Zombie Doctor

Bai Xiaowen shook his head slightly. Actually, he would prefer to exchange for a piece of Gold Equipment, even if it was a little inferior, as long as it was usable.

The reason is simple: maximizing profits should only be used at level 6. By level 6, the 30,000+ Psionic Points won't be as significant to Bai Xiaowen as they are now. Moreover, Bai Xiaowen already possesses dozens of Dragonblood Tea Tree Treasure Leaf, which he can readily convert into hundreds of thousands of Psionic Points, so he's not lacking in that regard.

Of course, a Temporary Team-Building Item is more valuable than a piece of Gold Equipment, since it can be traded or bartered.

Bai Xiaowen put away the [Broken Oath], and then together with Li Shuyi, they opened all the other treasure chests.

The Mid Elite bandits who followed Ian didn't have high Battle Rating, and their loot wasn't anything to be surprised about.

However, those two level 7 Elite Tier, the Elite Tier bandit guards beside Ian, dropped a really good item: a Golden Tier cloak!

This piece of equipment is called [Radiant Cloak]. It is entirely silver and, in addition to the 3% evasion rate common to cloaks, it increases back armor by 3 points. It also has an active skill called "Scorching Light," which Blind nearby enemies for 3 seconds when activated, with a cooldown of 8 hours.

This cloak is more suitable for Li Shuyi, as she is a melee fighter. Bai Xiaowen, on the other hand, is a ranged attacker who, in most situations, cannot fully utilize the "Scorching Light" skill.

Li Shuyi also greatly admired this magnificent silver cape.

After dividing the spoils, the two of them had earned nearly 10,000 Psionic Points from killing Black Wind Bandit Group alone, and they also obtained Temporary Team-Building Item and two pieces of Gold Equipment. They were truly rolling in the riches.

Furthermore, the hidden benefits are even greater. For example, among the more than one hundred bandits recruited, there are more than a dozen Elite Tier. How to maximize the value of these bandits—no, guards—within a limited time is a question Bai Xiaowen needs to consider.

Suddenly, the Black Soul Stone felt a slight warmth, and the Banshee Delifa's voice rang out:

"Master, I have something important to tell you."

"What's up?"

"Shouldn't you have your companions leave before we do this?" Delifa said cautiously. "This matter concerns the secret of absorbing souls."

"No need. It won't matter if Shu Yi knows."

At first, Bai Xiaowen was reluctant to let Li Shuyi know that the Black Soul Stone could absorb the souls of the dead, worried that it would offend her. However, as they spent more time together, Bai Xiaowen realized that Li Shuyi's mindset was similar to her own; she wasn't the kind of ignorant girl with a strong sense of morality and justice. It wouldn't hurt for her to know this secret.

"Okay." For Delifa, Bai Xiaowen's orders were everything.

Bai Xiaowen placed the Black Soul Stone on the table.

Soon, the image of a gaunt old man appeared on the surface of the Black Soul Stone.

"Hey, isn't this Dr. Makihara, whom you killed in the King of Fighters Universe?" Li Shuyi exclaimed in surprise, her attention drawn to the story.

"Yes, that's right. My special equipment is quite unique; it can absorb the souls of certain deceased individuals..." Bai Xiaowen briefly explained the function of the Black Soul Stone and the existence of Delifa, then said, "Delifa, you can say what you want to say now."

Beside the gaunt figure of Dr. Makihara, the Banshee Delifa appeared, laughing as she said:

"Master, the Black Soul Stone has always absorbed the souls of Elite Tier and above, but these are all incomplete souls stripped of their personal will. However, this old fellow is different. He is weak, yet the Black Soul Stone has taken a liking to him, and the soul it absorbed is a complete version, retaining its own will... It seems he has a deal to discuss with you, Master."

The Banshee Delifa raised her whip. "Old man, stop pretending to be dead, kneel down and call me master!"

On the surface of the Black Soul Stone, Dr. Makihara opened his eyes, coughed, and angrily said, "Impossible! I am the greatest scientist in history! I have dignity! I will not be anyone's slave!"

"Looks like you need re-education!" *Crack! Crack! Crack! Banshee Delifa's whip lashed at Dr. Makihara's soul image, and the old man howled in pain.

