Chapter 235 The spoils and return to the surface (1/2)

We feasted on the Croc until there was nothing left. Our stomachs were full to bursting and our wounds gradually closed. In hindsight, it probably wasn't too smart of us to eat until we were completely comatose but oddly enough it turned out fine.

With the Commander and its oppressive aura gone the creatures of the expanse began to slowly regain their former bustle. Around us I could hear their growling and clas.h.i.+ng as the normal, frenetic pace of the Dungeon during a wave began to rea.s.sert itself. In contrast, the Croca beasts were nowhere to be found. As we ate and then lay about recovering, we didn't see hide nor scale of one.

My theory is that they must have retreated after the aura from their commander faded but some scouting will be necessary to confirm this. After I've digested of course.

Speaking of digestion. The sheer amount of Bioma.s.s gained from consuming this creature was absurd. When you consider just how many mutations it must have had, not to mention the complete lack of Bioma.s.s intake penalties due to evolutionary tier, perhaps it isn't so surprising that I was able to gain almost 310 Bioma.s.s just from my share.

310!

A staggering number. The others must have gained close to the same. I think Crinis and Vibrant will be able to max out their mutations at this point. A situation I'm extremely envious of! This trip will have gone somewhat to relieving that stress though. Combined with the food I've eaten during our a.s.sault on the expanse I've managed to pile up close to 400 Bioma.s.s!

Not to mention I'm more than half way to my next evolution. Level 40 is creeping closer into sight!

Speaking of evolution…

I roll over onto my stomach and painfully crawl my way towards the remains of the Croca commander. Not a whole lot is left to be honest, not even a complete skeleton. As I drag myself forward I eventually come within range of the gem.

[Compatible Rare core detected. Would you like to reinforce your core or reconst.i.tute a monster?]

A rare core.

Not special.

Rare.

The Gem is significantly larger than the special cores that I'd seen before. Sitting amidst the remains of the gigantic Croca, the spherical gems glitters with a red light, the energy within swirling madly.

This is some valuable stuff.

Feeling out myself internally, I feel as though the tightness and pain caused by absorbing the last Special core has almost completely faded by now. I'm not entirely sure if that means I'll be able to carry out of my plan and absorb another special core before evolving, hopefully so. I'm a bit stuck what to do with this thing though.

I'm not sure if I can use it, trying to absorb a core and popping from the inside isn't necessarily the way to go. I'll have to think on the appropriate use of this treasure.

The other aspect to consider here is that I have learned of levels of core beyond the special. This unlocks the possibility that there are even more potent cores, in fact I wouldn't doubt it! I wonder if Garralosh has a rare core or something even more potent?

What comes after rare? Legendary? Super Rare? Completely Rad core?

I have no idea!

Just something else to ponder, along with what possible evolutions would be unlocked with the absorption of a rare care might unlock.

I can dream dammit!

All in all it takes a few hours before the gang is ready to move again. We're still wounded but the worst of the injuries have been recovered. I decide that it will be best if we take our prize core and retreat back to the surface. The expanse is becoming more restless as time pa.s.ses and we aren't in top shape.

We'll need to come back to do some recon to be sure the Croca beasts have actually left and then wait a bit in order to be sure that the waves of monsters will no longer be heading towards the colony.

Tired but triumphant, Tiny, Crinis, Vibrant and I limp our way back out of the Marsh Expanse towards the shortcut, avoiding combat for the most part. Due to us being careful and not wanting to attract unwanted attention, it takes us about six hours to get out of the Marsh and up the shortcut.