Chapter Forty-Four: Amoeba

Including the eradication of the remaining ghouls and these shapeshifting abominations, Lin Lei currently possessed seventy units of Gluttony energy.

It was not unusual for “Plunder” to require a substantial amount, but that “Devour” would consume sixty units of Gluttony energy was almost excessive.

“Could it be that this item… possesses some special ‘Sealing’ similar to the source artifacts of the Investigation Bureau?”

Lin Lei frowned slightly. Although the item radiated a strong surge of source energy after he took it out, it was not to an overwhelming degree. It was even far less intense than the “ritual array” he had previously seen in the fake Gao Yue’s basement.

This object’s level wouldn’t be low, but it certainly wasn’t extremely high either.

In truth, his understanding of his own Gift of [Gluttony] and of the world itself was still quite lacking. Much could only be deduced through his own conjecture.

If [Gluttony] truly was his personal Gift, then regardless of its potential, he himself was only at the first rank. With source energy limitations, he could not wield “Devour” or “Plunder” without restriction.

The energy drain might be so high either because this feather had other constraints, or perhaps its level far exceeded what Lin Lei’s [Gluttony] could handle, thus increasing the energy cost…

Of course, all of this was mere speculation. He was still only at the first rank, and only after breaking through in the future could he gradually verify his guesses.

“No matter what, this feather is certainly no ordinary item; its value might even surpass the [Night Stalker]’s high-heeled shoe. I wonder how that fellow managed to obtain it?”

How did someone who might not even be a source energy awakener control so many abominations—and possess a treasure of this level?

A stroke of luck, perhaps?

Lin Lei couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some deeper secret to the man, but with him dead, the truth might well remain forever out of reach.

After carefully searching the surrounding rooms and confirming that there were no additional special items, Lin Lei dialed Li Xueshu’s number once more.

He had come by taxi; the Investigation Bureau would certainly be able to track that. Rather than trying to conceal anything, he might as well report everything directly. He had already used [Netherfire] to burn the abominations, photographed the evidence, and made his decision.

“You… don’t you ever sleep?” The call connected quickly, and Li Xueshu’s somewhat irritable voice came from the other end.

She was clearly not someone who could be contacted at all hours.

“There was a situation…” Lin Lei chuckled awkwardly, then gave her a succinct account of what had happened.

Half an hour later.

Lin Lei saw Li Xueshu again.

This time, a number of Investigation Bureau support personnel were with her.

Though a landslide had blocked the main route, it was no obstacle for these professionals.

Li Xueshu glanced at her watch, her face full of resentment as she looked at Lin Lei. “Two in the morning. Instead of sleeping at home, you come running to the cemetery… Do you find this fun?”

Lin Lei grinned sheepishly and picked up the [Source Energy Radar]. “I just wanted to take care of more abominations, that’s all…”

Li Xueshu gave him a strange look, sighed, and followed him into the room.

She frowned, examining the corpse of the cloaked man on the floor, then studied the bizarre patterns etched into the ground, her expression turning grave.

“This is some kind of blessing ritual, performed to seek a boon from an unnameable being through a sacrifice…”

She shook her head as she spoke, then looked down at the floor. “Fortunately, you stopped him before the ceremony was completed. Otherwise, with you being only a first-rank source energy user, even a slight touch of the ritual’s power could have driven you mad!”

Lin Lei thought back to the time when merely seeing the “fake Gao Yue” arrange a ritual nearly unhinged his own emotions—he was thankful indeed.

Li Xueshu inspected the scene a bit more, then personally destroyed the strange ritual pattern on the floor, before letting the support staff handle the rest.

Lin Lei then showed her the photos he had taken of the twisted monsters.

“These creatures could take human form. I burned them all with ‘Netherfire’.” He let Netherfire take the blame.

After all, Netherfire’s powers were unique—its flames left not a trace behind.

“Amoebas! Such abominations are quite rare. If you encounter them again, you don’t necessarily have to kill them—their bodies can be kept…” Li Xueshu said, a hint of regret in her tone.

Chen Fan was taken aback.

He recalled how, after killing the “cultist,” these beings became completely inert, and found himself thinking.

Li Xueshu took out her phone. “I’ll send you something.”

Lin Lei got out his phone as well. Li Xueshu sent him a file.

Its name: “Basic Abomination Compendium.”

It contained photographs and descriptions of some terrestrial abominations, their special abilities, and key precautions—mostly first- and second-rank creatures.

Li Xueshu explained:

“This was originally meant to be given to you after your probation, but since you can’t seem to keep idle, I’ll let you see it now. If you encounter any rare low-tier abominations, try to preserve their bodies before they mutate.”

“Amoebas, for example, are far more valuable alive…”

Lin Lei quickly found the entry for [Amoeba] among the records.

Also a first-rank entity, but far rarer than ghouls. They could not speak, had no personal will, and were not highly dangerous.

Certain extraordinary organizations or cults would even capture and raise [Amoebas] to bolster their basic forces.

Thanks to their shapeshifting abilities, amoebas served as excellent disguises. Their tireless, obedient nature made them ideal servants.

Their only shortcomings were limited intelligence and a fear of bright light.

“So, if I hadn’t killed them, I might have been able to tame them?” Lin Lei couldn’t help but ask.

Li Xueshu nodded.

Lin Lei felt a pang of regret.

Although their combat abilities were weak and their flaws obvious, having a group of such servants would have been quite satisfying.

Consuming one only granted a few units of Gluttony energy—missing a few would hardly matter in the grand scheme.

“What a pity…”

Lin Lei shook his head. It was too late for regrets. He looked at Li Xueshu.

“Chief, who do you think that black-robed man was? Could he have been from some extraordinary organization?”

Li Xueshu nodded. “It’s quite possible, but I can’t identify the cult or faith his blessing ritual belonged to, nor his background…”

Lin Lei frowned, replying thoughtfully, “So even you don’t know?”

Li Xueshu paused, then glared helplessly at him. “I don’t know everything—especially…”

She trailed off, shook her head, and would say no more.