[Why is there a distinction between Gene Limits and Stat Limits?]

[A body that has more Genes than Stats is considered to be in a State of Wealth. The body is healthier, bounces back from damage with greater ease, and can unlock higher Stat Limits through rigorous, physical training over long, extended periods of time.

[A body with more Stats than Genes is considered to be in a State of Expenditure. This is usually achieved through methods of Elixir drinking and treasure consuming, a path usually taken by the rich, affluent and lazy. Such a body will be filled with impurities and break down under constant usage]

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Sylas frowned. He didn't like that. Obviously he was in this so-called State of Wealth, but Cassarae was not. But as much as he wanted to help her, he only had one more Soft Gene State Elixir and he couldn't give it to her. However, he did have a Brittle Gene State Elixir that would last for three days. Though it wasn't as good as a 50% boost, 30% was definitely far better than her current 10%.

'I still don't know how rare this stuff is,' Sylas thought as his frown deepened. 'Let's see what the Quest rewards are first. Who knows, maybe she'll get an even better Elixir. At that point I can help her out with the Genes.'

Diverting his resources wasn't a smart choice. He felt like concentrating things on him was the best bet, but he also couldn't let Cassarae continuously put this kind of strain on her body every time she fought.

"Don't try to gather the rewards from the gnolls until I get back," Sylas suddenly said.

Cassarae blinked at the sudden change, but eventually nodded.

Sylas ran through the forest swiftly. There was still a halo of fatigue looming over him, but he felt that they couldn't be casual so casual to wait for the morning before getting things done.

It was also a clear sign of trust that Cassarae had allowed him to go as well. Had it been anyone else, Sylas was well aware that she would have insisted he stay.

The value of a city was clear and obvious, and letting Sylas go and claim one that had spawned several F+ warriors and an FF- warrior spoke volumes.

At the same time, though, Sylas was pretty much the only one who still had the legs to do this.

'Why do I feel like this…'

Sylas questioned himself as he continued to run. It felt like he was missing something, but he had an easy path toward figuring out what it was.

This was unusual for him. He didn't usually act without a solid understanding or a plan. This time, he was purely acting for the sake of lessening risk.

'That will have to be enough.'

…

"Where did Sylas go?" Olivia asked, a frown on her face. She had been helping the militiamen and the other reorganize the village and settle everyone down while spreading news of their success. She had seen Cassarae pull Sylas away, so she didn't interrupt. But then Sylas suddenly ran off.

"I sent him on a mission," Cassarae replied.

"The Gnoll Village?" Olivia asked questioningly.

Cassarae smiled but didn't respond.

Everyone began to gather up, realizing that something was wrong as well. But it was also hard for them to say much too. It was clear that Sylas was the largest contributor here.

"Don't worry, Sylas will be back soon. Then, we can split up the rewards. I'm also sure that once he's done, you'll also receive your Quest Rewards as well."

They frowned, a hint of uneasiness in their eyes. But ultimately, they nodded.

Alex smiled, raising up his bone ax. "Getting this for so cheap was already enough reward for me. Take as much time as you need. I'm going to sleep."

Morgan hesitated to speak, but he shook his head and held his tongue. Right now, flying under the banner of Casstle Main would only be a benefit to them. Rather than talking and complaining, it was best to watch and see how this would play out.

"Will he be okay?" Lauren asked with a frown. "There are more threats out there than just the gnolls. The village's location is already starting to get a bit deeper into the forest. We should have waited until the morning."

Cassarae nodded. "I understand your concerns, but right now Sylas is the only one amongst us in fighting condition, and too many things can happen between now and when we're ready to move out again. This is just to minimize risk.

"You've also seen his strength. If things are going left, he can definitely retreat."

Cassarae spoke out Sylas' reasoning, as though it was her own to appease everyone and they slowly dispersed once more.

…

Sylas locked eyes on a far more substantial wall. Compared to Casstle Main, Gnoll Village 019 had a line of half logs deeply entrenched in the ground. As opposed to looking like a suburban fence, it really looked like it could stop a great deal of people.

It was especially imposing in the night, standing a good three meters out of the ground. There didn't seem to be any easy access seams to it, and if there was a gate, it was difficult to locate in the darkness.

Still, it wasn't bad. Three meters would be tough for an average human to climb, especially with no obvious footholds or things of the like. But for Sylas, he was a single wall jump from grabbing the top of the walls, smoothly pulling himself up and over.

He landed softly as he was immediately hit by a terrible stench. It was like all the smells of the Rotten Wolves had concentrated and settled down here, trapped by the tall walls that surrounded the village.

It was hard to make out details with the moon covered by the foliage of the thick trees, but the village itself was a mess as well, even aside from the foul stench.