169: silver beetle

Nobles looked at Barioss in ecstasy.

This seemingly ordinary man in front of him could actually teleport people.

In other words, his seemingly illusory plan could be fully realized.

Thinking of this, Nobles excitedly said, “Mr. Barioss, it seems you are even more powerful than I imagined.”

“Very good, it seems we have a basis for cooperation.”

“I need you to take two people to a certain place. Name your price.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Barioss pondered for a moment and said,

“Price? I don’t need any price.”

“But there’s one thing you must know.”

“Although the teleportation ability is powerful, the consumption for me is also terrifyingly high.”

“So you must first enhance my power before I can take you to where you want to go.”

So that’s how it is.

Nobles suddenly understood.

No wonder Barioss had no intention of revealing his Talent.

Although the effect of this Talent seemed powerful, combined with Barioss’s own weak combat ability, its actual effect was negligible.

As for taking people?

Teleporting one or two meters while carrying one person could exhaust Barioss to this extent.

The actual effect was thus imaginable.

Plus, it required a prior investment to cultivate Barioss’s ability.

Barioss was a complete money pit.

No wonder such a good thing fell to Nobles.

Under normal circumstances, powerful Espers would be recruited by large families at the first sign of their abilities.

It would be impossible for Nobles to discover him.

After speaking, Barioss seemed to feel he had been a bit excessive, and looked at Nobles somewhat apologetically, saying,

“Although I know my conditions are a bit much.”

“But there’s nothing I can do, after all, if my abilities aren’t enhanced, I can’t teleport people.”

“The place you’re going must be outside the city, and it might even be very far.”

“The energy and Mental Power required will also be even more terrifying.”

Facing Barioss’s conditions, Nobles closed his eyes in thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said,

“I accept your conditions.”

“Come with me, this is not a good place to discuss things.”

Although the conditions were incredibly harsh, Barioss was Nobles’s only choice.

Combined with the treasure he possessed.

Perhaps he could barely meet Barioss’s requirements.

Without hesitation.

Barioss quickly packed his belongings and followed Nobles, leaving the home he had lived in for a long time.

He was going to fight for his future!

Not long after, the two arrived at Pavel’s home.

There, Pavel had been waiting for a long time.

In fact, Nobles had already told Pavel everything on the way.

So, as soon as they met, Pavel eagerly asked, “Nobles, did you agree too soon?”

“We don’t have enough resources to cultivate a powerful Esper right now.”

Most importantly, they couldn't control Barioss.

Even if they cultivated him, it would likely be a wasted effort.

Nobles smiled bitterly, “But this will be our only chance.”

“As for the cultivation resources, I can provide some Mental Enhancement Fluid.”

“Plus the resources you have, I believe we can definitely cultivate Barioss to the point where he can take us to the farm.”

Farm?

Barioss suddenly heard a keyword and asked somewhat confusedly,

“The farm you want to go to, could it be that farm?”

“The farm with a giant tiger statue.”

Barioss’s words surprised the two of them a bit.

Pavel asked curiously, “Could it be that you also know of Lord Tiger King’s farm?”

Looking around.

Barioss noticed that Pavel’s home was very luxurious.

It was clearly the home of a wealthy family.

He said somewhat incredulously, “With your wealth, there’s no need to risk going to the so-called farm.”

“Could it be that even you are interested in the life at the farm?”

Pavel was somewhat surprised by Barioss’s words.

But he quickly realized that Barioss must have watched Steven’s live broadcast.

He just didn’t know that those were only some of the least enticing things at the farm.

The real reason the two of them were willing to risk everything to go there.

Naturally, it could only be the incomparably powerful Lin Tianwei!

Exchanging glances, both saw relief in each other’s eyes.

The last piece of the puzzle for this plan, the puzzle of trust, was also complete.

Pavel said to Barioss, “You are still a bit too naive.”

“Lord Tiger King’s great power is not just about suppressing a farm.”

“But for ordinary people like you, it is already quite enough.”

“After all, what you need is a simple and happy life.”

“However, I must warn you, do not try to go to the farm on your own.”

“Lord Tiger King’s power is beyond your imagination.”

“If you trespass into Lord Tiger King’s territory, you might not even have a chance to speak before being instantly killed.”

Cold sweat trickled down Barioss’s forehead.

It was then that he realized he had overlooked a crucial issue.

A powerful Esper like himself actively offering his services might be a good thing elsewhere.

