Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1236: Musical Exchange

Zhang Yi displayed to the group the eggs he retrieved from the ground centipede nest.

A substantial portion of the Broodmother's eggs remained unhatched, and Zhang Yi had collected them all during that moment.

Currently, fewer than a thousand were in his hands, sufficient to set up a vast ground centipede breeding operation.

In addition, Zhang Yi possessed a considerable stock of ground centipede remains.

The ones at squad leader level or higher could be utilized straight away by his family.

The bodies of the weaker ground centipedes were to be preserved as sustenance for the emerging young ones.

Indeed, these primitive beasts had no smarts; they would chew through stones, so when starved, devouring their own kind came naturally.

Zhang Yi's strategy was meticulously planned.

While saying this, he grinned and snapped his fingers. "Of course, this is just a theoretical possibility. For now, we need to conduct experiments first and focus on boosting your strength. As for the others, that's a matter for the future."

Implementing this scheme wouldn't be straightforward. No one had ever attempted to rear ground centipedes, so all aspects required discovery via experimentation.

Moreover, the dangers of nurturing these savage altered beasts had to be taken into account.

Following their deliberations, the team resolved to construct a robust enclosure deep beneath the Shelter.

The incubation process would fall to Zhou Ke'er, given her superior knowledge in biological matters.

Zhang Yi extended his hand to caress Hua Hua, who lounged idly on the couch. "Hua Hua, whenever you find some spare moments ahead, you'll oversee the farm. Should any ground centipedes act up, simply consume them on the spot."

"Meow!"

Hua Hua sluggishly parted its jaws wide, accepting the responsibility.

Subsequently, Zhang Yi shared out the ground centipede origin energy he'd acquired among the others.

He reserved some for his own use, though not excessively.

At this stage, Delta-level origin energy offered him scant benefit.

Nevertheless, Zhang Yi believed that once the group absorbed this ground centipede origin energy, the Shelter's collective power would surge notably.

His aim was to raise each member to at least squad leader level.

That way, they'd gain the self-defense skills needed for future missions like this.

The team eagerly gathered their portions of the mutated beast origin energy and retreated to assimilate it.

Upon Fatty Xu's return, he frequently appeared pensive, seeming detached and preoccupied.

Zhang Yi produced a squad leader-level ground centipede core and passed it over, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat as he spoke:

"Don't dwell on it too much. Concentrate on properly absorbing this and enhancing your power. The world is expansive. You'll encounter plenty of amazing women ahead. Someone perfect for you is bound to appear."

At last, Fatty Xu glanced down at the mutated beast core Zhang Yi offered. It resembled a vivid, throbbing heart.

"Boss, will this item let me reach her level of strength?"

Fatty Xu inquired of Zhang Yi with hopeful gaze.

The "her" in question was undoubtedly Li Yangyang. Despite knowing she was a femboy, Fatty Xu struggled to fully release his feelings.

Zhang Yi thumped his chest assuredly and stated, "Grab it and absorb it well, then train hard. Your superhuman ability index will hit at least 9,000 points afterward. If it falls short of 9,000, come to Brother Yi, and I'll cover the gap. No exaggeration here."

Fatty Xu's eyes sparkled. He extended his hand to accept the mutated beast core. "Boss, with your guarantee, I'm at ease! Hehe, if I fail to match Yangyang later, you'll compensate me!"

Zhang Yi's lips quirked, and he rolled his eyes to himself: Compensate you? In your dreams!

Fatty Xu departed in high spirits.

Zhang Yi peered at the thick snowfall beyond the window, switched outfits, and stepped out.

He approached the Egret River, traversing the iron-like frozen surface, then rapped solidly on the ice.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

The noise wasn't intense, but soon a "crack" split a portion of the ice.

Next, a plump, sizable head surfaced from below the ice.

Frog's eyes scanned about, still bearing traces of grogginess from recent awakening.

Yet, spotting Zhang Yi clearly, he beamed with delight.

"Wow! Zhang Yi, my friend. You're back!"

"I just closed my eyes, and when I woke up, I saw you. This truly makes me happy. Hey, how long were you gone this time?"

Zhang Yi grinned and replied, "Only a little over half a month!"

He motioned backward. "Care to join me for some hot coffee?"

Frog let out a "pop" as he burst forcefully from beneath the ice and leaped before Zhang Yi.

"Of course, with pleasure!"

Frog trailed Zhang Yi to the Shelter, diligently shedding ice fragments from his form outdoors.

Totoro reclined near the fireplace, its ample belly jutting out.

Upon Frog's arrival, it showed great joy, parting its mouth to produce an "ang ang~" call.

The noise was odd, akin to a bovine's low, or the sorrowful whir of an antique machine revving.

"Hey, my friend. Long time no see!"

Frog hailed it cheerfully.

Zhang Yi served Frog a steaming cup of coffee. He daintily gripped the handle and downed the brew in a single swallow.

Against his massive maw, the coffee cup looked tiny and endearing.

After sipping, Frog approached Totoro and extracted a recorder from the creases of his rotund abdomen.

He prattled on to Totoro, then indicated the device he held.

Totoro evidently failed to comprehend the words but caught the intent.

Frog and Totoro launched into their customary routine, one playing the recorder, the other a peculiarly formed flute.

Zhang Yi reclined on the sofa, feet elevated at the far side, leisurely viewing a television show.

Now, he merely awaited updates from Lu Keran.

Concerning that enigmatic purple crystal, anticipation swelled in his chest.

Zhang Yi viewed the TV and, unwittingly, dozed off.

When he roused and lifted his lids, two sets of wide, circular eyes gazed at him from overhead.

Zhang Yi jolted in surprise. On nearer inspection, recognizing Frog and Totoro, he eased up.

He possessed an innate sense for threats; even asleep, stealthy approaches were rare.

Only if the intruder meant no harm would it bypass Zhang Yi's vigilance.

"Hey, why did you two halt your musical performance?"

"Ribbit, ribbit! Totoro has something to tell you."

Frog announced, waving animatedly, his expression brimming with thrill.

Zhang Yi appeared astonished. "It has something to tell me?"

Totoro seemed endearingly simple, its rounded cheeks full and utterly charming.

Still, its exact origins eluded Zhang Yi and the rest.

And presently, a suspicion formed in Zhang Yi's mind.

Maybe it wasn't a terrestrial mutated being but one from the subterranean realm.

Author's Note