The agreement they had made earlier was clear. The two full vials were entrusted to Kai, while the four would share the half‑filled vial among themselves.
Russel had already explained that each vial contained about two hundred or more drops, judging from the viscosity and the dropper they had found.
It was a staggering amount.
But Russel also warned them. "Don't be greedy. Most of us can only handle five to eight drops before our bodies reject them. Of course, it might be different for you guys since I think you're all special."
He paused after saying this.
"Anyway, after we felt the rejection, we needed at least a year or two before consuming again. The leaders hoarded it, which is why no one else ever had the chance."
The five then nodded. They understood the risks now.
On the other hand, Russel was worried that he had been misunderstood, so he quickly explained himself.
"For your group… We don't really mind even if we don't get any more gold liquid."
Since Kai had promised them food, weapons, protection, and better shelter in the near future, they felt more inclined to give it up…
Kai had already shown how generous he was and given them food that they had never tasted before.
They didn't mind if he got all the gold liquid as long as he kept his promise.
***
"Alright… Let's try it out!" Victor said with a hint of excitement.
Soon, the dropper was prepared and opened one of the full vials.
There was no scent whatsoever. However, none of them doubted its effects because the system confirmed what they are.
Plop…
The golden liquid glowed faintly as Kai raised it. The others watched in silence as they waited for Kai to try it…
Soon, he tilted his head back and let a single drop fall onto his tongue.
The taste was quite metallic, almost burning as it slid down his throat. His body tensed immediately, heat spreading through his chest.
Russel mentioned this since it would happen for first-timers, so Kai didn't panic.
Then, the system reacted.
[ Alpha Gene Enhancement Serum Consumed - 1 Drop ]
[ +100 Experience Points ]
[ Permanent Stat Increase: Health +5, Spirit +1 ]
Kai was already happy with this benefit, but it didn't end there.
[ Congratulations! First Gene Serum Consumed! ]
[ First-Time Bonus: +1 Gene Skill Point ]
[ Note: Gene Skill Point can be used to level up a Gene Skill. ]
Kai's eyes widened slightly as the notifications flashed before him.
"I received experience points, an increase in my Health and Spirit Points… I also got a first-time bonus." Kai shared.
The heat in his body had also settled into a steady rhythm.
But just like what Russel said, since it was their first time, they could immediately feel that something had changed in their bodies.
"Kai… What about Gene Skill? Did you get one?" Claire asked.
Kai shook his head. "Nah… But it works. My body feels… stronger… Just try it yourselves.
Just like that, everyone got their first drop of Gene Serum. They received similar bonuses, and as expected, no one received Gene Skill yet.
Of course, they weren't planning to stop there.
Kai continued, curious to see if he could level up.
Based on his count, he already had 200 Experience Points. He had earned 30 points for the first kill, 60 points for the solo kill, 10 points for discovering the serum, and now 100 points for consuming it.
However, the second drop was different.
[ Alpha Gene Enhancement Serum Consumed - 1 Drop ]
[ +50 Experience Points ]
[ Permanent Stat Increase: Health +5, Spirit +1 ]
Instead of getting 100, he received just half… Kai was immediately worried!
After all, the third drop might only give him 25 points!
Without waiting for others to ask a question, Kai tried a third drop.
In any case, he wasn't feeling any signs of rejection. Furthermore, he no longer felt the heat and changes in his body after the second one. It seemed that his body had now adjusted.
"Whew… That's better." Kai muttered after seeing the third notification.
[ +50 Experience Points ]
[ Permanent Stat Increase: Health +5, Spirit +1 ]
It was still 50 points!
'I guess the first one is really special.' Kai mused as he heaved a sigh of relief.
Just like that, the group continued consuming the Gene Serum since they felt that they could do so.
Kai even wanted to just gulp one vial, but he stopped himself…
Still, he finally realized the amount of experience needed to level up!
It was 500 Experience Points!
[ You have leveled up! ]
As expected, since this was his first level up, more system notifications appeared, almost dizzying him.
Still, they were all pieces of information he badly needed.