by Yoo Seong
“I want to go running off right now but……”
–You want to? Why can’t you? What does that mean? What is more important than looking or the Divine Artefacts? Forget about anything else!
The light sphere started talking angrily after hearing Ark’s words. But its attitude immediately changed after hearing about the investigation team.
–Investigating the negative energy? Well, yes. You have to do that. You were chosen by the galactic federation. I also know how much of a threat the negative energy is. Furthermore, weren’t you chosen because you are the Elim’s Heir? Huhuhu, humans have developed a discerning eye after hundreds of years. Yes, the Elim’s Heir is the right person for such a mission. This is your nature. That team is blessed to have the Elim’s Heir on it.
Being the Elim’s Heir was irrelevant to this mission. Ark was selected due to his power. He had steadily built up intimacy with Marquis Martin and this was the result. But the sphere kept on chattering on with patronizing words.
–You should know this after travelling to Rakunka. You’re the Elim’s Heir and you can only become an Elim by building up your achievements. Now you’ve taken your first step by obtaining the Divine Artefact. From now on you have to always uphold the honour of the Elim. That means you should have the right mindset when making the golem! It shouldn’t act like that. Huh? Do you understand? You are no different from an Elim now so you should be aware. Eh? Hey, are you listening?
And it kept on nagging! Ark had felt it before heading to Amara but now the sphere felt like a nagging wife. Fortunately he then heard Jay’s voice over the Nymphe.
–Boss-nim, the DNA synthesis is over!
It was the news that Ark had been waiting for.
“I understand. I’ll listen to the rest when I come back. I’m really busy at the moment!”
–Eh? What? Hey, you! I haven’t finished yet! You can’t become the Elim if you can’t find the Divine Artefact…..hey, you! Are you ignoring me? I’ve just awakened after hundreds of years! I’m bored!
This was the sphere’s true intention. However Ark had already left the sanctuary.
———————————————————————
“Here.”
Jay held out a small syringe. If he could return to shortly after arriving back at S-20. Hamad and Asuran arrive and he went to see the Charenjok elder Bakum. The next person Ark visited was Jay. The reason Ark visited Jay was because of an unidentified item from Rakunka.
-Myutal’s Cell Tissue (Rare) x2
Item Type: Study Material
The cell tissues from the Myutal that have a very low chance of being obtained. Space monsters often develop special abilities in order to adapt to harsh environments. If the tissue cell of this monster is studied then a variety of information can be obtained. In some cases an unexpected use might be found. However, this requires research skills.
Cell tissues obtained from the Myutal! This wasn’t the first time he obtained these items. Sometimes he found them while hunting. But that was the only information Ark could obtain when examining the item. Even using Clairvoyance couldn’t find something from the items. No, if there was something then he could only find it with research skills. Furthermore, shops only gave dozens of copper for it so it was classified as japtem. But the rating of the Myutal’s cell tissue was rare! In fact, during the 24 hours on Rakunka he had fought thousands of Myutal and only obtained 2 cell tissues.
‘There has to be something!’
Ark had a keen sense of smell. He sensed that money was hidden in this item. Furthermore, Ark had an employee with research skills. Jay who had been the head of Charem’s research department! It wasn’t surprising that an ‘!’ popped over Jay’s head when he saw the Myutal’s cell tissues. And he ran over to a microscope with an excited expression.
“These are the Adaptation Cells!”
“Eh? Adap…..what?”
“Adaptation Cell. This means a cell that can adapt.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, that….ah, you know the body coating? Body coating is a technique that extracts DNA from alien species and artificially combines it with the human’s DNA. But not all the DNA of alien species can be used. Very few alien DNA are capable of synthesizing with human DNA.”
The galactic federation used the DNA of approximately 30 alien species in body coating. However not everything could be combined with each other. Generally DNA that enhances physical strength can’t bind to DNA that enhances mental strength. The opposite was also true. That’s why body coatings could only specialize in one area. However, very rarely DNA is found that doesn’t apply to this rule. It was the adaptation cell! This DNA could be combined with any type of DNA.
“Wait? Then if you extract the DNA from these cells……?”
“You can get a body enhancing effect like body coating.”
“What can I you get?”
“I can’t tell the effect unless I look at it directly. Like I said, the principle of body coating uses the DNA of one species to evolve someone to a completely different form. In some cases there is a risk of turning into an ugly alien. But the adaptation cell has a considerable affinity so if that happens then the subject can quickly return to their original appearance. When directly applied to the body, there is a high chance that it will strengthen the body’s abilities.”
“Even if someone has already received a body coating?”
“Yes, it is called Mix-up.”
“Then you? Can you do the Mix-up?”
Ark asked in a look full of anticipation.
“The technology itself isn’t very difficult. You’ve already received a common body coating and the cell is adaptable so special processing isn’t required. Well, a certain amount of knowledge and skill is still required but I’ve experienced it a few times in Charem. The problem is the equipment. This research centre doesn’t have the equipment required to extract DNA. I need a centrifuge and incubator which will cost 2,000 gold.”
“2,000 Gold!”
