"Did you not see how it challenged me?"
The two burning azure gems sizzled into the old man's brain like heated metal nails. Freezing his body and willpower in place.
'It's one of those weirdos, huh? My luck seems to have run out then..'
The old owner temporarily closed his eyes while softly waving the raised hand. Dispersing the circle of light, and rebalancing himself. Quickly following up by positioning both arms behind his back, and aiming his tired grey eyes at the boy once more.
"Lad, do you want them or not?"
Even with the previous display, the old man eventually managed to easily find peace. However, this appearence suddenly flooded Michael's body with a sense of guilt.
It snapped him out of his trance and made him to rearrange his thoughts. Also allowing the canary, which had hurriedly jumped of his shoulder after he charged, elegantly land back on it.
"Actually."
He retreated further away from the corpse. Looking at it for a second before getting an idea.
"Do you have samples of their blood? For that would also work in this case. Don't worry, I'll pay for the damage."
The old man tweaked open his eyes after hearing what Michael said. Proceeding to lift one of his palms back up and brush it against the tough skin covering his jaw.
Michael felt a very awkard by the reaction he got. Mabye just butchering the rest of the animals and leaving would be ideal.... After all, it would grant him stem mass, which he hadn't tried using yet. And it wasn't like anyone here could dare challenge his might.
'I can also just clean house before I set out. Eating everyone here while in my centipede form would make quite the tail...or should I try the Dark Drake?'
An evil smile unconsciously formed over his lips as his mind wandered. It even seemed to slightly distort the atmosphere around his figure, causing the surrounding beasts to quiver in fright.
'Or mabye both at the same time?'
However, while Michael imagined how he should harness some stem mass, the old man interrupted him with an understanding answer. Sending off the shaken animals, and walking back towards the open silver fence where they entered.
"Lad, are you perhaps a [Bloodline Alchemist]? For you fit the script, especially with the strong beatial aura."
He briefly turned around and gave Michael a quick look. Nodding in agreement with himself while signaling the boy to follow his tracks.
"Lots of them have come by here lately, so I would guess you are looking for ingredients. Got just what you need."
Seing the old man leave sparked up Michael's interest. But before departing, he went over to the dead wolf and threw it in his storage ring. Only after that did he hurriedly make haste towards the shrinking figure exiting the greenhouse.
But as he caught up, a line of text suddenly appeared before his eyes. Dyeing part of his vision with several trancucent lines of text.
---
.
[Bloodline absorbed]
.
[Skills Activated]
.
[Source Drain Activated!]
[Source Drain: Absorb all usable organic matter and DNA from a creature. This will leave behind a drained husk, as host sucks out the creature's core components.]
.
[Recreation Activated!]
[Recreation: Recreate the fading lineage stored within a creature's genetic code. This only works if the specific bloodline is thick enough.]
.
---
Michael hurriedly read through the text. Immediately going over to tilt his eyes down to the hand which had struck down the beast with a gleeful smile.
'How impressive! Andev sure knows his stuff.'
He willed the system to continue after praising the God's work. Wanting to see what kinds of genetic information he had salvaged.
---
.
[Laniary bloodlines]
.
[Lyr Vargr: 1%]
[Frost stalker wolf: 5%]
[Shikari Wolf: 10%]
---
A curious glint flashed past his eyes. Accompanied by the wandering assumptions that consisted of what use these beasts may hold.
'System, do any of these animals possess innate abilities? And if not, will they enhance my body in any possible way?'
.
[All bloodlines are of the [Lower grade], with only the [Lyr vargr] being at the [Middle grade]
.
[Host's cells are unable to access [Innate ability] of [Lyr Vargr] due to the genetic code being too poor. Please collect more samples or feed it stem mass.]
.
[All present animals are greatly inferior to the one host is currently fused with; [Czar Beastlord]. Fusing lower ones with higher ones would also not be efficient.]
.
The steady smile weakened after hearing the response. His current layer was most likely tied to the bloodline he had. Or that's al least what he believed. Meaning that the higher grade it was, the quicker he could get more powerful.
'Show me my stem mass.'
