B1 — 8. Initial Preparation

Rachel followed Julia through the hospital; outside of the Mythickin area, the floors were packed with patients. She smiled a little, hearing Maria moving between the levels to help people. A few of her bigger gang members were escorting her to keep the throng at a reasonable distance.

"Hey, Unicorn! You forgot about me."

"Bajate, naco," a gang member growled, stepping up to the man.

[back off, piss ant; Naco i.e., Naco is a derogatory term with racial and class roots that Mexicans use to describe people whose manners and tastes are considered to pertain to the lower classes.]

"Okay, okay! I just—you healed that boy's broken arm. You can heal my finger, no problem, right?"

Maria hummed. "No hay bronca—ey, chido, that's a nice watch you have. Tell you what; I'll fix you up good as new, your heart problems, too, and it'll just cost you the watch. Good deal, eh? No pain or weeks of recovery."

[There's no issues—hey, cool, that's a nice watch you have.]

She's something else.

Rachel's focus shifted back to her immediate surroundings. Julia kept talking about all the outfits she'd look great in, mostly from an anime perspective, but Rachel had all but tuned her out from pure disinterest. When they made it to the relief area, she wasn't surprised at the volume of people looking for supplies.

People are still making their way here all around the hospital … a few casualties from a robbery north, home invasions to the east, an ability user that was just shot to the west. It's calming down, but there's still so much chaos. So many changed people crying out for help … the National Guard needs to escort a lot of the ones that look different. The President's message still hasn't spread that far.

"Something wrong?" Julia asked, looking up at her.

Realizing she must look downcast, Rachel nodded. "I can hear so much suffering and fear with these ears. It's hard to explain just how accurate and wide my hearing is."

Brow furrowing, Julia hummed. "Do you feel responsible for all those voices?"

Rachel shook her head. "I don't—out of seven billion people in the world … there's only so much one person or even a military can do. The noise just makes me sad."

Julia went silent as she thought about her words. "It's—I'm trying to imagine hearing hundreds of people crying out for help and being unable to help them all … all I can think about is chaos in my head. How do you filter it out."

"Mmh—I do, to a certain extent," Rachel softly replied, "but if I wasn't aware of the general events around me, then I couldn't identify threats."

She paused, mind turning inward.

When did I start thinking like that? There are children crying around me, yet I don't feel the urge to rush over and save them. Does that make me a monster or realist—maybe desensitized? How could I be desensitized to something that only recently happened? I suppose I have my own issues to be concerned about. My enhanced hearing definitely has changed my perspective.

Julia cleared her throat to catch a volunteer's attention, but Rachel spoke first, addressing the woman by name since she'd heard it while scanning conversations. "Kelsey, thank you for the work you're doing."

Kelsey and Julia turned to give her stunned looks

"You know my name?" Kelsey asked, eyes scanning her appearance. "Are you that, umm—the Mythickin bunny-girl?"

Rachel kept a warm smile while nodding. "Not exactly; I'm a Lunar Hare, not a rabbit. My name's Rachel."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Kelsey muttered, looking at her large white ears as they shifted to the left.

"It's fine," Rachel replied, turning to Julia.

The doctor jumped, realizing she had the floor. "Right, umm, Kelsey—do you have anything that would fit Rachel? Something," she paused, eying her figure, "easy to move in."

"And would accommodate my tail," Rachel added, twisting while pulling back her hair to show it off.

"Tail?" Julia mumbled, eyes widening as she caught sight of it.

Rachel nodded with a light giggle. "It's usually pretty well hidden in my hair, but yes, I have a fluffy white tail."

"That's so cute!" Julia squealed, cheer dampening as Rachel covered it up with her hair again. "Aww, I didn't get to see it that well." She moaned with pleading eyes.

Her smile turned forced. "Let's first get me some clothes that fit." Rachel turned back to Kelsey. "I've heard that some companies are donating clothes for tax write-offs. Are there any running or sports attire that were donated, including shoes?"

Frowning, Kelsey looked to an elderly gentleman that was going through a stack of papers. "Umm, I think you'll have to talk to the lead supervisor."

Both nodding, they walked up to the man with Kelsey leading the way.

