Trait Hoarder – Chapter 112

Mutant — Part 4

Ten servings of ramen were gone in an instant.

The mutants licked the bowls clean, not leaving a single drop behind.

“No more?”

“Just one more bite!”

“It’s such a shame…”

“Don’t you have ramen at home?”

“Of course not.”

“We survive on nutrition capsules and rice cakes.”

Since they couldn’t taste food, it seemed they’d been getting by with just the basics.

Eating herbal medicine like Grizzly Bear did was probably considered luxurious.

“Why don’t you head to the mart and buy some? Or go hunting. Even if you just sprinkle salt, pepper, and Mana Core powder on meat, it’ll be delicious.”

Gulp.

“I’m going right now!”

“Who’s heading to the DMZ?”

“Hey, do you think the DMZ is some park in the neighborhood?”

The mutants scattered in all directions.

Some said they were heading to town, while others set out to hunt.

Even Grizzly Bear was bouncing with excitement.

“Should I head to Inje Town too?”

“Chief, don’t even think about it. With your size, where do you think you’re going?”

“They’d think you were some kind of monster.”

The mutants returned in no time.

One came back carrying a wild boar, another brought a bundle of dozens of pheasants, a third hauled in a tower of ramen boxes like they were spoils of war, and one mutant had frozen ice cream using their own breath for preservation.

A sudden festival had erupted.

The entire mutant village was buzzing with excitement.

High-level mutants of Levels 5 and 6 joined in, as did toddlers wobbling on their feet and patients barely able to stand.

“It’s so… delicious!”

“So this is what sweetness tastes like…”

“Living this long was worth it.”

“Incredible…”

“Sniff… Thank you. Thank you so much.”

And it didn’t end there.

Mutants with peculiar accents began to join the fray one by one.

“What’s this? Is it an ice pop?”

“This instant noodle is quite tasty!”

“Thank you kindly!”

‘What kind of people talk like this?’

I gave Grizzly Bear a baffled look, and he leaned over to whisper in a tone he couldn’t quite conceal.

“For us, there’s no such thing as a North-South divide. No matter where we go, we’re treated the same—with discrimination.”

“That’s true, I suppose…”

“Don’t judge them too harshly. Those people had a rough time crossing over. You know how things are up north—it’s hard to survive.”

Even in this world where magitech had advanced, North Korea remained the poorest country.

Life was even harder for mutants there.

In South Korea, mutants were legally recognized as humans. But in North Korea, they were hunted and their Mana Cores extracted, or so I’d heard.

I nodded, and Grizzly Bear raised an oversized pewter cup high.

It was a toast.

The beer I’d mixed with soju, enhanced with Mana Core powder, shimmered with a golden hue.

“Let’s drink! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

I wasn’t much of a drinker, but this wasn’t the time to abstain.

While I sipped cautiously, Grizzly Bear drained his massive cup in one gulp.

“Ahh! I see now why humans love alcohol so much. It’s so refreshing!”

“But Chief, you’re a human too. Why do you call humans something separate?”

“It’s just habit. To be honest, it hasn’t been that long since we’ve been treated as people. During the Japanese colonial period, we were treated as talking beasts. I’ve had countless brushes with death. Hah… Back then, the hunters were ruthless. At least the current president of the Hunter Association is someone I can talk to. Oh, by the way, aren’t you part of the Hunter Association?”

“Yes, I am.”

“When you’re hunting, make sure you confirm whether your target is a mutant or just a regular beast before pulling the trigger. Every year, one or two people from our village end up getting shot. I’d hate to have to kill you with my own hands.”

“I’ll remember that.”

The mutant village’s stance on mutant hunting was always the same: a duel, followed by vengeance.

It was a right explicitly stated in South Korea’s Mutant Law.

From what I’d heard, it was a hard-won right, achieved through the efforts of mutants like Grizzly Bear who had participated in World War II and the Korean War.

“That aside, didn’t you say you needed Mana Cores?”

“Yes.”

My ears perked up.

Grizzly Bear stared into his pewter cup, deep in thought.

The golden liquid reflected in his cow-like eyes swirled as he contemplated.

In the game, this kind of reputation wouldn’t have been possible.

But in reality?

Now, with their senses overwhelmed by a new world of flavors, caught in the whirlwind of culinary delight?

“Well, technically it’s against the rules…”

Grizzly Bear glanced around at the villagers.

The festival was in full swing.

Everyone, having temporarily gone wild over the food, had now calmed down and were enjoying themselves.

“♪ Oh, pine tree, my pine tree! ♪”

A wooden mutant with a rough, gravelly voice sang a strange song.

“Boom-chit! Boom-chit!”

A bizarre, three-headed yaksha mutant twisted his body in an awkward dance.

“It’s delicious!”

“I want more!”

“Now, now. You’ll get a stomachache if you eat too much.”

Even a chick-shaped mutant child was whining for more ice cream.

Laughter and happiness, rare sights in the mutant village, overflowed in abundance.

