After passing through the gateway to the other side of the universe, everything turned white. Time and space lost all meaning.
When the effects of the blinding light faded, Vikram (formerly Han Sen) opened his eyes. It felt as if thousands of kilos of weight had been placed upon his body. This was not the place he had imagined. It didn't look like the "33rd Sky" or any divine realm; instead, it resembled a dense, primeval forest where the trees shimmered like blue metal.
Vikram took a deep breath. The energy in the air here was thousands of times denser than in the previous universe (the Sanctuaries).
"So, this is the 'Real World'?" Vikram muttered to himself. He looked at his hand. His skin, which was previously almost invincible, was now turning slightly red from the crushing pressure of the atmosphere.
He decided that in this new world, where he might be at his weakest, he must hide his old identity. "From now on, my name is Vikram," he vowed inwardly.
Just then, the bushes rustled.
Vikram's senses were still sharp, even though his powers felt suppressed. He immediately assumed his battle stance. What emerged from the bushes was no ordinary animal. It was a wolf, but its body was made entirely of transparent crystal, with a crimson fire burning inside it.
[Crystal Flame Wolf – Primitive Level]
No voice echoed in Vikram's mind. His old "Super Gene System" was silent. He thought perhaps his system wouldn't work here. But then, a new, mechanical voice resonated in his mind:
"System Rebooting... Synchronizing with the new environment... 10%... 100%."
"Welcome, Host. You have entered the 'Origin Universe'."
The crystal wolf growled and pounced on Vikram. Its speed was faster than lightning. If Vikram had still been operating with the mindset of his old world, he would have been killed instantly. But his experience paid off.
Vikram tried to use his 'Dongxuan Sutra' technique, but he realized the energy flow here was different. Still, he utilized his raw physical strength to dodge to the right, narrowly avoiding the wolf's attack.
"Its heat could even melt my armor," Vikram thought.
He pulled a dagger from his waist—this was the only weapon he had managed to bring with him. When the wolf turned back around, Vikram channeled all his strength into the "Blood-Pulse Sutra." His heart beat thunderously, and red energy radiated from his body.
Slash!
Vikram's dagger smashed through the crystal on the wolf's neck and plunged deep inside. The wolf writhed in agony before shattering like shards of glass.
On the ground, in place of the wolf, lay only a small red crystal. Vikram picked it up.
Just then, that familiar voice echoed in his mind, but this time the message was different:
[Primitive Creature 'Crystal Flame Wolf' hunted. No Beast Soul gained. Meat is edible.]
[Consuming may randomly yield 0 to 10 Origin Genes.]
A smile appeared on Vikram's face. "Genes... so genes work here too. The rules have just changed a little."
He clenched the red crystal in his palm. He knew his journey hadn't ended; rather, it had just begun. He had to reach the peak of this 'Origin Universe', and this time, he would establish his dominance under the name 'Vikram'.
He popped the crystal into his mouth and chewed it. A scorching heat surged through his body.
[Origin Gene +1]
"Let the hunt begin," Vikram said, gazing into the depths of the forest.
Author Note: "If you like the story, please vote with Power Stones! It helps me write faster."