My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 224: Optimisation

Kace quickly left Elderbeard's grove after some of his questions were answered. The ancient Treant would not reveal how to forcefully change his class until he found something more fitting for his DNA chain. The question was, what would he sacrifice? This was basically exploring his individuality to find the best version of himself that he could become. 

At the moment, the chain with the least amount of usability for him was that of the Dreamscape Moth. He had not bothered with its skill in a long time as he just happened to have more viable methods at his command now. However, there was another matter to consider. The DNA chains of the Human and Heroes branch took away from his identity as a monster.

Even though he was a monster, he had always been hybrid. This should technically put him at the apex of both species in the long run. However, following the Human branch probably would be of less use to himself. He only really needed the powerful abilities stored in the Hero chain. 'For the moment, I should probably seek to remove the Dreamscape Moth. I can remove the Human factor later.'

Kace was lost in his thoughts as he wandered throughout the city with Shadow beside him. He had no way of knowing that Shadow was actually afraid that he would remove his connection with the Goblins. Which was understandable since they were technically a weak species. Kace was more interested in studying the various domesticated wild monsters around the city.

Such as the spiders that were used to pull the carts. 'I have to find something that embodies what I want to be. What do I need to improve on?' This was a difficult question for him to answer. From what he had gained when talking to Elderbeard, he could assume that his overall prowess would benefit himself more if he customised his DNA chain to suit himself.

At the moment, it was just a mix of whatever Vaskra had used to create his body along with the few things he had managed to assimilate on his own. It would be a long time until he completely managed to optimise his existence, but that did not mean he could not find the best combination for his level right now. 

'I need to think about what I am missing. At the moment I'm quite strong for my level, but I need to take that higher. There's basically four different types of DNA. Physical strength and endurance. Magical prowess. Stealth and utility. Then there are versatile DNA chains like those of the Hero and Human.' He continued to analyse his available chains right now and decided to categorise each one in that way.

'I see what Elderbeard meant now. My class is one that reflects the Physical and Magical elements. However, most of my DNA abilities reflect the other two types. If I wanted to push the class style to its limits, I would have to replace some with those that better reflect my class's speciality.'

'When you think about it, the vampire species as a whole seem to fit the Hexblade class perfectly.' Sylvan suddenly interrupted his musings. 'You really have two ways that you can go about this. You can choose a class that corresponds to one of the DNA chains you already have. Then replace the others. Or you can choose a new strand first and a class from that before thinking about reflecting it in your DNA.'

Kace sighed warily when he thought about both prospects. Either way, to make his existence stronger as a whole, he would have to purge and replace at least half of his current abilities. The results would be tremendous in the end, which would make it worth it. 'A Physical and Magical nature has made me capable of surviving against the odds. The Hexblade class also holds some potent abilities like Half-Life and Empower that cans ave me when I really need it.'

'Sonja mentioned that there are many paths that can be taken down the line with it. Maybe one of those would better fit for me without giving up on the advantages of a Hexblade. However, if I choose that path, then my best course of action is to mould my DNA chain to fit the class better. However, that willed to another change once I gain the class advancement.'

There were just too many variables to consider right now. Especially since he had only just got a hold of this crucial information. 'I wonder if Sonja even realised how crucial this would have been to me? I have a feeling Elderbeard only realised the significance of the harmony between my class and my unusual existence due to the vast experience he has.'

Shadow kept throwing worried looks towards his Lord while he stayed beside him. It was obvious that he was deeply emerged in his thoughts. They crossed a few more streets, and Kace had even begun to ignore the greetings that had been directed towards him. Eventually, Shadow could no longer hold his worries in.

"My Lord, do you plan to give up on us?" There was more than a hint of sorrow in his tone when he voiced his concern.

"You don't need to worry. My status as a Goblin Lord has nothing to do with my DNA." Kace smiled at his small-statured guard when he said that. 

Then his eyes narrowed when he realised what he had just said. 'What if my titles will be affected as well?' He had never considered the possibility that his titles might be connected to his DNA as well. In truth, he had no idea if he would lose his position as a Lord if he purged the Goblin chain. 'Shit! That's something else I'm going to have to consider in the long run!'

It would be hard to let go of certain benefits once they had been gained. However, it was even worse to put them at risk without knowing if he could retain them. 'I'll just have to settle for experimenting with a single space in the chain just now. At least, until I fully understand it'