My selection

The glowing panels in front of me pulsed softly, waiting for my decision.

[Choose three talents.]

My mind raced as I studied the options, each one holding untold potential. Flesh Regeneration seemed like a no-brainer. It wasn't very specific but if my real life body gets transported I will be in trouble if I couldn't rely on my legs, I needed a way to stay in the fight. Elemental Adaptation was next; it sounded versatile, something that could help me survive against the unknown dangers of wherever I'd end up.

Looking at the last choice I could make I mentally debated at which one would provide the best chance at survival.

Finally, my eyes landed on Beast Taming. A strange thrill shot through me at the thought of commanding creatures to fight at my side. It was the sort of power that felt almost mythical—something no one at the academy could ever dream of.

An ability unique to this system is the ability to influence animals to help me.

"Flesh Regeneration. Elemental Adaptation. Beast Taming," I said aloud, my voice echoing in the empty lab.

The panels flashed brightly, and the voice returned:

[Selections confirmed. Beginning simulation: Location world 6753 - Type Wuxia]

"What in the world is Wuxia" 

Before anyone could give an answer a blinding light enveloped me before I could react. The lab dissolved into nothingness, and the sensation of falling gripped me. I clenched my teeth, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead.

==================================================================

[SYSTEM EXPLANATION]

[Host.. Wuxia is a martial art-based ecosystem where humans aspire to evolve using internal energies and to cultivate to the peak]

[Danger Level:...HIGH]

[SYSTEM wishes you good luck]

[You awake in a forest alone with you lying on the ground…You notice you are no longer the same height as you were in the real world… this is really happening.]

[You gather your courage and decide to get your thoughts together]

[Simulation prologue ends.]] 

When the light faded, I found myself lying on the damp, mossy ground. The scent of earth and dirt, and the distant chirping of birds and unknown creatures echoed off the trees.

 Above me, the dark green canopy of the huge trees created a lovely roof as sunlight filtered through the leaves.

I pushed myself upright, pressing my weight on my legs, expecting the worst, but I was surprised to see my guess had paid off. Tentatively, I stood, half-expecting to collapse, but my body felt stronger than it ever had before.

 A grin spread across my face as I took a step, then another.

"It worked," I whispered, running my hand over my leg.

 "It actually worked." But I didn't have much time to celebrate.

 A low and bassy growl rumbled through the forest, and my attention snapped to the underbrush. 

The foliage rustled violently, and a pair of glowing amethyst eyes emerged from the shadows.

A massive fox flew into the open from the brush, its fur shimmering like molten silver and its tails—eight of them—spread out behind it, fanned in a captivating picture, swaying hypnotically.

 I froze, my heart pounding as if it wanted to jump out of my chest.

Hoping for this to play out nicely, I stayed optimistic till the beast growled again and bared its fangs.

"Okay," I muttered, taking a shaky breath.

 I tried backing up but tripped over a tree limb on the forest floor.

 "Beast Taming. Please work."

The skill felt instinctual, as though the knowledge had been imprinted in my mind. I raised my hand, focusing on the fox and reaching out with my intent. 

I wanted to close my eyes and accept my fate, but I couldn't bring myself to.

It started moving towards me as I helplessly tried scooting back to get away from the massive beast.

Thankfully it seemed to have some effect as the huge fox slowed its pace. The beast stopped, its growl softening as its eyes locked onto mine.

"It's okay," I said, my voice steady despite the panic swirling inside me. "I'm not here to hurt you."

The fox hesitated, then tilted its head, studying me with a piercing gaze. 

Slowly, I extended my hand, and to my surprise, the massive creature took a step closer; however, this time it seemed less likely to devour me, thankfully.

"Good," I murmured, letting the skill guide me. "That's it. I'm here to help."

The fox sniffed my hand, then, to my astonishment, it spoke.

"You're bold for a human," it said, its voice smooth and feminine, laced with curiosity. 

"Most would have run by now." It said so and it was right I definitely would have been sprinting out of here if I hadn't tripped.

"Wait, who just spoke?" As this thought bounced around my head, I looked back to the majestic fox.

I blinked, my mind seemingly unable to say anything but the obvious. "You... can talk?"

The fox chuckled, a sound that was equal parts alluring and dangerous. "I'm no ordinary beast. I am a yokai, a being far beyond your comprehension. And you... you have a strange power about you."

The glow in its eyes intensified, and suddenly, the air around me shifted.

 Before I could react, the fox's form shimmered and shrank, morphing into the figure of a woman.

She stood before me, tall and ethereal, with silver hair cascading down her back and fox ears poking through the strands. Her Amethyst eyes held the same intensity as before, and her eight tails swayed gracefully behind her. She wore a flowing, ornate kimono that seemed to be woven from moonlight itself.

"Beautiful…"

"What?" The fox lady seemed to be confused by my sudden compliment, but if nothing else, I'm great at redirection.

"What...? How did you do that?" I hurriedly followed up to throw her off my trail.

She smirked, stepping closer until she was just inches away. "I told you, I'm a yokai.

"You've tamed me, little human. You are not physically strong but somehow I am called to serve you." Her gaze softened, and a strange smile played on her lips. 

"You... interest me."

I swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel relieved or terrified or perhaps even flattered. 

"Interest you in what way?"

Her smile widened, and she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Who knows?"

Shrugging off her ominous response, she reached out her hand to help me up and with her assistance I stood on my feet.

Something about her presence sent a shiver down my spine. It was alluring but not malicious, but perhaps something even slightly dangerous..

================================================================

Over the following days, the fox-turned-yokai—who I now knew as Akari became an invaluable companion. Her knowledge of the forest's dangers and her combat prowess kept me alive, her possessive nature was...unnerving but I would be lying if some part of me didn't like it. The way she would knowingly smile after such incidents told me she knew it too.

Whenever I so much as looked at another creature with the corner of my eye, she was quick to step in, her tone dripping with jealousy.

 She would smile sweetly in my presence but turned cold and cruel to anything—or anyone—that dared approach me.

Still, I couldn't deny her. She may have her quirks but Akari was my friend. In a strange new world she was a welcome change. 

 Together, we began to carve a path through the forest, my newfound abilities filling me with strength to walk with confidence in every step. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of the chaos her presence would bring into my life.