Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
And with that, the last mob died.
Kill Count: 217 mobs + 1 boss.
I killed 137 mobs in around one hour and used around 200 bullets. Honestly, it would be ten times faster if I didn't need to load every used-up mag with new rounds. I don't know what is worse, the recoil or mag loading. Anyways, my wrists and fingers hurt like hell.
As for why there were 137 mobs? During this time, close to a hundred more joined the fray from afar, but the mobs were killing each other, so I only killed 137.
And...
Basic Energy: 125.831
With that, I confirmed that mobs give 0.5 Basic Energy on average, while the bullshit boss gave around 5.
"In any case, I guess I am now a hundred slayer, hah? Livin' the redneck zombie apocalypse wet dream. Honestly, it's underwhelming." - I shrugged while loading my mags.
I would probably have reservations about shooting another person, let alone killing over two hundred. But monsters? Nope. I would feel more sorry for a squirrel than a goddamn ugly-ass monster who wants to kill and eat me.
After seeing no new mobs coming up after three minutes, I finished loading the mags and shotgun and removed my helmet, finally getting a breather, taking a can of juice and a snack bar out of my Storage to refill my energy.
Yeah, I am not a robot with infinite stamina. I need rest too. And I am fucking tired and hurting. Seriously, my hands are still shaking from the pain to the point I found it hard to open the can of juice. My wrists and fingers are probably swelling by now.
While resting while sitting leisurely on the ledge, I looked around.
I seem to be on some small town's market street, with most buildings standing at two stories and no building above three, most with flat roofs like this one.
"Maybe I can scavenge some good things here?" - I wondered, my eyes narrowing.
It was an opportunity, as most monsters in the vicinity were already dealt with.
"Well, I should focus on getting vaccinated and surviving for now. After that, I can scavenge things."
With that decided, I quickly finished my meal. Then came the second question.
"How am I supposed to get down?" - I asked myself while looking down at the alley filled with monster corpses.
I was currently 20-25ft above ground. Jumping down is not an option. As for running back to the pharmacy roof using teleport? I prefer not to do such a stunt again, especially with my swelling hands.
As for going down this building through the roof door? Won't work. It is an anti-theft steel door and seems to be a 1-way screw. I would need specialized equipment and knowledge to open it, which I don't have.
After looking around some more, I finally noticed the steel flag post at the edge, raising a worn American flag.
"That will do nicely." - I smiled.
I then took out the rope I bought two days ago from the Storage. It was a 1/2-inch thick and 100ft long Polypropylene anchor rope with a steel loop at the tip. Cost me $20, but worth it.
After unfolding the rope and fastening it to the flag post, I wrapped it around my feet and descended without hiccups.1It is a simple operation once you know it. I did it several times.
After reaching the street, I took out my knife and cut the rope, leaving me with around 75ft of rope.
No use wasting good rope.
After storing the rope and knife, I walked to the pharmacy's front entrance since the alley was almost blocked with mob carcasses while holding my shotgun. Although I am pretty sure I killed them all, one or two may be still inside the pharmacy slamming their head on the wall like dumb dumbs.
While approaching the front, I looked at the fifty-odd downed mobs I killed first to avoid stepping on them. Although not as dense as the back alley, it was covered with still-fresh yellow blood and brain matter, some even turning into half-foam minced meat due to being stampeded by the other mobs.
And then I noticed it.
A small black crystal the size of a thumb amidst yellowish monster brain matter.
My eyes were suddenly glued to it, and a desire went through my body.
Growl*
Despite eating just a few minutes earlier, my stomach growled in anticipation, and drool filled my mouth.
Although it was covered with monster brain matter, my body wanted to eat it.
Every cell in my body, my entire evolutionary being, told me to eat it.
Almost hypnotically, I crouched down and picked the crystal off the ground, and took a whiff.
The putrid and metallic scent of internal organs and brain matter did not cover the alluring smell of the crystal.
