my beast change system

Nate

For hours, I had been battling ogres, and now, I was face-to-face with their boss: the Ogre Lord. My body was still in human form, but that wasn't a weakness. Thanks to my new skill, Part Change, I could morph specific parts of my body into beast-like forms, amplifying my combat abilities.

Beside me stood my Goblin Knight, now level 11, its sword glinting with anticipation.

The goblin dashed forward, its blade meeting the ogre's massive hammer in a resounding clash. The force of the blow sent the goblin skidding back, but I seized the opportunity, appearing behind the ogre with my Crocodile Blade raised high. I leaped, aiming for its neck.

Unfortunately, the ogre moved with startling speed for its size, twisting its hammer up to block my attack. Our weapons collided with a deafening clang.

"Damn," I muttered with a smirk. "For a brute wielding a hammer, it fights like it's got two. Now I really want that weapon."

The goblin knight didn't falter, charging again. Its sword swung toward the ogre, who instinctively blocked with its hammer. But this time, the goblin anticipated the move, sliding its blade along the hammer and revealing a hidden dagger. With a swift slash, it sliced into the ogre's leg, forcing the beast to kneel.

"Well done!" I shouted, rushing forward.

I jumped again, this time aiming for the ogre's head, but the stubborn beast swung its hammer upward, blocking me once more. The distraction gave my goblin the perfect chance to strike. With one final, decisive blow, it brought the ogre crashing to the ground.

As the Ogre Lord fell, I sighed, patting my goblin on its armored head. Fighting as a human was more challenging, but that was part of the thrill.

A system notification appeared before me.

System

Ogre Lord defeated.

Level Up: 17.

New Beast Unlocked: Ogre Chef.

New Skin Unlocked: Ogre Lord.

I turned to inspect my beasts, now resting after the battle. Their evolutions never ceased to amaze me.

The once-ordinary lion now had a mane of fire, becoming the Ignis Lion, level 16.

The cheetah bore lightning-like marks across its body, renamed Thunderstrike Cheetah, level 17.

My cursed crow had transformed completely, its body now engulfed in black flames, earning the name Evil Charm, level 20.

The Shadow Panther, though unchanged at level 17, remained as lethal as ever.

Sitting beneath a tree, I commanded the system to display my stats.

Human Stats

Level: 17

HP: 5000

MP: 4600

Attack: 2600

Defense: 2200

Abilities: Shadow Strikes, Flame Thrower, Lightning Dash, Dream Ville.

I grinned, satisfied. Even in human form, I could wield some of my beasts' abilities. A job well done, indeed.

Athena

The throne room was silent, the tension between my parents and me as thick as the palace walls. My father's glare bore into me as he rose from his seat.

"What is this nonsense you're trying to pull, Athena?" he demanded, his voice a deep growl.

I stood tall, my tone calm. "I'm only doing what I like, Father."

"What you like?" His voice rose. "Do you like risking your life for meaningless thrills? To die as an adventurer?"

"Yes!" I snapped back. "At least as an adventurer, I'll be free!"

His anger seemed to deflate slightly as he sank back into his throne.

"Why do you insist on stopping me? Ruling this capital isn't my dream. And we both know the throne will go to my brother."

My mother's voice interrupted, soft but firm. "Because we want what's best for you."

I turned away, my voice steady as I left the room. "I know what's best for me."

As the heavy doors closed behind me, I muttered to myself, Royalty won't rule me.

Outside the palace, I walked toward the capital gates, where two guards barred my path.

"Lady Athena, we cannot allow you to leave unsupervised. It's too dangerous," one said.

Before I could argue, a familiar voice rang out.

"She won't be alone."

We turned to see a figure in gleaming white armor—a holy knight.

"Owen!" I exclaimed, surprised.

The guards immediately knelt in respect. Without a word, Owen joined me, and together, we left the capital, heading into the forest.

Owen

We had been walking through the forest for hours, the silence between us heavier than the swords at our sides. Athena's anger was palpable, her gaze fixed and unyielding.

Finally, we found a fallen tree and decided to rest.

"So, how was your training at the Holy Knight Academy?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Hard," I admitted. "But by the looks of it, you've had a rough time yourself."

She sighed, her eyes betraying her frustration. "Yeah… they still won't let me become an adventurer."

"You worry too much. In time, they'll understand you better."

Before she could respond, I stood, pulling her to her feet.

"Where are we going?" she asked, startled.

I grinned. "Just follow me."

Without another word, I led her deeper into the forest.

Emily

We stepped into the guild, carrying a bag of goblin ears. The adventurers around us barely glanced our way, too engrossed in their own tasks.

At the counter, a receptionist greeted us, her voice warm.

"Wow, you finished already?" she said, counting the ears. "One… two… three… four…"

When she pulled out a goblin general's ear, her expression changed.

"A goblin general? Already? Impressive!" Her voice carried across the room, drawing the attention of the other adventurers.

"It wasn't us," the knight muttered, his head low.

I glanced at my team. They all looked defeated, their confidence shattered. Being saved by beasts had taken a toll on their pride.

"Who saved you?" the receptionist asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

"I'd like to take on F-rank missions again," the knight said abruptly, avoiding her question.

"You… do realize you're demoting yourself?" she asked, confused.

"I know," he said with determination. "And I'm willing to do it."

"Count me in," the archer said.

"Me too," the mage added, raising his hand.

The receptionist turned to me. "Emily, are you staying with them?"

I looked at my team, my resolve hardening. "Yes. For better or worse, I'm with them. I'll become strong enough."

The knight smiled, courage in his eyes. "So, what's it going to be?" he asked.