Free Web NovelChapter 285: The Ore Once Again
Diego’s eyes narrowed as he spotted Atom among the crowd. He exchanged a quick glance with Santiago before asking,
"Wait... is Sir Kai here?"
As soon as they heard this question, the residents perked up.
Vera straightened as she realized that their Guild Leader was truly famous. Her pride was evident in her tone... "Yes. This is now part of his territory."
The merchants’ expressions shifted... They may not have known the full details, but Kai’s reputation preceded him.
A Survivor who was capable of controlling an A-Grade Sentinel wasn’t something they could ignore.
Meanwhile, Vera and the others just knew that it wouldn’t be surprising for Kai to be that famous at all. Well, he was the Rank 1 Survivor on the Leaderboard for two consecutive months, and if the trend continued, the third month would be his as well.
Steven stepped forward... "Is there a problem?"
Diego quickly waved his hand. "No, no. Nothing like that. In fact, we’ve visited one of his shelters before. We remember him well. He left quite an impression, and we were hoping to meet him again."
Vera shook her head firmly. "He can’t be disturbed right now." She didn’t explain that Kai had entered the VR World for security reasons.
Instead, she asked, "What did you want to ask him?"
Santiago and Diego shared a smile. "It’s related to an item he might like... something that could help Atom."
That was all they said.
They didn’t press further, respecting Vera’s words.
Vera also didn’t ask further as she realized that the merchants just wanted to sell something to Kai.
After this matter was settled, they soon returned to the items being sold... They had just obtained new Survivor Medals, so they might as well purchase some items that might look good on them when the Auction date comes.
Well, they might meet other Survivors there, so perhaps, wearing high-quality clothes, luxurious accessories, a fancy hat, or even an expensive perfume would help them.
However, Vera considered their offer carefully...
Although immediate strength was not that important for the upcoming Auction Event, which should be peaceful, having a better Gene Weapon would always be helpful.
Finally, she decided. "I’ll take one of your defensive Gene Weapon."
The merchants nodded, and the transaction was swift.
Vera handed over 25 Survivor Medals. It was more expensive than the low‑grade Gene Weapons from Gene Traders, which cost 10 medals, but slightly cheaper than mid‑grade ones sold for 30.
The price seemed fair for what she received... a guaranteed shield‑type Gene Weapon cube.
Clutching the cube, Vera excused herself. She returned to her room, closing the door behind her.
Alone, she sat on her bed, staring at the dormant cube in her hands.
Her heart raced as she prepared to awaken it... freeweɓnøvel.com
[ Dormant Gene Weapon Detected ]
[ Do you wish to awaken it and become its owner? ]
"Yes," she said firmly.
The cube vibrated instantly, as if it were humming with power.
Soon, its panels shifted, unfolding silently...
Then, she got the notifications.
[ Activating Gene Weapon. ]
[ Connection in progress. ]
[ Synchronizing Spirit Resonance. ]
[ Awakening Sequence Initiated. ]
Segments elongated, locking into place. Soon, it began compressing inward, forming a broad surface.
Clank... Clank...
Metallic plates expanded outward, and they were overlapping like scales. The core stretched into a curved barrier, and soon, Vera couldn’t help but laugh.
As an Alchemist, she relied heavily on weapons if she needed to attack instead of using Gene Skills. Now, she could also rely on her gene weapon if needed to protect herself and her surroundings.
Just like that, the weapon stabilized.
It was a shield, polished and durable...
[ Gene Weapon Awakened: Praetorian Shield ]
[ Grade: Mid ]
[ Type: Round Shield ]
[ Effect: Reduces incoming damage by 50%. Generates a protective barrier when Spirit Energy is channeled. Effective against ranged attacks and energy-based attacks. ]
Vera exhaled, satisfied with this shield.
She now had three Gene Weapons... one earned from the Global Events, one purchased from the Gene Traders for 10 Survivor Medals, and now this shield... the most expensive, bought for 25 Survivor Medals. It was worth every point.
Not long after, Steven and Juno returned to their own rooms with the cubes they had purchased. The same awakening sequence unfolded for them...
They soon obtained their special Gene Weapons.
Steven’s cube became a heavy chestplate, while Juno’s transformed into a bracer that projected a defensive field.
