There's actually a life reaction here?
The skeleton had suffered severe damage, leaving o nly the head and a small section of the shoulder. Judging by the bone structure, it appeared to be some kind of super-giant demonic beast capable of growing hundreds of meters tall, conjuring all sorts of grotesque and terrifying images in Xiao Bai's mind.
"What kind of heaven-defying creature is this? Its size is even more exaggerated than those giant mecha. What kind of shocking experiment is this base conducting with this thing?"
"Right, and my 'good buddy' was also very long and large. According to Paradise Demonic Beastology , even demonic beasts that can grow over 70 meters are rare. Could this be the influence of the 'infinite expansion' rule mentioned in the log?"
"And those two armored battalions stationed outside, along with those three power armor-clad experts. Deploying so much combat power in a level 2 Paradise... it couldn't possibly be for last year's attack, could it? More likely, they're preparing for something like an 'experimental subject going berserk,' right?"
"It's a pity the Devil Head destroyed everything. Those dangerous research results were probably stolen too. Ah~ I wonder how much more bloodshed and carnage this will unleash..."
Xiao Bai grumbled as he approached, eager to see what he could extract.
Fortunately, the skeleton was mounted high, presumably for research purposes, allowing Xiao Bai to reach the 3-meter limit and complete the extraction.
Behemoth-Grade Life Energy extracted: 30
Biological Chitin extracted: 500
Giant Blade Tyrant Gene Fragments extracted: 10
"Blade Tyrant? Never heard of it. At least it's not mentioned in Paradise Demonic Beastology , the basic textbook. But just from the name, it's definitely a tough opponent!"
"We got a lot of chitin, but where am I supposed to use it?"
"Life Energy, now that's useful. I'll put it towards my Physical Body."
With that, Xiao Bai dragged the newly acquired Life Energy onto the diagram of his Physical Body. A mechanical chime sounded from the Medical Bay on his back:
Treatment complete. However, high-intensity radiation and multiple harmful substances detected in the environment. It is recommended to maintain hibernation mode.
"Alright then. The Flat-Faced Handsome Boy is finally back to being an Elegant Handsome Boy."
Xiao Bai tried to see if he could return his Soul to his Physical Body.
The result wasn't so much a failure as it was utterly clueless; he didn't even know how to begin attempting it.
Having never cultivated immortality before, Xiao Bai didn't know how to manipulate something as intangible as a soul.
"For now, this will do. This body... isn't bad at all."
"Come to think of it, I've consumed quite a bit of Life Energy twice now. Theoretically, my physical body should have become much stronger, right? But I can't detect any difference. Where exactly did it improve? I haven't even grown any rock-hard muscles!"
"Let's keep searching. Since this place is dedicated to biological gene research, there should be equipment to test this kind of thing, right?"
Xiao Bai swept the green light around again, but with no further gains, he hurried toward another area highlighted by the Scanner.
As for that Gene Fragment, he didn't dare use it recklessly. He stored it in his Storage Space for now.
After breaking through a few more walls, Xiao Bai arrived at what appeared to be a "mecha production line."
Or perhaps a "mecha farm" would be a more fitting name?
The place was severely damaged. Dozens, possibly hundreds, of symmetrically arranged cultivation tanks on both sides had been blown apart, leaving only their bases, shattered glass littering the floor, and dried, hardened trails of some viscous liquid.
On the ground lay an incomplete experimental record, interspersed with several photographs documenting the facility's past.
The cultivation chambers had once housed various "embryos," their limbs connected to a web of tubes. Through the assistance of drugs and instruments, these embryos were nurtured into forms resembling power armor.
Below the photographs, fragments of text remained, partially burned:
"... Each one possesses a unique appearance and performance, offering advantages unattainable by traditional mecha. In terms of cost, functionality, controllability, and upgrade potential, mastering this Paradise Technology would undoubtedly..."
"Unfortunately, not all embryos succe ssfully matured, and not just anyone could wear these creations. We still need vast amounts of experimental data. Based on current results, only those who have undergone Gene Enhancement Surgery or possess superior Paradise adaptability can more easily..."
"But such individuals are truly..."
"Drawbacks exist as well. Once removed from this unique environment, they will inevitably..."
"After all, this is incomplete technology scavenged from Paradise . Even under the most ideal circumstances, it can't compare to fully developed products. It's not the strongest, but it holds infinite potential. Once we resolve these issues and achieve mass production, it will still possess..."
"The Fire Thief didn't follow this path. Our main competitors remain those unscrupulous merchants selling potions, and that other group..."
"I hope the other two teams can produce results soon, especially the genetics team. That way, they can catch up with our progress. Otherwise, the pressure from above will only intensify..."
"We will ultimately triumph. The power of machinery has its limits. As for those spiritualists who believe in psionic energy? Heh~ May they..."
From these fragmented notes , Xiao Bai deduced that three distinct research directions had once been pursued here. One was the Biological Mecha before him, the second was the massive Demonic Beast next door, and the last was likely the department where the mood diary's author worked.
The enigmatic "Foundation" was indeed exploiting Paradise 's unique properties to study the still-imperfect Paradise Technology.
"Today has been truly eye-opening. I witnessed a High-Tier Mecha Warrior in battle and encountered topics far beyond what I'd ever studied..."
"Before, I was just a student, naively believing everything I read in the news, textbooks, and online, convinced that was the full picture of the world."
"Now, that naive version of myself is dead."
As Xiao Bai spoke, a sense of melancholy and hesitation filled him.
Melancholy because the world had suddenly become unfamiliar; hesitation because, armed with his Evolution Panel, he wondered what position he could ultimately achieve in this wondrous world.
"Heh~ Overthinking it. Back to focusing on getting stronger. After glimpsing the peak of power, it's time to start climbing."
Xiao Bai quickly composed himself. The green light on his chest lit up again, and after a quick scan, he acquired more biological chitin and electronic components.
"The remaining areas have been blasted into rubble. I can't dig there now; I'd need something like a Ghoul... Huh? Why is there a life reaction here?"
Xiao Bai looked at his smaller but more sensitive 'minimap', where a faint green dot representing a life reaction had suddenly appeared, flickering weakly.
Rushing in that direction, I finally arrived at an employee dormitory area. Using my X-ray vision, I spotted the little life form.
It was just a palm-sized kitten?
Chapter end
Report