But on the farm, his strength was simply not enough.

Instead, he was likely to be judged an intruder and attacked directly.

He had been too presumptuous.

Thinking of this, Barioss said, “Thank you for the reminder, sirs.”

“However, since we have a common goal.”

“This cooperation, it seems, will be more pleasant.”

“At least until we reach Tiger King Farm, we will have a perfect cooperative relationship.”

As for afterward?

That, of course, would be everyone for himself.

After all, they were only in a simple cooperative relationship.

Pavel nodded and said, “Here’s to our pleasant cooperation.”

“Don’t worry, starting tomorrow, I will wholeheartedly cultivate you to become a powerful Esper.”

“As for today?”

Pavel picked up a bottle of beer and said, “Let’s raise a toast to this pleasant cooperation.”

The beer contained powerful energy.

Drinking a lot of it would not only not harm an Awakened.

Instead, it would Reinforcement the Awakened’s body.

According to this, drinking alcohol was not actually neglecting one’s duties.

Rather, it was an alternative method of Reinforcement.

It was just that this Reinforcement method came with a high price.

Hearing Pavel’s words, Barioss’s eyes lit up.

He had been eyeing the beer on the table for a long time.

He couldn’t wait to know how mellow pure alcohol would taste.

He immediately sat down at the table without ceremony.

The three of them drank heartily.

Especially for Barioss.

The taste of pure alcohol had simply opened a new world for him.

Sweet, mellow, and incredibly smooth in texture and taste.

Just one sip made Barioss fall deeply in love.

He gulped it down, eager to experience more of the goodness that pure alcohol brought.

Not only that.

Pure alcohol contained powerful energy that was completely absent in impure alcohol.

It began to soothe Barioss’s body, which had become somewhat fatigued from overuse of his Talent.

The comfortable feeling almost made him cry out.

He drained the beer in his cup.

Barioss sighed, saying that even for such wonderful alcohol, he had to work hard to become stronger.

And go to that farm called Tiger King.

That night, all three were completely drunk and utterly carefree.

—

The next day.

Nobles rubbed his swollen forehead, splashed cold water on his face, and hurried to his laboratory.

He didn’t have much time to waste on the pleasure of drinking.

He carefully pulled out a tightly wrapped package from his person.

Nobles intended to start concocting Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Mental Enhancement Fluid?

As the name suggested, it was a magical liquid capable of enhancing the mental attributes of an Awakened.

There was no fixed formula.

Nor was there a fixed effect.

Any liquid that could enhance Mental Power could be called Mental Enhancement Fluid.

In this era where Awakened were everywhere, yet methods to enhance Mental Power were rare.

Mental Enhancement Fluid could be described as priceless.

However, in order to go to the farm where Lin Tianwei was, Nobles had no choice but to go all out.

Thinking of this, he carefully unwrapped the package.

If an outsider saw the patterns on this packaging, they would be extremely shocked.

This was actually packaging made from Awakened Beast hide.

Thick, Tenacity, and of extraordinary quality.

It was clear that anything wrapped in Awakened Beast hide must be something very extraordinary.

Sure enough.

As the Awakened Beast hide was peeled away, the item hidden within was revealed.

It was another layer of Awakened Beast hide.

And it was an even stronger Awakened Beast hide than the previous one.

After four layers of nesting dolls, the treasure hidden within finally revealed its true form.

This was a silver beetle.

The most striking feature was the tiny dots on its body, shining like starlight.

Upon closer inspection, one could even see a galaxy within them, like the Milky Way.

A black strap directly bound the silver beetle’s body.

The sturdy material prevented the silver beetle from breaking free, temporarily depriving it of its ability to fly.

This was also why Nobles felt confident opening the package.

Without the ability to fly, this silver beetle, no larger than his thumb, could not possibly escape his palm.

Perhaps due to the long-awaited light.

The silver beetle appeared very excited.

It stretched its body.

Its six legs moved rapidly, excitedly scuttling across Nobles’s experimental table.

Before long, the silver beetle seemed to have found its target.

Its six legs accelerated.

It quickly scurried towards a certain direction.

There.

Was a plate of food Nobles had specially prepared for the silver beetle.

White and tender, like tofu.

It was actually fresh Awakened Beast brain that he had purchased at a high price.

This was also the silver beetle’s favorite food.

Without hesitation.

The silver beetle used all six of its legs to jump easily into the box containing the Awakened Beast brain.

