In this Wasteland-like Apocalyptic World, flora and fauna have mutated and are collectively known as Beasts. Humans have mutated too, though not as drastically as plants and animals. Human mutations fall into three categories: Awakener, Mutants, and Enhancer.
Awakener: appears once in ten thousand people, abilities vary widely.
Mutants: appears once in a thousand people, strength determined by Mutational Talent.
Enhancer: borrows external power to enhance the self; the mainstream power system.
Mu Liang learned these basics from Mino.
"Eh? Mu Liang, you're an Awakener???"
Mino stared in shock, unable to process the astonishing news.
"Yes. My Awakened Ability is animal taming," Mu Liang said, nodding slightly.
He knew his taming power would soon be exposed, so he chose to conceal his true status as Awakener.
"Mu Liang, you're incredible…"
Mino snapped back to reality, grabbed his arm, and stammered in excitement, unable to contain her emotions. She'd heard from her sister that no Awakener lived in their camp—only a few Enhancers and Mutantss.
"Keep your voice down; don't let others hear," Mu Liang reminded her with a light smile.
"Right… I won't reveal your identity."
Mino covered her mouth adorably, nodding repeatedly.
But a new worry crossed her mind: if Mu Liang was an Awakener, would he stay in this tiny camp at all?
Mu Liang watched Mino fall silent and didn't interrupt her. He asked the system in his mind, "System, I should be able to inherit one of the Domesticated animal's abilities, right?"
"Ding! Inherit Rock Turtle talent: Earth Rock Spike?"
"Inherit."
"Ding! Earth Rock Spike upgrading… adapting… inheritance complete."
As the mechanical voice faded, a cool, pleasant sensation spread from deep in his brain, and warmth coursed through his body.
"System, open my character attributes."
"Beast Tamer System: Mu Liang
Stamina: 6
Speed: 4.3
Strength: 5
Spirit: 8.7
Lifespan: 24 years / 100 years
Taming Points: 0 (refreshes daily; accumulable)
Evolution Points: 0
Abilities: Earth Rock Spike (Level 1)
(Normal human baseline: 1)
…
Domesticated Beast: Rock Turtle (Level 1)
Talent: Earth Rock Spike (Level 1)"
Mu Liang stared at the attribute panel in disbelief. All four physical stats had increased, and his lifespan now topped one hundred years. If he continued evolving Rock Turtle, could his own lifespan someday reach a thousand—or even ten thousand years? It seemed possible: Taming Points refreshed daily, allowing continuous taming of new creatures. By inheriting each new talent, Mu Liang could keep boosting his lifespan and stats.
"What kind of ability is Earth Rock Spike?"
Seeing no description on the panel, Mu Liang decided to test it himself. Focusing his will on Earth Rock Spike, he watched as the ground a few meters away bulged upward, jagged rock spikes a palm's length shooting out.
Rock Turtle cocked its head, its emerald eyes puzzling over the rocky protrusions.
"The power is decent. Used as a surprise attack under an enemy's feet, it could immobilize them. If you knock someone down and strike again with Earth Rock Spike, it would be a lethal hit."
Mu Liang evaluated how best to employ this ability, drawing on his military training. He checked the attribute panel and noted that using the talent consumed both stamina and spirit.
"You can use it about six times before depleting all stamina. To be safe, plan for three uses and save energy for the unexpected."
He set that guideline in his mind. Now he turned his attention to another problem: how to obtain energy-bearing items, since those determined Rock Turtle's evolution. His first goal would be to evolve Rock Turtle into the sacred Beast Xuanwu (the Black Tortoise of legend).
"Mu Liang, you're an Awakener—why did you pass out that day?" Mino suddenly looked up and asked.
"I was bitten by a venomous Beast," Mu Liang offered, using a ready-made excuse. He couldn't reveal he was a transmigrator—no one would believe it.
"So once you heal, will you leave?" Mino's tone fell. She realized the answer as soon as he dodged her question earlier.
"Yes, I'll leave," Mu Liang nodded gently. One day he would have to depart the camp. Only out in the wider world could he domesticate new creatures and gather energy-bearing items.
"When will you go?" Mino bit her lip, her voice bitter.
"In two days." Mu Liang decided to stay two more days. His body, enhanced, was fully recovered and even stronger. He needed those days to search the camp for any energy-bearing items.
"So soon? Can't you stay longer?"
Mino looked as if she might cry but fought back tears, pleading with him.
"Don't forget—tax is due in three days." Mu Liang brushed the charcoal from her cheek.
Mino had disguised herself as a boy: charcoal on her face, head wrapped in cloth, and an oversized gray tattered coat.
"I'll catch more little lizards—trust me," Mino squeezed his hand, her promise urgent.
"Let me ask you something," Mu Liang said gently. "If in two days I asked you to come with me, would you?"
"I would…" Mino began but then stopped. She remembered her sister's parting words: to wait until she returned.
"No need to answer now—tell me in two days," Mu Liang reassured her softly. They'd only known each other five days; asking her to leave her home to wander with him was a lot to expect.
"Okay." Mino nodded, her face a tangle of anxiety.
To leave with Mu Liang, or to stay and wait for her sister?
If she chose wrong, she might never see him again—or, worse, never see her sister.
It was an impossible choice.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。