《Splice》 Chapter 1 - A Simple Stroll I forgot everything as soon as I passed into my new world. And that was what this was, my new reality. Any personal history I had with me had simply been erased. Parents, siblings, friends. Wiped from my mind. Perhaps the one solace being that I knew the caveats of this new world and thus it was likely I had none. They were selective of what memories we were allowed to keep. For one, I remember signing the papers. The rustles of the large stacks of sheaves. I knew what a contract was. I knew a handful of things, but as my mind alighted upon them, they were whisked away. The details were far away, like the faint memory of birth, if I had it. I was doubtful they would be having any bearing of me thus forth. Personality. That was one thing they allowed, else what were we but empty shells, blank slates once we entered?Tabula Rasa.I raised my mental attention at the term, or rather the clear theory in my mind? That was funny, in a way, even though despite not even knowing my name but nonetheless feeling firm in my own mental state I very well might be shaped into something new. "Greetings, Player. Prior to your arrival in the world below there are a number of things to be taken care of. What shall we call you?"A voice spoke, like a ripple in a calm pond. My answer came to me fast, a small clue to the value I held in sentimentality. "Is it at all possible to postpone my naming until I arrive down below? I believe... or rather, I think I used to believe a name to be something of value and meaning. I have no interests, no loved ones, no experiences, nothing to call my own. Nothing yet that defines who I am." "Very well. For the remainder of our time I shall simply call you Player. Next, your[Race]. You must choose your people, the culture you belong to. Beware the [Race]you choose will affect the location of your arrival.Take your time perusing as there are many choices."As the voice echoed into the void, my surroundings became crisp, real. "Thank you, I will." I responded mechanically, fearing rudeness to this voice. Where before there was nothing, I now walked forth, feet hitting upon a smooth floor. My reflection stared back up at me, so glossy was the ground I walked, yet my features were indistinct, foggy. To either side of me, people. Or more likely, different[Races]. I might''ve spent two hours just walking through the endless path. I played an amusing game as I walked, some part of me feeling as if this stroll was a luxury I had never been able to afford before. Each[Race]was given its own section to inhabit. In accordance with my gender, it was the male form surrounded by items pertaining to their culture and lifestyle. My game was to guess the type of creature I stared at before I actually checked if curiosity got the better of me, which it usually did. This one had small whiskers and from its urban surroundings and bluntly noxious items, I''d guess it had evolved from a rat. [Race]: [Ratborn] Small and agile, the ratborn live together in large numbers and can often be found hidden under large cities or caves. They are a culture focused on personal belongings and hoarding. Racial Bonuses: [DEX] + 7 [Quickfooted] I stroked my chin and paused at an odd memory. I might''ve had a beard before. My mind alighted on my previous age like a feather, but the memory was whisked away like leaves in an autumn wind, swirling just out of reach. I couldn''t remember for the life of me after that. The creature was small and gangly, surrounded by trash and valuables alike. It was interesting to me and caught my eye, but did little to pique my interest. I had no idea what might do that. And that was the problem I suppose. With nothing to define me, I had no inclinations, no preference. I was certain others might immediately throw themselves into the fantasy, I was not them. Something spoke to me to take my time, to think and contemplate. That was my normal habit, but this was something else. Human. Yes, that was something you were allowed to remember. But the memory was detached, almost nearly as if that[Race]was not my own. Even though it was. There was no racial pride that one might normally have. And yet, I found myself still curious. I did not know how a human looked like. "May I see a human?" My words were soft. "Certainly, Player." I strolled forth, not witnessing any particular change. Up ahead, however, there was a section that stood out. I walked slowly in front of the human, familiarity rushing to me as I inspected its features. It was surrounded by technology, weapons, books, medicines, and more. [Race]: [Human] Humans are people capable of great adaptability. They are people that change drastically depending on circumstance. While they are capable of great kindness so too are they of great cruelty. Racial Bonuses: +1 All Stats Choice of Regional [Skill] Again, I found my hand stroking my chin. My curiosity was sated. And I stood there, feeling for any type of connection and found admittedly a small one. Those three sentences spoke to me, as perhaps they should''ve, yet my mind was made up to choose something else. Perhaps an analog?Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "Is it possible to view those[Races]similar to humans?" I asked politely, placing my hands behind my back. "Walk forward, Player." The voice came like a rustle in the leaves. And so I did, strolling forth and taking my time, as the voice had once told me. The[Races]were all very interesting, yet I could not see myself as them. There was a turn in the pathway, much to my surprise, left to be precise. Seeing no reason not to, my stroll turned on a dime, and I continued walking. Two-legged peoples surrounded me, surrounded by various environments. Some stood in the wilderness, others by intriguing items. I walked and played my game, musing as to their origins. I walked that way for hours, simply enjoying the displays. Somehow, I felt I was one to enjoy museums. One who delighted in observing things and contemplating them. It was a[Race]that I passed, not checking to see if my answer was correct, that hooked me. I had been walking thirty minutes before my curiosity burned me like a flame and I simply had to turn around. I had regretted that I passed without truly looking the second that I did so. This one looked on different from a human save for its eyes. There was a quality to them that wasn''t immediately obvious. I stared for a few minutes before I alighted upon it. Intelligence, sharp and alert. The type to think. That alone piqued my interest further. It was surrounded by of all things, what looked to be a college lecture hall. This section was among the larger ones, certainly not the largest I had seen though. Perhaps what baffled me most was that I could understand the numbers and symbols that appeared on the moving scenery, the digital board. While I could do that, I could not for the life of me make heads or tails of the equations, subject or topic. It was beyond me. [Race]: [Stexpt] The resultant people of a cruel experiment to artificially advance the minds of a race through intensive study. The Stexpt, before they were called Stexpt, were placed in a facility equipped with powerful learning technology and a database of science. It is said they were stuck there for millenium before emerging. Racial Bonuses: [INT] + 10 Racial Trait - [Higher Functioning] Choice of Science [Skill] Perhaps a[Race]fixed on the mind spoke to me on some level. I had little to go on, but I''ve learned a little of myself through my walk. I was a contemplative person, observant, and I took my time. The stexpt spoke to me. The choice wasn''t a light one. I must''ve been there, standing in front of the display, for close to half an hour. I peered into its eyes and spoke. "I choose Stexpt." "Very well, Player. Your choice has been made, and your arrival location has thus been adjusted.You may now choose a personal[Trait], Player." "In