The journey back to Mo City was a tense and solitary affair. Every rustle of leaves, every shadow cast by the setting sun, sent a jolt of adrenaline through Lin Ke. He was no longer just a boy in the wilderness; he was a walking treasure chest, carrying assets that, if discovered, would attract the most dangerous kinds of attention. He avoided the main paths, sticking to the rugged, less-traveled terrain, his senses on high alert.
After a grueling, sleepless night of travel, the colossal form of Mo City Gate Alpha finally rose on the horizon. The sight of the shimmering energy shield, a symbol of order and safety, had never been more welcome. He passed through the checkpoint, the Guild officers giving him a simple nod, unaware of the incredible secrets hidden within his pack.
He didn't go to the Guild headquarters or report his findings. He went straight home.
Stepping into his new house, the one he had bought with his championship winnings, felt like entering a different dimension. He locked the door, activated the modest security system, and finally allowed himself to breathe. He slid the heavy pack from his shoulders, the exhaustion of the past forty-eight hours washing over him.
The Rock Vole, equally weary, hopped down and immediately curled up in its soft bed, falling into a deep, well-deserved sleep.
Lin Ke, however, ignored his own fatigue. He went straight to his basement laboratory. The cool, sterile air and the low hum of his equipment calmed his frayed nerves. This was his sanctuary.
With the meticulous care of a surgeon, he unpacked his haul. First, he placed the pulsating, corrupted egg into the most secure, lead-lined incubation chamber. The device immediately began monitoring its energy levels, displaying a steady, chaotic hum on the screen. It was stable, for now.
Next, he took out the dozen Earthheart Crystals. Their gentle, amber glow filled the lab with a warm, soothing light. He placed them in a separate, climate-controlled containment unit, their pure, earthy energy a stark contrast to the volatile power of the egg.
He stood there for a long moment, looking at the two containers. On one side, a potential god, born of stars and shadow. On the other, the key to raising a titan from the very earth. These were his two grand projects, the twin pillars upon which he would build his future.
The question was, which one came first?
His gaze fell on the corrupted egg. The "Corruption Inversion Catalyst" protocol was a long-term, dangerous endeavor. It required him to hunt many more powerful corrupted creatures, a task for which he was not yet strong enough. Attempting it now would be reckless.
He then looked at the Earthheart Crystals. The path to the Rock Vole's evolution was clearer, the risks more manageable. His Rock Vole was his current partner, his primary combatant, his most trusted friend. Strengthening his existing foundation was the most logical, scientific step. A more powerful Rock Vole would, in turn, make it easier and safer to hunt for the essence needed for the egg.
The decision was made. Project "Raise the Titan" would be his immediate priority.
He pulled up the evolution requirements for the 'Terran Titan Vole' on his terminal [from Chapter 38].
[Required Catalyst: Earthheart Crystal (1), High-Purity Geode (5kg), Active Cell Culture Medium (10 vials).]
He had the most crucial and rarest component: the Earthheart Crystal. The culture medium was a standard lab supply he could purchase easily. That left only one missing piece.
"A High-Purity Geode," he murmured. It was a valuable, but not impossibly rare, geological material. It could be found on the open market, if one had the money. And thanks to his championship winnings, he did.
A new, clear objective snapped into focus. His exhaustion vanished, replaced by the familiar, sharp excitement of a researcher about to begin a new experiment. He grabbed his jacket. The evolution of his first partner was about to begin. His next destination: the material supply district.