Crystal Core

Biodata

Power Progression

Formation and Function

Crystal Cores form after sufficient evolution and represent a qualitative increase over Brain Cores. Lin Dong condenses one in his skull after consuming immense quantities of flesh and blood, immediately sensing that an ability is about to awaken. 16

For humans, a Crystal Core is the threshold for awakening abilities. Zhang Xiaoyuan gains fire manipulation after reaching this stage, while Little Eight awakens Rapid Shadowstep after condensing her own core. 22 42

• Crystal Cores may be possessed by humans, zombies, and mutated beasts. 17 24 37
• They are located within the skull and can be extracted by destroying or opening the host's head. 20 24 42
• Wraith Zombies and other domain-capable creatures are associated with exceptionally dangerous evolved abilities. 28

Physical Properties

A Crystal Core is described as translucent, roughly pigeon-egg-sized, fragrant, and far richer in energy than a Brain Core. 24

• Energy value — One Crystal Core provides energy comparable to at least ten Brain Cores. 24
• Taste — Lin Dong describes Zhang Xiaoyuan's core as exceptionally sweet; the Rat King's black core is also sweeter than ordinary examples. 24 37
• Mutant variation — The Rat King's Crystal Core is jet-black rather than translucent. 37

Consumption and Enhancement

Lin Dong treats Crystal Cores as a concentrated energy source, consuming them to replenish himself, strengthen his physique, and support further evolution. 24 31 38

• He consumes Zhang Xiaoyuan's core after killing him, rapidly absorbing its energy throughout his body. 24
• After obtaining five cores during the mall massacre, he devours three and feels close to another evolution. 31
• Absorbing five cores makes his Corpse Domain powerful enough to leave ordinary Awakened nearly unable to move. 34
• Following the battle against the Red-Faced Zombie King and the King-Hunting Action Squad, Lin Dong obtains six additional Crystal Cores. 45

Notable Bearers

• Lin Dong — Forms a Crystal Core before awakening Corpse Domain, which suppresses targets, enables concealment, and allows passage through solid matter. 16 17
• Zhang Xiaoyuan — A fire-type Awakened whose Crystal Core is extracted and consumed by Lin Dong. 22 24
• Little Eight — Condenses a Crystal Core and awakens Rapid Shadowstep, becoming invisible once her speed reaches a critical threshold. 42
• Xu Jian — A lightning-based Awakened whose bright white Crystal Core is casually removed by Lin Dong. 42
• Rat King — A mutated beast with a black Crystal Core and mind-control ability; its death causes its rat tide to disperse. 36 37
• Thick Lips — An enhanced Awakened whose Crystal Core is extracted while he is immobilized by Lin Dong's domain. 34