Almost hypnotically, I was about to eat it when I felt the amulet shake, sending me messages.
{Detected relevant offering: Unknown Viral Energy Body.}
{Unknown Viral Energy Body: A crystal holding great allure to lesser carbon-based creatures. After consumption may cause violent evolutionary mutations on the host's body, potentially leading to death or suffering unknown mutation. Your current estimated successful evolution rate is 0.638%.}
{By offering it, the Divine fragment of I̵͔̍̀͐c̷̢̝̖̺̤͌͝'̶̳̞͇̎̎̌́t̶̼̍ḧ̸̳́̕̚o̴̯͉̚͝͠ẗ̸̛̩́͛̈́ḷ̶̀̓'̷̢̄͜ï̴̡̘̟͋̄̕t̴̳̼̮̘́ṙ̵͈̣̦̾o̸̱͎͕̾̔̈́̎̕d̸̘̙̫͂͝ can filter the harmful energies inside, leaving only easily-absorbable gentle and beneficial energies for the host, reducing risks to 0%.}
{Would you like to offer it?}
"Eh... What was I... FUCK!" - I immediately dropped the crystal in a panic.
A look of complete horror and fear flashed through my eyes as I stared at the seemingly harmless crystal.
"I... I... That wasn't me... That wasn't me..." - I mumbled and shook, almost stumbling on one of the carcasses on the floor.
It took me several minutes to finally collect myself, gulping in fear as I remembered the messages in my mind.
"0.638%... I almost died or transformed into a monster..." - Cold sweat filled my forehead.
In my eyes, this tiny little crystal was scarier than the bullshit boss. Sounds silly, I know, but it's true.
To be controlled by my primal instincts and almost led to my untimely demise... few things are scarier than that.
However, upon remembering the two last messages, I steeled myself.
"If I can't eat it, I can just offer it. What's the harm in that?" - I thought and hesitantly walked to the crystal.
Then, I slowly picked up the damn crystal while using all my rationality and instinctual fear to resist the urge to eat it.
"Amulet, I offer this crystal to you." - I said with gritted teeth.
Then, like magic, the black crystal went up in even blacker flames in my hand. However, the fire didn't feel hot, as if ethereal.
And then, like a will-o-the-wisp, the fire floated toward me, going through my clothes and entering the Amulet, followed by a series of messages entering my head.
{Dark Offering has been triggered.}
{Absorbed Unknown Viral Energy Body.}
{Seperating and purifying useable energies and discarding the dregs... Success.}
{Detected usable energy for the host's physical evolution and strengthening purposes. Temporarily named Evolution Energy A.}
{Detected usable energy for self-enhancement purposes. Temporarily named Enhancement Energy A.}
{Gained 0.103 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 0.099 Enhancement Energy A}
{Unlocked new Power: Evolution}
{Unlocked new Power: Enhancement}
{It has been detected that 358 foreign infections are incubating inside the host and will erupt in approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes, resulting in a 99.99999% chance of mortality if left untreated for 1 hour. It is highly advised for the host to use Evolution Energy A to strengthen his body.}
"...Oh fuck." - The color drained from my face for the umpteenth time today.
Without knowing it, I got infected with 358 infections belonging to this reality that I am not resistant to. And instead of the expected 12 hours, around 4-5 hours are enough to kill me.
This world is a FUCKING BIO-HAZARD!
Luckily, I have this cheat-like Amulet, or I wouldn't know how I died.
"Amulet, strengthen my body, now!" - I immediately ordered.
And... Nothing.
"... Right, forgot it isn't sentient." - I facepalmed myself.
I then checked its menu manually.
