The imposing Silent Shadow

After buying and donning the formal suit whose price I chose to ignore, I went down to the grand hall of the mansion to await my upcoming guests.

(I wonder what time they'll arrive...), I thought, sitting on a ridiculously large and luxurious sofa.

"Although I have to say, I still don't look very imposing..." I said to myself out loud.

Despite wearing this absurdly expensive suit (by my standards), I didn't look very menacing when I saw myself in the mirror.

Even when I adjusted the suit the way movie villains do, I didn't look imposing.

(In fact, I look like a drunk or a sloppy guy).

It's pretty obvious I'm missing something... especially on my face.

"This long hair doesn't help much either," I exclaimed while examining my long mane, a result of that metamorphosis, which reached down to my back.

(Although this hair feels quite nice to the touch, as if I had used a lot of hair care products).

Unfortunately, it doesn't help much for what I want.

(Maybe there's something in the Muta-gen aesthetic gacha).

[Banner launch! "Fashion of the New Conquerors," use tower credits to get a spin in the resource acquisition system and have a chance to win:

Aesthetic Muta-gen 'Elf Ears' (C)

Aesthetic Muta-gen 'Demon Horns' (B)

Aesthetic Muta-gen 'Rainbow Hair' (F)

Random Aesthetic Muta-gen (rarity 'F-' to 'B+')

1 spin: 1 credit 10 spins: 10 credits]

[During the "Fashion of the New Conquerors" banner, the base probability of obtaining the promotional aesthetic muta-gens is 0.0001%, with a promotional muta-gen guaranteed at 90 spins.]

(Amazingly, they do have guarantees here), I thought, astonished.

They probably don't have much impact in gameplay; besides, the muta-gens in this banner aren't anything special.

(There's the demon horns, but honestly, they're not to my taste).

I don't want to change my appearance too much beyond what I can do in real life.

"Well, let's see what I get."

-10-spin

The same tower I saw when I claimed the 'S' muta-gen appeared, but this time, the tower didn't light up in any colors other than white.

[You have obtained:

Muta-gen enhancement material x5 Blood extractor x3

Muta-gen refiner x2]

(Hmmm...)

[Muta-gen material (F): Material needed to craft muta-gens.]

[Blood extractor: Used to extract and store an individual's blood easily and safely.]

[Muta-gen Refiner (E+): Increases the stability of a muta-gen and has a small chance to enhance it.]

(I don't think I'll use these so early), I thought.

It's pretty obvious that the current meta of this game revolves around firearms; after all, it's a technology most Earthlings are familiar with.

In contrast, muta-gens are a relatively unexplored field and probably won't develop as quickly.

"I'll finish this quickly; those people should be arriving soon..."

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

-10 spins

[You have obtained...]

(I should get something good here...)

This time, the tower lit up in a purple color...

-10 spins

[You have obtained:

Muta-gen enhancement material x9

Mutagen eliminator

Demon Horns 'B']

[Congratulations on obtaining the aesthetic mutagen: 'Demon Horns' (B)!

Demon Horns (B): Spread terror with these fabulous demon horns, which are as hard as your own bones.

Special effect: Resurrection! The horns can regrow once broken.

Side effect: May cause temporary discomfort as they are new bones.

*Note: The hardness of the horns and the regrowth time depend on the user's stats.]

(Looks like I got the horns, huh...), I reflected as I previewed the horns.

"Dark-colored goat horns... I don't look imposing."

I closely examined my appearance and didn't look very imposing or powerful.

(I'll save them for later...), I thought as I stored the horns and continued with my spins.

-90 spins

This time, I didn't bother watching the cinematic and went straight to the results.

[You have obtained:

Mutagen enhancement material x7

Mutagen Refiner (B+) x1

Luminescent Dye (white) (F)

Eyes of the Tyrant Demon (B+)]

(Oh? Some eyes?), I thought, my interest piqued at this result.

[Congratulations on obtaining the aesthetic muta-gen: Eyes of the Tyrant Demon (B+)!

Eyes of the Tyrant Demon (B+): Intimidate your enemies with just a glance with these fabulous demon eyes, which come with two special effects!

Special Effect 'Tyrant's Gaze': This muta-gen is compatible with other muta-gens that grant special visions (Thermal Vision, X-Ray Vision, Temporal Vision), applying a beautiful crimson color when used.

Special Effect 'Fascination': Has a small chance to bring out the dark thoughts of individuals who are looked at.

