Setting aside how much "aesthetic sense" a Druid who had studied Biochemical Technology in the Dark Cult for centuries could possibly retain, Selina Gelvin had to admit one thing: this "brain" before her was absolutely the most incredible and outstanding creation of biochemical engineering she had ever seen in her life.
It looked like a single brain, but in essence, this "brain" was almost an independent and complete organism. It possessed its own energy cycle and specialized organs for maintaining levitation and limited movement, all hidden deep within its bloated, bizarre "body." Its writhing "tentacles" were not merely Nerve Strands used to establish connections with the Thorin Giant Tree—or other "interaction targets." When necessary, they seemed capable of serving as some sort of feeding organs as well...
The thing reminded her of certain creatures in the Black Forest on the other side of the Dark Mountains—creatures that existed only in the tales of superstitious hunters and drunken bards, the darkest, most twisted mutant organisms closest to nightmares.
Ordinary people living peaceful, everyday lives knew little about these dark and terrifying creatures. Yet Dark Cultists who had lived for centuries had all, to varying degrees, delved into the secrets beyond the boundaries of civilization.
Selena turned and looked into Beltira's eyes. "To be honest, was the original biological sample for this brain... the Nightmare Skull from deep within the Black Forest?"
"I don't remember... Perhaps. There might also have been Spirit-Devouring Monsters from around Ancestor's Peak?" Beltira thought for a moment, and a self-mocking smile appeared on her stiff face. "I can no longer remember how many things I've devoured and assimilated. Deep within my body are vast genetic samples beyond mortal comprehension—humans, elves, monsters... No matter how terrifying or twisted a creature may be, I can produce it at will.