Primary Gene Potion

Devin took charge of reconnaissance, using his cloak and the game system to inform Alex once the beast had consumed the berries.

Without wasting any time, as soon as the beast followed its routine and devoured the berries, Alex and Muriel rushed in carrying a thick tree trunk, with Devin joining them. The trio unleashed their full strength, using the tree trunk to ram the beast with all their might. However, the thick body of the beast resisted the impact, causing the wood to shatter and only pushing the creature a mere meter away from the fruit. Frustratingly, their attack failed to inflict any damage on the beast, only serving to provoke its anger.

Undeterred, the trio continued their assault, unleashing their most powerful attacks. However, the beast, in pain yet possessing thick defensive skin, retaliated with a wind slash. Devin, relying on his exceptional agility, evaded the attack and swiftly ran towards the beast, utilizing his sword style emptiness to strike at vital points. Simultaneously, Alex skillfully shot arrows that struck their mark with precision, exploiting the beast's weaknesses. Meanwhile, Muriel conjured a swirling gust of wind, creating a tempest that clashed against the beast, intensifying the assault. The combined effort managed to inflict an injury on the beast, prompting a furious response.

The beast unleashed a roar infused with spiritual power, catching the trio off guard. They were unprepared for the beast's use of spiritual attacks. Disoriented, they began bleeding from their mouths, having sustained internal injuries. Sensing their vulnerability, the beast capitalized on this opening, attacking them with a wind slash. Devin, instinctively activating his Origin absolute domain, absorbed the brunt of the attack. However, his domain collapsed shortly after due to Devin's weakened state.

Reacting quickly, Devin drank a soothing potion to calm his restless spiritual sea, providing some relief from the onslaught.

As the beast remained in a weakened state, it focused on defending itself against the trio's attacks, sneaking in occasional counterattacks. However, the beast didn't give the trio a chance to breathe as it launched another spiritual attack. This time, the trio was prepared. Devin reinforced his domain with spiritual power, while Alex used his spiritual power to create a shield around himself. Muriel did the same, and together they were able to successfully defend against the beast's spiritual attack.

Realizing that they needed more firepower to overcome the beast's defenses, Muriel suggested using a level three scroll that contained the attack power of an Earth Initiate, with the condition that the beast doesn't evade. The trio agreed on a plan to attack the beast with full force, feigning a straightforward assault while actually disorienting it with their spiritual attacks, allowing Muriel to unleash the power of the scroll.

They executed their plan flawlessly. Devin utilized the devastating Origin Annihilation, while Alex continued to release arrows to target vital points. Muriel's spear struck the beast precisely, catching it off guard as it attempted to evade. They coordinated their spiritual attacks, with Devin launching tiny needles that targeted the beast's core, Alex deploying spiritual arrows with precision to hit the head, and Muriel unleashing his own potent spiritual attack. Everyone felt the sword intent from the skill stored in the skill as it struck the beast fatally.

The beast bellowed in agony, its thick skin now pierced, bleeding profusely as it lay on the ground.

Staring at the trio with pure hatred, the beast recognized that it owed its downfall to them. If it hadn't been for these three formidable opponents, its bloodline might have undergone significant changes. In one final act of resentment, the beast let out a roaring cry before closing its eyes, succumbing to its wounds.

The trio lay exhausted on the ground, realizing the true strength of the formidable level 50 beast they had just defeated. Catching their breath, they collected themselves.

A system prompt sounded, indicating their victory: [Players have defeated and killed a Spirit Fang Beast undergoing evolution. Hereby awarded 1000 Exp and the Wind Slash skill."]

Devin, having consumed a healing potion earlier, quickly stood up and walked towards the fallen beast. He carefully took the beast's core and stored its body. Being a level 50 monster, it held valuable treasures.

Another system prompt followed, congratulating Devin on reaching level 22: [Congratulations to player Devin for leveling up to level 22]

Before entering the forest and facing high-level beasts, Devin had needed only 2000 more exp to level up. Each small gain in the forest had contributed to his progress.

