46. The Loadout_Monster Breeder

46. The Loadout

 After considering all my options, I have to go with finding Gale. She’s my best ticket home. Bruke and the Wolf Lord guard the pass between Chatan Forest and the Eastern Desert. The Kraken’s territory abuts the cliffs to the west. And who knows how long it’ll take to work my way through the forest directly.

 Flying is how I got here. Flying is how I’ll get home.

 As for taking a shortcut…

 *Avian Marks – One*

 Harpy Sight 

 Harpy Wings

 Harpy Tailfeathers

 Harpy Talons

 Harpy Lightweight 

 Harpy Air Magic

 * Selected Harpy Sight!*

 I select Sight and keep Lightweight. If my understanding is correct, an average Harpy possesses all six of these abilities. I’d ce a wager that safe, efficient flight requires at least three, if not five, or all six of those marks.

 Lightweight to reduce their weight.

 Wings to create lift and propel them.

 Tailfeathers for steering.

 Sight to see where they’re going tond.

 Talons to stick thending.

 Air Magic for additional control and propulsion, maybe?

 Taking Lightweight, Wings, and a prayer before attempting to make it over Chatan Forest on my own would be suicide. Using my Slime Mutability to transfer a mark or two over to Avian would be foolhardy as well. While I could use Slime Malleability to refund my Wings to arms in case of a fight, I’d still be spending a lot of resources that could be used more efficiently. That, and I could get stuck in the middle of the Forest all night waiting for my marks to refresh at dawn the next day to reselect my wings and fly out.

 The bottom line is that I need more marks.

 *Slime Marks – None*

 Slime Constitution 

 Slime Core

 Slime Constitution (Jellyfish, Fuzzy)

 Slime Malleability 

 Slime Malleability (Jellyfish, Fuzzy)

 Slime Mutability 

 Slime Amalgamation

 Slime Mutability (Jellyfish, Fuzzy)

 Slime Hair / Legs / Arms

 Jellyfish Slime Tentacles 

 Fuzzy Slime Flesh Shaping

 Fuzzy Slime Fur

 There are a ton of tempting options on disy now.

 During the golden hour of sunrise, I can manipte my spent marks a bit. I could potentially refund Malleability to purchase second-tier Jellyfish Slime Mutability. I wonder if that lets me transfer a total of two marks to another type or an additional two marks on top of the one from the first-tier ability?

 Amalgamation could be good, but I’ve got no clue what it does. All the more reason to pick it and find out…

 However, I have a feeling this will be a day forbat. While I’m not going to pick a fight, climbing Harpy Mountain is sure to get me plenty of unwanted attention. For that reason, I’m going on the defensive.

 I decide to refund Mutability and Malleability.

 

 *Selected Slime Core!*

 

 *Selected Jellyfish Slime Constitution!*

 I don’t feel any different, so I then refund the first-tier Slime Constitution the same way I did Goblin Stature a few minutes ago (golden hour for the win), giving me another mark to spend. I’ll keep it in my back pocket in case I need to alter my buildter.

 Slime Constitution saved my bacon when I took a hit from Peter the Bunny Patron yesterday, so upgrading it to second-tier is a no-brainer.

 If Slime Core does what I think, it’s totally busted. At the same time, I hope I never have to test the theory (who am I kidding?).

 *Canine Marks – One*

 Wolf Nose

 Wolf Nose (Dire, Cinder)

 Wolf Lord’s Nose

 Wolf ws

 Wolf ws (Dire, Cinder)

 Wolf Lord’s ws

 Wolf Tail

 Wolf Tail (Dire, Cinder)

 Wolf Lord’s Tail

 Wolf Legs

 Wolf Rush

 Wolf Legs (Dire, Cinder)

 Cinderwolf Rush 

 Wolf Lord’s Legs

 Wolf Jaws

 Wolf Jaws (Dire, Cinder)

 Wolf Lord’s Jaws

 Cinderwolf Ember Magic

 Wolf Cock

 Wolf Cock (Dire, Cinder)

 Wolf Lord’s Cock

 I’m obviously keeping Ember Magic and Wolf Rush. Wolf Nose, too, is hard to let go of. I might stumble across Megan’s trail and, though I promised Cottontail I’d search for her sister starting tomorrow, I couldn’t forgive myself if she got hurt because I didn’t have the ability equipped to recognize her scent. After rescuing her from a mind-controlled Dura, I imprinted her smell into my brain because she was especially cute, not realizing her connection to my lover at the time.

 I already refunded Wolf Tail (the minor boost to bnce a tail gives me isn’t worth an entire mark IMO) and pocketed the mark. Unfortunately, even if I refunded Wolf Rush, I need one more free mark to go Wolf Legs>>Cinderwolf Legs>>Cinderwolf Rush (ording to the ability tree, Wolf Rush doesn’t qualify me for an upgrade on its own).

 If I desperately need a boost today, I’ll reluctantly select Wolf Jaws. There might be a hidden ability behind it that I could use Slime Mutability to pick up.

