Chapter 360: Dark Demon Takes Flight (4k)
On the first Saturday in March, the morning was dotted with tiny droplets of dew.
The heavy rain from the previous night had made the ground somewhat muddy.
Dark arrived at the Lotus Pavilion, which led to Traveler’s Street. He sat for a while inside the pavilion, allowing his mind to be cleansed.
Once the flow of people increased, he found a stone bench to sit on, waiting for the teleportation hub to shift to this area, then twisted slightly and teleported to “the other side.”
Emerging from the Lotus Pavilion, he gradually blended into the crowd.
From isolation to blending in, the human heart undergoes a gradual transformation, allowing it to settle down.
Dark soon arrived at the Kitty Plant Shop.
The cat lady managing the shop couldn’t help but smile as she saw the young man walk into the store.
This first-year student from the Noble Academy hadn’t visited the shop in quite some time. She had originally planned to give him a surprise.
But coming today wasn’t too late.
Surrounded by cats, the cat lady brushed her curly hair behind her ear, stood up, shook off the debris from her apron, and smiled as she approached the golden-haired youth.
As Dark entered the door, he couldn’t help but look at the Cat Cat Grass growing in the flower pots on both sides.
Spring was the season when Cat Cat Grass bloomed.
After winter, Cat Cat Grass became popular again.
The Kitty Plant Shop received new batches of Cat Cat Grass every week, with new kittens arriving each time.
It seemed the cat lady had mastered the “wealth formula,” as more than half of the Cat Cat Grass were adorable, kitten-like plants.
“Good morning, Diemon.”
“Good morning, Miss Cat.”
Dark looked up and asked, “Are there any new batches of Cat Cat Grass? I mean, new varieties.”
A slight curve appeared on the corner of Miss Cat’s mouth. “Of course, I’ve been saving them for you. Come take a look.”
Dark felt a surge of excitement and quickly followed Miss Cat into her secret room.
The most noticeable thing in Miss Cat’s secret room was still the huge Goldfish Grass.
The drooping-eyed Goldfish Grass looked like it would never wake up, gently swaying under the support of its roots.
As for the other test Cat Cat Grass, there were significantly fewer of them.
It was unclear whether they had been sold or sent back for repairs.
“Come here.”
Miss Cat waved at him, and he enthusiastically walked deeper into the secret room.
As the darkness in the depths of the room was dispelled by light, a timid Cat Cat Grass that had curled up in a corner came into Dark’s view.
Originally looking for Liongrass, he was instantly captivated by that Cat Cat Grass!
It was a coiled-up dragon!
Its body was slightly thicker and rounder than a snake, measuring less than a meter in length.
Its lower limbs were sturdy, while its upper limbs were finer and shorter.
It was essentially between Eastern and Western dragons.
Two small protrusions grew on its head, though they were not fully formed.
The scales of this baby dragon were very soft and smooth.
The color of its scales carried a hint of azure, belonging to a water-loving blue dragon species.
Miss Cat held the tail pot of this “Dragon Grass” with one hand, hugged it tightly, and turned to walk back.
Dark watched the blue baby dragon instinctively tuck its head into a crevice, his heart skipping a beat.
He couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Cat, this Dragon Grass…”
A smug expression appeared on Miss Cat’s face. “Yes, this Dragon Grass has complete biological traits of a dragon. It’s a rare specimen; there’s only one like it even in our lab.”
Dark was taken aback and puzzled. “If there’s only one, why sell it?”
Miss Cat smiled mysteriously. “Because it’s a failure. One of the failures from other experiments.”
Dark: “Other experiment failures?”
Miss Cat nodded. “Yes. We originally aimed to develop Mud Loach Grass, but an unexpected accident added a unique material, causing the experimental subject to mutate.”
Dark: “Wait, what kind of loach is Mud Loach Grass?”
Miss Cat smiled sweetly. “Pond Loach.”
Dark was stunned. “Loach…?”
Miss Cat nodded. “So this Dragon Grass inherited some characteristics of the loach—nimble, timid, not often seen, preferring dark and narrow crevices.”
“So that’s it.”
Dark understood slightly.
He didn’t ask Miss Cat why she was selling this unique Dragon Grass to him.
