The Evolution of Sylvia

【Departing from the nameless town atop the back of a Nether Crow, you engage in a conversation with Servia】

【The noble-born girl, now far from home, seems lost in thought】

【Yet after speaking with you, her confusion dissipates】

【Servia expresses her gratitude to you】

【She promises that you alone may study her body】

【This is her vow to you, her way of repaying you—though you often feel you’ve done nothing particularly grand】

【"Lord Sorcerer, I am ready."】

【The Brave Servia declares she is prepared to shed her armor at any moment】

【Her body is yours to examine】

……

【Simulation Year 7, Month 2 – You are 24 years old】

【Over a month has passed since you and Servia left the small town. You continue seeking the path to the Third Circle, while Servia rapidly absorbs soulfire】

【Thanks to your "Soul Collector" trait, what should have been a prolonged transformation is compressed into a short span】

【You notice】

【Servia, having absorbed vast amounts of soulfire, undergoes not only a metamorphosis of her soul, advancing toward the First Circle, but also other changes】

【Undead, skeleton, the unliving】

【These are the terms that describe the Brave Servia’s current state】

【Her pale bones, driven by the soulfire within her skull, animate her entire form】

【Now, Servia’s skeletal body begins to change anew】

【The Brave Servia’s bones are whitening】

【The Brave Servia’s bones are hardening】

【The Brave Servia’s strength is increasing】

"Lord Sorcerer, I... what’s happening to me...?"

Noticing the changes in herself, Servia swiftly returns to Xu Xi’s side.

She describes the transformations to him.

To facilitate Xu Xi’s observation, Servia removes her armor, allowing her evolving skeletal body to be displayed clearly before him.

"Servia, perhaps this is..."

Xu Xi muses.

Recalling the undead compendium he once studied at the White Crow Tower, he speaks solemnly:

"This is a metamorphosis—an ascension."

In the boundless Netherworld, the varieties of the undead are vast, and skeletons rank among the lowest.

Yet with tempered or sufficiently powerful souls, even the weakest of skeletons can evolve into higher forms.

Such as necromancers, liches, headless knights, or even Skeleton Monarchs.

Servia’s case is unique—though undead, she retains traces of humanity, her existence balanced between life and death.

Faced with this anomaly, even Xu Xi cannot predict the final outcome.

……

【The Brave Servia’s sudden transformation surprises you】

【You pause your pursuit of the Third Circle, focusing instead on Servia, monitoring her evolution to prevent unforeseen consequences】

【Month 4】

【Servia reaches her limit in absorbing soulfire】

【With your aid, her soul advances toward the First Circle, and her body undergoes further anomalies】

【Will she evolve into a higher undead?】

【Or will her human flesh be restored?】

【You speculate silently, keeping close watch over Servia’s ascension】

【The breakthrough concludes swiftly. Servia successfully becomes a First Circle Sorcerer, yet her body remains unchanged—still the same skeletal frame with half a face】

【Upon closer inspection】

【You discover that Servia’s undead form has grown stronger, more attuned to death itself】

【These are the only changes brought by her ascension】

【As a result, Servia possesses explosive power unmatched by ordinary First Circle Sorcerers】

【Servia thanks you for your unwavering guardianship and expresses contentment with the outcome. She prefers to remain as she is, rather than take on another undead form】

"Lord Sorcerer."

"What is it, Servia?"

"Could you... teach me more sorcery?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. I swear to wield this power to protect you!"

【Time flows once more as you begin instructing First Circle Sorcerer Servia】

【Having ascended from an apprentice to a full-fledged sorcerer】

【Servia’s progress slows】

【This is natural, expected】

【To your surprise, Servia displays greater affinity for death and soul-based spells】

……

First Circle Spell: Bone Lightening.

First Circle Spell: Strength-Speed Amplification.

First Circle Spell: Deceleration.

A step.

A flash.

A swift figure darts through the withered forest.

Gripping her sword, its edge gleaming, she delivers a flawless strike—a silver arc severing the wings of a Storm Eagle.

A native supernatural creature of the sorcerer’s world.

Since the Undead Calamity’s outbreak,

like all other species, their numbers have dwindled.

Yet as Xu Xi rests, this very Storm Eagle had launched a surprise attack with wind blades.

"Servia, can you handle it?"

"At once, Lord Sorcerer."

Xu Xi refrains from intervening, granting the newly ascended Servia this valuable combat experience.

Servia executes the task flawlessly.

The beast falls swiftly.

"Well done, Servia," Xu Xi praises, nodding approvingly.

Servia pulls her cloak tighter, as if embarrassed.

……

【Time flows once more】

【Simulation Year 8 – You are 25】

【Through the passage of time, you’ve gained unique insights into the path of sorcery】

【You begin deep contemplation. The "Thinker" trait activates...】

【You now grasp a general direction for reaching the Third Circle】

【By now, you and Servia have journeyed far across the sorcerer’s world atop the Nether Crow】

【Mountains, lakes, fallen human kingdoms, struggling supernatural beings】

【You’ve witnessed much, experienced much】

【These personal encounters form the steps of a staircase to the heavens, and your soul begins ascending along them】

【Simulation Year 9 – You are 26】

【You and Servia pass through a ruined elven village】

【Chaos reigns within】

【Bloodstains mark every corner】

【Recalling the elves’ former might, you gain a clearer understanding of the Undead Calamity’s devastation】

【This world’s demise seems inevitable】

【Simulation Year 10 – You are 27】

【As time flows, you witness more births—and more deaths】

【Your soul perceives the intertwining of life and demise】

【Your comprehension of universal truths deepens】

【You glance at Servia beside you, still cloaked, ever vigilant in her duty to guard you】

【Unconsciously, you’ve grown accustomed to her protection】

"Servia, may I ask a favor?"

"Of course. Speak your will."

"I am preparing to break through to the Third Circle. I may need you to stand guard."

"Rest assured, Lord Sorcerer. By the honor of the Clawphire Family, none shall disturb you."

The dawn wind cleanses the silver blade.

Her voice is clear, resolute.

A testament to Servia’s unwavering resolve.