"Whew..."
As the giant white cocoon appeared, Xia Yu breathed a sigh of relief and immediately stopped supplying chakra.
"This is rough, seriously rough. Looks like I'll have to take it easy on how often I evolve this thing from now on. I can't take much more of this..."
Whatever the Yingying Beast evolved into, Xia Yu was prepared to accept it.
This was different from feeding it a meal. It was effectively making the Yingying Beast evolve twice in succession, so the chakra consumption went without saying.
This experience also made Xia Yu realize that every time the Yingying Beast evolved, it seemed to consume considerably more chakra than its previous evolution.
"Are... are you all right?" At some point, Honoka had appeared beside Xia Yu and reached out to support him.
"Me? I'm fine... just a little hungry..."
Xia Yu really was a little hungry now, having gone so long without eating.
It would have been strange not to be hungry after going so long without so much as a grain of rice.
Hearing this, Honoka hurriedly said, "Wait here. There should be somewhere in this laboratory where they store food. I'll go find it for you right away. What would you like to eat? I can make anything."
At her words, Xia Yu chuckled. "Oh? Why does it feel like your attitude and tone toward me are completely different from before? This sudden attentive service is taking some getting used to..."
"I... I..." Honoka's pretty face reddened as she stammered:
"You... you saved my life and subdued this monster. Of course I should repay you properly. Also, you... you really are amazing..."
As she spoke, Honoka's face grew hotter and hotter, and she began avoiding Xia Yu's gaze. Finding the atmosphere a little awkward, she continued:
"I...