Chapter 16
"Star," Lin Yan asked cautiously, "I thought some beast meat is poisonous."
"That concern is valid," Star replied calmly. "However, I can assist in neutralizing most toxins during consumption."
Lin Yan relaxed slightly. "Good. I don't want to die from my first bite."
"Based on analysis," Star continued, "for every bite of cooked beast meat, you can absorb approximately 0.001% of the creature's genetic traits."
Lin Yan frowned. "That's… very little."
"There is a more efficient method," Star added.
Lin Yan's eyes lit up. "Go on."
"If you are in direct contact with a beast immediately after it is killed," Star said, "I can help you absorb up to 10% of its genetic essence."
Lin Yan froze.
"So…" he said slowly, "you're telling me I need to touch a freshly dead beast?"
"Yes," Star replied. "Closer contact improves absorption efficiency."
Lin Yan sighed. "Of course it does."
After a moment of thought, his expression sharpened.
"The best chance to touch freshly killed beasts would be working as a beast harvester," Lin Yan said. "They handle corpses right after hunters kill them, outside the void zones."
"That occupation has a high toxicity rate," Star warned. "Chemical residue, radiation, and lingering beast energy make it extremely dangerous."
"That's why no one wants the job," Lin Yan said quietly. "But I don't have many choices."
He clenched his fists.
"I have about five days before the scholarship exam," he continued. "I'll take the job during that time. Even if I gain a little beast gene, it's better than staying weak."
Star was silent for a moment.
"Decision acknowledged," Star finally said. "I will prioritize your survival."
Lin Yan exhaled. "Good. Because I really don't want to explain to the university that I died before the exam."