"Oh, a Gamma-tier Python? Looks like your wish came true after all," Yang teased Alisha, his tone light despite the danger.
Alisha grinned, her expression turning fierce as she readied herself to charge. "Well, I'm not afraid of a sniveling snake," she shot back, gripping her greatsword tightly, her eyes locked onto the massive serpent above.
Lucia, ever the composed leader, drew her sleek, polished rapier that gleamed with deadly precision. "Alright, the usual formation, guys. Let's take it down quickly. Watch out for its paralyzing breath, and whatever you do, don't get caught in its coils," she commanded, her voice steady and authoritative.
Summer stood to the side, his heart racing as he took in the sight of the Python. The beast was enormous, its body thick and powerful after completing its second evolution, stretching to a daunting 15-20 meters in length. Its eyes, sharp and piercing, fixed on the group with the cold hunger of a predator.
Yet, despite the looming threat, Summer noticed the unwavering confidence in the team. They had clearly faced creatures like this before, and their calm resolve began to ease his anxiety. He decided against drawing his spear for now, trusting in their expertise. But he remained on edge, ready to fight back if the situation turned dire.
The Python, sensing the threat posed by its prey, began to uncoil from the tree, its muscles rippling under its thick scales as it prepared to strike.
Eventually, the massive creature loomed over them, its enormous tail swinging menacingly. At the same time, it began to expel a noxious, grayish gas from its gaping maw, while its forked tongue flicked in and out like a serpent's.
"Bang!"
The ground quaked upon impact, sending a plume of dust and grass into the air. The surrounding onlookers scrambled to a safe distance, their faces etched with a mix of fear and awe.
"Yang, let's go!" Alish's eyes sparkled with fierce determination as she charged forward, her greatsword raised high, the steel glinting in the dim light.
Yang crossed his arms in a meditative stance, his muscles expanding dramatically, transforming him into a formidable figure. His presence alone seemed to make the earth tremble with each step he took.
"Ah huh..." Summer stared in astonishment at Yang's sudden and awe-inspiring transformation. The ground beneath Yang's feet seemed to shiver with every movement, as if the very earth was acknowledging his power.
Lucia, noticing Summer's bewilderment, leaned in and explained, "Yang possesses the gene of an Ancient Martial Artist. His talent is exceptional, but for some reason, he never accepted the invitations from the Elite Gene Academies, despite their prestigious offers."
"Oh... So the martial arts he's using are from his ancestry? They look incredibly devastating." Summer watched in amazement as Yang's fists and legs struck the Python with such force that each blow sent shockwaves rippling through the air.
Lucia nodded with a smile. "Yes, these are authentic Geno martial techniques, not the imitations you find on the Virtual Network."
Summer felt a surge of admiration but was acutely aware of the enigmatic nature of his own family's history, which lacked such legendary lineage.
"Silver, take out its eyes!" Lucia's command cut through the chaos.
"Got it!"
Silver, perched stealthily on a high tree branch, nodded and steadied his aim at the Python's left eye.
"Bang!"
The bullet roared with explosive force, striking the Python's left eye with a deafening impact. The eye shattered into a gruesome mess, the force of the shot sending fragments spraying outward.
Lucia observed Silver's precision with a hint of satisfaction. "Silver has the 'Eagle of Andes' Base Evolution Gene, which grants him exceptionally sharp eyesight and vision. Once he evolves to the Metamorphosis level, his Gene abilities will become even more formidable."
She looked on with admiration as Silver's handiwork took effect.
"And Summer," Lucia continued, turning to him with a smile, "do you see Alish's greatsword? It's actually a manifestation of her Base Gene Ability. She also comes from a lineage renowned for their expertise in wielding greatswords with extraordinary physical strength."
Summer nodded, absorbing the information. "Captain Lucia, what about your own Base Gene? You've explained everyone else's abilities, but you've been quite reserved about yours. I'm curious."
But before she could continue, Silver's voice stormed through.
"Lucia, it's time for the final blow!" Silver called out, his gaze unblinking as he monitored the Python from his elevated position.
Lucia acknowledged him with a nod, then proceed forward, as she replied to Summer without looking back. "My Base Gene is 'Ethereal Grace.'"
As she spoke, her rapier shimmered brilliantly, even in the dim light filtering through the forest canopy. Lucia moved with the elegance of a dancer, her steps fluid and sophisticated as she closed in on the thrashing beast.
With a precise and powerful movement, she thrust her rapier into the Python's exposed wound with concentrated energy at the tip.
The blade sliced through the creature's tough scales, plunging deep into its vital organs.
"Bang!"
A deafening explosion erupted from within the impact, the force of the strike causing the Python's body to blast apart in pieces. .
"Amazing!" Summer exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration. The entire sequence had unfolded like a deadly dance of flowers. Now, he understood why Lucia was chosen as their captain.
Alisha wiped the sweat from her brow, letting out a triumphant laugh. "That was one hell of a workout. Thanks for the support, Yang. You're one tough guy!"
Yang, whose muscles were gradually returning to their normal size, gave her a nod. "It was nothing, Alisha. But I have to say, your strength has clearly increased since the last time. Did you acquire another Auxiliary Gene?"
Alisha smiled slyly. "You could say that. A delicate woman like me has to stay determined, after all."
"Haha..." Silver's laugh echoed from the tree branch above them. To him, the idea of Alisha being 'delicate' was hilarious. If she was delicate, then the rest of the women in the world were just soft candies.
Meanwhile, Lucia carefully withdrew her rapier from the Python's skull, ensuring its final remnants of life were extinguished. Her expression remained calm and composed as she spoke. "We need to move quickly, everyone. The scent of blood will soon attract other predators."
Silver gracefully leaped down from the tree, landing beside the others with practiced ease. "Lucia, should we gather its valuable materials? They could fetch a good price on the market."
Lucia paused, then turned to Summer, gauging his reaction.
Understanding her silent question, Summer shrugged and said, "I have no problem with that, Captain Lucia. If you can carry them on your own, I'm all for it."
Lucia gave him a grateful look before addressing the team. "Alright, let's be quick about it. Extract its fangs, scales, eyeballs—anything valuable. And don't forget to check if there's a Geno Crystal inside."
The group nodded enthusiastically, the prospect of finding a rare Gamma Geno Crystal fueling their excitement as they got to work on the remains of the Python.