The end of the world is approaching, I'm handing myself over to the country.

Within the Wasteland Era.

Inside the general store under the cover of night, the outside was still bustling with noise.

However, Lin Mo didn't want to wait any longer, so he hung up a "Temporarily Closed" sign and closed the door.

We've closed for the day.

Of course, the remote store is still available.

With a loud bang, the door shut out everything outside.

The systematized sparrow fluttered its wings, landed on his shoulder, and tilted its head.

【Going to bed so early today? It's not even midnight yet, how can you sleep?】

Lin Mo yawned and lazily walked towards the bedroom inside.

"I want to go to bed early tonight, but I can't!"

He threw himself heavily onto the bed, the soft mattress enveloping him and bringing a rare sense of comfort.

The lights on the ceiling were a bit too bright.

Lin Mo raised his hand to cover his eyes, but his mind was constantly racing as he began to review everything that had happened that day.

There's so much information!

He felt particularly exhausted after learning that he had been placed under quarantine.

However, upon closer reflection, the fact that the original world was sealed away might not be such a bad thing.

At least, there are no more worries.

Moreover, these players made so many Source Crystals today, they all look like nouveau riche.

It is foreseeable that the grocery store's turnover will experience an explosive growth tomorrow.

At that time, we will be able to start adding points to the turnover.

Thinking of this, Lin Mo felt a little better.

The only real strength is the strength that you hold in your own hands.

There are also general stores.

Upgrading to level 5 not only increases the daily limit on the number of guests you can receive.

More importantly, more products were unlocked.

The core function unlocked by the Tier 3 General Store is Source Soldiers.

The core feature unlocked at the level 4 general store is the intermediate gene potion.

The core feature unlocked at level 5 general store is advanced gene potions.

We can put the source soldiers aside for now.

To mass-produce Source Soldiers, you need a huge amount of monster materials.

Moreover, only materials from elite-level monsters are useful.

Given the current strength of these players, it would be too slow for them to collect these items.

As for purchasing finished materials directly from the system store...

Then forget it.

The price was too high, so high that it would hurt his wallet for days.

And the kind of thing you don't even want to look at.

Let's wait until the end-of-month assessment, when the players' overall strength has improved to another level, before considering the source troops.

However, intermediate-level gene-modifying agents are something we can consider in advance.

This thing doesn't require much revenue; it's just a troublesome job.

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Lin Mo sat up.

"System, what is the cost of using the intermediate-level gene serum?"

The price of the basic gene serum is extreme pain; the tearing sensation that penetrates deep into the bone can almost destroy a person's will.

If the side effects of intermediate-level potions are similar, or even more painful than those of basic-level potions...

I'm afraid very few people could withstand that.

Therefore, it's still necessary to ask first.

The sparrow, lying in its little nest on the bedside table, was slowly preening its feathers.

He merely glanced at Lin Mo without saying a word.

Looking at the system, Lin Mo's curiosity was piqued: "Aren't you supposed to be able to transform into anything you want?"

Why would you want to be a little sparrow?

[So what if it's small? At least it has the whole sky!]

Lin Mo: "Oh~ I didn't realize you were a system that yearned for freedom."

The sparrow's small eyes revealed complex emotions as it began to mutter to itself in a low voice.

If one could have freedom, who would willingly become someone else's vassal?

Lin Mo: "Huh?"

System: [Nothing...]

After saying that, the system shifted its body to find a comfortable position and slowly began to speak.

Don't worry, unlike the basic gene serum, the fear brought by the intermediate gene serum is not physical...

It's on a psychological level.

Lin Mo was taken aback.

"Psychological aspect? Mental attack?"

You can find out for yourself by opening the system store.

Lin Mo pursed his lips and lay back down.

He lay on his side, striking a lazy pose.

"...Do you mean I don't know? I'm just lazy. With you providing the instruction manual, why should I bother looking it up myself?"

That's a statement made with absolute certainty.

Why choose the most primitive method when there are better and more preferred ways?

system:【......】

A brief silence followed.

Okay, you're right.

The system eventually gave in.

Sparrow cleared its throat, seemingly preparing its words.

Intermediate gene potions are divided into three main categories, each unlocking different enhancement paths.

These are respectively: the alienation path, the elemental path, and the spiritual path.

Upon hearing these three unfamiliar terms, Lin Mo immediately perked up.

[Alienation Path: In addition to the corresponding gene potion, it must also be used in conjunction with monster blood. Upon success, one can gain a portion of the monster's power. The success rate is relatively high.]

Lin Mo nodded.

This is easy to understand; it's just animalization.

Many games have similar settings, where players gain power by implanting monster genes—simple and brutal.

The high success rate means that this path will be the choice of most players.

[Elemental Path: Besides the potion itself, you also need a certain affinity for the element; otherwise, no matter how many potions you consume, you will not succeed.]

This is the mage build.

However, it sounds like it has a high barrier to entry, requiring "affinity," and this thing sounds like it's all about talent.

[Mental Path: Can unlock mental power, but it depends on one's own talent. However, it is less common, and mediocre people cannot unlock mental power no matter how many gene serums they use.]

Mental strength?

This thing sounds even more mysterious.

Lin Mo couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Mental power? The kind that allows you to control objects?"

The sparrow nodded.

That's right.

Having received an affirmative answer, Lin Mo's mind began to stir.

Mental strength!

This is a man's romance!

Who wouldn't want to control objects and fly on a sword?

However, just like with elemental paths, talent is also a factor.

It seems that for the vast majority of ordinary players, the alienation path is their only option.

Having figured this out, Lin Mo brought the topic back.

"So what kind of psychological fear are you talking about?"

That's what he's most concerned about.

The real problem is if the side effects are too severe.

The sparrow scratched its cheek with the tip of its wing, as if it were organizing its thoughts.

[Because using intermediate-level gene-editing agents will alter one's appearance.]

[Especially the alienation path, which has undergone the most significant changes!]

[Because it contains monster blood, its use will drastically change one's appearance, and this change is unpredictable.]

Furthermore, the path of alienation will be the only option for most people.

At this point, the system paused for a moment, then continued in a very confident tone.

According to statistics, you humans suffer from severe appearance anxiety.

Therefore, many people will likely be unwilling, or even unable, to accept this change.