After the death of that Assassin, Vikram found a moment of peace. As a reward, Lady Scarlet granted him permission to enter the section of the 'Death Maze' where the 'Crystal Beasts' nested.
Vikram knew that there was only one path to power in this world—Genes. But he soon realized that in the 'Origin Universe,' the gene system was far more complex and expansive.
He sat in a safe cave and analyzed his system.
[System Data Update: Gene Hierarchy]
In this new world, to elevate the body to the level of a God, five types of Gene Points were required:
* Ordinary Origin Gene:
* Source: Common animals and weak aliens.
* Benefit: Increases basic physical strength. (0-100 Points)
* Primitive Origin Gene:
* Source: Evolved beasts with tough armor.
* Benefit: Makes bones and muscles as hard as iron. (0-100 Points)
* Mutant Origin Gene:
* Source: Creatures possessing special elements (Fire, Ice, Poison).
* Benefit: Makes the body resistant to elements and boosts the power of 'Gene Arts.' (0-100 Points)
* Sacred-Blood Origin Gene:
* Source: The King or Boss-level monster of a region.
* Benefit: Increases Lifespan and serves as fuel to activate the 'Super God Body.' (0-100 Points)
And finally...
* Origin-Source Gene [Secret]:
* Description: This is the rarest gene. It is obtained only by killing 'Ancient Species' or 'High-Tier Aliens' connected to the origin of the universe.
* Benefit: This gene directly alters the quality of the 'Soul' and the 'Divine Body.' A single point of this gene is equivalent to 100 Sacred-Blood genes.
The Treasure Hunt
Vikram ventured deeper into the cave. Beneath the rubble where 'Dollar' had killed the assassin, he spotted a strange glow.
It wasn't a stone. It was a shattered Mechanical Core, with blue and pink light pulsing within.
"This... this isn't a beast egg," Vikram picked it up. He felt a familiar energy.
In his old world, 'Spell' had been his most loyal spirit. Was it possible that her soul had transformed into a relic while crossing the universe?
Vikram bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the core.
Bzzzz...
The core began to float in the air. The metal fragments pieced themselves together. In moments, the light took shape.
A small girl with silver hair, wearing strange futuristic clothes, floated before Vikram. Her eyes were closed, but she held two massive Hand Cannons in her hands.
[Ancient Spirit Reactivated: 'The Gun Girl' (Former Name: Spell)]
[Status: Damaged. Memories: Fragmented.]
[Rank: Mutant (Current)]
The girl opened her eyes. There were no emotions in them, only a target. She looked at Vikram and bowed her head slightly.
"Master," her voice sounded like a blend of robot and human.
Vikram smiled. "Welcome back, Spell. I thought I had lost you."
The Hunt
"Spell, I need Gene Points," Vikram ordered. "Let's see what you can do now."
They stepped out of the cave where a swarm of 'Crystal Rats' and 'Flying Scorpions' awaited.
* Ordinary Gene:
Vikram kicked a common 'Crystal Rat'. The rat smashed against the wall and died. He consumed its meat.
[Ordinary Origin Gene +1]
"Too easy," Vikram thought.
* Primitive Gene:
A large scorpion appeared. Its armor was tough. Spell raised her gun.
Bang!
A blue energy bullet shot out, piercing right through the scorpion's armor. Vikram moved in to finish it.
[Primitive Origin Gene +1]
* Mutant Gene:
Just then, a red 'Fire Snake' lunged at Vikram. It was spewing fire.
"Mutant!" Vikram yelled.
He activated 'Jadeskin' and jumped through the fire. With his dagger, he severed the snake's head.
[Mutant Origin Gene +1]
[Jadeskin Experience +2]
But the real game began when they reached the deepest, forbidden section of the cave.
There sat a small creature. It looked like a Doll, but black smoke emanated from its body. It didn't look like a beast; it looked like an Alien from another world.
Vikram's 'Dongxuan Sutra' sounded an alarm.
[WARNING: High-Level Energy Detected.]
The creature smiled at Vikram, and suddenly vanished.
"Teleportation?" Vikram was startled.
Before the creature could attack, Spell aimed both her guns in the opposite direction and fired.
Boom!
The bullet struck something invisible in the air. The creature stumbled out of the void. Spell possessed a 'Lock-on' ability that could track even invisible enemies.
Vikram didn't miss the chance. He activated his 'Origin Spirit God Body' only in his right arm (Partial Activation).
His hand began to glow with gold and silver light. He grabbed the small alien by the neck.
"Your energy... it's different," Vikram realized.
The alien tried to scream, but Vikram used the 'Yin-Yang Blast' to destroy its internal structure.
As the creature died, its body didn't turn to ash, but transformed into a golden liquid.
Vikram swallowed the golden drop without hesitation.
A massive explosion occurred in his mind. It felt as if he had swallowed the sun.
[Rare Alien 'Void Imp' Hunted.]
[Secret Gene Obtained: Origin-Source Gene +1]
[Effects:]
* Super God Body Time: +5 Seconds.
* Physical Ability: Permanent 10% increase in all parameters (Strength, Speed, Defense).
* Special Ability Unlocked: 'Void Walk' – You can now teleport short distances (5 meters) through shadows without God Mode.
Vikram fell to his knees on the ground, breathing heavily. Just 1 point had given him more power than 50 Ordinary Genes ever could.
"So this is the real treasure," Vikram stared into the darkness with glowing eyes. "If I collect 100 of these genes... I can hold this entire universe in the palm of my hand."
Just then, Spell aimed her guns upward.
"Master," she warned. "Many enemies are approaching. And they are not beasts."
At the cave entrance, Slave Hunters from a rival city stood watching. They had witnessed Vikram swallowing the golden light.