"Enough, Delifa," Bai Xiaowen stopped Delifa's violence. "Makihara, you were the one who tried to scheme against me and brainwash me. You deserved to be killed by me, so don't blame me."

Dr. Makihara took a breath. "You're right."

"So, what deal do you want to discuss with me?" Bai Xiaowen asked.

Dr. Makihara organized his thoughts.

"Ever since my soul was drained, I've been observing the outside world... I must say, it's been an eye-opener. The world I originally inhabited was just an insignificant little plane among many dimensions... As a scientist, putting aside the fact that you killed me, I'm still very grateful to you."

Li Shuyi suddenly exclaimed, "You... you've been by Xiao Wen's side the whole time? And observing her? You old scoundrel!"

Li Shuyi blushed.

Bai Xiaowen's face also darkened. "Delifa, give him two more lashes!"

"Wait a minute!" Dr. Makihara quickly raised his hands in surrender. "I know what you mean, but I haven't been spying on your private lives! Delifa knows, you have to testify for me!"

Delifa said with a grin, "Don't worry, Master. I only Dr. Makihara out for some fresh air occasionally. I wouldn't let him see anything he shouldn't."

"You're not allowed to watch either! From now on, in the Earth Plane, you're automatically shutting down when not in combat!" Bai Xiaowen said.

Delifa looked regretful, but could only accept it helplessly. "I will obey your command."

"In that case, we'll leave the two whips for now. Dr. Makihara, you can continue now," Bai Xiaowen said.

Dr. Makihara cleared his throat. "I have two wishes in my life: one is to possess endless resources, and the other is to possess endless lifespan. Both wishes are to allow me to go further in exploring the mysteries of life science. Currently, my soul exists in relation to the Black Soul Stone. If you do not intend to eliminate me in the short term, I should be able to survive for a very long time..."

After a pause, Makihara continued, "Therefore, I hope to regain the opportunity to conduct research... I'm very interested in things like the Necrotic Plague in this world, which should provide some good material for my research."

"Of course, this will also have many benefits for you. With the help of me, the greatest scientist in the field of life sciences in the 20th and 21st centuries, you can find the Truth of the Plague much faster. Without wasting my time, I can also help you create some special gene-enhancing drugs to improve your abilities..."

Dr. Makihara spared no effort in promoting himself.

Bai Xiaowen nodded slightly. "That sounds interesting."

Dr. Makihara was overjoyed. "Then we've made a deal?"

"I agree in principle, but I have one additional condition," Bai Xiaowen said, holding up one finger, "You must obey my orders, and all research and work must be based on my needs. As for your own research, you can do it as you please in your spare time."

Dr. Makihara vehemently objected. "No! Interrupting a scientist's research is extremely unethical and foolish. Your short-sighted order could very well render all my efforts futile!"

"Then there's nothing to discuss," Bai Xiaowen said. "I think there's nothing wrong with prioritizing the boss's needs."

"You're not my boss," Dr. Makihara, sounding somewhat unsure.

"Your existence depends on the Soul Stone. Next, I need to find you a vessel. Doesn't that take up one of my summoned creature slots? Doesn't that consume Soul Essence? That's worth more than US dollars. Speaking of which, I'm not only your boss, but also the one who gave you your new body," Bai Xiaowen said.

"But... without my help, you can't complete this Heroic Tier mission," Dr. Makihara said.

"You're wrong. This task is just a bit difficult and challenging for me, but it's not 'impossible'," Bai Xiaowen shook his head. "Your research is at most icing on the cake. Don't think so highly of yourself."

Dr. Makihara was speechless. He understood Bai Xiaowen's abilities and didn't believe Bai Xiaowen was exaggerating. However, as a life science expert in the NESTS Organization, he was extremely unwilling to agree to make Bai Xiaowen's needs his primary concern.

If that's really done, Dr. Makihara will become nothing more than an employee, with no freedom whatsoever.

Both sides remained silent for a few seconds.

"I can compromise a little," Bai Xiaowen said slowly, carefully gauging the situation. "I won't give you orders indefinitely. I'll give you a maximum of three orders per calendar month. These three orders might be to research an antidote for a specific virus, or to manufacture a vial of medicine. In short, they'll generally be relatively short-lived. After you've used up your three orders for the month, even if I have other needs, I won't let you do them."

