CCTnovel Chapter 1198: Axis, Beer, and Dragon
Chapter 1198: Axis, Beer, and Dragon
Shane had discovered many things in the facility where the Project Mist began. He may have failed to find Sofia, who was a huge mystery ever since the start of the Apocalypse, but he had discovered the secrets of the Gray Fog and various records about the possibility of returning to Earth...
At the moment, he was letting Lysandra, Travis, Natalie, and all the others look more into it.
After all, the real reason they wanted to survive in this world was to return home with their families.
They just had to investigate more about the secret Projects that the World Government created and the special Gate Stones they found within the Eden Island.
They certainly discovered a lot of things in that place.
Still, the fact that Axis could actually grow surprised him even more.
He thought that Fairies could no longer grow and stay on their palm-sized figure forever.
"Are you going to grow to a human size or something? You’ve gotten really big."
He didn’t really expect to be taken seriously with the question, but the fairy suddenly giggled, her wings even started glowing with silver light.
"Hehe... Shane, you look so surprised," she teased, hovering just above his shoulder.
"Did you really think I’d stay palm‑sized forever? I can already transform into a human size if I want. Do you want me to show it?"
Shane blinked, stunned. "Wait... you can do that? Transform into... human size?"
Axis twirled in the air with her laughter ringing like chimes.
"Of course! The World Tree’s mana nourished me. It awakened something inside. I’ve been practicing while you were away."
Shane rubbed his temple, trying to process this revelation.
He had always assumed fairies were bound to their small forms, forever delicate companions who relied on magic rather than physical presence.
"I didn’t expect this at all," he admitted.
"But... what benefit would being larger even bring? You’re not a physical worker. You use your magic to harvest mystical herbs, collect mana crystals, and tend spirit crops. Would being bigger help you care for the World Tree better?"
Axis tilted her head, her smile mischievous. "Maybe it will. Maybe it won’t. But isn’t it fun to see me try?"
Shane sighed, quite amused with this small fairy...
"Alright then. Show me."
The elves resting nearby perked up, sensing the surge of mana.
Even the factory workers tending the streams and flowers paused, their eyes drawn to the fairy’s glowing aura.
Axis closed her eyes, her wings folding around her like a cocoon.
Mana swirled around her body, and silver light soon started cascading in waves.
Just like that, the garden was filled with warm mana... Even the World Tree’s branches rustled as if responding to her transformation.
Then, with a flash, her small form expanded...
It didn’t take long before the cocoon of light shattered, revealing a figure that descended gracefully onto the grass.
Shane’s eyes widened.
Axis now stood before him in human size...
She was tall, radiant, and breathtaking.
Her silver hair flowed down her back gracefully. It was even shining under the mana glow. Her delicate features seemed almost ethereal.
Gulp...
Her body was voluptuous, her curves accentuated by the faint mana that clung to her like a gown.
The elves gasped audibly, some rising to their feet in shock.
Even the workers froze, after seeing the fairy transform. None of them had ever seen something like this at all.
Shane’s jaw tightened as he tried to keep his composure.
"Axis... this... this is beyond anything I imagined. You look amazing."
Axis twirled playfully... "Do you like it? I thought it would surprise you."
Shane exhaled slowly, still processing what just happened.
"Surprise is an understatement. I didn’t think fairies could grow at all, let alone transform like this. You’ve completely shattered my understanding."
Axis stepped closer. At this time, her aura was gentle yet overwhelming.
"The World Tree had finally changed me. Of course, I can still shrink back to my small form whenever I want, but now... I can walk beside you, not just perch on your shoulder."
Shane studied her carefully, his mind racing. He couldn’t deny that her new form was impressive, but he still questioned its practicality. "Will this help you tend the garden better? Or is it just... for show?"
Axis laughed, her voice melodic. "Maybe both. I can reach higher branches, carry more herbs, and interact with the elves directly. But more than that... I wanted to show you that I’m growing too. You’re always changing... I don’t want to be left behind."
