The Record of Unusual Creatures
chapter-548

Chapter 548: I’m Sorry But Your Package Just Exploded

After receiving Raven 12345’s message, Hao Ren hurried to retrieve his little international buddies—including the siren, who had swam to the connection point of the continental shelf, and the cat girl, who had already gotten into the city’s sewer system. It took him about an hour to find the fish and cat before he proceeded to search through all the kitchens in the demon king’s palace to get Lily out…

After gathering everyone in one place, he announced that they were to depart home early. Rollie suddenly dropped to the floor in disappointment, unwilling to get up. Hao Ren felt like he was teaching a kindergarten class: it was annoying.

“Let’s go. We have to dig out Holletta’s First Born as soon as we can.” Hao Ren tried hard to get the cat girl up, and turned to say goodbye to Lanina. “We’re leaving now. Something’s going on back home… Stop scratching me! Stop scratching me! You still want your dinner, don’t you?”

The silly cat nagged Hao Ren. “No! I haven’t played enough yet. I haven’t played enough yet! You can go home on your own!”

Hao Ren was helpless and calling for help. Nangong Wuyue, who had just returned from her swim in the deep sea, actually took something back. The siren pulled a fish out of thin air like a trick and she handed it over. “It’s for you. Stop whining.”

Seemingly surprised by Wuyue’s catch, Hao Ren said, “I didn’t know there were fish in this world.”

“Of course there are. They’re all near the continental shelf in the area of deep water, quite similar to Earth. The phosphorus content is a little higher here although the fish tastes fine.”

True to a water creature, the siren could detect the carbon, ferrous sulphate, calcium, and vitamin contents in your body just by looking at you.

The silly cat sniffed the fish and found it very fresh. She immediately talked nervously to the fish. “You’re not going to hit me, are you? If you’re not going to hit me, then I shall eat you…”

Lanina looked at the cat in horror. “…What’s wrong with her?”

Only then did Hao Ren realize that he had forgotten to introduce the cat girl to her. “Oh, you haven’t actually met her before. Remember Rollie? Yes, the cat. Something unexpected happened, and she’s been like this for the past two days. In the process, Lil Pea’s worldview was shattered. Now, before she eats fish—all fresh fish—she’ll have to ask permission to make sure she doesn’t get beaten.”

As he spoke, he patted the silly cat and grabbed the fish away from her. “No raw fish! Wait until we get home and I’ll grill it for you…”

Y’zaks smiled and took the fish in his hand. When he gave it back to the silly cat a while later, the fish was already cooked. “Now you can have it, it’s grilled.”

Everyone was speechless.

While they hurried back to Earth, Rollie curiously wandered near the portal immediately after crossing it. She squatted there, trying to check out the base of the portal. She reached out to check if there were any crevices. Her tail rolled into a question mark and she looked up at Hao Ren. “Big Boss Cat, why isn’t it lit up anymore? When will you walk me again?”

Hao Ren was actually thinking about arousing her interest in the world on the other side of the portal. He stepped forward and patted the cat girl on the head. “Isn’t it fun across the portal?”

The silly cat immediately nodded. “Yeah, yeah!”

“I can take you there again. After you’re familiar with the place, I’ll teach you how to use the portal and you can go there yourself.” Hao Ren had a bright smile on his face. “But there’s a pre-requisite. Don’t go out into the streets as you pleased—at least, not before you get used to human life.

The silly cat was suddenly reluctant. She thought about it for a long moment while she sat cross-legged on the ground. In this cat’s worldview, the Southern Suburbs had been her original territory since time immemorial, and there was no reason to just give it up. But the “territory” on the other side of the portal was obviously bigger and more interesting. Besides, no one would prevent her from playing there. The temptation was so great that the cat had a hard time making a choice, before she finally nodded reluctantly. “Okay, deal! Now give me a small dried fish.”

Hao Ren blinked and asked, “Haven’t you just eaten a grilled fish?!”

The cat girl showed a coquette face and said, “Come on, just a little dried fish.”

After taking care of the cat and dog, Hao Ren ran to Raven 12345’s mansion to collect his courier package.

The door to the mansion was closed. An arcane servant then led him to the grove next to the mansion. Hao Ren waited there for a long time before the rustling sound of footsteps was heard. Raven 12345 came out from behind some bushes, carrying a machete on her shoulder. The goddess looked to be in a good mood today as she greeted Hao Ren with a bright smile. “Hey, I was just trimming the flower beds.”

