In this species research facility, Kevin Carpenberg was like a fish in water.
After all, those working here were all renowned experts in the fields of flora, fauna, various insects, and aquatic life.
Their expertise in biological research was second to none, each with their own specialized direction.
Not to mention, the base stored a vast archive of documents and research materials.
Kevin often wandered around the labs, seizing every experimental opportunity to absorb new knowledge. One had to admit, his learning ability was exceptional—practically photographic memory.
His daily routine was well-organized: training, potion-making, and gathering resources all took turns.
This area was a nature reserve, formed from the merging of several conservation zones and restricted areas, making it a vast wilderness teeming with diverse plant and animal life.
Besides accompanying the research team on field missions, Kevin also ventured out alone from time to time to search for and gather materials he needed.
Not only the materials that triggered a faint craving within him were useful for potion-making.
Just like that, time flew by, and October came to an end.
Early morning light barely broke through the heavy fog blanketing the base's outer plaza.
Near the forest edge of the plaza was a designated training zone, with rows of wooden stakes planted in the ground.
This area was a recent addition.
Bang!
Bang!
Kevin was here, performing simple training exercises, repeatedly punching a wooden stake before him.
Upon closer inspection, the impact marks left on the stake were not ordinary dents, but perfectly shaped hexagons—like stamp prints.
"Whew, finally seeing results," Kevin exhaled in relief, staring at the hexagonal marks.
He hadn't taken an [Iron Wall Potion] this time—the hexagonal imprint was formed solely by his aura under pressure.
He only had three doses of the [Iron Wall Potion] left. Not because he didn't brew more, but because the usable ingredients had been exhausted.
"Even though [Iron Wall Potion] is a lower-grade potion than [Power Potion], learning the same-tier transformation effect was much more difficult."
Kevin had already figured out the reason—the key lay in the word "transformation."
The effects of the [Iron Wall Potion] were of the Transmutation type; meanwhile, [Power Potion] belonged firmly to Enhancement.
The [Power Potion] enhanced muscle strength, enabling greater bursts of aura—capped at a 30% increase.
So once the potion was taken and paired with his Nen ability [Blank Meteor], the effect could be learned and replicated.
However, the learning rate was low at first and required repeated potion use and consistent practice to gradually improve until it matched the original effect.
Meanwhile, the [Iron Wall Potion] altered the aura's structure, making it sturdier and forming hexagons—essentially, a structural transformation.
This fell under Transmutation, and Kevin's efficiency with this type was only 80%, meaning a longer time was needed.
And it wasn't a gradual process like with Enhancement-type effects. It was binary: either you've learned it or you haven't. No half-way results.
Based on this, Kevin categorized learnable potion effects into two types.
The first: State Buff Type—these were easy to understand, boosting physical stats, aura capacity, or endurance. A gradual effect, increasing step by step, just like leveling up from 1 to 10.
The second: Transformation Imbuement Type—these gave aura specific properties by altering its structure.
Like forming sturdy hexagonal shapes or adding heat effects to aura.
This was more like a progress bar: each potion use simulated the effect and filled the bar. Only when the bar reached 100% would the ability be learned.
Even at 99%, if incomplete, there would be no effect.
You either mastered it or you didn't. There was no such thing as "almost."
"Nen is seriously complicated," Kevin muttered to himself.
He grabbed the towel on his shoulder and wiped the sweat off his face, leaving the training zone in just a tank top.
He felt pretty good today. Right before his [Iron Wall Potion] ran out, he completed the simulated learning process.
Now he could freely transmute his aura into hexagons. Even without conscious effort, in the right state, his aura would automatically take on that form in both offense and defense.
Because the potion worked automatically when consumed, the effect had now become a subconscious instinct.
Suddenly, Kevin heard the sound of a car engine starting.
"So early?" he thought, puzzled.
"Yo, Kevin, training again? You're really dedicated," said Begel, sitting in a camo-patterned jeep, pulling up in front of Kevin.
"Gotta stay sharp. Power fades without regular training," Kevin replied with a smile. That was something Biscuit had taught him.
Begel nodded in agreement and patted the passenger seat. "Wanna tag along? I'm heading out to pick someone up."
"Pick someone up?"
"Yeah, two professional Hunters."
"What kind of Hunters?" Kevin asked curiously.
The types of Hunters he knew were few but diverse—Ruins Hunters, Gem Hunters, Conservation Hunters. Yungu even called himself a Martial Arts Hunter.
"Gourmet Hunters."
Now that piqued Kevin's interest. If they were Gourmet Hunters, their cooking skills must be pretty great, right?
"Give me a sec—I'll freshen up."
"No rush. We've got time," Begel replied casually.
Soon, Kevin was ready, and they hit the road.
It didn't take long to reach the entrance gate to the nature reserve. From afar, two eye-catching figures stood at the gate.
One was a striking young woman with a hot figure, dressed in a breezy outfit: hotpants, boots, and a crop top that showed off her curves.
Her short, greenish-blue hair fell just past her ears, and her youthful face still held a hint of innocence—but her features were undeniably attractive.
Behind her stood a rotund giant of a man, easily over two meters tall, with a round belly that looked like a balloon.
He, too, wore a crop top—but not by design. His belly was so huge that his shirt simply couldn't cover it.
The jeep pulled up in front of them.
The girl crossed her arms and said in an annoyed tone, "You're late!"
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Kevin smiled apologetically. If not for him, they might've arrived earlier.
"It's no big deal—we just got here too," said the round man gently.
"I've been waiting a long time!" the girl protested, swinging her fists in irritation.
"No way. It's only been ten minutes," the man replied calmly.
"Ten minutes is still long!" she shot back, elbowing him twice in the belly, sending ripples through his jiggling stomach.
The man just laughed it off, clearly unfazed. He seemed like the easygoing type.
Kevin and Begel exchanged a glance in the car. These two had totally opposite personalities, but somehow they made for an amusing pair.
patreon.com/HRT862 for 20 chaters ahead