Dissection and Cries

Upon landing, the highly aggressive mermaids that had been swimming in the lake retreated on their own, showing no intention of pursuing even as their companions were slaughtered in large numbers... or rather, it seemed they were not qualified to come ashore.

After several minutes of intense escape, even the well-trained Edmund and his team were panting, and they immediately began checking their bodies.

They took soft tubes from the hanging pockets inside their coats, applied the liquid inside to their skin, washing off the blood and lake water they had accumulated during the fight.

Edmund even proactively handed a soft tube to Yi Chen.

"William, want some?"

"No... thanks."

Edmund shrugged, naturally noticing that Yi Chen was unaffected by the water.

"It's only been a day~ and something like this has already come knocking on our door. The next two days are going to be rough. I reckon a batch of examinees will die right here."

As he said this, Edmund cast a meaningful glance at Yi Chen, but

Yi Chen turned to look at the mermaids retreating into the lake, while also sizing up the completely bloated corpse of the Magistrate.

"This corpse, can I have it?"

"Of course, we don't have much use for a corpse like that... after all, our team doesn't have a descendant of a 'Doctor' or a genius trained in a clinic.

But, dragging a corpse back like that, won't it look bad if someone sees you?"

"Wait for me a moment."

Yi Chen jogged into the town streets, and within a few minutes bought a large enough burlap sack, along with some spare small knives.

With a highly practiced sleight of hand, he packed up the swollen corpse and dragged it toward the inn like garbage.

Combined with Yi Chen's slightly thin, tall build and gloomy attire, he gave off the feeling of a "Corpse Collector."

"Hey, Mr. William~ Looking forward to our next cooperation."

The sunny-faced Edmund waved goodbye to him, and Yi Chen, with his back turned, raised his free left hand over his shoulder, barely responding.

As his figure slowly disappeared, Edmund deliberately furrowed his brows.

"Did you guys see that?

This guy is also wielding a rare 'Plant-type' Diseased Trait. He's likely to become a [Doctor] in the future, and he'll definitely be in high demand among the organizations.

The 'Quality Hide' for this assessment will surely be taken by William.

We'll have to step up our game."

Julianna commented softly, "All that gloom, probably from a cemetery background, yet carrying a Plant Affliction that symbolizes life... what a strange guy."

However, these people had no idea

that Yi Chen was still in a hot-blooded state after killing enemies and escaping danger, merely suppressing his emotions deliberately.

"These guys have mental fortitude and combat fundamentals far beyond ordinary people... they've definitely undergone long-term training, fundamentally different from me.

Teaming up with them might reduce risks and get me useful intel.

But my 'rookie' traits would also be exposed, and then I might be used, or even thrown out as bait in a dangerous moment.

Keeping this half-baked relationship is the best."

Back at the inn.

The Boss was still observing the fish specimen at the counter, ignoring Yi Chen as he returned by boat.

Just as he passed the counter, Slap!

The Boss suddenly slapped a few white candles onto the table, not even lifting her head as she said:

"Don't make a mess everywhere. The [smell] will also disturb Sister's rest. Make sure the candles are burning while you handle it."

"Got it."

Back in his room, he locked the door.

Candles were placed in every corner of the bathroom. When the scent of incense filled the air, the 'work' officially began.

Next, Yi Chen needed to clarify a few things:

1. Why had this Magistrate, after falling into the water, not turned into one of those swimming 'mermaids' at the bottom of the lake, but instead drowned to death?

2. What physical changes would the lake water bring to the human body?

Hoo... Since he had never done this kind of thing before in his life, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

Before starting, Yi Chen pressed both hands against his cheeks.

Sss~

From his fingertips, strands of emerald green plant sprouts grew, intertwining and weaving together to form a homemade plant mask.

Whether it was the stench of the corpse or the scent of the candles, the mask could purify them all into fresh air.

"The disease ability really is handy... According to Mr. Albert, as long as I pass the assessment, I can examine this ability in detail through some method.

I should be able to keep developing it later, maybe even reach the level of a Living Corpse, using roots as spears and tendrils as legs.

How interesting, Even if it means risking death, it's still much better than being trapped in a lab writing papers day and night."

After these past few days of encounters, Yi Chen felt his True Nature gradually awakening, and he fully understood that this was the world best suited for him.

Gagi gagi~

He continued weaving a pair of natural gloves from plant tendrils, picked up a sharp knife bought from the store, and began the work.

Perhaps due to the innate talent of the [William. Berens] body, the process of handling the 'corpse' went quite smoothly, even matching the proficiency he had when doing experiments in his past life.

He gradually became immersed in it, full of interest, even Little Grape was surprised by Yi Chen's focus on this matter.

Several hours passed without him noticing.

In Front Of him, the fully dissected corpse presented a scene that defied medical common sense.

A body cavity filled with mucus, various organs had shifted positions, the cavity walls and organs, organs and organs, were all stuck together.

The ribs had become slender, sharp, and had grown additional Bone Spur branches, scattered throughout the flesh and blood.

But some parts still maintained the original human structure.

This change was incomplete... as if it were a 'failed evolution'.

A clue that could touch the root of Green Lake Town's 'Fish Scale Disease' surfaced.

"If that's the case, then everything makes sense."

Yi Chen was very satisfied with this dissection result, and even bowed to the 'Magistrate' to thank him.

He packed up the remains, dragged them quietly, dug a hole and buried them.

After finishing, it was already midnight.

"Let me try taking a shower~"

The faucet in the bathroom was turned to maximum, washing away the remaining tissue fragments and sticky liquid.

At the same time, Yi Chen also took off his clothes, actively exposing his body to the cold water, washing away the sweat and fatigue.

The reason he chose to shower, first, because of the battle at Green Lake today, he had come into contact with the lake water, which confirmed that his skin could resist external infection from the lake.

Second, such an attempt was necessary.

The next two days were still unknown; we might fall into Green Lake for various reasons, so it was essential to undergo 'hydrophilic adaptation' in advance.

During the rinsing, Yi Chen could clearly feel the Plant Root Tendrils surging within his body, autonomously forming a defense system.

"No problem... Even if danger strikes later and I fall into the lake, I can ensure my body won't be invaded."

Refreshed, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep quickly.

Yet, this night was still not destined to pass peacefully.

Yi Chen, deep in slumber, was jolted awake once more.

Unlike last night, this awakening was not triggered by the plants.

Instead, from outside the door came a series of sharp, almost throat-tearing screams of agony, originating from the 'Sister's room' at the end of the corridor.

Pushing open the door, Yi Chen pressed himself against the doorframe, using Little Grape hidden in his sleeve to observe.

In the shared vision window, the door at the end was already open.

A strong candlelight spilled out from the room.

Along with the candlelight, a red liquid also 'ran' out of the room—

cold, viscous, and carrying a fishy smell.

"This is..."

After a moment of observation, Yi Chen decided to act.

He hung the Kerosene Lamp at his waist, gripped the axe with both hands.

Just as he neared the 'Sister's room,'

the innkeeper's voice came from inside, laced with a hint of urgency.

"Either stay away, or come in and help."