They’re targeting me. Those giant bears are definitely targeting me. This was the fifth time in two months I’d been hunted by them.
Just end it already. I didn’t want to run anymore. With reckless abandon, I charged forward. Let them see the progress I’d made—even in my sane state, before losing control.
I dodged the grizzly’s first two furious swipes. In the brief pause before its roar, I leaped high and drove a bone spike toward its eye. A short, pained whine replaced its earth-shaking roar. Again, I was swatted down like a fly.
Is this it? I calculated my injuries. Ghoul Transformation would hit me soon. Stay rational. I must stay rational. This time, I’d get the bear pelt intact!
A sickly pallor spread across my skin. All the blood seemed to rush to my eyes. My already faintly crimson irises deepened to ink-like scarlet, staining the whites blood-red. Two dark crimson tear tracks carved down my face like dried blood. My nails lengthened into sharp claws. Slowly, I rose from the ground and let out a terrifying hissed laugh at the bear—a silver-haired demon grinning beneath the moonlight.
I’d done it. I’d kept my consciousness through the agony.
*Hahahaha…*
But it hurt. The pain hadn’t lessened a bit. Finish this quickly—before I lost myself again.
I effortlessly dodged the grizzly’s claws and ripped a gaping hole in its belly with my own. The bear howled in pain, spewing flames far fiercer than ever before.
The attack worked. First task: peel off an intact pelt. I nimbly avoided its fiery breath, leaped near its head, and smashed its skull with the Ghoul Bone. The blow cut off its roar. Before it could recover, I darted behind it, sliced off a large, perfect piece of hide, and coldly tossed the blood-splattered trophy aside.
Just a little longer. I still need to figure out how it— My thoughts blurred.
At my limit already? My mind sank once more into the abyss of pain and bloodlust. Only my body, driven by instinct, kept fighting the bear.
…
When the frenzy faded, only bear fragments surrounded me. I watched my claws shrink back into nails and exhaled slowly. *Next time, I’ll uncover how it breathes fire.* I resolved this with a mouthful of metallic tang.
At least this time, I’d secured enough fur for a cloak. I comforted myself, picking up the pelt I’d cut before blacking out. Back in my tree hollow shelter, I used a wild rabbit’s sharp horn to roughly treat the hide. Now I had makeshift clothing for warmth and modesty. Satisfied, I draped the pelt over my shoulders and habitually activated Self Appraisal.
Lately, my only "conversation" was with Self Appraisal. Though it never replied—making this high-grade talking to myself—the mechanical, emotionless voice kept my sanity intact in this endless wilderness. Gradually, its data flowed into my mind.
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Race: Ghoul Hybrid
Status: Rampage Cursed Goatling (Active), Logic - White Spider Larva Infection (Suppressed)
Skills: Great Ghoul Tongue, Self Appraisal, Rampage Ghostification
Other: Corpse Eater Devourer
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Huh? A new skill. So I *have* grown. Mr. Self Appraisal, what’s "Rampage Ghostification"?
*"The ability to partially activate Rampage Cursed Goatling, entering Ghoul Transformation."*
My effort to stay conscious during rampages was recognized. That’s why this skill was added. And "Ghoul Transformation"? It’s listed in my skills, so it should explain it. I’m not cheating here.
*"The ability of certain Ghostkind to manifest their existence through specific means."*
Vague. But the change during the bear attack was a form of Ghoul Transformation, right? To the bear, I must’ve looked more terrifying than a demon. "Ghoul Transformation" fits. Since it’s a skill now, I must be close to mastering it. Good. Let’s test Self Appraisal while transformed.
Pain triggered my transformation. I took the rabbit’s sharp horn and stabbed my shoulder. *Ow.* Not enough? I stabbed again. *God, this hurts.* But this time, I willingly plunged into the sea of agony and bloodlust.
*KILLKILLKILLKILL—*
"Shut up," I snapped at the raging impulse inside me, reclaiming my mind. *Huff…* Better than last time. Probably because there was no blood scent to provoke me. I examined my hands—claws, just like during Ghoul Transformation. And so far, my rationality held. Perfect. Self Appraisal.
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Race: Ghoul Hybrid
Status: Rampage Cursed Goatling (Active), Logic - White Spider Larva Infection (Suppressed)
Skills: Great Ghoul Tongue, Self Appraisal, Rampage Ghostification
Other: Corpse Eater Devourer
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Oh! Different from usual. "Rampage Cursed Goatling" is now Active, while "Logic - White Spider Larva Infection" is Suppressed. So this Ghoul Transformation ties to the curse. Then what’s "Rampage"? It’s in my skills too—explain it.
*"The ability of female Ghoul Hybrids to succumb to fury, chaos, and instinct-driven bloodlust, losing rationality."*
*Female.* Ugh. My least favorite topic resurfaced. Why was this body female? Being a kid was manageable, but puberty… *shudder*. No. Focus. Investigation first.
A female-only ability? That’s why the armored man wanted to release female Ghoul Hybrids. But I hadn’t lost my mind. Those three misjudged me. Good thing too—being captured might mean becoming lab material. I sighed, imagining my captured brother’s uncertain fate.
Whatever. This pain’s unbearable. Time to stop. I yanked the rabbit horn from my shoulder. As the pain faded, my body reverted to human form, the wound sealing rapidly from Ghoul Transformation.
Once healed, I yawned, wrapped myself tightly in the bear pelt, and settled for a nap. *A crimson-eyed little girl swaddled in grayish fur inside a tree hollow… I probably look more like a wild rabbit now.* I drifted off with this idle thought. Sleep was essential for kids, after all.