Name: Divine fragment of I̵͔̍̀͐c̷̢̝̖̺̤͌͝'̶̳̞͇̎̎̌́t̶̼̍ḧ̸̳́̕̚o̴̯͉̚͝͠ẗ̸̛̩́͛̈́ḷ̶̀̓'̷̢̄͜ï̴̡̘̟͋̄̕t̴̳̼̮̘́ṙ̵͈̣̦̾o̸̱͎͕̾̔̈́̎̕d̸̘̙̫͂͝
Powers: Dark Offering, Camouflage(Self), Storage, Teleport, Reality Travel, Evolution(New), Enhancement(New).
Basic Energy: 125.831
Evolution Energy A: 0.103 (New)
Enhancement Energy A: 0.099 (New)
"Enhancement can wait for now. Survival comes first." - I decided and focused on the new power.
Evolution: Imbues the host with usable energies, strengthening or evolving the body.
"Well, that's short and simple, no technical bullcrap. I like that." - I nodded to myself.
"Evolution." - I say.
Then a few messages flooded my head.
{Power: Evolution has been triggered.}
{Please select the desired option: Body Strengthening, Evolution(Locked).}
Without hesitating, I selected Body Strengthening, leading to another series of messages.
{It has been detected that the host has not undergone body strengthening before. A simplified explanation will be provided.}
{Body strengthening brings the body to the peak of its current genetic peak potential, but not above it. To break through the genetic limit, Evolution is required.}
{The process of body strengthening rapidly burns energy. The host may use the body's food energy or Basic Energy. Food energy can save Basic Energy but will greatly slow the Strengthening process due to biological limitations. On the other hand, using Basic Energy can rapidly supplement the body's energy needs disregarding biological limitations. It is up to the host to decide which energy to use.}
{During Strengthening, the host's body will enter an immobile vulnerable state, and all senses and thinking abilities will be shut down as a self-protection mechanism for the host. It is highly advised to find safe shelter before initiating the process. Hint: Using Basic Energy greatly reduces the Strengthening period.}
{Please choose what energy to use: Evolution Energy A}
After carefully reading the messages, I couldn't help but squint.
"Can't you strengthen my immune system first or eliminate the infections? I am kinda dying here!" - I couldn't help but complain to the Amulet.
And... Nothing.
I seriously wondered if I should have just taken the risk and wasted half an hour in the storage room to search for a likely already-expired vaccine that wouldn't necessarily help me.
"... Fuck it, no time to lose arguing with an object. Use Evolution Energy A." - I say with an annoyed cringe.
The moment I said that another message popped up.
{Please choose Strengthening Energy supplement: Food Energy, Basic Energy}
I hesitated for a moment before deciding.
"... No use being a scrooge if I am dead. Use Basic Energy."
{How much Evolution Energy A would you like to invest?}
"All of it." - I say without hesitation.
{Using 0.103 Evolution Energy A and 1.03 Basic Energy to Strengthen the host will require 10.3 seconds. Proceed?}
"It costs ten times Basic Energy for strengthening?! What a fraud! Fine, whatever, it's just 10 seconds." - I said and sat cross-legged on monster gore.
Just a few hours ago, I would probably find my actions incredibly disgusting, but after all the massacre just now, I don't give a damn. Almost dying and killing over 200 monsters in less than 2 hours does that to you.
"Okay, start." - I say, unafraid of anything.
All the monsters around me are as dead as dead can get. The ones who didn't die had already crawled to the alley for the gore-fest. As for the street? As clear as can be. All the monsters in the vicinity are already cleared out.
{Affirmitive. Beginning now.}
And then, I lost consciousness. It wasn't like when I was traveling through unreality. No, I could still think then. Now, even my ability to think was blocked.
This is better since it makes my time perception faster.
And then, my consciousness returned.
{Strengthening complete.}
As I opened my eyes, I felt my body again to see if I had any changes.
Well, strictly speaking, yes, I did feel slight changes after careful observation, such as my wrists and fingers hurting slightly less and me having some more restored stamina, but other than that, nothing more immediately observable.
However, I cared little about that. What I care about right now is only one thing.
The following messages.
