"OH, you didn't know?" Malik chuckled at Rion's confusion as he began to explain. "As I'm sure you are aware, the main ingredients of gene solutions can divided into two components: primary materials and additional materials. The former is the flesh of mutated beasts, while the latter is miscellaneous items like herbs, ore powder, and so on."
"For a unilateral gene solution, the primary material is not fixed so it can be made from different types of mutated beasts in order to bolster its effect. For example, if the primary material used in the gene solution for [Resilient Body] is a fire-aspect mutated beast like the Flame Salamander, each successful practice of the technique will not only increase the user's fire and heat resistance, but also slightly enhance the user's ability if it is fire-related."
Rion nodded in understanding at Malik's explanation. Apart from class, mutated beasts could also be grouped into different elemental aspects based on their characteristics. There were Light-aspect mutated beasts like Luminous Fly, Water-aspect like the Aloe Slime, Wind-aspect like the Swift Tail Eagle, Ice-aspect like the Freezing Griffon, Wood-aspect like the Emperor Tree among numerous others.
"I understand now," he said. "So, for [Resilient Body], I should choose a primary material that complements my physical enhancement goals."
"Exactly," Malik confirmed.
The choice is obvious....
Rion considered his options. "Alright. For [Resilient Body], I'll go with one made with Lightning-aspect primary materials. Also add in 10 Energy Training potions."
Since his Resonance ability had an electrical facet to it, he decided that utilizing a Lightning-aspect mutated beast for the gene solution would be the most beneficial.
"Okay," Malik said, jotting down the details. "Ten sets of the gene solution for [Lesser Focus] will be 8 thousand kila while for [Resilient Body] and Energy Training potions, you're looking at an additional 13 thousand kila.
Rion did a quick mental calculation. "So, the total comes to 37 thousand kila for everything?"
Malik nodded in reply.
Rion nodded, mentally tallying his recent earnings and expenses. "That's acceptable. I'll transfer the funds now."
He pulled out his phone and initiated the transaction. Once the transfer was confirmed, Malik nodded approvingly. "Very well. Your order will be ready by tomorrow afternoon. Do you have a preferred pickup time?"
"Around five in the evening would be ideal," Rion replied. He could come back here after meeting with the leasing agents in the morning.
"Done," Malik said, scribbling down the details. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Back in his room, he reviewed his purchases, his mind already planning out the next steps. With a new base of operations secured and the necessary materials on their way, he could focus on refining his skills and integrate his newly purchased origin techniques into his combat capabilities.
The next morning, he awoke early, the first light of dawn filtering through his window. He quickly rushed through his usual workout routine, the familiar rhythm of his exercises grounding him.
After a quick shower and breakfast, he headed to the leasing office and signed the papers for the auto shop, securing his new base of operations. The place needed some work, but it had potential, and more importantly, it offered the privacy and space he required.
With the lease signed, he spent the rest of the day moving his equipment and personal belongings from the hotel to the auto shop. By late afternoon, he had set up a makeshift living area and had begun organizing the workshop space.
The shop was coming together nicely, and he felt a sense of satisfaction as he saw his vision taking shape. The stark, empty space was gradually transforming into a functional and comfortable environment where he could work and train without interruption.
In the evening, he returned to Malik's shop to collect his goods. The old man spotted him as he arrived and waved him over.
"Right on time," he said, handing over a secure case containing the gene solutions. "Here you go. Ten solutions of [Lesser Focus], ten Energy Training potions, and your custom [Resilient Body] solutions."
"Thanks," Rion replied, inspecting the contents briefly. Each vial was neatly labeled and securely packed. He could feel the energy emanating from the [Resilient Body] solutions, a faint hum of power that made his fingertips tingle.
"Remember," Malik advised, "take it slow with the [Resilient Body] solutions. The lightning aspect can be quite potent, so make sure your body acclimates to it gradually."
"I will," Rion assured him, slipping the case into his bag. "Thanks for the heads-up."
Back at the auto shop, he set up his training area, arranging targets, weights, and meditation mats. He created a secure section for the gene solutions and other sensitive materials. With everything in place, he finally allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. This was his sanctuary, a place where he could hone his skills without interruption.
As the late afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the high windows, Rion settled on the meditation mat and prepared one dose each of the [Lesser Focus] and [Resilient Body] solutions. He held the vial of the [Lesser Focus] solution in his hand, observing the faint glow that indicated its potency.
Taking a deep breath, he uncorked the vial and downed its contents in one swift motion. The liquid was cool and soothing as it traveled down his throat, spreading warmth that seemed to radiate from his core.
Feeling the potent energy from the gene solution begin to well up within him, he closed his eyes and began circulate the energy through his body, following the guidance of the [Lesser Focus] technique. The technique's intricate patterns were etched in his memory from hours of study, and he visualized the energy moving along the specified pathways.
The sensation was a gentle tingling in his extremities, starting at his fingertips and toes. He focused on his breathing, deep and steady, as he directed the energy to flow upward through his limbs. The tingling gradually intensified, transforming into a subtle vibration that traveled along his veins, reaching his core.
