Gathering Wives with a System Chapter 417: Selene’s New Species

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Previously on Gathering Wives with a System...
After a tense exchange with Simraj and Averon, where Isaac deflects questions about their earlier interaction, the Solkara group requests entry into the [Great] dungeon, and Isaac directs them to register and pay the fee. Once they depart, Isaac ponders the significance of the [Great] Plains dungeon and turns to the Lord Chat for answers. There, Ashroot explains that Great Dungeons allow access to the Tower of Heaven and Hell—a pillar of light connecting sectors—upon completion, and their sector likely holds at least twelve such dungeons from mid-rank species, with more possibly from the high-rank ones.

Catherine had previously informed him about these matters.

At present, those two high-rank species maintained utmost secrecy.

Although they possessed Fortified Cities visible on the surface, the bulk of their actual populace had been transferred long ago to distinct dimensions under their control. These were independent realms, concealed from the entire Sector.

The high-rank species remained utterly isolated.

Their individuals rarely showed up in public, save for Trials or Quests. They avoided meddling in Sector politics, or at least did so covertly.

To the average citizens, it seemed like just twelve powers governed the Sector.

Thus, it was accurate to claim that the true rulers of the Sector consisted of the twelve mid-rank species.

The Florathi race numbered among those twelve dominant forces.

Together with their counterparts, their role involved orchestrating defenses against major dangers—such as Raids, massive monster surges, Catastrophes, or unique occurrences threatening numerous Lords or vast areas.

In cases of large-scale crises, they took charge of the mobilization efforts.

Once Isaac absorbed all the details from Ashroot, he sent a brief note of gratitude and ended the conversation.

Silence returned to the room.

"Now that I possess a Great Dungeon, it's bound to attract crowds. I must ensure my Territory can handle any troublemakers eyeing my City," he whispered to himself.

To bolster the City, several elements were essential.

Mighty structures. More robust forces. And even mightier specialists.

He reclined in his seat and mentally enumerated his resources.

"I've already commenced construction on every blueprint in my possession.

"Regarding elites... Alice, Emily, the Sword Empress, Professor Catherine, and Vale are all advancing swiftly in strength," he remarked.

The resources from the Crimson Sky Wyrm's remains were undergoing processing.

Crafters originating from the old Fortified City 82 were meticulously working on the body. They extracted components for forging gear. The Mana Organ received special preparation. Should all proceed smoothly, Alice would try absorbing it, potentially gaining one of the Crimson Sky Wyrm's inherent abilities and enhancing her physical form.

Such a development could propel her to a superior tier.

"The main issue lies with bolstering the troops..." Isaac pondered aloud.

He did command some forces.

Including the nagas, ogres, and the daily summons from the Summoning Altar plus the Standardized Battalion. These were well-trained and effective. Yet, he deemed them insufficient.

With Lords from distant areas drawn by the Great Dungeon, not all would approach with good intentions.

Isaac preferred not to depend solely on elites.

He required warriors of formidable might. Ones capable of safeguarding the City in his absence.

"I suppose it's time to experiment with my ability," he declared after a brief pause.

His clone had already collected the genetic material from the Tyrannical Golden Hens. These weren't typical fowl; they were fierce, assertive beings shaped by harsh environments. Their genetics held great potential, extractable via his techniques.

Should integrating those genes with seeds align with Isaac's hypothesis, he might produce something revolutionary.

A being with intelligence.

One utterly devoted.

A force that could serve as the core of a premier military unit.

After wrapping up the paperwork on his desk, he rose to his feet. He could have assigned this trial to his clone, yet as it marked his initial personal attempt at such integration, he opted for his primary form.

Arriving at the farm proved quick.

As before, his recent home sat close to the farm, a bit removed from the central city. The clamor of building projects and routine tasks diminished the deeper he ventured from the core zones. The atmosphere here carried a serene quality.

As Isaac dropped from the heavens and touched down beside his dwelling, he rolled his shoulders lightly.

"I suppose I should commence—"

His statement halted abruptly.

A unfamiliar aura registered in his senses.

Isaac pivoted his gaze deliberately.

A figure occupied the porch.

His respiration hitched.

Silver tresses cascading smoothly past her shoulders. A delicate nose. Petite, cherry-hued lips. Ruby irises appearing sharper than previously. Pale complexion that gleamed almost ethereally in the sun's glow. Her bearing was upright and elegant. An aura of aristocracy enveloped her, newfound and striking.

"Isaac?"

Her tone had shifted too. Softer yet more distinct. It held a subtle echo that persisted momentarily beyond the ordinary.

Her brows knit faintly, lending her an unexpectedly endearing appearance—

Isaac compelled himself to refocus.

"Selene? Why do you appear... so transformed?"

He broke off midway.

In truth, Selene resembled her former self facially. Yet her entire essence had altered. It felt like she had ascended from remarkable allure to an ethereal pinnacle.

"It stems from my evolution," Selene explained. Her posture eased upon seeing Isaac's bewilderment rather than dismissal. A courteous smile graced her mouth. "What do you think of my new look? Though your expression probably tells me already."

She let out a gentle laugh.

The melody proved oddly captivating.

A faint tug stirred in Isaac's core. Subtle, yet undeniable. An urge to hear more. To elicit another smile. To—

'What in the world?'

His thoughts realigned abruptly.

'A psychic technique?'

He scrutinized the mana encircling her intently.

'No... she doesn't seem to be employing any actively.'

Her demeanor appeared genuine. No traces of focus or intentional invocation.

'Then it must be a innate racial trait? Something subconscious?'

A chilling insight dawned on him.

'Into what formidable race has she transformed?'

"You look stunning," Isaac replied, maintaining composure. "And congrats on finishing your evolution. You've reached high-rank status, outmatching most in the City now. So, what species have you become?"

"Silver Drake. That's my new race. Although..." she added, pausing briefly. "My abilities feel a tad... unusual, I suppose."

"Unusual in what way?" Isaac inquired.