Faust resumed walking.
The next entry concerned amphibians.
Amphibious Adaptations: Camouflage
Found a frog capable of changing its skin color to match its surroundings.
Its camouflage resembles that of a chameleon, although the speed of the transformation appears significantly faster.
The change was observed when the frog encountered a potential predator.
Possible explanation: Increased predator activity may have encouraged the development of a stronger camouflage mechanism.
Further testing is required to determine the limits of its color-changing ability.
Faust nodded slightly.
'An enhanced camouflage mechanism.'
Some amphibians already possessed the ability to alter their skin coloration.
However, the speed and precision described in Leslie's notes suggested that the mutation might have improved an existing biological function.
'That would be a more straightforward evolutionary change.'
He continued reading until another entry caught his attention.
Core-Bearing Creatures: Large Predatory Mammal
Observed a large animal resembling a wolf.
The creature possessed unusually developed muscles, enlarged claws, and increased physical strength.
After examining its body, a crystalline sphere was discovered inside its chest cavity.
The crystal emitted a faint glow and appeared to pulse with energy.
Possible explanation: The crystal may function as an additional energy source or serve as a catalyst for the creature's mutation.
It remains unclear whether the core developed naturally or formed after the mutation occurred.
Faust stopped turning the pages.
'A crystal core?'
His attention sharpened.
The sketch showed the body of a large wolf-like creature.
Beside it was a drawing of a transparent crystalline sphere, with several lines indicating its position inside the chest.
Faust studied it closely.
'This looks familiar.'
He immediately thought of the crystals he had previously encountered.
The Kraken had possessed a similar structure.
And just recently, Agony had consumed a liquid crystal that had appeared after the monoliths landed.
'Could they be related?'
He examined Leslie's description again.
The creature had apparently displayed enhanced physical strength, suggesting significant changes to its muscular structure.
The crystal might have played a role in those changes.
However, the information was still incomplete.
'Not every mutated animal seems to possess a core.'
Faust recalled the previous entries.
The bird and frog had displayed unusual abilities, yet Leslie hadn't recorded any crystalline structures within them.
Of course, that didn't prove they lacked cores. She might simply have been unable to examine their bodies.
'Still, there's a possibility that core formation depends on the amount of energy accumulated by an organism.'
He looked at the wolf's sketch.
'If that's the case, stronger mutated creatures may have a higher chance of developing one.'
The theory seemed plausible.
However, he would need more samples before reaching a conclusion.
'I'll have to investigate it myself.'
Faust turned the page.
Insect Evolution: Hive Mind
Observed a colony of ants displaying unusually complex cooperative behavior.
Individual ants appeared capable of responding to problems encountered by other members of the colony without visible communication.
The colony also demonstrated coordinated problem-solving when faced with obstacles.
Possible explanation: The ants may have developed a form of shared awareness or enhanced communication resembling a hive mind.
Further observation is needed to determine whether this behavior exceeds the capabilities of ordinary ant colonies.
Faust examined the accompanying sketches.
Leslie had drawn several ants working together to move objects and navigate obstacles.
Arrows and handwritten notes indicated how their behavior had changed during each observation.
'Hive mind...'
Faust rubbed his chin.
Ant colonies already functioned through highly organized collective behavior.
However, if the mutated ants were capable of sharing information directly, without relying on ordinary chemical or physical signals, that would represent a significant change.
'Perhaps some form of biological communication network.'
He considered the possibility.
'If their nervous systems have developed a way to exchange information directly, the applications could be considerable.'
Faust continued flipping through the book.
There were more notes beyond the five entries he had examined.
Some concerned unusual plants, while others recorded changes in animals that Leslie hadn't been able to identify.
Several pages contained incomplete observations, with question marks written beside uncertain details.
Others included drawings of tracks, feathers, leaves, and unfamiliar insects.
'She recorded quite a lot.'
Faust examined another page before closing the book.
For someone working without laboratory equipment, Leslie had managed to collect a useful amount of information.
More importantly, she had avoided presenting most of her guesses as confirmed facts.
That was something even experienced researchers occasionally failed to do.
Faust looked toward her.
"Leslie."
She immediately straightened.
"Yes?"
"How long have you been keeping these notes?"
"Since the mutations started appearing."
She looked at the book.
"I didn't have much equipment, so I mostly observed things from a distance. Sometimes I could collect samples, but not always."
Faust nodded.
"And you made all these sketches yourself?"
"Yes."
Leslie smiled awkwardly.
"I'm not very good at drawing, though."
Faust opened the book again and pointed toward the sketch of the wolf.
"The proportions are clear enough to identify the important features."
He turned to the drawing of the metallic-feathered bird.
"And you've included separate illustrations for the unusual structures."
Leslie looked surprised.
"Is that good?"
"Of course."
Faust closed the book.
"A scientific illustration doesn't need to be beautiful. It needs to show the important details accurately."
He handed the book back to her.
"Your notes are tidy and detailed. You've also done a reasonable job separating your observations from your assumptions."
Leslie accepted the book with both hands.
"So..."
She hesitated.
"You don't think they're bad?"
Faust shook his head.
"No. I agree with Nex. These notes are impressive, especially considering the equipment you had available."
Leslie stared at him.
Faust continued.
"There's still a lot you need to verify, but that's normal. Research begins with observation."
He glanced at the book.
"And you've already collected several things worth investigating."
Leslie's eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Faust nodded.
"Don't underestimate yourself. Have more confidence in your abilities."
For a moment, Leslie didn't respond.
Then a bright smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you!"
She hugged the book against her chest.
"I'll keep working on them!"
Faust nodded.
"Good. If we encounter anything unusual in this forest, you can add it to your records."
"Of course!"
Leslie immediately looked around, appearing far more eager to explore than she had been earlier.
Nex, who had been walking a short distance ahead, glanced back at them.
He noticed Leslie's expression.
A small smile appeared on his face.
'It's been a while since I've seen her smile like that.'
Ever since the apocalypse began, Leslie had spent most of her time worrying about what might happen next.
Even when she was working on her notes, she rarely appeared completely relaxed.
But now, she was smiling while talking about her research.
Nex looked toward Faust.
'I didn't expect him to be so easy to talk to.'
The scientist was certainly different from what Nex had imagined.
He seemed indifferent to most things, and his words about his family had made it clear that there were subjects he didn't want to discuss.
However, he had taken Leslie's work seriously.
And that alone was enough for Nex to reconsider his initial impression.
'For the duration of this test, we should stay close to him.'
He glanced at Leslie again.
She was already opening her book, checking whether she had enough empty pages for new observations.
Nex smiled faintly.
'Hopefully, he can keep cheering her up.'