Because Sharp Fang mentioned yesterday that the ingredients prepared for Lord Poqi needed to be modified with Monster Cells.
Therefore, Han Sen did not absorb and convert all the Monster Cells in one go, but left a dozen of them, put them into a pre-prepared bag, and tucked them into the seams of his battle armor for later use.
"It's still too inconvenient without spatial equipment. If I encounter a space-type ability, I must copy it immediately!"
Han Sen mused inwardly.
Establishing a good relationship with Lord Poqi was the top priority at the moment, so he naturally wouldn't get carried away by the temporary pleasure of adding points and absorb every last Monster Cell.
Just then, a noisy clamor rushed into his expanded perception range.
After a slight distinction, Han Sen heard that it was his tiger-class subordinates, who had been dispatched earlier, returning from a hunt.
Amidst the faint sound of air tearing, the dark figure instantly vanished from its original spot.
...
...
Rumble...
Dull footsteps, accompanied by ground vibrations, approached from a distance.
As soon as Han Sen arrived at the mission area, he saw the Monster squad he had sent out earlier returning, dragging animal carcasses, the largest of which was a massive, sturdy brown bear.
The brown bear's fur was still relatively intact; only its head was largely caved in, clearly indicating it had been violently killed by a certain Monster.
"Well done."
Han Sen praised casually, walked to the brown bear's corpse, took out a Monster Cell from the seam of his battle armor, and, under the curious and awed gazes of the surrounding Monsters, pierced the bear's corpse and pressed it in.
Thump—!
Thump—!
Thump—!
As if the corpse's heart was beating again, distorted flesh rapidly proliferated and spread within the bear's body.
The originally motionless massive corpse began to twitch and swell unnaturally, as if countless flesh buds were wildly growing beneath its skin, emitting a chaotic and disordered Monster aura!
In a moment, the transformation was complete.
The brown bear's corpse became bloated and grotesque, completely unrecognizable from its original form.
Looking at the "exclusive food" that was similar to yesterday's, Han Sen nodded in satisfaction, swept his gaze, and casually pointed out five Monsters that looked plump and strong.
"You, you, and you guys, come out."
The five Monsters, four Wolf-level and one Tiger-level, who were called out, were first stunned, then their faces showed expressions of ecstasy and flattery, and they scurried out.
Among them, the Tiger-level "Three-Eyed Giant" even puffed out his chest, thinking that his strength had finally been appreciated by the new boss.
They still vividly remembered how Sharp Fang, the current general manager here, had risen to power, and they thought they were being valued by the new boss and would be entrusted with important tasks.
If even such a weak Wolf-level rat Monster could become a big shot, why couldn't I?
The Self-Cultivation of a Supporting Character.JPG
Han Sen ordered concisely: "Drag this big fellow and follow me."
"Yes! Boss!" × 5
Among the five Monsters, the strongest Tiger-level Monster, "Three-Eyed Giant," volunteered to carry the bear's large head, and even gave a triumphant glare to the other four Wolf-Level Monsters, as if showing off.
The remaining four Wolf-Level Monsters quickly "huffed and puffed," dragging the rest of the extremely heavy, transformed giant bear corpse.
They followed closely behind their new boss, their destination being the passage leading to Lord Poqi's territory.
Sharp Fang and the other Monsters watched the group depart. While the other Monsters were still envious and resentful of those lucky fellows, it swallowed hard.
A trace of lingering fear and relief flashed in its rat eyes; it had already realized the fate of those "lucky ones."
"Good thing I'm malnourished, with not much meat on me..."
Sharp Fang mumbled softly, its awe of Han Sen deepening by another layer.
...
...
Familiar path, the air was deathly silent.
The five chosen Monsters went from initial excitement to gradual calm, and from calm to a faint sense of confusion.
Especially the leading "Three-Eyed Giant," who had already sensed that the atmosphere seemed a bit off...
However!
Just as an ominous premonition arose in its heart, a terrifying Dragon-level pressure, as if from an ancient beast, suddenly descended!
Six burning giant eyes lit up in the darkness, sweeping over them. The five Monsters instantly felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, horrified beyond belief!
Dragon Dragon Dragon Dragon... Dragon-level Monster, Lord Poqi!!!
How did he just come over like this!?
"Roar—!" (You're here—!)