 Otherwise, I’ll save the mark for a special present to Gabby she’s been patiently waiting for… (Hint, it starts with ‘Wolf’ and ends with ‘Cock’)

 *Goblinoid Marks – One*

 Goblin Ears

 Goblinoid Ears (Apprentice, Hob, Orc)

 Goblin Gut

 Goblinoid Gut (Apprentice, Hob, Orc)

 Goblin Nails

 Hobgoblin Nails

 Goblin Stature

 Hobgoblin Stature

 Orc Stature

 Orc Strength

 Goblin Cock 

 Goblinoid Cock (Hob, Orc)

 Goblin Apprentice Fast Learner

 Goblin Apprentice Quick Study

 Goblin Apprentice Summon Spectacles

 Summon Club (Hobgoblin, Orc)

 Refunding Quick Study is a strange experience. My ongoing perspective immediately shifts from an Eidetic memory to a normal memory from one moment to the next. However… Yes! Yes, I can picture every page of the Book of Monsters perfectly! I get to keep thest couple hours of crystal-clear recall despite refunding the ability used to record them!

 That leaves me with another free mark. Come to think of it, Goblin Ears have been tempting me ever since I saw them, but I’ve never had the luxury of taking them… yet again, because Summon Club is suddenly a serious contender while I have Orc Strength. If I need to hit something hard, my Fishman Spear is a toothpickpared to this body’s power.

 I’ll wait until the situation arises though, just to be safe.

 *Forest Marks – None*

 Mandragora Photosynthesis 

 Pitcher Treefolk Photosynthesis

 Twisted Treefolk Twisted Apple

 Twisted Treefolk Roots

 Pitcher Treefolk Vines

 Mandragora nt Growth Magic

 Pitcher Treefolk nt Growth Magic

 Twisted Treefolk Bark Skin

 Twisted Treefolk Earth Magic 

 Twisted Treefolk Cock

 Pitcher Treefolk Stomach Acid

 No changes here; I’m fully satisfied with my selection.

 Photosynthesis reduces my daily caloric requirements as long as I get some sun. Pitcher Treefolk Vines increase my maneuverability and give me a ranged grapple attack. Twisted Treefolk Earth Magic works synergistically with my other sources of Earth Magic to increase my magic power.

 If I transferred a Slime mark over, I’d probably upgrade Photosynthesis, refund the first-tier version, and select Mandragora nt Growth Magic. Bark Skin seems like a bad idea for sex, and I don’t expect a day to ever go by without screwing somebody.

 It’s a moot point, because that’d be a poor use of a Slime Mark.

 *Fuzzy Marks – None*

 Rodent Nose (Bunny, Mouse, Mole-man)

 Rodent Ears (Bunny, Mouse)

 Mouse Predator Sense

 Rodent Stature (Bunny, Mouse)

 Bunny Patron Stature

 Bunny Patron Longevity 

 Bunny Patron Strength

 Rodent Tail (Bunny, Mouse)

 Rodent Legs (Bunny, Mouse)

 Bunny Hop

 Good Digger

 Lucky Rabbit Foot

 Bunny Patron Legs

 Rodent Cock (Bunny, Mouse, Mole-man)

 Bunny Patron Cock

 Bunny Stamina

 Bunny Patron Stamina 

 Mole-man Earth Magic

 Bunny Patron Earth Magic

 Mole-man ws

 Mole-man Summon Shovel

 Bunny Patron Summon Carrot

 Look, I’m just a woman… a woman with a big, fat, cock!!!

 Yes, I sacrificed my Mole-man Earth Magic for a Bunny Patron Cock (which I’m able to select thanks to Paternal Malleability neutralizing the requirements), and I regret nothing!

 Okay, okay, it somewhat eases my conscience to note Bunny Patron Earth Magic provides roughly 2/3 of my total Earth Magic with all three sources equipped. And I didn’t pull that number out of my ass; it’s roughly guesstimated through intuition. Thusly, I’m currently at 5/6 of my potential max Earth Magic power. That’s not too shabby. (2/3 = 4/6; 4/6 + 1/6 = 5/6, I didn’t skip maths ss!)

 But, damn, this thing is enormous. It’s like swinging around a club attached to my groin. Of course, I’m not intending to vite poor Gale’s virgin pussy with this beast (we’ll save that treat forter), but any monster that gets in my way today should think twice about their life choices.

 Wait, hold on. I just unlocked a new mark ability: Induce Ovtion. Wow, that’s fucked up. I bet it’s a generic Patron ability, too. When a Patron-type monster fucks you, I bet it doesn’t matter if it’s that time of the month, he’ll get you pregnant anyway. Fucking Peter. Fucking monster rapists.

 Ahem.

 Last, but not least:

 *Mer Marks – None*

 Mermaid Sight

 Fishman Sight

 Mermaid Gills

 Fishman Gills

 Mermaid Fins

 Mermaid Depth Resistance

 Fishman Depth Resistance

 Mermaid Water Magic

 Mermaid Ovipositor

 Cancer ws

 Cancer Legs

 Cancer Slippery Foam Magic

 Cancer Summon Armor

 Fishman Cock

 Fishman Head 

 Fishman Summon Spear

 Another satisfactory setup. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The only thing I’m tempted by is Slippery Foam Magic, but honestly, I can use cum as lubrication while I have Bunny Stamina. No big deal. It’s more a luxury mark than a necessity.