Side Effect: Your vision might change slightly.

Side Effect: The color of your eyes may change (Depends on the individual's species).

*Note: This muta-gen adds new functionalities to your organism. If adaptation fails or is incomplete, it could severely injure the corresponding organ.]

(Wow! Now that's a muta-gen...), I was impressed not only with its effects but also with its appearance.

These pupils glow with a supernatural black light and, unlike human pupils, which are round, these had a slightly elongated vertical shape, different from reptilian pupils.

(That shape gives them an intimidating and mysterious look... I like it!)

Needless to say, the preview had me smitten.

"Let's do this," I said and immediately claimed the muta-gen from my inventory.

It was a syringe similar to the one I used for the S-rank muta-gen, but a bit smaller.

*Click

Without any hesitation, I injected the muta-gen into my body.

[Mother Muta-gen (Adaptive) (EX) has detected a new muta-gen in the body. Attempting to adapt... 0%]

*Itch!

The moment that message appeared, a slight itch began in my eyes.

[50%]

(It's annoying, but bearable), I thought as the itching in my eyes gradually increased, forcing me to close my eyes and even cover them with my hands.

[90%]

*Itch!!

"Damn, this is really annoying," I exclaimed as the itch turned into a burning sensation.

[99%]

"Almost there!"

[100%]

[Mother Muta-gen (EX) has successfully adapted "Eyes of the Tyrant Demon (B+)" to your organism. Success rate: 100%, no genetic errors detected.]

When that message appeared, the burning in my eyes vanished as if it had never existed.

"Let's see, the mirror..." I got up from the sofa and looked at myself in the nearest mirror.

My pupils, previously round like any normal human's, had changed to a slightly elongated shape with a strange yet intimidating look. Even the color of my eyes had changed to a dark crimson, a stark contrast to my brown eyes.

(Impressive, now I do look like a powerful villain...), I thought, very satisfied as I admired my imposing pupils.

The best part is they resemble fantasy contact lenses, like the ones cosplayers use, so technically I could have something similar in real life.

(Now that I think about it, didn't I get a hair dye too?), I recalled, thinking about the cosplayers.

[Luminescent Dye (white) (F): With this muta-gen, some parts of your hair will change color to a luminous white, which will glow spectacularly even in the darkness.]

(Seems like a nice complement to my current look), I reflected.

Since I've made changes to my eyes, why not my hair too?

*Click

[Mother Muta-gen (Adaptive) (EX) has detected a new muta-gen in the body. Attempting to adapt... 0%]

I didn't feel any particular change in my body, honestly.

[99%]

In an instant, the counter flew to 99%, and I could notice some parts of my hair changing color.

[Mother Mutagen (EX): has successfully adapted "Luminescent Dye (white) (F)" to your organism. Success rate: 100%, no genetic errors detected.]

(Already? That was fast), I thought as I looked at myself in the mirror.

While most of my hair remained dark, I noticed some strands of white that curiously seemed to glow.

(It's like my hair has RGB lights, haha.)

Although I'm not a big fan of long hair, I have to admit it looked pretty cool with this style.

[You have a private message!

Sender: Luke - Species: Human - Race: Earthling]

[Luke:

Luke: "Hey, buddy, we're all gathered at the entrance."

Silent Shadow (You): "Got it."]

(Looks like they finally arrived.)

Alright, everything's set: appearance, everything looks organized... there's always some drinks at these gatherings, right?

[Super tasty exclusive wine...]

(I don't want to see the price.)

Regardless of the price, I bought it.

[A group of individuals is requesting permission to enter your property:

Highest individual's assessment: F

Number of individuals: 5

Do you want to grant permission?]

"Accept"

--

-After a few minutes.

*Knock, *knock.

Finally, they were at my door.

(Alright, you know, imposing yet elegant...), I said to myself before opening.

*Opening the door.

"Welcome to my humble abode," I said with a smooth voice and a wicked smile.

And what my eyes beheld was...

A group of five people, three men (including Luke) and two women, all in attire from the store.

(That woman... she's wearing that evening gown), I thought amazed, but I didn't let the amazement show on my face.

Even the other woman had on a doctor's coat...

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Curiously, my attempt to appear imposing worked, as no one moved and they all looked at me in astonishment.

-A bad boy, huh... let's see how bad you are...

(Huh?)

In that instant, I thought I heard a female voice in my head...