---
[Stem Mass: 1%]
---
And so his smile completely faded away. Whiped off the face of this plane by the regret of not having devoured those beasts earlier.
'Just throw it in. As for the lesser ones... All [Lower grade] bloodlines that can't enhance my body or have innate abilities are to be saved up in a separate folder. Call me up after you have enough to pique my interest.'
However, as Michael was absorbed in the display, he failed to notice the old man look in his direction. Having a first class view of his maniacal grin and lusting eyes stare into what seemed like the void.
'What a lad. Did he level up?'
Eventually, they exited the oak corridor and ended up back at in the bird room. Continuing on over to a nearby counter which hid behind a pack of wild barrels. It was as old as most other object within the store, and mabye even prehistoric if considering the claw marks that ran across it's surface.
But while Michael praised the structure's tenacity to survive, the owner quickly got to work as he went behind it. Leaning down over to the side, and retriving six glass vials containing what seemed to be a type of thick red liquid. There were even some small paper slips plastered onto each one. Containing what Michael guessed was the expression date.
"Lad, these will last you three days. Keep them in a heated storage device and you got another twenty."
He only nodded at the remark. Having more of his attention glued to the vials.
However, as Michael stared at the tiny bottles, a type of curiosity began to flood his brain. Causing him to turn from the small glass containers and back to the shopkeeper.
"Old man, you know a lot about animals, huh?"
The old owner was slightly surprised by the comment. Giving back a tired nod while he gently placed down the vials.
"Well, I should. I am a [Tamer] after all." His voice sounded a little depressed. Was he perhaps thinking about the animal Michael killed?
But what he contemplated about didn't seem to matter much, as Michael did not stop talking.
"Tamer? As in taming animals?"
"Yes, that's my class. The path I specialize in."
The shopkeeper kept getting a weird vibe whenever he heard the boy speak. Not able to find the reason why, but only feel that something wasn't quite right with this guy. Why was his vibe so...chaotic?
However, that unresting feeling quickly vanished when he heard Michael's next question. Most likely due to the unexpected surprise.
"Can you tell me a little about beasts then? You see, I don't possess much information in that field."
He gave the boy another look after mentally adressing his request. Trying to find some reason to refuse, yet left without any options.
"Sure, what do you want to know, lad?"
He hadn't met many people who had shown any interest in his work since long ago, and that might have been the reason he accepted.
"How do beasts evolve?"
Michael's voice was filled with an almost material interest. One only found within a soul which hungered for knowledge. It even seemed to encourage the old man to talk.
"Well, most beasts evolve by killing and leveling up. There's not much else there...."
The shopkeeper only gave a brief and tired response back. However, the moment he saw the young man's face again, he reevaluated his answer, as Michael's usually dangerous blue eyes shone with a saddened light.
'Ai...What happened to that fierce look? Well, whatever then.'
"But there are also beasts who feed off of [Essence Radiation]. Wild reservoirs of toxic magic particles found in the nature. It can cause them to mutate in many different ways..."
He wanted to stop there. But his interest seemed to grow whenever he saw the glimmer of satisfaction make it's way over the young man's face. Making him add more fuel to the fire.
"Sadly, it really isn't that safe to use, as not only will their intelligence will be affected, but it may also cause some horrible side effects... There are, of course, some who are able to properly utilize it. So you end up with some weird monsters here and there. It's like a pack of free experience that comes with several downsides."
Feeling that he had given a throughout response made the old owner want to ask for the pay and let the kid leave. But just before he could start to talk, Michael interrupted him yet again.
"I see. But what about when they evolve? You said earlier that the [Kruger leopards] awakened different bloodlines?"
He wanted to find a reason to decline answering this time. However, a small fire seemed to have been born within his aged heart. Causing him to unhesitantly ramble on.
"Well, when a beast reaches it's growth limit through radiation exposure or leveling, they gain the ability to evolve. It's like a metamorphic stage in their life where the shell that is the body and spirit becomes unable to contain their power."
"And when it evolves, it calls upon the strongest possible force which can help expand it's shell. The body and spirit that is. And so, they most often seek out the strongest bloodline within their genes."
