Penelope

Jayden stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, a black spray dye sitting on the sink in front of him.

"All right," he muttered, gripping the can, "I don't know how the dye suddenly wore off after five years... but I'm not leaving it like this."

He'd dyed his hair black all those years ago because his natural silver color always brought way too much attention. And he wasn't the type that enjoyed attention.

But somehow, that transformation last night had stripped the dye clean off, revealing his true hair color like some kind of cosmic joke.

He shook the spray and raised it above his head, ready to hide it all over again. But then... he paused. Jessica's words echoed in his mind, soft but stubborn:

"It really suits you."

Jayden sighed and ran a hand through his silver strands, eyes narrowing at his reflection. "Damn it."

He clicked his tongue and dropped the dye back on the counter.

"I guess... I could leave it like this for a while."

[Wow, you must really care about this girl] Luna's voice suddenly chimed in his head, smug and teasing.

Jayden jumped, eyes widening as his heart skipped. "What the hell—Luna? Where were you?" he snapped, spinning toward the empty room. "After figuring out what I was yesterday, you just... vanished! Left me to deal with everything alone!"

Luna sighed, her voice softening. [I'm sorry, Jayden. I didn't mean to disappear. It was an automatic sleep function—the system engaged it immediately after we confirmed your werewolf status]

Jayden narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Sleep? Why would the system do that?"

[I don't know] Luna replied. [But the system has been on some kind of update since yesterday. So i also had to monitor the progress]

Jayden furrowed his brows. "Wait, the system is updating?"

Luna exhaled. [Yes, that's why you haven't received any message since the day began]

"Oh, I see," Jayden muttered. "So how long is it gonna take for the update to be complete?"

[Hmm, should be done in just a few minutes] Luna said

Jayden let out a long breath. "All right."

[But hey—while we wait, I can keep you company,] Luna giggled. [Sooo... tell me all about it. Your little adventure with the one with brown eyes...]

Jayden rolled his eyes so hard they almost fell out. "You know," he muttered dryly, "for the brief moment you were asleep, I had peace of mind. Like, actual peace. But now... yay, you're back."

His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Luna laughed, unbothered. [Aww, I knew you missed me.]

"I don't miss you," Jayden sighed. "I miss having a quiet, normal mind."

[Pfft, say whatever you want] Luna scoffed. [So, what happened when I was out? Fill me in!]

Jayden arched a brow. "Wait—can't you see my memories?"

[Not without the system] Luna explained. [And it's inactive for now]

"Oh... right." Jayden rubbed his chin, but a sudden thought sparked. "Wait... do I need the system to activate my abilities and skills?"

[Nope, not really] Luna replied. [All the abilities and skills you have can be used without the help of the system. It only takes your will. And skills that depend on energy points would be automatically deducted. The system is merely a way for you to level up and monitor progress... the abilities and skills you receive from it become a part of you completely]

Jayden exhaled in relief, tension draining from his shoulders. "Okay, that's good to hear. I always wondered... if I lost the system somehow, would I lose all my powers too?"

Luna chuckled. [Nah, you won't... Now tell me everything that happened yesterday after I clocked out]

Jayden let out a low breath. "Where do I even start? First of all... Miss Kate is a werewolf. Just like me. Crazy right?"

Luna yawned, like actually fucking yawned.

[Oh... Anything else? How was the transformation?]

Jayden blinked. "Uh—Luna? You're not surprised by what I just said?"

[Why would I be?] Luna replied breezily. [I always knew she was a Lycan]

Jayden's eyes widened. "What?!

Luna sighed. [I knew your hot teacher was a werewolf, Jayden. I always did]

"So.. why didn't you tell me all this while?" Jayden asked sharply. "Wait, does that mean... you knew I was one too?!"

Luna sighed. [Yes, Jayden. Of course I knew you were a werewolf. Hello—I'm a thousand-year-old AI. Knowing things is kind of my thing]

Jayden just stood there, stunned into silence. "Are you kidding me?" he said sharply, heat rising in his voice. "All this time you acted like you had no clue! Dropping hints like you were figuring it out with me. But you knew all along?!"

