As the massive, unwilling Ox-Head Monster collapsed, the entire recruitment site fell into dead silence.
One punch.
Just one punch.
That was Absorption Maniac—a Demon-level Monster famed for his ability to devour and plunder, a notoriously fierce presence in the Monster Association. And just like that, he was gone? Couldn't even leave a complete last word?
Coming to their senses, the Monsters looked at the figure slowly walking back to the throne. Their eyes filled with unprecedented awe and fervor.
"Strong! Too strong!"
"This is the true strong one worth following!"
"Bug God is mighty!"
"We swear to follow Bug God to our deaths!"
"To be able to become Bug God's subordinate is truly our great fortune!"
"…"
Waves of allegiance, rising and falling, made the underground space lively again. Many Monsters huddled together in excitement, eager to express their loyalty.
"All of you, line up! One by one!"
Ox-Head Man shouted, trying to maintain order. But the excitement and pride on his ox face—adorned with a golden nose ring—were impossible to hide.
He felt he had truly stumbled upon good luck. Not only had he found such a strong backer, but by some strange twist of fate, he had become the chief steward under this important figure.
Once he ascends to become a Dragon-level cadre, I, Old Ox, will be able to walk sideways in the Monster Association!
Recruitment continued.
Plasma Dancer and Electric Catfish Man, among other Tiger-level strong ones, all joined the "Bug God Thirteen Squads." Countless Wolf-level Monsters became ordinary members of Bug God's territory.
After much deliberation, Jack acquired the Lightning Duo's two core abilities.
[Plasma Torrent (R) Lv1: Creates thunderous plasma lightning, neutralizing most external lightning damage, forming a large-scale lightning attack!]
[High Voltage Mode (R) Lv1: Absorbs, stores, and unleashes high-voltage currents far exceeding its own power limit during attacks!]
Though their power might not be exceptionally strong—well-known that electromagnetic abilities had immense potential. With enough Source Points for one or two evolutions, they might well become Jack's main output method in the future.
Looking at the bustling Monster army below the throne, Jack crossed his fingers before his chest. His gaze grew distant.
Time to settle down properly.
Three Months Later
The pervasive light blue Psychokinesis slowly receded like a tide, revealing the dark figure standing still in the center.
Jack.
After re-examining this special subordinate's strength, Great Eyes's huge single eye gazed over. Its vast purplish-pink body exuded invisible pressure—as if the air itself had solidified.
"Not bad." The distorted voice, full of Dio's theatricality, echoed through the hall. "He can be said to be basically unrivaled among Demon-level Monsters."
A pause.
"He can even briefly contend with weaker Dragon-level Monsters."
Another pause.
"But essentially—your disaster level still remains at the Demon-level stage."
In Psykos's eyes, the Monster Cells consumed by Jack—this bottomless pit—could have been converted into an army ten thousand strong. Though this stuff wasn't valuable, such quantity, just by sheer luck, was enough to produce at least a double-digit number of Demon-level Monsters—or even one or two Dragon-level Monsters.
Now, what she got in return was merely a peak Demon-level—a second-generation Bug God only slightly stronger than the first.
Naturally, she was not very satisfied.
But to prevent the consumption of time and resources from becoming a complete sunk cost, she patiently manipulated Great Eyes and asked: "Bug God. Have you encountered a bottleneck?"
Little did she know—this was exactly the effect Jack wanted.
He remained silent for a moment. His voice filled with unwillingness.
"I don't know either, Great Eyes…"
A frustrated pause.
"It feels like I've touched some kind of boundary countless times. But it's always just a little short. I can never cross that threshold."
He deliberately clenched his fists—frustrated by his powerlessness—perfectly portraying a struggling individual who had absorbed massive resources but remained stuck before a crucial pass.
Deep underground, Psykos's consciousness churned.
Could it be that the potential of that special physique only goes this far?
If that's all—too regrettable.
Great Eyes's voice softened slightly. Carried a hint of encouragement—and perhaps a test.
"Don't be discouraged, Bug God."
A pause.
"Sometimes, a Monster's evolution only lacks an opportunity."
Another pause.
"Perhaps you need more… stimulation."
The topic shifted.
"Speaking of which—Lord Orochi seems to intend to hold a Monster Assembly. About a month from now."
The huge single eye locked onto Jack.
"At that time, all the Association's cadres will be present."
The pressure intensified.
"Bug God—Lord Orochi and I both very much hope that you can also appear there as a cadre at that time."
A final pause.
"After all—you are one of the Monsters personally transformed by Lord Orochi. And also one of our Monster Association's direct lineage members~"
Though the words were full of expectation, the underlying pressure was equally self-evident.
"My Lord!"
Jack's body trembled violently. His voice carried a hint of urgency.
"This subordinate has a strong premonition… As long as there are enough Monster Cells, I will definitely break through that barrier!"
He suddenly looked up. His tone was almost pleading.
"Please trust this subordinate one more time! Give me enough Monster Cells!"
Watching Bug God's almost frenzied display, Psykos weighed her options internally once more.
Does this guy genuinely have confidence? Or is he making a desperate gamble?
Ultimately, she suppressed some of her doubts.
"Alright, Bug God." Great Eyes's single eye narrowed slightly. "I can apply to His Majesty Orochi to grant you a cell quota far exceeding the usual. But…"
Her voice took on a hint of coldness.
"If after a month, you still cannot break through to Dragon-level… then what?"
The question was like ice water—enough to extinguish any false fervor.
Jack's response was even more decisive. Perfectly fitting a Monster whose mind was clouded by power and twisted desires.
"If I still cannot break through after a month… this subordinate will challenge His Majesty Orochi."
A pause.
"If I cannot advance further between life and death, then dying at His Majesty Orochi's hands is not a bad end."
Psykos was slightly surprised by these words. But on second thought, she found them perfectly natural.
This craving. This obsession with power. It was becoming more and more like someone influenced by Orochi's will.
Then let's fulfill your wish.
"Oh ho ho ho ho~"
Great Eyes let out a low laugh. Seemingly quite satisfied.
"Very good, Bug God. I will report your resolve to Lord Orochi."
The massive eye fixed on him.
"From today until the Monster Assembly, your daily Monster Cell quota will be tenfold."
A pause.
"At the Monster Assembly a month from now—I look forward to seeing a true Dragon-level cadre."
Jack's pupils constricted.
Tenfold.
One thousand Monster Cells a day.
That's… truly an exaggerated number!