All Hunters used monster genes to become stronger, but each had their own way of doing so.
Kreyn had only one ability, the Gene Forge, but it was precisely this power that would form the foundation of his entire future as a Hunter.
Blink.
Kreyn opened his eyes to find a simple-looking anvil, a hammer, and a floating Sand Lizard Gene before him.
[Sand Lizard Gene
[Tier: I
[Rarity: Common
[Quality: Low
[Features: None.]
[A gene from one of the Sand Lizards roaming the barren wastelands in search of food and water. They usually hunt in groups and are rarely seen alone.]
Tremble!
The anvil trembled as the hammer soared through the air.
[Given the level of the Gene Forge and the properties of the selected gene, you have the following options to choose from:
[Option 1:
[Result: ???
[Chances of success: 80%.]
---
[Option 2:
[Result: ???
[Chances of success: 35%.]
From the frozen expression on Kreyn’s face, it was clear he was expecting much more than this.
"W-What? What on earth is this?"
[These are the available options. If the Gene Forge were of a higher level, there would be more functionality and available information. The number of options depends on both the selected gene and the Gene Forge. The rarity and power of the options mainly depend on the gene.]
Scratch.
Kreyn scratched the back of his head.
"I see. So all I have access to right now are just the options and the success rates... Wait." He blinked. "So when I fell, did it all happen automatically?"
[You gave permission, so a random option was selected.]
At first, Kreyn thought his ability had saved him. To some extent, that was true, but for the most part, it was just luck.
His mutation, Arms of the Red Banner, was the same nameless option as the two before him.
Even though he now had only two choices before him, Kreyn didn’t know which to pick.
"Tsk, either a high chance or a low one. That’s all I know. But this is my only gene, for now, so I have to try to get the most out of it!"
With a wave of his hand, Kreyn made his choice.
[You have selected Option 2.]
[Work on the gene has begun.]
The Sand Lizard Gene, appearing as a yellow orb with a lizard symbol, ended up on the anvil.
Then, the hammer swung into action, crashing down on the gene with all its might. One blow after another.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
With each blow, energy flowed out of the gene, gradually forming a shape.
At this stage, Kreyn needed nothing but his forge and the gene. But in the future, for more complex crafts, this would not be enough.
Thump!
For a while, Kreyn watched as the hammer struck the gene until the last strike came, followed by a bright flash.
[Success!]
[You selected Option 2, and the gene was successfully used!]
At that very moment, Kreyn’s reward appeared before him.
It was a pair of sand-colored boots with pointed toes and yellow scales covering the sides.
[Sand Shiver Boots
[Type: Equipment
[Tier: I
[Cells: None
[Sockets: Vibration Step.]
[Description: Boots crafted from the Sand Lizard, one of the most common monsters in desert regions. In addition to basic protection, they provide increased mobility in sandy terrain as well as resistance to quicksand.]
[Vibration Step
[Build up energy and send vibrations through the ground. Your next step will be at tremendous speed, allowing you to change position abruptly. The effect is enhanced on sandy terrain.]
As soon as Kreyn’s gaze fell on [Vibration Step], it became clear to him why the chance for this option was significantly lower, only 35%.
"Hmm, my arms don’t have any special ability, but unlike these boots, that’s a mutation, not equipment."
So far, Kreyn figured out a few things, but that was only a small fraction of what the Gene Forge was capable of.
"I have a choice, and this choice will be better. The things I create can have abilities, and most importantly, there are at least two main types: Mutations and Equipment. There’s probably something else, right? Maybe magic?"
Blink.
The next time Kreyn blinked, he was back in the real world. The Sand Shiver Boots were already on his feet.
"Hmm?" Prima’s eyes widened. "Did you just turn a gene into these boots?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Kreyn nodded uncertainly.
A golden glint flashed across Prima’s eyes.
"Huh, so you’re a blacksmith. You know, people like you can make quite a bit of money. Everyone needs good gear. Although, I have to admit those gloves look weird." Prima pointed at Kreyn’s hands.
An electric shock shot through Kreyn’s brain as he realized something.
’Wait, does she think this is gear too? Doesn’t an experienced Hunter like her know what mutations are?’
"Yeah, you’re right. I still have some work to do on these!" Kreyn replied with an eager smile, deliberately steering the conversation away from his hands.
Prima nodded as she looked around.
"Either way, it’s time to get out of here. Soon this place will be swarming with monsters."
"Hmm? Why?" Kreyn gave her a questioning look.
Prima chuckled.
"Hah, you really are a complete newbie, aren’t you?"
She pointed behind her.
"Under Aegis A-13, there are a dozen corpses, both human and monster. It’s a real feast for the monsters roaming around. The smell of blood has already spread, so everyone in the area will be there soon."
"But you’re strong, aren’t you?"
Prima nodded.
"Yes. But in situations like this, you should always be wary of Renegades."
"Renegades?"
"They’re a special type of monster. Well, actually one of many types, but that’s beside the point. Renegades roam random places, usually ones that don’t suit them, and they’re generally much stronger than all the others."
Prima waved her hand as she moved forward.
"Their movements are hard to predict, and they’re a real headache. The best way to avoid them is to stay away from places like Aegis A-13. If we run into a Renegade, it might be strong enough to kill both of us."
Kreyn narrowed his eyes.
"You talk so calmly about your own death. Are you alright?
"Who knows? But I’ll see how you’re doing after you’ve been a Hunter for a few years. Come on, follow me. We have to get to the dark cliff."
"Agh... Fine." Kreyn sighed and took a step forward.
Tremble!
His boots shook as a vibration rippled through the ground.
In a blur, he dashed past Prima, raising sand into the air.
"Oah!" Kreyn stumbled and crashed to the ground. He hadn’t expected such speed.
Prima stared at him in disbelief.
"Did you create gear with an ability? Hahaha! You’ve got a great future ahead of you, kid!"
Kreyn got up from the ground with a slight smile on his face.
"Yeah, I hope so. I need to get used to my own stuff first."
She patted him on the back.
"You’ll get the hang of it, given time."
Kreyn glanced at his boots before carefully stepping forward, following Prima.
They headed toward the dark cliff, and just as Prima had predicted, at that very moment, many monsters were heading toward Aegis A-13.
While most of the monsters were enjoying the feast, one of them was in no hurry.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Its heavy footsteps sent tremors through the ground, and there was no hunger in its eyes, rather, curiosity.
This monster wasn’t looking at the corpses, but at the two energy flows moving toward the dark cliff in the distance.
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