The lord of life and death

In a dimly lit room scattered with empty bottles, Rain sat cross-legged in the centre, his focus sharp and unwavering. He was attempting to break through his second genetic lock, knowing that failure meant he'd have to start over—and next time, he would have to pay for the resources himself rather than receiving them from the city. 

Suppressing all thoughts but one, he concentrated fully on unlocking the genetic door. His reserves of genetic energy were dwindling, so he grabbed the last bottle of genetic medicine and drank it, feeling his energy renew. Still, despite his best efforts, the genetic lock remained closed, refusing to budge.

Realizing his current energy might not be enough, he made a choice: he merged his genetic energy with his soul's power, creating a powerful surge within him. With this combined force, he attempted one final push—and, at last, the door unlocked. 

Suddenly, a wave of intense pain washed over him as energy poured from the opened genetic lock, beginning a transformation process throughout his body. He endured it, feeling every cell shift and strengthen until, finally, the transformation was complete. A deep satisfaction settled within him, soothing his body and soul alike.

Then a notification from his internal chip echoed in his mind, indicating that his soul had returned to its full power. Rain's thoughts raced. *How could this be?* Then he understood: when he had combined his genetic energy with soul energy to break open the second genetic lock, the energy release had somehow also found its way to his soul, repairing the missing fragments and restoring it to full strength.

This time, no major transformation occurred like when he opened the first genetic lock. The changes were concentrated mostly in his chest, head, and internal organs. His arms and legs remained unaffected—likely because he had already refined them with acid. 

Now he turned his attention to the new energy created from the fusion of his genetic and soul energy. In the Star Immortal World, he referred to it as "true energy." He sensed this true energy and noticed it felt distinct from the Star Immortal World's version. Out of curiosity, he directed some of it to hold a bottle, only to watch as the energy seemed to either consume or melt the bottle—he couldn't be sure which.

He realized this quality was always present in genetic energy, though he hadn't previously used it to handle ordinary items—it was challenging to manipulate, and he hadn't seen the need. Now, however, he wondered if this effect was a characteristic of genetic energy itself. To confirm, he asked BIT to search the network for information. BIT located a research article, and Rain read through it, finding a passage that resonated:

"Genetic energy in humans and all living beings capable of generating it contains radiation, as all life in the new era is infected to varying degrees. Humans who merge their genes with those of radiation beasts become genetic warriors, and as their rank increases, so does the radiation in their energy. By the time a genetic warrior reaches Titled A-rank, they must limit contact with ordinary humans, as Titled A-rank warriors constantly emit energy that modifies the environment to suit them. For example, a Titled A-rank warrior who fully comprehends the mystery of ice will begin cooling their surroundings, even if they stay in a hot region for months, snow may start falling and the region may change from a hot to a cold region permanently, even after they leave."

It continued with examples of S-rank monsters who lacked mates yet still created numerous descendants. The environment around these creatures became entirely transformed: everything from plants to minerals adapted to the beast's nature. For instance, in a metal forest where the S-rank Titanium Lion resides, even trees and soil turn to metal, creating metallic golems that roam the area.

Rain mused over the information, comparing it to novels from his previous life about the pollution caused by ancient gods. Realizing he'd been in the room for over three hours, he decided it was time to rejoin his team. As he stepped out and turned, he noticed his team seated nearby. Suddenly, his BIT started beeping loudly and insistently—an urgent message. A quick glance confirmed that his teammates had received the same alert.

He instructed BIT to relay the message while walking toward his team, each step increasing his anticipation as the details unfolded. The more he listened, the wider his eyes grew with surprise. Reaching his team, he found them just as stunned, Sky's expression mirroring his own shock. Rain took a seat in silence, processing the message. For a few moments, they sat quietly, exchanging glances as they absorbed the gravity of the situation, each understanding the weight of what lay ahead.

Damian was the first to break the silence, "I don't even know if I'm nervous, afraid, or… happy."

