Strangely enough, the stronger Phantom became, the less often he needed the genes of simple monsters.
In the beginning, Adam needed to collect as many genes as possible to become stronger, most notably when he needed genes to fill the chains around his Lock.
Only after he had collected a thousand neutral genes he could find out where his Initial Monster was. This was a direct path to becoming a K1-Phantom and could actually be done quite quickly.
But, the path to K2 wasn't as fast since there were many different conditions. Collecting artifacts was more difficult than a few hundred genes, and Midnight Crystal was a task beyond all others.
Thus, Adam had already collected the required number of genes for the Key long ago. In fact, he didn't even collect the genes of the monsters he killed anymore, because there was no point in doing so.
When he went to the next level, he would only need to kill a few monsters to refill the missing genes.
But... now that he had killed the Light Yellow Threat monster, it was time to see something new.
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
A single gene came out of Gray Stalker's body in the form of a rune covered in pale yellow energy. Outwardly, the gene looked weak and unstable like Gray Stalker himself in the majestic hierarchy of the Yellow Threat Level monsters.
However, not taking into account special genes such as the Initial Gene and Power Gene, it was the highest-level gene that Adam received.
[Gray Stalker, Light Yellow Gene x1 - has been placed in your Vault!]
The yellow rune flew into Revolve, a snow-white vortex in front of Adam's palm, and headed towards the massive book inside his space. Specifically, this gene wasn't something Adam needed for any purpose, but it was a kind of milestone in his path.
One way or another, most K1-Phantoms, weren't capable of defeating Light Yellow monsters.
"What a strangely satisfying feeling, like I've finally taken another step forward, though... I still need Midnight Crystal for that." Adam muttered, clenching his fist tightly.
Then, he stared at Scarlet Pyromancer standing off to the side.
Scarlet Pyromancer wasn't as smart as Thunder Demon or North Keeper, but he didn't need to be clever or cunning to realize Adam's intentions.
Adam's glance was enough for Scarlet Pyromancer to feel threatened, for him to realize that he was facing a hunter who thought of him as prey.
Perhaps another monster would have chosen to run away, but Scarlet Pyromancer had a certain pride due to his status.
Then, two spheres of red and white aura collided with each other trying to suppress their enemy.
Scarlet Pyromancer pressed his legs closer together as well as all parts of his body. It was obvious that he was struggling to withstand this confrontation, but he was strong enough to prevent Adam from winning.
To wound another creature with an aura there had to be a serious difference in strength between the two opponents. If the difference in power wasn't crushing, then the weaker opponent could withstand the other's aura attack.
"Oh, not bad, not bad at all. Essence Monsters are worthy opponents after all." Adam smirked while their auras dissipated.
Neither aura was able to completely suppress the other, so after the collision they slowly disappeared like particles of white and red flame.
Adam smirked and stepped forward, extending his right arm. He was ready to use his needle and start fighting.
Scarlet Pyromancer responded in kind. His long horn flashed with scarlet flames and his glands began to swell in preparation to unleash a powerful stream of fire on Adam.
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
At the same moment, the ground shook and the streams of black smoke coming out of the cracks covering the surface became much thicker.
Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.
In some places, as if on someone's command, several massive monsters with horrible, unpleasant, and disgusting-looking bodies emerged from the ground.
There were only five of them, and although they appeared at the same time, they were not controlled by anyone.
Adam and Scarlet Pyromancer were to blame for this. Minor bursts of energy during the battle against the Gray Stalkers could not disturb the monsters that lurked in this area near the Fume Cathedral, but Adam's and Scarlet Pyromancer's auras had attracted the inhabitants of this land.
Adam frowned turning to the nearest monster. Find adventures on мѵʟ
"Holy shit, you're nasty." Adam frowned heavily as he stared at the huge monster towering over him with a creepy face like a disfigured human mask, with a perpetual frozen smirk.
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
The ground shook once more, revealing several silhouettes that were hidden behind a dense shroud of black fog, but clearly coming in their direction.
Adam narrowed his eyes. He had no intention of attracting the attention of all the monsters around Fume Cathedral, but there was nothing more he could do.