Mutant

Chapter 13: 013. Mutant

[Name] Omega-Grade Gene Awakening Potion [Category]: Consumable/Paid Exclusive [Description]: "The poor rely on mutation to turn their fortunes, while the rich control mutation."

Officially produced by Star Abyss, this paid item is specially offered to players who desire to awaken their Aura, completely liberating extraordinary factors at the gene level and fulfilling your superhero dream.

[Effect]: 100% chance to awaken Aura (Omega-class)

[Price]: 9888 Diamonds - "There really is such a thing..."

Li Aoz rested his chin on his hand, his guess now completely confirmed.

"This product was only put on the Store after the patch for Version 9.7.1 was released... 9888 Diamonds, which converts to half a month's salary for an ordinary office worker. For that money, I might as well buy some Outfits. Aura can be farmed later, it's completely for those wealthy players who aren't short on cash."

Li Aoz had always been indifferent to in-game purchases. Why spend money on free items that could be obtained through grinding?

Of course, some Outfits were worth buying. After all, strength is temporary, but style is forever.

"Speaking of which, the Ren Heaven collaboration Outfit I wanted to buy before, I ended up transmigrating before I could buy it. Logically speaking, shouldn't I still have some Diamonds in my account?"

Li Aoz's mind raced as he checked his personal account in the Store.

[Account Balance]: 114,514 Diamonds "Holy crap, I actually deposited this much?"

Li Aoz twitched the corner of his mouth.

It wasn't entirely surprising, though. Star Abyss was a game with a built-in player trading platform, where many rare accessories and cosmetic items could be directly exchanged for money.

For example, the 'Eternal Spear' or 'Dragon Sniper' from Counter-Terrorist Elite, or the 'Rainbow Pony Outfit' from Beastmaster, players would directly list them on the trading post for other players to buy, with the final settlement being in Diamonds.

In the later stages of the game, Star Abyss, with its complete currency system, formed its own Diamond trading ecosystem. It was like Qin Shi Huang touching a live wire, a complete win.

Li Aoz couldn't say for sure if this money was from his own spending, leftover from player trades, or, with a very small probability, from winning a giveaway by sharing official posts.

He had seen many players' in-game posts, where opening them up meant seeing official Star Abyss reposts for giveaways, born purely from the desire to snag freebies.

People would usually exclaim, "Damn, Yuan!" when they saw such individuals.

"Tsk, it's a shame the Game Store no longer allows direct purchase of experience crystals and skill books. I can't directly raise my level anytime soon."

Li Aoz immediately purchased the Omega-Grade Gene Awakening Potion, his account balance dropping to 104,523. There weren't many things he could buy at this stage, and he wasn't a Player, so buying Outfits held no meaning for him.

"Besides the Game Store, Faction, and Achievements, many other sections are not activated. Is it because the Version isn't high enough? Or is it that I, as an NPC Template, don't enjoy the same treatment as Players?"

He didn't have the backpack function, so he couldn't directly store items in a fourth-dimensional chrysanthemum like Players. Fortunately, he had decided to go the Mutant route, a profession that didn't require much equipment.

What truly disappointed Li Aoz was that he hadn't unlocked the built-in mini-game functions like Star Abyss Auto Chess, Platinum Miner, or Madly Beat Little Demon. These mini-games actually had ladder rankings, and the higher the rank achieved, the more rewards the game system would give.

The most common reward was experience crystals. Li Aoz, benefiting from later patch treatments, estimated that even if his Auto Chess rank only reached Platinum, he would still receive 100,000 experience crystals.

"I wanted to earn some experience steadily through Auto Chess, but it's a shame."

With no safe and stable way to obtain experience, Li Aoz glanced at the Store. Many items within it were of no help to his starting profession. He had spent all his current Diamonds and couldn't recharge, so it was better to exchange them for rare items later.

For instance, the electric syringe containing golden liquid that suddenly appeared in his palm. He examined it repeatedly, a restless thought stirring within him. A mysterious and abstract aura emanated faintly from within the syringe, as if possessing some kind of magic, constantly captivating his mind.

'Eat it, and all will be revealed.'

He shook his head, slightly surprised.

[Looks like the raw materials for this thing aren't anything good either...]

Despite his inner musings, the game's developers were the most trustworthy.

After all, they aimed to make money from Players, and as long as profit was involved, product quality wouldn't suffer.

Li Aoz unhesitatingly pushed out the syringe's needle, holding it perpendicular to his skin at a ninety-degree angle, and then plunged it into the deltoid muscle of his left arm.

Hiss...

