The Blood Essence Fruit's Power
"They have undoubtedly proven their strength within this group of Beasts by surviving until this point. However, their overwhelming anger proved to be their downfall, as they were swiftly dispatched by Riku without any resistance.
"I had originally planned to reach the Beast gathering place, but I didn't expect to engage with them prematurely. Nonetheless, I now have a good understanding of the Beasts' overall strength," Riku said, glancing at the scattered Werebeast bodies atop the mountain.
Ordinary Beast soldiers posed little challenge, akin to low-level demon species. Dealing with them was now effortless for Riku. Yet, Beasts like Dora, capable of using BloodBreak, proved to be formidable adversaries, demanding considerable effort to defeat.
"The power to surpass physical limits is undeniably potent. I need to pay special attention to these strong Beasts who can utilize BloodBreak during this journey into the Beast's lair. Above all, I must be cautious of the Beast princess mentioned by Dora. Having consumed seven strange fruits, her strength likely matches that of formidable Flügel warriors."
Riku proceeded to recover the bodies of the various Beasts on the mountain's summit, totaling fifteen. Ordinary Beasts were worth 100 exchange points, while the stronger ones fetched 200 points each. Dora, on the other hand, was valued at 1,000 exchange points. This haul added up to 2,800 exchange points, combined with the two demon species he had previously slain, providing Riku with a total of 3,000 exchange points.
"Killing seems to be more lucrative, doesn't it, System? Are you encouraging me to eliminate other races?" Riku quipped, though the system remained silent, offering no response.
Riku continued, "Seems like the System's intelligence is rather rudimentary." He shook his head in disappointment. Other people's system spirits resembled cute little Lolitas or seductive goddesses, while his was just a utilitarian tool.
Next, Riku retrieved the Beast captain Dora's backpack from his storage space.
[Ding, Celine crystal found, with a total value of 3,000 exchange points, would you like to recycle?] [Ding, found blood essence fruit, worth 10,000 exchange points, would you like to recycle?]
At this point, the system finally reacted, chiming with two tones in Riku's mind. Hearing this, Riku's eyes widened, and a smile crept across his face.
"Indeed, fortune often comes from bold actions. That fruit is worth a staggering 10,000 exchange points! To think that even an abandoned Dwarf warship is only valued at 5,000 exchange points."
Curiosity piqued, Riku inquired about the purpose of Celine Crystals, which lay quietly within the package. The system clarified, describing them as important materials for constructing large energy cannons and defense barriers, albeit relatively rare. Riku quickly lost interest and chose to recycle them for 3,000 exchange points.
Riku then asked about the effects of the blood essence fruit, desiring to understand its true value before deciding whether to consume or recycle it. The system explained that it enhanced the physical abilities and blood strength of Beast species, allowing them to use BloodBreak without side effects. It also had potential benefits for Riku, potentially pushing his physical abilities beyond their limits.
"This seems like a valuable item indeed, well worth its 10,000 exchange points," Riku said with excitement. The prospect of gaining enhanced physical capabilities was enticing.
Without hesitation, he picked up the blood essence fruit and consumed it, likening its taste to that of an apple. However, immediately after ingestion, he felt an intense burning sensation coursing through his body, causing him to break out in sweat and emit a pungent odor. The discomfort overwhelmed him, prompting Riku to use Shambhala to teleport to a marked point, which led him to a river.
In his haste, he plunged into the river to cleanse himself, but the burning sensation was so intense that it even caused the river's water to evaporate. After a while, the burning sensation subsided, leaving Riku feeling significantly stronger than before.