Ch 2 Chapter 2: First Waves
"Wait… HMS Unicorn?!" I shouted, staring down at my reflection on the water.
The gentle ripples shimmered with pale light, and staring back at me wasn't my old face — it was her. Long lilac hair, soft blue eyes, and a delicate face that could only belong to the shy support ship from Azur Lane.
> [System Notice: Transformation Complete.]
[Welcome, Host: HMS Unicorn.]
[Initializing Starter Interface…]
My mind buzzed as glowing text appeared in front of me. "System… what's going on? Am I really inside the game?"
> Yes, host. You have been chosen as a unique existence — a reborn shipgirl with potential to surpass all others. Your mission is to grow stronger, build your own fleet, and uncover the truth behind your summoning.
I blinked. "Build my own fleet? I don't even know how to move like this!"
As if responding to my frustration, faint mechanical sounds echoed beneath the waves. Metal shimmered around my legs — sleek flight decks and rigging emerged from the water, attaching themselves to me like second nature.
"Huh… this feels… surprisingly natural…"
> Host's basic shipgirl functions activated. You may now move, attack, and detect enemies within 300 meters.
"Wait, enemies? There are enemies here?!"
The system didn't answer. Instead, a red warning flashed in the corner of my vision.
> [Alert! Siren Scout detected — 200 meters east!]
Panic surged through me. "Siren…? Already?! I just got here!"
I turned toward the direction of the signal. The ocean rippled, and out of the mist came a small, black Siren drone — sleek, angular, and glowing red.
> Host, this is your tutorial battle. Please defeat the enemy to proceed.
"Tutorial?! I didn't even pick my weapon yet!"
As if on cue, a glowing wand-like staff appeared in my hands — Unicorn's wand. The one she used to heal allies… not exactly great for offense.
But when the Siren fired a burst of energy my way, instinct took over. I swung the staff down, and a flash of pink light burst from it, forming a shimmering barrier that blocked the shot.
> Defensive skill "Fairy's Protection" activated.
"I can do that?!"
> Yes, host. And you can do more. Try focusing your energy — imagine striking the target.
I gritted my teeth, focused on the Siren, and thrust the staff forward. A glowing beam shot out, hitting the drone squarely. It exploded into sparks and vanished beneath the waves.
> [Enemy Defeated!]
[Experience +100]
[Level Up — Lv. 2 Achieved!]
I stood there, panting. The ocean was calm again.
"…I actually did it."
> Well done, host. You have completed the tutorial. Would you like to open your Starter Summon?
"Starter… summon?"
> Yes. Every commander — or in your case, shipgirl host — begins with an initial companion. Opening now.
A circle of light formed before me, the sound of waves and bells blending together.
When the glow faded, a familiar figure appeared — white hair, golden eyes, and a confident smile.
"Belfast…?" I whispered.
The maid bowed gracefully. "It would appear I am to serve you, my lady. I am Belfast, of the Royal Navy — at your command."
My heart skipped a beat. Maybe this new world… wouldn't be so lonely after all.
> Quest Updated: Form your first fleet.
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End of Chapter 2