be a fighter and I’m actually more built to be a tank?”

Deckard chuckled. “What if? A question that eats away at many all their lives. I’m afraid I can’t answer that, though. All I can say is you’re robust enough to be a tank, but that doesn’t mean a fighter can’t be built like you. Actually, I’d say it’s an advantage. Wigram, on the other hand, would like to see you take the path of a mage. But who says a fighter can’t wield magic? Ultimately, it’s up to you what you want to be. But if I were you, I’d follow my heart and not give a damn what anyone tells me.”

Damn! I knew he was a go-by-the-guts guy, but that sounded almost romantic. It didn’t change a shit about the big question, though. What did Korra’leigh want to be? Well, luckily, I didn’t have to think about it too hard. Whenever I faced an enemy, my instinct was to fight, to strike a blow, to sink my claws and fangs into them - well, the later one didn't really appeal to human me.

“I see you’ve found the answer,” Deckard said, hinting at the happily wagging tail behind me.

“Yeah, I want to fight.”

“Good,” he grinned. “Then it’s time for you to get rid of [Master’s Shield].”

Was it really the time? Doubts, doubts, doubts. My hands actually trembled at the thought of getting rid of the skill as I reached for another piece of grilled meat. I had [Master’s Shield] for so long and put so much effort into it. What if...yeah, what if! I laughed out loud. No, as much as it may have hurt, so to speak, it was time to make the call. And perhaps more radical than replacing just one skill, more at once and fast, Like ripping off a Band-Aid. “What about [Ride of Ancestors] and [Mantle of Magic]?” At times, I doubted those two skills too.

It took Deckard a moment to answer as he swept me with his gaze, trying to figure out if I was serious. “Well, [Ride of Ancestors] is a bit of an obscure skill. I would wait for Tier IV at least and then decide...sure, that’s level sixty, but at that point, you’ll really be sure if the skill is worth having or not. I understand that you doubt your magic. It’s different from brandishing a fist or wielding a weapon. Traiana’s tits, even the most gifted, take a while to master the magic, so I’d say...wait a little longer with this skill, too; it could be quite handy to you once you learn how to use magic. Besides, Class Skills are not General Skills; you only get to choose from the ones you got with your class.”

True, I could either choose from Slave skills, most of which I detested to the core, or Deviant of Humanity skills, with which I’ve replaced most of my class skills, meaning I only had six unlisted skills to choose from: [Fierce Pounce]; [Midnight Shine]; [Clandestine Terror]; [Sense of Beast]; [Beast Core] and [Silent Prowl]. But which of those skills to pick?

“Okay, so you think [Fierce Pounce]?” I asked, biting my lower lip smeared with sauce.

“It’s a skill with great potential, and with your current full beast form, its second tier isn’t that useless anymore.” Yeah, I could imagine that I would actually bite Stella’s hand off if I had that skill. There was a but in his voice, though.

“You don’t think that’s the one I should pick?” Honestly, I had my own doubts. It was still a skill, part of which was not very useful to me in my human form unless I partially shifted. Plus, despite what I did, biting into someone or something still didn’t sit well with me.

Deckard shrugged. “No, I don’t think so, not anymore.”

What the fuck was that supposed to mean? Couldn’t he have been more specific?

“Think about it, Little Beast, and tell me yourself where you feel you are lack more than offensive power; what skill would be more fitting for you?”

Damn him! Why the hell couldn’t he just tell me?! “I have my presence, even if it is a little janky. So not the [Clandestine Terror].”

“It might be useful to you as a tank before you master your presence, but I agree, not that one.”

“Same with [Sense of Beast], I already have [Spatial Domain]. Why have redundant skills?”

Deckard nodded. “Unless you’re thinking of getting rid of [Spatial Domain], which I don’t recommend, you’re right.”

“Well...” I breathed, thinking. “I liked [Silent Prowl], but I don’t think it’s my thing.”

“No, it’s definitely not,” he agreed.

“So you think I should go for [Midnight Shine]?” That didn’t make sense. Sure, it would give me better eyesight, a way to see through the magic, but to some extent, it was as much redundant a skill as [Sense of Beast]. After all, besides my domain, which could play the same role in the future and be able to see through magic - who knows - I had my freakishly sensitive ears and instincts.

“I take it you see no reason to have the skill as I do, so...”

“So...” I repeated after him like a dunce, not knowing where he was going with that. Or rather, I didn’t want to face it. “Wait! You mean...you really think I should pick [Beast Core]?”

