King of Beasts

Chapter 53: Debt Repayment Through Self-Sale

Outside the research institute.

Everyone looked at the half-collapsed building, each with a different expression on their face.

Lu Ran and General Ha felt relieved, yet their gaze drifted, seemingly eager to shirk responsibility.

Gu Qingyi wore a smile.

Manager Ying, on the other hand, had a look of speechlessness.

The day had just flown by with constant teleportations, and it was nearly out of energy.

A big loss.

“Repair costs, 8000 crystal coins,” Manager Ying said somberly.

“Huh???”

“It is a joke,” Manager Ying glanced at Lu Ran and General Ha and said:

“But it’s also a reminder, please try not to demolish load-bearing walls next time…”

General Ha listened humbly…

Honestly, it had caused similar, smaller-scale troubles before, and Lu Ran had harshly reprimanded it afterwards…

Although this time it was Lu Ran who led and permitted it, Boss Lu had also stood up for it!

General Ha still understood the situation clearly.

“Amazing, I didn’t expect you could wake it up from such a mental disarray,” Gu Qingyi said. Erha was known for causing destruction at home, but this time it was the master leading Erha in the demolition, which was indeed an eye-opener.

However, the outcome was positive.

With Lu Ran’s help, General Ha had managed to shake off its past shadows and confront the present.

“As long as there’s no need to pay…” Lu Ran suddenly said, “Oh right, the institute’s materials—”

“Don’t worry, everything is backed up, and I’ve already memorized it all,” Gu Qingyi approached the rubble and said, “Dr. Yunhan had been doing research in Green Sea City on the mental aspects of pet beasts.”

“The mental attribute, it’s quite a rare attribute. Although it’s not as rare as the Time or Space attributes, it’s still much rarer than the basic elemental attributes.”

“This attribute connects to the brain, commanding the body’s potential. You might have heard that humans or certain life forms can exhibit supernatural potential under extreme conditions. This is all due to a sudden surge in mental strength, which then unlocks physical potential.”

“Beyond that, the mental aspect also plays a crucial role in many advanced techniques, such as high-level applications of shaping skills, which require the integration of mental will.”

“I heard from Manager Ying that you have also mastered a skill related to momentum, which is a basic application of mental strength,” Gu Qingyi continued.

“Dr. Yunhan initially wanted to develop the mental brain domains of pet beasts to unlock their potential. The frenzied state of your Erha is a temporary unlocking of mental restrictions to enhance its condition.”

“However, it’s clear that Dr. Yunhan’s research on this subject failed. Developing the mental brain domain is not so simple. At that time, the test subjects were like it, a group of uncontrollable, easily frenzied wild beasts, which was one of the reasons for the accidents at the research institute.”

General Ha tilted its head.

“Now, the situation is that Dr. Yunhan essentially used drugs and technology to forcefully stimulate its brain domain, creating a frenzied skill for it. The essence of the frenzied skill is to stimulate the brain domain and unearth physical potential. It’s a decent skill, but unfortunately, it can’t maintain its sanity during this process, so again, this is a failed skill…”

“Moreover, in daily life, any factor that can affect its mental state can become a trigger for the frenzied state, so this situation is extremely dangerous. It is fortunate that it met you early on.”

Lu Ran looked at General Ha and sighed, “So, what’s the solution?”

“One, through medication and mental hypnosis, make it completely forget the ‘frenzied state.’”

“Two, awaken a second attribute related to the mental species. Or, through special mental resources, strengthen its brain domain to normalize the frenzied state, fully control it, and unearth its current potential.”

“This was also part of Dr. Yunhan’s planned research outcomes, to fully develop the basic potential of pet beasts. However, because the resources to enhance mental strength are so rare, they only brought a slight improvement in potential, making it not cost-effective. Thus, the research ended in failure.”

“After all, there are many ways to enhance and develop the potential of pet beasts; there’s no need to hang all hopes on this one method.”

