The grotesque brain tissue and folds above were still steaming with heat, but the temperature wasn't actually very high and hadn't been affected by the explosion, clearly demonstrating this machine's excellent protective capabilities.

As for its true cause of death...

It was the numerous pathologies he had inflicted upon the Heart-Devouring Demon's brain.

That steaming brain was bubbling with thick fluid mixed with blood streaks, obviously completely non-functional now.

[Would you like to immediately add the target to the archive?]

"Yes!"

[Ding! You have collected the "Mechanical Heavy God" archive entry, you have received 5 free attribute points as reward.]

[Ding! You have collected the "Heart-Devouring Demon" archive entry, you have received 2 free attribute points as reward.]

[Heart-Devouring Demon Archive]

[Current Sample Integrity]: 13%

[Abnormal Pathologies]: Cerebral thrombosis, cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, parasites, schizophrenia, etc.

[Introduction]: An ancient race existing within the Dark World, also known as Brain Demons. They possess extremely powerful mental abilities but lack physical bodies of their own. Certain special Heart-Devouring Demons can parasitize within a host's body, gradually consuming or assimilating the target's brain. The assimilated brain becomes the new vessel for the Heart-Devouring Demon's consciousness, allowing rapid consciousness transfer between multiple brains.

Looking at the information in the archive, Lynn stroked his chin.

Brain Demons?

So that's how it is.

Although slightly different from what he had guessed, it was generally quite close.

The reason Lynn could inflict so many pathologies on it at once was actually very simple—because it wasn't parasitizing a flesh-and-blood body but rather residing within machinery.

Thus, his diagnostic abilities could completely ignore the mechanical influences and directly target its brain.

And in terms of constitution assessment...

How could a single brain possibly compare to his hundred-plus constitution points?

Lynn smiled slightly, carefully packaging up that brain, saying:

"I'll bring this back for teacher—I think he'll definitely like this gift from me."

...

On a distant mountain peak.

The Doll Mistress witnessed the entire massive explosion and the process of those two root-level entities destroying that Colossus.

She took a deep breath, her heart still trembling even now.

Her gaze fell upon Lynn, who stood before the three root-level beings, and settled on the smile on his face.

"So he's Bloodsaw's disciple..."

She murmured, her eyes shining with unusual light.

"Too outstanding... really far superior to that Bloodsaw fellow..."

She felt somewhat intrigued.

After all, such a young and highly capable being was rare even in this Dark World.

And most importantly, he was human.

A human being able to thrive so remarkably in the Dark World was an even more perfect bonus point.

She glanced sideways at Bloodsaw, who was still bubbling away unconscious, and suddenly lost much interest in this old pervert.

After all, if it hadn't been for the difficulty of finding even somewhat normal humanoid beings back then,

she would never have allowed this completely unromantic fellow to help her lift the bloodline curse.

She slowly began forming some ideas in her mind.

Because originally, she had intended to have Bloodsaw help lift the curses on her daughters too.

But now.

Her thinking had changed.

If...

she could trick that outstanding disciple of his to come to the Doll Manor...

and then use some special methods to let him interact properly with her daughters, perhaps like how things developed between her and Bloodsaw back then, feelings might slowly cultivate.

When the time comes...

If things proceed naturally...

she wouldn't have to watch her daughters suffer trapped by the doll curses anymore.

She secretly made up her mind, her expression turning serious.

Then she glanced at the still (ヾﾉ꒪ཫ꒪)—— Bloodsaw beside her.

Smack—

She kicked him right off the cliff.

Useless trash.

Been vomiting for over half an hour already, such a waste of food.

...

Sight.

[Intelligence Agent: Major event! The Demonkin Association headquarters in the Desolate Wastelands has been severely damaged! One hour ago, the three Root Headhunters launched a cleansing operation against the Demonkin Association! The Demonkin Association headquarters has been completely destroyed, casualty numbers unknown! Specific intelligence requires further investigation!]

[Intelligence Agent: Compilation footage of Headhunters vs Demonkin Association available now! Those wanting detailed process, focus attention to acquire, cost: Skeleton Coins x500]

Instantly, all major regions throughout the Dark World were shaken by this sudden news.

Although the Demonkin Association kept to a remote corner,

in the Dark World, they were still an extremely powerful faction.