{Infection outbreak ETA: 1 hour and 51 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.99998%}
{It is highly advised for the host to continue strengthening his body as soon as possible.}
The Amulet voluntarily or instinctually sent these messages, pressuring me, its host, to strengthen myself to survive.
I felt my mouth twitch as I looked at my new chance of dying. It was reduced from 99.99999% to 99.99998% or a reduction of 0.00001%.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I looked at the piles of monster carcasses still on the ground.
"Fine, maybe taking just one doesn't do much, but maybe there is a qualitative improvement the more I strengthen myself. I should search for more crystals."
With that in mind, I started skimming through the carcasses and soon found another bloody crystal covered in brain matter.
"Is the crystal on their head or brain or something?" - I muttered while picking it up.
Without hesitating, I offered it to the Amulet.
Like before, the crystal went up in black flames and floated to the Amulet, followed by messages.
{Gained 0.1 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 0.101 Enhancement Energy A}
And then, without hesitating, I once again sat on the gore around me and strengthened myself.
10 seconds later...
{Strengthening complete.}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 50 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.99996%}
Again, my body felt lighter and less tired and hurting. Also, I felt my head a bit... clearer. It was hard to understand this feeling, but I didn't have time to wonder about it.
Damocles's sword was hanging over me, held by something flimsier than horsetail hair.
"Now it improved by 0.00002%? I hope this will continue improving in a curve." - I mutter and get up, continuing to search for more crystals.
And then, just like that, I continued looking for crystals and offering them, finding another 4 in the gory mess and strengthening myself with them. The result:
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 44 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.999%}
After only six times strengthening, my chances of survival multiplied by 100 times! It was a good sign, as it meant the improvement in survival was exponential. If it is linear, I would be a goner.
However, there was a big problem.
"I can't see any more crystals..." - I mutter as I look at the gore around me.
I only found the crystals near the heads blown off by the buckshot shells, while the monsters shot with slugs only had holes in their heads. Also, not all the monsters hit with buckshot shells got their head blown off. Only two-thirds.
"... Do I have to?" - I ask myself reluctantly.
After hesitating for half a minute, I sighed and brought the two-handed Fire Axe from the Storage. It felt a bit lighter than I remember.
I then raised the axe overhead and aimed at a monster's most-intact head.
"A man gotta do what a man gotta do." - I say and swing down the back side of the axe like a hammer.
Thud* Thud* Thud* Thud* Splat*
After five overhead swings, the head of the targeted monster shattered into a gory mess like a pumpkin, revealing another bloody black crystal amidst the gore. Honestly, it was easier than I thought, but not by much.
After offering the crystal, I sat down again and strengthened myself.
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 42 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.998%}
Looking at the result, I smiled.
"Good. Let's keep this up."
And with that, I embarked on the gory quest for bloody crystals.
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 40 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.996%}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 45 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99%}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 56 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 78%}
As time passed, I got more proficient at using the axe, and it gradually felt lighter in my hands. And I also noticed that the incubation period of the infection started increasing at some point instead of ticking away.
Regardless, I continued this cycle of hammering and strengthening myself and stopped looking at the messages after the 47th crystal.
After taking all the 58 crystals at the front entrance, I turned my sight to the carcasses in the alley. As the early noon sun rose and shone on them, they started to rot and let a foul stench.
However, as my sense of smell was blunted by now, I didn't give a damn and continued my gory quest.
Before I knew it, the heavy fire axe felt like a slightly heavier stick. All my fatigue and pain were gone, replaced by a refreshing feeling.
It could be said that I started enjoying this gory quest so much that I didn't notice the following message:
{Current mortality chance: 0%}
Yes, I was so absorbed in this repetitive task that I forgot the purpose of it. I just continued smashing away and strengthening myself until finally...
{The Host has reached his genetic peak strength. The host cannot strengthen anymore.}
{Congratulations, Host, on becoming a peak-body Human.}
Bang*
Bang*
Bang*
And with that, the last mob died.
