In the deep recesses of Murky's mind and senses, the echoing voice of the system screen delivered its urgent message.
Ding!
[ The essence of the Elder Progenitor has merged with the physical body of the player known as StupidLove. ]
These words weighed heavily on Murky, causing a tingling sensation to ripple through him.
The knowledge of this fusion granted him a newfound power, aptly named Blood Sword.
Ding!
[ Blood sword had assimilated to the player StupidLove's body and can now be used. ]
[ Will the player stupidLove use this ability? ]
In that moment, it felt as if a surge of energy had been injected into Murky's mind, flooding his consciousness with a clear understanding of how to transform his blood into a deadly weapon.
The idea took shape in his thoughts, as his life force condensed into the form of a blade.
Swoosh!
With a swift motion, a torrent of crimson burst forth from his clenched fist, resembling the fierce fangs sword-like of a wolverine with at least one meter in length. But unlike ordinary blood, this manifestation had a peculiar mix of metallic sheen and scarlet hue, like red blood cells woven into a solid structure resembling a rock.
The blood on Muriy's hand splattered, yet he could not feel any amount of pain from it.
"Hmm?"
Murky tried to check it out, and how comfortable it was, like it was a part of him that he could control back and forth inside his fist.
"Interesting," he mumbled with commend.
Armed with this new weapon, Murky swung the Blood Sword with a flick of his wrist, directing its lethal arc toward a nearby tree.
Swoosh!
The blade cut through the air with a resounding swish, but its impact fell short, barely grazing the outer layer of bark, unable to penetrate more than three millimeters.
Clacked!
The system's voice echoed in his ears once again, cautioning.
Ding!
[ The player known as StupidLove has not yet accumulated enough kills to activate the penetration ability of the Blood Sword yet. ]
Another notification emphasized the requirements for awakening a first-class gene ability:
[ To perform the ability, the player StupidLove must slay a minimum of fifty creatures and absorb their blood through immersion. ]
Upon seeing this prompt, Murky nodded, understanding the task that lay ahead. And then, as if by fate, the three Nematoceran hounds returned, each carrying the lifeless body of a formidable creature—a bear, a mountain lion, and a wolf.
Murky surveyed the spoils of their hunt, realizing that these kills would undoubtedly raise his status among his peers.
In that moment, inspiration sparked within him, illuminating his path forward.
"Wait," Murky commanded, causing the Nematoceran hounds to halt.
Seizing the opportunity to form a connection, he engaged in casual conversation, attempting to give names to his loyal companions.
"What should I call you three?"
He pondered. The hounds responded with a series of head tilts and circular motions, as if expressing their approval and willingness to be named. With their silent agreement resonating in his mind, Murky's creative ideas began to flow.
After the silence ensued, he finally opened his mouth and had an idea what to name them.
"How about I name you three... Ah, One, Two, and Three? Since the three of you are..."
Murky's words were abruptly interrupted as a thick substance splattered across his face, making a distinct sound—Pak! Pak! Pak!
Like an empty desert, another silence ensued.
Meanwhile, Murky was just there, covered in saliva, stunned into silence, unable to find the right words, while the Nematoceran hounds stood motionless, their actions speaking volumes.
The first hound turned around, giving Murky an unpleasant view of its rear end.
Grrr…
Without hesitation, it started digging into the ground, sending a shower of dirt and grass towards Murky's helpless face.
Splak! Splak! Splak!
To Murky, it was like everything wasn't really, did that nasty piece of shit just happen to him?
Yet the coldness or the mucus, the taste of the dirt and grasses splattered on his face says it all.
Soon his eyes became red and his face contorted.
In an instant, the atmosphere shattered with a thunderous roar that came from deep within Murky, echoing through the surroundings.
"YOU BASTAAAAAARRDDDSS!!"
The anger in his voice was palpable, a testament to the intense rage consuming him. But as the echoes faded, Murky's crimson-tinged eyes caught sight of the three Nematoceran hounds, standing tall and proud.
In that moment, he realized he was inferior to these powerful creatures.
Despite his muttered words of vengeance, he understood deep down that he was no match for them currently.
"Once my Nanomites and Suit have been activated, I will take revenge on these three bastards," he thought solemnly and then snorted.
With resentment in his voice, Murky gave a command, his words filled with determination.
"Bring me clean water and find live animals for me to absorb their blood. Make sure their limbs are broken before you all bring them."
The Nematoceran hounds nodded their canine head in acknowledgment, their faces betraying a hint of bliss, before setting off to fulfill their tasks.
Left alone, Murky grumbled again, his resolve growing stronger.
"I swear, by my name, I will give you three the most wretched names to reflect the humiliation you've caused me."
Time passed, and boredom started to test Murky's patience.
Suddenly, the Nematoceran hounds returned, one of them carrying a container of four coconuts. However, Murky's expression showed no sign of delight. As he observed the wolf leisurely accompanying the hounds, as if they were mere companions, frustration welled up inside him.
"Didn't I tell them to injure the creatures and make it easier for me to absorb their blood? Why does that wolf look unharmed?" And then, suddenly, Murky had a realization.
Inside a space battleship, the Elder Progenitor watched the events unfold, his eyes fixed on a crystal ball-like object with advanced technological capabilities.
As the image in the crystal ball shifted, he glimpsed Murky's face contorting with realization.
A malicious chuckle escaped the elder's lips, his voice filled with scorn.
"Hahaha! little brat, struggling to even name these Nematoceran hounds. Let me see what you have planned for us," he sneered.
The elder knew about Murky's hidden agenda and anticipated the use of the Nematoceran hounds, relishing the unfolding spectacle.
He knew that there's a secret to this human, and he would find it using the hounds.
Meanwhile, the Elder Progenitor watched as Murky, appearing involuntarily, gripped his spear, securely attached his sword to his waist, and raised his shield.
At the same time, the two Nematoceran hounds positioned themselves on either side of the wolf, their snouts pointed directly at Murky.
The weight of their combined gaze made Murky's body tremble, a clear sign of the imminent confrontation.
Just as it seemed the hounds had fulfilled their duty, the wolf took a step forward alone, locking its unwavering gaze with Murky's and leaving the Nematoceran hounds.
In an instant, the wolf exposed its menacing fangs, its eyes shining with an intensity that penetrated Murky's very soul.
Grrr... Grrr... Grrr...
With deliberate yet measured movements, the wolf slowly approached, its fur standing on end as if charged with electricity.
The tension in the air was suffocating as both sides prepared for the inevitable clash.
However, an unexpected turn of events unfolded, leaving them momentarily stunned.
Inside the advanced technology crystal ball, the Elder Progenitor saw Murky's gaze fixed on the sky above, not at the wolf in front of him.
"Do you truly think I would cower in fear?"
Murky's voice echoed, defiant and determined.
The Elder's eyes widened in astonishment, reflecting the disbelief shown by the Nematoceran hounds.
What was happening?
What was Murky saying? Confusion dominated their minds, leaving them with only two questions—What are you doing? What are you saying?