[Ugh... yes, Jayden. I did] Luna muttered, almost smugly. [Get over yourself]

Jayden clenched his fists, shaking his head. "I can't believe this... you lied to me. You've been lying the entire time!" he voiced out in anger

[Well... it's not exactly called lying] Luna said carefully. [It's called following my programming]

She softened. [Look, Jayden... I know I seem alive sometimes—with emotions, memories, dreams. But I'm still just an artificial intelligence. I've got limits. I'm programmed to withhold certain things until the time is right. Even if I wanted to spill everything.. I can't. I'm sorry.]

Jayden's jaw tightened, but he slowly relaxed, letting out a ragged breath. He wasn't dumb—getting mad at an AI was pointless. But still...

"So why should I trust you now?" he muttered. "How do I know you're not hiding something else? That you're not lying to me again?"

Luna groaned. [For the last time—I didn't lie, dammit. But as for trust? That's on you. I won't force it. I'm your guide and your... chat buddy, I guess. But I don't take commands from you. I wasn't programmed to obey your orders. It's your choice if you decide to trust me or not, but... I will keep following my orders]

Jayden scoffed. "Then who do you take commands from?"

[I... don't know,] Luna said quietly. [I just know I reside in the system and follow its rules.]

Jayden shook his head, eyes narrowing. "Is that so? Then what else are you keeping from me, huh?"

Luna sighed. [Jayden, I can't tell you things ahead of schedule. I'm sorry. But I promise, as you level up, everything will be revealed in time. That's how it's been programmed, I can't go against my programming]

Jayden laughed bitterly. "Oh yeah? What about me being a werewolf? You could've told me earlier, Luna! I woke up with all kinds of... disturbing changes. Then I became a beast last night! And I lost control. And you—you just let me walk into it blind."

Luna was quiet for a second, then spoke softly. [Jayden, I—]

"I killed someone, Luna," he cut in, voice low and hard. "And I don't even feel sorry for it. But that's not the worst part... Cause, I almost hurt someone I love. And if I'd hurt her... I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself."

[Jayden, I do know how you feel,] Luna murmured.

"No," Jayden growled, his eyes flashing with something dark. "You don't. How could you? You're just a damn AI, following your precious programming, right?"

Luna didn't reply, she remained silent. She wasn't feeling guilty or sad, but she was still conscious enough to understand how Jayden was feeling.

Silence stretched between them, heavy and raw.

Jayden's shoulders sagged, all that emotion he'd been holding back crashing down on him at once. Even though his heightened emotions had faded, it was still too much.

"If you'd told me sooner," he whispered, "I could've prepared. I could've—"

He sighed, cutting himself off. "But... maybe I shouldn't blame you. Maybe this was meant to happen. Like my mom dying. Like my sister getting taken."

[Jayden, please,] Luna said gently. [Don't start down that road again. None of this was your fault. Killing that man wasn't your fault either. He attacked you first. He got what he deserved]

"Yeah, but..." Jayden froze. He blinked, brain catching on something. "Wait... how did you know he attacked me first?"

[I...] Luna hesitated. [I don't know. It just... popped into my mind, like a memory. Wait, Jayden I think the system's finished updating]

Jayden exhaled. "Finally. I was—"

Ding!

A familiar chime cut him off, and suddenly, a screen flashed across his vision, flooding with messages:

[+350 Exp received]

[Congratulations, you have leveled up]

[+2 stat points added to all stats]

[EP: 120 >> 140]

[HP: 260 >> 310]

[Alert! Host's Race has been Updated]

[New Skill Received:

Lunar Empowerment [Passive]:

*Description: As a creature favored by the Moon Goddess, Host will receive a 100% boost in all stats on a full moon]

[System Update: External Morphologies have been identified, saved, and can now be monitored:

-Partial Transformation (Lycanthrope):

Morph certain parts of your body to adopt Lycan features.

-Complete partial/Hybrid Transformation (Lupine):

Take a hybrid form of a man with partial wolf traits.

-Full Transformation (Lycanthrope):

Fully transform into a Lycan, possessing more wolf features than man.

(Note: Can be activated even without a full moon)

-Full Transformation (Lupine): Alert! Host is unable to use this form at current stage.

*Note: None of these transformations require Energy Points to activate. They are triggered by Host's sheer will and maintained through stamina and willpower]

Jayden stared at the notifications, a swirl of excitement, anxiety, and... a healthy dose of confusion.