"This is done with the help of the system, and what they will evolve into will vary from time to time. After all, every single creature is born different, and may lean towards distinct genes. Like the beasts I introduced you to."
Michael attentively followed everything the old man said. Asking more questions only after he made sure the last one was explained.
"So you are saying we are all unique in our own way then?"
The old tamer weakly chuckled at his query. Waving it off with an almost hidden answer.
"No. We are special. Just like everybody else. And that makes us no different."
And to the reply, he both got an understanding smile and another question. It looked like the boy he had brought in was not like your average man.
"I see. But you said animals tap into their genes, and then evolve through the help of the system. Doesn't that make it easy for them to become powerful?"
The inquiry didn't look like much. However, this particular type of question seemed to nourish a worn down ember which resided within the old man's soul. Birthing a long extinct fascination he had long lost.
"Haha, yes and no."
Michael heard his answer, but was unable to understand what he meant. Giving him a look of confusion in hopes that he would give a thorough explanation.
The old man's smile become more gleeful when he saw the boy express his desire to learn. Now unable to find a clear enough purpose for why he should stop.
"Yes for the animals of today. No for the animals of the past."
Both of Michael's blue eyes opened up. Delving deeper into the concealed meaning this old man kept carrying out.
"What do you mean with that...?"
The shopkeeper cheerfully laughed and stretched his back. It looked like talking to this man wasn't as tiring as he thought.
"It's been a while... Truly, it's been a while since I last met such a kindled spirit. Then let me tell you..."
"Before the [System] we all know was put to use, nature had a different way to get strong. Do you want to know what I mean?"
Michael energetically responded. Not wanting to let a valuable piece of information like this slip by.
"Please enlighten me!"
The old man's eyes faintly glimmered in excitement when he heard the reply. Now extremely happy that he had met this boy.
"I like people who show such enthusiasm in my field, so I will let you in on a little something I have studied."
He then bendt over and stretched his hand towards an open space that resided behind the haggard counter. Quickly gripping onto something, and pulling out what resembled an almost ruined brown book.
"When animals reach a certain [level] they gain the ability to evolve. And when the times come for them to do so, the [system] taps into their genetic code and stimulates it. However..."
The cover then flew up as the old man flickered against it. Having his wrinkled fingers grace upon the ancient wrapper which held together the ancient pages.
"However..?"
Michael leaned over the chipped desk. Feasting his eyes upon the notes of old. Trying to read the inverted lines of text written in what he understood to be the english of his old world, while also listening to the old man's excited voice.
"However, long before the system existed, I have found out through a lot of research that beasts used to be much stronger!"
The curiosity inside Michael's veins started to feverishly burn. Wanting to understand what the aged man meant.
"Really? Why is that then?"
The old owner kept scrolling through the worn down pages. Seemingly giving all his notes some quick peeks to help revitalize his memory.
"It's only a theory for now, lad. But what if I told you that the system 'Fixes' what you can and cannot achieve when evolving?"
Michael felt powerless when faced with these kinds of questions back. And it caused him to impatiently ask for the answers.
"Please explain!"
However, despite his growing agitation, the old man kept playing games. Finding the boy's emotional interested rather funny.
"Lad, let's say you write a mathematical formula and a book. Okay?"
Michael just quickly nodded back. Wanting him to get to the point as quickly as possible.
"Okay, let's say that."
The old man's smile became more magnificent as he stopped scurrying through the aged paper. Placing his finger on a single page, and looking back up at Michael.
"Now, lad. Throw them away and wait a hundred years. After that, I want you to write the same formula and the same book."
His words were like fragmented of fire about to disperse in the wind. However, when they entered Michael's ears, a fuse of realization was channeld through his body. Causing him to further pull up his eyelids, while making the old man to grin from ear to ear as he continued.
"Do you get what I mean?"
"The mathematical formula won't change. However, that is not same for the book. The one you wrote yourself."
"For the system, all beasts are but numbers that differ by one decimal. Granting them a slightly different outcome each time."
"But those who are left to wander alone will write their own story and walk a seperate path. They are not bound by the system which picks what they can and cannot be. Some strive to reach the slivers of power their ancestors left behind, and reach for the heights locked away."
