Crafting Gear From Monster Genes

"I... I agree..." Groza managed to say with difficulty.

Kreyn let go of her collar as she touched her neck and took a step back.

"What exactly do you want to do? You realize that we won’t win if we go up against them in a fair fight, right?"

"Sure." Kreyn nodded. "I still don’t have a clear plan, but I’ll figure it out very soon. I wanted to ask you about Arstar. You work under him, don’t you?"

Groza took a deep breath to compose herself.

"Arstar, right. He... He’s very strange. I don’t know how to explain it."

"What are you trying to say?"

Groza shrugged.

"Well... He didn’t lie. He really did need my experience to train his people. He usually stands on the sidelines, smiling and offering advice. He talks to everyone as an equal, and when I needed a break, he filled in for me.

"I have to say, his movements are excellent. He’s clearly been in a lot of battles, you can tell. So, you could say he’s widely respected, something like that."

Kreyn nodded.

"But?"

He felt that something wasn’t right. It couldn’t all be that simple.

"But... Even though he smiles, his gaze is empty. Every time he gets too close or his eyes narrow into slits, a chill runs down my spine. He... He looks like a soulless corporate manager from Sector 1, only unlike them, he’s actually strong, not just in words."

"I think I understand what kind of people you’re talking about. All right, we can work with that. See you tomorrow."

Standing in the gusts of wind, Groza was left alone, watching Kreyn’s retreating back.

Then, with slow, deliberate steps, she walked along the bridge until she stopped in the passageway.

BAM!

Her fist slammed into the wall, shattering her knuckles and drawing blood.

’Damn it! Groza! Pull yourself together, for fucks sake!’

Her teeth ground together, and her jaw was clenched tight.

’I’m the one who brought him on this mission! He ended up here because of me! And... Kreyn’s right, these bastards aren’t much different from monsters! After all, Kreyn and I are the only ones from the city. We have to stick together!’

For a moment, Groza recalled Kreyn’s expression.

’Again. This is the second time I’ve seen that look. Why? Isn’t he a newbie? Tsk, I’ll think about that later.’

...

Sip.

Leaning against the wall, in the shade and hiding from the scorching sun, Kreyn took a sip of coffee.

"Now that’s what I’m talking about, only 2 credits. At least some prices are reasonable."

This was his second cup. He’d drunk the first one when he went to help the miners clear the debris blocking the breach.

He didn’t do it because he wanted to help the miners, but for another reason, and the results were now before him.

[Mutation Saturation - Eye of the Hungry Scar.]

[Progress: 73.5%.]

’I need a few more Rahta Beasts, but I think I’ll finish today. Then, the second stage will begin. I have a bad feeling about this, but I’ve already made my choice.’

Step. Step. Step.

Footsteps came from the side as a large shadow stepped forward.

Gukard was heading toward the mines, holding a freshly opened bottle of beer in his hands.

"Beer in the morning?" Kreyn raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, Kreyn, good to see you. So you’re going to participate after all? Hahaha, I thought you’d take the day off after yesterday. I knew you were a tough guy!"

After that, he looked at the beer bottle.

"About that, huh. When you’ve worked in the mines as long as I have, you’ll realize it’s a stroke of luck that I decided to have a beer today instead of something stronger."

Kreyn smiled wryly.

"With all due respect, I hope that doesn’t happen."

He held out his hand. A broken nail, now bloodied, lay in his palm.

"Here, I’m giving you back your ’lucky charm,’ but I’m afraid it’s a little dirty now."

Gukard examined the nail as a broad grin spread across his face.

"Huh! That’s even better! So it works, and not just for me. Now it’s not just a ’lucky charm,’ but one with a story!"

At that moment, several figures appeared from the side as Gukard hurried to finish his beer.

"Damn, they’re already here. Alright, time to get to work!"

Leora was leading the way, as always. There wasn’t a trace left of her injuries. To her right was Groza. Her right wrist was bandaged, and she was wearing the Spider Bone Wall - the armor that Kreyn created for her from the Spider Queen Gene.

’So they let her use it just like I get to use my boots? Good.’

This armor was his gift to her and a new experience, but he wanted to see what his creation was capable of in battle. Groza also had her sword on her back, but it was unclear whether she intended to use that damaged weapon.

Behind them, Hargod was moving. His frame was easily visible even from across the town as he towered over everyone passing by.

"Well, well..." Hargod’s voice rang out as he stopped in front of Kreyn, blocking out the sun with his back. "You’re early. Looks like someone can’t wait to fight?"

Kreyn shrugged.

"I don’t mind, but that blue one - it’s on you."

"Ha! I’m only here for that bastard. The rest is up to you."

"Gukard," Leora called out to him. "Lead the way - we’re heading down into the chasm. You and your men will guard the entrance, just in case."

"Come on! Hurry up!" Hargod strode ahead with fire in his eyes. "The sooner I face that big guy, the better!"

Kreyn took his last sip as he watched Hargod walk away.

’He’s not thinking about the ore, or the plan, or anything else - only that monster. That’s bad. People like that are dangerous.’

The coffee cup flew into the trash can as he followed the group.

"Here." Leora stood in front of the chasm.

The corpses of the Ratha Beasts were scattered on either side in small piles of charred bodies.

Leora began to rappel down the rope. Groza looked at Kreyn and followed her.

"So we’re going down?" Hargod stepped up to the edge. "Ropes take too long, guys."

With a broad grin, Hargod leaped forward, causing the others to turn around.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Under his weight and force, the stone bridges broke one after another until, with a thunderous crash, Hargod reached the very bottom.

"Hurry up! How much longer do I have to wait for you?!" His voice echoed from below. "I don’t know where to go!"

Kreyn slowly climbed down his rope.

’Does he know there’s only one path here?’

They followed the same path that Leora and Kreyn took the first time, reaching the fissure-like passage leading into the chamber with crystals.

As soon as they stepped inside, they saw the same scene as before.

A multitude of Rahta Beasts slept, drawing energy from the Orazit Crystals through the veins.

Well, there was one change after all.

"Ghg!"

Hot steam billowed out as the tall monster standing in the middle of the cave breathed out, awaiting their arrival.

Hargod’s single eye sparkled with delight as he spread his arms wide.

"So this is who you were talking about. Huh, you’re right, he’s different from the rest!"

Thump!

Without waiting for them to act, the Blue Rahta Beast lunged forward, shaking the ground with its powerful strides.

Hargod immediately responded in kind.

Kreyn furrowed his brow.

’Is he going to attack it with his bare hands?’ He remembered what happened to Leora. ’No, you’re joking, right?’

STOMP!

Their feet planted firmly on the ground as their upper bodies were in mid-rotation before the strike.

In the next instant, two fists collided at a single point, sending a ring of wind rippling through the cave.

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