NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 3: Pan
Ebony's jaw dropped as the figure—Pan, the god of shepherds and hunters—grinned at her like a mischievous trickster caught red-handed. His golden eyes twinkled with amusement, and his carefree attitude clashed with the divine presence he radiated.
"Wait... you're telling me," Ebony stammered, struggling to wrap her head around it all, "that you brought me here... by accident? Because you were drunk?"
Pan spread his arms wide in an unapologetic shrug. His cloak of woven vines and feathers shifted with the motion. "In my defense, the ambrosia was top-shelf! And, well, what's done is done."
Ebony blinked, speechless.
Pan raised a golden goblet to his lips, downing a hearty swig of what smelled faintly like honey and herbs. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and let out a loud burp.
"Ahhh," he sighed, satisfied. "Yep, definitely mead." He paused, leaning toward her conspiratorially. "Good stuff, right? You're lucky I wasn't watching a boring courtroom drama. That's how I sent someone to a world where everyone speaks in legalese once." He shuddered at the memory.
Ebony took a step back, her hooves scuffing the grass. "Wait, wait, hold up! You're telling me... this world is based on an anime?"
Pan nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! You humans have this amazing chaos energy—wars, love stories, betrayals, isekai transformations... I ate that stuff up! When I watched Tensura, I thought, 'Now this is the kind of world I wouldn't mind meddling with.' I may have... tweaked some things."
Ebony stared, her mind spinning. "Wait, you mean... I'm in the same world as That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime?" Her sister was a huge fan of the anime. Everytime Ebony came over to her sister's apartment to visit, Scarlet would have her watch it with her. The 3rd season was really good. Scarlet had a huge crush on Shion.
Pan grinned. "Bingo! You're sharp, little lamb." He took another swig of his mead, then let out another loud chuckle. "You might even run into some familiar faces, assuming you don't get eaten first."
Ebony's ears flattened. "Eaten?"
"Relax!" Pan waved his hand dismissively, though it was hard to feel reassured by the glint of mischief in his eyes. "I've given you a pretty cool setup. You're special—a rare Sheep Kin, a descendant of divine Valais Blacknose lineage. You've got potential."
Ebony's mind flicked back to the glowing status screen and the words "Pan's Chosen." Despite herself, her curiosity grew. "So... what happens now?"
Pan's eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers. A golden glow surrounded him, and he straightened up with surprising formality. "Right! Naming time!"
"Wait, what?"
"I need to give you a name," Pan explained. "In this world, names have power. They're the key to evolving and unlocking your true potential. Plus, it makes you more you in this world. Think of it as... soul anchoring."
Ebony swallowed nervously. "Okay... but what happens if you mess up? I don't want some ridiculous name like Woollykins McFluff or something!"
Pan burst into laughter. "Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't do that... unless you really deserved it." He winked playfully before stroking his chin in thought. "Hmm... your vibe is strong, but soft. Resilient, but curious..."
The air shimmered as Pan raised his hand, golden sparks swirling around his fingers. He closed his eyes, and the hum of the wind grew stronger, as though the world itself was holding its breath.
"I name you... Lyra," Pan declared, his voice resonating with a musical cadence. "Lyra Endymion, will be your new name."
The name wrapped around Ebony like a warm breeze, and she felt something shift inside her—a rush of energy that filled her limbs and soul. The glow around her intensified, and her status screen reappeared.
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Status Update:
Name: Lyra Endymion (formerly N/A)
Species: Sheep Kin (Valais Blacknose Variant)(Adult)
Evolution Level: 1 (0/500 EXP)
Class: None Assigned
Abilities: Name-bound Strength (Passive Boost)
---
Ebony—no, Lyra— blinked as the glow surrounding her dimmed, replaced by the steady hum of something deep and ancient. The air shimmered, and the silver threads of energy that had settled into her wool gathered before her eyes, forming a new status screen.
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System Notification:
Name Registered: Lyra Endymion
Race Evolution Unlocked
*Congratulations, Chosen One. You may now choose your evolutionary path. Select one of the following options to evolve from "Sheep Kin (Infant)" to a higher form.
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The system's text dissolved into glowing strands before reforming into a new list of options.
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Evolutionary Path Options:
1. Mystic Woolweaver
A rare magical offshoot of the Sheep Kin, known for its ability to spin enchanted wool that can mend wounds or trap enemies in shimmering threads of light.
