Chapter 169: The Pearl in the Heart

"How are you able to determine it so quickly?" Compass Carburettor asked in surprise. After all, it had been less than a couple of hours since Dr. Gregesh began to research the creature.

"It's all data and experience." He laughed, "There are similar substances in our records. And by compiling the research data, it is easy to determine this. Though, none below my level have the clearance for such information."

He then gazed at Grisha, "Since your mother asked me for a favour, I'm telling you all this."

"Besides," He laughed, "You did bring me such a fine specimen to research. That's the least I could give in return."

"Will its flesh affect humans? Suppose when consumed?" Compass Carburettor asked next, acting like he was worried. After all, his concern inquired about the situation when such mutated creatures become commonplace and people ingested them.

"I understand your worries, young man." Dr. Gregesh nodded before saying, "But, I'll have to research further to determine that. It was easier with the aphrodisiac thanks to the data we already had on hand. As for this, I'll have to conduct a couple of tests with mice."

"I need at least a couple of days to get some results." He said, continuing, "And, if you can bring in a couple more of these creatures, it would be better. Though, I don't think that's possible. This should have been the first of its kind."

"Sir, what was the use of the aphrodisiac in it? Why did this creature evolve to have that?" Compass Carburettor asked, trying to understand the direction of evolution the creature had taken and the reason it had done so.

"Well, this is just my hypothesis. I might be entirely wrong." Dr. Gregesh thought for a moment before saying, "Once a man or woman is affected by this, they would approach someone from the opposite gender to mate with. And, this would drive them crazy, causing them to engage in the act until they become tremendously exhausted to the extent they are almost at death's door."

"And, this is when this creature would swipe in, using its sharp claws to kill them before devouring their bodies." He concluded, "At least, that seems to be a logical answer based on the weapons it has."

'As I suspected.' Compass Carburettor nodded, shuddering for a moment, 'If not for the fact that the Mental Energy stream from it alerted me, I would have died. Even though it won't be the end of me, my corpse would remain on the ground. And, getting rid of one in a developed society as this is pretty much impossible for me. Unless, I use my Haggon form to eat it up. But, that is also risky in the case the toxin affects me even as a Haggon.'

"Then, we won't disturb you any longer, sir." Grisha said, bowing in gratitude, "Thank you for your help."

"No worries," Dr. Gregesh nodded, waving his hand, "I'll keep you posted on the details. Also, keep this a secret. Don't say anything to even my colleagues. That's why I am working on it alone."

"Thank you, sir." Compass Carburettor bowed before saying, "Also, please be careful."

"I know my field very well." Dr. Gregesh said curtly, "Still, thanks for the care you have shown."

As the two exited the laboratory, he continued with the experiment, muttering to himself, "Interesting. This sort of rapid evolution is unprecedented. Though, it seems like its body was also unable to keep up with this evolution as its brain took severe damage."

"What was the catalyst to cause this?" He thought, beginning to dissect it before storing each organ in a container meant to preserve them, preventing them from rotting.

"Hmm, what's this?" He frowned upon scanning the creature's heart through an x-ray, noticing a solid object lodged in its centre.

After dissecting it, he took out what resembled a pearl, muttering, "Interesting! Those kids stumbled upon something magnificent!"

...

'Dr. Gregesh isn't someone that would divulge the information to others.' Compass Carburettor nodded upon seeing the green loyalty stream between them.

Though, this wasn't a loyalty between the two people, but rather the loyalty related to this task alone. There were all sorts of loyalty around.

And, the one shown here related to the fact that Dr. Gregesh would stay true to his words. That's all. If Compass Carburettor tried to place the symbol of Secret Society on him, nothing would happen.

Once he observed the loyalty stream closely, he noticed that the shade of green was different from usual, 'So, there are different shades of green to indicate different modes of loyalty. And, only the one I see usually conform to what I can use to make them members.'

Once they returned to the car, Grisha said in excitement, "Now, let's go shopping!"

"No, you need to train." Compass Carburettor replied curtly, "You've seen the danger yourself first-hand. So, you'll have to train accordingly first. Otherwise, you won't be able to protect yourself."

"Only for one hour, please!" Grisha grabbed hold of his hands, staring with widened eyes as she said, "I'll promise to train in earnest after that."

She then asked after some thought, "But, I don't have any weapons at home. What would I be training at?"

"Fitness," Compass Carburettor said, "You'll need a fit body that can survive any situation. The fighting comes secondary. No matter what you wish to do, you would need a body that would move in accordance to your thoughts."

"I am pretty fit though." Grisha retorted, "I jog daily and can even do acrobatics."

She then pestered him, "Come on! It won't take much time. Promise!"

"Fine, let's do that." Compass Carburettor sighed, watching her drive as he thought, 'Well, it might be a change of pace. There isn't much I can do at present anyway. Might as well do something that might clear up my thoughts.'

He then glanced at Grisha, sighing once, 'I feel like a damn teenager now.'

He looked at the passer-by on the road, closing his eyes soon after as he meditated, sensing the Darlac reserves within him, noticing that his affinity to it had increased further overnight, 'Maybe caring about Grisha isn't all that bad.'

'It'll keep my senses sharp, especially since I am not protected by any luck now.'