"Three times is too much," Makihara tried to bargain, "Once."

"There's no room for discussion. If you still don't agree, then you'll obediently stay inside the Black Soul Stone and continue to be trained by Delifa."

Dr. Makihara had no choice but to accept it.

After the two reached an agreement, Dr. Makihara quickly adopted an eager expression. "Boss, you just said you'd provide me with a new body... when can that be?"

"In fact, it can be done right now." Bai Xiaowen smiled slightly and opened the third enhancement option of the Black Soul Stone.

Of the four enhancement options on the third tier, two are already activated: one enhances the Shadow Assassin, and the other adds the Elite Tier summoned creature Skeleton Mage.

Both of these enhancement options are worth the price.

The other two options, which involve adding summoned creatures, are not yet available. One option is to add a Standard Template Zombie, costing 50 Soul Essence; the other option is to add an Elite Template Vampire, costing 100 Soul Essence.

Previously, Bai Xiaowen disliked the abundance of melee creatures and hadn't considered these two options. However, now he could consider creating one as a vessel for Dr. Makihara's soul.

"I want the Vampire one!"

Dr. Makihara said somewhat excitedly.

"So you also participate in combat regularly, can you manage that?" Bai Xiaowen smiled.

"This... I am a scientist! A non-combatant who should be protected!" Dr. Makihara said, "If my vessel is killed in battle, my consciousness will also be damaged."

"Then why are you using an Elite Template? As a non-combatant, you should just use a Standard Template and stay in the back to do research," Bai Xiaowen said bluntly.

"Well... Zombie move slowly, especially their fingers, which are probably not very dexterous. This will affect the success rate of preparing gene-enhancing drugs!" Dr. Makihara offered an excuse.

"No need. When I ask you to prepare the gene serum, I'll personally assist you. Just leave all the hands-on work to me." Bai Xiaowen smiled. This way, he could also learn some knowledge about gene serums, so why not?

In the end, Dr. Makihara had no choice but to give in.

Zombie are Zombie, they're better than spirits. Besides, both Zombie and Vampire are undead creatures, so as long as Bai Xiaowen doesn't die, they'll continue to exist, which fulfills Dr. Makihara's research wishes.

Bai Xiaowen spent 50 Soul Essence to unlock the "Return of the Dead" skill from the Black Soul Stone, adding a new Zombie.

The summoned Zombie were entirely bluish-white, but quite tall.

"We can proceed with the fusion now." Bai Xiaowen chose to let the Zombie devour Dr. Makihara's soul.

"You must follow my will during the fusion! Otherwise, you'll only get a few fragments of memory, and this Zombie won't be able to do any creative research for you!" Dr. Makihara was worried and repeatedly instructed.

"Enough with the nonsense!" the Banshee Delifa scoffed. "I know my limits."

After a burst of black mist, the tall, bluish-white Zombie had undergone a drastic change in appearance.

Perhaps because it was primarily influenced by Dr. Makihara's consciousness, the Zombie's appearance was somewhat similar to Dr. Makihara's. It went from being tall and imposing to being thin and short, wearing a white lab coat, with a disproportionately large bald head and a small body, and its eyes protruding slightly like those of a goldfish.

[This... this is Zombie Doctor from Plants vs. Zombies!]

Bai Xiaowen thought of a mobile game he had played in another timeline and couldn't help but chuckle. From now on, he'd just call this guy "Zombie Doctor."

Zombie Doctor tapped his head and stretched his limbs. "Huh, it's not as Sluggishness as I thought; it's even more agile than my old body."

"Of course, this Zombie is a level 3 Standard Template, with an original agility value of 8 points, which is much more agile than most untrained ordinary people. Saying it's Sluggishness is relative to other level 3 creatures," Bai Xiaowen said.

"Hmm, the heart has stopped beating, and the brain is basically dead, yet it can still maintain mobility... Wow, what a miracle. If we continue researching in this direction, perhaps we'll make some good progress. My body is the best research specimen..." the Zombie Doctor murmured, his expression somewhat Frenzy.

"Has this guy gone mad?" Li Shuyi whispered.