Unexpected Treasures

"I hope something valuable can be found," Riku muttered as he placed his hand on the bronze treasure chest with a glimmer of hope.

In an instant, the bronze treasure chest swung open, revealing a warm bronze light.

[Ding] [Congratulations to the host for unlocking the bronze treasure chest and acquiring the primary genetic enhancement] [Ding, the primary genetic enhancement is valued at 500 exchange points, would you like to recycle it?]

"A primary genetic enhancement, not bad," Riku sighed with relief and spoke his gratitude to the system. "No need to recycle it, of course."

Only a fool would dispose of something so valuable, especially when it could greatly benefit him. Following the instructions, Riku inserted the sharp syringe into his heart and administered the liquid.

Despite the excruciating pain, Riku clenched his teeth and injected the genetic liquid without a word. The liquid spread through his body as his heart raced, causing his face to turn an unusual shade of red.

After enduring over ten minutes of agony, the pain finally subsided.

"Knh!" Riku tested his newfound strength by crushing the rock in his hand into fragments, an impressive feat by Earth standards. However, he knew that such strength was still inadequate in this world. Any demon or monster could easily overpower him.

For now, combat ability was secondary to Riku. His improved physical condition and enhanced use of Shambhala were sufficient for his immediate needs.

"Roar—!" Suddenly, a menacing roar echoed from below, jolting Riku. He quickly peered down the hillside and spotted a four-meter-tall green monster with bulging muscles and sharp teeth, menacingly approaching a horse tethered nearby.

Terrified, the horse strained against its restraints, letting out panicked whinnies.

"I can't afford to lose my mount," Riku thought urgently. While this might be one of the weakest demons, he was in no condition to confront it. Losing his horse would be disastrous as traveling on foot would consume an unimaginable amount of energy.

"I hope there aren't other demon species nearby," Riku muttered, narrowing his golden eyes. He approached a round boulder and, with all his might, sent it rolling down the slope toward the approaching demon.

"Rumble—!" The boulder cascaded down the hillside, causing a considerable commotion. With tremendous kinetic energy, it struck the demon squarely in the head, sending it flying. Cyan blood splattered on the ground as it breathed its last.

"Phew, luckily everything went as planned," Riku sighed in relief. Even though he had calculated the scenario in his mind, unexpected incidents were not uncommon. Fortunately, nothing had gone awry, saving Riku from having to resort to Shambhala to move to the horse, transfer again, and find another path.

Riku then approached the horse to soothe its agitated state before turning his attention to the fallen demon.

[Ding, demon species carcass located, can be recycled for 100 exchange points] The system's voice chimed in, bringing a smile to Riku's face. He had discovered that not only weapons, clothing, and horses were recyclable, but even demon carcasses could be repurposed. It was an expected development.

"Recycle," Riku declared nonchalantly.

In an instant, the demon's remains vanished without a trace, leaving only the bloodstains on the ground as evidence of its existence.

"It's time to move on," Riku declared as he gazed at the bloodstains. Shaking his head, he mounted his horse and continued toward his destination—the wreckage of the Dwarf warship and the nearest silver treasure chest.

Shortly after Riku's departure, several more demon species appeared at the bloodstained site, bellowing mournfully. Despite their low intelligence, they understood that one of their kin had met its end.

A week later, Riku stumbled upon two more bronze treasure chests. However, the contents of one of these chests left him somewhat speechless.

As he opened it, he discovered a box of high-quality chewing gum...

The other chest contained something more useful—a set of Orga Lux armed equipment known as "Hermes Flying Shoes" from "Gakusen Toshi Asterisk." These shoes greatly increased his movement speed and allowed him to traverse the skies. However, they consumed physical stamina, much like the Teigu, as they harnessed the unique energy of "Gakusen Toshi Asterisk."

Riku was quite pleased with this piece of equipment. Improved speed could be a lifesaver, not to mention the ability to fly.

As for the Orga Lux, they possessed their own consciousness, requiring the user to pay a price to access their abilities. However, the system had already erased this particular requirement, which pleased Riku. He had no desire for unruly or disobedient weapons; they were less than worthless in his eyes.