Pressure applied, the mysterious and noble golden liquid injected into his body like divine blood. It looked incredibly light, with low density, and there was no foreign body sensation upon injection, but rather a light, liberating feeling.

Drip! Injection complete. Li Aoz wiped the syringe clean and put it away; it could be reused. He then quickly lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and waited for the Omega-Grade Gene Awakening Potion to take effect.

About 30 minutes later, Li Aoz felt his consciousness becoming hazy, his head heavy. He laboriously lifted his hand, mustering all his strength to place the back of his hand on his forehead. The scorching heat he felt immediately made him realize he had started to develop a fever.

"It involves gene modification, cough cough... this is all normal..."

Li Aoz intended to cheer himself up and comfort himself, but as soon as he spoke, his voice was incredibly hoarse and weak. His eyelids began to droop, and his limbs twitched occasionally.

His skin was already pale, and now, with the rising body temperature, it was flushed with an extremely intense redness.

On one hand, his body temperature was rapidly increasing, while on the other, his body began to sweat profusely. A wave of coldness struck him, making him tremble uncontrollably.

The alternation between cold and heat was just the beginning, but even so, the body's rejection reaction had reached its limit for an ordinary person. Many with weak constitutions might even die from it.

Li Aoz's vision blurred, and he vaguely saw a string of system prompts flowing across his retina:

[You have used the Gene Awakening Potion and begun the gene modification process]

[Modification direction: Genetic Potential Awakening]

[Due to the drug's effect, you have activated the negative status - 'High Fever': A constitution check will be performed every 10 minutes. If constitution drops below 2, you will enter a near-death state]

[Gene modification in progress]

[Initiating telomere destruction...]

[Releasing invalid gene fragments]

[Copying Gene Fragments]

[Aura Gene Activation]

Beep, beep, beep—! A piercing alarm sounded in his ears. Moments later, the door to the isolation ward was kicked open, and Assistant Physician Anna, along with a team of medical staff, rushed in.

"What's going on?" Assistant Physician Anna asked sternly. "We just finished the basic treatment and administered antibiotics. Why is the life health alarm going off now?"

Li Aoz was about to concoct an excuse, but as soon as he opened his mouth, a blast of hot steam erupted from his throat.

Hiss...

The white mist was scalding and intense, causing the physicians to exchange bewildered glances. Anna's gaze deepened. With a wave of her hand, she said, "Quick, check him."

"His life and health status has taken a sharp downturn. He has a high fever."

"Temperature monitoring: 45.9℃—this is already beyond the normal human limit, and the temperature is still rising. If this continues, he'll burn out his internal organs!"

"Should we use physical cooling?"

"No, if we use physical cooling, the temperature difference will cause him to dehydrate severely... First, prepare the number two saline solution. He's sweating too much."

"Assistant Physician Anna, this is..."

Anna's expression was grim, her face heavy with concern. Li Aoz's condition was beyond their imagination.

"If his temperature reaches 50 degrees, no medication will be effective. Although we checked him before, his Esha indicators weren't high enough to cause mutations, and the Professor said that Level 5 Infected individuals don't experience physiological problems... but, the Professor also pointed out that we know too little about beings like him."

"We don't know how he will develop, and we can't even offer help."

"Everything about his domain is unknown. All we can do is observe and research."

Anna said gravely, "This is what a Level 5 Infected looks like."

Nethermark Humanity's medical standards were second to none in the Outland, yet facing this situation, Anna felt powerless. Out of professional ethics, she approached the bedside to continue observing and comforting the patient.

"Don't be nervous, it's just a high fever... a bit of a high one. Most people would be dead by now. You should be able to live a bit longer, right?"

Her attempt at comfort wasn't even mediocre; it could only be described as suffocating. Fortunately, the infusion of saline solution and various medications made his body feel a little better.

Li Aoz's consciousness gradually blurred. He felt as if his body had detached from him, and his mind, lifting off the ground, floated alone into the boundless Deep Space.

There was neither light nor darkness. He no longer possessed limbs or sight, but instead, a perception that transcended objective existence.

The vast, unfathomable Deep Space had no color, only a chilling, grayish-white.

It was within this realm that Li Aoz clearly heard a voice calling out to him.

'Return... return...'

'What you cherish has perished, yet the wicked still run rampant.'

'Return... return...'

'What was taken... will be taken back by your own hands...'

'Return... return...'

'This, is the source—'

[Listening to the Voice of the Source — Willpower +2, Charm +1]

[Permanent Feat: Love Hunter Activated] — Primary Attribute Growth +1. If Primary Attribute is [Charm], Primary Attribute gains +30%.