"Umm, Mr. Huckly."

Rachel knew the man had looked at her a few times now and knew he'd been listening, but still, he feigned ignorance. "Ah, Kelsey, and—wait, this is that Mythickin, correct?"

"I am," she nodded, but Julia quickly stepped in.

"We'd like to see if you have any sports attire that would fit Ms. Park here. She needs training clothes."

Huckly leaned back with pursed lips, sharp eyes scanning Rachel's figure. "Well, you see—there's a concern that was brought up during the donation meeting."

He breathed in through his teeth, averting his eyes for a moment, but Rachel already could tell by the sound of his muscles that this was a ploy. "To be frank, we need to be careful who represents certain brands—some don't want anything to do with the animalistic or monster looking—humans. Not that…"

I was afraid something like this might happen … Zoe was spot on when she said there could be social upsets.

Rachel breathed a heavy sigh, but before she could respond, Julia's heated voice cut through the man's explanation. "You're joking! You know you have no right to withhold donated items that have been registered with government write-offs. They are no longer within those company's control, but the U.S. government's and relief parties to hand out to anyone in need."

Huckly groaned, rubbing his neck before glancing at Rachel, and a lump dropped down his throat. "Okay, look, there are a lot of things we could do to block you from getting specific clothes; there are other options, after all, mass-produced items that don't have the specs you're looking for. However, if you want the quality sports gear that these companies can provide and not the generic mass-produced low-quality products..."

Julia huffed, crossing her arms. "How can you think about profit when the world has been flipped on its head?"

"Flipped on its head?" Huckly shook his head with a wry smile. "Some places, sure—but me and these companies are seeing things from a global scale. Not everywhere has taken The Oscillation as badly as Miami; Japan, for instance, business is booming. Some scuffles, for sure, but they're embracing The Oscillation. Heroes all over the place … I heard someone talk about Otaku or something; a dream come true."

Otaku … yeah, my parents hate Otaku, but I guess that's good to know; the world isn't falling apart.

"Oh," Julia's eyes widened. "Well, yeah—I mean, Japan is taking it well … but still!"

"Business is business, and it'll go on." He smirked. "I need to look out for these corporate interests. It's only natural for a company to try and protect their brand … imagine a terrorist wearing a major brand's logo. What that could do to a company's reputation. "

Julia's nostrils flared. "That's outrageous! Comparing Ms. Park to…"

"Julia, I'm sensing a but," Rachel hummed. "What is it?"

This guy would line up just fine with Maria, all about that profit … perhaps for different aims, though. So, what do they want from me that could make some money? It would need to be something decent enough to propose in front of Kelsey and Julia. Wait … that might be in my favor.

He was silent for a moment as he studied her appearance. "This is a rare opportunity for you, me, and these companies. Let me take a picture of you and send it to the Board of Directors of a few companies I'm in contact with. If one of them likes how you look, then you'll sign a contract to wear their products exclusively—for promotion, of course."

"Really?" Julia sighed. "A contract."

Rachel didn't hesitate. "Okay, can your phone send it right away? I'd like to get clothes as soon as possible, and there's two other Mythickin that I'd like added to that contract."

Free high-quality sports clothes! Does he know how much they cost? I had to skimp and save every dime I made from my part-time job for quality stuff.

Huckly frowned. "Which—Mythickin would those be again? Are you referring to the Unicorn? That would leave one more..."

Oh, Scarlet's Vampire image would instantly get a no from this guy.

Her smile turned secretive. "It's a package deal. Hmm? What do you say?"

Julia leaned in to whisper, "Do you really think Maria would follow that contract?"

Rachel chuckled. "Of course she would; they're free, high-quality clothes, and I'm guessing not all sportswear."

"So, the Unicorn is one," Huckly whispered as he thought of her counteroffer. "This could definitely be a big opportunity. Although … I've heard rumors about a black-haired girl that arrived with you … umm, let me contact a few of the companies first and see if they're willing to gamble on the mystery Mythickin."

Taking out his phone, he took a picture of Rachel before sending out a mass text. The response was quick, which made the man's lips fall a little. "Looks like we have a taker—they'll want a few pictures to post on a few websites—and for a few covers."

