Ch.103Chimera – Epilogue (3)

First, my hand reached for the gene of the Chimera leader.

It would have been great if I could have acquired another gene through consumption like a basilisk, but since there was no time to eat the Chimera’s flesh, I regrettably had to choose just one from the three options instead of multiple selections.

And these choices were….

‘….Hmm.’

Indeed, they were all somewhat underwhelming for something that came from such a powerful Chimera.

[This is the shouting throat.

It is the power to roar and cry out.

If you choose this, you shall manifest as a verbal command that imbues ‘power’ into sound and vibrations of air.]

The first thing that came to mind was “Amplified Vocal Cords,” which despite its name suggesting a physical organ, is actually closer to a special ability.

As the description states, the ability allows one to imbue ‘power’ into sounds produced through the vocal cords….

To explain it in the simplest terms, this ability is essentially similar to a lion’s roar.

Originally, most living beings, including myself, can amplify their voice by channeling aura or magical power, but this ability takes it a step further by manifesting that aura or magic as actual destructive or mystical force.

Unfortunately, since it focuses on ‘sound’ rather than ‘language,’ it can’t be used in the form of verbal commands, but nevertheless, I personally rate this ability’s potential quite highly.

First, emitting shockwaves using sound is more convenient as an area attack than the petrifying magical eye, and furthermore, I might even be able to produce some psychological effects similar to that goat-headed creature.

Additionally, considering the nature of sound itself, it can’t be easily defended against with armor, making it potentially the best option for a warrior with limited options.

[This is a heteromorphic body.

It is soil where flesh not originally one’s own can be planted into the prototype.

Your body shall be transformed into soil where roots can take hold, and the mineral-rich flesh shall soon establish itself as a solid foundation.]

The second gene, on the other hand, is the most bizarre ability I’ve encountered so far—a constitution type called “Composite Organs.”

Simply put, it manipulates my body’s structure to allow other creatures’ organs to take root within me, essentially turning me into the subject of ancient magical techniques used to create magical chimeras.

Choosing this wouldn’t cause major immediate changes, but afterward, there would likely be significant alterations to my “constitution” type genes.

This is because this constitution essentially transforms me into a chimera.

Unlike before, there’s a real possibility that organs corresponding to acquired genes would physically manifest in my body.

No, if I acquire this, that possibility becomes quite high.

Of course, purely in terms of functionality, it would likely bring the greatest combat effectiveness….

‘….Hmm.’

Honestly, having this gene would probably make normal social life impossible.

Besides, would the various bodily organs that sprout through this gene even grow according to my intentions?

The original chimeras were masterpieces created after killing thousands of animals and through meticulous calibration.

In extreme cases, there’s no guarantee I wouldn’t end up with an orc’s head sprouting or eyeballs growing on my tongue.

‘….This won’t do.’

Having abandoned this option much faster than expected, I focused my attention on the final remaining gene.

[This is the power to resist flames.

It prevents heat and blisters on the skin.

With this power, you shall not be wounded by flames unless they are of extreme heat.]

The genuinely practical constitution-type gene, “Flame Resistance.”

Honestly, if this were a limited spiritual slot system, I might have passed on this gene, but with no such limitations, resistance to flames is quite an attractive option.

Most flame-based abilities feature high firepower and are effective against most living beings, making flame one of the major elemental attack magics.

In other words, it’s an ability that can’t hurt to have.

‘….Hmm.’

With my choices narrowed down to “Amplified Vocal Cords” and “Flame Resistance,” after brief deliberation, I ultimately chose the irreplaceable “Amplified Vocal Cords.”

Since flame protection could be substituted through other means at this point, the best choice seemed to be selecting an ability that couldn’t be replaced by other methods.

And with that first decision made…

‘….This is malicious.’

“Maggot Farm” where maggots grow inside flesh. “Fly Swarm Transformation” that allows converting the body into flies. And even “Predator-Specialized Body” that enhances the taste of body parts.

Each one seemed to flaunt its malice so blatantly that I looked at the shattered fruit with contempt before turning my attention to the other composite gene….

‘This might actually be better than the Chimera genes?’

The options from these marksmen were each so enticing that I genuinely thought so.

[This is the power to accurately target what you aim for.

It is the innate quality to shoot and hit.

With this, you shall gain the quality to build fame as a marksman who never misses.]

The most eye-catching gene is a talent called “Perfect Accuracy,” which, as the name suggests, greatly increases hit rates with ranged weapons.

Looking back, there were bullets that specifically targeted me, so I suspect the original owner of this gene might have been the one who fired them.

Anyway, this ability might seem useless to someone like me who doesn’t primarily use ranged weapons, but that’s not actually the case.

When we talk about ranged weapons, it’s easy to overlook that thrown weapons also count as “ranged weapons,” and I also have that magic pistol looted from that fake inquisitor.

Moreover, considering how often the “Bar Brawler” talent gene has helped me in several battles so far, it would be strange if this ability didn’t prove useful.

[This is rapid reloading.

It is the power applicable to experience and firearms that shoot with gunpowder.]

The second option, with the shortest description I’ve seen for any gene, is an experience-type gene called “Rapid Reloading.”

It’s a specialized skill of experienced marksmen for quickly reloading gunpowder weapons.

I suspect this might have been the core gene that bound together the soldiers I defeated, but aside from that, I don’t feel particularly inclined to choose it.

If I were a gunman, I would have enthusiastically selected this without hesitation, but honestly, as someone who doesn’t use firearms, I don’t see much merit in it.

The decisive reason for my thinking this way is probably the third gene.

[These are keen eyes.

They are the gaze that easily identifies the enemy’s vulnerabilities.

It is the power to accurately identify the vital points to target and kill.]

This gene, named “Vital Spot Detection,” is technically a talent-type gene, and its effect is exactly as described—making it easier to identify an enemy’s vital points or weaknesses.

The decisive reason I was drawn to this immediately is that it has no special conditions attached, and when combined with other genes, it has a high probability of demonstrating exceptional performance.

Objectively speaking, just being able to more easily notice an opponent’s vital points isn’t particularly powerful on its own, but I already possess the highest-tier sensory gene “Hyper Intuition.”

Considering how acquiring both “Ogre’s Brute Strength” and “Troll’s Brute Strength” elevated my strength to an incredibly high level, the benefits of gene combinations can be quite powerful.

‘Yep.’

After very brief deliberation, I was able to make a quick decision, and as I was about to leave this space after satisfyingly viewing my choice….

‘….Wait a minute.’

Suddenly, I felt something strange being transmitted to my body, causing me to feel a sense of discomfort for the first time.

Something’s different. Something’s wrong. There’s definitely an issue with how the gene is functioning.

‘….What is this?’

Everything I killed in this battle must have been born from gene fruits, yet this sensation of residue being absorbed into my body…. what could it possibly be?

I frowned briefly at this unknown source, but regardless, my consciousness had already begun to leave the space—

In the space where everything had disappeared, one shimmering gene was carefully changing its form.