Chapter 578 - 454: The Iron-Eating Beast’s Search for Its Cub
Chapter 578: Chapter 454: The Iron-Eating Beast’s Search for Its Cub
Aethelgard City was situated in a hilly region, and the vegetation on its outskirts was exceptionally dense. This was especially true of its bamboo forests. While the outskirts of other cities were typically used to cultivate fruits and vegetables, Aethelgard City’s unique soil and water meant its surrounding wilds were covered in vast groves of bamboo.
Before the apocalypse, this bamboo forest had been a major producer of bamboo shoots. They could be harvested year-round and were known for their exceptionally fresh, crisp, and delicious flavor.
Flora Bloom was holding Polly, walking alongside Lex Cross and Saul Sterling. The little wolf had vanished in a flash the moment it jumped off the Golden Crow’s back. Although it was a Contracted Beast bound by a Soul Contract, just like the others, the little wolf was unusually willful.
It craved battle, and much of the time, even Flora Bloom didn’t have the heart to keep it cooped up by her side.
Now, whether in the cities or the outskirts, the modern architecture of the pre-apocalyptic world was gone. Every street and road had been claimed by a myriad of plants.
And what had taken over this place were groves of thick, sturdy bamboo.
"The Earth has begun its evolution, and these bamboo are evolving along with it." Flora Bloom carefully observed her surroundings as she walked with Polly in her arms.
She scanned the floor of the bamboo forest, hoping she could dig up some shoots to store in her space. The pickled sour bamboo she’d scavenged back in Azuregard City was almost gone.
’Sour bamboo is a great appetizer. Add a little chili, and it’s amazing with any noodle dish!’
But a quick scan of the area revealed not a single shoot breaking through the soil. She found it odd but didn’t fixate on it.
"With the major families arriving here, the influx of Spiritual Energy from the universe will accelerate the evolution of all life. Flora, have you decided where you’re going to place the Tree of Life?"
"Not yet. The Tree of Life is a great help to me, Vert, and the others while it’s in my space. I want to wait a little longer."
"No need to rush. Take your time. We need to find a secure, well-hidden place for it."
"You guys wait a second." Flora Bloom thought, ’If this bamboo is in the middle of evolving, then maybe I can...’
Drop by drop, spiritual water fell from Flora Bloom’s hand.
Just as she’d expected, the familiar spirits of the plants surged up from the bamboo grove. Flora Bloom absorbed them all into her space without hesitation, then fed the energy back to the surrounding plant life.
Soon, a vast community of plants began to babble affectionately within her spiritual power, communicating with her like clingy children.
She only needed a small patch. Given enough time, Flora Bloom was confident she could form an underground root network, just like the one in Morhaven.
Moreover, Flora discovered that while there were no bamboo shoots on the surface, the rhizomes under the soil had already sprouted countless tender buds. It wouldn’t be long before fresh shoots broke through the ground again.
’Looks like Aethelgard City has an abundant food supply too. No wonder they managed to build a base and feed so many people this long into the apocalypse.’
"Alright, let’s get going."
And so, the three adults and one child resumed their journey, with Flora Bloom dripping spiritual water onto the ground as they went. She only stopped when she heard the sounds of fighting and felt the distinct fluctuations of superpowers up ahead.
"We found this Mutated Beast cub first! What gives you the right to steal it!"
"We worked our asses off to lure the mother beast away and even lost two teammates! What right do you have to steal the fruits of our labor!"
"Yeah! If it comes down to it, we’ll take you down with us! Then none of us will get these two Mutated Beast cubs!"
Flora Bloom moved toward the sound, and Lex Cross’s black energy concealed them.
There were two squads facing off. One team had six people—five High-level Superpower Users and one Middle Level one.
The other team had two people. Normally, two people wouldn’t be considered a squad, but one of the pair was a woman who was a Nebula Level Superpower User.
There weren’t many Nebula Level Superpower Users on Earth now; there was a ninety-nine percent chance she was from the Star Nation of the Ancient Universe.
"Irene Seymour! You outsiders, you throw your weight around just because your Superpower Levels are high!"
"I *am* throwing my weight around because my Superpower Level is high. What of it?" The woman called Irene Seymour wore a striking, vibrant rose-colored gown.
Her gown trailed on the ground, and her features were exquisitely lovely. Only the contemptuous arch of her eyebrows seemed at odds with her beautiful face.
Stroking the cub in her arms, Irene Seymour completely disregarded the six people before her. She glanced at the timid, subservient man beside her, then proudly puffed out her chest and turned to leave.
"Let’s go. Once this Iron-Eating Beast matures, it’ll be immune to all elemental superpowers. Its defensive power is astounding, and its combat prowess is incredible. If raised properly, a single one can annihilate an entire city. It’s a shame they’re almost extinct in the Star Nation. I can’t believe we found one on this shithole of a native planet!"