He could understand where the Exp had come from, Jessica already cleared that. He already knew what race he belonged to, so that wasn't an issue either.

But the so called "added morphologies" was giving Jayden an headache. He had a bit of knowledge on what they meant, but it was still quite confusing.

But luckily, he had a 'Thousand-year-old Ai in his head, one who claimed she 'knew it all'.

"Hey, Luna," he called out, eyes narrowing at the screen. "Mind breaking down these new transformations for me? Or is that also... 'behind schedule?'"

Luna scoffed dramatically. [Oh, so now you need me, huh? Just a while ago, you called me a liar. And... that hurt my feelings, you know. *Sniff]

Jayden was speechless, he didn't think Luna could get anymore complicated. "You're an Ai, you don't even have feelings,"

Luna pouted. [It still hurt]

Jayden sighed, rubbing his temples. "Okay, fine. I'm sorry for hurting your... feelings, or whatever. Happy?"

[Hmm...] Luna hummed theatrically, [All right. I'll forgive you... for old times' sake.]

Jayden rolled his eyes. "Yeah, okay

Now talk." he demanded

Luna exhaled, as if settling into teacher mode. [Okay, it's actually not complicated. The partial Lycanthrope transformation lets you morph parts of your body. Maybe only claws, or fangs... or even just a snout. Fufu]

Jayden nodded. "I understand that part... I also know what the full lycan transformation mean. My question is about the lupine transformations. What are those?"

[Oh, I thought you'd have better knowledge on that] Luna teased. [Considering you've taken the hybrid lupine form, like, twice already]

Jayden's eyes widened, realization hitting him like a truck. "Wait... you mean the one that triggers when my heart rate goes past 200? That's the partial lupine form?"

[Yep] Luna replied

Jayden nodded. "Okay, so I'm guessing my heart rate doesn't need to hit 200 for me to activate the form anymore?"

[Good, you catch on quick] Luna said, sounding pleased. [That makes my job a lot easier]

She let out a lazy yawn. [You can take any of those forms now without getting angry or burning EP. They're not system features, they're part of you. Which means you can use them at will, provided you know how]

Jayden smirked. "Nice. That's gonna come in handy."

[Don't get cocky yet, Wolf-boy] Luna warned. [Yeah, the forms are yours to command, but it's not easy. Unlike the Beast Transformation skill, these aren't just "say the word and boom, it happens. This takes focus, control, and mastery]

Jayden chuckled, his grin widening. "Sure thing, Sensei."

Then his eyes sharpened. "So... the full lupine form. Let me guess—that's where I literally turn into a wolf, right?"

Luna giggled. [Wow, look at you putting the pieces together. Yep, that one's your primal wolf form. Fully beast mode]

Jayden frowned slightly. "But the system says I can't use it yet—'cause of my current stage. What does that mean?"

[Mmh... no clue,] Luna said, surprisingly honest. [The system's weird sometimes—even to me]

Jayden sighed. "All right. It's not really important for now. What matters now is getting my hands on more Beast energy. The school tournament's coming up, and I need to have an ability sorted out by then."

[Why not just keep developing your telekinesis?] Luna suggested. [It's already pretty solid]

Jayden shook his head. "I am planning to develop it. But I don't want people thinking telekinesis is my core ability. It'd limit me way too much. I need something that's beast-related—something that'll let me use my beast powers in public without raising too many eyebrows."

[Hmph, fair point] Luna admitted. [Okay, I'll scan through the Beast data on this planet and shortlist abilities that fits what you're looking for]

Jayden exhaled, relieved. "Perfect."

He opened the system interface, eyes flicking to his status screen.

*Name: Jayden Starrk

*Race: Werewolf

*Level: 6

*Exp: 280/350

*Hp: 310/310

*Ep: 140/140

*Strength: 110

*Speed: 88

*Agility: 77

*Stamina: 102

*Perception: 62

*Defense: 62

*Charm: 42

Stat points: 10

[Heart Rate: 45 Bpm]

*Health Regeneration [Passive]

*Beastlord Aura [Passive/Active]

*Beast Gene Integration [Active]

*Partial Transformation [Active]

*Dragon Eye [Active]

*Lunar Empowerment [Passive]

*Beast Energy Acquisition

* Telekinetic Force:

Type: Psionic Manipulation

Description:

Telekinetic Force grants the user the ability to exert influence over objects using sheer willpower, manipulating them without physical contact. This ability operates on a mental wavelength, converting thought impulses into kinetic energy that interacts with the environment.