addition to the one inherent to the Stexpt?" I asked, making sure there was no mistake. "Yes, Player. Your concern is appreciated." The[Races]around me dispersed into a colorful and dull fog, and new things swirled into being. Stexpt, all of them, except this time rather than a museum, it felt like a slow-motion theater. They were all in the process of doing something, whether that be running through a forest, dodging through an obstacle course, or peering into the night. I stared at one such display for what was called[Treasure Hunter]. It was a stexpt, he was walking a beautiful beach and I found myself mildly envious until his eyes turned sharply to the ground at his feet. He took his shovel and unearthed a rustic chest filled with jewels. "Are these to be demonstrations of these[Traits]?" "Correct, Player." Curious, I stood watching the treasure hunter as he explored the surrounding forest too. My feet didn''t seem to get tired, and so I was able to stand forever. At some point, the scene switched from slow-motion to real-time. I startled at the increase in speed and looked around in amazement as every scene seemed to burst with life. My confusion was apparent. "For your viewing."The voice spoke simply. There were benches interspersed down the entire pathway for as far as I could see now. I spent hours watching the treasure hunter''s adventures, even watching the intelligent stexpt solve various tasks. My mind seemingly flowed to what I might like as my own[Trait]and realized that so far, the one thing defining me was my[Race]. "May I see those of the[Traits]relating to academia?" "Certainly." There again was another turn up ahead and I took it. This time, this branch of the pseudo theater was quiet. All of them were stexpt, except all were studying in silence. The clink of beakers, pouring liquids, whirring machinery. Similar sounds were the only things that traveled here. I paused at one, taking a seat at the bench. It was a person who was working with animals. They were small, and handled with utmost care. He seemed to be taking samples of them, but they were enjoying the attention. [Trait]: [Creature Study] You have studied countless creatures throughout your life, now being able to infer certain behaviors, natural defenses, offensive implements, and capabilities. Some creatures sense this and do not see you as a threat. Effects: 1% Chance to Tame a Creature 3% Chance to be seen as Friendly 10% Chance to Ascertain an Aspect of a Creature 40% Chance to be seen as Neutral I found this particular study to be fitting when paired with the ancestral history of the Stexpt. I stood and watched for a long time before remembering the bench, and taking a seat. The researcher seemed to be quietly observing the creatures his extreme scrutiny plain to see. I could see myself in his stance, in that moment. "I choose[Creature Study]." I said softly. "Then you are ready to arrive at the world below, Player." "As I''ll ever be." I looked sadly at all the things to see. I could''ve walked here forever if I had been inclined. It was a nice place. Calm. "A blessing for you for such enjoyable company."The voice spoke."It is within my power, and I found our time relaxing, your games calming." I paused, baffled. "I couldn''t possibly accept. I believe I''ll manage. Save your power." I said automatically. The refusal was second nature. Polite. The voice seemed like a busy thing, I couldn''t trouble it with myself. "All the more reason. Here, I meet the rawest form of a person. Void of memory, or history, all that is left is the core of their being. Not many are so polite as you, Player."The voice said. In its words, I conceded."My gift is two. First, a word of advice. This world is not innocent as you think, prepare yourself for something much crueler than you''ve faced. Second, you will slip through the energies of world in order to arrive below. In them, you may reach out and attain a[Skill]." The voice''s word rang in my mind and I took them to heart. Preparing myself for something much worse than a stroll through a museum. I smiled ruefully. "Thank you. The advice and gift is much appreciated." I said sincerely. "Farewell, Player. I hope you survive, kind souls such as yours are terribly needed below." Chapter 2 - Arrival Suddenly, I fell through the floor. Around me swirling lights of all kinds. Gravity was in every which way, the direction more flowing than concrete. Soundless, and yet there was a rush of movement as I slipped through these ethereal energies. A beautiful light caught my eye, swirling and twinkling blue. I reached out but my hand paused, retracting. The light fell upward, out of reach. My time was limited but I remembered what the voice had said. Reach out and attain a [Skill]. That the world below is not so innocent as I had thought. I thought hard, this time my decision must be fast. I needed something to survive, to protect myself. Weaponry? There was no guarantee. Martial arts? There was something better. Magic then? Fire, water, darkness, lightning, they all passed through my mind. I would do more to hurt myself than protect myself with such destruction. Healing. I thought about healing magic. With nothing to grasp upon, no idea. I pictured a green glow, healing sickly patients, closing wounds. I fell for seconds on end until I realized nothing was happening, no lights responded to my thoughts. I only slipped faster. No, think differently. Flesh regenerating. Scabs and bruises healing. I thought more practical, but my mind fixed onto the magic of it all. Muscles tearings and coming back stronger, I thought all of these things. The science of it, the real happenings between flesh and bone. [Skill] Acquired: [Flesh Magic] You possess the innate ability to understand the workings of the flesh on a mystical level. Workings of magic upon the body are your specialty, flesh your canvas. Healing, altering, modifying, destroying, all fall within your purview. I blinked at the words that appeared before me. They were just like the texts I had viewed when choosing my [Race] and [Trait]. I welcomed the magic, felt it flow within me as soon as I read the words. An uncomfortable feeling infused my brain, memories being placed where old ones should''ve been. Details of muscles and fat filling the space. The elasticity of skin, the density of bone, how to encourage their healing. My mind lit up with information. I opened my eyes and only continued to fall. Instinctively, I knew there was one last thing to do. I had to choose another [Skill] relating to science. My head felt weird, the sensation of falling every which way never allowed me to focus on the feeling. My thoughts were a mess and I had no idea where to start. I thought in pictures, that was easiest. Watching the [Creature Study] demonstration, the researcher taking samples of the small animals he kept. DNA, if I understood it. I remembered the words I read, the history of the Stexpt. I thought about evolution, genetics. The encoded information within the body that I knew determined the individual. [Skill] Acquired: [Genetics] The study of hereditary and inherited genes within creatures. Genetic variations, features of an organism, defining behaviors or characteristics, all encompass genetics. The study of creatures and monsters, both physical traits and magical ones. Effects: 1% Increase in efficiency of [Genetics] related tasks I landed hard and blinked away the [Genetics] prompt, too shaken with the sudden change in sensation. I felt physical again, in my own body. Dim light assaulted my eyes, my neck pressed against something cold. Everything was damp. My skin rubbed against tattered cloth. "What?" I managed groggily. My head swam with new information, as my eyes fought to understand the changed scenery. "Where am I?" Steel bars. I wasn''t getting through them anytime soon. A prison, made of jagged black stone. I stood up, a gross puddle on the floor allowing me