Ethereal Ascendance: A Journey of Transformation(1-3VOL)

I was discovered

I was suddenly awakened by a strange sound piercing the dark, silent forest. It was some kind of roar or howl, which stood out clearly against the quiet of night.

The air around also seemed to have changed. There was a faint but unpleasant smell lingering everywhere, making me feel uneasy. It was like being plunged into a chilling, oily mess.

What was happening? That howl sounded angry, giving me pause. I didn't want to give up this chance encounter, but the animalistic cry made me wonder if there was danger nearby.

I decided to go take a look, just to observe from afar first. If anything went wrong, I should still be able to run away fast. My all-out sprint earlier gave me new confidence in my speed.

Leaving the forest path, I plunged into the trees and bushes again. The closer I got to the howls, the stronger the unpleasant smell became. Before long, I saw a glow up ahead - it looked like a campfire burning. And some people were fighting with an animal beside it.

When I moved closer, I could see clearly. There were two men and two women, attacking a very strange creature. Although I had never seen one before, I recognized it from books and the internet - a three-headed dog, a Cerberus.

The Cerberus was growling angrily at a red-haired man, who was fighting it bare-handed. He wore light combat gear and was trading blows with the beast. The two girls flanked them, one holding a long spear and jabbing at the Cerberus from a distance. But her attacks didn't seem to do anything; the dog dodged them at the last moment as if it had eyes in the back. The other girl stood far away, holding a wizard's staff but not taking any action yet. The last man was even farther back, armed with a bow and firing arrows while moving around.

Whew - this scene looked familiar, just like something from a Western fantasy world. At least it matched my expectations so far. From their clothing and behaviour, they seemed like ordinary characters from a roleplaying game.

I decided not to approach them yet, hiding behind a large tree until the fight ended. I had just gotten there when something strange happened. The Cerberus suddenly broke out of the four warriors' encirclement, ignoring them completely as it raced away into the darkness.

The four stood there dumbfounded, watching their enemy flee. An eerie silence fell over the forest.

"What was that?" said the girl with the wizard staff, whirling to peer in my direction. I shrank back behind the tree, my heart pounding. She had sharp senses! I wondered if it was just a coincidence or if she had noticed me. Either way, I didn't want to reveal myself to them yet. They weren't angels - I saw no wings sprouting from their backs. But I was different with my wings, even if I hid them...

I hadn't forgotten my current naked state.

Whispers broke out among the group, too soft for me to make out. They seemed to be discussing something as they crept closer. I grew more nervous, hoping they didn't think I was a wild beast or monster.

I even considered making a run for it, but this chance encounter was too good to waste.

"Excuse me...Lord Angel?" said a girl's voice suddenly. It was the fantasy language I knew well. She was addressing me directly, so they must have caught sight of me already. I thought I was hidden so well!

"Lord Angel, can you hear us?" she continued as they edged nearer.

Uh oh, I really couldn't stay hidden at this rate. Better take control of the situation.

"Wait! Can you hold on a minute?" I called out hastily, marvelling at how melodious my new voice sounded.

The whispers and footsteps halted immediately. They must have heard me. A more muttered discussion arose from behind the tree, very close now.