"This must be Starjun's GT Robot handiwork," Zed noted, surveying the corpses outside the collapsed cave. Ambushers seeking stolen Puffer Whales lay dead—deserved ends, in his view.
Starjun, though Bishokukai, avoided mindless slaughter. His GT Robots prioritized efficiency: remote-controlled proxies spared human energy and risk. Yet reliance on machines capped growth potential—a flaw Zed acknowledged but didn't dwell on.
The cave's collapse stemmed from Devil Serpent roars, their residual aura deterring scavengers. By tomorrow, nature would reclaim the scene.
IGO Branch, Nakaume Town
"You claim this is a Devil Serpent?" The clerk gaped at Tatsu, then at the database's serpentine reference image.
"A mutated variant," Zed clarified. Mutations were common, though few as drastic as Tatsu's.
The clerk expedited Zed's request—perks of his Zero Biotope clearance. Within minutes, Tatsu was registered: Species: Oriental Dragon (Mutated Devil Serpent).
Returning to Nakaume Gourmet School, Tatsu drew stares along the way, its jade scales and horned visage defying expectations. Zed teaches it on human norms during the trip, amazed by its rapid comprehension.
By their arrival, Tatsu understood basic commands—its intellect rivaling humans. Worse, its body grew a full meter after a few meals. At this rate, it'd soon dwarf most Gourmet Beasts.
At Nakaume Gourmet School, Chef Sumire studied Tatsu skeptically. "A mutated Devil Serpent? Unbelievable without your word," she admitted, circling the draconic hatchling.
Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato approached, captivated by Tatsu's regal bearing—its jade scales, obsidian horn, and sleek form exuded a mechanical elegance, like a living Gundam.
"May we… touch it?" Erina asked.
"Ask Tatsu," Zed replied, treating it as an equal—much like Toriko did with Terry.
The duo hesitated until Zed added, "He understands basics."
Tatsu tilted its head, amber eyes flicking between Zed and the girls before dipping in consent. Their hands met steel-cool scales, marveling at its armored hide.
"Birth strength rivaling adult Devil Serpents? You've found quite the partner," Chef Sumire noted, sensing its latent power.
Zed unsealed two crates—Skeleton Moss and Puffer Whales—fulfilling her commission.
"Fresh as if just caught," Chef Sumire remarked, puzzled. Typically, Knocking preserved such ingredients alive, but Zed's kills retained pristine freshness, this is due to his System Space only stored lifeless matter—a limitation he couldn't explain to them.