to see myself through a muddy reflection. I didn''t recognize the man who stared back. All the same, he followed my movements when I looked away. My cell was dark. I looked above me expecting to see an opening through which I had fallen. There was none. Only solid black stone, stalactites reaching downwards. Everything was bathed in a sickly green glow, one I''d generally attribute to unhealth. Droplets of water, murky with whatever substance, formed the puddles at my feet. A loud banging made me flinch. The ringing made me think someone was striking the other cells. "Out with you worms! To the labs!" The voice was grumbled but loud echoing into incoherency before the call was taken up again. It was a slobbery sound like the noise was moving through thick jowls. Then it walked into view, a large fat creature that walked on two legs, sagged cheeks. Dark brown skin and angry. He looked at me, for it was definitely a he, and screamed. "Out scum! You heard me!" Then he yanked my cell gate open. "Okay! Okay!" I put up my hands, cowering. I thought best to follow his direction lest he beat me with the iron rod he held. "Oh? So you finally speak, eh?" I felt his spittle strike my back, grosser than any puddle. "Bout time! Off with you!" Then he shoved me hard the direction he was walking. I fell in with other gangly folks. We looked starved, had to be. I recognized none of the species I walked with. At the least, I was acclimated to the assortment of people. We all looked sick. The ones with fur were matted and unhealthy. Skin was pulled across ribs. The people with scales were hissing lowly, their colors mismatched, dull. I spotted rats chittering up by the green lanterns that bathed the place. They looked big, even from my distance. They stared at us and I wondered if they were eyeing food. We were herded like cows for the slaughter. I made myself small, unnoticed. Wherever I was, I needed to find a way out. My stomach rumbled. It turned out, more than the glowing green lanterns, there were actually crystals of the same color, radiating green. I saw people pushing minecarts full of them, how the stick-like person did it was anyone''s guess. Mine was that his power rested in his joints, while his limbs were a harder material. I paused, that was my[Genetics]knowledge. I pried my eyes away from the person, instead looking to where everyone was mechanically walking. There were broken wooden tables. Another of the same race as our jailer was handing out slop. I grimaced, but the gathering line of reluctant people meant this was the only food there was. I followed suit, grabbing a dirty bowl and not finding any spoons, I got in line. The slop was slopped into my bowl and I nearly gagged. I sat with others not of my choice, but by necessity. There were only a few tables that were actually intact. "I hope I get miner''s duty." Someone said, somehow slurping through his bowl easily. "You''re insane." Someone said weakly. "Have you seen what happens if you spend too long with those crystals?" "Better than the rats, or the others." A scaled person said into his own bowl. Ominous. The way each had devoured their bowl hinted at a hard day. I stared at the slop disgusted. No one else was complaining, in fact, they were cleaning their bowls. I choked down the food, if you could call it that, reluctantly. "You turn into the others if you''re with the crystals, you idiot." The higher voice responded. "If you don''t outright die in the first place!" "You could pull a Halt." Someone said. "Run into the caves."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "That''s worse than both options. You''ll die faster." A slower voice rebutted. "Same old, same old." A tired man with glowing inscriptions on his body responded. "Same conversations every day. We''re all going to die anyway. Why are you debating how?" He shook his head. "Pointless." I soaked everything in. They ignored me, despite me being in the middle of the entire table. I caught the slitted eye of the scaled member of the table and they only looked away uncomfortably. I didn''t talk at all and no one faulted me for it. Miner''s duty or just mining duty was just that. You were handed a pickaxe or hammer and were tasked to mine all day. The caves were dark but the glow of the crystals was obvious, you just followed the light. It was getting back that was the hard part. If you didn''t bring back a decent amount of crystal compared to everyone else, you were sent back again. People got lost all the time, either they came back the next day when crystal collectors lit the path back or not at all. That was what I had been assigned, but I watched the rest shuffle off a different direction. Rat duty. Rats infested the place. They were everywhere, crawling in the rafters, hanging on the lanterns. Sometimes their eyes could be spotted in the darkest corners of the prison, just staring. They needed people to kill them. The problem was the rats killed back. To this day, the nest hadn''t been found. It was a staple to return with at least three bodies, the rats themselves were huge so three of them were by no means laughable. Anything less was punished and anything more was not rewarded. I got pushed forward violently and turned around only to find many tired faces. No one wanted to wait, they wanted to get their day over with. I flinched at the large overseer in front of me, of the same race as the jailer and cook. He barely looked down at me, shoving a pickaxe in my hand, a lantern, and a rucksack. Someone behind me yelled at me to get going. I had to maneuver around the overseer''s fat since he wouldn''t make way and suddenly I was in darkness. It was mining duty for me. I held up my lantern and walked, shining green light into the darkness. I couldalmosthear things moving in the dark, right outside my peripheral vision. But my mind played tricks on me nothing was ever there. I watched the progress of the tunnel, noting where places were chipped, where the tunnel branched off or seemed to collapse. I had to, to remember my way back. Then I came to a darkened fork, one of the only times the choice was only between two. My thoughts hastened. [Racial Trait]: [Higher Functioning]: Crystal Deposits [Racial Trait]: [Higher Functioning] Through a millennium of nothing but mental exercise and mental gymnastics, your mind has developed neural pathways unheard of in organic architecture. Complex problems and solutions are as plain to you as simple multivariable calculus. Effects: 15%Chance to perceive the answer to complex problems The mined sections of the cave wall became obvious to me, and the position of various past crystal deposits appeared clear in my mind. Echoes of a pickaxe drifted down from the left fork which led downward, a lucky find by whoever was down there. The trend of crystals seemed to favor altitude, so I took the right fork to go higher. All the signs pointed to that. As it turned out higher meant rats. Their size rivaled that of my shin, I paused at the first one I saw. It made sense that they were here in the caves too if we were considered a type of food. Somehow I was calm at the sight of the creature, despite my caution. I felt used to the sight of similar creatures. Although my heart raced when I saw what it had in its hands. A bone. Lifting my lantern I saw the rest of the scavenged body, lying there stripped of all meat. Red eyes stared at me until it simply looked away disinterested. I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked[Creature Study]. The rat had seen me as a neutral party. [Trait]: [Creature Study]: [Large Rat] Neutral Disposition [Trait]: [Creature Study] You have studied countless creatures throughout your life, now being able to infer certain behaviors, natural defenses, offensive implements, and capabilities. Some creatures sense this and do not see you as a threat. Effects: 1% Chance to Tame a Creature 3% Chance to be seen as Friendly 10% Chance to Ascertain an Aspect of a Creature 40% Chance to be seen as Neutral I stared at the rat, having finally a chance to peer at one close up. It was large, again, coming up to my shin. Its incisors were enlarged, denser from what I could tell. Besides that...