Deckard nodded, an understanding look in his eyes. “I understand your reluctance. However, let’s face it. Your quirks consume a lot of mana and will continue to do so more and more.”

“I know, still...do you remember the description? It doesn’t add anything new to me.”

Beast Core

Passive I (Deviant - 30%)

Still human at your root, you’re capable of creating what only beasts with potential can. The core is a testament to your abilities, a proof of your strength, a token of your determination, and first and foremost, a place to store your mana for times of need. As you grow, it will grow with you.

“Are you sure, Little Beast?” He asked, smiling. “I remember, and I’ve been thinking about it. Let me ask you then, has your core grown with you?”

“How the fuck should I know?” I threw up my hands, a piece of meat in one. The fact that I snapped worse than I meant to came to me right away. “Sorry, it’s a sore spot for me.”

“I understand that, and I’m sorry I have to bring it up, but again, has your core grown with you?”

I channeled my inner peace, easing down. “How should I know? I can’t see inside myself?”

“Has its capacity increased?” Deckard probed on. Bastard!

“I...I don’t know. I haven’t used it much.” If at all.

“I know it’s hard for you, but you should; you should use everything you have. Look, like I said, I’ve been thinking about it, and I don’t think your core is growing with you. It’s just an object that’s been implanted in your body, not one of your mutations.”

I got what he was trying to say. That while I could use core, there was the possibility that without the skill, it couldn’t be more than small mana storage.

“Of course, I could be wrong, Little Beast. It’s a skill that no one else but beasts have, one that could help you where you’re lacking, though. Just...”

“I got it.” I held up my hand to stop him. “You’re right. I’ve been shying away from using the core, and now I don’t know shit about it. But, I don’t know.” [Fierce Pounce] sounded like a much better choice to me.

“It’s up to you; I’m just saying it’s worth a shot. Level ten, Tier II, maybe make it to Tier III, and then you’ll see.”

“It doesn’t give me much offensive power, though,” I argued, knowing full well what he was going to say: General Skills.

Deckard smirked. ‘’There’s still that language skill of yours, and I’d like you to consider swapping [Tail of Poison Empress], too."

“What!” I barked. “My only offensive skill?!”

“That’s just it. Your only offensive skill, and you rarely ever use it.”

“Th-that’s because I don’t want to poison anyone.”

He shrugged. “Whatever the reason, you don’t use it much. Look, can’t you use the poison without the skill?”

I took a breath to tell him no, only to pause. “I don’t know. I’ve never really tried. I’ve always had a skill for it.” Damn! They were my skills, and he still managed to make me look like I didn’t know shit about them - sadly, it wasn’t far from the truth. “That skill makes using my poison much easier, more efficient, and...” I was going to say it made my poison stronger, but it didn’t; it might in the future, but so far, it didn’t. That didn’t mean it couldn’t be useful in the future. The story of how they first encountered the Empress of Poison was still vivid in my mind, the magnificence of the creature, and what it was able to do with the poison. I simply couldn’t imagine myself being able to do something like that without a skill just on my own.

“I’ll try to use that skill more, I promise.” That sounded really pathetic.

“Little Beast, I’m not forcing you to get rid of that skill,” Deckard said, his easy-going voice making me feel at ease, soothing me even. The man knew how to deal with someone like me, an apprentice, a woman under his command. “I’m just telling you, as I see it, where I think your flaws are and where you have room for improvement. It’s up to you to take it to heart and do something about it.”

“Okay, so...”

“If you choose [Fierce Pounce] instead of [Master’s Shield] and not [Beast Core] is entirely up to you. Ultimately, how you feel about your skills also plays a role. Same with [Tail of Poison Empress]. If you feel it’s the skill for you, keep it. Just don’t regret it later.”

“What about [Eleaden Standard Language]? Decision to be made once I figure out what I’m going to do with my Class Skills?”

“Exactly. General Skills are and always have been a supplement to Class Skills,” Deckard said, his eyes falling on the bowl of grilled meat. I managed to eat about a fifth of it, that was all. “Full already?”

“How the fuck could you think I was going to eat all this? It’s impossible. Look at my stomach.” It was visibly bulging.

“Is it impossible?” He asked back, a hint of amusement in his eyes. There was something I missed. “Have you considered all your...options?”

“What…?!”

“The capabilities of your forms?” Deckard added and watched, amused, as it hit me. The amount of meat, the bowl. The bastard wanted me to shift into my full beast form.

“Do you take me for the fucking mutt that you feed?”