Chapter 12: Evolution?

The vibrant coral reef was alive with breathtaking beauty, a riot of colors swirling in a mesmerizing dance under the deep ocean light. Coral of every hue stretched out like an artist's palette, from the glowing reds and fiery oranges to the soft lavenders and ethereal blues. Schools of fish darted through the labyrinth of coral branches, their shimmering scales catching the faint light filtering through the water. Tiny clownfish darted in and out of their anemone homes, while an octopus, its mottled skin shifting colors with ease, curled itself tightly against a rock. Jellyfish floated nearby, their translucent bodies glowing faintly with pulses of bioluminescent light.The air-or rather, the water-was filled with a soothing symphony. The clicking of snapping shrimp and the distant mournful calls of whales echoed through the expanse. The water carried a faint metallic tang mixed with the earthy scent of algae and salt. The temperature was cool but comforting, and the gentle current brushed against Xena's body like a soft caress.Amid this thriving paradise of marine life, a cocoon of glowing white light rested like a pearl amidst the chaos. Its brilliance, though fading with every moment, still caught the attention of curious sea creatures. A manta ray glided above, its shadow passing over the cocoon, while a curious seahorse paused nearby, its tail curling around a coral branch as it observed the mysterious phenomenon.Xena stirred within the cocoon, her consciousness returning slowly like a tide rolling back to shore. Her golden eyes fluttered open, the light of the cocoon reflecting in them, giving the appearance of molten gold catching the sun. For a moment, she was disoriented, the surreal nature of her surroundings overwhelming her. Her dainty hand-now human and unfamiliar-brushed against the cocoon's surface. The smooth texture gave way beneath her touch, and with a sound like shattering glass, the white cocoon dissolved into glittering fragments, dissipating into the water."Wait... hand?" Xena's thoughts raced as she lifted her arm, staring in astonishment. Her fingers were long and elegant, tipped with pinkish, perfectly smooth nails. The hand looked impossibly delicate, as though it had never known hardship or labor.Her gaze traveled downward, and her breath caught. Two large, pale breasts floated gently in the water's buoyancy, their skin flawless and untouched by any blemish. The peaks of her nipples, pink as fresh cherries, stood out against the milky expanse. She felt a wave of panic. "What is going on?!" her mind screamed.She shifted slightly, the movement drawing her attention further downward. Her breasts obscured much of her view, but beyond them, she caught glimpses of her new form. Her lower body was no longer legs but a magnificent golden mermaid tail. The scales shimmered with an otherworldly glow, each one catching and refracting light like polished gemstones. The tail moved fluidly, its elegance almost hypnotic as it responded to her smallest thought. Attached at her hip was a small, translucent bubble pouch-its her bubble storage pouch for her belongings.Xena's chest tightened with astonishment and growing dread. The overwhelming beauty of her new form felt alien. Before she could fully process the changes, a sharp, metallic voice interrupted her thoughts."Ding! System Notification

Warning: You have been afflicted with a unique debuff-Cursed Beauty.

Effect:

Strength reduced by 90%.

Charm increased by +200.

Description: Your beauty transcends mortal comprehension, captivating and enthralling all who behold you. It ensnares minds, driving others to obsession and madness, yet drains your physical strength, leaving you perilously vulnerable. Beware, cursed holder, for this curse carries a sinister weight. Whispers of its origins suggest a connection to your past, and its consequences may extend far beyond your comprehension.

Note: This curse cannot be removed through normal means. Proceed with caution."

Xena's heart sank as she reread the notification. "What the hell is this?" she yelled internally, her frustration mounting. "I barely have any strength as it is, and now you're giving me a debuff?! What did I even do to deserve this?"Her complaints were met with the monotone reply of the system. "It is estimated that the evolution of the host triggered this curse. That is the only information I can provide."Xena clenched her fists-or tried to. Her fingers trembled with the effort, a grim reminder of her drastically reduced strength. She wanted to cry. Everything felt wrong. She had gone from being an ordinary fish to a cursed mermaid, burdened with a beauty so extreme it was dangerous.System: "...." what a drama queen hostHer golden eyes reflected her turmoil as she racked her brain for answers. "Is this retribution? It says it's connected to my past life... Is it because I played with people's feelings back then? Sure, I led them on, but I didn't kill anyone!" Her hand brushed her face in frustration, the soft skin of her palm brushing against her flawless cheek. She sighed, the sound escaping as a stream of bubbles.Forcing herself to refocus, she muttered, "It's not the time to dwell on that. The curse is manageable. I just have to avoid people, right? Who would actually go insane over someone's beauty, anyway? That's ridiculous."Pushing the thought aside, she addressed the system again. "Okay, system, where are my skills? I leveled up twice, so I should have two new ones."The system responded promptly, its metallic tone unwavering. "Due to the host's evolution, the reward skills have been altered to suit your new form. The following skills have been automatically selected:

- Aqua Speech: Allows telepathic communication with marine life or beings underwater. (MP Cost: 2)

- Tidal Vitality: Gradually regenerates HP and MP when in water. (+1 HP and +1 MP every 10 seconds)."

Xena crossed her arms-or tried to, her tail flicking irritably. "Not bad, I guess. But where are the attack and defense skills? I'm exposed up here!" She gestured vaguely to her upper body."Do you want me to take them back?" the system replied, its tone laced with sarcasm."No! Just kidding!" she blurted quickly. "You're the best system ever!"She sighed and brought up her stats window to allocate her points. "System window. Allocate 3 stat points to mp and 3 to strength"Name: Xena

Level: 15

Exp: 442/540

Species: Mermaid - Cursed (Fish Advanced Evolution)

Gender: Female

HP: 100/100

MP: 31/31

Agility: 8

Strength: 0.7 (Base: 7, Cursed: -90% Debuff)

Intelligence: 8

Charm: 210 (Base: 10, Cursed Beauty: +200)

Skills: Devour, Eye of Truth, Hydro Boost, Electric Pulse, Healing Current, Aqua Slash, Coral Camouflage, Mana Absorption, Predator's Instinct, Underwater Forge, Iron Scales, Barrier Reef, Blur Current, Venomous Bite, Aqua Speech, Tidal Vitality

Titles: Eel Slayer, Silent Predator, Serpent Slayer, Shark Slayer

Curses: Cursed Beauty

Remaining Stats: 0

Her golden tail flicked as she floated in place, staring at her stats. "The debuff really is over the top... but I'll just keep adding to Strength. It'll balance out eventually, right?" she said, trying to comfort herself.She sighed again, bubbles escaping her lips. "Alright! I'm now a mermaid. It's not so bad." The corners of her lips curved into a faint smile, though uncertainty still lingered in her golden eyes as she gazed into the endless blue depths around her.