Chapter 4: We are all human beings; why do we differ so much in appearance

Indeed, if humanity in this world wishes to enhance itself and acquire extraordinary abilities, it will employ this exceedingly simple method—consuming crystal cores

At the same time, the various magical beasts scattered across the Western Ancient Continent are fundamentally categorized by this LV level system, which delineates their strength and the difficulty of hunting them.

Occupations focused on auxiliary therapy are evaluated based on the strength of skills and work performance for level (LV). In contrast, the advancement in lifestyle-related occupations is associated with both work performance and duration of service.

There are generally three types of alienation. The first type is "alienation type." For example, the alienation phenomenon caused by long-term consumption of beast-type monster crystal cores results in having two pairs of ears. However, the pair of beast-like secondary ears is directly connected to the skull by cartilage. Similarly, the tail at the back is also an alienation phenomenon. These alienated organs enhance sensory perception and balance, and some cultivation paths can also utilize them as auxiliary weapons. Similar alienation phenomena include the growth of wings, horns, and scales.

These two routes are primarily chosen by ordinary citizens who lack substantial financial resources and do not possess any special crystal core formulas

... ...

This is a method discovered by humans, who have been abandoned by the gods and lack extraordinary innate talents, to enhance their strength through their exceptional creative intelligence. Otherwise, they would be unable to survive and develop under the threat of the ferocious and rapidly reproducing magical beasts that are spread across the continent, let alone contend with the exceptionally gifted elves

The second type is the "enhanced type," where the physical changes are not particularly distinctive. For example, it may lead to a robust skeletal structure and well-developed muscles, but with a short stature and dense hair resembling that of a dwarf. This system generally does not exhibit particularly unusual organs; it is merely the physique and appearance that are somewhat unique. Uncle Magic, with his doll-like face and short stature, belongs to this category.

The various magical beasts that inhabit the Western Ancient Continent are both dangerous foes to humanity and extremely important resources. The bones, flesh, skin, and horns of these magical beasts are all valuable materials, but the most important aspect is still the source of their power—the magical beast crystal core

However, long-term consumption of crystal cores may have some side effects, such as Magic's extremely short stature and juvenile appearance, which are actually considered relatively normal side effects

The reason why Magic, who is only 1.1 meters tall, can capture the shoulders of the much taller Head is that Head is squatting down to talk to him. There is no other way; Magic has a small chair and a small bed specifically for him at home, and Head is genuinely worried that if he sits down, he might crush them.

Of course, in other aspects, Magic's development is still quite normal. Yesterday, after inviting Head to familiarize himself with the town, he also invited Head to the tavern for drinks. Then, halfway through, he went off to meet his sister. Moreover, he actually managed to attract a curvaceous girl with fox ears, leaving the disinterested Head behind to enjoy himself.

Therefore, this method of enhancing one's strength is also limited; it is impossible for someone to become an invincible expert simply by consuming a high-level item, such as a king-level magical beast core.

Without wealthy and noble parents, without extraordinary personal qualities, and without magical auxiliary items, how am I supposed to survive in this other world? Heaven, you cannot play me like this

Therefore, this type of development path is mostly utilized by wealthy aristocrats who possess abundant human, material, and financial resources

In summary, if you can single-handedly defeat a king-level monster exceeding level 99, you will become a master

However, even so, this is sufficient for humanity to acquire a sufficiently strong power, preventing them from being far surpassed by the elves, allowing them to survive and develop in this world filled with magical beasts. It is important to note that originally, a human, no matter how much they train themselves, would probably never be able to surpass an ordinary elf who possesses only basic talent in their lifetime

"It's all good. When I first arrived here, I was also a Level 1 citizen. Now, I have become a Level 47 citizen and a Level 31 magic charger," Magic said optimistically. "Although you may not have any special abilities right now, as long as you are willing to work hard, you will eventually find a job that suits you. Then you can earn some money to buy crystal cores to enhance your abilities, gradually improving your strength and finding higher-paying jobs. Everyone has gone through this process."

The reason why Magic appears this way is that his path to enhancing his strength is somewhat unique. In order to increase the efficiency of his abilities, he has become this short stature and possesses an exceptionally youthful appearance due to the special influence of the cultivation inheritance.

Moreover, the consumption of crystal cores requires special combinations; when paired appropriately, the absorption efficiency is significantly higher than when consumed haphazardly. Without the corresponding crystal core formula, an ordinary person, even if they consume large amounts of crystal cores daily, will not be able to gain much strength. Furthermore, to obtain greater assistance, one must have access to higher-level crystal cores, which ordinary individuals cannot acquire.

However, Magic is neither the neighbor child who appears to be under ten years old, nor is he a particularly small race such as a halfling or dwarf; he is a genuine human being, and he is already forty-three years old

"What can I do for work..." Black De sighed in frustration at the suggestion from the short uncle to find a job for himself. He truly did not know what kind of work he could do in this world, given that before his transmigration, he had achieved nothing and only played computer games, watched anime, and engaged in what he thought were computer games. Moreover, with his current frail, youthful body, he feared that he would not be able to handle even slightly heavier physical labor.