Devin checked his player status:

Name: Devin James

Title: Sun Haven Island Owner, Hero Of Serene City

Class: Unallocated

Level: 22

Race: Human

Exp: 70000/80000

Reputation: 130

Merits: 50

Skills:

- Appraisal skill (advanced)

- Origin Sutra

- Art of Medicine (Junior Apprentice Pharmacist)

Items:

- Pharmacopeia

- Storage Ring

- Eyes of Indra

- Origin full body suit, including cloak

- Origin katana (weapon)

- 10 Faerie Plums

- 10 Luminary Citrus

- 10 Emerald Fern Stones

- 50 Iron Ore

- 50 Copper Ore

- 20 Steel Ore

- 10 Silver Light Blossom Herbs

- 10 Moonstone Moss Herbs

- 5 Everflame Ruby and Moondust Opal

- Eyes of Hyde, Pelt of Hyde, Hyde's Dark Core

- Treasure Map

Devin decided to give the beast's core to Muriel, recognizing his significant contribution with the scroll. Such high-level scrolls were expensive, and Muriel deserved to have the core. Devin couldn't give him the skill book, as they didn't know their affinities yet and explaining it would be difficult. He and Alex would keep their skills for now.

Devin wasted no time as he harvested all the berries, keeping some for seeds. He then walked towards the pool and used Identification to learn more about the spiritual water. The identification revealed that the water had restorative properties, capable of repairing the body and nourishing the spiritual sea when soaked in or consumed frequently.

Devin's eyes lit up with joy. This discovery was a valuable find. He quickly brought out bottles to collect and store the spiritual liquid.

Drinking the spiritual liquid from the pool, Devin entered a state of meditation, using origin weave to temper his spiritual power. The liquid had a soothing effect, stabilizing his spirit. Devin was eager to use the spiritual liquid not only in the game but also in real life.

Taking a deep breath, Devin retrieved the ingredients he needed: moonstone moss, blue moon grass from the auction fair, and the berries for extracting their essence. This new formula was different from those he had used in his previous life. Recognizing the berries' potential for aiding evolution, he believed that the blue moon grass could balance their toxicity with its gentle energy, while the moonstone moss would assist with repair.

Devin went through the extraction process slowly and cautiously, ensuring not to waste anything. Control and precision were crucial at this level. The energy contained in the primary gene potion was akin to a third-level potion. While Devin was below level 30, limiting his ability to make a third level potion, he relied on his spiritual power to compensate.

Thanks to Origin Weave, the extraction process reached maximum efficiency. Devin then brought out his cauldron and controlled the fire beneath it. He added the extracted ingredients one by one, reserving the berries extract for last. Placing a lid on the cauldron, he prevented the essence from escaping as he continued to pour his spiritual power into it. However, Devin soon realized that he had underestimated the energy required for a third-grade potion. His spiritual power began to deplete rapidly, and he felt his strength waning.

Observing Devin's pale face, Alex quickly poured the bottle of spiritual liquid into his mouth. Realizing he couldn't afford to stop pouring his spiritual power into the potion, Devin continued, grateful for Alex's quick thinking. He swallowed the spiritual liquid, replenishing his dwindling spiritual power. As the potion neared completion, Devin saw the liquid turn a rich, vibrant green, indicating its potency. Acting swiftly, he controlled the fire and ceased pouring his spiritual power.

"That was close," Devin remarked, relief evident in his voice. "I nearly messed up with the high-energy demands of the third-grade potion."

[Congratulations to player Devin for making his first third grade potion. 500 Exp gained]

"How is it?" asked Alex, curious about the potion's effects.

"It's a high-grade potion with high purity," Devin replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He knew it was the best he could create at his current level until he reached true level 30. The level and experience points played a crucial role in leveling up quickly but also served as a restriction.

After searching the entire cave, except for the pool and the shrub, Muriel reported that there was nothing valuable to be found.

Devin handed a high-level primary gene potion to Muriel. "This is for you. I suggest you take it first and then soak in the pool later. It's best to find a good source of water, there might be stubborn impurities, drug poisons stored in the body excreted from the body."

Muriel nodded in understanding. Devin and Alex found themselves in a dilemma. It would be best to log out to consume the potion, but with Muriel accompanying them, they needed to find an excuse to log out temporarily before logging back in to soak in the pool. It was a bit stressful, but necessary for their progress.

"We should find a safe spot to log out and take the potion," Devin suggested. "Then, once we log back in, we can proceed to the pool." Devin sent a message to Alex.

The trio searched the area looking for a source of water to wash their body after consuming the primary gene potion.

They found a stream not too far from the beast territory, it must be the place where it drinks water.

"Let's not all take the potion at once, let's go one by one so we can keep watch in case there's an attack" suggested Devin.

Muriel thought it made sense so he agreed as he went first as the other two kept watch for him.