 Bonus round:

 *Breeder Marks – Two (Male), One (Female)!*

 Paternal Malleability I (II - 3)

 Paternal Customization (3)

 Paternal Inheritance I 

 Paternal Seminal Control

 Volume

 Qualities

 Spawn Attributes 

 Paternal Seminal Potency 

 Sustenance

 Sperm

 Lure

 Partner Tracker

 Maternal Ovarian Control 

 Maternity Ward

 Create Womb Seed

 Maternal Fetus Protection 

 Maternal Inheritance I 

 Maternal Fast-Gestation I 

 Maternal Mammary Control and Potency 

 Sustenance

 Pacification

 Allure

 After reviewing my options, my first temptation is saving up for a second level of Paternal Malleability. That’d let me switch cocks more often. Or maybe Customization instead—I could design an Uber Ovipositor/Cock with Bunny Patron thickness, a Canine knot, and that never goes soft like a Treefolk dick. *Wipes drool*

 Paternal Inheritance is important. It won’t help me fuck better, but it’s about time for me to start thinking about the future. Same for Spawn Attributes, which must refer to my offspring.

 I assume Potent Sperm is just a 100% impregnation sess rate. I don’t super need that with my Ovipositor equipped. Seminal Lure has monster hunting applications, and Seminal Qualities is intriguing. It makes me wonder how much I can actually alter my semen. That could potentially make a big difference, or not be worth a mark after all. Hard to say.

 Partner Tracker is a big one, though. I’ve had my eye on it, and I’ve noticed it can be purchased with either Male or Female Breeder marks. I originally thought it was worthless while I have Wolf Nose. However, some additional consideration has me rethinking that stance.

 I could use Partner Tracker to monitor Arie and Kani’s locations. Wolf Nose doesn’t work underwater. It might let me know what Dura is up to or have helped me find Cottontail’s sister depending on how it works exactly. The more girls I impregnate in different locations, the more important having some way to check on them bes.

 Yeah, I’m talking myself into it. Male Breeder marks seem easier toe by than Female, so here goes nothing…

 *Selected Partner Tracker!*

 It doesn’t seem to work automatically; at least no instant brain-map appears in my vision, so I move on with the intention to figure it outter.

 Maternity Ward has always been a question mark to me. I guess, since it’s on the Ovarian Control branch, it gives me additional options during conceiving or maybe birth. Fast Gestation has obvious benefits. Inheritance I is another clear winner, even if I don’t know how it works. Then there’s Allure enticing me with its… allure.

 Fetus Protection sounds critically important for protecting the life inside me, and the more I consider that fact, the more irresponsible my behavior seems in retrospect. I fought Peter, a tier-three monster, without this ability while I had one of Gabby’s embryo offspring inside me. I’m super lucky I didn’t have a miscarriage.

 My enemies are only going to get stronger, and I’m only going to get more damaged during fights. If I don’t take this, I know I’ll regret it.

 *Selected Maternal Fetus Protection!*

 I check if I’ve unlocked anything and find a few surprises: Partner Map, Partner Brand, and Distress Call appear under Partner Tracker, and Maternal Brand plus Fast-Maturing Spawn appear under Fetus Protection. Thatst one gives me pause until I consider the most efficient way to protect a child would be to literally shorten their childhood. Actually, I’m kind of against that. Giving my children a lengthy childhood is an aspirational luxury.

 Partner Tracker especially seems to be a branch focusing on practical applications. I may have to invest heavily there in the future. I see two ‘Brand’ type options with no indication of their function. However, the Map and Distress Call both sound useful.

 Alright, drumroll, please. In summary:

 *Selected Marks - 21*

 Wolf Nose

 Wolf Rush

 Cinderwolf Ember Magic

 Harpy Sight

 Harpy Lightweight

 Orc Stature

 Orc Strength

 Goblin Apprentice Fast Learner

 Mermaid Water Magic

 Cancer Summon Armor

 Fishman Summon Spear

 Mouse Predator Sense

 Lucky Rabbit Foot

 Bunny Stamina

 Bunny Patron Earth Magic

 Bunny Patron Cock

 Slime Core

 Jellyfish Slime Constitution

 Mandragora Photosynthesis 

 Pitcher Treefolk Vines

 Twisted Treefolk Earth Magic

 

 *Breeder Marks - 9*

 Paternal Malleability I

 Paternal Seminal Control – Volume

 Paternal Seminal Potency – Sustenance

 Partner Tracker

 Maternal Ovarian Control

 Maternal Create Womb Seed

 Maternal Fetus Protection 

 Maternal Mammary Control and Potency – Pacification, Sustenance

 *Avable Marks - 4*

 Canine – One! 

 Avian – None!

 Mer – None!

 Goblinoid – One!

 Slime – One!

 Fuzzy – None!

 Forest – None!

 Breeder (male) – One!

 Breeder (female) – None!

AliNovel

46. The Loadout