[Dark Vision]. [Trait]: [Creature Study]: [Large Rat] Aspect Discovered: [Dark Vision] I blinked at the sudden obvious knowledge, it''s red eyes, they must be sensitive to light and able to view things in dim settings easily. Was this that 10% to ascertain an aspect of a creature coming in? [Skill] Level Up [Genetics] 1 [Skill]: [Genetics] 1 The study of hereditary and inherited genes within creatures. Genetic variations, features of an organism, defining behaviors or characteristics, all encompass genetics. The study of creatures and monsters, both physical traits and magical ones. Effects: 1% Increase in efficiency of [Genetics] related tasks I paused, I could make progress in my[Skills]? It made sense here, I was examing the rat''s features after all. Speaking of which, I had to check[Flesh Magic]too. I could feel the knowledge of both[Genetics]and[Flesh Magic]sitting dormant. First, however, the crystals. I needed to make sure I gathered enough. [Trait]: [Creature Study]: [Large Rat] Neutral Disposition [Trait]: [Creature Study]: [Large Rat] Neutral Disposition There were more rats when I went up the tunnel. Only two, but somehow the odds were in my favor. They didn''t attack me. More to the point, beside them, there was a large glowing deposit. I took my pickaxe to the crystal and found with a little effort the crystal shattered, its glowing green radiance lighting up my visage. I managed to do so without disturbing the rats, it seemed they were used to the activity. I found a natural bench in the cave wall and sat there, a rucksack full of crystal. I placed it beside me. Immediately I began to inspect my body with[Flesh Magic]the series of events leading up to me in these tunnels never allowing me the chance previously. My body was in ruins, malnourished. It was a wonder I could stay standing. My muscles were overworked, ripped apart and never allowed to heal. My body was not getting the nutrients it needed. Sunlight for one. Even my bones had become brittle by lack of necessary nutrients too. It seemed my brain was the only thing that stayed in peak condition, a wonder at that. My knowledge of[Flesh Magic]was little in the way of application, I could do as much as knitting a small cut back closed or encouraging a bruise to heal within the day. It turned out I had a decent amount of both. I got to work. It was at some point working so closely with my cells that I found many that didn''t belong. Cancerous cells of a sort, except if my understanding was correct, they were more purposeful than that. I could understand the encoded DNA, the genetic instructions. These were poised to generate new growth, so far as I could tell. I spent the next hour purging myself of said cells, they were not all the same, pockets of them existed and each one was for something different. Though, any in-depth analysis was beyond me. [Skill] Level Up [Genetics] 2 [Skill] Level Up [Flesh Magic] 1 [Skill]: [Genetics] 2 The study of hereditary and inherited genes within creatures. Genetic variations, features of an organism, defining behaviors or characteristics, all encompass genetics. The study of creatures and monsters, both physical traits and magical ones. Effects: 2% Increase in efficiency of [Genetics] related tasks [Skill]: [Flesh Magic] 1 You possess the innate ability to understand the workings of the flesh on a mystical level. Workings of magic upon the body are your specialty, flesh your canvas. Healing, altering, modifying, destroying, all fall within your purview. Effects: 1% increase in efficiency of [Flesh Magic] related tasks It didn''t seem like I gained anything particular interesting other than a percentage increase in efficiency for both[Skills]. I did, however, gain some knowledge on these mysterious green crystals. They seemed to promote random mutations one way or the other. Though the effect was truly minor, constant exposure might yield terrifying consequences. Exposure of the kind any down here would be subjected to. I trekked my way back, feeling my body fail me after a hard day of mining. I had mined a lot of crystal, too many thanks to the rats leaving me alone, enough to be suspicious simply from the disparity of the other prisoners'' hauls. I stashed my extra crystals in a nearby cave that had since been excavated, making sure to hide it even then. "Shinies." The fat thick-skinned overseer slobbered. There was a puddle at his feet. He grabbed my rucksack roughly, nearly sending me forward and to the floor again, which would surely have reopened my cuts and incited my bruises. He grumbled delightedly at the sight. "Good, go." He looked back at me. "Drop." I dropped my pickaxe and lantern and scurried off. Eventually, I returned to more slop. And again, I was ignored by my tablemates. For some reason, they tended to accept my presence but not acknowledge me. While the members rotated, the glowing man and the scaled one were constants. As was I. This time though, everyone was too tired to speak. Except those two. "It''s a prison, Muse." The scaled one hissed. "They have to let us out eventually." "Fool." The glowing man responded. "How can you hold your hope so long? Look at you. This is more lab than prison. Testing subjects - prisoners - against that accursed, blasted, green crystal!" Muse sighed, realizing his outburst and deflated. It was only then that I realized his normal demeanor was just that, always deflated, defeated. "We are all dead, Kisz. The sooner you realize it, the sooner you can leave me in peace." "I will not break, Muse." Kisz hissed softly, determined. "No matter my deformity." We returned to our cells. It was there, in the dark damp, that I pulled out the glowing green shard. Chapter 3 - Grals Stash I blinked my eyes open in the darkness. I wasn''t sure if I was rested, or I just hurt less. My ears were awake before my eyes were, there was a small pitter of feet. I looked around blind, trying my eyes against the darkness only to inevitably fail. The green light the reached my cell was at a minimum, absorbed by the black rock it was made of. It was the red light of a pair of eyes that helped me locate the sound, rather than any green light. Another large rat, it''s silhouette barely traceable once I had the reference of its eyes. [Trait]: [Creature Study]: [Large Rat] Friendly Disposition [Trait]: [Creature Study] You have studied countless creatures throughout your life, now being able to infer certain behaviors, natural defenses, offensive implements, and capabilities. Some creatures sense this and do not see you as a threat. Effects: 1% Chance to Tame a Creature 3% Chance to be seen as Friendly 10% Chance to Ascertain an Aspect of a Creature 40% Chance to be seen as Neutral "Not too often that should be happening." I whispered, blinking bleariness away and peering at the stalactites of my cell. Were there tunnels between them, large enough for a rat to squeeze through or had this one come through my cell''s bars? I sat myself up from my padded bed. Nothing more than dirty sheets that barely hid the floor. My eyes adjusted. "No, you''re much too big to fit through aren''t you, pal?" The rat approached closer, coming into the green light. "How many of you passed by me while sleeping before one of you saw me as a friend?" I whistled lowly, perhaps finding the reason this one took a chance on me as its form became clearer. Its small steps echoed unevenly. It was limping, favoring its right side and lifting its left as it approached me. I wasn''t intimidated, no matter the red eyes and relative size. It''s little whiskers seemed to glide across the ground between us before it limped forth again. "Injured, are you?" I said softly. My hand reached