As the energy continued its ascent, it reached his head, focusing around his brain and mind. He felt a distinct wave of clarity wah over him as the energy permeated his mental faculties, enhancing his cognitive functions. It was as though a fog was lifting, revealing a landscape of sharp, vivid thoughts and insights.
He continued to circulate the energy according to the technique's instructions, activating his Resonance ability for an instant at specific intervals. All techniques required meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the energy was evenly distributed and fully absorbed by his body. He could feel the subtle enhancements taking root, particularly in his brain and sensory organs, amplifying his mental acuity and perception.
About 2 hours passed as Rion remained in a state of deep meditation. The world outside grew darker, the sun long set beyond the horizon, but within the confines of his new sanctuary, time seemed to lose its meaning.
After what felt like an eternity, he sensed the energy from the gene solution fully integrating with his body. He opened his eyes slowly, feeling the improvement in his mental state. There was a slight reduction in mental clutter, allowing to process and recall information a little bit faster and smoother than before. His visual processing and awareness had also been slightly improved.
Feeling like he wasn't at his limit yet, he picked up the guidelines of the [Resilient Body] technique and read through it's contents. His temporarily enhanced concentration from the residual energies of the [Lesser Focus] solution made the work more efficient, each detail clear and precise in his mind.
Once he was sure that he had memorized the steps of the technique sufficiently, he activated his Resonance ability and uncorked the [Resilient Body] solution, chugging down its contents.
«Boom!!!»
It was as if he had swallowed a mouthful of lightning, and his body shook as if he had been electrocuted. The immediate surge of energy from the solution was unlike the gentle tingling of the [Lesser Focus] solution. His muscles spasmed uncontrollably as the raw power of whatever lightning-aspect beast was used as the primary material coursed through him.
His skin prickled with electricity, and every nerve felt alive with intensity. Focusing on his breathing, he channeled the energy through his body, following the pathways outlined in the [Resilient Body] technique. The technique required precise control to avoid overwhelming his system.
He visualized the energy infusing his muscles, bones, and organs, reinforcing them with resilience and strength. The electric current flowed through his bloodstream, slightly bolstering his physical defense and enhancing his overall endurance.
Minutes stretched into hours as Rion methodically circulated the energy, ensuring even distribution and absorption. The intensity gradually subsided, leaving behind a lingering sense of power and resilience. He could feel his body adapting to the lightning aspect, its influence integrating with his Resonance and physical abilities.
«Ka! Ka!»
He slowly shifted his body, and a sharp crack echoed from one of his joints, reverberating through the room. Soon, all his joints followed suit, each popping in rapid succession like kernels in a popcorn maker.
Finally, he felt his body had fully digested the energy and opened his eyes. He quickly took off his shirt and flexed his biceps to observe the changes in his body. The muscles of his body honed from months of intense training felt slightly denser, his bones stronger, and his skin tougher. It was as if practicing the [Resilient Body] technique had given him the benefits of weeks of intense training in just a few hours.
"Looks like most cultivators are just glorified tweakers," Rion muttered to himself with a chuckle as he examined his body. "Well, guess I've officially joined the club of steroid junkies."
Of course, most attribute enhancing techniques would not give endless benefits. Each one had a limit, corresponding to its grade. The Low-grade [Resilient Body] technique for example would no longer grant any additional effects once the body reached a certain stage.
He considered taking another dose but remembered the guidelines the technique had mentioned. Each attribute enhancing technique had a cool down period before they could be practiced again. This delay was crucial for allowing the body to adapt fully to each new enhancement without risking overload or adverse reactions. For the [Lesser Focus] technique, it was three to five days, and for the [Resilient Body] technique, it was six to eight days. He would have to wait before he could further dope— *cough* augment his abilities.
He stood up and carefully packed up the meditation mat and other equipment, making sure everything was in its designated place. Securing the remaining gene solutions in their designated area, he ensured they were stored safely for future use.
Satisfied with the organization of his new training area, Rion moved toward his bed, now feeling the toll of the day's mental and physical exertion. Practicing origin techniques, whether they were attribute-boosting or attribute-enhancing, drained both his stamina and mental energy. While he had ample stamina thanks to his rigorous training, his mental energy was a more limited resource.
He stretched his limbs, feeling the lingering effects of the gene solutions, his muscles tingling with residual energy.
Knowing he wouldn't be able to continue with the designs for his rifle without risking a mistake, he decided to rest. His body needed time to heal and adapt to the new enhancements. Tomorrow, he planned to begin incorporating the [Enhanced Perception] technique into his routine. Mastering origin techniques required time and patience, and he also had commissions from Rosa and Li He to work on.
Before sleep claimed him, Rion logged into the Mercenary Legion page. The counter for his rank progression from Recruit-Level to Operative-Level read 2/6. He was still four assignments away from leveling up. This would grant him access to more lucrative and challenging missions, furthering his growth and reputation in the mercenary community.
Satisfied, he put down his phone and closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day pull him into a deep sleep.