It plunged in and immediately began to eagerly enjoy today’s delicacy.

It was simply too hungry!

It had been far too long since it had enjoyed such delicious food.

As soon as it was inserted, it began to feast.

Within five minutes, it had completely devoured the food, which was five times larger than its body.

Content, it lay down in the center of the box and rested quietly.

At the same time, a voice suddenly reached Nobles' mind, saying, "Foolish human."

"It seems you finally realize that submitting to me is still your best option."

"Continue to provide me with food."

"When I rule the world, I will appoint you as my number one underling."

The tone was arrogant and overbearing.

It was hard to imagine.

These words actually came from this tiny silver beetle.

Facing the silver beetle's arrogance, Nobles said nothing, instead pulling out a specially made small leather whip.

Without hesitation, he immediately whipped the silver beetle several times.

This silver beetle appeared tiny and incredibly fragile.

In reality, its Carapace possessed terrifying strength.

Even though Nobles was an Awakened, he still couldn't inflict any damage on the silver beetle.

He could only knock the silver beetle to the ground.

Watching the silver beetle's six legs flail comically, Nobles said coldly, "Spit out the Mental Enhancement Fluid."

"My food isn't that easy to eat."

Feeling the familiar pain, the silver beetle glared hatefully at Nobles.

The hatred in its eyes was definitely not something a low-level creature could display.

Without a doubt.

This silver beetle was also definitely a highly intelligent creature.

Of course, this could also be inferred from its arrogant words.

"Foolish human, how dare you provoke the great Insect God."

"You will regret it!"

The cold voice once again reached Nobles' mind.

However, this time, the silver beetle's voice was clearly not as arrogant as before.

It seemed this was also an insect that knew how to endure.

However, the more it was like this, the more wary Nobles became of it.

If he hadn't had any other choice, he wouldn't have been able to tolerate the silver beetle at all.

He simply couldn't control such a terrifying Awakened Beast!

After uttering the threats, the silver beetle didn't resist, raising its rear high.

Before long.

A transparent, paste-like liquid was excreted by it.

This transparent liquid had been tested.

After dilution, if consumed by an Awakened, it could greatly enhance their Mental Power.

It could completely be considered a type of Mental Enhancement Fluid.

This was Nobles' method for producing Mental Enhancement Fluid.

It seemed a bit terrifying, but it was extremely efficient and effective.

As for why he didn't mass-produce Mental Enhancement Fluid through the silver beetle, that, of course, had his own reasons.

Each time he provided food to the silver beetle, its body would grow a bit larger.

Coupled with its undisguised, boundless malice towards himself, towards humanity, and towards the entire Blue Star.

Nobles knew that the silver beetle was definitely an existence like Pandora's Box.

It was absolutely not a terrifying creature that he could control.

Madly producing Mental Enhancement Fluid?

That would just be drinking Poison to quench thirst, digging his own grave.

This was absolutely the devil's temptation!

So, ever since Nobles obtained the silver beetle, he had only used it a few times in total.

This time, if it weren't for cultivating Barioss, he wouldn't have chosen to open the silver beetle's seal.

This kind of thing.

Perhaps only Lord Tiger King could control it?

Nobles looked at the silver beetle, which had grown another size, and sighed in his heart.

Powerful Awakened Beasts, each possessing terrifying Talent.

Unable to control?

Then the best option was to destroy it.

Of course.

Nobles would never believe that Lin Tianwei would be unable to control this silver beetle.

This was also why he regarded the silver beetle as a treasure, intending to offer it to Lin Tianwei, rather than directly destroying it.

"Be arrogant."

"Soon, Lord Tiger King will tell you that it's better to be humble as an insect."

Thinking this, Nobles violently grabbed the silver beetle.

Just as when he first unboxed it, he carefully re-wrapped it.

However, this time, from the noticeably larger package, it was clear.

The silver beetle had become even stronger.

He had to carefully maintain a balance.

At least, before reaching Tiger King Farm, this silver beetle absolutely couldn't be allowed to escape!

Of course.

The most important thing at the moment was to harvest this Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Thinking of this, Nobles carefully transferred the transparent liquid into another, larger container.

After adding enough distilled water to dilute it, he placed it on the stove and quickly boiled it over high heat.

How could Nobles completely trust anything from the silver beetle?

So, each time he obtained the transparent liquid and completed the dilution, he would choose to boil it for at least an hour for high-temperature sterilization.

Although this would reduce the effectiveness of the Mental Enhancement Fluid, it was the safest method.

