Versatile: Alternate World

Chapter 981 The Power of the New "Arm"

The arm appeared metallic in nature, though in reality, it lacked any metal composition. Despite its robust exterior, it consisted of a unique, fleshy substance. A mere poke would affirm Lucia's ability to sense tactile stimuli, adding an element of enchantment that could easily mislead observers into deeming it an accessory.

Echoing the words of Cath Palug, Lucia and this mysterious appendage were now inseparable, existing in a state of symbiosis. Lucia actively defended herself, while the mysterious "hand" played a pivotal role in supporting her endeavors. I find myself reflecting on Cath Palug's earlier statements, contemplating the profound impact this newfound connection will have on Lucia's life, altering it in ways she may have never anticipated.

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"What do you mean by 'symbiote'? Does that imply that this thing will now be permanently attached to her?" I frowned.

"I don't know what plans this entity has, as it possesses only a simple mind focused on 'survival.' Reduced to its primal instinct, its sole purpose is to keep itself alive, guarding against potential threats. Despite its seemingly simplistic nature, I doubt this entity lacks some form of cognitive function. Nevertheless, its goal remains true and straightforward. Don't expect anything more or less from it," Cath Palug explained, grooming himself as he spoke.

"Then, this thing won't be a harm to her?" Rika confirmed once more.

"Yes. The health of its 'host' will be its main priority, and whenever it senses the host is in danger, it will proceed to protect the host, based on the host's feelings. I believe it has already formed a connection to her brain, enabling it to sense her emotions. In fact, if she wills it, she might even be able to control this entity as she desires. Though I'm not entirely certain about its workings, I can assure you that this entity will not pose a significant hindrance in any way."

"I don't believe you; you're quite a schemer," I shook my head.

"Hmph. I don't care. Suit yourself and believe what you want. I'm telling the truth based on what I know, and I don't see any benefit for myself here. While it is interesting to some extent, I lost interest after experiencing it firsthand. So, f*ck to all of you sh*tty mortals, I'm going back to sleep. Smell y'all, lousy people."

After saying that, Cath Palug opened the Summon's Area's portal and entered there willingly before leaving us all there still absorbing the new information that we got from him.

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After recalling that part, I keep on glancing at the arm of Lucia who is now currently practicing and stretching outside. Because she had been sleeping for so long, she decided to have a good stretch and also to have a better feel and control in her new arm. From the looks of it, she has already gotten used to it or just has no other choice but to live with it now living with her. Then, something came to me and I decided to see how it does affect Lucia.

"Lucia, can you still use your magic using that new arm? It might affect you if you use your usual fire magic with that new arm," I inquired Lucia.

"Hmm, you are right, Master. Let me try and see," Lucia then focused on her new arm and tried to see whether it would actually be a bad idea to use her new arm in casting spells.

FWOOOOM!

Flames start to flare up from her new arm's palm. I was expecting it to make some sort of reaction, like writhing or repulsing from the flames, but those things didn't happen. In fact, there is no reaction at all. Lucia managed to cast and manipulate her flames without incident and there's nothing to see after that. Lucia then extinguishes the flames in her hands after a few while.

"Does it feel anything odd after you have done that? Anything weird on your new arm?" I inquired.

"Nothing whatsoever. It feels very normal and I even thought my real arm was back since I could feel the same way as my real arm on this one. I don't feel any different about it or anything at all. No enhancements of my abilities or something similar either. The new arm...just works."

I take note of that and remember what it can do. I even made her do a few tests like pain receptors and other things. Interestingly enough, the only thing that has a very different reaction than normal is the pain reception test. Compared to the other tests I let Lucia take, the pain test is the only one where the "arm" makes a new reaction and that is by actively defending Lucia from getting wounded or even feeling any sort of pain on her arm. It made a thick coating on her new arm that would prevent anything that would cause any wound from appearing or even make her feel pain like pinching or being bumped into a hard object.

But aside from those tests, there's nothing to see on it. It remains for us to see what it can actually do or anything and with the lack of any danger, Lucia's new arm doesn't see any sort of usage of sort for now.

"It still feels surreal. This arm feels like my real arm but with some sort of mind that I still can't comprehend," Lucia flexed her arm open and closed a few times, still not sure how this new arm seemed like it was hers from the very beginning yet very different all the same.

"You don't feel like removing that arm off of your shoulders now?" I asked her.

"At first when it attached to me, I felt like I have the urge to pull it off no matter what it takes. But after I fell unconscious I don't know if it was due to this one slowly worming its way into my body but I slowly feel neutral on it that I no longer feel this is a threat and more like a part of my body that decided to replace a part that has been lost. It doesn't feel real right?" Lucia sighed.

"It does sound crazy but if that is the result of you falling into a coma for months then perhaps that is the main reason you did fall into a coma. But what can you do about it? This is your new arm now and according to that fluffy foul-mouth beast, it won't harm you as long as you are living as you are the only lifeline it has," Rika examined Lucia's arm closely.

"I still don't understand that part much but if what he said is indeed true, then I will take this chance to take advantage of it and make sure that I will be using it to its fullest potential."

Then, we suddenly heard the howls of the Desert Wolves. Since they are howling, that must mean they spotted monsters.

"Looks like this is the perfect opportunity to see the power and abilities of your new hand, Lucia. How about we try to see how it works right now?" I asked.

"Yeah. I think so as well, Master. Let's get into the fray of the battle."

I nodded and the two of us went ahead. Rika and the others are going to observe in the distance so that Lucia and I are currently there which will allow Lucia to be more active in combat and also activate the stimulus of danger in Lucia's mind and trigger whatever power is hidden in her new arm.

As we landed, a group of Sand Crawlers were currently present and were ready to attack the walking mansion. They are annoying and they can climb and jump really high, making them pretty annoying. Despite their name as Sand Crawlers, they don't seem to even crawl and more like they run. They look like dogs that have been reduced to a malnourished state and walk with their hind legs only.

The real danger they have is that they are pretty intelligent and can fight with tactics making them tricky to fight with.

"Master, I count 30 hostiles on sight. Should we engage them immediately?" Lucia asked.

"No time to waste. Let's go!"

Even with Lucia just waking from her coma, she is already ready to go back to the front lines and fight again. But I can't complain as Lucia herself is the one who begs to fight again.

As we descended from the mansion straight into the desert sands, Lucia's new arm suddenly started aching and Lucia felt it the moment they landed.

The Sand Crawlers didn't wait for us to get into an advantage and started attacking, forcing me to go into the defensive while Lucia's arm hurt.

"UGHHHH... AAAAAGGGHHHHHH!"

Lucia screamed and as she did, the form of her new arm changed. I didn't expect it to change and it was rather quick. After the pain she felt, it seems she slowly recovered as she slowly glance at her new arm.

I wasn't expecting but seeing it personally, I now see that the reason her arm is hurting, is because it is morphing. And this time, it is morphing in response to Lucia jumping to danger voluntarily.

"My arm...it turned into a weapon?"