Early Access; Day One

  Taiwan

  loved music and she loved the sea. She loved theater and the myths of the past... but she did not like the land that lay across the straits, the greedy and gluttonous behemoth that would see the beauty in the world choked out by factories. That would silence all songs that were not mindless droning of praise for the ones that lead them to ruin. At the same time, she was wise enough to know that she needed to prepare for when the beast came for them. For if the beast stopped eating, it died.

  Of course, much of what she did was not as impressive as what the men would be doing. To be sure, she would fight if need be (her grandparents lamented the influence of the decadent and wild Americans), but that was not to say she wished to fight. Rather, as she studied and went with her friends to the arcade, to be under the heel of the mainland was not to live. It was to exist in a state between life and death, as the self was ground down. To have the embers of art and culture snuffed out.

  And if any survived, it would be revived as a zombie, broken, twisted and wrong, meant to serve as a pretty mask over the face of a corpse that refuses the peace of the grave. Well, that and she heard rumors. That part of the 'rewards' planned for the invaders? Why, as her home was 'brought back into the fold', its daughters would 'be encouraged to 'build ties of blood to the mainland.' Rumors really, whispers on the wind that blow over the ocean waves. But with far more sons than daughters on the mainland, it was something to consider, as a woman of the fair island.

  But, she was but once voice among many. A pretty voice, and one that the boys liked to listen to, but still just a pretty voice. And then the things came. Aliens? Gods? Something both or neither? In a way, it mattered little, save that they offered something of web novels tale, of power and the chance to become more, to have her voice lifted in thunder and might, to turn the very waters of her home against any and all invaders. At least, if they would still be able to muster themselves.

  Granted, there was a small issue with what happened. Namely, that it occurred during supper, which was a family affair, and now her family was looking at her, as she transformed in a rush of lightening and mist... but not into the majestic dragon she thought she would be, but rather into what appeared to be a great carp, with a broad and powerful face. Alas, her hands were missing, and instead what she possessed were claws on the end of her now brilliantly scaled arms. However, she was a good daughter, and bowed to her parents and grandparents.

  "Forgive me, a spirit approached and offered me power out of a web novel. I accepted, though it appears not to have worked quite as expected." Even as they got ready to speak, shock and confusion clear on their faces... well, she may be a good daughter, but she did have a small mischievous side, as she continued before they spoke. "Oh, and said spirit will be removing the ability of advanced technology to function in seven days when things move from early access to full release."

  Ah, her brother got it, as he paled, even as her elders seemed to be shocked and began to speak, frightened and worried.

  Early Access; Day Three

  Thankfully, materials were procured and she was able to study some of her new situation, even as she considered things. She was resting in the bathtub, as she was now aquatic until she matured into a T'ien Lung in six years when she turned twenty-six. She was capable of gaining experience and leveling... but apparently the weight of her racial hit dice, while a boon in many ways, would also prove to be limiting in others. Namely, gathering experience would be... difficult.

  She could not just go hunting sharks, as they were apparently not worth any. She would need to challenge prey such as giant octopi, squid and sperm whales (given how other more magical creatures were likely not around until full release) if she wanted to barely grow at all, given her effective level thirteen status. In several respects, becoming a dragon was a trap it seemed. To be sure, she had dreams of leading and supporting her people... and she could still do that, even if the first level of Bard was not that impressive. It still had promise.

  That, and one of her boons had been used to unlock one of Bethesda's crowing powers. She sighed, as she looked over her unlocked Thu'um. On the one hand, it had been worth the skill point expenditure and feat slot for . Some utility to go with being a water bound pop-star. At the very least, she would be able to be a good asset to the family? And her friends, once she can convince her father to let them them come over. After all, maybe she would be able to grow by being a protector?

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Wait, was she being a man about this? How shameful.

  Still, she had some options and was not quite defenseless. Only being able to use four of the shouts in a combat, and each individual one no more than once.... she had options if there was a fight. And more would come with time and opportunities. Indeed, if the invasion didn't happen in the next few days... well, it all depended on what her father and grandfather would tell the government. In any case, as she sank under the waters and closed her eyes...

  She would do her best to make sure Taiwan was safe.