Chapter 2: A World of Magic

After an hour of clumsy stumbling, Aiden found himself in a clearing. His new body was weak, and his legs ached. He collapsed by a tree, panting.

"I can't believe this. From a genius scientist to… this. How am I supposed to survive?"

As he rested, he noticed a faint blue glow emanating from a nearby bush. Curiosity overrode caution, and he crept closer. Pushing through the leaves with his snout, he found a small orb, no larger than a marble, pulsating with energy.

"What is this?" he muttered, his instincts tugging at him to take it.

Just as his nose touched the orb, a voice startled him.

"Stay back!"

Aiden spun around to see a fox-like creature with fiery orange fur and glowing yellow eyes. Its body was larger than his, and it radiated an aura of power.

"That's my prey's magic core," the fox growled. "You dare steal it, pup?"

"Wait! I didn't know it was yours!" Aiden said, backing up.

The fox narrowed its eyes. "You reek of weakness. Give me one reason not to kill you."

Aiden's mind raced. "What… what if I told you I could help you get more cores? I'm smarter than I look!"

The fox tilted its head, curious. "You? A weakling? What could you possibly offer?"

"I might look weak, but I know things—things you can't even imagine," Aiden said, his confidence growing. "You help me survive, and I'll help you find more cores and avoid trouble."

The fox laughed, a sharp, barking sound. "You're an odd one, pup. Fine. You'll be useful for now. But betray me, and I'll kill you without hesitation."

"What's your name?" Aiden asked.

"I'm Kael," the fox said, turning away. "Come, pup. Let's see if you're as smart as you claim."

Aiden followed reluctantly, glancing at the glowing orb one last time.

In this strange new world of magic and monsters, he wasn't sure what lay ahead. But one thing was certain: he wasn't going to let himself stay weak.