Kill Count: 217 mobs + 1 boss.
I killed 137 mobs in around one hour and used around 200 bullets. Honestly, it would be ten times faster if I didn't need to load every used-up mag with new rounds. I don't know what is worse, the recoil or mag loading. Anyways, my wrists and fingers hurt like hell.
As for why there were 137 mobs? During this time, close to a hundred more joined the fray from afar, but the mobs were killing each other, so I only killed 137.
And...
Basic Energy: 125.831
With that, I confirmed that mobs give 0.5 Basic Energy on average, while the bullshit boss gave around 5.
"In any case, I guess I am now a hundred slayer, hah? Livin' the redneck zombie apocalypse wet dream. Honestly, it's underwhelming." - I shrugged while loading my mags.
I would probably have reservations about shooting another person, let alone killing over two hundred. But monsters? Nope. I would feel more sorry for a squirrel than a goddamn ugly-ass monster who wants to kill and eat me.
After seeing no new mobs coming up after three minutes, I finished loading the mags and shotgun and removed my helmet, finally getting a breather, taking a can of juice and a snack bar out of my Storage to refill my energy.
Yeah, I am not a robot with infinite stamina. I need rest too. And I am fucking tired and hurting. Seriously, my hands are still shaking from the pain to the point I found it hard to open the can of juice. My wrists and fingers are probably swelling by now.
While resting while sitting leisurely on the ledge, I looked around.
I seem to be on some small town's market street, with most buildings standing at two stories and no building above three, most with flat roofs like this one.
"Maybe I can scavenge some good things here?" - I wondered, my eyes narrowing.
It was an opportunity, as most monsters in the vicinity were already dealt with.
"Well, I should focus on getting vaccinated and surviving for now. After that, I can scavenge things."
With that decided, I quickly finished my meal. Then came the second question.
"How am I supposed to get down?" - I asked myself while looking down at the alley filled with monster corpses.
I was currently 20-25ft above ground. Jumping down is not an option. As for running back to the pharmacy roof using teleport? I prefer not to do such a stunt again, especially with my swelling hands.
As for going down this building through the roof door? Won't work. It is an anti-theft steel door and seems to be a 1-way screw. I would need specialized equipment and knowledge to open it, which I don't have.
After looking around some more, I finally noticed the steel flag post at the edge, raising a worn American flag.
"That will do nicely." - I smiled.
I then took out the rope I bought two days ago from the Storage. It was a 1/2-inch thick and 100ft long Polypropylene anchor rope with a steel loop at the tip. Cost me $20, but worth it.
After unfolding the rope and fastening it to the flag post, I wrapped it around my feet and descended without hiccups.1It is a simple operation once you know it. I did it several times.
After reaching the street, I took out my knife and cut the rope, leaving me with around 75ft of rope.
No use wasting good rope.
After storing the rope and knife, I walked to the pharmacy's front entrance since the alley was almost blocked with mob carcasses while holding my shotgun. Although I am pretty sure I killed them all, one or two may be still inside the pharmacy slamming their head on the wall like dumb dumbs.
While approaching the front, I looked at the fifty-odd downed mobs I killed first to avoid stepping on them. Although not as dense as the back alley, it was covered with still-fresh yellow blood and brain matter, some even turning into half-foam minced meat due to being stampeded by the other mobs.
And then I noticed it.
A small black crystal the size of a thumb amidst yellowish monster brain matter.
My eyes were suddenly glued to it, and a desire went through my body.
Growl*
Despite eating just a few minutes earlier, my stomach growled in anticipation, and drool filled my mouth.
Although it was covered with monster brain matter, my body wanted to eat it.
Every cell in my body, my entire evolutionary being, told me to eat it.
Almost hypnotically, I crouched down and picked the crystal off the ground, and took a whiff.
The putrid and metallic scent of internal organs and brain matter did not cover the alluring smell of the crystal.