[ Gene Weapon Awakened: Ironwall Chestplate ]
[ Grade: Mid ]
[ Type: Defensive Armor ]
[ Effect: Reduces incoming damage by 45%. Reinforces whole body protection with Aura. Generates a stabilizing wave of energy that lessens knockback and impact damage. ]
[ Gene Weapon Awakened: Guardian Bracer ]
[ Grade: Mid ]
[ Type: Defensive Bracer ]
[ Effect: Reduces incoming damage by 55%. Projects a defensive energy field when Spirit Energy is channeled. Effective for shielding allies in close proximity. ]
Just like that, the three of them gathered later, as they were all feeling excited with their new items.
After all, they felt truly secure with these Gene Weapons ready to be activated. anytime they wanted.
***
The next morning, the shelter was unusually quiet.
Vera and the others gathered for breakfast, but their minds were elsewhere.
Kai had not left his room since the previous day, and though they trusted him, the silence weighed heavily.
After finishing their meal, they decided to check on him.
Together, they walked to the Guild Leader’s house.
There, they found Atom was still stationed outside, standing like an immovable guard. His glowing eyes scanned them, but he did not allow anyone to approach.
Steven frowned. "Still guarding. He hasn’t come out at all."
Vera bit her lip, but then remembered the Guild System. She quickly opened her blue screen interface, and the others followed suit. Relief washed over them as Kai’s name appeared in green.
[ Guild Leader: Kai ]
If he had died, his name would have vanished from the list. The system confirmed he was alive, even if he remained inside.
Satisfied, they turned to leave, planning to visit the merchant caravan that had stayed overnight. Just then, the door creaked open.
Kai stepped out, smiling faintly, his posture relaxed, and he seemed to be filled with energy.
"Kai!" Vera exclaimed, rushing forward. "What happened? You look like you enjoyed it."
Kai chuckled, his voice calm but brimming with excitement.
"Yes... it’s amazing. I’ll explain later. For now, what’s with these people outside? I sensed some visitors..."
He was quite sensitive after finishing his game, so he noticed the guests immediately.
Steven nodded and he gestured toward the wagons parked nearby. "Merchants. They arrived yesterday with guards and strange devices... They have signal jammers, we think. Anyway, they’re selling weapons, supplies, and Gene Enhancements. They wanted to speak with you specifically, about something that could benefit Atom."
Kai’s expression sharpened with interest. He nodded slowly. "Diego and Santiago... I remember them."
Vera confirmed, "Yes, those are their names. They said they had something special, but wouldn’t explain further until they met you."
Kai adjusted his coat and walked toward the caravan.
"Alright... Let me see what they wanted to offer."
The merchants spotted him immediately, their faces lighting up.
Diego stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Sir Kai. Congratulations on expanding your territory. It seems shelters are thriving under your leadership."
Kai inclined his head. "Thank you. But tell me...why did you want to meet me? What is this item you claim could help Atom?"
Santiago grinned.
"We have something rare. Something not even the Gene Traders can offer. Special metals, salvaged from a vault untouched by the A.I. Army. We believe they can enhance Atom’s systems."
Kai’s eyes narrowed. "Special metals? What kind?"
Diego lifted a small crate and opened it carefully. Inside was a dull, silvery mineral that shimmered faintly with a bluish glow.
"This," Diego said, "is Aetherium Ore."
Kai’s breath caught. He had heard of it before...
To be exact, Victor and others from New Haven-45 had also collected these from the A.I. Army!
But even with Victor’s Appraisal, they could only find basic information about it.
The two then continued to explain...
Here, Kai confirmed how Aetherium was said to be a mineral modified by Anima itself, a fusion of natural iron ore and alien energy.
Its properties were extraordinary as it could reinforce plasma weapons, stabilize energy barriers, and repair advanced constructs.
Santiago continued, "We discovered a hidden cache while traveling through the ruins of an old military research facility. The A.I. Army hasn’t touched it yet. We managed to extract enough to fill several crates. And now, we’re offering it to you for a lower price...."
Kai studied the ore, his mind racing. Atom was already formidable, but with Aetherium integrated into his systems, his durability and combat potential could increase dramatically. Shields reinforced, circuits stabilized, armor enhanced... it was exactly what Atom needed to withstand the escalating threats.
Kai finally spoke.
"You’ve done well to bring this here. How much do you have, and what’s the price?"
Diego smiled knowingly. "It’s not easy... As for the price... we’ll discuss that. But understand, Sir Kai, this is a great opportunity. With Aetherium, Atom could become the strongest Sentinel in this land. So... instead of survivor medals or energy cores, how about a trade?"
Kai was curious... "A trade? Then let’s talk. Tell me about it..."