[Correction Results — Willpower +2; Charm +2]

[Gene Metamorphosis Complete, Potential Genes Released]

[Your body contains four infinitely potent and mysteriously unknown powers, which may help you find the truth of the universe.]

[However, you are not yet able to fully control them. Please choose one of the following options as your Core Aura: A — [Mind Power]: Omega-class Aura, with dual benefits from [Willpower] and [Charm]. Compared to ordinary Mind Power, it has more formidable output and control effects.]

Aura Manifestation:

Active Activation — Can forcibly read others' wills, create illusions, control others' minds, and has double damage effects on spirit bodies.

Passive State — Psionic resistance and spirit body resistance are constantly at 70%, immune to 'mind reading' and 'precognition' effects.

"I knew what you were thinking before you even spoke."

B — [Strong Tendon Forging Bone]: Omega-class Aura, with dual benefits from [Constitution] and [Charm]. Possesses an expressiveness and developmental potential far exceeding ordinary physical enhancement Auras.

Aura Manifestation:

Active Activation — Unleash powerful strength.

Passive State — Constitution increases by 1 point every 10 natural days. The conversion ratio of Constitution to HP increases to 1:20. C — [High-Energy Detonation]: Omega-class Aura, with dual benefits from [Strength] and [Charm]. Can release powerful high-energy shockwaves.

Aura Manifestation:

Active Activation — Create shockwaves of a certain scale with destructive properties (spell damage). Passive State — All attack skills are converted to spell damage. D — [Gravity]: Omega-class Aura, with single benefit from [Charm] attribute. Can initially control the fundamental force of 'gravity'.

Aura Manifestation:

Active Activation — Control the magnitude of gravity, alter the weight an object bears, and change the direction of gravity.

Passive State — Gain 8% damage reduction. — "Not bad."

Li Aoz breathed a sigh of relief.

Among the four options, three were the most practical early-game Auras. [Mind Power] was an exclusive Aura for those who chose the [Missionary] path later on. It was incredibly versatile; with enough stats, it could be devastating in both one-on-one duels and team fights.

The [Missionary] was the most prestigious class under the [Dominator] system. Several heads of state in galactic civilizations favored this path.

Powers related to the mind were incredibly useful for a civilization. Even if Li Aoz didn't use them on his own people, he could at least prevent them from being influenced by the consciousness projections of external forces.

However, the training process was rather troublesome. To truly unleash its potential, one first needed the [Objective Idealism] specialization, and that specialization... could only be obtained once he reached space.

Secondly, he would need to join a religious organization to boost the [Missionary]'s output.

Lastly, this class was very reliant on accessories. In the early stages, it almost had no way to counter close-range assaults.

One look and he deemed it a "prison sentence."

[Muscle Forging] could serve as the core Aura for an [Ability User]. This class could act as a frontline tank to absorb damage, or unleash considerable damage to compensate for output.

[Ability Users] were the backbone of galactic armies. While very useful, they severely lacked output. In the early stages, they were also stuck in a "prison sentence."

[High-Energy Blast] was an unexpected bonus. This ability, when evolved to its final form, was known as the [Power of Annihilation]. It could destroy planets, shatter continents, and bombard nebulae. It was incredibly powerful and classified as a 'Disaster Aura.'

However, if he chose [High-Energy Blast], the gameplay experience wouldn't be a "prison sentence" in the early game, but rather how to avoid being ganged up on.

The reason was simple: this Aura was extremely difficult to control. A slight misstep could obliterate people and cities alike.

An accidental sneeze could trigger an explosion, scratching his scalp might cause a radioactive dust storm, and shaking hands with a beautiful girl could turn her into "sister sauce"...

These were the top-tier Auras, and novice players might not have the money for high-grade Gene Awakening Potions. After awakening an Aura, they would still need to find ways to practice controlling it.

"The [Mutant] is still too weak in the early game," Li Aoz couldn't help but sigh.

Even with a 9888-cost Gene Awakening Potion, which allowed him to obtain the best Aura at this stage, he gained no attribute points or skills.

What's more, what truly limited the [Mutant]'s performance wasn't the attribute difference.

Other classes could announce their arrival at this stage, freely going out to fight monsters and people. But [Mutants] had to spend a long time researching and controlling their Auras.

Giving a good gun to a child versus giving it to a sharpshooter yielded vastly different results.

The child might play with it carelessly, killing themselves or innocent people, while the sharpshooter could use their will to intimidate others, maintain order, and prevent tragedies.

"Power must be subservient to my will."

Li Aoz did not choose any other Aura. What he needed was the fastest way to unleash his own potential.