Hao Ren looked at the machete on her shoulder. “This machete… haven’t you returned it?”

“Yeah, I’ve gotten it back again.” Raven 12345 wielded the machete cheerfully. “Those fellows aren’t really smart. I took it back with just a simple trick.”

Hao Ren said, “How could you do that?”

Raven 12345 waved her hand carelessly. “Why not? I’ll only return it when she comes. I’m no match for her after all.”

Hao Ren suddenly felt an admiration for his goddess; despite losing the fight, she was dead set on not losing face. He quickly cut the cackle and got down to business. “Where’s the building module that I want?”

Raven 12345 smacked her forehead as if she suddenly realized something. She put away the machete and said, “Oh yes, I almost forgot… Here’s the thing; originally, the administration had sent you a general purpose building module for inspectors to build a personal space station… But let me tell ya, the building module isn’t that reliable at all. Do you know that it was made by a private contractor, and it’s no match against the divine version?

Hao Ren’s sixth sense told him that all was not right. He instantly gave Raven 12345 a sideways look. “Just tell me what happened.”

“…Then, I noticed that the module wasn’t the same as what I’ve seen before. I tried it out for you, just a few minutes ago…”

Hao Ren’s eyes twitched. “Alright, I get it… Can you tell me where it is now?”

With her fingers, Raven 12345 pointed in the direction of the grove, where smoke was still bellowing. “Right there in the pit.”

Hao Ren was speechless.

He felt that anyone who could beat this female neuropath would have definitely lost it! She clearly knew that she was a mechanical idiot herself.

Raven 12345 noticed his long face. She smiled wryly and patted Hao Ren on the shoulder. “Don’t fret. I’m a professional with a sense of responsibility and I’ll certainly not delay your work. I’ve already thought of a good alternative for you.”

While she spoke, she snapped her fingers. Shortly after, Hao Ren saw the air beside her suddenly waft with a ripple of light. The light gradually condensed and finally formed into a translucent female figure: it was an exact replica of Raven 12345.

“The nature of the Plane of Dreams is rather unique. If I travel directly into it or interfere with it for too long, it will cause an imbalance.” Raven 12345’s glimmering avatar continued to solidify as she waved to Hao Ren. “So, I’ll send my avatar to go with you. Although it’s just a replica, it’s definitely better than that building module.”

Hao Ren blinked. Little did he expect Raven 12345 to suddenly come up with such an idea. He looked at her in confusion. “You mean you’ll come with me personally and help me build a house?”

Raven 12345 and her avatar nodded in unison while she explained, “I’m not going with you, I’m sending my avatar with you. Do you think a goddess like me has time for such menial jobs? I’m just allocating a working thread for you.”

“You’re serious?” Hao Ren could not help but speak bluntly. “I’m not questioning your combat strength… but aren’t you not tech-savvy? How do you plan on creating the equipment in the research station?”

Raven 12345 raised her eyebrows and sounded unhappy, “Use your noodle, dude! I’m not tech-savvy, but I’m good in occultism. Do you think I’m just all mouth and no trousers?”

Hao Ren was startled. “Are you planning on producing a research station with occult technology? But, I’ve never used it before.”

“You can just follow the instruction manual. Do you know how a spacecraft works when you fly it? How many people on Earth, who watch TV know how to make monitors? So, stop worrying.”

With arms akimbo, the goddess said, “Do you really want me to help you? I, as a goddess am making time to help you build a house. Why are you still being so picky?”

Hao Ren had no choice. He nodded to show his appreciation. However, something crossed his mind while he was nodding. “That’s not right! Weren’t you the who blew up the equipment in the first place, and now you have no choice but to offer yourself?”

“Ahaha…”

“So tell me frankly, are you hiding something from me?” Hao Ren looked at the goddess suspiciously. “You’re offering yourself just because the equipment blew up?”

Raven 12345 coughed as she laughed, and shot Hao Ren a glare. “Can you stop imagining things?”

“Just tell me. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Hao Ren spread his hand. “I have bees in my bonnet.”

Raven 12345 sighed. “It’s not really a big deal. It’s just for safety reasons: since you want to contain the First Born, it’s better to use a divine container. And, it’s best to use the container that I make.”

Speaking of this, she paused and looked into the distance. “Of course, the most important reason is that the equipment just exploded. If this incident delays your work, it’ll affect my year-end appraisal.”

“…I knew it!” Hao Ren exclaimed.