Almost hypnotically, I was about to eat it when I felt the amulet shake, sending me messages.
{Detected relevant offering: Unknown Viral Energy Body.}
{Unknown Viral Energy Body: A crystal holding great allure to lesser carbon-based creatures. After consumption may cause violent evolutionary mutations on the host's body, potentially leading to death or suffering unknown mutation. Your current estimated successful evolution rate is 0.638%.}
{By offering it, the Divine fragment of I̵͔̍̀͐c̷̢̝̖̺̤͌͝'̶̳̞͇̎̎̌́t̶̼̍ḧ̸̳́̕̚o̴̯͉̚͝͠ẗ̸̛̩́͛̈́ḷ̶̀̓'̷̢̄͜ï̴̡̘̟͋̄̕t̴̳̼̮̘́ṙ̵͈̣̦̾o̸̱͎͕̾̔̈́̎̕d̸̘̙̫͂͝ can filter the harmful energies inside, leaving only easily-absorbable gentle and beneficial energies for the host, reducing risks to 0%.}
{Would you like to offer it?}
"Eh... What was I... FUCK!" - I immediately dropped the crystal in a panic.
A look of complete horror and fear flashed through my eyes as I stared at the seemingly harmless crystal.
"I... I... That wasn't me... That wasn't me..." - I mumbled and shook, almost stumbling on one of the carcasses on the floor.
It took me several minutes to finally collect myself, gulping in fear as I remembered the messages in my mind.
"0.638%... I almost died or transformed into a monster..." - Cold sweat filled my forehead.
In my eyes, this tiny little crystal was scarier than the bullshit boss. Sounds silly, I know, but it's true.
To be controlled by my primal instincts and almost led to my untimely demise... few things are scarier than that.
However, upon remembering the two last messages, I steeled myself.
"If I can't eat it, I can just offer it. What's the harm in that?" - I thought and hesitantly walked to the crystal.
Then, I slowly picked up the damn crystal while using all my rationality and instinctual fear to resist the urge to eat it.
"Amulet, I offer this crystal to you." - I said with gritted teeth.
Then, like magic, the black crystal went up in even blacker flames in my hand. However, the fire didn't feel hot, as if ethereal.
And then, like a will-o-the-wisp, the fire floated toward me, going through my clothes and entering the Amulet, followed by a series of messages entering my head.
{Dark Offering has been triggered.}
{Absorbed Unknown Viral Energy Body.}
{Seperating and purifying useable energies and discarding the dregs... Success.}
{Detected usable energy for the host's physical evolution and strengthening purposes. Temporarily named Evolution Energy A.}
{Detected usable energy for self-enhancement purposes. Temporarily named Enhancement Energy A.}
{Gained 0.103 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 0.099 Enhancement Energy A}
{Unlocked new Power: Evolution}
{Unlocked new Power: Enhancement}
{It has been detected that 358 foreign infections are incubating inside the host and will erupt in approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes, resulting in a 99.99999% chance of mortality if left untreated for 1 hour. It is highly advised for the host to use Evolution Energy A to strengthen his body.}
"...Oh fuck." - The color drained from my face for the umpteenth time today.
Without knowing it, I got infected with 358 infections belonging to this reality that I am not resistant to. And instead of the expected 12 hours, around 4-5 hours are enough to kill me.
This world is a FUCKING BIO-HAZARD!
Luckily, I have this cheat-like Amulet, or I wouldn't know how I died.
"Amulet, strengthen my body, now!" - I immediately ordered.
And... Nothing.
"... Right, forgot it isn't sentient." - I facepalmed myself.
I then checked its menu manually.
Name: Divine fragment of I̵͔̍̀͐c̷̢̝̖̺̤͌͝'̶̳̞͇̎̎̌́t̶̼̍ḧ̸̳́̕̚o̴̯͉̚͝͠ẗ̸̛̩́͛̈́ḷ̶̀̓'̷̢̄͜ï̴̡̘̟͋̄̕t̴̳̼̮̘́ṙ̵͈̣̦̾o̸̱͎͕̾̔̈́̎̕d̸̘̙̫͂͝
Powers: Dark Offering, Camouflage(Self), Storage, Teleport, Reality Travel, Evolution(New), Enhancement(New).