Lu Ran slightly opened his mouth, looked at the tilting head of General Ha, then turned to Manager Ying.

He was dreading that Manager Ying’s next words would be “Medication intelligence, 1000 crystal coins, thank you for your patronage. Mental attribute resource intelligence, 1000 crystal coins, thank you for your patronage.”

“Don’t look at me,” Manager Ying walked away. Although it could find a solution, since Gu Qingyi appreciated Lu Ran, it left the opportunity to do a favor to Gu Qingyi.

Lu Ran indeed had great potential, worth nurturing… It’s just a pity that he contracted with a dog, which it did not like.

“It’s quite a dilemma, isn’t it?”

“If it were up to me, I would choose the latter option,” Gu Qingyi said. “To completely forget, wouldn’t that mean all its suffering was in vain?”

General Ha nodded vigorously.

“Rather, it would be more appropriate to strengthen its mental strength and help it integrate this state. At that time, its species foundation would also become stronger.”

“Although the cost-effectiveness is not high, since you have already chosen it as your partner, every investment is worthwhile.”

“As for the method of enhancing mental strength, I don’t really recommend choosing mental as the second attribute.”

“Mental pet beasts are rare, and it cannot control its frenzied state on its own, which shows that its compatibility with the mental attribute is not high. You should know, if the awakened secondary attribute or the integrated new trait does not have high compatibility with the pet beast, it could affect the pet beast’s future evolution.”

“Therefore, I lean more towards using one-time resources to strengthen its mental strength.”

“What resources are needed? Which secret realm can produce them? Where can they be bought?” Lu Ran agreed with the suggestion. He also felt that awakening the mental attribute for the dog was unreliable.

Moreover, using a one-time resource to enhance its mental strength, and awakening the mental attribute, do not conflict. The latter would still need to wait until General Ha reaches level 10, which is far off. Right now, resolving General Ha’s situation is the urgent matter.

“Mental resources are extremely rare, and the novice secret realms you have access to won’t drop them,” Gu Qingyi said.

“What you can buy won’t solve its problem either.”

Lu Ran also cast a deep look, always feeling… that he had been tricked again.

This cat and this Dr. Gu, definitely a series of tricks!

Next, they wouldn’t be trying to sell their own resources, would they?

The ten thousand crystal coins earned from defeating the necromancer, why does it feel like not only will there be nothing left, but he might even have to pay extra?

“So, Dr. Gu, do you have these resources…” Lu Ran finally asked.

“Smart!” Gu Qingyi smiled faintly.

Speaking, she reached out and pulled a white five-petaled flower from the space.

Name: Dokarona Flower

Level: Rare

Introduction: Possesses miraculous powers of healing, strengthening the mind, and unlocking physical potential, blooming on the back of the Dokarona turtle.

“This is a resource that only drops from defeating sovereign species creatures like the Dokarona turtle, and it’s currently the most perfectly suited resource for it,” Gu Qingyi explained.

At this point, Lu Ran clutched his chest.

General Ha, meanwhile, stepped forward.

“Woof?” General Ha looked at the pained Lu Ran, puzzled.

“How much…?” Lu Ran’s mouth twitched.

“It’s free for you,” Gu Qingyi smiled.

“Ah?” Lu Ran took a step back.

Honestly, he was a bit scared.

Since childhood, his parents had always told him that the most expensive things are those that are free; don’t be greedy, don’t easily owe favors.

Indeed, the fair and beautiful Dr. Gu looked every bit the wealthy woman, but if she said it was free, he definitely wouldn’t be at ease.

He’d rather owe a huge debt.

Conveniently, he, who never worried about necessities, also wanted to experience the hardships of the world, to know what it feels like to repay a debt.

“Hehe…” It seemed she noticed Lu Ran’s worry, Gu Qingyi said with a faint smile, “Not sure about it?”

“Then think of it as an investment.”

“In the future, I might also need some help from you.”

