Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out? Chapter 2028: What Is A "True Form"?

-----

Yggdra cradled Andromeda, offering her nourishment without hesitation.

Andromeda latched on, a picture of pure gluttony. Despite a belly already distended with fish, she still clamored for milk.

Glancing at Aquarina, I saw she was also eating with gusto. "Sylphy, come join us!" she called out.

"Ah, yes. I was feeling quite hungry myself," I replied, nodding. My focus on everyone else had been so intense that I'd overlooked my own needs. "Alright, let's dig in!"

I sat down to partake in the feast with the others.

The array of flavors was simply divine – fish, crabs, shellfish, and even octopus were laid out before us.

My mother had prepared such a vibrant assortment of side dishes that our plates were never empty.

I continued to eat, and eat, until I realized my appetite was utterly insatiable.

Before I knew it, I had consumed all the meat from one of the colossal eels I had previously defeated.

How was this even possible?

Yet, a persistent hunger remained, urging me onward. Within an hour, I'd downed two more of the giant eels, then turned my attention to devouring half of a massive kraken.

"You certainly have a prodigious appetite!" Ignatius boomed with laughter. He was in his most immense form, his belly swollen as he wielded a palm tree like a skewer for a giant meat feast. Three colossal beasts roared within his fiery aura. "Gahahah!"

"Indeed, I find myself wondering about that as well. How is it possible?" I queried. "I used to eat heartily, but never to this extent! I've consumed hundreds of tons of meat!"

"Hah!" he retorted with a hearty laugh. "I suspect you haven't grasped it yet. Beyond your human guise, you are also a dragon, and we dragons possess immense appetites. Furthermore, as a goddess, your capacity is magnified even further."

"But where does it all go?" my mind raced. "I haven't even felt the slightest urge to relieve myself..."

"It is stored within your True Stomach, a part of your Physique," Ignatius elucidated. "You have transformed into a being of almost pure magic and divinity. Your stomach has expanded manifold to accommodate the sheer energy required daily merely for your existence."

"Oh!" I exclaimed, nodding in understanding. "I see, so that's the reason... Wait, but still, I'm eating like a monstrous beast."

"And why shouldn't you be?" he chuckled. "Your 'true form' is no longer the one you typically inhabit. The same applies to everyone present. You are merely accustomed to your human shape because it is how you were born."

"What do you mean by that?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"If you were to unleash all your skills, combine your power with ours, and expend absolutely everything you possess... what do you imagine would occur?" Ignatius asked with a wide grin.

"Ah!" My eyes widened in revelation.

"Precisely, you would manifest as a colossal being!" he roared with laughter. "All the gods you are familiar with adopt forms that are mere illusions. In reality, each is a gargantuan entity. Some appear monstrous, others majestic."

"So, I possess a 'true form' now? That's rather peculiar... What can I do with it?" I ventured.

"You can choose to disregard it," Ignatius stated with a shrug. "Alternatively, you can embrace it, gradually channel its immense power, study it, and foster its evolution."

"Evolve it?" I echoed.

"Beyond Physiques and Magic Circles, how do you suppose non-human entities achieve greater strength?" he posed.

"Ah, right. Their core... a Mana Core?" I mused.

"Aside from that, Dragons possess Dragon Hearts!" he declared. "Giants have Titan Hearts, and so forth. Unlike lesser humans, we are endowed from birth with a unique organ that enhances our might."

"But what about my Spiritual Heart?" I questioned, tilting my head. "Isn't that sufficient?"

"Spirits possess them, as do Spiritual Races," he clarified. "Therefore, no, it does not count. I refer to beings entirely distinct from humans and spirits, Sylphy! You are now also a dragon... and a multitude of other things, I presume."

"W-What...?" I was taken aback, learning this profound truth in such a casual setting rather than a climactic moment. "I comprehend..."

"So, you're discussing her true form, are you?" Beelzebub descended beside me. "We demons also exhibit great diversity... though we are not beasts like Ignatius! Consider myself, for instance. I was born with a Demon Heart. While I did develop magic circles and physiques, they were built upon my inherent heart."

"I suppose it's about acquiring the best of all possible worlds?" I quipped with a laugh.

"Perhaps," Yggdra offered softly. "My true form is that colossal tree, after all."

"Hmm..." I nodded, stroking my chin thoughtfully. "So, you are all suggesting that I possess a gigantic true form capable of evolving through the development of a unique organ?"

"Indeed. That sounds like Monster Evolution! Perhaps we could create a System for that," Alice suddenly interjected from my side, having finished a mountain of food. Her belly, in its fairy form, was so swollen it gave the impression of pregnancy. "You've accumulated so much EXP, we could develop something like that immediately, but... Burp— Ah! Pardon me... I mean, you could obtain one right away. First, though, you should 'find' your true form, channel it, transform, and then get accustomed to it."

"Hmm, I understand..." I responded with a confident nod. "I suppose I can attend to that later. It does sound incredibly cool though... Ah, that's right. I also need to evolve everyone else... I believe I can manage that tomorrow. It's already getting quite late, isn't it?"

Even within the dungeon's confines, the sun had already dipped below the horizon. We were now beneath a canopy of starry night sky. Coupled with the roaring bonfires, the vast sea, and everything else surrounding us, it made for a genuinely magical and enchanting experience.

"Yes, tomorrow is indeed the optimal time," Ignatius declared. "The longer you postpone it, the better. Where is my own evolution?!"

"Calm yourself. It will be utterly epic, I guarantee it!" I assured him. "We merely need to conquer the smaller dungeons first, then proceed to the larger ones, and finally journey to a place where we might hopefully discover materials from a true dragon for your use. It's far superior to using dragon monster materials, which are considerably more inferior."

"Nnnggh..." he grumbled, though he eventually nodded in agreement. "You are not mistaken. My evolution must be flawless. Even if it necessitates utilizing the remains from the corpse of one of my own kind... it must be accomplished."

I nodded and rejoined the others at the feast. I indulged in a considerable amount of wine, followed by beer, consuming far more than I ever thought possible after having eaten so much previously.

While status effects did not directly impact me, I still perceived a slight sense of lightheadedness. It was likely a combination of sheer exhaustion and feeling overwhelmingly full.

"Ah... Aquarina..."

Upon opening my eyes, I found Aquarina carrying me homeward, guiding me out of the dungeon. She carefully placed me on my bed, bestowed a kiss upon my forehead, and I peacefully drifted off into a deep sleep.

-----