Basic Energy: 125.831
Evolution Energy A: 0.103 (New)
Enhancement Energy A: 0.099 (New)
"Enhancement can wait for now. Survival comes first." - I decided and focused on the new power.
Evolution: Imbues the host with usable energies, strengthening or evolving the body.
"Well, that's short and simple, no technical bullcrap. I like that." - I nodded to myself.
"Evolution." - I say.
Then a few messages flooded my head.
{Power: Evolution has been triggered.}
{Please select the desired option: Body Strengthening, Evolution(Locked).}
Without hesitating, I selected Body Strengthening, leading to another series of messages.
{It has been detected that the host has not undergone body strengthening before. A simplified explanation will be provided.}
{Body strengthening brings the body to the peak of its current genetic peak potential, but not above it. To break through the genetic limit, Evolution is required.}
{The process of body strengthening rapidly burns energy. The host may use the body's food energy or Basic Energy. Food energy can save Basic Energy but will greatly slow the Strengthening process due to biological limitations. On the other hand, using Basic Energy can rapidly supplement the body's energy needs disregarding biological limitations. It is up to the host to decide which energy to use.}
{During Strengthening, the host's body will enter an immobile vulnerable state, and all senses and thinking abilities will be shut down as a self-protection mechanism for the host. It is highly advised to find safe shelter before initiating the process. Hint: Using Basic Energy greatly reduces the Strengthening period.}
{Please choose what energy to use: Evolution Energy A}
After carefully reading the messages, I couldn't help but squint.
"Can't you strengthen my immune system first or eliminate the infections? I am kinda dying here!" - I couldn't help but complain to the Amulet.
And... Nothing.
I seriously wondered if I should have just taken the risk and wasted half an hour in the storage room to search for a likely already-expired vaccine that wouldn't necessarily help me.
"... Fuck it, no time to lose arguing with an object. Use Evolution Energy A." - I say with an annoyed cringe.
The moment I said that another message popped up.
{Please choose Strengthening Energy supplement: Food Energy, Basic Energy}
I hesitated for a moment before deciding.
"... No use being a scrooge if I am dead. Use Basic Energy."
{How much Evolution Energy A would you like to invest?}
"All of it." - I say without hesitation.
{Using 0.103 Evolution Energy A and 1.03 Basic Energy to Strengthen the host will require 10.3 seconds. Proceed?}
"It costs ten times Basic Energy for strengthening?! What a fraud! Fine, whatever, it's just 10 seconds." - I said and sat cross-legged on monster gore.
Just a few hours ago, I would probably find my actions incredibly disgusting, but after all the massacre just now, I don't give a damn. Almost dying and killing over 200 monsters in less than 2 hours does that to you.
"Okay, start." - I say, unafraid of anything.
All the monsters around me are as dead as dead can get. The ones who didn't die had already crawled to the alley for the gore-fest. As for the street? As clear as can be. All the monsters in the vicinity are already cleared out.
{Affirmitive. Beginning now.}
And then, I lost consciousness. It wasn't like when I was traveling through unreality. No, I could still think then. Now, even my ability to think was blocked.
This is better since it makes my time perception faster.
And then, my consciousness returned.
{Strengthening complete.}
As I opened my eyes, I felt my body again to see if I had any changes.
Well, strictly speaking, yes, I did feel slight changes after careful observation, such as my wrists and fingers hurting slightly less and me having some more restored stamina, but other than that, nothing more immediately observable.
However, I cared little about that. What I care about right now is only one thing.
The following messages.
