I only had three points to spend this time so my choices were even more limited. Basically I could gain more mana sense or I could gain a magic type. Well, except for fire sense which was twice the cost of the others. I can kinda understand why though. Playing with fire magic in the middle of the forest is a recipe for disaster. Especially when you just so happen to be a highly flammable tree. I could also save it to spend on a more expensive upgrade later. I'm tempted to do just that, but as a tree I feel like earth and water magic are both things I should have. So I opt for water magic this time instead of saving up, which I probably should do eventually.
I was hoping for a few more spells but then again it is just level 1. I wonder how I can get it to level 2 or higher. If I have to start dividing my experience between me and my magic that's going to significantly slow down my level gains. Especially once I gain the other magic types. Then again if I can get attacked by a few more mutant beasts maybe it won't be so bad. Little did I realize that what I'd already experienced was just the tip of the iceberg.
Meanwhile, In a top secret research station.
"Anyone got an explanation for what we're seeing? Anyone at all? Come on, one of you eggheads must have some idea. You've been studying the phenomenon for months now, give me something. Or do you need more first hand experience" Yelled Colonel Davis. A veteran who had fought in two wars and numerous 'policing actions'. His age was starting to show on his face but at just 47 he had a lot more years left in him. He never had any intention of actually sacrificing any of them. Not only is it a waste of valuable assets, it also not something he could live with as a person. It's also against regulations but everyone understands, accidents happen. Again though all he really needed was for them to think he would.
Just then one of the scientists stood up and turned to face him. "What we know so far is that it's caused by some kind of energy signal from the sun. We don't know how or why the sun suddenly started emitting this weird energy. It seems to interact with the DNA of all living things. Worse of all, nothing we do even seems to slow it down or change it's direction in the slightest, never mind blocking it."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"So why doesn't it effect us or plants?" Asks Colonel Davis.
"Who says it doesn't? Maybe it's just taking longer or maybe we just haven't noticed the changes yet."
Just then one of the conference room doors swung open and in walked Lieutenant Sara Whistler. 170cm of red headed furry in a 60kg frame. She marches right up to the colonel like she owns the place. "I have the results of the off site tests we conducted using as many volunteers as we could round up on such short notice." She announced without even bothering with proper protocol. Most people found her abrasive but Colonel Davis rather enjoys her tendency to cut out pointless theatrics. She was the kind of lieutenant he wishes he'd been. Her figure's not bad either he admits to himself.
After a few seconds he realizes that she is waiting for him to respond. "Well, don't just stand there hand it over." He barks trying to hide the fact that he was lost in thought. She quickly hands it over a he skims the information real quick. According to the tests anyone who regularly consumes mutant beast meat gains an increase in all measurable metrics. They also report filling satiated faster than with 'normal' food. This suggests that the mutated beast meat is extremely energy dense. There have also been no harmful side effects reported. Well, aside from them needing to consume more and more mutant beast meat to get the same amount of increase. Apparently the human body quickly adapts to this new energy dense food source. That's hardly what he would call a harmful side effect though. The important thing is that unless every single one of the volunteers is lying they don't gain experience from consuming mutant beast meat.
Moving on to the part about mutant beast dissections there are a few bits that catch his attention. First of all aside from growing larger changes in their brain structure suggests they're also growing more intelligent. Besides that a few samples include new organs of unknown origin or purpose. Not least of which is a spherical crystal that is unnaturally smooth. So far all they've been able to discover is that it contains a concentrated version of energy which is similar to but different from the mysterious energy now coming from the sun. What this energy is or how these creatures use it is a complete mystery. They aren't even able to safely contain it outside of that weird biological crystal.
"Find a few terminally ill patients and offer to pay for all medical bills in exchange for their participation." Colonel Davis says to the Lieutenant. If that doesn't work you can throw in financial support for immediate family members. Once that's done begin experimenting with that strange biological crystal. That should be the focus of our research for now. I think we've discovered all we can for now about the mutants beasts and mutant beast meat."
Having received her orders she turns and heads back out the door after saluting briefly. He may be a lot less strict when it comes to formal procedure than any other CO she's had but she understands that even he'll only let it slide up to a certain point.
