Re: Apocalypse Game

[Bloodline gene shop]

Located at the street corner, this shop was a hub of activity, crowded with Blood Patriots and several other players. The shop was a popular destination because upgrading bloodline genes was widely recognized as one of the most effective methods to boost one's strength in the game. Thus, it drew the attention of numerous players eager to enhance their abilities.

"Let's push in!!" Vicky urged impatiently, demonstrating her eagerness to explore the shop.

Upon entering the shop, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Instead of a typical store, it felt more like a high-tech research facility. The surroundings were illuminated with sterile, bright white lighting, lending an almost clinical feel to the place. Elongated, translucent tubes lined the walls, each containing the preserved remains of various animals submerged in vibrant, colored fluids. These macabre displays created a striking visual contrast against the sterile, antiseptic environment.

A female NPC, wearing a lab coat, appeared before them. Her pale complexion starkly contrasted with her long, curly black hair and dark clothing. Her voice tinged with an air of detachment, conveyed a chilly welcome.

"Welcome to the bloodline gene shop, players."

As the group ventured further into the shop, they were greeted with an array of panels, each displaying unique offerings that invited exploration.

The Bloodline Gene Shop unveiled a selection of five fundamental bloodline genes, each one tied to distinct advantages and attributes. The players were presented with these options, each offering unique benefits:

[Bloodline: Mammals Gene]

[Type: Basic]

[Strength +1]

[Increases stamina regeneration by 10%, increases carrying capacity by 30%]

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[Bloodline: Reptiles Gene]

[Type: Basic]

[Agility +1]

[Increases movement speed by 10%, increases heat and cold resistance by 30%] 

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[Bloodline: Amphibian Gene]

[Type: Basic]

[Endurance +1]

[Increase stealth by 30%,  increase poison & radiation resistance by 30%] 

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[Bloodline: Fish Gene]

[Type: Basic]

[Intelligence +1]

[Increase swimming speed by 50%, increase water breathing length 3x] 

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[Bloodline: Bird Gene]

[Type: Basic]

[Perception +1]

[Increases jump range by 50%. Decrease falling damage by 75%]

Players were only permitted to select one of these basic-level gene upgrades, and their choice would be permanent and unchangeable. However, the road to unlocking these unique abilities wasn't an easy one. Each gene upgrade had stringent prerequisites:

[Prerequisite: Level 20, D Endurance, D-rank reward, and 5,000 survival points] 

For many players, obtaining these prerequisites meant investing a considerable portion of their hard-earned survival points. 

Achieving the power of transformation, akin to Marcus, the Blood Patriot leader, would require players to reach the advanced gene upgrades, which came at an even greater cost.

Given the relatively modest advantages these basic gene upgrades provided in comparison to job class, the gene upgrades were seen as a secondary luxury—an add-on only affordable to wealthier players.

Alan also reminded the group that these genetic upgrades came at a significant cost. Most notably, players who chose to upgrade their bloodline genes would forfeit their ability to perform magic. 

For many, the decision was not taken lightly, and some chose to delay the upgrade, hoping for better opportunities in future rounds. However, as the game progressed, the availability of other valuable upgrades and items would compete for their survival points and rewards, making it a challenging decision.

However, the Blood Patriots operated under different rules. Marcus insisted that his faction members select the much-popular [Mammals Gene], driven by a secret linked to its advanced bloodline, the [Wolf Gene]. 

Conversely, the Wolverines, under Alan's leadership, had the autonomy to choose their own path and build their characters as they saw fit. The success of their second-round grind had left each member with an abundance of points and rewards, making these gene upgrades more accessible and tempting. 

Daniel for example had acquired a substantial number of rewards and survival points during the second round. His accumulated rewards included a total of [1x C-rank reward, 2x D-rank reward, 3x E-rank reward, and 2x F-rank reward]. This, along with the over 25,000 survival points earned during the round, gave him an impressive pool of resources to work with.

His situation was quite similar to the small team that had embarked on the final mission with Alan. As for the other members of the Wolverines still have an average of [3x D-rank rewards, 4x E-rank rewards]. Even after using one D rank reward for the job class upgrade, they still had plenty of resources at their disposal for blood gene upgrades or other enhancements.

While they had resources in abundance, Alan remained firm in reminding them to use their points wisely. He emphasized the importance of optimizing their capabilities for the upcoming challenges and also advised them to set some points aside for survival, ensuring they made prudent decisions to ensure their success.

"Alright, which gene will you all be getting?" Alan asked.

"No, not for me!" Vicky said.

Vicky was particularly keen on mastering magic and had no interest in transforming into something furry or slimy. The thought of adopting a bloodline gene that included such transformations was a big pass for her. Kenny, who shared his enthusiasm for magic with Izzie, also decided to steer clear of the bloodline gene. Their focus was on honing their magical abilities, and this was where they wanted to invest their resources.

In contrast, other members of the Wolverines were more inclined to embrace the bloodline gene upgrades. The most popular choice among them was the [Mammals gene], which appealed to players like Daniel, Milo, Marsh, and even Luis due to its carrying capacity buff. Some of the crafters leaned towards the fish gene for the intelligence boost it offered.

At this juncture, Alan had a precise plan in mind. He directed Marsh to handpick a small group of his soldiers, forming specialized units, each focusing on different bloodline genes: birds, fish, and amphibians. These units were designed for scouting purposes, with one geared for mountainous terrains, another for maritime exploration, and the third for covert operations into enemy territory, thanks to its enhanced stealth abilities.

"Marsh, we don't need large numbers. At least five soldiers in each unit will suffice," Alan emphasized.

"Understood. I'll get it arranged," Marsh replied with a determined nod.

As the Wolverines made their selections, Vicky let out a wistful sigh. "It's too bad we can't have the best of both worlds – the bloodline gene and magic. I would've loved to try swimming with that fish gene."

Hearing this, Alan couldn't help but secretly smile. He actually knew that there was a way to make it possible, but the timing for such a venture would have to wait for the future.

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