Ark’s mouth gaped open. But he cooled off as he thought about it. Mix-up could enhance his body’s abilities! Of course the performance wasn’t guaranteed but he could expect at least a slight increase. If the equipment was bought once then it could be used repeatedly. It might he could study more adaptation cells if he found them. Who knows? He had found an unexpected use for cells that only sold for dozens of copper. He couldn’t ignore the potential outcomes. No, there was no need to go there. He had fought thousands of Myutal and only found two adaptation cells. He couldn’t give up this chance to enhance his body. And there was no reason to give it up.
In the past Ark didn’t have a lot of money but that had now changed. Dark Eden now had the structure of a corporation and Ark’s personal funds and company funds were separate. Naturally items bought for the research facility would come from the public funds. The investment into the sector had reduced his burden.
“Okay! Start the research!”
Ark approved the 2,000 gold on the spot. He was leaving for the space frontier and wouldn’t come back for a month. He wanted to confirm the effect before then so he made Jay hurry with the research. Fortunately he managed to receive the results a few hours before departure. That was the syringe Jay was holding right now!
“This is…..”
“It is the DNA extracted from the adaptation cells that I refined into a solution.”
“If I inject this then Mix-up will begin?”
“Yes, I made this quickly so I’m not sure of the effects. There might be some side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea etc.”
Ark already wasn’t listening. And he wouldn’t change anything even if he heard it. Was he the type to not eat certain pickled foods because he was afraid of maggots? Everything in the world involved a risk whether it was large or small. If he was that scared then he wouldn’t even be able to take a breath. Ark stuck the syringe in him without hesitation.
‘Huk! W-what is this?’
Ark felt breathless. The arm where he injected the fluid felt like lava was spreading along his blood vessels. It felt like every part of his body was literally burning!
“Aaaaack!”
Ark couldn’t endure it and burst our screaming.
-Mix-up has been successful!
The Myutal’s DNA has been successfully combined. New physical changes have occurred thanks to the DNA fusion.
-One of your skills has evolved to an advanced level thanks to the Myutal’s DNA.
Withdrawal (☆☆) → Hide (☆☆☆)
-A new skill (Common Occupation ☆☆☆) has been learnt.
Hide (User, Active): Technique gained from the DNA of a Myutal, a space monster the federation doesn’t know about yet. The Myutal has the ability to produce a red substance that covers the land and it can hide its body in the ground. You have acquired the properties of a Myutal and gained the ability to hide your body in the ground. However, if you move while hiding in the ground then you will 100% be detected by the enemy.
Mental power consumption: 50
“I-it is a success! Mix-up!”
Ark cried out as he lifted his sweaty head. It had only taken 1 minute after administering the injection before the information window popped up. He had suffered unimaginable pain in the meantime. However the results were worth it. Ark carefully examined the information window.
‘It decreases intelligence by 10 but……’
Instead stamina increased by 30. It had the same effect as rising 2 levels. But the best effect of the Mix-up was the evolution of his skills. Hide reduced the probably of being caught when hiding in the ground. A 2 star rated skill had evolved into 3 stars.
‘It is different to Stealth. I can’t move when in the hidden state. But unlike Withdrawal and Stealth, it is possible to hide in the ground. In some cases it could be used as an evasive technique. It isn’t 100% satisfactory but the results are enough.’
“Ah, Ark-nim?”
Then Jay’s voice was heard. Jay was staring at him with wide eyes.
“A-are you alright?”
“Yes, I was hit hard by the injection but I’m okay. The results are satisfactory. I know you had a tough time trying to do it in 3 days so thank you.”
“Ah, no. That’s not……”
Jay stuttered and pointed to a glass wall. Ark stiffened as he saw the reflection in the glass. Standing beside Jay was a spider type monster, the Myutal! In other words, Ark had been changed into a Myutal.
“What, what is this? Why?”
“It is probably a small side effect.”
“A side effect? This is a small side effect? I’ve completely turned into a monster! Now what? What do I do now? H-how can I continue in this condition?”
The Myutal grabbed Jay’s collar with one of its legs. Then the door opened and someone entered the library.
“Boss-nim, we’ve gathered on the airfield…..u-unbelievable! Why here?”
The person who entered was Ellain.
Space 4
Are You Ready?
“I’m really sorry.”
Ellain was lying flat on the ground. The person with a shabby form in front of him was Ark. The incident had taken place 1 hour ago. Ark had been transformed into a Myutal as a side effect of Mix-up when he came face to face with Ellain.
“No, it is I. This was an experiment……”
“Myutal!”
There was no time to explain. The Myutal were Ellain’s enemies! When Ellain witnessed the Myutal (Ark) in front of him he immediately took out his sword. Ellain wasn’t interested in why a Myutal would be in a place like this. The only idea in his head was killing the Myutal. Ark retreated and desperately shouted.
“What are you doing? I’m trying to tell you, I’m Ark!”
“Shut up! How dare you impersonate God’s messenger! I’ll kill you!”
But Ellain was already to irrational. And he unleashed an onslaught of attacks!
