[Fusion Success!]
Soon, a prompt appeared in Mio's vision.
Gene fusion is complete.
A brand new gene appeared before him.
[Mysterious Gene: After fusion, this gene gathers all the abilities and specialties of the combined genes and strengthens them. Once used for cultivation, it can significantly enhance the organism's potential.]
Reading through the introduction, Mio didn't rush to use it. Instead, he checked the other genes in his collection. After some thought, he shook his head.
"No… I'll save the rest for later."
He still had two powerful genes on hand—the Demon Gene and the Ancient Giant Lizard Gene. However, without a suitable carrier to cultivate, they were left unused. He had a feeling that once he reached the Doldrums, he might find the right opportunity, so he decided to preserve the remaining Dinosaur Beast Genes until then.
Decision made, Mio turned his gaze toward the glass box.
Inside it was a small butterfly.
He carefully took it out. Controlling his strength, he clapped his hands together.
Snap!
The butterfly was crushed, barely clinging to life with just one breath left.
Seizing the chance, Mio activated cultivation. The butterfly's fading figure was transferred into the Cultivation Tank.
With a thoughtful hum, Mio dragged the newly fused Mysterious Gene into the cultivation frame. Then he added a Tyrannosaurus Gene, a Triceratops Gene, and finally, a Falcon Gene he had collected from the Ancient Island.
That falcon was a total accident.
It had been prey, caught in the jaws of a dinosaur, half-dead and twitching. Mio had happened upon the scene, killed the dinosaur, and spared the bird.
"If hell exists, that falcon would probably thank me for ending its suffering," Mio muttered.
With the gene configuration complete, he clicked the [Start Cultivation] button.
Hissss—!!
Steam hissed and shot out from the cultivation tank, clouding the panel.
ROOOAR—!!
A thunderous dinosaur roar echoed.
CAWW—!!
The shrill cry of a falcon followed.
The cultivation process wasn't too long, nor too short.
Just as it was reaching completion, a knock came from the door.
"Dinner's ready!" It was Erica.
And right at that moment—
Cultivation finished.
Steam dispersed, revealing a dazzling white silhouette.
A figure emerged from the mist, tall and slender, with flawless curves and an aura that instantly drew the eye.
She stood proudly in front of Mio, arms folded over her chest. Naked.
Mio's eyes widened.
The girl's face had two distinct patterns on either side—one black, one white. Her sea-blue eyes sparkled under the light, and long, waist-length hair in shimmering blue cascaded down her back.
Then, suddenly—whoosh!
A pair of massive butterfly wings unfurled behind her. They stretched wide, rising elegantly into the air.
The wings were primarily a radiant blue, but black and white patterns danced along the edges. As they flapped slowly, glittering fluorescent particles filled the room.
She hovered in midair, like a celestial being—graceful and otherworldly.
An angel.
[Cultivation Successful!]
[Name: Unnamed]
[Abilities:]
Replacement: Instantly swaps position with any visible target.
Protean Change: Can morph into any creature or existence seen.
Sun Poison: Absorbs sunlight to generate a lethal poison on her wings, dispersible through wing powder.
Moon Poison: Absorbs moonlight to generate an alternate poison variant.
Healing Dust: A special powder that neutralizes Sun or Moon Poison.
Alluring Beauty: Activates a powerful charm aura upon wing expansion; weak-willed individuals become entranced.
Speed: Unimaginably fast, even among flying creatures.
Butterfly Sound: Unique wing vibrations create beautiful or frightening sounds.
Hurricane: Wings can expand to massive size and generate hurricanes by flapping.
[Combat Power Evaluation: Navy Rear Admiral]
[Ultimate Combat Potential: Navy Vice Admiral]
[Potential: Admiral]
"Hisss…"
Mio couldn't help but click his tongue. "This… is ridiculously overpowered."
So many abilities, and all of them absurdly strong. But it made sense.
This was a mythical beast species from the Insect-type Devil Fruits. It wasn't supposed to be weak. Combined with the Replacement ability and natural flight, she was a true aerial turret—dominant in the skies.
"I mean, if someone wants to kill me, they better fly," Mio muttered, grinning. "And even then, I can just teleport out of there."
Her charm ability was also impressive—reminiscent of the Love-Love Fruit aura. With her wings open, she exuded such beauty that it could stun opponents in their tracks.
Mio looked at her again.
Wings wide open. Fully exposed. Sparkling dust all around her.
"Yeah… I guess my willpower is decent," Mio muttered, touching his nose. "Because if it weren't, I'd probably be drooling right now…"
Realizing her lack of clothing, Mio quickly came back to his senses. He pulled off his jacket and handed it to her.
"Ahem. Put these on. Your wings are a bit much, so try to tuck them in for now. I'll have proper clothes made for you at the next island."
She tilted her head, watching her master curiously.
Then, he smiled.
"From now on… your name will be Lilith. Got that?"
The girl's glowing eyes lit up, a spark of life appearing for the first time. She smiled.
It wasn't just a regular smile—it was like the blooming of spring flowers, coloring the world around her.
"Lilith likes this name."
Her voice was soft, melodic, and full of joy.
And then, to Mio's shock—
Lilith bent forward, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him on the lips.
Smooch.
"WHAT THE—?!"
Mio's mind exploded.
Did he just get kissed? By force?
But…
He didn't hate it.
In fact, part of him melted.
When their lips finally parted, Lilith's face was lightly flushed. Mio, on the other hand, was frozen stiff, completely dazed.
Lilith giggled sweetly and covered her mouth, watching her flustered master with amusement.
…
Mio coughed and quickly handed over more clothes. "Right, get dressed. And seriously—put those wings away for now."
He scratched his head, still trying to shake off what just happened.
That kiss… was definitely going to stick in his memory for a while.
Once Lilith began dressing, Mio turned toward the system.
Time to extract an ability.
His eyes glinted with anticipation.
"Let's see what I get this time… Hopefully it's Replacement."