Michael fully digested what he said. But something behind those words seemed a little wry to him. Further heating up the debate.
"I get what you mean. However, why aren't there only stronger beasts alive today if the system helps them out? Why isn't it just picking the strongest gene available?"
After hearing his doubtful words, the old man momentarily closed his eyes and sighed. Going over to answer him with another question.
"Strong bloodlines slowly fade over time, lad. Do you know why?"
Michael felt a little unsure of how to respond to that. Should he use the logic of his old world?
"Because they get diluted due to no beast being born equal? Or is it because genetic information doesn't get perfectly passed down to later generations, resulting in a weakening? Or perhaps all of the ones above?"
His answer was not too far off. However, he still lacked something which the old man noticed. Going over to reply to the boy about his inquiry with a passionate, yet tired tone.
"I read that Farleng was once filled with all kinds of higher grade beasts. However, after the system came, they slowly started vanished...."
"Whether it's this world that naturally cursed their blood to fade, or the system that limits their potential to grow it, I can never be sure on that which is unkown."
"All that I understand is that the strong survive on that which is nutritious, or they will starve. If one beast disappears, then another will follow. The rest is for you to dwell about."
Michael gratefully nodded back while extending out his hand. Wanting to show his appreciation for what the owner had given him despite his earlier act.
"Thank you very much for sharing this with me."
The old man's smile grew stiff when he saw the boy's actions. Not from any negative thoughts, but due to a very much appreciated astonishment.
"It was very nice talking to you, my boy."
Without any hesitation, he firmly took Michael's hand back. Stretching forwards one of his rugged hands alongside the tattered leather jacket covering his body.
Michael smiled brightly to his agreeable attitude. Tightly pressing onto the old man's palm while asking for his name.
"Likewise, Mr...?
"You may call me Benjamin, my boy."
"Michael. Nice talking to you."
The old shopkeeper felt an almost forgotten warmth flow through his body when he saw Michael's satisfied smile. How long had it been since last time he engulfed himself in the research of old?
However, he didn't hold onto the rejuvenated ardour for long. Going over to snap his finger to call the canary back, and letting the small bird gently land on his shoulder.
"My boy, that will be seven gold coins."
Michael didn't quite know how to respond, as he still felt the lingering lust for knowledge carve into his heart.
"Uhm..."
He didn't want to overstretch his stay now that the old man was clearly done for. But still, he defiantly murmured on. Hoping for a little more.
"What is it, Michael?"
Benjamin saw his unquenched thirst and just played along. Talking to the kid wasn't all that bad, even after having exhausted himself.
"Can I ask you two last things, Old man?" Michael's voice was still full of energy despite their previous discussion. Almost begging for an answer.
"Go ahead, my boy." Benjamin humbly replied. Preparing for one last round of talking before closing up.
"First, what was that blue ring around your wrist earlier?" Michael pointed down to the old man's hand after finishing. Giving it a suspicious look with one eyebrow raised.
"That? It's my tamer ability. It's tied to my familiar contract, making it so that I can suppress all my animals." Benjamin nonchalantly repsonded. Not giving such meager amounts of intelligence any afterthought.
However, this was not as unimportant to him as it was for Michael, who quickly followed it up by more talking.
"You have your animals contracted?"
His suspicious glare transformed into one filled with perplexity. Keenly waiting for Benjamin to respond once again.
"Well, yes my boy. I wouldn't want them all to go out of control one of these days." The old man continued. Talking as if this was common knowledge.
Michael only felt more perplexed by his uncaring reply. Struggling on for a clear response.
"Do you mean so that they won't run loose?"
But even though he felt that his inspection was completely normal, Benjamin abruptly gave him a dumbfounded look. Adjusting both his sunken eyes more open.
"It's so that they won't randomly kill each other and evolve." The old man's voice held a fragment of amusement. Suprised that the boy didn't such common knowledge despite his obvious strength.
"Excuse me...?" Michael added on. Not able to find why Benjamin started to merrily hold his laughter back.
"My boy, have no one ever told you?"
Michael's heart started beating faster for some reason. Mabye it was due to the pent up impatience generated by the recurring pausing.
"Told me what?"