After all, such obvious questions required implicit understanding.
But Miss Cat then said without any subtlety, “Of course, because it’s extremely precious, the required credits are a bit higher.”
Dark curiously asked, “How much?”
Miss Cat’s lips curved. “998,988 credits. You won’t regret it, won’t be cheated. Only 998!”
Dark nodded slightly. “998? A regular Cat Cat Grass costs 50 credits, so 998 is about 20 times. That’s acceptable. Then I’ll take this Dragon Grass. What do I need to pay attention to if I keep it indoors?”
Miss Cat stroked the Dragon Grass’s back. “Like Dairy Cow Grass, it needs continuous feeding with special mana potions. We can provide the recipe; you can either buy materials and brew it yourself or order it from the shop.
Apart from that, just need a non-transparent tank. Preferably a smaller one, just big enough for it to curl up inside.”
Dark: “…”
Indeed, it was no wonder it was called a cat.
…
For now, 998 credits weren’t much for Dark.
However, he knew that compared to the cherished Dragon Grass, this price was more of a half-gift.
There were many shops on Traveler’s Street that liked to invest in students.
This “Kitty Plant Shop” and the Morgan Shop that sold him the Mana Dropper had left good impressions on Dark.
After buying the Dragon Grass, Dark not only purchased three bottles of mana potions but also received a paper box that could fit the Dragon Grass perfectly.
He didn’t leave right away but continued to inquire about the progress of the Liongrass and Bunny Grass research.
“Liongrass and Bunny Grass?”
Miss Cat pondered for a moment and said, “Sorry, we haven’t succeeded yet. The biological traits of Liongrass are still unstable, and Bunny Grass…”
Dark: “What about Bunny Grass?”
Miss Cat said sadly, “It couldn’t survive the winter.”
Dark: “…”
He thought for a moment and asked, “Then, what about the Liongrass I saw in the shop before? Even if it’s a defective product, I’m willing to accept it.”
Miss Cat sighed. “We sent it back for repairs. We’re a legitimate shop and can’t sell dangerous items to students.
If you really want it, you need to show a recommendation letter from at least one professor. Next week, I might be able to bring it back for you.”
Dark held the paper box containing the Dragon Grass, thought for a moment, and said, “What exactly went wrong with the improvement of Liongrass and Bunny Grass? If needed, I can offer some assistance.”
Miss Cat shook her head slightly. “Trade secret.”
“Is that so?” Dark said helplessly. “Then there’s nothing I can do. I’ll come back next week.”
Miss Cat smiled. “I’ll try my best.”
…
Dark left the Kitty Plant Shop.
Don’t let the ordinary appearance of the Kitty Plant Shop fool you; the technology for improving Cat Cat Grass involves bio-modification, which isn’t something easily developed.
He could use this plant technology to cultivate “Avian-beast Kin” fruits, proving the terrifying nature of this technology.
If the biological traits of Liongrass aren’t complete, there might be issues when cultivating “Capital Sin Fruits.”
“It’s still too early to rush.”
Dark tapped the paper box in his hand and couldn’t help but smile.
What is called an unexpected joy?
This is an unexpected joy!
“Should I return directly to the dormitory, or should I find a quick way to replenish my mana?”
“The recovery rate of the Mana Recovery Elixir is too slow and insufficient.”
“I heard there’s a magical wine that can quickly restore mana. Perhaps I should ask Uncle Simmons about it.”
As Dark walked and pondered, he inadvertently arrived at the entrance of the Goblin Ancient Bookstore.
Coincidentally, this Goblin Ancient Bookstore seemed to be holding an auction.
Dark had long heard that the store occasionally held auctions, but he hadn’t paid much attention before his last visit, and he hadn’t encountered one then.
“Since I’m here, let’s check it out.”
With the mindset of shopping in a supermarket, Dark stopped.
The Goblin Ancient Bookstore remained as dilapidated as ever, despite having earned considerable money. It refused to be repaired.
Dark found it hard to understand this “quirk,” but some people enjoyed this old-fashioned atmosphere.
Perhaps those who loved reading were traditionalists.
He didn’t push into the crowd.
