For a long moment, Lin Ke could only stare, caught in a state of scientific reverence. The grotto was a geological miracle, a perfect, self-contained ecosystem that had, over centuries, produced a treasure that most Beast Tamers could only dream of.
The awe, however, quickly gave way to the practical focus of a researcher. This discovery was useless if he couldn't secure it. He unslung his pack and carefully took out the sterile, padded sample containers he had brought for his expedition.
He approached the nearest cluster of Earthheart Crystals. They radiated a gentle warmth, and the pure, earthy energy they emitted felt calming and revitalizing. Each crystal was a perfect hexagonal prism, glowing with a soft, amber light from within. He chose one and, using his multi-tool, carefully pried it loose from the damp earth. It came away with a soft schlick, feeling solid and heavy in his hand.
He didn't get greedy. He knew that natural resources like this were finite, and destroying the entire grotto would be a short-sighted act of folly. He harvested a dozen of the finest crystals, enough to conduct his research and fuel his plans, leaving the rest to continue growing for the future. He packed them away carefully, his movements precise and respectful.
With the harvest secured, he allowed his curiosity to take over. He sat on the edge of the crystal-clear pool, took out one of the crystals, and focused his mind.
"Editor," he commanded, "perform a deep-level analysis on the Earthheart Crystal. Cross-reference its genetic energy signature with the Rock Vole's current genetic makeup. Scan for new potential evolutionary pathways."
The Gene Editor's interface flared to life, bathing his vision in a brilliant blue light as it scanned the amber crystal in his hand. Data streams, more complex than any he had seen before, began to flow. The analysis took several minutes, a testament to the sheer density of pure genetic information contained within the crystal.
Finally, a new screen popped up, and the words on it made Lin Ke's breath catch in his throat.
[Analysis of Earthheart Crystal Complete.] [A new, catalyzed evolution path for the 'Rock Vole' has been unlocked.]
His mind navigated to the Rock Vole's genetic profile page. The familiar paths were still there: the mundane 'Boulder Vole (Rank C)' and the tantalizing, secret path of the 'Obsidian Ruin Overlord'. But now, a third option had appeared below them, shining with a golden, powerful light.
[Catalyzed Hidden Evolution Path: 'Terran Titan Vole'] [Required Catalyst: Earthheart Crystal (1), High-Purity Geode (5kg), Active Cell Culture Medium (10 vials).] [Description: By absorbing the pure, foundational energy of the Earthheart Crystal, the Rock Vole can bypass its conventional limitations and tap into the latent 'Titan' gene deep within its bloodline. This evolution focuses on absolute defense and foundational earth manipulation.] [Estimated Potential: A-Rank.]
A-Rank.
The words echoed in his mind. An A-Rank potential. A rank that put a creature on par with the prized pets of the wealthiest families and most powerful factions. His loyal, humble Rock Vole, the partner everyone had dismissed as "trash," had the potential to become a true titan, a walking fortress capable of shaking the very earth it stood upon. This discovery was no less significant than the mythical egg he carried on his back.
He looked over at his partner, who was curiously sniffing at the glowing moss. He now had two grand, parallel projects. One was to awaken a god from the stars. The other was to raise a titan from the earth. Both required immense resources, planning, and dedication. His future was no longer a single path, but a branching tree of incredible possibilities.
A deep, profound sense of purpose filled him. He now had everything he needed: the corrupted egg, the Earthheart Crystals, and a clear vision for the future.
There was only one problem left. He was still deep underground, in a hidden grotto, with an enraged Alpha predator likely still waiting for him somewhere above. He had found his treasure, but now he had to figure out how to get it, and himself, out of the dungeon alive.