"That's fine," Rachel immediately responded.

Nodding with a growing smile, Huckly rose. "I'll grab the contract that's being faxed; as stated on the front line, they can void the contract at any time, but if you break it, then you'll need to pay a very hefty fine."

"Let's get this over with," Rachel sighed, but on the inside, she was cheering. "Tell Kelsey where the boxes are so I can get changed while you get everything set up."

He nodded with a devilish grin. "Mythickin have a bad name now, but the public is fickle. Once this blows over, and they get a good look at the civil one…" His eyes slid down her body again, smirk broadening. "Yeah, I think it's reasonable to say you'll be a celebrity. Kelsey, here's the product list for the company in question."

She took the clipboard with a frown as he left. "I can't believe he did that—oh, Tempest, huh?"

Rachel refrained from squealing; she'd used a few of their brands before, and they were high-quality stuff. Trying to keep with their mood, she gave a light chuckle. "I'm getting used to it. The world hasn't ended just yet, and there's money to be gained. Human nature, right?"

They went through the boxes, looking for her size, and Rachel couldn't help but feel like a kid on Christmas day.

Okay, should I go with stealth or comfort—breathability? Probably breathability; I need to be able to perform if we're going into action.

There was so much for her to sort through that interested her, but eventually, she found clothes to her liking; everything in black, crop-top sports bra, underwear that just fit under her tail, performance bike shorts, and a seamless tank. Moving to the footwear, she chose breathable socks with matching performance running shoes.

Kelsey put it all in a plastic bag, and just before they finished, a thought crossed Rachel's mind. "Do you have any armbands? They come in handy to wipe away sweat if you're working out pretty hard, and do you have any scissors to cut my hair? It's just too long."

Julia released a horrified gasp. "What, no—it's so silky, and thick, and so pretty!"

Rachel smiled sadly. "As much as I fantasized about having hair like this, now that I have it … it's just not practical."

"Okay," Julia sighed, looking at her long locks with longing eyes. "Not even pinning it up? It wouldn't be hard…"

"I practice martial arts," Rachel replied with a forced laugh. "It just wouldn't workout that well, even if it's pretty well-shaped."

Kelsey added the wrist bands to the bag with her clothes and they moved to the showering area. Setting up a chair, Rachel sat down and grabbed a handful of her thick hair, chuckling a little as Julia brought in a bag.

"Hey, this could make an amazing wig for someone that could use it!" She said with chagrin.

An amused smile lit her lips. "Alright, I get it! Okay, Kelsey, cut it at my shoulder, could you?"

"I'm no professional," Kelsey muttered with a bit of distress.

"You're fine, just cut it at my shoulder."

Swallowing nervously, the girl carefully grabbed a clump of her hair, brought the sharp medical scissors up, and squeezed.

Rachel frowned, she didn't hear the sound of snipping hair. "What's wrong?"

"Umm, it won't cut?" Her long ears twitched, hearing Kelsey's hands struggling to close. "I'm squeezing really hard … it just won't cut."

Lips pursed, Rachel hummed. "Maybe it's stronger than normal hair? Uh—give me the scissors; I should be able to cut it."

Kelsey handed her the utensil, and Rachel brought a clump around. Fitting her fingers into the holes, she tried to cut the lock she'd selected; the scissors broke in her fingers, falling apart.

Rachel, Kelsey, and Julia stared at the broken instrument in her hand in disbelief.

"Seriously…" Rachel muttered.

Julia breathed in with awe. "Your hair is like—as strong as steel, but feels no different—no, even silkier than shampooed hair! I need to message Richard about this." She was almost bouncing on her toes. "Should I Tweet it? No, no … that wouldn't be professional…"

"Yeah … wonderful." Rachel scratched the base of her left ear as it itched, glaring at her thick white hair draped across her fingers. "I guess it's another form of defense—figures. I should probably leave it unbound—since it always goes back to the same straight style, fanning around my back." She sighed. "I'm stuck with long hair forever."

Kelsey smirked. "The curse."

She chuckled. "Right, well, guess I'll take a shower and then get dressed."

