So this is all...Weapons, potions, gene modifiers — every section I'd browsed so far was utterly useless to me.
I let out a short breath, the kind that wasn't quite a sigh but close.KIRA's display hovered silently near the edge of my vision — observant, reactive, waiting.
"System," I said firmly, ignoring KIRA for the moment. "Open Skill Shop. Display top-tier entries."
The Earth Spirit responded with a soft chime. Gold-lit panels unrolled like digital banners suspended in air. The Skill Shop pulsed to life, revealing the most highly ranked skills uploaded by users worldwide.
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Skill List:
Dark Prison (S)
Category: Tactical Skill – Containment
Description: Field technique for urban conflicts using deployable micro-anchors to trap targets temporarily within a limited radius. Used by elite riot response teams in Eastern Europe.
Requires: Engineering module or portable anchor kit for full deployment.
Seller: Unkind
Muay Thai (S)
Category: Close-Combat Martial Art
Description: Traditional Southeast Asian striking discipline emphasizing knees, elbows, and clinch control. From Vivian Star, an underground tournament champion, including brutal finishers and adaptations against armed foes.
Seller: Vivian Star
Weapon Specialist (S)
Category: Technical Mastery – Multi-Weapon
Description: Knowledge base on operation, maintenance, and combat with 100+ melee and ranged weapons. Features muscle memory simulation and counter-tactics. Created by a former private military instructor.
Seller: IamGod
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Out of those skills, one skill attracted my attention.
Survival Way (S)Category: Knowledge Base – Extreme Combat & Tactical SurvivalCreated by a high-threat-zone operative known as Soldierboy, this book is an enhanced and refined combat manual forged from hard-earned battlefield experience. It focuses intensely on fighting skills crucial for survival in the most hostile and unpredictable war zones. Within its pages, you'll find detailed instructions on how to operate every kind of weapon—ranging from firearms and blades to improvised arms—as well as comprehensive teachings of multiple martial arts styles, including karate and others.
More than a simple survival guide, it presents a unique, self-developed hybrid fighting style that seamlessly integrates techniques from diverse disciplines, optimizing effectiveness and adaptability in real combat scenarios. This work surpasses ordinary manuals by combining practical weapon handling with advanced hand-to-hand combat strategies, making it an indispensable resource for anyone who must live and fight under extreme conditions.
Seller: Soldierboy
Price: Any S-rank weapon or healing potion above B-rank.
My eyes narrowed.
I want this book.
The Survival Way wasn't some cobbled-together blog article — it was a hardened manual, forged through real-world pain and warfare.
The price…
S-rank weapon or healing potion above B-rank.
Fine.
I already knew what I had that would qualify.
"KIRA," I said, glancing at the AI's glowing lens. "Failed serum version 91002."
KIRA responded instantly, deadpan as ever.
"Ah yes, the one that turns people into Wolverine for a week, and then into a starving zombie. A classic. Fetching it now."
I approached the sterilized cabinet. The vial sat nestled between failed gene mod experiments — a sleek black cylinder with a faint red pulse, like a heartbeat trapped in glass.
KIRA slid it across the table with a small hiss of its motorized arm.
"Your mad science smoothie, served chilled."
I ignored the sarcasm.
"I'm using this. It failed to grant me the ability I wanted, but its healing effect is potent. More than enough to buy that book."
I held the vial firmly and turned toward the shimmering interface."System," I said. "Register this item for trade. Category: Healing Potion."
[Scanning…]
[Scan complete.]
Item Grade: A-rank – Super Healing Serum Description:A regenerative serum that accelerates cellular repair by over 521 times. Can heal fatal injuries and regenerate lost limbs, excluding damage to the brainstem.
Duration: 7 days post-injection.
Side Effects:– Inability to sleep for the duration– Fivefold increase in hunger– Post-effect weakness lasting 4–6 hours
Warning: Prolonged use beyond 7 days may result in organ fatigue.
Perfect.
This would more than meet the price requirement.
I clenched my fist.
"System," I said. "Contact seller: Soldierboy. Offer trade — A-rank healing serum for Survival Way (S)."
The interface blinked.
[Connecting to seller: Soldierboy… Negotiation pending… Awaiting response.]
KIRA hummed beside me.
"If he asks for a kidney on top, just remind him your healing serum can grow it back."