As steam rose, Nobles quickly obtained a large bottle of invaluable Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Perhaps it reacted with water, or with the high temperature.

At this point, the Mental Enhancement Fluid had transformed from a colorless liquid into a silver liquid.

It looked somewhat mysterious and unfathomable.

Hesitating for a moment.

Nobles began to bottle the Mental Enhancement Fluid.

While Mental Enhancement Fluid had the effect of Reinforcement Mental Power, its potency was also incredibly overbearing.

If it wasn't diluted to a certain proportion based on one's physical condition.

The potent medicinal effect would absolutely be capable of turning the consumer into an idiot.

So, after bottling the undiluted Mental Enhancement Fluid, Nobles took out one of them and began to dilute it a hundredfold.

As for the undiluted Mental Enhancement Fluid?

That was absolutely an existence where whoever drank it would die.

Even a physically strong Awakened Beast could not withstand the Mental Power impact brought by the undiluted Mental Enhancement Fluid.

They would basically end up brain-dead.

In a sense.

These undiluted Mental Enhancement Fluids were absolutely like Poison.

With patient dilution, Nobles quickly harvested a full briefcase of diluted Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Only then did he contentedly walk out of the laboratory.

At this time, Pavel and Barioss had also woken up from their hangovers.

It was just the right time to discuss the next plan.

Nobles directly placed the briefcase of diluted Mental Enhancement Fluid on the table and said to Barioss:

"This is a cultivation fluid that can strengthen Mental Power."

"I don't know exactly how to use it."

"Although these Mental Enhancement Fluids have been diluted a hundredfold, their potency is still incredibly strong."

"You can only try it little by little, carefully, according to your own body."

"I recommend that the first time you drink it, you just lick a little with your tongue."

"Wait until your body adapts, then start increasing the dosage."

Pavel looked at Nobles with some surprise.

He never expected that Nobles actually had such invaluable stuff.

And he brought out a whole briefcase of it.

A quick glance showed at least several tens of bottles.

However, the two of them had always been on the same side.

And they had a common interest and goal.

Pavel didn't think much of it and continued, "I will provide you with enough high-quality food."

"To ensure that you absolutely won't fall behind in terms of energy."

"As for more advanced rare treasures, if there's an opportunity, I'll also get some for you."

It was Mental Enhancement Fluid again.

And a large amount of high-quality food.

There was even a possibility of tasting the Legendary rare treasures.

These were things Barioss had never even dared to dream of before.

Now, they were laid out before him as if they were free.

Barioss's heart also grew excited, and he said, "I will definitely improve my strength as quickly as possible."

"And lead everyone to Tiger King Farm together."

He knew that the two people in front of him were not fools either.

If Tiger King Farm had such terrifying appeal.

That they would rather pay such a huge price to make a grand gamble.

Gambling on the hope of being able to go to Tiger King Farm.

Then it could only mean that there were things in Tiger King Farm far better than these.

Although he still didn't know what these things were.

But they were things worth striving for.

Thinking of this, Barioss opened a bottle of diluted Mental Enhancement Fluid.

Without hesitation, he drank it all in one gulp.

Since both of them had already shown their capabilities, it was now time for him to show his resolve.

This was his resolve!

However, he quickly regretted it.

Because he found that this seemingly ordinary silver liquid was incredibly overbearing.

After drinking it, it was absorbed by his stomach and intestines in an instant.

Transforming into an extremely cold current, it began to flow through his blood towards his brain.

Cold!

The bone-chilling cold even made Barioss shiver involuntarily.

He only felt a powerful force beginning to invade his brain.

Bringing with it a biting chill, it tried to freeze his brain, completely solidifying it.

Such a powerful force, even Barioss, as an Awakened, couldn't withstand it.

He closed his eyes.

And just like that, he fell straight down amidst the horrified gazes of the two men.

Nobles said, somewhat speechless, "I told you to be careful and try it little by little."

"Why did he just drink a whole bottle of diluted Mental Enhancement Fluid?"

"Truly, a newborn calf fears no tiger."

Pavel also said, very speechless, "Some people are just stubborn."

"But this is also good; at least it shows his determination to stand with us."

"I just hope he can endure the effects of this diluted Mental Enhancement Fluid and wake up."

"After all, he carries all our hopes."

Thinking of this, both of them simultaneously looked into the distance.

As if they could see through countless buildings to that peaceful and tranquil farm!