Nodding, both girls left, letting her clean herself up. There was an assortment of bottles already in the staff shower room, so she helped herself.

Just how has my biology changed? Will I still have a period? I don't know … I don't even know if I can have kids. I mean, there was that case I heard back at the college, but is it different for Mythickin? What myth am I from anyways? Figuring that out might help me better understand my abilities.

She stretched out in the shower, feeling the warm burn of the action spread across her body. Balancing herself, she slowly twisted her hips to bring her left leg up, pressing it against the wall while the warm water flowed around her body. Leaning in, she pressed her chest against her leg while doing vertical splits, twisting to flex other muscles.

I'm so much more flexible—like insanely more flexible; does that have to do with my decrease in muscle mass?

Rachel frowned, returning her foot to the ground as her senses sharpened, and the water slowed around her, time slowing, just as it had done. She moved back and to the left, watching the air pressure from just that movement shift the liquid around her. The water exploded across the bathroom from the burst of wind she generated before she slowed to a stop.

I wasn't moving as fast as I was back in the fight, and I'm not seeing that glow effect that was on my leg, but still, I can cause this much change in airflow? My mind also compensates; that's the interesting part … my mental state can accelerate. Though, just like my speed, I can't sustain it for long.

She looked down at her physique with a sad smile, poking at specific areas while pinching others.

I'm stronger than I ever was as a human; so, why do I feel a bit depressed looking at this soft skin and lean muscle? I guess it's all the hard work I put in seems lost, but … I mean, I don't look bad…

She finished washing, making sure to thoroughly scrub her skin so Scarlet wouldn't make fun of her. Drying off, she left her hair, ears, and tail to air-dry after patting them down. Donning her new clothes, she walked out to meet Julia; Kelsey was gone, back to work helping people.

"Wow," Julia clapped. "I swear, you'll look good in anything!"

"You're so cheerful all the time," Rachel smiled. "Thanks for the compliment."

"Of course! I'm living a dream right now!"

"I'm happy for you. Say, would you mind cutting a small incision for my tail?" It doesn't have to be big since the fabric can stretch." She took out a piece of the broken medical blade.

Julia looked like it was her birthday. "Really? I guess those clothes do seem pretty well made … mmh, it should hold up, right?"

Turning around, Rachel pulled her hair over her left shoulder. "You see the bulge in the back … it feels a bit uncomfortable having my tail compressed."

Nodding, Julia carefully pulled back her bike shorts; Rachel felt the tremble of excitement pass through the woman's body as she caught sight of her puffy white tail. "So cute," she whispered while cutting a small section. "How's that?"

Rachel got up, twisting to the side to guide her tail in; it was a bit of a tight fit at first, but when it poked through, it didn't constrict the base of her tail. "Wonderful, well, let's go sign that contract … I hear him making preparations for a photo shoot." She groaned.

"It's not all bad," Julia shrugged. "You're so gorgeous that you don't need a hint of makeup or photoshop!"

"Lucky me," she muttered as Julia followed her to where Huckly was setting everything up.

He grinned as she appeared. "Striking, especially your pinkish-red eyes … wait, is there a clover pattern in them? Wow! I can see the comments now; the lucky hare! Natural, not edited; it's perfect!"

Forcing a smile, Rachel nodded. "Okay, let's get on with it—first, where do I sign, and I won't be here all day. Twenty shots, for now, I have things I need to do."

"More than enough!"

She browsed the document, noting a few things that caught her eye, and they quickly made corrections. Quickly finishing with the photo shoot, Julia took a few pictures of her own before she could leave. Rachel sucked in a deep breath after it was all over, moving to intercept Maria.

The Unicorn's gang stiffened when they caught sight of Julia and her, but Maria's smile grew with Rachel's eyes; her horn was showing.

Rachel had heard a few people comment about it, but to see it in person was an experience unto itself. Made out of white energy, the intricate, spiral point was thin, attached just above her forehead while releasing a radiant glow.

Wow, it's actually pretty and more energy than physical, but it could pass at first glance … super bright, though.

"Ah, Rachel, got some new threads, buena onda." She popped her tongue, silver irises scrutinizing her, "Yeah—that's what I'm talkin', chica—like the black!"