“Damn, it can’t be helped. I can only unclog his ear holes! Heir’s Sword!”
In the end Ark was forced to pull out his sword. However there was a problem he didn’t realize until now. Ark grabbed the Heir’s Sword that flew out of his backpack…..tak! Tak! Grab…..tak! Tak!
‘I can’t grasp it!’
Ark had changed into a spider type monster. His limbs had changed into skewers and he couldn’t grasp the sword hilt.
And…..bak!
Ark panicked as Ellain’s sword descended towards his head. This was the beginning of Ellain’s merciless attacks. But Ark couldn’t even wrap his arm around his sword. All Ark could do was roll and run away. Fortunately his physical condition hadn’t fallen due to his transformation into the Myutal and he could use any skill unrelated to the sword. And this transformation had a time limit.
“Mind Shield! Welcome to the alter ego! ”
He desperately used skills and escaped for 1 hour. Then a fever swept through his body and he returned to his original appearance.
“Ah! M-Messenger-nim? W-what’s going on?”
Fortunately Ellain noticed and finally stopped talking……
“It’s not a big deal. I just almost died because of you.”
……Ark was already bloodied. His body was a wreck.
“I’m sorry! Without knowing the circumstances……I never would’ve dared raise a sword to God’s messenger! Attacking God’s messenger is no different from committing a blasphemy against God!”
This was the reason for Ellain lying flat on the ground.
‘I think the same……’
He had been beaten like a dog for 1 hour. It still tingled every time he moved! But right now there was another problem to worry about.
-An adverse side effect of Mix-up has occurred!
There was a genetic conflict when the DNA of a monster was inserted.
A momentary physical change has occurred thanks to this genetic conflict. The process of combining DNA has cause a mutation so this physical change of varying duration. will spontaneously occur over the next few days.
‘A few days……’
A frustrated sigh emerged from Ark’s mouth. That’s right. The Myutal’s transformation hadn’t ended. It would randomly occur over the next through days. In other words, he never knew when his body would seize (?) throughout the next few days.
‘There really is a variety of things.’
In fact, it usually wasn’t a big problem. No, it wouldn’t be a problem if it occurred immediately after returning to S-20. But this was already the 3rd day since returning to S-20 and he was preparing to leave for Turan to join with the rest of the team. Yet now this ridiculous side effect occurred.
‘The atmosphere since the beginning of the 2nd investigation team……’
First there was the advent of Rapid and Valencia. Now there was this improbably side effect from gene synthesis just before departure. He felt an ominous feeling. However he had no choice. He already received the down payment and used it to make preparations for the expedition. And the remaining time was just one day! There was no time to hesitate.
“It doesn’t matter. This is my mistake so don’t worry about it. Has the team gathered?”
“Yes, they’ve all gathered at the roof airfield before I came here.”
“Then they must’ve been waiting quite a while. Let’s go.”
Ark and Ellain rode the elevator up to the roof. He had parked in the sector’s public parking when returning to S-20 because of the Charenjok but originally he had built an airfield on the roof of the administrative office. But the Silver Star wasn’t the only thing waiting on the airfield. There were more than 10 people gathered in front of it. It was the team that would go with Ark to join the investigation team.
“It’s been a long time
Ark-nim.”
The first person to greet him was Melina. Ark had realized how important a healer was while fighting the Myutal on Rakunka. Constantly fighting the Myutal made him realize how important it was. And Melina was the only healer he knew. Therefore Melina popped to his mind when picking people to participate in the team. He sent her a mail and fortunately she could make it.
“Thank you for coming.”
“It’s nothing. I didn’t have any other work to do.”
“We’ve come as well!”
“Yes, because we are a set with Melina!”
Then two guys pushed between Ark and Melina. It was Slayer and Leon who had followed Melina from the first time he met her.
‘These guys, they’re still haunting Melina?’
He hadn’t anticipated that Slayer and Leon would follow. However Ark acknowledged that both of them had a certain degree of proficiency. He didn’t have any reason to refuse. They would also refuse to leave Melina behind. Anyway, he managed to secure a family in one go! There were more people apart from Slayer’s group.
“Sheesh, these guys are annoying.”
The woman who pouted with dissatisfaction was Kaya.
“What did you say? Do you think I want to see your face?”
“Let’s stop it. I’m embarrassed of both of you.”
The two men bickering with her was Park and Sadain. In fact, Ark had originally intended to hire the Silver Hand mercenaries. They were NPCs with lots of experience and they were friendly with the Royal Guards so they would be a lot of help. They were mercenaries that Ark had formed a connection with. He sent a mail when returning to S-20 but they hadn’t replied yet. He was in a rush so he called Kaya’s group who he became friendly with after the chaotic hunting incident. Of course it wasn’t for free. This was a long term mission that would take at least a month. They had only been friendly for a fortnight so there was no way they would participate for free. It was the same with Melina’s group.
-A deposit of 150 gold. If the mission succeeds then Ark will pay you 5% of the reward.
This was the condition that Ark proposed.
‘If possible then I would like to bring helpful users……’
