Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot
Chapter 1268 - 522: Enhancing Base Security_2

Chapter 1268: Chapter 522: Enhancing Base Security_2

The Crystal Energy Poison Tree’s missing one thousand HP couldn’t be restored and could only be replenished with a Crystal Core.

Not to mention, the Crystal Energy Poison Tree, while blocking this kind of severe weather, was also continuously losing HP, needing timely replenishment with Crystal Cores.

Maintaining the existence of the barrier already involved a slow consumption of HP. Blocking bad weather meant even more continuous loss of HP. If it encountered enemy attacks, that would mean another drain of HP... This kind of consumption might not seem too great, but one has to realize that once this barrier is activated, it basically never gets turned off. Over time, the accumulation of this consumption is incredibly alarming!

Wang Tao felt that it was indeed a wise decision to place the Crystal Energy Poison Tree within the base. For an individual, this consumption was too great, even he would not likely hold up for long. But Changhe Base possessed a considerable quantity of Crystal Cores, so as long as there wasn’t an onslaught of high-level monsters and zombie sieges, there wouldn’t be any problems.

"Let’s go, take a look at the Crystal Energy Poison Tree’s main body."

After studying the barrier, Wang Tao waved his hand and the Golden Eagle flew toward the Crystal Energy Poison Tree.

The current height of the Crystal Energy Poison Tree, which Wang Tao estimated, was almost a thousand meters, if not, then at least eight hundred, its size immensely exaggerated.

Fortunately, the area where the Crystal Energy Poison Tree was planted was originally a vacant lot, chosen initially considering it could dispense toxic wastewater. But now, the tree nearly occupied the entire area. The waste might need to be stored in a different place but it wasn’t a big problem, since there was plenty of vacant land within Changhe Base.

After the Golden Eagle flew over, it suddenly circled around the Crystal Energy Poison Tree.

"Chirp~"

"Hmm? You want to build a nest on top of it? No problem!"

The Golden Eagle informed Wang Tao that it had always preferred to build its nest high up, finding the spot suitable to oversee a great distance. However, it wasn’t just limited to this nest, it liked staying with Wang Tao more, having several nests wasn’t a problem, and certainly, the base wouldn’t mind.

Wang Tao communicated with the Crystal Energy Poison Tree for a bit, recognizing that it indeed had some intelligence, though very limited. It could understand some of Wang Tao’s commands and carry them out, but having a fluent conversation with Wang Tao like the Golden Eagle did was clearly impossible.

Wang Tao thought to himself that it was truly a biological weapon, even with some level of intelligence, it still retained the essence of a weapon.

Having visited the Crystal Energy Poison Tree, Wang Tao let the Golden Eagle land.

By this time, the vicinity of the Crystal Energy Poison Tree had been heavily guarded, surrounded by a large number of civilians.

People from the City Hall like Gu Yun, various committee members, Legion personnel, and representatives of major powers were gathered beside the giant Crystal Energy Poison Tree, discussing something intensely.

The recent activity of the Crystal Energy Poison Tree had been too significant and blocked some of the view in the sky, preventing them from noticing the return of the Golden Eagle. It wasn’t until a gust of wind blew by that they realized Wang Tao had returned.

"Wang Tao, you’re back! What’s the situation with this Crystal Energy Poison Tree?"

Gu Yun asked anxiously.

Although it seemed that everything that happened with the Crystal Energy Poison Tree was a positive development, no one could be entirely sure. Thus, they were both excited and apprehensive.

"Don’t worry, everyone, I activated this barrier. When I returned, I saw the Crystal Energy Poison Tree activate..."

Wang Tao immediately began to explain broadly to everyone.

Hearing that it wasn’t an accident and that the transparent barrier in the sky was indeed for their protection, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and felt more at ease.

Then, Wang Tao spoke privately with Gu Yun and other committee members.

"The barrier is like this..."

Since there were too many people earlier, Wang Tao hadn’t gone into detail, but now with the core members of the base, it was necessary to be clear.

"So you’re saying, this barrier will consume the life energy of the Crystal Energy Poison Tree and we’ll need to constantly replenish it with Crystal Cores..."

Gu Yun said immediately after listening to Wang Tao’s explanation.

