The next morning, the hangover's clamor hadn't entirely dissipated, and Insect God Temple was filled with a strange mix of charred barbecue and cheap alcohol. Jack had already silently left the lounge filled with tired Monster girls. Last night, after their first performance, the BUG48 girl group members—inspired by the fervent atmosphere—had put on an even more private, exclusive show just for him, their sole VIP audience member. They were still deeply asleep, exhausted.
As their only patron, Jack thoughtfully covered them with blankets. Though they were Monster girls with physical capabilities far exceeding humans, they could still catch a cold if overworked. Full of positive energy.
Leaving the room, the Stone Monster deliveryman—controlled by his Ideological Imprint—had already delivered today's Monster Cells and was respectfully waiting outside the palace. Even though the entire production line was practically Jack's private property, the necessary procedures still had to be followed; this was the self-discipline expected of a qualified actor.
He casually took the box, and with a thought, the Monster Cells inside were instantly refined by the system. Jack's eyes, which should have been hazy from a hangover, were now exceptionally clear, gleaming with sharp light. He returned to his throne and slowly sat down.
"Work-life balance. Time to get down to business."
Jack was about to leave when he suddenly noticed the Armored Gorilla—now in its normal attire—waiting in the hallway outside the door. It held out an envelope with both hands, the seal of which bore a crooked heart stamped in pink wax.
"What is this?"
Jack's gaze swept over it, but he didn't reach out.
The Armored Gorilla immediately understood and respectfully reported: "My Lord, this is an invitation sent last night by the Monster Princess 'Nude S.' Your subordinate has already inquired with the messenger; it's likely… an invitation for you to visit."
"Nude S?"
The image of the Monster Princess—wielding a whip and enslaving others through Psychokinesis—surfaced in Jack's mind. A Demon-level Monster with some strength and unique abilities. Interesting.
But now was not the time for unnecessary complications.
"No time." Jack's reply was simple and direct, without hesitation. "Tell her to go play by herself."
"Yes."
The Armored Gorilla dared not ask further and immediately put away the invitation. When it looked up again, the tall, dark figure had already vanished.
Gulp—
The Armored Gorilla wiped the sweat from its forehead, a certain idea seemingly solidifying in its mind. It turned and strode away, proudly resuming its duties.
House of Evolution – Deep Sea Research Division
The deep-sea pressure made it silent here, with only the low hum of various instruments operating within the base. In front of the massive alloy gate, the decompression chamber was at work.
Gurgle—
Seawater was rapidly drained, and air was reinjected.
The head of the division, Genus Clone No. 8—who had already received the highest directive—was leading a group of clone colleagues in white coats, along with a squad of elite modified Monster guards, lined up to respectfully welcome him. His posture was impeccable, and his expression management strove for perfection. But his slightly trembling fingertips and the fine cold sweat on his temples still betrayed his true emotions.
With a click, the hatch unlocked, and a tall, slender figure emerged unhurriedly from the passage.
"Boss!"
Genus Clone No. 8 bowed sharply, and the clones beside him echoed in unison: "Boss!" × N
"We meet again, No. 8."
Jack scanned the ready crowd, a benevolent smile on his face.
"Is the combat space repaired?"
Hearing this question, Genus Clone No. 8 gave an embarrassed smile: "Reporting, Boss—it has been repaired and is ready for use at any time."
He paused, then cautiously added: "However… because existing technology hasn't made a fundamental breakthrough, we could only perform urgent, conventional reinforcement on the existing structure. So, in terms of defense and strength, it might… still not be enough for your full enjoyment."
Last time, Jack had already consciously held back his power, yet the dispersed energy shock still nearly demolished the entire underwater base. That terrifying, world-destroying scene remained Genus Clone No. 8's persistent nightmare.
"Don't be so nervous." Jack patted his shoulder, his tone benevolent. "Don't worry—I'll be gentler this time. I know my limits."
Genus Clone No. 8's mouth twitched unnaturally upon hearing this. "Gentle." "Limits." He only hoped that by the time these two concepts were fully explored, both the base and its inhabitants would still be intact.
While bowing and leading the way, he subtly pulled aside a waiting clone behind him and quickly instructed: "Immediately notify the main control room—energy protection level… set to MAX!! Connect all backup energy sources!! Hurry!! Hurry!!!"
Inside the familiar pure white combat space, the heavy, nested alloy gate—strong enough to withstand a nuclear explosion—closed with a dull roar. The entire space was isolated from the world.
But this time, Jack didn't immediately begin the crude stat allocation as usual. He slowly closed his eyes, and with a thought, his mind stirred.
*BOOM—! *
Two completely different yet perfectly merged terrifying forces exploded within him.
Imagination Force!
Electromagnetic Rampage!
Pale green Psychokinesis ripples spread like a tsunami, interspersed with countless silver, writhing electric arcs. The strong magnetic Psychokinesis field instantly completed its synchronized construction, spreading rapidly like a living entity along the inner surfaces of the space's walls, ceiling, and floor. In just one second—a composite force field barrier, shimmering with dazzling electric arcs and a faint green aura, had already formed. The entire combat space seemed to be encased in an inner lining made of pure energy, indestructible.
Having completed all this, Jack finally opened his eyes with satisfaction and skillfully summoned the system panel.
[Origin Points: 54,036,842]
Fifty-four million—more than half a small goal. Because another day's daily income had arrived, this number even reached a new high. Though it wasn't the first time he'd seen it, when this long string of numbers came into view, a current-like pleasure still surged through Jack's heart.
Not long ago, he had to meticulously calculate and repeatedly weigh the pros and cons for tens of thousands or even thousands of Origin Points. Now, look at the present. Two completely different mindsets—a world apart.
He couldn't help but grin, laughing silently.
"I've never fought such a rich battle in eight lifetimes!"
"Then…"
Jack's eyes suddenly sharpened.
"Let's begin!"