Traits Gained:
Mystic Weave (Ability to create magical wool constructs)
Healing Breeze (Area-effect healing aura)
Increased Magic Affinity
2. Guardian Ramheart
A stalwart defender of the flock, with increased physical strength and defensive capabilities. Known for its resilience and unbreakable will.
Traits Gained:
Iron Wool (Passive defense boost)
Ram Charge (Powerful headbutt attack)
Unyielding Spirit (Reduces damage from attacks by 50% when protecting allies)
3. Celestial Lambkin
A celestial aspect of the Sheep Kin, bathed in starlight and moon magic. They are revered for their connection to the cosmos and their ability to guide lost souls.
Traits Gained:
Starlit Sanctuary (Summons an area of divine protection)
Astral Step (Short-range teleportation)
Cosmic Whisper (Communicate with celestial beings and spirits)
4. Wild Ewe Spirit
A primal evolution tied to the untamed wilderness. Wild Ewe Spirits are swift, elusive, and command nature's energies.
Traits Gained:
Verdant Dash (Temporary speed boost with nature-based camouflage)
Vine Snare (Summons vines to entangle foes)
Commune with Nature (Detect hidden creatures and energy sources)
5. Dream Shepherd
A mystical guardian of dreams and memories. Dream Shepherds possess the unique ability to walk between waking reality and the dream world.
Traits Gained:
Lullaby of Serenity (Puts nearby enemies to sleep)
Dreamweaver's Haven (Create a protective dreamscape for allies)
Echo of Memories (Recreate spectral visions of past events for guidance or confusion)
---
System Notification:
Please select your evolutionary path.
Lyra's ears twitched as she stared at the glowing list before her. Each option shimmered with its own unique hue, from the golden glow of the Guardian Ramheart to the ethereal silver of the Celestial Lambkin.
Pan clapped his hands together, beaming with pride. "There we go! A name worthy of my Chosen!"
Lyra blinked at him, still trying to catch up with everything. "Lyra... I like it," she murmured.
Pan raised his goblet in a mock toast. "To new beginnings and improbable adventures! May you not get eaten by dire wolves or caught up in dragon-related shenanigans!"
Lyra's ears twitched nervously. "Gee, thanks for the reassurance."
Pan laughed again and took another swig from his mug before gesturing toward the horizon. "By the way, you're currently standing on a floating island in the sky. Beautiful, isn't it?"
Lyra's eyes widened as she stepped forward and peered over the edge of the clearing. Her breath caught in her throat. Far below, a sea of clouds stretched endlessly, their surfaces gilded by the morning sun. She could see the tops of distant mountains peeking through, like islands adrift in a skybound ocean.
"You're giving me... an entire island?" Lyra asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Pan nodded, his grin softening. "Yes. It's yours to do with as you wish. A blank canvas for you to shape and nurture. Just one thing, though." He leaned in closer, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't mistreat the residents here, hm?"
"Residents?" Lyra repeated, her ears flicking nervously.
As if on cue, the bushes around the clearing rustled, and small creatures began to emerge—fluffy Valais Blacknose sheep, silver-feathered birds, and small, glowing sprites that flitted about like fireflies. They looked up at her with curious eyes, their trust implicit but fragile.
Pan gestured broadly. "These lovely souls live here alongside you. They're your flock, your friends. Treat them well, and they'll be your greatest allies."
Lyra swallowed hard, taking in the sight of the expectant creatures. The enormity of the situation hit her like a tidal wave. She had been entrusted with something precious.
Pan straightened and gave her a lazy salute. "Well, I'll be checking in from time to time. But for now..." He stretched, yawning. "I need a nap to sleep off the mead. Good luck, little one."
Before Lyra could ask any more questions, Pan's form shimmered, then burst into a flurry of golden leaves that swirled away in the wind.
Lyra stood alone in the clearing, the sound of rustling leaves and soft bleats filling the air. She exhaled slowly, her heart steadying as the weight of the moment settled over her.
The path ahead was unknown, but one thing was clear—this world, strange and beautiful, was now her home.
A soft chime echoed in her mind, and a new notification appeared:
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New Objective:
Shape the Floating Island
Tasks:
Explore the island's hidden areas
Build shelter for yourself and your flock
Uncover the secrets of Pan's gift
---
Lyra took a deep breath, lifting her gaze to the endless sky. "All right," she murmured, determination flaring in her chest. "Let's see what this place has in store."
With a determined breath, Lyra stepped forward, ready to see what lay beyond the meadow.