Lily nodded, "Nervous because tomorrow morning, without any preparation, we're heading straight into a battle."

Sky added, "Afraid—because we're going to enter an S-rank weird domain and fight creatures on that level."

Siobhan and Rain exchanged a look before speaking in unison, "Happy, though, because of the list of resources we can access with enough merit."

Damian's eyes lit up, "Those resources can help us reach the next realm faster and include items that can deepen our understanding of mysteries and rules."

Rain couldn't help but reflect that in his previous world, forced recruitment for a battle without prior notice would likely have led to anger and dissent. But in this world, where crises came from every direction, people had learned to unite in the face of adversity.

Siobhan looked at Sky and Damian. "Teacher, are you and Damian even allowed to join? I read that only D-rank Genetic Warriors can enter Dead Battlefield in the first month, but you're both in the True Body Realm." Rain also wondered where True Body Realm fit within the ranks.

Sky replied, "True Body Realm is still considered D-rank. Until we unlock the fourth genetic lock, we remain D-rank Genetic Warriors."

Lily glanced at her watch. "We should head home to prepare. We need to be back here by 6 a.m. tomorrow."

Sky nodded, "Same here. I'll see you all tomorrow."

Everyone rose from their seats and made their way together toward the police headquarters' main entrance, discussing strategy as they walked. At the gate, they parted ways, leaving Rain and Siobhan alone.

Rain turned to her. "You can head home. I'm going up to the upper floor."

Siobhan looked at him, puzzled. "Why?"

"For tomorrow's battle, I need to buy a sword. Fighting barehanded just increases the risk of injury."

Siobhan nodded, "Then I'll buy one too." Together, they made their way to the lift, only to find a line even for the official lift. They joined the queue, waiting their turn.

Rain glanced around. "Looks like everyone's here to buy supplies for tomorrow's war."

"Yeah," Siobhan agreed. "Rain, you're lucky. Breaking through to middle D-rank means the danger you face will be less."

Rain nodded. "You could get a Fire Blood Bud after earning some merit and finding time to rest after fighting."

They moved forward as the line shortened. Siobhan thought aloud, "Fire Blood Bud—it burns genetic waste in seconds. Merit required: 10. And a low D-rank monster gives just 1 merit… So I'll have to kill at least 10 monsters quickly tomorrow."

Rain glanced at Siobhan. "I don't think a single Fire Blood Bud will clear all your genetic waste to reach 10 percent refinement." They moved forward as the line continued to shrink. Rain leaned to check the number of people left, counting six ahead of them. "We're next."

Siobhan added, "We should also get some protective clothing."

Seeing the lift open, Rain headed forward, "If there's any credit left." He entered, with Siobhan following closely. As the lift ascended and the doors opened, they stepped out onto the business floor.

It was Rain's first time on this floor, and he admired the sleek, modern setting as they walked. Vehicles moved along the street outside, and Rain glanced left and right, uncertain of which direction to go. He had no idea where to find shops with quality weapons.

Unsure of where to start, he turned to Siobhan. 

"Siobhan, do you know any good shops with quality weapons?" he asked. Although he could check on his BIT, he didn't trust himself to judge which stores were reliable.

Siobhan raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd know that."

Rain gave a sheepish smile. "Let's ask Teacher Sky." He quickly dialed her number, and after two rings, she picked up."Rain, did you need something?"

He explained their dilemma. "Teacher Sky, can you recommend any shop for weapons?"

Sky's response was quick. "You won't need to buy a weapon; the city will provide them before you enter the Dead Battlefield tomorrow."

Rain ended the call and relayed the message to Siobhan.

She sighed, "We should've called before taking the lift."

Rain shrugged, a small grin on his face. "Well, since we're already here, let's grab some dinner before heading back."

With a shared laugh, they walked toward the nearby dining area, their minds shifting to the battle that awaited them tomorrow.