Most of the auctions at the Goblin Ancient Bookstore were spontaneous and didn’t specifically notify or promote, emphasizing “destiny.”
Therefore, there weren’t many customers participating in the auction that morning, probably around ten or so.
Judging from their uniforms, they were mostly seniors.
Most were from the Mana Academy.
Next were the Fool’s Academy.
There was one from the Knight Academy.
And none from the Noble Academy.
That old goblin with wrinkled skin that could trap flies still wore his tattered cotton coat. His expression resembled that of a common street merchant rather than the owner of an ancient bookstore.
In his hand, he held a book an inch thick and loudly hawked it to the students.
Clearly, the auction item for today was that book.
Dark squinted, trying to make out the title, but the old goblin kept shaking the book, making it hard to read.
After a while, he could barely recognize a few characters: “Synthetic… Beast?”
“200 credits! 200 credits! Just 200 credits! Is there anyone else willing to add more? This is…”
The old goblin’s call echoed in his ears.
Dark subconsciously raised his hand. “300 credits.”
“300?” A glint flashed in the old goblin’s eyes, and he immediately shouted, “300! Someone offered 300! Looks like this student has sharp eyes and already sees the value in this book! Hurry and bid, or it will be gone!”
Perhaps because Dark joined so suddenly, many students turned to look at him.
The closest Fool’s Academy student casually said, “This junior, it’s just a book about synthesizing synthetic beasts. Though it has some collection value, the content might not be useful. No need to waste too many credits.”
He clearly meant well.
Others who looked over nodded in agreement, showing goodwill.
Dark thought for a moment and smiled. “Thank you for the reminder, senior. I was just interested.”
The senior nodded. “Just know for yourself. First-year students have limited ways to earn credits. Even if you have more than others, it’s better not to waste them.”
The senior then turned back to continue participating in the auction.
Seeing that Dark wasn’t mistaken, the seniors didn’t bid further.
Dark successfully won the auction for 300 credits.
He took out his Selection Card and transferred 300 credits to the goblin boss, then received the book from his hand.
The cover of the book seemed to be made of a very hard material, giving it a metallic feel, but it wasn’t heavy. Touching it gave a cool sensation.
“I finally got it.”
Dark glanced at the book and quickly left.
Only 300 credits.
Though he bid impulsively at the moment, once he had it, he didn’t care too much.
Title: The Synthesis Guide of Paragon Chimeras
…
Walking through a secluded alley, Dark arrived at a small tavern that rarely operated.
He knocked on the door and pushed it open, carrying the paper box.
The tavern owner—a male elf named Simmons—was indeed dozing off on the counter.
The half-bottle of Fairy Wine standing beside him infuriated Dark.
“Really saving it for himself?”
Before Christmas, Dark had specifically come to buy Fairy Wine, but Simmons simply told him it was gone and dismissed him.
Now he didn’t seem to be stingy at all.
Considering Simmons was likely Professor Shylph’s father, Dark didn’t dwell on it too much.
“Uncle Simmons, are you awake?”
Dark walked over and patted Simmons’ shoulder, increasing his force when there was no response.
But Simmons showed no signs of waking up.
“Why are you drinking Fairy Wine so early in the morning? Look how drunk you are.”
Remembering how he had gotten drunk after just one sip.
Dark felt quite helpless.
Alcohol doesn’t intoxicate, but people intoxicate themselves.
Fairy Wine contains no alcohol but is more intoxicating.
Dark placed the box down, looked around, and moved Simmons from behind the counter to a nearby recliner, then took off the thick coat hanging on the wall and covered Simmons with it, tucking it in neatly, sighing.
Spring had just begun, but the cold remained.
Better to keep warm.
…
“Looks like another wasted trip.”
Exiting the tavern, Dark closed the door and turned to leave.
“Everyone has worries, but not everyone finds relief. All we can do is wish them well.”
…
[Thanks to “Guaiwoge10086” for the Golden Treasure Box. May the boss have a prosperous year, rise on the back of the bull, stay upright, and reach for the sky!
Thanks to “Ren Zhi Xia” for the Silver Treasure Box. May the boss have a prosperous year, from head to tail, and every reader rises together!
Wishing all readers a happy New Year’s Eve!
Welcoming the New Year!]