out and the rat was stock still. Red eyes stared at my hand, its mouth gnawing at something invisible to me. It did not bite me, instead allowing me to feel coarse, unpleasant fur. Wet. Cold. I exhaled while my hand rested on the creature. My knowledge of [Flesh Magic] allowed me a simple diagnosis provided I had time to do so up close. Much simpler and rudimentary compared to what I could gather of myself in a similar manner. For this reason, I did not need to see or even touch the rat''s body directly so long as I was near enough. Physical contact anywhere helped though. I needed nothing more to judge its wounds. It had a ripped tendon in the major muscles of its left front leg. It was a blessing she, for she was a she, seemed capable of walking on two legs if the need arises. There was a panicked flinch as I began my magic. "Shh, little lady. You''ll have to come by a few more times if you want that leg completely working again." I calmed the creature, speaking softly, my voice traveling only as far as my cell''s bars. Meanwhile, my magic pulled softly, encouraged the healing of the rat''s own body. Despite my gentle working, I knew it had to be slightly uncomfortable if my own experience removing cancerous cells was any indication. The tendon, I felt began to repair itself more efficiently. I removed my hand. The rat scurried away, looking back at me with red beady eyes, before impressively climbing my wall three-legged and disappearing between the stalactites above. Healed [Large Rat] 4 HP [Flesh Magic]: [Ability] Acquired: [Mend] [Flesh Magic]: [Ability] Level up [Mend] 1 [Flesh Magic]: [Ability]: [Mend] 1 Through gentle encouragement, the healing of all wounds can be minutely accelerated, both physically and magically. Affecting the flesh directly offers a measure of control degrees above mundane treatment. Effects: Healing to the target based on injury and treatment 1% increase in healing efficiency [Skill] Level Up [Flesh Magic] 2 [Skill]: [Flesh Magic] 2 You possess the innate ability to understand the workings of the flesh on a mystical level. Workings of magic upon the body are your specialty, flesh your canvas. Healing, altering, modifying, destroying, all fall within your purview. Effects: 2% increase in efficiency of [Flesh Magic] related tasks I blinked at all the numbers before trying to go to sleep. It was almost too soon that the Jailor, as I mentally referred to him as, starting banging the bars. The noise was the absolute worst thing to wake up to. Despite this, my rest was better than how I arrived here, bruised and cut. I had healed a little through the night. He yanked the gate open, still painfully obviously a male. This time, I didn''t hesitate and walked through immediately before any threats made themselves. The morning, or rather the start of the day as I had no idea of the actual time, began as yesterday. I sat at the same table and was ignored. I was content to listen, learning the context of this prison, of the world sometimes too. I nearly gagged on my slop, but I followed the lead of everyone else. It was vile, but the stomach didn''t hurt for it. The Cook, as I had come to know her, was simply a terrible one, with worse ingredients. Likely, whatever might be dead down here. "Have you heard?" Kisz spoke first. "My neighbor says there is a punishment today. Someone struck one of the wardens. Tried to escape." It was only Kisz, the scaled one, myself, and Muse, the one with glowing inscriptions on his skin. Our table was void of other people this time. They still ignored me. It happened that the other prisoners were concentrated on the other side of our seating area. "I can see that." Muse'' eyes became hard and the runes on his skin dimmed. "So early?" "The warden had to go to the medical ward." Kisz said, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Muse. He failed to hide his interest. I''d imagine it got quite boring in this place. "Fat luck he''ll live then. We''re all dead." Muse grumbled. "Even them." "Not for the wardens, Muse." Kisz replied at a low hiss. "You know they save the good stuff for them." I finished my slop and made my way to the empty bowls. Neither Muse nor Kisz spared me a second glance. My attention was diverted the second I placed down my bowl. Our seating area was centered nearby a deep hole, railed off by haphazard wooden pikes. You simply walked around it to get to the mines. I did it yesterday. I did not know its origin, only that it was there, deeper and darker than anything in this forsaken place. I didn''t question it, but then I saw the person on his knees, being dragged by the Overseer, the one who had watched over the mines.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "Should''ve saw it coming." A furred person growled. "Why''d you do it Gral?" He whispered, eyes focused on the spectacle. "He''s going to throw him in the Pit." Another added, numb. A fearful voice trembled. "Not before... that." At his comment, nearly everyone shivered. The Overseer was the greedy large dark-skinned... pig-person that took my crystals when I returned. His steps were heavy, fat jiggling with every one. He held up the victim by the scruff of his neck. "You think you will all have learned already! How many of you already down there?" He yelled. "This one, you''ve been here a long time, haven''t you? Always so little shinies from you, too little. Good to be rid of you, good example for the rest. They need one every once in a while." He reached into a pouch by his side, pulling a syringe of all things. The liquid that filled it was the same color of the crystal glow, except it was concentrated. It didn''t glow. It shined against the horror in the victim, Gral''s, eyes. It shined a promise so vile and disgusting Gral did nothing but tremble. He broke, before my very eyes, that man, in front of all to see, shattered like glass, his will broken. His dignity, everything by that serum. "Stop! Please, please! I know where there are more shinies! I have a lot, saved up! In the tunnel! Gah!" He choked as the syringe went brutally into his neck, pumping the liquid in a manner of seconds. "Anything!" He gurgled. "Too late, scum." Overseer responded, a feral grin as he stared into Gral''s eyes, hand still pressing the syringe deep in his throat. Gral''s motions became less struggling against Overseer, and more uncomfortable jerking. Blood exploded from his shoulder, black chitin-like growth spurt forth out of the wound. Gral screamed, screamed as parts of his body underwent similar processes. His eyes imploded in bloody viscera, leaking fluid, but this time, nothing seemed to come of it. His hand deformed, his spine realigned, bones popped and shifted under the skin, ripping it in some places, stretching it too thin in others. Gral''s screams were horrendous, true fear, desperate and stinking. The pleas from his mouth were anything but a voice. Fluctuating, too deep, too high. Unintelligible. Save for the only words that came up in his moments of clarity. A monster spoke. "Kill me!" It begged, between the sounds of ripping flesh. "Kill me, someone. Please. Melfo. Kill me!" He screamed a blood-curdling scream, in immeasurable agony. The furred person sitting at the table banged the wood. "Gral you goddamn fool." He whispered, tears flowing freely. I could hear his teeth grinding against each other. "If I had my bow, Gral. If I had an arrow, even. I would do it. I swear I would do it." His eyes never left his friend. His fingers twitched for string or wood. "No one deserves this hell." He whispered, quiet grim nods all around. Melfo twitched in his seat when the Overseer kicked Gral into the Pit. His eyes traced his arc like an archer might an arrow. The others had their hands on him, calm, to prevent anything stupid from happening. They tightened when he flinched. I stared in absolute terror. My hand slipped, knocking the bowls over and causing a commotion right in the silence