One month later
It took me exactly one month to collect the remaining resources I needed. The issue wasn't so much their danger but their rarity. Gathering the last gene fragments for camouflage proved incredibly tedious, especially since I took the opportunity to collect genes for spikes as well. Let me explain the process—it's truly fascinating.
In my previous life as a researcher, creating the treatment that landed me in so much trouble, I had to assemble a fairly large team to collect the data I needed. Occasionally, out of curiosity or to better understand the process, I would join them in the field, either to gather specimens or to observe them.
Over time, this gave me a rather detailed understanding of how different biomes function and what they contain.
The canyon is an extremely hostile environment. On Earth, the rare zones similar to it are neither as vast nor as accessible most of the time. And, even more importantly, they don't harbor nearly as rich and diverse a fauna and flora. For instance, Movile Cave in Romania barely covers 300 square meters.
To confirm my hypothesis, I moved at a steady pace of about 12 mph for 72 hours straight, and unfortunately for me, after what I estimate to be nearly a thousand kilometers, I was still in this cursed canyon.
Which brings us back to our main topic—gathering. I had finally completed full gene sets for camouflage, paralyzing saliva, and spikes.
For example, to complete the camouflage set, I had to eat a carnivorous plant that ambushed me, hoping to make me its snack. When the set was completed, my excitement was more than palpable. Each fragment encoded a different aspect:
One was for camouflage pigments, several for light reflection, one for scale morphology, and one for neurological control.
The process was simply fascinating. Too bad my level was still too low to manipulate different genes for unique abilities. But that wouldn't take long—all was ready for my first molt. I just needed to find an appropriate place to do it.
---
After a grueling day of exploration, I finally found the perfect spot for my molt: a crevice in the rock, far from prying eyes and predators. The cave extended deep into the canyon, and the air inside was so heavy it seemed to stifle all life. But for me, it was ideal. I could feel the moisture saturating the atmosphere—a perfect environment for what was about to be a long and grueling process.
Shedding skin for a normal snake is already an arduous task for the body, but in my case, it was far more than just a simple renewal of skin. Every fiber of my being was preparing to be reborn, to adapt to the new genes I had absorbed.
I coiled into a dark corner, remaining almost completely still. The doubts that had plagued me over the past few days now reached their peak. My metabolism was accelerating at an alarming rate, and I could feel my heart pounding wildly. At any moment, I could have a heart attack if I didn't calm myself.
"For better or worse," I whispered to myself as I prepared to initiate the process.
"System, begin the molt."
Molt preparation initiated.
The foundations of your metamorphosis have been established.
Estimated duration: Indeterminate.
Note: This process is irreversible. Any weakness or interruption could result in permanent damage or death.
Upcoming changes:
Physical enhancement: Complete revision of bodily structure.
Activation of acquired abilities: Adaptive camouflage, keratinous spikes.
Neurological improvement: Optimization of reflexes and control over new abilities.
Warning: Intense pain and temporary alterations in consciousness are to be expected.
Evolution does not forgive. Prepare to abandon what you were to become what you are destined to be.
"Go to hell, jerk!" I hissed as my vision blurred.
---
Secretion of the detachment fluid
When I woke up a few hours later, the first sign of my transformation was a thick, viscous fluid oozing from my scales. It was an enzymatic secretion designed to facilitate the detachment of the old skin. The fluid, slightly phosphorescent, emitted a metallic odor, as if my body were exuding its very essence.
Underneath the old layer of scales, I could feel the new skin forming. It was still tender, vulnerable. Every movement sent a dull pain rippling through my body, as though my own flesh were rebelling against me.
---
The initial fissure
After several hours, the first crack appeared, just behind my head. This is typically where the shedding process begins for a normal snake, and my case was no different.
With a conscious effort, I pressed this spot against a rough stone, rubbing until the skin broke. The tearing sound was almost inaudible, but I felt it resonate deeply within me.
The old skin peeled away slowly, sliding down my neck. In the dim light of the cave, I could see silvery reflections on my new skin.
---
The passage of time
The molt was not a quick process. Hours—or perhaps even days—had passed since it began. Every inch of shedding demanded intense concentration. The enzymes did their job, dissolving the bonds between the old and new skin, but I still had to contort, rub, and pull to speed up the process.
At times, I felt a stabbing pain. My nervous system was likely adjusting to the new configurations. The genes I had absorbed didn't just alter my appearance—they restructured my internal circuits, reshaping my perception of the world.
---
After what felt like an eternity, I finally felt an expansion in my body. My body seemed longer, my weight noticeably greater. My salivary glands, for instance, throbbed with a new sensation. I could feel them swelling and contracting, preparing to produce far more potent paralyzing saliva than before.
My muscular system was also undergoing changes. My muscle fibers seemed to strengthen with every movement, becoming denser and more elastic. It was as though my body were adjusting to support greater power.
But the most fascinating change was my scales. The new skin that had formed wasn't just an aesthetic improvement. On an almost instinctive level, I could tell that these scales were capable of manipulating light in unprecedented ways.
The second most fascinating change was the spikes. Unlike what I had initially hoped, they didn't cover my entire body. Instead, they were clustered on my tail, forming a structure akin to a flail—both oval and cylindrical. In hindsight, it's the most logical arrangement. I'm a slithering creature that constantly contorts; spikes everywhere would be counterproductive.
Finally, there was a brand-new organ. Its purpose was to store finished alchemical products and expel them when needed. Honestly, it was a blessing; relying on the system to do this would've been lame.
---
After what felt like an eternity, I managed to shed my entire old skin. It lay in a corner of the cave, resembling a relic of a former self. I took a moment to contemplate this empty shell—a tangible reminder of everything I had been before this transformation.
I slowly slid into a small pool of water I had spotted earlier, letting the cool liquid soothe my new skin. The sensation was almost euphoric.
---
The moment I moved, I noticed an immediate difference. My new skin reacted instantly to the environment. The pigments in my scales subtly shifted, matching the coloration of the cave walls.
I decided to test my new abilities further. Concentrating, I was able to activate my camouflage more intensely until I became nearly invisible to the naked eye. It wasn't mere concealment—it was as if my body fused with its surroundings.
Testing my paralyzing saliva on a small creature wandering the cave, I found it to be far more effective. Just a few drops were enough to immobilize the poor beast within seconds.
I felt more attuned to this world. Every vibration in the air, every fluctuation of light or temperature seemed amplified. It was as if I had become the perfect predator, tailor-made to survive and thrive in this hostile world.
"Let's not get cocky," I chuckled at the absurd thought. "We've only just completed our first molt and leveled up. Survival is still a necessity."