As soon as the crowd heard about the Death Gaze, everyone felt excited, tempted to go down and challenge Rufus imdiately!
Death Gaze was infamous... It was a Gene Skill that could paralyze or kill with a single look. Well, it was not useful against the A.I. Army, but against mutants or humans you couldn’t reason with, it was a perfect skill.
Kai and the other two just listened to the conversation of the crowd, and they already learned what kind of Gene Skill it was.
Needless to say, they were also tempted.
However, as the announcer’s loud voice echoed across the arena, three figures stepped forward from the crowd.
Each of them looked determined with their eyes fixed on Rufus.
The announcer raised his hand, acknowledging them.
"Ah, brave challengers! Three survivors willing to test their strength against Rufus!" The crowd erupted in cheers...
But then the announcer’s tone shifted, and he sounded more formal this ti.
"Though you have declared your intent, the duel will not happen today. You must first register and pay the challenge fee. Tomorrow, you will face Rufus in the arena. Should Rufus fall before your turn, your fee will be refunded in full."
The three nodded, stepping aside to et with officials at the registration booth.
anwhile, Rufus, drenched in sweat and visibly exhausted, finally lowered his sword. He gave the crowd one last glance before leaving the arena...
"Looks like that’s it for today, huh..." Kai muttered.
Alfie shrugged. "Not bad. At least we saw Rufus fight. Tomorrow will be even crazier."
But just as they turned to leave, the announcer’s voice thundered once more, stopping them in their tracks.
"Attention! Attention! For all survivors Level 39 and below... today you too can fight! Registration is open now for only ten C‑Grade Energy Cores!"
The crowd stirred as they knew that this announcent wasn’t done yet.
The announcer grinned, and as expected, he continued. "The reward may not be as legendary as Death Gaze, but it is still precious! Today’s prize is a Life Pill... granting permanent vitality, a boost to your health points!"
The crowd was impressed once again.
Kai gently nodded...
’A Life Pill... permanent vitality. That’s no ordinary prize. Even if it’s not Death Gaze, it’s still worth fighting for.
Farrah’s lips parted slightly. "Permanent vitality boost? That’s... incredible. Survivors would kill for that."
As expected, many people decided to register...
Well, the Life Pill was tempting... permanent vitality was no small prize. For a mont, all three considered stepping forward.
But then the first batch of registrants appeared.
The crowd parted as several survivors walked toward the booth.
Their appearances were unsettling... There were mutations and augntations that made them look less human and more monstrous. One had four eyes that glowed faintly, and another had three eyes stacked vertically across his forehead. A third had a tail swaying behind him, while yet another had an extra arm protruding from his side.
So even had huge mouths to the point that they could probably eat a whole coconut nut.
Farrah’s face paled. "They look... terrifying."
Kai listened to the whispers around them.
"Cancer Faction rejects," soone muttered.
"Or maybe remnants of their experints."
Kai was shocked.
’So even the Cancer Faction’s failures find their way here. And they’re desperate enough to fight for scraps.’
The next group stepped forward, and this ti they weren’t mutants... they were augnted. Survivors from Taurus and other factions, their bodies enhanced with chanical parts. One had a gleaming chanical arm, another’s eye shifted from normal to a glowing lens, scanning the arena. A third had a chanical foot that clanked against the stone as he walked.
Alfie whistled low. "These aren’t ordinary fighters."
Kai helplessly smiled as he saw the group. He had been tempted a while ago, but seeing these opponents made him reconsider.
’Even if we joined, the risk is too high. These people aren’t just normal survivors... they’re living weapons.’
Farrah also shook her head firmly.
"Nope... Let’s not. We’ll gain more by selling in your store, Kai. We don’t need to throw ourselves into this madness."
Kai laughed at this since she was right.
"Agreed. Those rewards aren’t for us..."
Though they had felt confident earlier because of their Gene Skills and various enhancents, they realized after seeing those mutated humans that they were still not at that level.
They weren’t survivors willing to abandon their humanity just yet, unlike these newly arrived people.
They couldn’t imagine wishing for multiple eyes or limbs like them.
Alfie also sighed...
"Fine. I’ll admit, I wanted to test myself... but you’re right. This isn’t the ti."
Just like that, the three stepped back, watching as more registrants lined up.
However, unbeknownst to Kai, the group of people who had multiple eyes and limbs had been observing their group.
"Is that the group that Humphrey ntioned?" One of the three-eyed won asked.
"Mhmm... That’s right. They took shelter in the Aries Faction, so we can’t touch them yet."
"Got it... They dared to offend Sir Humphrey. We have to make them pay."
***
The next morning, Hassan, a guard stationed at Caron City’s western gate, began his usual run through the district. His routine rarely changed, but today sothing caught his eye...
A new shop had appeared along the street... a place that hadn’t been there before.
He slowed his pace, curious.
"Wasn’t this a weapons shop before?" he muttered to himself.
Drawn by curiosity, Hassan approached.
The sign above the door read... Kai’s Survival Store.
Inside, his eyes widened.
The shelves were stocked with items that were notoriously hard to co by.
One shelf displayed Gene Stimulants and Spirit‑Boosting Potions... Then, a large cabinet nearby held compact grappling launchers, neatly arranged and ready for use!
Another shelf showcased communication radios and walkie‑talkies, alongside sets of survival clothing including vests and cargo pants designed for durability...
Hassan’s gaze shifted again, and he nearly stopped in his tracks. They were actually selling a portable drone scout!.
As he walked deeper into the shop, he realized there was far more here than he had expected!
"W-what is this store?!"
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