[Cool]

Rachel smiled as Maria's bright aura slightly dimmed, horn fading. "So, I've got you a deal for some clothes."

"Eh? Okay, all ears! What kind of deal we talkin'?"

"So, this company," she pointed at her tank. "Has offered to supply us all the clothes we want if we only wear their products and take a few pictures."

"Hmm, sólo para vestirse con sus ropas ... todo gratis, huh?" A broad smile lit her cheeks. "You're thinking like a hustler now! Think I'm rubbin' off on ya." She turned to one of her boys. "Aye, cuánto crees que podemos voltear eso?"

[Hm, just to get dressed in their clothes … all free, huh? … Hey, how much do you think we can flip that?]

Rachel sighed with a slight smile. "Right, well, I'm not exactly sure what you said, but okay. Go to the support area and get a new set of clothes," she chuckled. "See if you can wrestle some cash on each picture taken, too—if you change the deal, then I'll need to resign it, which could give us more leverage; I'm sure you can hustle it out of him."

Several of Maria's gang members nodded with broad grins, and Maria popped her tongue, vision shifting to glare at them. "Aye, qué estás pensando, tontos, eh?"

[Hey, what are you thinkin', fools, huh?]

They all looked away, trying to shrug it off with sheepish smirks.

A puff of air shot through Maria's nose as she huffed, scratching her neck while turning back to Rachel. "Anyways, nice work; I'm gonna go do that and get some sleep," she yawned.

Sly smile lighting Rachel's lips, she tilted her head slightly, eyes lifting as she heard a soldier asking the hospital surveillance room for Maria's location. "Did you slip your tail?"

"Ah, shit," Maria looked back with a frown. "Hear them lookin' for me? It's pretty easy when everyone crowds you; they get shoved back, and then the boys cause a distraction … easy."

"Well, keep an eye out for the cameras; they're looking for you."

"Thanks for the heads-up," she suddenly smiled. "What did I say? You'd be great in the crew; welcome aboard, chica."

Rachel's fingers slipped through her hair while giggling. "You're funny."

"Tsk," Maria marched up to her. "You'll join, Liebre Blanca, just you wait!" Turning back to her gang, she tilted her head, and her group broke away.

[White Hare]

"I don't get it," Julia muttered, cowing down to the gangster's rough demeanor. "You'll join, just you wait … I get what she means, but … doesn't it sound—I don't know, a bit threatening?"

Walking back toward the Mythickin section, Rachel shrugged. "Don't think about it too much; it's just her cadence from what I can tell. She's really not that bad. Now, let's get Richard and start testing."

Julia's heart escalated. "Oh, finally! Yeah, let's go get ready."

She noticed the attention she was attracting seemed to be increasing rather than decreasing; people watched her with bated breath, waiting to see if she might go crazy or do something strange.

However, a different scene made Rachel pause as she passed a waiting area, catching sight of a news station where a few people sat in shock.

A colossal tree, sprouting out of a large riverway was being covered by what seemed a U.K news station. She listened to the report with Julia:

"We're here at the Houses of Parliament, and as you can see, there is a massive tree growing out of the River Thames. We have confirmation that the boat was privately owned, hosting a late-night party, and it sank with what seems a Mythickin Nymph on board; she was transformed during The Oscillation, just before an unknown object pierced the hull, some speculate the Nymph herself caused it.

"One witness to the event stated that as everyone was thrown into the water, this enormous tree began to grow, saving many that had fallen into the River Thames. However, there are still several people unaccounted, including the Mythickin Nymph herself.

"The tree roots are currently blocking traffic on Westminster Bridge, Abingdon Street, A3212, Lambeth Bridge, A3036, and penetrating into the roads all around the area; thankfully, most buildings seem to be unaffected, and there are no reported casualties from the tree itself.

"There are rumors that these rhizomes reach as far as the North Sea and the English Channel, but there are multiple confirmed sightings of large roots spread across England, and this mythical tree continues to grow. People are already comparing its height to the Burj Khalifa as its enormous branches shadow London.