"Yes, that’s right. I’ve authorized you already, you can come in and out freely. Additionally, you need to establish a rule, something like a passphrase, a token, and let the Crystal Energy Poison Tree get acquainted with it, then you’ll be able to move freely in and out..."

Wang Tao discussed with everyone, and they ultimately decided to use a "token" for access, which was an "access permit."

They planned to issue some permits later, allowing the Crystal Energy Poison Tree to recognize them, and afterward, people with permits could go out.

Wang Tao granted substantial authority to Gu Yun and the committee members; they could set their own rules regarding the Crystal Energy Poison Trees. These trees were capable of communicating with them through consciousness, and although the communication was quite basic, it was sufficient.

Then Wang Tao, along with the others, went to inspect the wastewater discharged by the Crystal Energy Poison Trees. After using the barrier, the trees had started to release wastewater. Although there wasn’t much, others still didn’t dare to approach. After all, aside from Wang Tao, everyone else couldn’t endure the drain on their HP.

"These wastewaters are also a problem; we can’t just keep them inside the base, right?"

Wang Tao frowned.

Faced with this issue, Gu Yun and his team seemed to have already come up with a solution.

"When you weren’t here, we discussed it and have temporarily thought of two solutions. One is to have the research institute intensify their study of these wastewaters. Since the wastewaters can continuously consume one’s life energy, there must be energy within them. If we could find a way to utilize this energy, wouldn’t it be killing two birds with one stone? Another is, we plan to turn these wastewaters into biochemical weapons! If we encounter a large number of zombies outside, we can just pour the wastewater into their den! We will pursue both these solutions simultaneously. Whether or not we can utilize the energy in the wastewater is uncertain, but we can definitely turn the wastewater into weapons!"

...

Hearing their solutions, Wang Tao felt it might actually be workable.

If they encountered those Night Demon’s Nests built underground, by pouring a large amount of wastewater inside the holes, they would probably annihilate the Night Demons in one fell swoop...

Since they already had some ideas, Wang Tao decided not to say more.

"By the way, I have a few nice things to give you."

Wang Tao pulled out five Night Demon Hearts.

"Night Demon Hearts? Level 5 ones—wait a second? Is that..."

Gu Yun suddenly furrowed his brow, realizing one of the Night Demon hearts Wang Tao produced was different from those he had seen. He had only seen Level 4 and Level 5, but this one looked different from both Level 4 and Level 5!

"Four Level 5 Night Demon Type 2, and one Level 6 Night Demon III Type."

Wang Tao said calmly.

City Hall, after all, was the base’s administration, and they needed to have enough force. Making them ascend to Level 5 might be difficult, but a Level 6 Night Demon was strong enough to suppress anyone apart from Wang Tao and his people.

"???"

Everyone’s eyes widened.

A Level 6 Night Demon Heart? That meant that Wang Tao must have at least killed a Level 6 Night Demon Lord!

No, they were all still at the Third or Fourth Order. Wang Tao was a Level 5, sure, but to have also killed a Level 6 Lord? Why was there such a huge gap between people!

Gu Yun looked somewhat conflicted, feeling a bit down. However, he quickly put away the Night Demon Hearts. These were Level 5 and Level 6 Night Demon hearts, after all; he couldn’t refuse them. But as the items were too precious, he couldn’t just take them for nothing.

"Don’t worry, I’ll try to convert them into Crystal Coins to deposit onto your card later. We should settle accounts clearly, even among brothers!"

Gu Yun’s expression was serious.

If Wang Tao had meant to give them to him personally, he could have accepted them. But clearly, Wang Tao’s intention was to enhance the strength of City Hall; Gu Yun couldn’t let the City Hall accept Wang Tao’s gifts for free.

"Do as you wish; I’ll head back first. Please take good care of the Crystal Energy Poison Tree situation."

Wang Tao smiled and waved his hand.

"As we should!"

Gu Yun nodded immediately.

Wang Tao and the Golden Eagle returned to the villa.

Ding Yuqin and the others were still out, so Wang Tao placed Lightning in its doghouse, eagerly anticipating the boost in Lightning’s strength after its ascension tomorrow.