Grizzly Bear wore a gentle smile.

“It’s been so long… Truly, it’s been such a long time…”

What memories was this old bear revisiting?

His eyes, filled with nostalgia, seemed lost in thought.

Rising briefly, he disappeared for less than a minute before returning.

In his massive paw, he held several jewels radiating a brilliant light.

“Here. Take them. These are the Mana Cores you wanted.”

Exactly four of them.

A giant’s, a demon’s, a yaksha’s, and a Thunderbird mutant’s Mana Cores.

Whose were they?

It was impossible to know.

They could have belonged to Grizzly Bear’s comrades, friends, or even close relatives.

Without hesitation, I placed the Mana Cores into my golf bag.

“Thank you.”

“Use them well. I’m sure they’d prefer to be of use to a human friend like you rather than lying idle in a columbarium. You’re not planning to sell them, are you?”

“I’m going to use it. I’ve hit a wall in my progression, so I’m trying to create a Reconstitution Elixir. My magic spirit told me that mutant Mana Cores are absolutely necessary for it.”

“What? You’re using it for a Reconstitution Elixir?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

It would be a huge headache if they said no here.

I carefully watched for any signs of disapproval, but Grizzly Bear suddenly burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! I knew it from the moment you blocked my attack earlier—you’re quite an extraordinary human!”

“Do you think so?”

“Of course! Do you know who was the last human to ask me for a mutant Mana Core for a Reconstitution Elixir?”

“Who was it?”

“It was none other than the Legion Commander of the Eastern Army—Black Tiger Sword. Oh, wait a second… isn’t that thing on your back the Black Tiger Sword? Or is it the White Tiger Sword?”

He knows the Legion Commander?

Well, it makes sense. Both are independence heroes and war veterans.

It would actually be stranger if they didn’t know each other.

“You’re right.”

“You should’ve mentioned earlier that you had a connection to that old man. I wouldn’t have hit you for no reason.”

“I’m not his disciple. The Legion Commander gave it to me as a gift.”

“He gave it to you as a gift? Even though you’re not his disciple?”

Grizzly Bear shot me a look that screamed disbelief.

But then his expression shifted, and he nodded as if it made sense.

“Well, considering the state of his son and disciples, I suppose it adds up. Plenty of leopards and wildcats, but no tigers.”

“I met them briefly. They were all brave and wise individuals.”

“Not in that old man’s eyes. He aimed to rival the Heavenly Demon. At the very least, you’d need to be Level 8 to satisfy him.”

Grizzly Bear looked at me with an almost probing intensity.

“You’re only Level 4, yet you’ve already hit a wall in your progression and need four types of mutant Mana Cores for a Reconstitution Elixir… Do you know what level that old man was when he used Mana Cores?”

“He must’ve been Level 7.”

“No. He was Level 5.”

Level 5 and already facing the growth limit?

That means he was an R-grade talent, not SSR.

In the game, they likely resolved all his progression issues by the starting point, labeling him as SSR.

Grizzly Bear nodded deeply.

“You might just become the true Black Tiger Sword King—or perhaps even a Sword Saint.”

“Sword Saint? That’s way too much praise.”

“Different temperament, sure, but strength defines a Sword Saint. It’s as simple as that. In any case, if you need four types of Mana Cores now, you’ll probably need even more later.”

“That’s likely.”

“If you need something, don’t hesitate to ask. It wouldn’t hurt for our village to have a connection to the next Legion Commander.”

“Thank you for saying that. I’ll gladly accept your help.”

“In return, there’ll be a few favors we might ask of you. Keep that in mind.”

“Of course, that’s only fair.”

This was exactly what I wanted.

Quests from the mutant village often came with lucrative rewards.

Though, considering how fast I was progressing, I wasn’t sure if I’d even have the time to complete them all.

I stood up, dusting myself off.

As I slung my golf bag over my shoulder, the mutants gathered around me.

Some looked disappointed, others openly shed tears.

“You’ll come back, right?”

“You’re the savior of our village!”

“The hope of mutants worldwide!”

“Thank you so much!”

“We’ll miss you!”

Mutants, ruled more by instinct than reason, and quicker to use their fists than their words.

Maybe that’s why they felt more genuine, more heartfelt, than humans.

As I began running downhill, dozens of mutants followed.

Most fell behind quickly, but a few managed to keep pace with me.

Among them was a woman completely covered from head to toe—Skeleton Snake. She tapped my shoulder lightly.

“Thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me.”

“Because of you, I had a meal for the first time in two hundred years.”

Two hundred years?

Turns out she’s a fossil.

“You’ve lived a long time.”

“Lived long, but to no real purpose. It’s been decades since I’ve felt joy like this.”

“Decades, huh…”

“I heard that mutant Mana Cores are needed for a Reconstitution Elixir. If you ever need a Skeletal Snake Mana Core, let me know. I’ll give you mine.”

Is she insane?

Why would she offer her own Mana Core?

I shook my head furiously.

