NOVEL NEXT Chapter 791: Ascension to the Seventh Level
The Holy Beetle was left by Wang Tao, and its armored form could potentially have a stronger effect in group battles than Wang Tao himself.
Moreover, using the Holy Beetle consumes Crystal Cores, not Wang Tao's physical strength, which is very important. Even though Level 6 Crystal Cores are currently precious, Wang Tao's physical strength is also valuable. Because using any ability drains his physical strength. As long as he doesn't exhaust his physical strength, he can continue hunting zombies and monsters outside. Conversely, if his physical strength is low, he needs to return home quickly.
The appearance of the Holy Beetle effectively increases Wang Tao's endurance. As long as he has enough Crystal Cores, continuous fighting outside for ten days or half a month is not an issue.
Previously, City Hall had already agreed with Wang Tao that they would find ways to supply Wang Tao with Crystal Cores, and that he could have priority access to items obtained from the Energy Crystal Meteorite.
So when Wang Tao mentioned the Holy Beetle, City Hall naturally had no objections. They only begged Wang Tao to ensure that if he found a second Holy Beetle outside, it must stay at Changhe Base. Even having just one Holy Beetle could thoroughly secure the base's safety. Wang Tao naturally agreed, stating he only needed one Holy Beetle, and the rest would definitely be left for others.
However, Wang Tao was somewhat surprised when Qu Shilin somehow learned about it and directly approached him to borrow the Holy Beetle.
Only then did Wang Tao realize that the Iron Beetle, Silver Beetle, and even Gold Beetle from before had each been given to the Hope Research Institute by City Hall for research. Qu Shilin naturally had an interest in the Holy Beetle as well.
If it had been anything else, Wang Tao would have given it to him, but this Holy Beetle was truly useful to him, so he refused.
Qu Shilin understood well and didn't mention borrowing the Holy Beetle again after realizing how useful it was to Wang Tao, for her husband's safety was more important. She did explain why she wanted the Holy Beetle.
"Although we haven't officially started the research, based on the current situation of these beetle biological weapons, we think there will definitely be some harvest! We aim to integrate the beetle weapons with Powered Armor as much as possible, which might allow us to create large bio-mecha fusion..."
Qu Shilin's beautiful eyes sparkled a bit.
"Large bio-mecha fusion?"
Wang Tao raised an eyebrow.
In the previous lifetime, Qu Shilin had also said similar things, claiming to create large Powered Armor that could be mind-controlled and reach Level 6 capability, but even until Wang Tao time traveled back, it was never made.
This wasn't to say Qu Shilin was bluffing, but her and her team's primary task was to create the Zombie Virus Serum, while other research was secondary and had to make way, if necessary. So she didn't have much time to research other things.
But this lifetime, the serum was successfully created, and now she's mainly researching theories on the Super Serum. However, this Super Serum is just an upgraded version of the ordinary serum with core technology she has already mastered. What she needs now is lots of testing and improvement, tasks that can be handed over to others, freeing her from being too busy, and merely supervising. So she should now have time to study large Powered Armor...
"Alright, later I'll find you a Holy Beetle, there should be more outside."
Wang Tao smiled and ruffled Qu Shilin's hair.
"Great! You're the best, hubby!"
Qu Shilin stood on tiptoe, hugged Wang Tao's neck, and kissed his face.
Wang Tao smiled without saying a word; suddenly, he thought of something—the method by which the Red Maple Base controlled mutated plants in the previous lifetime might also assist their research on large Powered Armor.
Although in this lifetime the Red Maple Base hasn't controlled mutated plants, the plants serving as a medium still remain below their base, and the special mutated plants, killed for acquiring abilities, also linger deep in the mountains...
"Since I'm preparing to go out, let's visit Red Maple Base tomorrow and bring these things back for their research..."
...
The next day.
Wang Tao left Changhe Base with the Golden Eagle, heading for Red Maple Base.
Upon arrival at Red Maple Base, Wang Tao didn't waste any time and directly requested a particular type of tendril-like plant existing beneath Red Maple Base.
Commander Han Youlin of Red Maple Base was quite confused, not knowing what Wang Tao was talking about, as he had never seen it. However, since Wang Tao was certain one existed underground, he wouldn't refuse.
Han Youlin personally dispatched the military to excavate, and in just over an hour, the tendril-like plant was discovered.
The main function of this special plant is to transmit mind-wave signals and act like Wi-Fi, emitting signals within a certain range. These would definitely be useful for Qu Shilin's research, so Wang Tao took all of them away.
As for those mutated plants that grant a special ability upon being slain, Wang Tao captured them half-dead and brought them back for Qu Shilin when he returned.
Before Wang Tao left Changhe Base, Han Youlin approached him voluntarily, inquiring about the migration.
Wang Tao had previously mentioned this place wasn't safe, yet considering various factors, Han Youlin hadn't planned to lead the tens of thousands of River Base survivors to relocate. However, now, numerous rifts emerged outside, particularly a large one near Red Maple Base, from which many monsters emerged, making Han Youlin suddenly feel that Red Maple Base might not be very safe.