"We've consulted multiple experts on the pictures and we've been able to secure; it seems there are plants of unknown origin growing near the base and further up in the large branches where waterfalls can be seen, flowing from fissures in the trunk.

"You can see that the water, plant life, and even the trunk itself seem to have a glow, radiating their colors in an almost magical way; reports have been issued that it is not radioactive. It almost looks like a forest itself is sprouting out of the trunk and branches.

"Experts theorize that the mass spread of its roots must reach far underground and tap into many underground rivers and water sources across the country to sustain its massive size; as you can see, it seems to be pulling in water. Waterfalls are gushing out of various openings and cascading down multiple branches further up the trunk. Some are already calling this the Eighth Wonder of the World, The World Tree.

"However, scientists are warning us that this could severely affect the water levels around the U.K; we will keep you updated. The area is being sealed off by local authorities as the military prepares to enter the tree's inner hollows at one of the openings in the trunk's base. We will continue to keep you posted."

"That's so cool…" Julia mumbled, eyes sparkling.

Breaking away, Rachel hummed, comparing her own strength to what she'd just seen.

So, there's a Nymph Mythickin in England. That thing's massive, though … if she can do that, then what can I do once I tap into this power? Well, in any case, that makes fifty-three Mythickin discovered. Could there be more of a specific kind … it's a good question.

Are there duplicates of Mythickin, and what's this rumor about legends appearing that the military leadership is discussing? It could be no different than the alien talk from the doubt in their voices. What I do know is there are two Vampires, but they aren't the same … so much misinformation and speculation. I guess only time will tell.

Richard came into view. "Ah, Ms. Park, you found wonderful clothes. Feeling more comfortable?"

She adopted a bright smile while nodding, setting her mask back into place. "Yeah, a lot more comfortable."

"Wonderful. Hmm, are you ready to test your strength in the sunlight? Dawn broke about forty-five minutes ago," he added.

"Mhm, where's a good spot?"

Richard shrugged. "Not a clue, to be honest. I guess we could just go out on the street and go from there."

Rachel hummed with a curious glance at Julia. "That seems reasonable; what do you think? The National Guard is keeping the building and surrounding area fairly secure."

"Yeah! I'm so hyped after seeing that tree!"

Rachel's smile turned forced. "Well, let's not expect something like that."

"Oh, right, right," Julia giggled. "It's just so awesome!"

Julia's eyes sparkled as they made their way to the front entrance, and Rachel smiled as she kept glancing around her.

"What's up?"

The doctor swallowed, seemingly completely unabashed as she stared into Rachel's eyes. "I think I found out which myth you're from."

That'd be great! She did the research for me. A playful spark lit in her mind. What'll she do if I motion with my ears?

"I'm all ears," Rachel replied, long ears shifting to beckon Julia on.

She breathed in sharply, doing her best to contain herself. "So cute—but I know you're just doing this to get a squeal out of me!" She moaned. "You actually have that much control over your ears?"

Rachel responded by making a heart shape, causing Julia to pull out her phone. "Okay, just one more picture!" She giggled, taking the photo before staring at the digital copy with a beaming smile.

"So—umm, I think you're from the Moon Rabbit myths; I know you're not a rabbit," she quickly interjected, "but you're in the same family. It dates back to China and has a lot of different variants to it, including Lunar Hares. Usually, the rabbit is depicted with a pestle and mortar, pounding away at something—what exactly that is—well, it differs between myths and translation."

Rachel's eyes fell to the floor to indicate to the doctors she was thinking about it. "So—I guess you could say my power and speed could come from that. Always pounding away while also being a quick hare—I guess, but wouldn't that mean I have a lot of endurance … which I don't. I have a lot of stamina, but not high endurance..."

"Wait," Julia hummed. "Stamina and endurance … oh, so—uh … explain, please."

"Well," Rachel rubbed the back of her head, ears shifting to the left. "Let's see … it's like I have a high energy pool, but it drains really quickly."

Julia's eyes lit up. "Oh! So, it's like stamina is represented as a bar or pool, and the cost of abilities or skills increases or decreases based on your endurance stat. Sounds just like a game." She grinned with a thoughtful expression, playing with the ideas in her mind.

