"Chen, Chen, what do I do if my pig won't eat anything?"
"Chen, Chen, how did my sheep turn black?!!"
"Chen, Chen..."
As a staff member at the wildlife rescue center, Chen Yuan usually had a relatively easy job, so he often played the role of a veterinarian, helping villagers solve some problems.
But today, the issues he encountered were much more troublesome than usual.
In the afternoon,
Chen Yuan returned to his office, drenched in sweat, and after resting for a moment, gulped down a glass of water.
"The world really has changed." He sighed once more, turning his head to look at Spark on his shoulder, saying, "Don't you think so, Spark?"
"Chirp, chirp, chirp!"
Spark flapped its wings, its deep blue eyes quietly gazing at Chen Yuan.
The massive changes brought by the Spiritual Energy Tide permeated every corner of the world, affecting all living beings inevitably.
Although Uncle Zhao's sow wasn't eating, it was plumper and sturdier, snoring like muffled thunder, with skin like steel, evolving into an Extraordinary Creature known as the "Gray-armored Wild Boar."
Although Mrs. Liu's sheep had turned black, its eyes were bright like flames, and its posture was light and graceful, evolving into an Extraordinary Creature known as the "Ghostly Sheep."
...
"It seems that a few animals in the village have already started evolving."
"Soon enough, Xuanhe Village will be filled with Extraordinary Creatures."
"I hope nothing too chaotic happens," Chen Yuan thought quietly to himself.
In his view, Extraordinary Creatures are quite intelligent and wield extraordinary power, which is bound to cause many conflicts with humans.
Whether over food or territory,
When conflicts arise frequently, how should humans treat Extraordinary Creatures, how do we cohabit with them, this is an unavoidable issue.
As he pondered, his phone vibrated incessantly. Upon checking, it was messages from his university classmates group chat.
Meanwhile, Spark lowered its head, full of curiosity, staring at the glowing phone screen.
2018 Class 5, Veterinary Medicine Major classmates group chat:
"Oh my god, a snake spewing cold air appeared yesterday, nearly scared me to death."
"That's nothing, a colleague of mine encountered a moving tree in the mountains, waving its branches and knocking my colleague out."
"Huh? Where have I ended up? Is this still the Blue Star?"
"Pay more attention to the news, and you'll understand. After this torrential rain, creatures all around the world have mutating."
"Quick! Click on this link; the officials are addressing these matters uniformly."
Chen Yuan clicked the link, opening the official live broadcast—a formally dressed representative facing the camera, speaking articulately:
"We understand the concern of many netizens regarding recent hot events. Our department is actively contacting all parties to further understand these events, and any updates will be announced promptly..."
Hearing these familiar words, Chen Yuan couldn't help but twitch his lips.
It's as if they said nothing at all.
After saying that, the scholarly official suddenly said solemnly, "Society continuously changes and develops, and so does the world."
"We can't avoid these changes; we can only face them."
"It has always been so."
The official live broadcast ended, leaving only dense scrolling comments on the screen, and Chen Yuan fell into deep thought: "The last part is practically a clear hint..."
"Perhaps when the officials are fully prepared, they will completely disclose information about the Spiritual Energy Tide."
Chen Yuan understood the principle of "a single action affects the whole," hence why he comprehended the authorities' caution and prudence.
And as one of the few citizens who knew part of the truth, Chen Yuan decided to seize the time advantage to develop enough self-defense capabilities.
After closing the live stream, Chen Yuan continued browsing his phone for a while longer, only then noticing the overwhelming information online about the world's transformation, with news trending topics almost all related to it.
Someone claimed they saw a flying tiger at Changbai Mountain, roaring like thunder; another person said they encountered a three-meter-tall humanoid creature moving through the forests deep within Shennongjia; others stated that fierce flames had risen on the Northwest's Flame Mountain, unwavering against water....
Additionally, officials arranged for several experts and scholars to provide scientific explanations for the recent torrential rain, while also urging all citizens to remain calm and trust the authorities.
"Whew, can't get carried away."
After a long while, Chen Yuan exhaled deeply, forcing himself to put down the phone.
"Chirp, chirp, chirp!!!"
However, Spark, who had been glued to the phone, instantly became unwilling. It jumped in front of the phone, trying to poke the screen with its sharp beak.
"Stop!"
Noticing Spark's actions, Chen Yuan hurriedly spoke up to stop it and took the phone away.
"Chirp!"
Spark turned to face Chen Yuan, the blue in its eyes brimming with eager longing and confusion.
Chen Yuan, who was connected with Spark's mind, clearly understood its thoughts: "You want to keep playing on the phone?"
"Chirp!"
Spark nodded.
"You're doomed; you've gotten addicted to your phone." Chen Yuan muttered to himself, then fell into thought, figuring out how to address the matter.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he said, "How about this, for every time you practice Flame Surge, you get to watch the phone for a minute."
"Once you've accumulated sixty practices, I'll let you watch for an hour straight."
"Chirp?"
Spark blinked, thinking for a moment, then nodded: "Chirp!!!"
One minute per practice, easy peasy!
"Great." Seeing Spark brimming with fighting spirit, Chen Yuan nodded in satisfaction.
Though he held the Source Point system that could help him continually improve, he also wanted to fully engage the Pet Beasts' initiative, letting them gain a sense of fulfillment from daily rigorous training.
"Woof, woof, woof!"
Just then, a loud bark came from outside the office, followed by a gentle breeze brushing across Chen Yuan's body.
He looked up to see a familiar yet unfamiliar figure approaching rapidly, arriving in front of him in no time.
It was a dog the size of a calf, with light brown fur covering its body, erect ears, a neck surrounded by white fluffy fur, and even a tuft of fluffy white fur at the tail, now staring at Chen Yuan with its round azure eyes.
"Woof!"
The next second, the dog dove into Chen Yuan's arms, licking his cheek with its tongue and wagging its tail incessantly.
Instinctively, Chen Yuan petted its head, and a data panel appeared in his vision:
[First-time collection of Gale Hunting Dog, Source Point +1]
[Race: Gale Hunting Dog (Collected)
Attribute: Wind
Level: 1 (Tier One)
Favorability: 84
Skills: Wind Blade (Beginner 0.1/3) ＋
Quality: Common
Promotion to Elite Quality Conditions: Source Points Insufficient (1/5)]
"Gale Hunting Dog!"
Seeing the light blue screen before him, Chen Yuan's eyes lit up with excitement.
It's Cola!
Cola has successfully evolved!
Its name is now Gale Hunting Dog!