A low roar, accompanied by a hot, bloody wind, blew the five Monsters off balance, their fur fluttering backward!
In reality, Lord Poqi was just in a good mood and greeted Han Sen.
Han Sen stepped forward without fear, a sincere and friendly smile on his dark faceplate: "I'm here, Lord Poqi!"
Lord Poqi leaned in and sniffed Han Sen; indeed, there was still the scent he had left yesterday.
Hmm, didn't get the wrong one!
"Roar—? Roar!" (Why do you feel a bit taller than yesterday—? Children really grow fast!)
Han Sen: "..."
Upon hearing this, the corner of Han Sen's mouth beneath his dark faceplate couldn't help but twitch slightly.
Good heavens, it really sees me as a young one of its kind, doesn't it!
After a brief and "friendly" meeting, Han Sen looked back at the five "lucky ingredients" who were already trembling like sieves.
The next moment, a scorching white light illuminated the passage, instantly engulfing a few short, desperate screams!
[Killed Wolf-Level Monster x 4, gained Origin Points x 9!]
[Killed Tiger-level Monster x 1, gained Origin Points x 23!]
In an instant, the five lucky ingredients vanished!
Gurgle gurgle...
Smelling the scent of char in the air, Lord Poqi's throat made a clear swallowing sound, and he immediately lowered his head impatiently to begin eating.
With one bite, bone fragments flew everywhere, chewing with a crunching sound, eating with great relish.
Full and satisfied, Lord Poqi wagged its thick tail contentedly, appearing very pleased.
It lowered its massive head and affectionately rubbed its rough-furred cheek against Han Sen's dark battle armor, letting out satisfied purrs.
"Awoo awoo awoo~~"
Through the inherent connection of Beast Instinct, Han Sen had long since mastered Lord Poqi's language without a teacher.
After the excited "explanation" from this big black dog, he finally understood with a mix of laughter and tears.
It turned out that Lord Poqi liked his cooked food not because his cooking skills were so good.
It was because Lord Poqi's own Scorching Heat Bullet was too powerful; every time it hunted, it couldn't control its strength, either blasting the prey until nothing was left or turning it into an inedible lump of char.
So, until yesterday, it had always eaten raw meat.
However, Han Sen's scaled-down Scorching Heat Bullet was just right in terms of power; one shot resulted in a crispy exterior and tender interior, very refreshing.
Han Sen: "..."
So, after all that, the reason I survived Lord Poqi's maw yesterday was because my attack was too weak?
Where's the logic in that!
Nevertheless, after another successful feeding, Han Sen's relationship with Lord Poqi had clearly grown closer.
Recalling the usual duties of a normal pet owner, he decided to strike while the iron was hot and further enhance their bond, tentatively asking: "Lord Poqi, your fur looks a bit messy. Do you need me to help you clean it?"
Lord Poqi's six eyes blinked, and it curiously twisted its massive body, looking itself over.
Indeed, its enormous black body was covered in quite a bit of dust and gravel, as well as some dried mucus and blood clots, making it appear somewhat disheveled and dirty.
It tilted its head, and a hint of confusion appeared in its six eyes, as if recalling when it last "bathed"... Hmm, it seemed like a very, very long time ago, so long ago that it hadn't grown this big yet.
Towards this "little fellow" who could provide delicious cooked food and carried a familiar scent, Lord Poqi had already lowered most of its guard.
Its huge head nodded, seemingly agreeing that the suggestion was good.
"Awoo—! Awoo!" (Come up, I know a good place for a bath! I'll take you there!)
Lord Poqi lay down, lowering its head, signaling Han Sen to jump onto its back.
( ❍ ❍ ❍ ᴥ ❍ ❍ ❍ ʋ )
Han Sen: ???!!!
〣 〣
Even though he knew Lord Poqi had no ill intentions towards him, he was still startled at this moment.
Big brother, you're a Dragon-level Monster!
One of the top executives of the Monster Association!
You're actively letting me ride on you... Don't you care about your dignity?
Isn't our relationship developing a bit too fast, by a billion times!?
Watching Lord Poqi's six eyes darting around, looking at him with a hint of expectation and urging, Han Sen also recovered from his initial shock.
He quickly relaxed and took a deep breath.
What bad intentions could a big dog have? It just wants a companion to bathe with!
Let's do it!