The apocalypse struck, and I became a druid.

Page 154

On the dark green skin of the feather fruit, the thin gelatinous layer began to thicken, emitting a soft halo.

A faint trace of water-attribute energy began to emanate from the tips of the roots and the surface of the gelatinous layer, drifting slowly in the clear water.

"It repels impurities and purifies the water," Professor Ye said, watching the feather fruit algae slowly unfurl in the water like a fishing net.

"Now we'll see if it can reproduce in the water. I estimate it will take some time. Boss, let's see if your accelerated growth method works for it."

Professor Ye had previously instructed Han Ning to release fruit several times to accelerate growth.

However, perhaps due to a lack of suitable environment, the effect of accelerating growth was relatively poor.

Upon hearing Professor Ye's suggestion, Han Ning did not hesitate. He pressed his palms lightly against the water's surface, and a rich, emerald-green light surged forth, enveloping the feather fruit and its spreading algae in the pool.

It has the dual benefits of accelerated growth and natural blessings.

hum~

The pool water was stirred by an invisible force, and the dark green seaweed, which had been slowly unfolding, began to twist and multiply wildly as if it had been given a stimulant.

The dark green algae spread out rapidly underwater like a giant fishing net.

In the blink of an eye, a dense carpet of algae covered half the bottom of the pool and was still expanding.

The pool water was stirred up and churned, with dense bubbles surging out from the depths of the algae carpet, visibly increasing the speed of purifying impurities several times over.

"Look at the roots," Professor Ye's voice came.

Deep within the dark green algae carpet, near the branching nodes of the main root, small bulges, about the size of a thumb, are rapidly expanding.

They have a jade-like color and a smooth surface, and are absorbing nutrients from the water.

Professor Ye leaned against the edge of the pool, scooped up a handful of water, and tasted it.

He smacked his lips and said, "It tastes a bit like grass, but it's not salty, and I didn't sense any Black Tide aura."

"Boss, I think we can use this purified water to irrigate the planting area, so that we won't lack fresh water."

As the planting area expands, it actually consumes quite a bit of fresh water.

Currently, water supply relies on water system awakeners drawing water from the mountain valleys, or on small reservoirs created by Lin Qianqian and her group, which can only barely supply the planting area.

The survivors are facing a severe shortage of fresh water.

If the feather fruit can reproduce, it will purify more sewage.

The settlement area has no shortage of fresh water, saving a big problem.

……

Time passed, three days later.

"Drink!" A short, powerful shout rang out in the training ground that had been cleared out in the assembly area.

Jiang Yuan executed a standard sidestep step, his right fist slamming into the hanging black snakeskin sandbag with a whooshing sound.

The sandbag shook violently, making a dull "thump" sound, and was smashed in mid-air.

"Beautiful! That punch was very skillful. No wonder you're a martial arts master."

Vice President Zhao, who was in charge of providing guidance, had a bright look in his eyes and couldn't help but cheer.

He stepped forward and pinched Jiang Yuan's arm muscles, which had become much stronger.

"how do you feel?"

Jiang Yuan withdrew his fist and stood still, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement:

"Brother Zhao, I can feel the 'qi' flowing more smoothly in my body now."

Thanks to the continuous supply of jade-colored potatoes, and the recently implemented "mentoring" hunting system.

The physical condition of more than 30 ordinary people in the entire settlement area underwent a dramatic change in just a few days.

Initially, when they are stared at by the Demon Eye Frog, their bodies become stiff like wood, requiring timely rescue by awakened individuals.

Now, most people can barely resist the interference of low-level monsters by relying on their own willpower and enhanced mental strength.

Although the impact cannot be completely eliminated, at least the ability to act has been restored.

In particular, the improvement in strength, speed, and nerve reaction speed is especially significant.

"15 meters to the left front, two spiny water lizards. Lao Zeng, suppress the eyes of the one on the left. Xiao Wang, follow me and use a harpoon to pin its tail down."

Beside a raging mountain stream, a five-person hunting party led by two Awakened Ones is dealing with their target.

The spiny water lizard is also a monster that lives in mountain flood zones and is polluted by the Kuroshio Current.

The man named Lao Zeng is a man in his early fifties.

He was basically the oldest survivor.

He was also a little hunched over.

Now his eyes are sharp, and his face is without a single wrinkle, making him look like he's in his early thirties.

He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, and a metal-inlaid arrow shot out with a "whoosh," aiming at the bulging eyeball of the water lizard on the left.

The water lizard was startled and turned its head to avoid him, its movements momentarily halting.

At the same time, the younger Wang roared, his arm muscles bulging, and threw a harpoon.