“Me?” Lu Ran was puzzled.

“Yes, although my level is far beyond yours right now, there are some things that I can’t do myself.”

“Secret realms?!” Lu Ran asked.

“I like talking to smart people.”

“Secret realm levels are divided into novice secret realms, level 1 secret realms, level 2 secret realms… Each time a beastmaster levels up, they unlock new advanced secret realms.”

“But similarly, after accessing advanced secret realms, one can no longer enter the lower-level secret realms.”

“And some special resources only drop in specific secret realms.”

“So even for an advanced beastmaster, obtaining certain materials from a lower-level secret realm is not easy; they can only buy them from others.”

“However, due to the limited number of beastmasters and the high costs of conquering secret realms, there are still some secret realms that have not been conquered, or rather, they are too challenging and no one is willing to take them on. Moreover, Infinite City regularly updates and introduces new secret realms of various levels, ensuring that beastmasters of all levels have their own value.”

“You are considered one of the outstanding fourth-generation beastmasters, and in the future, I might ask for your help in acquiring some rare materials. This is why the nation places such importance on training fourth-generation beastmasters—even lower-level beastmasters can provide significant help to advanced beastmasters.”

“If you can accept it, consider this Dokarona flower as my down payment, until you help me obtain materials of equivalent value, and then we’ll be even.”

Lu Ran looked at the resource and found this arrangement acceptable, so he replied, “Alright, but just to be clear, if it’s a secret realm I can’t handle… I won’t go.”

After all, venturing into secret realms to gather and sell materials was something he planned to do later.

It doesn’t matter who he sells the materials to.

But now, instead of choosing secret realms at will, it had turned into entering secret realms based on the demands of his wealthy benefactor.

This item looked expensive, and it seemed like he was going to be indebted and working hard to pay it off.

“So, shall we agree on a pleasant collaboration?” Gu Qingyi asked.

“Ow~~~” At this moment, General Ha could no longer wait, staring eagerly at the flower in Gu Qingyi’s hand, wondering if it was meant for it to eat.

“Go ahead and eat it.” Gu Qingyi bent down slightly and handed the white, five-petaled Dokarona flower to General Ha.

Lu Ran watched silently.

He was relieved to see that General Ha still had some regard for him and wasn’t completely blinded by the prospect of eating.

Seeing the delicious-looking dessert offered by Gu Qingyi, General Ha really wanted to eat it but still glanced at Lu Ran to ask for permission.

“Go ahead.” Lu Ran finally spoke.

“Ow!” The next moment, General Ha happily swallowed the Dokarona flower.

Simultaneously.

As soon as it consumed the flower, the effects of the Dokarona flower quickly took hold.

“Woof—” General Ha immediately felt a cool sensation in its brain, but oddly, its body felt an intense heat.

“Bark!”

It started running in circles on the spot.

Its pupils suddenly showed blood vessels, which then disappeared, only to reappear and repeat the cycle.

“It’s taking effect now. Without any surprises, it will fully integrate the power from its frenzied state, slightly enhancing its species foundation. It might not jump a level, but its physical condition will be much stronger than it is now.”

“It’s like transforming from the physical condition of a purebred husky to that of the Arctic Wolf King. Its base attributes will be much stronger among those of the same level,” Gu Qingyi explained.

“Besides, during this process, its growth level should also improve.”

“You might want to check its contract card.”

Lu Ran had been observing General Ha, but at Gu Qingyi’s suggestion, he quickly pulled out the contract card.

Upon inspection, Lu Ran was stunned.

Species: Snowfield Dog

Attribute: Wind

Species level: Middle Supernatural

Growth level: Level 9

General Ha’s growth level had soared from level 6 to level 9 in a short time!

Was this the growth brought about by unlocking its body’s potential?

“It reached level 9… General Ha, how do you feel?” Lu Ran asked General Ha.

By now, General Ha had shifted from its initial confusion to excitement.

Its pupils were clear of any bloodshot appearance, returning to a deep blue.