Their powerful mechanical and flesh constructs displayed a unique style that many beings passionately pursued.

And now...

Such a powerful organization had actually been destroyed?!

"Headhunters?! Unimaginable! How did the Demonkin Association provoke those three monsters!"

"If it's the Headhunters, then it's not surprising. Root-level beings are taboos in this world—no matter how strong you are, offending them inevitably leads to death!"

"Pitiful and lamentable! Another organization wiped out by root-level hands! Hehehe!"

Immediately, all regional channels were abuzz discussing this event.

And the Intelligence Agent's combat compilation footage quickly spread throughout the Dark World.

But for some reason, in all the footage released by Intelligence Agents, the face of that humanoid being accompanying the three Headhunters had been deliberately erased.

"Who is that humanoid being?! Could it be some region's monarch?! To actually travel alongside those three Headhunters?!"

"I suspect it must be that monarch from the Unicorn Evil Ghost Tribe. Besides that existence, who else could maintain good relations with these three Headhunters?"

"But that doesn't seem right! Even if it's the Unicorn Ghost King, would those root-level Headhunters allow him to ride on their heads? Look how happily that being is riding up there!"

For a time.

Speculation about the identity of the figure accompanying the Headhunters surged back and forth.

Only residents near Wandering Souls Alley remained silent.

They knew who that figure was, but they didn't dare mention it, because they lived near Wandering Souls Alley. If they really angered that youth, who knows what terrifying things might happen.

As for why the Intelligence Agents deliberately erased his appearance—that, no one knew.

...

Several hours later.

[Ding! You picked up Lava Core (Damaged) x1]

[Ding! You picked up Precision Gears x51]

[Ding! You picked up Damaged Mechanical Structures x30]

[Ding! You picked up Wriggling Eyeballs x5]

[Ding! Congratulations on achieving stage accomplishment: Scavenger, you obtained basic experience x200]

[Scavenger]: Stage accomplishment, obtained after collecting over one thousand pieces of junk. This indicates you have preliminarily mastered the essence of scavenging and waste collection. You obtained permanent bonuses: Strength+2, Constitution+2, Happiness+10

Living up to the System's expectations.

After confirming that the Demonkin Association hadn't left many survivors, Lynn immediately began scavenging vigorously.

Whether useful or not, as long as it could be picked up, Lynn fully embraced the mindset of utilization, gathering everything indiscriminately.

And after promising Little One he'd help her use better materials to fix her teeth,

Little One became as happy as a twenty-thousand-pound child.

She also agreed to help transport all these goods back to Wandering Souls Alley after he finished scavenging.

After several hours of busy work,

Lynn gazed satisfied at the large bundles of loot before him, smiling as he reached out to high-five Little One's (✪ω✪) tentacle.

"Everything—all packed up—so happy—"

"Indeed!"

Lynn wiped sweat from his forehead, hands on hips, smiling like a youth who'd just finished some exercise.

"Then let's prepare to head back, otherwise we might attract attention from other things."

"Mhmm!"

Then Lynn immediately felt a tentacle wrap around his waist from behind, lifting him up.

Lynn patted the tentacle, (๑¯∀¯๑) saying: "Little One, stop messing around, I have acrophobia! Being rolled up this high isn't fun at all!"

Little One curiously raised her head: "Little One isn't rolling you—"

"..."

Lynn's expression froze.

Then.

He subconsciously opened his eyes wider, turned his head, and a massive malicious female face instantly appeared before his eyes.

"Uh..." Lynn was dumbfounded, swallowing hard: "It's... so it's Auntie..."

[san value -1]

Godweaver Head looked down coldly at Lynn who was like a little mouse, saying: "Finished... busy?"

Lynn said dazedly: "Finished busy..."

Godweaver Head sneered as she opened her mouth: "Want to chat—alone with Auntie—?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel·fire.net

Lynn said blankly: "Can I say no?"

Godweaver Head sneered as she extended her tongue, slurping and covering Lynn with sticky fluid: "What do—you think?"

Lynn widened his eyes and said fearfully: "Um... what should we talk about?"

Godweaver Head sneered as she licked her lips: "Talk about—something to make you—happy! Hehehehe—"

[san value -1]