Benjamin gave him another weird glance before talking again. Wondering why Michael suddenly looked so stressed out.
"Beasts and familiars cannot evolve freely if they are contracted. It limits their ability to grow greatly."
And so the old man finished his answer. It may not seem like much, but each word thundered into Michael's mind like a pack of descending meteorites. Crashing through his skull, and drilling into his brain. Causing him remember the faint words give to him by the system long ago.
---
[Familiar contract annulled!]
---
And so, his built up tension slowly dispersed itself. Benjamin's response had unknowingly taken a heavy burden off his heart. Helping him heal internally.
However, Michael quickly healed up from his dazed state. Preparing the last question.
"I see. Thank you very much for answering. Lastly, can I ask you why there are so many normal animals here?"
Benjamin gave the boy yet another look. Finding himself staring at the droplets of sweat falling down from Michael's forehead before beginning to explain.
"Normal animals are kind of a luxury. They may not have any impressive bloodline, but there is something else to them..."
"For example, the ones I have here will go on into a alerting mode if you pass by a spot where magic radiation is abundant, or if there are any powerful animals close by. It's an exclusive ability normal animals have developed...."
"Also, considering how much essence radiation there is to found here in Torvel, you wouldn't want to go outside without one."
Benjamin's voice was much more gentle now, perhaps due to feeling Michael's uneasiness a moment ago. After all, he didn't want overwork the boy's mind.
Michael, of course, appreciated the old man's efforts. And so, he wanted to see if he couldn't buy at least one animal before he left.
"Can I have a canary then?"
But Benjamin only smiled back an shook his head. Not knowing what to think of this boy. Didn't he just...swallow down a finch? Why did he do that anyways?
'Well, almost all Bloodline Alchemists are like that..... What a crazy bunch.'
"Come by tomorrow and I will have one ready for you. Most of the ones you see are sold."
However, while they wholeheartedly conversed together, a domineering shout abruptly interrupted them. Thundering through the old shop like a tsunami, and making the surrounding birds stop chirping.
"She is a witch I tell you all!"
Michael angrily looked over at one of the distant windows. Turning towards it with a baleful glare while asking the old man for detail.
"What was that?"
Benjaming clumsily began to scrarch his bald head after seeing Michael's sudden change. How could one's mood swing like that? Was he some sort of noble beast who resented everything that got on his nerves?
"How do I explain...."
he didn't know how to best unfold the situation, as he feared this young man might get himself in trouble. After all, the commotion outside wasn't something he could compare with the wolf episode.
"You see, my boy. There's a [Diviner] living in town. She's pretty good at what she does, and many go see her in hopes of learning of their future..." Benjamin followed up with.
Michael felt his scap tingle when he heard what the old man said. Proceeding to lift up his hand and give it a shake. Activating the silver ring attatched to his finger, and withdraw seven metal coins laced in a pure gold color.
'Divination? As in seeing the future?'
He unconsciously became interested in the topic. Silently engrossing in the thought of learning about his fate, and eventually finding himself unable to not give it a personal check.
"Then what is the problem? Divination sounds like fun."
Unable to detect anything that may be blameworthy about the topic, Michael looked back at the old man with an expecting gaze as he softly placed the coins on the counter.
However, Benjamin only felt more troubled by the anticipating glare. Now inwardly praying that Michael wouldn't get involved.
"You see, a fancy party of adventurers came here a week ago, and some of the members are a little...well..."
He tried to make it sound as unimportant as possible in hopes that Michael would lose interest. After all, it had been ages since he had last met someone who shared the same interest as him, and he didn't want to risk his new acquaintance getting himself in danger. Sadly, the forces of the world truly weren't on his side today.
"It's black magic I tell you!"
And with another roar exploding out from outside the store, Benjamin gave up. Left only to watch in regret as Michael's blue eyes start to flare up with the familiar azure light. Radiating with a desire for peace born from destruction.
"You can figure out the rest, my boy..." The old man sighed back once again while grabbing onto the handful of gold coins. Pushing them off the scarred table, and toss them in one of his coat pockets.