“Ow ow ow.”

Suppressing its “powerful” strength, it nodded, looking affectionately at Gu Qingyi and extending its paw, seemingly asking if there was more.

General Ha now understood why those pets in the park were so keen on pairing Boss Lu with their owners.

Wealthy people are indeed very charming.

The treats Gu Qingyi brought out were much more exciting than the food Lu Ran prepared for it!

“There’s no more,” Gu Qingyi said as she turned around, causing General Ha to stiffen.

“Silly dog, too greedy. Do you want me to work forever?” Lu Ran’s expression darkened.

“When you were at level 6, you could rank first in the divine beast leaderboard for your zone. Now at level 9, you should be catching up to the top tier. I’m looking forward to you becoming the strongest fourth-generation beastmaster… not just in Infinite City No.3, but across Xia Country and even globally.”

Gu Qingyi resumed her usual expression and said, “Let me think. By the way, have you decided on the first trait you’re interested in?”

“We have. It’s the weapon mastery trait dropped in the novice secret realm of the Abandoned Testing Ground during abyssal difficulty,” Lu Ran said. “I was actually planning to buy a guide at the cat-eared maid café…”

“Weapon mastery?” After Lu Ran finished, both Gu Qingyi and the departing Manager Ying spoke up simultaneously.

Gu Qingyi, a bit taken aback, rubbed her temples as if troubled.

“Hahaha… that’s hilarious,” laughed Manager Ying. “You convince him.”

“When I saw his Erha using a sword, I had a feeling he would take an unconventional breeding path, and it seems I was right. If I’m not mistaken, Eagle Hero, who also comes from the Rainbow Heaven Dojo like you, merged this trait, right?” Manager Ying recalled.

“That’s right, Eagle Hero is sort of my senior brother,” Lu Ran responded, barely holding back his frustration.

Gu Qingyi then said, “Then you should know, as I just mentioned, if the fused trait doesn’t match its own, it could lead to a failure in its future evolution.”

“You’re determined… to let your Erha try to merge with the weapon mastery trait?”

“You want to replicate your senior brother’s path and later merge the anthropomorphic trait to evolve it into a humanoid?”

“Manager Ying, so far, globally, has any beast tamer’s pet beast achieved perfect evolution through ‘weapon mastery trait’?”

“No,” Manager Ying replied plainly.

“See, maybe you should reconsider,” Gu Qingyi suggested to Lu Ran.

Lu Ran pondered deeply.

Gu Qingyi continued:

“Currently, the most mainstream evolution paths for the snowfield dog include two options. One is to awaken its ice and wind attributes, merge with ‘king’s trait’ and ‘ancient spirit trait’, and regress to evolve into ‘the incarnation of the North Wind, North Wind Wolf King.’”

“Alternatively, replace the wind attribute with a light attribute, evolving into ‘Aurora Wolf King.’”

“The second option is to awaken ice and rock attributes, merge with ‘gigantism trait’ and ‘perpetual frost trait’, and evolve into ‘the moving iceberg, Ice Rock Giant’…”

“These are all certified perfect evolution paths. Of course, the werewolf path is also an option, but it’s not really well-suited for the snowfield dog, especially when you add the weapon mastery trait—it becomes even more challenging.”

“Besides…” Gu Qingyi looked at Lu Ran, noticed he was unmoved, and shook her head.

“It seems you’ve made up your mind,” she said with a headache.

“I’m telling you, I specialize in evolution research and I know how difficult it is to carve out a new evolution path, especially based on a trait like weapon mastery, which no beastmaster has yet managed to master…”

“If successful, it would indeed be cause for joy and could make a name in the beast taming field, but if it fails…”

“Actually…” Lu Ran’s eyes sparkled, and he said, “Actually, I’ve already figured out a way that could allow General Ha to perfectly master this trait and achieve perfect evolution. How about I share it and get some advice from you, Doctor?”

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