of grief that followed the spectacle. The Cook yelled at me, beat me with her disgusting slop spoon. The rest stared in silent empathy. The Overseer spared me a nasty glance, took in the sight of Melfo, and nodded in pure evil satisfaction. Gral''s screams echoed up from the Pit for five minutes. They were a constant reminder, my heart raced. I began sweating, fear overtook me. I had mining duty again. Passing the Overseer he barely spared me a second glance as I reached for my pickaxe, rucksack, and lantern. But then he commented as I passed, sending a cold shock down my spine. I felt his grin more than I heard it in his voice or saw it on his face. "There''s always room for more in the Pit. Find his stash for me. You always know where to look, you always bring me extra shinies." He said it so casually, so offhand, I could do nothing but nod and keep walking. He didn''t look to see if I said yes, he didn''t need to. I was afraid. New [Quest]: [Locate Gral''s Stash] The Overseer has tasked you with finding the crystal stash of the recently mutated Gral. He''s hidden his crystals somewhere in an offshoot tunnel. Rewards: +10 [Reputation] with the Overseer +100 [EXP] Penalty: The Pit I darted into the caves and immediately began combing through the tunnels. I spent hours in a desperate frenzy. My feet began to ache and cuts began to form, blisters popped. I sat down, and cast[Mend]on my injuries, feeling a rush of small bliss as the pain left me. "A[Quest]?" I said in thought. "[EXP] and[Reputation]?" The terms weren''t familiar to me in this context. Reputation I could''ve guessed, and perhaps a[Quest]was like a mission. But[EXP]escaped me. I sighed in relief as my feet began to feel better in earnest, checking my body once again for odd cancerous cells. There was a concentration of them near my waist, where I had kept my crystal shard where I slept. "Dangerous things." I whispered, purging myself uncomfortably. "I''ll have to tuck it somewhere else when I sleep." I sat in the damp and stared around, the light of my lantern showing me the tunnel I was in. I remembered the way back, almost perfectly. The route came to me easily, and I thought about the other candidates for where I would''ve hidden my own stash. [Racial Trait]: [Higher Functioning]: Gral''s Stash My mind shot off and suddenly I remembered an overturned pile of rocks with crystal clarity. On my way back from mining, it was inevitable you saw the glow of another lantern another person returning, but this was one that emerged from a tunnel that was long excavated by my judgment. One such tunnel I myself had considered for my own stash. I mined my share of crystal, retreating higher into the tunnels where more[Large Rats]lived. They left me alone, and in return, I mined away the crystals that they seemed so intent to avoid. Likely, they had realized its effects on them. They were a rapidly developing species after all. They stuck to the shadows, hissing at the light. Many red eyes seemed to regard me, and most left me alone. There were a few, a vast majority that reacted aggressively, but the already neutral[Large Rats]held back and the others followed. Interest was piqued when I mined away the crystal, but nothing came of it. It was disconcerting, the audience I had. I returned to the site of Gral''s stash and sat there, waiting. It wouldn''t do to steal from another''s stash if it didn''t happen to be Gral''s. Sitting in the green light, it wasn''t long before there were footsteps and another light coming into the tunnel. It was unsurprising, it was nearly time to leave as evidenced by the resounding bellow that echoed through the caves. The Overseer was calling us back. The furred man that walked in was bathed by ghastly light. He only paused at the sight of me, not two feet away from Gral''s stash. It was Melfo. He looked terrible. "You." He said. "What''s the mute doing here?" He said to himself more than me. "Me." I responded, speaking for the very first time in my days here. Melfo jerked back and stared at me. "What? You talk now?" He said in genuine surprise. He seemed to calm down and stare into my eyes, judging my sanity. "You''re awake, again. I recognize the light in your eyes. I thought you''d stay broken ever since that first day." He sounded tired, defeated. I nodded, somehow some faint memory bubbling to the surface. "Melfo, right?" His eyes drifted to my side. "Yes. You found Gral''s stash, then." He sat down on the other side of the tunnel, we had plenty time to talk. "The Overseer wants it. Asked me to find it for him." I said carefully. "Overseer? Ah, the fat trogg that watches the mine. No choice for you then." I noticed Melfo''s rucksack was full. "You always knew how to find things the best, even broken." He stood up and shouldered his things. "It''s more than just crystals though, some of Gral''s, " He hesitated, "things. Personal things are in there, if I may?" He was being needlessly polite, he could''ve shoved me into the ground if he wanted to. I moved over and gestured. "He was your friend." I said simply. "Please." Melfo regarded me for a moment, but sifted through the rocks revealing all manner of things. Things I had seen throughout the prison, but could never guess how he could''ve gotten them all the way out here. A metal plate I was sure only the wardens, the troggs, used, one of the prisoner bowls, a chair leg. Those were the most mundane. Wrapped in cloth, almost certainly the very same cloth we called beds, were a metal knife that might''ve once been a plate, and a syringe. Of the very same kind that Gral had been injected with. The very same kind which the sight of broke the man in front of us. "Oh, Gral. You damned fool, Gods take you." Melfo muttered. He reached for the one thing in the whole pile that wasn''t scavenged, a necklace. A pendant that opened up, a family of furred people, not unlike Gral. My heart wrenched. He pulled the necklace away and stared at the family in it. He looked to me. "I''m sorry you had to wake up to this hell. The rest of this trash is yours. Fuck all it did for him." And then he walked away, his lantern light fading into the tunnels. I moved some more rocks and found his crystals, making sure to cover everything else. Icome back and inspect it all when I had time. When I returned, the Overseer, the trogg, turned to me with shaking jowls, slobbering over himself. "Shinies! You found them. So many. So many." He whispered to himself, the light in his eyes as sick as the green that surrounded us. I dropped Gral''s crystals along with mine, placing my pickaxe and lantern down. The Overseer let me go, preoccupied. [Quest] Complete: [Locate Gral''s Stash] The Overseer has tasked you with finding the crystal stash of the recently mutated Gral. He''s hidden his crystals somewhere in an offshoot tunnel. Rewards: +10 [Reputation] with the Overseer +100 [EXP] Level Up! You are now Level 1 3 Unallocated [Stat Points] to Distribute I sat quietly eating my slop and meditated on the information I''d just gotten. I''d leveled up? Myself, not my[Skills], to be clear. What were[Stat Points]exactly? And then I remembered the bonus[INT]to my [Race]the 10[INT]I should''ve gotten by default. Where did I check those numbers? I returned my bowl, Muse and Kisz seemed to notice me this time after glancing at Melfo. They didn''t say anything, however, and preferred to keep their conversation as casual as it always was. "The mute''s lucky he never has to do rat duty." Muse griped. Myself being brought up for the first time in their conversation. "Three of them are too much now. The slop''s barely enough fuel to kill one of them. Let alone the five that are usually with it." Muse ate his slop despite the complaints and Kisz dipped his tongue in his. "You know the story. He never bothered with the rats unless they attacked him. And not that much did." Kisz hissed. "Besides, the warden at the mines loves him. So the ratter