Leaving the ancient civilization energy hub, Lin Fan didn't rush. He found a relatively secluded rock crevice, and after confirming the surroundings were safe, he eagerly opened the system interface.
[Host: Lin Fan]
[Physical Grade: D-Grade]
[Origin Energy Level: LV3 (200/300)]
[Skills Mastered: Origin Shockwave (Basic)]
[System Modules: Genetic Modification (Basic), Tech Analysis (Basic)]
[Items: Origin Devouring Python Gene Fragment]
His gaze fell upon the "Origin Devouring Python Gene Fragment." This was the gene of a D+ Grade ancient beast; if he could successfully integrate it, his strength was bound to soar again.
[Use Origin Devouring Python Gene Fragment for genetic modification?]
"Use it!" Lin Fan didn't hesitate. He knew that in the dog-eat-dog environment of Mars, no opportunity to enhance his strength could be missed.
The next second, the Origin Devouring Python gene fragment transformed into a streak of light, instantly merging into Lin Fan's body. A wave of pain, even more intense than when he integrated the Heart of Mars, swept over him. Lin Fan's body began to convulse uncontrollably, his skin covered in dense, black scale-like patterns, and his eyes turned crimson.
[Warning! Genetic modification in progress… Detecting rejection between host's genes and Origin Devouring Python genes!]
[System is urgently adjusting integration plan…]
The intense agony almost made Lin Fan lose consciousness. He felt as if his body was being torn into countless pieces, then forcibly stitched back together. He could clearly hear the grating sound of bones rubbing, the dull thud of bursting blood vessels. Cold sweat instantly drenched his protective suit.
"Damn it… this is a hundred times more painful than I imagined!" Lin Fan gritted his teeth, letting out a low growl. He knew he couldn't give up; once he did, genetic collapse and utter death awaited him.
[Integration plan adjusted.]
[Genetic modification progress: 20%… 50%… 80%… 100%!]
He didn't know how long it took, but when all the pain receded like a tide, Lin Fan collapsed weakly to the ground, gasping for breath. He felt as if he had walked through hell, every cell in his body cheering, filled with an unprecedented vitality.
He struggled to his feet, stretching his body. He found that his strength, speed, and defense had all significantly improved. What surprised him most was that while no scales appeared on his skin, it now possessed a faint, rock-like toughness. His eyes returned to normal, but a hint of wildness lingered deep within them.
[Genetic modification complete.]
[Physical Grade increased: C-Grade]
[Origin Energy Level increased: LV4 (50/400)]
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Python's Resilience (Greatly enhances host's defense and toxin resistance)]
C-Grade! Lin Fan's heart swelled with joy. In just a few days, he had transformed from a dying F-Grade ordinary person to a C-Grade powerhouse. This was unimaginable on Earth, but on Mars, with the system's help, anything was possible.
"Python's Resilience… defense and toxin resistance." Lin Fan felt the changes in his body, filled with confidence. With this passive skill, his chances of survival in this dangerous wasteland greatly increased.
He looked at the system interface again and found that his Origin Energy points had also increased. Killing the Origin Devouring Python had given him 100 points, plus what he gained from killing the mutated sand worm and raiders, he now had a total of 200 Origin Energy points.
"Origin Energy points… what can they be used for?" Lin Fan explored the system interface. Soon, he found a "Redemption Store" option.
[Redemption Store:]
[Origin Energy Recovery Potion (Small): 50 Origin Energy points]
[Physical Enhancement Potion (Basic): 100 Origin Energy points]
[Skill Book: Basic Combat Techniques: 80 Origin Energy points]
[Skill Book: Origin Energy Shield Enhancement: 150 Origin Energy points]
[…]
Lin Fan's eyes lit up. So Origin Energy points were used to redeem these items. He now had 200 points, enough to redeem two Physical Enhancement Potions, or one potion plus a skill book.
He thought carefully. While Physical Enhancement Potions could directly boost his strength, Basic Combat Techniques seemed more practical. On Mars, close-quarters combat was common, and mastering a combat technique would allow him to better utilize his physical advantages.
"Redeem Basic Combat Techniques!"
[Redemption successful! 80 Origin Energy points deducted.]
[Skills Mastered: Basic Combat Techniques (Basic)]
A massive stream of information instantly flooded Lin Fan's mind. Knowledge about combat techniques, force application, and targeting weak points was deeply imprinted in his memory. He instinctively threw a punch, feeling his movements become smoother and his strikes more powerful.
[Host: Lin Fan]
[Physical Grade: C-Grade]
[Origin Energy Level: LV4 (120/400)]
[Skills Mastered: Origin Shockwave (Basic), Basic Combat Techniques (Basic)]
[System Modules: Genetic Modification (Basic), Tech Analysis (Basic)]
[Items: None]
With his strength improved again, Lin Fan was in high spirits. He knew that he now had enough power to face most of the dangers on Mars. He oriented himself and headed towards the nearest settlement marked on the map—"Steel Bastion."
He needed to learn more about Mars, find other survivors, and perhaps even find a way back to Earth. Of course, more importantly, he had to continue growing stronger until he truly became the Supreme Overlord of this red planet!
(End of Chapter 5)