In the quiet hum of his new laboratory, Lin Ke stared at the "Corruption Inversion Catalyst" protocol displayed on his monitor. The plan was brilliant, audacious, and elegant in its scientific logic. But it all hinged on one critical, non-negotiable component: a vast quantity of Raw Corrupted Gene Essence.
His first taste of this resource, the 12 units he had acquired from the Corrupted Creeper in the sewer, was a mere drop in the ocean. The protocol estimated he would need over 1,500 units to create a catalyst potent enough to awaken his mythical egg.
The city's sewers were not a reliable source. That encounter had been an anomaly. To find a stable, consistent supply of corrupted creatures, he had to look beyond the city walls.
Using his new C-Rank license, Lin Ke accessed the restricted sections of the Guild's database, cross-referencing mission reports, geological surveys, and ecological threat assessments. He was not looking for a quest; he was looking for a hunting ground. His search parameters were specific: a location with a known, recurring presence of low-to-mid-grade corrupted fauna, and a danger level appropriate for a solo C-Rank tamer on his first expedition.
The data converged on a single location: a D-Rank Danger Zone known as the "Blackstone Wilderness." It was a desolate, rocky expanse located sixty kilometers from Mo City's eastern gate, infamous for its tough terrain and the corrupted, territorial creatures that called it home. It was dangerous, but not insurmountably so. It was perfect.
The next two days were a blur of meticulous preparation. Lin Ke wasn't a reckless adventurer; he was a scientist embarking on a field expedition. He used his prize money to purchase top-of-the-line wilderness survival gear: a durable all-weather pack, a water purifier, high-energy ration bars, a multi-tool, and a kit of sterile, sealed containers for collecting biological samples. He plotted his route on a digital map, memorizing every landmark and potential shelter. He and the Rock Vole spent hours in their new training yard, practicing drills specific to rocky, uneven terrain.
On the morning of the third day, everything was ready. Lin Ke stood before the mirror, no longer looking like a mere student, but a true professional. He wore durable cargo pants and a sturdy jacket. The Rock Vole, sensing the gravity of the moment, was perched on his shoulder, its eyes sharp and alert.
They took a maglev train to the city's eastern edge. The final stop was Mo City Gate Alpha, a monolithic structure of steel and alloy that towered hundreds of feet into the air. It was the bastion that separated the order and safety of the city from the chaos and danger of the world outside.
Lin Ke stepped up to the final checkpoint. He swiped his new C-Rank license, and a series of green lights flashed. "Destination: Blackstone Wilderness. Duration: Estimated seven days," he stated to the Guild officer. "Purpose: Field research and training."
The officer gave him a respectful nod. "All clear, Tamer. Good luck out there. Stay sharp."
With a deep, powerful groan, a section of the massive gate began to slide open, revealing what lay beyond. The air that washed over him was different—it smelled of wild earth, damp vegetation, and an untamed freedom that was both thrilling and terrifying.
The final scene of this chapter of his life was set. Lin Ke stood at the precipice of civilization, his small apartment in the welfare district now a distant memory. Before him lay the vast, untamed, and perilous wilderness. His Rock Vole stood proudly on his shoulder, a steadfast partner ready for any challenge. One person, one pet, taking their first step as official partners into a world of unknown dangers and untold potential.
He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the horizon, and walked forward, crossing the threshold from the city he knew into the wild that would forge his legend.