"I see. I'll take my leave then, Benjamin." Michael happily bidded the old man farwell and swiftly picked up the vials. Throwing them in his ring, and then beginning to walk towards the exit with a visible gratitude.
Benjamin waved back in appreciation. Gently calling for the boy as he went on.
"Goodbye, Michael my boy. I leave tomorrow morning for the capital, so come talk to me if you have any beast related questions. And don't be late, or you'll miss your bird!"
And so the door slammed shut. Leaving Benjamin alone with the canary.
But even with Michael gone, he still looked at the location where the boy had left with an apparent indebtedness. Fueling the dwelling fires of gratitude inside his aged heart with the hopes of meeting him again.
"I feel like our meeting was fated, young man. But it's surely this old man's intuition growing senile... Either way, I should start packing." Benjamin inwardly said to himself. Quickly taking off from where he stood, and jumping back into the jungle of barrels.
....
However, as Michael exited the shop, something outside of town enter it's vicinity. Crawling out from the dark forest's embrace like an imperceptible body of darkness. Not even leaving any footprints behind as it unhesitantly trampled upon the shallow vegetation.
It was five robed individuals. Completely cloaked in a delicate type of dark textile. Shielding their every feature from not only any passing people, but also from the sun.
You would almost mistake them for some traveling pilgrims. However, such a mindset would instantly ceace if you listened to what they talked about.
"Is it here?"
One of the cloaked individuals muttered. His voice was hoarse to the point of being distorted. Unable to make your soul shake, but rather cause your blood to freeze.
"Yes. Lord Halrel's essence is in this town." The leading figure discontently spoke out while rustling out a glass ball from beneath his cover. It faintly flashed with a dark red light. Shimmering with a plusating glow similar in appearance to a beating human heart.
But to the frontal person's detached responde, another member walked out. Taking a few steps forward and menacingly scowling at the frail pen which encircled the towering buildings in front.
"You should take this more seriously, or I can not promise that the madam won't gouge out your heart." The separated individual fiercely scolded the one holding the orb while motionlessly staring at the feeble property. Letting his anger bathe in the cooling breeze that passed by his black robe, and tug onto his hood. Anticipatingly pushing it off, yet only to reveal two battle hardened carmine eyes, and a sharp jaw sheltered in a layer of white paint.
But as he basked in the dying rays of light emitted by the fleeting yellow star above, a mighty force smacked against his body. Pushing him off balance and onto one knee.
And without much surprise, the rest of the cloaked figures all readied themselves after seeing him lean onto the brittle grass in such a disgraceful manner. But before they all could act, a calm hand gesture was made by their kneeling brother. Telling them to not act rashly over something so insignificant.
As for the carmine eyed individual, he elegantly stood back up and looked back at the one responsible for his fall, but only to find an extended aimed in his direction, which he naturally accepted.
The one who had bumped into him was a tall, green eyed hunter with a broad, yet barely discernible face. Completely decked in what seemed to be a cloak made of deer hide. Firmly attatched to his body like a set of seared on iron plating. Curving around his bulging muscles like a pack of overpowered serpents.
However, even with such mighty features, there was one thing that sucked up all of the carmine eyed man's attention. That being the enormous hardwood spear resting behind the fortress of power. Having it's jagged tip visibly aim up at the darkening sky like a defiant brown crown. Or rather, a broken antler.
"Well met, hunter." Unable to contain his astonishment for the impressive aura given off by the weapon, the carmine eyed man lightly praised as he let go of the opposing party's massive palm.
"Well met, strain."
But despite the kind gesture, the hunter indifferently shook it off. Turning his back at the small figure, and proceeding on towards the town's entrance.
The carmine eyed man only stood there and watched him leave. Processing what he had said while narrowing his heating eyes.
"Who was that?"
As he dwelled on the response, one of his bretheren hoarsly muttered behind. Wishing to know if they should take care of the man.
But he angrily shot down the request. Not wishing to unnecessarily antagonize this dangerous entity.
"Someone we should try to avoid. Now, let's go. We came here to capture a Hel'Slakter, not to fight a monster god. You do well to remember that."
And so he walked off. Letting the rest of his company trail behind while preparing to dispatch the one responsible for their heir's death.