"Actually, that's not a bad way of explaining it," Rachel chuckled.

Julia shrugged. "It's really cool. Of course, the myth could be a metaphor; a lot of Chinese myths were used to represent something. Maybe it's perseverance or dedication. Speaking biologically wise, Hares have longer ears than rabbits, are usually wilder than rabbits—not kept as pets, they're more solitary, and can run as fast as forty to forty-five miles an hour while being able to maintain high mobility—they leap instead of hop, too.

"Hares coats can be different colors based on the season—you might change based on moon color; that would be awesome! Let's see; they're nocturnal. They run close to the ground to escape detection, ears lying flat against their head when moving at an accelerated speed.

"They are excellent swimmers—you don't have long, front incisors, do you?" Rachel shook her head while temporarily exposing her teeth, soaking in the information. "Ah, that's good; hare front incisors never stop growing, so they need to grind them down all the time. They have an excellent sense of smell—do you?"

She thought about the question as they walked.

Have I really taken the time to stop and smell anything? I don't think so.

"I've mainly been focusing on sounds; I haven't paid attention to any smells since I was so focused on the commotion around me. Umm, let's see…"

She sniffed the air, and to her surprise, a ton of scents greeted her.

I can't tell what many of them are, but I smell flowers and other things. I don't know what a lot of these scents are, though … why didn't I notice them until now?

At the thought, the answer came in the same way as her race.

I hadn't unlocked it? Does that mean I'm capable of further growth … yes. I must have more natural skills that can be opened to me; I'll need to do my research on hares. Of course, it seems I have an expert right here with me.

"Rachel?" Richard asked, looking over at her. "You usually look so neutral, but you seemed surprised just now."

He's still studying me; I guess I can't be too careful.

"Yeah, let me see if I can explain it—I just gained access to a deeper sense of smell."

Richard and Julia's brow furrowed as they stopped in front of a hallway with sunlight shining through the windows.

"What do you mean, gained access to a deeper sense of smell? You didn't have it until now?" Richard questioned.

Rachel eyed the light with a bit of hesitation but kept her focus on the conversation. "Yes … that's what I just learned—it's the same for identifying my Race and Type. It's a knowledge that just filters into my brain upon request … obviously, I need to be specific for it to work, though.

"I just gained access to my enhanced sense of smell; it's like the biological function just opened up to me. I couldn't smell anything deep or profound, and the moment I tried to identify all the scents around me … it was unlocked. So … is it desire-based," she whispered while folding her arms.

Julia's eyes widened as she slammed her fist into her palm. "Like a talent in a game!"

"A game?" Rachel and Richard gave her a puzzled look.

She nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's like an Isekai anime I've seen; everything you've been telling me sounds just like a game!"

"Isekai … the girl that taught me about my Race and Type said the same thing."

"Right, so, it's like a video game where you have multiple trees or skills, and you need to unlock them!"

Rachel licked her lips. "Eh, this doesn't feel like a game, Julia. It feels very real."

The female doctor shook her head. "Of course it feels real—because this is real, but it's functioning like a game … not that it is a game. Well—when you think about a stat menu or like, a gaming screen, does anything come up, Rachel?"

"I know what you're getting at," Rachel muttered. "Zoe, that girl I mentioned, told me the same thing. Thinking like that made me aware of my general strengths, such as agility, and weaknesses, like low endurance."

"This is so exciting!" Julia breathed. "It's more of a hidden system then? Some games don't give you exact stats or abilities and let you develop your own style of gameplay as you play through automatic stat allocation based on preferences. It sounds like that!"

"I see," Richard muttered. "I've never played any games, but if your hypothesis is correct, then we can develop a means of testing it." He looked forward at the light ahead of them. "I guess this is the first time you'll be entering the light, Ms. Park. Being based on a nocturnal animal and a Lunar Hare, connected to the moon, I wonder what the sun's effect will be on you?"

Rachel took a deep breath. "I need to know." She turned to Julia. "Keep thinking about your Isekai stuff, and we can test some of your theories in a minute." She turned back to the sunlight and walked forward, holding out her hand.

Please don't burst into flames...