develop ideal genes

Leon stood at the entrance of the city, shifting uncomfortably. This was the largest city in the south, a sprawling metropolis with towering stone walls, grand archways, and streets filled with people bustling about their daily lives. Compared to the quiet, rural village he had once called home, this place was overwhelming.

But that wasn't what made him uneasy.

He looked down at himself. The only thing covering his body was a crude leather wrap—a makeshift covering he had fashioned from the hide of a monster he had killed. It barely served its purpose, and anyone who got too close might notice the lingering scent of dried blood and scorched flesh.

"They're going to think I'm a lunatic."

Leon exhaled sharply, bracing himself. He had no choice—he had to enter the city. The capital was still far away, and the only way to reach it quickly was through a spatial carrier, which could transport him there instantly.

As he stepped past the gates, he expected stares, whispers, maybe even laughter.

But no one paid him any mind.

He blinked in confusion, glancing around.

People in stranger clothes than his walked the streets—travelers draped in brightly colored cloaks, warriors clad in mismatched armor, merchants wearing robes adorned with strange symbols. Some individuals had horns, tails, or even glowing eyes. There were beastkin, elves, and other races he had only heard about in passing.

Leon rubbed the back of his head, feeling ridiculous. Here he was, worrying about how he looked, only to realize that in a city this vast, eccentricity was the norm.

"So much for standing out."

Still, despite blending in better than expected, he felt like a foreigner in his own world. He had never stepped foot outside his village before, and now he was surrounded by grand stone buildings, intricate bridges stretching over canals, and market stalls overflowing with exotic goods.

It had been so long since he had seen this many people. The sheer volume of voices, the shouts of merchants advertising their wares, the clatter of hooves against cobblestone—it was overwhelming.

But Leon didn't have time to gawk. He had a list of priorities.

Blood for Coin

First, he needed money.

The corpses of the monsters he had killed weren't just left to rot. He had taken the most valuable parts—their fangs, claws, and anything else that could be sold. He had been a hunter before all of this. He knew exactly what pieces would fetch a decent price.

The problem? He had no idea where to sell them.

He approached a passerby, a middle-aged man carrying a bundle of firewood. "Excuse me," Leon said. "Where can I sell monster parts?"

The man barely looked at him before pointing down the street. "Third shop on the left, sign with the crossed swords. That's your place."

Leon nodded in thanks and headed in that direction.

The shop was small but packed with weapons, armor, and an assortment of materials—everything from leather to dragon scales. Behind the wooden counter stood a burly man with a thick beard, his arms scarred from years of handling dangerous goods.

Leon dropped his bag onto the counter. It landed with a heavy thud.

The shopkeeper barely glanced at him before opening the bag, sifting through the contents with disinterest—until he reached a particular set of materials.

His expression flickered.

"These…" The man pulled out a charred claw, still warm to the touch. "This came from an Infernal Beast, didn't it?"

Leon didn't answer, watching the man carefully.

The shopkeeper rubbed his chin before finally speaking. "I'll give you two and a half silver pieces for the lot."

Leon narrowed his eyes.

"Three," the man added quickly, flashing a toothy grin. "Because I'm generous."

Leon didn't argue.

He had no real understanding of market prices, but three silver pieces were more than he had ever seen in his life. Back home, five bronze pieces were enough to feed a family for a week.

The moment he took the money, he studied the coins in his hand. Silver pieces.

His first time seeing them up close. They were heavier than he expected, smooth and cold against his fingertips.

A Lesson in Wealth

His next priority was a place to sleep.

After asking around, he found an inn—one of the cheaper ones, according to the owner.

"How much for a room?" Leon asked.

The innkeeper, a plump man with a lazy eye, barely looked up from his ledger. "Thirty bronze for a night. Fifty if you want meals included."

Leon stiffened.

Fifty bronze pieces?

That was what his family spent in two months. And this was supposed to be the cheapest place in town?

Seeing his stunned expression, the innkeeper smirked. "You're new here, huh? You should know—the capital's even worse. Prices there are at least double."

Leon clenched his jaw.

"If this is the cheapest place here, how do normal people afford to live?"

He took out a silver coin and slid it across the counter. "Two nights. With meals."

The innkeeper grinned and took the coin. "Room upstairs. Second door on the right."

Before heading up, Leon made one last stop—a clothing shop.

Spending seventy bronze pieces, he bought a simple set of dark pants and a loose-fitting tunic. Finally, he looked like a normal traveler rather than a half-wild wanderer.

That left him with one silver and thirty bronze pieces.

Rest at Last

When Leon finally entered his room, he stood still for a moment, staring at the soft bed.

He had spent weeks sleeping on dirt, rock, and leaves. His body had adapted to the hardships of the wild—to sleeping under open skies, always ready for the next fight.

But now?

He stepped forward, hesitantly lowering himself onto the mattress. The fabric pressed against his skin, warm and unfamiliar.

His body relaxed, almost against his will.

"When was the last time I slept on something soft?"

He couldn't remember.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, exhaustion overtook him.

His eyes closed.

And for the first time in what felt like forever—Leon slept deeply.