At its current level, the user's telekinesis is unstable and instinct-driven, but with practice, it can become a precise and formidable tool, allowing manipulation of objects, enhanced combat efficiency, and even defensive applications.

*Effects & Capabilities:

-Basic Object Manipulation:

Move, lift, and pull objects within a short range.

-Instinctive Activation:

At this stage, the ability triggers in moments of heightened emotion or reflexive need.

Uncontrolled bursts may cause objects to move unexpectedly.

-Force Application:

Applies a controlled force on objects, allowing for pushes, pulls, and slight levitation.

Higher mastery enables stronger and more precise force application.

*Note: Objects move based on the intensity of the user's focus.

Jayden couldn't help but grin as he scanned his stats. His body was stacked now, and even stronger than most Evolved humans out there.

But as his eyes hit the Skills section, something clicked. "Oh, right. I got the dragon eye skill a few days ago, but i haven't even tested it yet," he sighed

"And this Lunar empowerment also seems pretty cool," he muttered to himself. "On full moons, I'll be stronger,"

He lingered on the new telekinesis details, nodding. "Looks like the system finally decided to explain things better."

[Yep,] Luna agreed. [After the update, the system was optimised to give more and detailed info on things]

Jayden let out a small chortle. "Well, I have to admit. This is a lot of detailed info. I think I understand how it works now... it's all about focus and mental strength,"

Luna hummed. [You are correct. Moving things with the mind does require focus, and a strong willpower]

Jayden exhaled, leaning back. "Yeah... but practice can wait. Right now—"

He paused, eyes narrowing, a nagging thought scratching at the back of his mind.

"I feel like I'm forgetting something."

[A date?] Luna teased.

Jayden shook his head. "No, but... it's something like that. Like I'm supposed to meet someone. Or go somewhere today,"

[Didn't you make plans with that blonde girl you saved from the lightening storm?] Luna pointed out

Jayden's face lit up. "Yeah, that's it! I'm supposed to meet Cassandra's mother today," he stated

Luna chuckled smugly. [See, you need me]

Jayden scoffed. "Don't get full of yourself, a basic reminder app could've done what you just did."

[EXCUSE ME?!] Luna yelped, offended. [Did you just compare me to a reminder app? How dare you compare me with such lowly software?]

Jayden laughed, ignoring her rants as he pulled the status screen back up and quickly distributed his 10 available stat points: 2 into Speed, 3 into Agility, and 5 into Stamina.

_______

*Speed: 90

*Agility: 80

*Stamina: 107

_______

Jayden sighed in satisfaction, grinning to himself. "Perfect," he muttered, tossing off his shirt as he stepped into the shower.

After a while, Jayden stepped out of the shower, steam rising around him as he dried off and pulled on his clothes—nothing too flashy, just his signature black tee, fitted jeans, and sneakers. Something simple.

He picked up his phone, tapped open his chat with Cassandra, and sent her a quick message:

"On my way."

She replied almost instantly with the address. He plugged it into his map, blinked at the high-end district it pointed to, then shrugged.

"Figures," he muttered under his breath, slinging his jacket over his shoulder before heading out the door.

As usual, he jogged his way through the city. To complete the daily quest, and besides, it kept his mind off last night's transformation. Every step grounded him.

Eventually, he arrived.

And stopped.

In front of him stood a massive silver gate—tall, ornate, with delicate swirls shaped like vines and moon motifs embedded into the metal. It looked expensive, but elegant.

Before he could even raise a hand, the gate clicked and swung open with a soft mechanical hum. Jayden narrowed his eyes, just slightly. That was... automatic.

But all thoughts left his head when he saw her. Cassandra

She stood at the entrance, a pink minidress hugging her body with the kind of grace only someone naturally born into elegance could pull off. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the sunlight like threads of gold. And her curves were outlined well through the dress, ascending her breasts shape and hips better than her school uniform ever did.

Jayden blinked. Then blinked again.

"You look... Different," he said flatly, his face as unreadable as ever.

Cassandra smirked. "Different good, or different bad?"