lets him have him. He won''t see another day of rat duty to the day he catches the green glow." They stared at me. I stared back. "Melfo says he woke up." Kisz said, aiming it at Muse rather than me. "Melfo just watched his brother die." Muse said back. I got up and returned my bowl. We were herded back into our cells by the Jailor and there, I managed to see the effects of my first level. Chapter 4 - Cockroach The tired moanings of prisoners sifted through the jail cells like a laden breeze. In every sound, every creak and noise, I sympathized,the pain and soreness from a hard day in the mines still fresh. With every wince and flinch, I could nearly hear the squeaking rats being cursed under muttered breaths. My eyes were closed but I was not sleeping. I was staring. At my first level, and all the things I saw with it. [Name] : [Level]: 1 [Race] : Stexpt [Health]: 22/30 [Mana]: 57/80 [STR]: 4 [END]: 3 [DEX]: 5 [INT]: 18 [WIS]: 8 [Stat Points]: 3 [Titles]: [Traits]: [Higher Functioning] , [Creature Study] [Skills]: [Flesh Magic] 2 , [Genetics] 2 [Abilities]: [Flesh Magic]: [Mend] 3 I recognized my physical [Stats] for what they were. [STR] was the measure of power, the ability to lift things and damage others. [END] had to do with stamina, how long one could last, or how long one could take punishment. [DEX] measured the finesse of someone, the speed and nimbleness, the control of the body. [INT] measured the individual''s mental prowess and problem-solving as well as magical power. And [WIS] dealt with the less physical control one needed for such endeavors, as well as the speed of recovery and size of the pool of mana an individual had access to. As it turned out, [Health] and [Mana] were resultant of both [END] and [WIS]. 10 points of each for every point in their corresponding [Stat]. I wasn''t surprised to find either my [Health] or [Mana] to be low, my body felt weak even after my castings of [Mend]. My [INT] was my highest [Stat] by far and that translated to my mental state. My [Higher Functioning] had already kicked in multiple times, the ability to see complex problems in my daily routines had saved me the effort of scouring the caves for crystals, or searching for Gral''s stash. It was the magical aspect that gave me pause. My [Flesh Magic] was deeply unrefined, and perhaps that had to with my own lack of control, but the power should''ve been there. [Mend] had only healed my rat friend a small amount, it should''ve been much higher. Had I not pushed myself enough? I read through the description of the [Ability]. It seemed like [Abilities] fell under a certain [Skill] and were a more active tool to be used. [Mend] as it turned out fell under [Flesh Magic] in this case. The times I had used it on myself had been ever so slowly paying off. I was getting better at it. [Flesh Magic]: [Ability]: [Mend] 3 Through gentle encouragement, the healing of all wounds can be minutely accelerated, both physically and magically. Affecting the flesh directly offers a measure of control degrees above mundane treatment. Effects: Healing to the target based on injury and treatment 3% increase in healing efficiency "Based on injury and treatment." I hummed. That made more sense, healing my cuts and bruises wouldn''t help my overall health. It was no wonder[Mend]did so little for me despite my generous usage. In the case of my rat friend, perhaps her[Health]was simply not as high as mine. That would''ve explained the relatively low amounts of healing she had received from me. My stomach rumbled, not for the first time being underfed, the feeling was a constant one. Even my body could recognize the garbage I was being fed, that we were all being fed.I was malnourished. I craved meat and anything but slop would''ve been heaven. It was comforting in the coldest of ways. It meant I was alive, despite this hell. These things circulated my mind, like birds aflight and migrating. My thoughts were free, my mind unshackled. At least there, I could spread my wings. I placed my remaining [Stat Points] into [WIS] on a whim. This brought my [Mana] to a solid 110. I paused as a wave of clarity, as cool and calm as a tranquil lake passed through my system, pooling at my head. The feeling washed over me. Like I was standing on the shore of a great lake, while a wave of clear water buffeted me, wiping away the sweat and grime of the mines. Before I fell asleep, she came again. The rat. Like the previous night, I watched her slowly approach. This time she was less frightened and as I laid my hand upon her I named her, red eyes regarding me. "I think I''ll call you Bird." I said, content with myself. Some measure of pleasure in the short contact. This time, I felt more control in my magic, more sure as it moved through her. Healed [Large Rat] 4 HP And then, like a fluttering of feathers that was more pattering of feet, she disappeared among the stalactites hovering ever so ominously above my cell. I fell asleep truly this time and awoke again to the worst sound of my day. The Jailor''s wake up call. The Jailor was thinner than most troggs, at least of the troggs that were wardens, which were all of them to my knowledge. So perhaps there was some pleasure for him to bully us as we woke up. Muse and Kisz were silent today, although the gentle pressure of their stares upon me was evident. It was only curiosity that I sensed from them though. I was something to tear their minds away from the toil between days. As if I were a welcome distraction and curio to ease their burdened minds and bodies. I ignored them as best as I could and simply moved past them. The Cook cursed, a deep crunch coming from under her serving table. There was a sharp chittering squeal, too alien to be mammal. She raised a ladle and yelled something unintelligible before my ears started registering it. "What in the underworld''s fiery flames?" She lifted her foot up and I could see the purple slime that ran up her leg.Stolen story; please report. What was perhaps the largest cockroach I had ever seen was twitching, half-crushed under her foot. It had gotten into the cabinet where she kept the bowls and was about the size of the[Large Rats]around here. "Disgusting thing." She spat, before kicking the corpse backward. That didn''t stop her from serving everyone with the same bowls. The prisoners only grimaced at the purple slime that covered their utensils. I could do little but choose one less covered, though there weren''t many like that left when I got there. When I descended into what I now called the Crystal Caves a poor prisoner was being rattled by the Overseer. I quickly made myself scarce, too familiar with his moods by now. I moved higher into the mines in order to keep away from anyone who''d potentially disrupt me. My time in the mines the past few days had been a small boon. Being able to reliably find and stash away the crystals allowed me some measure of free time. I found a nice dry spot away from the crystals and delved into my body. I reused[Mend]over and over again until not only my body itself weakened by the accelerated processes but my mind ached too. The small injuries I''d always garner over the course of the day were good practice in the very basics of[Flesh Magic]. And, with my higher[WIS]I''d like to think my control was sharper, my metaphorical hand, steadier. "[Health]still can''t get past 60." I said to myself. My[Mana]on the other hand had almost nearly depleted, and the odd fatigue I felt might''ve been an indicator. Repairing torn muscles and epidermis seemed to be my specialty now. When that was beyond me, there was little I could do but align everything correctly so that the natural healing would take over. The body knew best after all. Meanwhile, I examined my DNA, the encoded genetic information of my being that wasn''t altered by the weird green crystals that grew from these caves. Simply because of my sheer curiosity. I doubted anyone could do what