[You have chosen 'Gravity']

[Gene fragment has been recorded]

[Dominating Will, Piercing Soul]

[Class cleansing complete]

[Your class has been forcibly changed to - Mutant] ——[Name]: Li Aoz ——[Title]: None ——[Race]: Carbon-based Lifeform - New Generation Human ——[Gender]: Biological Male ——[Age]: 21 ——[Template]: Standard Neutral NPC (Max HP +10%) ——[Faction]: Nethermark Humanity ——[Total Level]: Lv.0 ——[Primary Class]: Dominator System - [Mutant] ——[Secondary Class]: None ——[HP]: 16/55 (Danger) ——[Aura Points]: 150/150 ——[Experience]: 20 ——[Attributes]: Strength - 4 Dexterity - 5 Constitution - 5 Charm - 15 Willpower - 8 ——[Talents]: Race Talent · Teamwork - New Generation Humans possess strong teamwork capabilities. When in a team, experience gain increases by 50%. This effect is lost upon leaving the team. Class Talent · Mutation - Your genetic potential has been preliminarily unlocked. You will experience [Mutations] irregularly, which may alter your appearance or grant certain buffs. ——[Specialization]: [Permanent Specialization · Love Hunter] ——[Aura]: [Gravity · Perception] - You have gained a preliminary understanding of 'Gravity,' one of the four fundamental forces of the universe. It is so wondrous, yet mysteriously unpredictable. This elusive power continuously deepens your curiosity and bestows upon you the gift of being untouched by mundane forces. Undoubtedly, this is a god-like power. But should you also guard against the erosion of your curiosity? Perhaps one day, the exploration of the unknown will lead you... take care of yourself. "Newton lied to you; gravity only exists by my side." Range: A spherical space with a radius of 15 meters, centered on yourself. Current Development Level: Perception Level. Aura Point consumption rate at this development level is -110%; ——[Skills Held]: "Common Sense," "Intermediate Professional Knowledge" - From self; ——[Tier]: Novice Path "Ugh, aaaaaaah—!"

Aven Heskishen, having just finished her shielding duty, heard a series of inhumane screams before she even entered the scene. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly accelerated her pace towards the room.

"What was that sound? What happened?"

The moment Aven stepped inside, she was stunned by the scene before her. Law Four's female agents were busy ransacking the place, unceremoniously stuffing any valuable items they found into their pockets. Everyone was engrossed in looting the suspect's belongings, too busy to stop.

The smuggling snakehead they were raiding lay on the ground, beaten to a bloody pulp, his skin torn open. The agents nearby listlessly kicked their heads with their shoes, poking their spines and soft ribs with the sharp tips of their boots, as if playing some kind of game.

"Yo, the college student is here?" Agent Timat glanced at Aven and sneered, "Are the spirit bodies deployed?"

"The surveillance spirits are all deployed. If anyone passes by, they'll be immediately alerted."

Ya Wen said calmly, "But Agent Timat, assaulting a suspect and coercing a confession are illegal acts..."

"Illegal?" Timat sneered. "You talk about the rule of law, and I just want to laugh. These are smugglers who endangered national security. They sent our target into the Outland."

"...Have you already gotten a confession?"

"She has bank notes in her hand. We've already verified the serial numbers."

Ya Wen's gaze was complex. She could only ask the half-dead female snakehead: "Five hours ago, did you transport this illegal immigrant who used new banknotes?"

The female snakehead tilted her head and weakly grunted.

"Hmph, a grunt..."

Ya Wen squatted down and asked:

"Where was his destination?"

"Outland... Shelter P-205."

The female snakehead looked up, her eyes blankly staring at her, showing no sign of life.

"Did he state his identity?"

The woman opened her mouth, a whimper escaping:

"He, he claimed to be from the Rose Army..."

"Now it's perfect," Timat laughed, looking at Nemo Ting, who was slowly walking in. "Team Leader Nemo Ting, this criminal case is now a treason case—that kid who burned down the bank is a rebel of our motherland. What are we waiting for?"

"The Rose Army?" Nemo Ting frowned.

This explained everything. The other party was from the Rose Army, which was why they were heading to the Outland; it was to rendezvous with the rebels.

"The destination they mentioned is Shelter P-205."

Ya Wen stood up. "That's a bit far, and it's likely an enemy base... We should proceed with caution."

"Team Leader, what are you waiting for? Let's go now!" Timat couldn't wait. In her opinion, this was a great opportunity to rack up achievements.

"Mm..."

Nemo Ting wasn't concerned. The main force of the Rose Army was still in the south; how could they have come all the way here? It was probably just a small detachment.

"There's no time to report to the higher-ups—let's requisition a batch of combat police and Outland vehicles from the local area. We'll pursue them first."

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