Maybe I am not a Genius

While I was waiting to get into a decent mindset, I decided to try to look up some news. The government has been quiet in recent weeks so I shouldn't expect too much on their side. It seems as if they were already somewhat prepared for this type of situation. Thinking of the higher tier citizens and essential workers who were called into what are now being labeled as strongholds, one face keeps coming to mind.

The main headline was that all unauthorized personnel were banned from entering any stronghold for any reason until further notice. Grandma is more than likely in the Phoenix one. I need to survive until they open up. Most social media apps have been temporarily shut down more than likely due to the sheer amount of activity currently.

Most of what I saw were notices to get somewhere safe, and best of luck. Encouraging. Then I decided to go through a couple of books on how to properly dissect and store bodies. Luckily I took hold of a pizzeria so I got a free freezer.

After preparing my workspace and eating, I decided to begin. It was a pretty swift process. The cores seemed to all encompass where the heart would normally be. So it was pretty straightforward. Though the inner makeup of their bodies varied greatly from the photos of how a normal dog should look.

They possessed special glands in different areas of their bodies. These are more than likely what gave them such special properties.

Core Detected. Absorb?

No absorption skill detected.

Reward randomized.

Heat resistance I

Heat resistance II

Heat resistance III

Minor Flame Manipulation I

Heat resistance III

Heat resistance IV

Heat resistance IV

Heat resistance V

Oooooooooo, that feels good. Each time I developed heat resistance a comfortable warmth spread through my body. Then I could feel a lingering sensation in my chest. It feels as if someone lit a candle in my chest. Oh, what a pleasant feeling.

Let's not get addicted so early. Time to assess the situation. Apparently it is possible to have an absorption skill. I need to find how to learn it. If I do it might be possible to choose what can be absorbed. What all can be absorbed? So far it seems only to have special traits. We need to experiment more in that department.

Heat resistance seems to be a passive ability like my main ability, since I can't find a way to manipulate it. How to manipulate fire? I tried to manipulate the fire in the pizza oven but I got no response. Maybe I can manipulate the heat in my chest, but how? Wait, there is one more pup. The injured one.

My eyes land on the sleeping doggo with a near devilish grin spreading across my face. But first we have to clean up. In order to keep appearances I quickly sew up each dog and dispose of their bodies in the fire. It takes forever. I completely forgot about their heat resistance.

Though this was a good chance to take notes on how the heat resistance works. From how it looks, it is indeed a passive ability. At what point does the heat outpace the doggos. Too hot. The whole store is suffering at this point. Though I seem to be managing well. Although it is at a point where it is painful even for me.

After there is nothing but ashes left, I shovel the pile into bags and dispose of them. Then I once again turn my attention to the remaining dog. I don't want to end him I promise. If I can turn him into a pet that would be best.

He seems to be waking up. As I approach the flames erupt sound the dog's entire body. It seems as if the dogs are more adept at controlling the flames. It looks like a natural process. Maybe it isn't just pets. What if all beings who were given those types of abilities are able to use them to such a degree.

At this point his glare was less menacing and seemed to portray more anguish than anything else. I roll a few logs of sausages in front of his snout and wait for him to dig in. He remains defensive more than likely because he is injured. Even still I approach. This was the dog I used 2 shots on. I aimed to incapacitate his legs.

From the looks of it the bullets went in and out of the front legs and became lodged in its hind legs. Oh wow, my accuracy is insane.

After analyzing the wounds, I noticed that the flames seem to heal the bullet holes quite a bit, but he seems exhausted. I doubt he will be able to make a full recovery on his own. I would try my warmth but I don't know if it will work and I still need to get the bullets out.

It's still worth a try. I prepare another workspace and begin to resterilize my utensils. While waiting for them to sterilize I began to wonder what the governments could be up to. Are they doing similar experiments? How big is the scale? Are they doing it on humans too? Should I?

Eh, nevermind let's leave that there. I am not that far gone. Well, maybe if they are already dead. No, no. Stop it. Focus. How to manipulate the fire? Is it a muscle? Is it spiritual?

I start trying to connect with it on a mental level. I can't tell if it responded. I then move on to the physical by trying to contract each of the muscles in the area. If I can move it like a muscle I should be able to get it to a point where I can move it with thought. Maybe I need higher levels.

Hahaha. I got it. Ok, how to get it outside of my body? I begin trying to drag it to my hand.

Aaaaaah, crap. Ok I can't just move it willy nilly. It burns. **** it burns. Ok, let's find a path. If I had to explain the feeling, it feels as if I am trying to drag a file across a webpage but if it touches the wrong area the reaction it gives is like what happens when touching the body in operation, but inside me.

An hour later with sweat pouring down my face a tiny black flame appears at the tip of my finger.

Hahaha, I got it. I frigging got it. I am a genius. Oh why does this take so much effort and concentration. The path I used to get it out of me seems to be developing itself like a muscle. If I do it enough times hopeful it will get faster and faster because right now this is completely impractical. Wait, don't I still have KP left. Oh, I am an idiot.

Well at least I still have some left. Maybe I should save it for the higher levels so that way I can be more adept with the foundational movements. Damn, that hurt so much.

Maybe I am not a genius.