Shane’s expression softened. He realized that he really needed to pay more attention to her. Perhaps, she was really getting lonely at times.
Meanwhile, Shane’s high perception allowed him to listen to the others’ conversations.
The elves whispered among themselves...
"A fairy... becoming human‑sized... this is unheard of."
"Her aura feels different now... It’s almost like standing near a Priestess blessed by the World Tree itself."
"I thought fairies were only companions, helpers of mana... but seeing her like this, she looks more like a guardian. So beautiful..."
"Do you see how the World Tree responds to her? The branches are glowing brighter felt like it’s waving at her..."
"I should’ve gotten closer to her when she was still small."
"Yes... That doesn’t sound appropriate."
Shane chuckled at their conversation before turning back his attention to Axis. "You’ve truly surprised me, Axis. But I suppose... it suits you."
Axis beamed, her silver hair shimmering as she clasped her hands behind her back. "Then I’ll keep this form for a while. Just don’t forget... I can still shrink down if you miss me on your shoulder."
Shane chuckled as he knew that Axis was still the same. "I’ll keep that in mind."
And so, beneath the towering World Tree, with elves and workers watching in awe, Shane relaxed until the feast started.
***
That evening, the shelter transformed into a place of joy.
The kitchens worked tirelessly, turning Shane’s crates of exotic seafood into dishes no one had tasted since the world fell apart.
Rainbow‑scaled lobsters were steamed and served with herbs, crystal‑like shellfish were roasted until their translucent shells cracked open, and serpents no longer than a man’s arm were grilled, their flesh rich with mana.
The aroma spread through the shelter, drawing survivors from their quarters.
Soon, over a thousand people gathered in the central halls and gardens...
It was such an amazing sight.
For months, they had lived on repetitive meals like dried meat and stale bread, but tonight they feasted like nobles of the old world.
Bart, the brewer from Springriver Manor, had brought barrels of his famous Stallion Beer, a drink that had become legendary among survivors.
The frothy mugs were passed around freely, and soon the air was filled with cheers and songs.
Although Jillian wasn’t present, there were still other bards and musicians who were able to bring music to them.
Soldiers clinked glasses with engineers, elves shared dishes with human families, and even the stern Super Soldiers found themselves smiling.
Shane watched from the edge of the crowd...
"I guess I missed this, huh..." Shane mused.
After several weeks at sea, he realized how great it was to be back on land.
Then, she noticed something...
"Wait... She’s still on that form?" Shane was shocked.
Axis, still in her human form, danced among the elves. There were a lot of people eyeing her.
It wasn’t that surprising since, aside from her beauty, her laughter was like music to everyone’s ears. It was something no one could ever deny.
***
By dawn, the shelter was a mess.
Survivors lay sprawled across benches and grass, groaning from overeating and drinking.
The kitchens were littered with empty pots, the gardens with discarded mugs.
Arial and the officials tried to restore order, but even they were sluggish from the celebration.
Yet there was no need to worry.
New Genesis Shelter was one of the most fortified strongholds in existence.
Automated turrets lined the walls, Warden Units patrolled tirelessly, and barriers were also ready to be activated at any time. Even the pilots of Aegis Mechs stood ready in their hangars. Even if every soldier was asleep, the defenses would hold.
And then, as the sun rose higher, Shane delivered another shock.
"W-what?"
Early in the morning, while most survivors were still recovering, he returned to the gates accompanied by a massive figure! A dragon.
Indeed, Shane just used his Dragon Recruitment Stone in this shelter to assign the Dragon as its protector!
Its scales glistened like molten steel, its wings casting shadows across the courtyard.
The beast lowered its head respectfully beside Shane, who stood calm and composed as if this were nothing unusual.
The few survivors awake at that hour froze and had their mugs slipping from their hands.
"A... a dragon?" one whispered, his voice was trembling...
After all, they knew about the Dragon Army!
They may not have seen a Dragon attack personally, but they had an idea of what they looked like!
Yet what confused them most was the silence. No alarms were sounding, no turrets had activated, and no barriers were triggered!