The harpoon was driven deep into the base of the thick tail of the water lizard on the right, pinning it firmly to the slippery rock.

"Well done!" The awakened one leading the team seized the opportunity and precisely pierced the water lizard's relatively vulnerable neck with his short blade.

The other awakened one lunged at the one that had been disturbed, and with a cleaving of its battle axe, ended the fight.

After the battle ended, two ordinary team members immediately stepped forward and guided the dissipated energy points into their bodies.

"Old Zeng, your accuracy and power with that arrow just now have improved a lot." Xiao Yu walked over and watched as Old Zeng skillfully retrieved the arrow.

Old Zeng wiped the rain off his face and chuckled:

"Captain Xiaoyu, you train like this every day and keep eating 'Hard Man Potatoes'. I feel like I'm 30 years old again. Now, pulling an 80-pound bow is easier than pulling a 30-pound one before. It's like playing a game."

"Keep it up!" Xiaoyu smiled.

Because of the physique-strengthening properties of the jade-colored potato, it was nicknamed "Hero Potato" by the survivors.

Eat it and you'll become a muscular man.

...

Inside the camp, the Awakened One in charge of distributing crystals looked at the dwindling inventory in the logbook and sighed to Vice President Zhao:

“These ordinary people have truly undergone a complete transformation. Even the weakest one, after yesterday’s test of his overall physical condition and energy perception strength, definitely reached level 3, surpassing the Black Serpent Monster.”

To make it easier to differentiate the strength of Awakened Ones and Monsters, Han Ning simply shared the 1-10 extraordinary levels set on the panel within the gathering area.

"Jiang Yuan and Jiang Rui, those top students, seem to be on the verge of awakening, their mental energy fluctuations are very active."

Looking at the figures sweating profusely on the training field, Vice President Zhao sighed:

"Thanks to Boss Han, there's no shortage of 'Hunky Potatoes'! Tell the kitchen to increase the potato supply today to ensure they can keep up with their high-intensity training and studies until they're stuffed!"

...

Deep inside the cave, in a planting area covered with high-energy soil, is where Professor Ye and Han Ning most often linger.

The pool that once held the plum blossoms was now overgrown with green algae.

Each fruit, about the size of a golf ball, is covered with a transparent substance that resembles jelly.

It breathes, releasing bubbles outwards.

Amidst the dense algae, a few light blue and deep blue energy crystals floated scattered about.

As the fruit breathes, wisps of invisible aquatic energy are absorbed into its interior, serving as nutrients for growth.

The ordinary hardwood stakes that were inserted into the soil a few days ago have changed drastically.

Smooth ditches were dug around the soil where the plants were planted.

Pure water flows from a nearby pool and slowly irrigates this planting area.

The originally grayish-brown bark turned a deep, almost black color, with a smooth surface and a faint metallic sheen.

The cross-section at the top of the stump shows exceptionally fine and clear growth rings, and the texture appears denser and harder.

Near the soil, tiny roots begin to grow. These roots are dark black, exceptionally tough, and firmly grasp the soil rich in dark energy.

Han Ning squatted in front of a blackwood stump, his fingertips brushing across the surface of the wood, a faint energy fluctuation emanating from his fingertips.

"As expected of a supernatural plant of level 10 or above, its growth rate is still slow."

"At this rate of growth, it is estimated that in another two months or so, it will be able to initially meet the minimum requirements for 'Hoffmann-class' shipbuilding materials," Professor Ye analyzed.

"Two months..." Han Ning pondered, "That's still a bit slow. Let me think of a faster way."

Who knows what changes might occur in two months?

It would be great if it could be shortened to less than a month...

"You go ahead with your work, I'll go check on the study group."

"Having completed the routine check-up," Han Ning said to Professor Ye.

"Ok."

Han Ning strode towards the experimental platform at the core of the research area.

This place is more like a simple workshop, with a makeshift workbench displaying various processed monster materials.

Several pieces of animal hide, meticulously prepared and smoothed, were laid out on the table.

These animal hides mainly came from the hides of the Black Serpent.

Beside the experimental table, Lin Qianqian, Chairman Wu, Jiang Yuan, Jiang Rui and his sister, and several awakened individuals were gathered together, intently watching the movements in Jiang Rui's hands.

Han Ning walked silently to their side, not disturbing the group who were studying, and stood quietly watching.

Jiang Rui was completely focused, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

She held the carving pen tightly in her right hand.

As she sculpted, delicate and regular lines emerged on the tough leather surface.

The lines depicted emit faint energy fluctuations, interlocking to form a relatively simple geometric pattern about the size of a palm.