“There’s no need for that. Even if I need one, I would never use the Mana Core of someone still alive. There are plenty of Mana Cores in this wide world.”

“If you ever truly need one, just say the word. I’ll give it willingly.”

She only has one heart, and yet she’s willing to part with her Mana Core?

Before I knew it, we’d arrived where my car was parked.

As I started the engine, Skeleton Snake waved.

“Take care. Don’t die before you come for my Mana Core.”

“Stop saying weird things.”

“But it’s true. When I was born, a prophecy was made. It said that I would offer my Mana Core to the one who restores my tongue, blood, and flesh. That from them, I—and the world—would be reborn like the sun.”

Her personal quest did have a prophecy like that…

But it’s the first time I’m hearing about receiving her Mana Core.

If I take her core, she’d die—even if she’s two hundred years old!

I waved my hand dismissively.

“It’s probably metaphorical. Prophecies are rarely literal, you know?”

“Maybe… thanks for the advice.”

“Think it over carefully. Don’t interpret it the wrong way and make things worse.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

“See you next time.”

“Take care.”

Vroooom!

And with that, my brief yet exhausting visit to the mutant village—which felt like days even though it hadn’t been a full day—came to an end.

Dragging my tired body, I returned home.

Driving under the influence?

[Iron Skin], [Undying], [Sigurd Cultivation Technique],

[Indomitable], [Drug Resistance], [Poison Resistance].

With this set of traits, a few sips of alcohol are meaningless.

Honestly, I could probably digest radiation.

“I’ve got the Mana Cores.”

[Thank you for your hard work, Master. Please place them in the materials compartment.]

Everything had already been prepared.

Once I placed the Mana Cores in the compartment, a hatch opened, and the materials were transported to a magical cauldron.

The process began immediately.

There was no need for me to do anything else.

The entire process was automated, ensuring not even a millimeter or milliliter of error as the Reconstitution Elixir was crafted.

Soon, four Reconstitution Elixirs were complete.

Red, black, blue, and white liquids swirled thickly in magical crystal bottles, forming milky whirlpools.

[Nectar is required. You will need three bottles.]

“Four bottles total if we include the Trait Elixir, right?”

[That is correct.]

“That’s more than I expected.”

[It is estimated that even more will be required for your next reconstitution. At least five bottles of Nectar will likely be necessary.]

“And only one bottle for the Trait Elixir?”

[Yes. I am also in the process of designing a method to forcibly expel the mana contained within the Nectar. If Master were to absorb the mana from five bottles directly, it would inevitably cause a mana surge.]

I currently have eleven bottles of Nectar. That should be enough to carry me through the next level-up.

I retrieved four bottles from my safe and placed them into the materials compartment.

The Reconstitution Elixirs began to compress.

Hisssss!

Steam burst forth.

Golden smoke spread thickly before dispersing into the air.

A substantial amount of mana was being released—far more than I possessed.

[It is complete.]

At last, the Reconstitution Elixir was finished.

Should I call it the Mutant Elixir instead?

Its golden-black, white, blue, and crimson hues swirled and split into five distinct streams before merging back together, repeating the cycle in an almost mesmerizing rhythm.

[Master, I recommend you remove all traits and consume it raw.]

“You’re telling me to take it without any active traits?”

[Yes. Doing so will maximize the effects of the elixir. However, be prepared—it will be extremely painful.]

“Hah…”

Even when I drank Nectar fully geared with my traits, I thought I was going to die. And now you want me to take this raw?

But there was no other choice.

I needed to grow stronger.

If I wanted to live, if I didn’t want to die a meaningless death, I had to endure this pain now.

Even now, the Old Father’s Cult was waiting for an opportunity to strike.

If not for the Westphalian Covenant of Divine Annihilation, I’d already have been dragged off and brainwashed like a dog.

I shut my eyes tight and gulped down the Reconstitution Elixir.

“Gaaaaah!”

My body was breaking.

It shattered into pieces, crumbling apart.

Bones splintered, muscles unraveled.

It felt like my cells were being torn apart one by one, only to be reassembled again.

It was a sensation that words could never truly describe.

I blacked out several times, slipping into unconsciousness again and again.

At some point, I actually stopped breathing. My heart had ceased beating.

But I survived.

Not because I was extraordinary.

It was solely because of the core ingredient of the elixir: Nectar.

There was a reason my magic spirit insisted on bringing three bottles of it.

“Gasp… gasp… gasp…”

As I struggled to catch my breath, the magic spirit spoke in its usual cold tone.

[Master, consume the Trait Elixir immediately. To fully activate its effects, you must take it now.]

“Alright… alright.”

The Trait Elixir wasn’t gentle either.

It tormented me, tearing through my body like it was trying to finish what the Reconstitution Elixir started.

But I didn’t care. It was worth it.

Acquired the trait: [Onslaught].

A gift from the heart of the Goat Demon.

And with it…

I had finally reached Level 5.

–TL Notes–
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