I had done, but my knowledge in [Genetics]and my ability to self-diagnose myself with my[Flesh Magic]allowed me such luxuries.Unsurprisingly, this information did not line up with how my body appeared. Given an ideal environment, I should''ve been more filled out, although that much could be said of anyone imprisoned here. My growth had been stunted here. [Skill]: Level Up [Genetics] 3 I nodded at the information, wrapping up my inspection of myself. Over the next few days, the workings of the prison lab became routine. It turned out that the entrance to the Crystal Caves was regularly rotated. The crystals, called mutacite, apparently regenerated and so various access points were marked and circulated through so more could be harvested. It was also important to note that no miners ever went past a certain point in the Crystal Caves. Any further than their personal limit and they wouldn''t be able to find their way back to the prison. None ventured as far as I did. My memory was the only thing that allowed me to do so. That was when I ran into my first wild cockroach. Or rather my first[Large Cockroach]. Exploring became my hobby, but beneath that cover, it was truly me searching for any clues, any way out of this place. The cockroach was so near motionless I suspected it was dead. It was the only thing in an empty cave, and it wasn''t the first time I would''ve come across a dead body. It chittered violently and came crawling right towards me. Before I could even react my pickaxe came point first on the things head. The resounding crack did nothing but slow the roach. The fact I hadn''t even penetrated after putting a considerable amount of force into the point of the pickaxe made my mind slow. How strong had the Cook been to simply crush one of these things with her leg? I backed away, fumbled away really, and repeated my efforts but chickened out at the last second and swatted the creature away. It bit and nibbled at my feet. It drew blood in more places than I would''ve done to myself over the course of two days. I screamed kicking the thing away, and when it was too close I dropped my rucksack on it. It struggled, its barbed legs catching on the rough fabric of cloth each miner was given. Quickly, I dropped my pickaxe on top of it and the weight of that was enough to pin it. It couldn''t get its feet back under itself. "Fuck." I breathed heavily into the cave. I clambered to the wall and tended to my wounds eyeing the creature''s many legs scrambling hopelessly against the black rock of the cave. It squealed and screeched like the one the Cook had decimated. [Skill]: Level Up [Flesh Magic] 3 I blinked at the sudden increase. It had taken days of constant, constant,[Mends] until some progress had been made. I ignored the level up and continued to tend to my many many bleeding wounds. I nearly fainted from the blood loss and found my[Health]to be less than half and sitting at 13/30. My[Mana]was worse, and the pounding headache might''ve accounted for it. I rested for two hours. The[Large Cockroach]hadn''t stopped scrabbling the entire time. I came closer, close enough that I could reach out with my magic. What I found in the[Large Cockroach]was a roiling mess of cells that all wanted to do their own thing. It was absolutely volatile. It was like looking into a bubbling pool of lava, only this time it was a bug. I gasped and stared down at the thing. "You look like a regular damn cockroach too. If not for your size." Gleaming black eyes stared up at me, completely oblivious. I wouldn''t have been surprised if Gral''s own cells had looked something like this cockroach. It seemed that something about the cockroach''s own DNA fought change on a fundamental level. It was a piece of dominating information in each and every one of its cells, not just the ones infected with these new instructions. "In any case, it doesn''t look like you''re in pain." I said, unable to grasp the preventing piece of genetic information. The cockroach got a leg half free scrambling across the stone and sliced my knee open. "Bastard!" I yelled, immediately working on my wound. Angry, I exacerbated the processes of its infected cells, pouring[Mana]as I knew it into the cockroach. The chitin of the thing, its flesh refused the change incredibly resistant. Everything had a breaking point, and in my sudden bout of anger, I was determined to find this one. A tearing noise came from the roach right as I felt something give. There was a sharp keening but I only backed away as I heard the sound again. Under the rucksack, purple blood dripped. I recoiled at the sight, something grew from the wound right at the base of its shell. More chittering clicking, I saw an entirely new head erupt from its neck in a spew of purple slime. It was coated in stuff and immediately both heads started ripping at each other. The rucksack fell loose and I grabbed my pickaxe holding it in a defensive position as the roach came free. It scurried off, taking a drunken zig-zagged path. I stood dumbfounded as I watched it go.It was named differently this time.A[Mutated Cockroach]. [Genetics]: [Ability] Acquired: [Mutate] [Genetics]: [Ability] Level Up [Mutate] 1 [Genetics]: [Ability]: [Mutate] 1 You are able to exacerbate and excite the genes in living organisms causing them to undergo changes in both form and nature. Through the use of [Mana] you are able to accelerate this process and alter the genome. Effects: 1% increase in ease of mutation 1% increase ofcontrol of mutation I stared at my hand and spent the rest of the day exploring in stunned quiet. I had just encouraged a cockroach to grow another head. I could have sworn I heard the chilling chittering of a cockroach over my shoulder multiple times. Any sound halfway similar sent shivers down my spine. I wondered how long it would survive. Shaking my head, I let my mind focus on my original task. Food and water at a level sustainable enough to survive and perhaps eventually escape through these Crystal Caves. As with the previous days, little luck. Food was doable if I wanted to risk angering all the[Large Rats]by attacking one of their members. Although I had seen how fast they swarmed to aid each other, I wouldn''t be trying to eat them anytime soon. It was likely to turn out the opposite way. As for water, no sign of it. That was the problem too, water was the key. If I located a source the food might follow. I had been going further and further. So far in fact that the Overseer''s call was nearly inaudible unless I were paying special attention. With[Mutate]and the[Mutated Cockroach]on my mindit was a strong possibility I would''ve missed it, so I decided to head back early. Exploring the Crystal Caves had yielded nothing concrete on escape the past few days. I had to inevitably return since the only source of food and water was the prison. That was one hint I hadn''t had the time investigate. The nature of the prison lab''s supplies was still a mystery. Days spent exploring further and deeper than anyone had ever gone and still, the caves were as unchanging as ever. Ireturned withmy rucksack of crystals conspicuously covered in purple slime. I didn''t try to hide this. People had come back worse than this. The Overseer paid it no mind save for raising an angry eyebrow at my pace. I only stared blankly ahead. "Give me that, scum." He growled, ripping my items from me. He examined my things. "Hmph. Cockroaches. They''re getting worse than the rats." Bird visited me again that night. The rat was visibly better as she approached me I found it hard to concentrate on the magic too distracted with my new[Ability]. It was something I would have to test. Only, who would be my subject? I stared at Bird. The term "lab rats" came to mind, but no, not Bird. I sighed. "One day." I said. "One day, I''ll see something other than the godforsaken green glow of this prison." I fell asleep, disturbing thoughts of cockroaches on my brain.