Jayden shrugged. "Different beautiful."

She blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, th.. thanks, Jayden,"

Jayden simply nodded, looking indifferent as ever.

Cassandra rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade. "Come on, Mr. Pokerface."

She led him past the main gate and into the estate grounds. Where a large mansion towered over them—a modernized castle with white walls, silver trimming, and reflective glass windows. It was elegant, pristine. Almost intimidating.

Inside, the living room opened like a royal gallery—white marble floors, translucent hanging chandeliers, and a grand spiral staircase hugging the far wall. Designer furniture stood around a moon-shaped glass table, and tasteful art lined the walls. Every inch screamed wealth and status.

Jayden was both stunned and impressed, but he kept his expression neutral.

She guided him through a hallway lined with glass cases—most holding trophies or rare collectibles—until they reached a smaller room near the west wing. A cozy lounge, trimmed with velvet chairs and a crystal tea table. It was less showy than the rest of the mansion. More... personal.

"This is where we usually hold private meetings," Cassandra said. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll go get my mother."

Jayden nodded and took a seat. The cushions were too soft. Expensive-soft.

A minute later, a maid brought in a tray—tea, biscuits, and tiny cakes that smelled suspiciously better than anything he'd eaten this week.

He leaned back, sipping the tea, keeping his face relaxed but his mind spinning.

What kind of family did Cassandra come from?

The house alone screamed importance. And the quiet security, the precision, the technology—it felt more like a fortress.

Suddenly, the door opened again.

Jayden stood up on instinct.

Cassandra stepped in first—and right behind her... was a woman.

No, not just any woman.

A goddess of presence.

Tall. Confident. Stunning. She was like an older, more voluptuous version of Cassandra, with curves that made her gown mold to her body like a second skin. She wore a sleek, white body-hugging dress with silver embellishments and a flowing robe-like cape behind her. Her blonde hair shimmered under the lights. And her violet eyes held the warmth of a mother and the mystery of a queen.

She had an hourglass figure and her breasts were just as large as her ass, her lips red and full. Her body was the epitome of sexy and she herself was carrying a face that could have men throbbing in them pants with just a glance.

And Jayden was no exception, although he had self-control, he was still mesmerised by her beauty. He blinked. His body tensed involuntarily.

She smiled as soon as she saw him. A smile that felt... familiar.

"Jayden," Cassandra said with a respectful nod toward her mother, "This my mum."

The woman's lips curved into a teasing grin as she extended her hand, wrist out, waiting to be kissed.

"Hello, Jayden. It's so nice to finally meet the boy who saved my daughter. I'm Penelope."

Jayden froze.

Penelope?

His jaw nearly dropped.

She was Penelope Isley. The Penelope Isley. The tycoon. The head of multiple corporations that ruled everything from weapons manufacturing to high-end fashion. One of the richest, and most powerful women on planet Alpha. Said to be above Level 50. A legendary figure.

And she was Cassandra's mother?

His brain stumbled through a dozen thoughts at once, but one stood out most: Her voice...

It sounded... too familiar.

"Come on now," she giggled, tilting her head. "Don't leave me hanging."

Jayden swallowed, blinking at the elegant hand still hanging mid-air. He smiled wryly, leaned forward, and gently kissed it. And that's when a scent drifted into his nose.

Her scent.

The same one his mother's had. One he loved very much. Jasmine.

It filled his lungs like a memory. Soft, floral, warm.

His gaze lifted to meet Penelope's eyes again, and his voice escaped before he could stop it.

"You smell nice, Mrs. Isley."

Penelope's smile widened, clearly amused. "Why thank you, Jayden." she said, her voice firm, yet playful.

Jayden stared, the scent jogging something deeper. His brain tried to connect the dots. The scent. The voice. The charisma. He knew her from somewhere else. But... where?

He was pondering hard about it, but just when he decided to discard the thought. He saw it.

The ring.

That familiar purple ring with the engraved flower sigil.

His eyes widened in shock. He immigrated recognised her. He remembered where he'd meet her once.

"You're... you're the woman from the restaurant," he whispered, the memory snapping into place—the playful, powerful woman who seemed interested in him.

"You're, Miss Pen."

Penelope winked. "Yes. I am. It's so good to see you again, Jayden."