The forest was quiet.
But this time—
It wasn't peaceful.
Han Sen leaned against a tree, still thinking about what they had seen.
"…that thing…"
"…it wasn't normal."
Han Chandu stood nearby, calm as always.
Because he already knew.
In his previous life—
In the world of Super Gene—
Creatures like that didn't appear this early.
But now—
A Black Beetle had already reached Mutant level.
And it was still evolving.
"…it will become something worse," Han Chandu said.
Han Sen looked at him.
"…worse than that?"
Han Chandu nodded.
"…Sacred level."
Silence.
Han Sen let out a slow breath.
"…then we definitely can't fight it."
"No," Han Chandu said.
"…not now."
They both understood the gap.
Right now—
They were still weak.
Even Primitive creatures were dangerous.
Mutant?
That was death.
Han Sen straightened up.
"…then what's the plan?"
Han Chandu didn't answer immediately.
He looked around the forest.
Calm.
Focused.
Then—
He spoke.
"…we go back."
Han Sen frowned.
"…back?"
"…to Ordinary creatures."
Han Sen was silent for a moment.
"…isn't that too slow?"
Han Chandu shook his head.
"…no."
"…it's necessary."
He turned slightly.
"…we haven't reached the limit yet."
Han Sen understood instantly.
Genes.
Their Ordinary Genes were not maxed.
Which meant—
They were leaving free power behind.
"…so we finish it first," Han Sen said.
Han Chandu nodded.
"…max Ordinary Genes."
No shortcuts.
No risks.
Just complete the foundation.
Han Sen smirked slightly.
"…then we come back for that thing."
Han Chandu's eyes narrowed.
"…yes."
Because he already knew—
That beetle—
Would not stay at Mutant level for long.
And when it evolved again—
It would become something far more dangerous.
Something that shouldn't appear this early.
But by then—
They wouldn't be the same either.
Han Sen picked up his weapon.
"…alright."
"…back to hunting."
Han Chandu turned.
"…we don't rush."
"…we finish everything."
And just like that—
They left the deeper forest.
Not in fear—
But in preparation.
Because this wasn't retreat.
It was a decision.
To grow properly