Heide is now a Level 1 citizen of the Olympus Empire. This is his merit level, and he currently does not have a profession level

"Well, let's go." Heide forced himself to lift his spirits. Currently, he only had enough currency to barely support three days' worth of rations, which was a benefit granted to new citizens of the Empire upon entering Roland City. Although his current accommodation could be used for free for a month, he would still have to pay rent afterward. Therefore, he couldn't think too much; the priority was to find a way to avoid hunger and not end up sleeping on the streets.

District 11 ... ... '', He De muttered this awkward term with a bitter smile

Certainly, this evaluation method has its loopholes; for instance, some individuals may pay a high price to purchase a Warcraft crystal core. However, since it pertains to combat-related professions, strength is the fundamental criterion. One can only accomplish as much as their strength allows. Unless one never has to take action in their lifetime, holding a high-level title without the requisite strength will inevitably lead to trouble.

Those that are comparatively abnormal ... For example, after Heade entered Roland City, he encountered some beings on the street that closely resembled orcs, and even those with horns on their heads and wings on their backs were clearly typical non-human entities. In fact, they are all genuine humans, but due to the directional issues in enhancing their own abilities, a large number of them consumed monster crystal cores, resulting in various side effects. This phenomenon is referred to as "mutation".

"Heide, let me take you to find a job." This proposal was made to Heide by a fellow neighbor named Magic, who stood about 110 centimeters tall, had a very petite figure, and sported a cute doll-like face.

In summary, high-grade magical beast cores, along with cultivation legacies that include recipes for consuming cores with significant absorption effects, are the most precious treasures in the human kingdoms of this world. Many powerful human noble families maintain their prosperity and development due to their unique cultivation legacies and specialized channels for hunting high-level magical beasts.

However, after all, the inherent abilities of humans, who originally possess very weak power and lack any magical skills, are indeed quite limited. The efficiency of absorbing various powers from the cores of magical beasts is relatively low, and it is necessary to practice the techniques for utilizing these powers in conjunction with the frequency of absorption to avoid the tragic outcome of overindulgence.

"Heide, don't be so gloomy; you should have a brighter outlook on life," Magic said, playfully patting Heide's shoulder with her chubby little hand. Magic was truly a cheerful and talkative person, and within less than ten minutes of knowing Heide, she was already chatting away with him as if they were old friends.

The last type is the "Specialized Type". This direction typically does not produce alienation effects, but during combat or when utilizing special abilities, it exhibits very unique alienation effects. High-level strong individuals may not even experience alienation phenomena, but instead produce special light pattern phantoms. Generally speaking, this developmental direction requires more advanced crystal cores and special crystal core formulas.

After entering Roland City, Hede was sent to a place called District 11, which is also an area where ordinary civilians reside. After all, Roland City is essentially a comprehensive fortress city, so there is no need to give each area any fancy names.

To pursue a purely combat-oriented path, one should consume the crystal cores of single-type magical or melee monsters, gradually increasing the level of the cores consumed from low to high. Following this, systematic skill training should be undertaken. Over a prolonged period, it is possible to become a master of magic as well as a master of combat.

The types of professions in the Western Ancient Continent are quite diverse, and the classification of professional levels is similarly defined by LV. The numbers from 1 to 99 indicate the strength of abilities from low to high, with every 10 LV representing a stage. The highest title is that of the Great and Librarian. Certain professions can obtain a new professional evaluation after exceeding LV 99, commonly referred to as job change

As for why this hierarchical system feels strangely familiar, Hede now certainly understands

Magic follows the development path of a support-type white mage, and he is an exceptionally singular light-based white mage. Since childhood, he has been consuming the crystal cores of low-level light-type magical beasts. Due to the lack of more efficient crystal core formulas and advanced crystal cores, he has experienced some side effects, resulting in his current condition

This information was obtained by Heid during casual conversations with his neighbor Magic after getting to know him, which also confirmed Heid's speculation that many things in this world are extremely familiar to him

He is currently assigned to a modest single room on the second floor of a two-story building in a civilian area in District 11. On his left is a room occupied by a pair of siblings who work as monster hunters, while on his right is a neighbor who is...

For combat professions, it is quite simple to increase your level. You can go out into the wilderness and challenge a monster one-on-one, for example, by defeating a level 30 monster. By retrieving the crystal core from within it and submitting it to the Empire's Professional Assessment Office, you can elevate your rank to a certain level within a level 30 combat profession. As for the weapons, equipment, items, or methods used, there are no restrictions; these are also aspects of one's strength.

The meritocracy of the Olympus Empire is both simple and familiar, consisting of five noble ranks: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron, along with a large number of citizens. The merit levels are categorized from low to high, ranging from LV1 to LV99, and the nobility follows the same structure. Generally, a person's worth can easily be discerned from their merit level

Humanity has adopted this method of enhancing themselves through the consumption of crystal cores for less than three hundred years. Currently, there are still many shortcomings and defects; however, the phenomenon of mutation does not yet produce hereditary effects. Therefore, those individuals who appear quite peculiar still have offspring that are healthy and normal human children.