Chapter 196: Spoils

Leo was speechless.

Atlas, however, seemed to remember something important. His eyes widened in realization.

"Ohh, no!" He looked around in panic. "Where is the magical book?"

Dropping to his knees, Atlas scoured the grass. The encyclopedia had fallen somewhere during the clash. After a few tense moments, he spotted it resting beneath a patch of flattened weeds.

"There!"

He dashed over and snatched it up. Holding the book in both hands, Atlas inspected the cover and flipped through several pages. Aside from a few smudges of dirt, there were no tears or serious damage. He let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Thank God, it isn’t damaged."

Brushing the dirt from the cover, he hurried back toward Leo.

"Big Brother!"

"The book is safe!"

Leo glanced at the encyclopedia, then brought his attention back to the boy.

"Forget about the book for now."

"How are you?"

"Do you feel anything unusual?"

Atlas blinked.

"I’m completely fine."

"No injuries."

He stretched both arms and rolled his shoulders to prove his point.

"See?"

"I’m perfectly fine."

Leo’s expression remained serious.

"What are you relieved about?"

Atlas’s smile disappeared.

Leo continued, "Do you realize that if your strength hadn’t increased, you might have died just now?"

"You were caught completely off guard."

"That snake was strong enough to crush you if you hadn’t been able to break free."

Atlas lowered his head. His fingers tightened around the encyclopedia’s binding.

"I..."

"I’m sorry."

His voice dropped to a whisper. Seeing the boy’s guilt, Leo’s stern face softened. He rubbed his forehead and let out a long breath.

"It’s fine."

"All that matters is that you’re okay."

"But next time, pay more attention to your surroundings."

"Always be alert and ready for anything anytime."

Atlas nodded without hesitation.

"Okay."

"I’ll be careful next time."

Leo nodded.

"Good."

"Now stay still for a moment."

"I want to check something."

Atlas planted his feet and stood perfectly still.

Leo reached for his belt and retrieved the three new cards. Ordinarily, he would wait until they reached a safe location to sort through his rewards. But this situation was different. The python was the first mutant beast he had killed with his own hands, and curiosity got the better of him.

He pinched the first card between his fingers. Its surface glowed with a faint light as the text materialized.

Rare Card — Mutant Beast Encyclopedia

Description: A specialized encyclopedia containing information about mutant beasts. The book records the characteristics, habitats, feeding habits, and known uses of various creatures. When placed in front of a mutant beast, its corpse, or a body part, its information will automatically appear in the pages if sufficient data is available. It can also record newly discovered beasts, allowing the user to gradually expand their collection.

Leo raised an eyebrow, flipping the card over to inspect it again.

"So there really is one."

He thought back to his Spirit Plant Encyclopedia, which identified herbs and detailed their properties. It made perfect sense that a mutant beast equivalent existed.

"If there’s an encyclopedia for spirit plants..." Leo muttered, "Then there should naturally be one for mutant beasts."

This would be incredibly helpful. Knowing a creature’s weaknesses and habits beforehand could save him a lot of trouble. Satisfied, he tucked the card away and moved on to the next one.

Rare Card — Mandrake Python Gallbladder

Description: The gallbladder of a Mandrake python that has absorbed large amounts of energy over time. When refined, it serves as an ingredient in medicines and tonics that improve digestion, boost toxin resistance, and slightly enhance the processing of supernatural energy. It may also be used in alchemical recipes for poison resistance or energy recovery. The gallbladder must be processed before consumption; raw use may cause severe digestive discomfort and energy imbalance.

Leo stared at the words for a few seconds.

"Mandrake Python..."

That had to be the name of the massive snake. The item’s effects weren’t game-breaking, but they were certainly practical.

Finally, he checked the last one—an Uncommon card.

Uncommon Card — Mutant Beast Feed

Description: A prepared feed containing a mixture of Aether-rich plants, minerals, and nutrients favored by many mutant beasts. Its scent can spread over a considerable distance, attracting nearby creatures that recognize the smell as food. The feed does not control or tame the beasts it attracts. Stronger or more aggressive monsters may become hostile when competing for it.

Leo’s eyes narrowed as ideas formed in his mind. This was interesting. In fact, it could be highly effective. He could use the feed to lay traps and lure specific targets out into the open, making his future hunts far easier.

Leo turned toward Atlas.

"Atlas."

"Hmm?"

"You said you smelled something delicious before the python appeared."

Atlas scratched his head.

"Yeah, but the scent disappeared. I can’t smell it anymore."

Leo glanced toward the massive tree before shrugging it off.

"Forget about it for now." He looked at Atlas. "Let’s hunt some mutant beasts."

Atlas’s eyes lit up.

Leo continued, "This time, you deliver the finishing blow."

Atlas looked confused by the request but nodded.

While Leo didn’t mind collecting cards from the beasts, they needed actual meat right now to feed the convoy, Nina, and Atlas. If Leo made the kill himself, the bodies might turn into cards. To prevent that, he would just weaken and pin the prey down, leaving the final strike to Atlas.

Leo held out his hand.

"Give me the encyclopedia."

Atlas hugged the book against his chest, tightening his grip on the cover.

"You don’t want it damaged during the hunt, do you?" Leo asked. "I’ll give it back afterward. You can play with it then."

After a lingering pause, Atlas handed it over reluctantly .

Leo tucked the encyclopedia into his Void Pocket for safekeeping. He then pulled out the Uncommon Card containing the Mutant Beast Feed. With a simple thought, he released the item. The card broke apart, dissolving into drifting particles of light.

Then the light gathered in Leo’s hand .