{Infection outbreak ETA: 1 hour and 51 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.99998%}
{It is highly advised for the host to continue strengthening his body as soon as possible.}
The Amulet voluntarily or instinctually sent these messages, pressuring me, its host, to strengthen myself to survive.
I felt my mouth twitch as I looked at my new chance of dying. It was reduced from 99.99999% to 99.99998% or a reduction of 0.00001%.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I looked at the piles of monster carcasses still on the ground.
"Fine, maybe taking just one doesn't do much, but maybe there is a qualitative improvement the more I strengthen myself. I should search for more crystals."
With that in mind, I started skimming through the carcasses and soon found another bloody crystal covered in brain matter.
"Is the crystal on their head or brain or something?" - I muttered while picking it up.
Without hesitating, I offered it to the Amulet.
Like before, the crystal went up in black flames and floated to the Amulet, followed by messages.
{Gained 0.1 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 0.101 Enhancement Energy A}
And then, without hesitating, I once again sat on the gore around me and strengthened myself.
10 seconds later...
{Strengthening complete.}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 50 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.99996%}
Again, my body felt lighter and less tired and hurting. Also, I felt my head a bit... clearer. It was hard to understand this feeling, but I didn't have time to wonder about it.
Damocles's sword was hanging over me, held by something flimsier than horsetail hair.
"Now it improved by 0.00002%? I hope this will continue improving in a curve." - I mutter and get up, continuing to search for more crystals.
And then, just like that, I continued looking for crystals and offering them, finding another 4 in the gory mess and strengthening myself with them. The result:
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 44 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.999%}
After only six times strengthening, my chances of survival multiplied by 100 times! It was a good sign, as it meant the improvement in survival was exponential. If it is linear, I would be a goner.
However, there was a big problem.
"I can't see any more crystals..." - I mutter as I look at the gore around me.
I only found the crystals near the heads blown off by the buckshot shells, while the monsters shot with slugs only had holes in their heads. Also, not all the monsters hit with buckshot shells got their head blown off. Only two-thirds.
"... Do I have to?" - I ask myself reluctantly.
After hesitating for half a minute, I sighed and brought the two-handed Fire Axe from the Storage. It felt a bit lighter than I remember.
I then raised the axe overhead and aimed at a monster's most-intact head.
"A man gotta do what a man gotta do." - I say and swing down the back side of the axe like a hammer.
Thud* Thud* Thud* Thud* Splat*
After five overhead swings, the head of the targeted monster shattered into a gory mess like a pumpkin, revealing another bloody black crystal amidst the gore. Honestly, it was easier than I thought, but not by much.
After offering the crystal, I sat down again and strengthened myself.
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 42 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.998%}
Looking at the result, I smiled.
"Good. Let's keep this up."
And with that, I embarked on the gory quest for bloody crystals.
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 40 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99.996%}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 45 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 99%}
{Infection incubation ETA: 1 hour and 56 minutes.}
{Current mortality chance: 78%}
As time passed, I got more proficient at using the axe, and it gradually felt lighter in my hands. And I also noticed that the incubation period of the infection started increasing at some point instead of ticking away.
Regardless, I continued this cycle of hammering and strengthening myself and stopped looking at the messages after the 47th crystal.
After taking all the 58 crystals at the front entrance, I turned my sight to the carcasses in the alley. As the early noon sun rose and shone on them, they started to rot and let a foul stench.
However, as my sense of smell was blunted by now, I didn't give a damn and continued my gory quest.
Before I knew it, the heavy fire axe felt like a slightly heavier stick. All my fatigue and pain were gone, replaced by a refreshing feeling.
It could be said that I started enjoying this gory quest so much that I didn't notice the following message:
{Current mortality chance: 0%}
Yes, I was so absorbed in this repetitive task that I forgot the purpose of it. I just continued smashing away and strengthening myself until finally...
{The Host has reached his genetic peak strength. The host cannot strengthen anymore.}
{Congratulations, Host, on becoming a peak-body Human.}
