In the tepid, floating darkness of the womb, a consciousness older than new-born stars began to stir. Azra'il, or the being who currently answered to that name, allowed herself to be cradled by the amniotic fluid, a bittersweetly familiar sensation after countless rebirths. Her minuscule, still-forming fingers moved with instinctive curiosity, testing the limits of this new, fragile fleshy vessel. The rhythmic sound of the maternal heart, a constant, vital melody she knew as the soundtrack to her fresh starts, pulsed around her – a rather morbid lullaby, considering her past experiences with 'lullabies' that often preceded a life of challenges.
"Eos, integration report," the consciousness projected, not in words but as pure intention, towards her ethereal companion.
The reply came, crystal clear and precise, directly into her mind: [Welcome back, Azra'il. Integration process at 97%. Foetal development is proceeding according to expected parameters for this species.]
"Bring me up to speed on this particular cosmic playground, if you please."
[Initiating scan and compilation of acquired data… Location: City of Raven's End, Kingdom of Fiore. Era: X766, local calendar. Host's physical status: Advanced foetal development – eighth month of gestation. Manifested genetic characteristics: Modified DNA detected – presence of Beastman genetic markers. Designated world: Earth Land – Fundamental power system based on ambient magical energy known as Ethernano. Individuals capable of its manipulation, known as Mages, frequently organise into guilds under the supervision of a regulatory body called the Magic Council.]
As she nestled into the inevitable foetal position, feeling every slight tremor and shift of the body that contained her like a temporary cocoon, Azra'il pondered. "A world strongly imbued with magic… I don't recall the last time I landed in one quite like this. After that chakra system of the shinobi world, this will be a breath of fresh air. Or, perhaps, a hurricane of magical particles. Is this a magical world more on the rustic mediaeval side, or does it already flirt with a degree of modernity, Eos?"
[Earth Land presents a hybrid socio-cultural structure. Predominantly mediaeval foundations with the integration of technologies and customs considered modern by local standards. Magic, however, remains the driving force and the main pillar of society and development.]
"Interesting. And Raven's End?"
[Port city in a visible state of socio-economic decline. It exhibits a high rate of activities considered illicit by local authorities. The current host shows significant levels of toxic substances in her system and frequent spikes of anxiety and emotional stress.]
A faint tug at the corners of her ethereal lips, which would translate into an almost imperceptible twitch on the tiny foetal face, formed something akin to a smile. "Well, let's wait for the grand event of birth before we start drawing up megalomaniacal plans. But, judging by your report, Eos, I'd wager the money I don't possess that I'll be duly abandoned as soon as I make my appearance in this world."
[Considering the host's behavioural patterns, her socio-economic condition, and the Raven's End environment… your wager is pragmatically accepted. I must, however, remind you that I also lack the financial resources to cover any losses, should your prognosis miraculously fail.]
"Ah, Eos, even after so many lifetimes and universes, you still manage to get a smile out of me. Keep 'Limitless' as the default setting for now. Let's see what this little body can handle."
[Understood. I shall continue monitoring development and passive data collection. I presume I am to initiate probability calculations for locating orphanages or children's homes in the vicinity of Raven's End?]
"Always one step ahead, my friend. Ever efficient."
In the liquid darkness that enveloped her, a womb that was both prison and promise, Azra'il continued her gentle dance of foetal development. Each movement was a note in a symphony of rebirths, each twitch an echo of countless beginnings. The irregular, anxious heartbeats of her future, and likely temporary, mother marked time – a relentless countdown to her next awakening upon the vast, unpredictable stage of existence. And Azra'il, as ever, was ready for the show.