Atop the blue summit, as dusk caressed the landscape of Shunri Paradise, a sinister discussion unfolded, unnoticed by the retreating slum dwellers.
Three figures stood in the shadow of the twilight with their forms outlined against the fading light, engaged in a conversation that would send shivers down the spine of any who overheard.
A holographic panel floated before them and its surface displayed the image of a man whose eyes emitted a predatory coldness that transcended distance.
This was the mastermind behind the expedition... the orchestrator of a ruthless plan unknown to most.
"The extraction was not just a mission; it was a necessary sacrifice," the man's voice emanated from the panel.
"The stones you've been collecting are far more than mere rocks; they are the eggs of the Sacred Revilcorn Evo. It isn't very powerful, but it is incredibly rare, and I've been in search of it for quite some time."
His words was a confession of deceit so grand it had placed the lives of the slum dwellers in peril for the sake of a monstrous ambition.
"The expendability of those from the slums made them the perfect pawns. Their lives, in the grand scheme, are a small price to pay to lure out the Revilcorn. Because the eggs have a less than 1% chance of hatching so they're technically useless."
The two System Bearers, Corin and Talia, listened in resignation. Their complicity in his dark plot wasn't something they were entirely proud of especially after lives were lost, yet the promise of power was a siren call too tempting to ignore.
"The Revilcorn is now trapped, probably weakened since the slum rats claimed to have witnessed rocks collapsing onto it. Its body is of immense value to me," the man continued with his gaze piercing through the holographic interface.
"I need to consume its flesh, gather its Evo Points, and with luck, assimilate its abilities. The power to drill through any substance would be mine, which is crucial to my plans."
Corin nodded with a grim expression. "We understand. The slum dwellers have served their purpose. We'll retrieve the Evo's body and ensure its powers become yours."
Talia added, "The Revilcorn's ability would be a significant asset. We'll not let its corpse slip through our fingers."
The man on the panel smiled with a chilling display of satisfaction.
"Excellent. Remember, time is of the essence."
As the communication ended, the holographic panel dissolved into the air, leaving the two System Bearers to contemplate the task ahead.
The summit, once a place of natural majesty, now bore the stain of a dark conspiracy.
Below, in the depths of the cave, Atrixus lay unconscious, unaware of the ongoing plans of descent.
■■■
In the shadowy realm of unconsciousness, Atrixus found himself adrift in a void, a place where darkness and light melded together in an endless expanse.
"Kikikikiki," the sound of a baby giggling rang in his ears as a playback appeared before him.
In his view, he could see a baby held by strong masculine hands, being thrown into the air and caught repeatedly. But as the footage played on, Atrixus noticed that the skies were the same shade as that of Shunri Paradise.
The face of the person playfully throwing the baby up was that of his father.
'A dream? Or a memory? I've never been to Shunri Paradise before, so this can't be a memory... so who is the kid? Or am I dead?'
While Atrixus was pondering, the space suddenly turned dark as the footage vanished.
All of a sudden, notification panels began appearing before his mind's eye with a clarity that was almost tangible.
<< Synchronizing With Bearer >>
The first panel announced as its letters glowed with a soft luminescence.
Atrixus felt a tugging at the edges of his consciousness as if the chip was reaching into the deepest parts of his being, intertwining with his very essence.
'Oh, I recall what happened... the chip, it penetrated my forehead...' Atrixus recalled.
<< Successfully Synchronized >>
A sense of completion washed over Atrixus, a feeling of being whole for the first time in his life. It was as if the missing pieces of his soul had been found and put back into place.
<< Boosting Immune System >>
The panels continued, heralding a transformation taking place within his body. Atrixus could feel his cells vibrating with newfound energy.
<< Restructuring Cells >>
<< Adapting Bearer's Body To Foreign Ecosystem >>
The chip ensured Atrixus's survival in Shunri Paradise, modifying his physiology to thrive in an environment that was not his own. He could sense the changes as an intrinsic understanding of the land and its dangers embedded itself into his consciousness.
<< Boosting Strength >>
<< Boosting Agility >>
<< Unlocking Levels >>
<< Unlocking Consumption And Assimilation >>
<< Unlocking Evo Points >>
As the last of the notifications faded into the darkness, Atrixus felt a pulling sensation...
It was like a gentle tug, beckoning him back to the realm of the living.
The void began to recede as the darkness gave way to the dim light of the cave.
When he opened his eyes, the world seemed different, sharper and filled with a depth of colour he had never noticed before. He rose to his feet, feeling rejuvenated like he was in a body that felt unfamiliar yet distinctly his own.
Standing in the cave, surrounded by the glowing rocks and the remains of the Evo, Atrixus knew that he had been irrevocably changed.
The System Bearer's Microchip had not only saved his life but had also set him on a new path.
As he stepped forward, Atrixus ripped the suit and hazmat-like helmet off his body since he no longer needed it to breathe the air of Shunri Paradise.
A weak groan behind him, suddenly attracted his attention.
"Oh, you're still alive?" Atrixus voiced in bewilderment upon turning around.
The Evo buried beneath the rocks was still breathing.
His eyes suddenly squinted as he noticed a bar floating above the head of the Evo.