Monster Dismantling Company

However, Li Lin could understand why humans would be interested in these crystals, because every part of them was useful.

Something a monster can't digest is definitely worth exploring. And the secretions enveloping it, while incredibly foul-smelling to Li Lin, are only that because his senses are too acute; they're overloaded by the odor. If there were only a faint smell, it would create the "luxurious yet understated high-class fragrance" that others would perceive.

This is similar to indole. Indole is a key component of the foul odor of feces. However, if diluted, it can also become an important ingredient in perfume making, creating a "natural floral scent."

From a human perspective, "crystal marrow" is indeed a very good spice. At the same time, the fact that these substances originate from the bodies of monsters adds to their mystique. It's like tiger bone infused in wine, or tiger penis used as an aphrodisiac. How to obtain the power of monsters has always been a popular topic.

After all, the various supernatural phenomena exhibited by monsters completely overturned humanity's existing technological system. However, in the spirit of science, human technological systems can also be iterated upon. When humanity has studied monsters thoroughly enough to encompass the "supernatural," then the supernatural will become natural.

The Monster Decomposition Company's function also includes collecting experimental samples from the site, which is actually the main source of its revenue. If those "crystal marrow" are collected, a large portion of them will be sold to research institutions—it's not that no one knows these are excrement, but commercialization is naturally within the scope of research.

This is also where the current social atmosphere differs from that of decades ago.

Humanity has been fighting for 39 years, and many people have lived in such an environment since birth. As the movement to reclaim lost territory continues to make progress around the world, the sun still shines on humanity, and we can continue to play music and dance.

This optimism is not based on madness stemming from ignorance of the world, but rather on a kind of optimism. War must be fought, but during lulls in the fighting, we should continue with our normal lives.

In other words, be serious when you need to be serious, and be lively when you need to be lively.

This is one of the reasons why Li Lin loves this world. This optimism is delightful, and it always provides a goal to strive for. The future isn't just about lunch and dinner; it's also about the distant horizon, the stars and the sea.

Humanity will not be deterred by a mere cataclysmic crisis. Even during the time of Yu the Great's flood control efforts, the heavens and earth seemed to collapse, but human power can ultimately alter landscapes and change the very fabric of the world. Once the lost territories on Earth are reclaimed, the united government will attempt to re-establish contact with the colonies on the moon and Mars. Ultimately, humanity's future lies in the cosmos.

"I think I can indeed help you," Li Lin nodded. "But, is there a stipend?"

"Yes, a large sum. The coalition government was quite generous when it came to this. My invitation to you was also partly out of gratitude."

"Well, you're lucky. Actually, if you hadn't called me, things wouldn't have been so easy to sort out with Razer."

That's the truth. He sent Li Lin, and he found the right person/dragon.

Although he didn't know much more about Razer than others, he also learned about him from the news and history books.

But he understood that the root cause of such a prolonged anomaly most likely stemmed from the dying, yet still alive, super-beast [Thor]—a conclusion shared by many. However, he had a deeper understanding of this:

The dragon's power lies in change and adaptation. Since it has been lying on its back and rising again and again in its coffin, even a large army might not be able to defeat it this time.

But if we invite him, it means there's a chance to resolve this.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now." Li Lin packed up the piece of meat he had just chosen. "My workday ends here, I need to go back and rest. The others in the company will continue cutting meat here. Call me if there's any emergency. I need to go back and properly prepare this piece of meat."

This is a piece of pork belly that he carefully selected. Unlike the first piece he hastily chose, this one has a more even and attractive distribution of fat. It's perfect for both braised and grilled dishes.

Perhaps only when cooking and eating can his instincts be effectively released.

—And, and what just happened.

The Dragon Ball of [Ren] is still in his hand. In the deep blue, a touch of crimson pulses.

...

The Dragon Ball was still warm when they got home.

Recalling his encounter with [Ren]—the long-lost instinct of the dragon and the human life created a conflict in his mind.

He shook his head to clear his mind. He had other things to do.

He has some human friends, who are his classmates or schoolmates. Today is their get-together, and they've agreed to each bring their own ingredients to share a good meal.

Li Lin planned to give them a surprise and go straight for the top-of-the-line option—he intended to bring a portion of freshly cut [Taba] with him.

He placed the Dragon Ball on the windowsill, where he could see it, and tied on a cooking apron.

He plans to try making his own braised pork.

Eating brings him joy, and cooking is even more fun.

Cooking wasn't a habit he developed from childhood. After all, eating can be an instinct, but learning to cook is another matter entirely.

He started to enjoy cooking at school.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, the reorganized basic education system shoulders a crucial function—ensuring that everyone learns the most fundamental survival skills, whether in cities or in the wild. Furthermore, higher education must also teach the skills to rebuild human civilization under any circumstances.

Cooking is a part of it, and a very important one. Because food can boost morale in dire straits; even a slight improvement in the standard of food can give people hope in despair.

This course is called "Applied Cooking" at school. In addition to teaching how to cook, it also teaches how to manage a kitchen and how to handle ingredients. In fact, the part about handling ingredients is more extensive than the part about cooking.

Because monsters are a good ingredient that can be cooked very simply and tastes delicious. But how to prepare monster ingredients is a big problem.

Not all monsters are like Taba, coming to "repay a debt of gratitude." Many monsters have tough hides that are difficult to process, or a fatty smell that requires heavy seasoning to suppress.

Some of the more dangerous parts, because they have already begun to rot, require workers to wear protective suits to avoid wasting the precious ingredients and to extract as much of the edible parts as possible from the meat.