Through experiments, Ethan discovered many benefits of the mutated hen.
For instance, its feathers are very soft, and the area under its wings is quite warm, no wonder chicks like to snuggle under the mother hen's wings right after birth.
The downside is that the mutated Miss Keroy is quite heavy, pressing on his chest which makes it hard for him to breathe.
"It's obvious she really likes you."
Ave showed no emotion, nor any intention to help, while the golden-haired individual above her bent over with laughter.
She commented while recording, "This aligns with my hypothesis; the collar likely causes the wearer to feel an unusual emotional bond toward the holder, even obeying their commands."
"Miss Keroy, please get off me now."
Ethan commanded the "small" hen that was enthusiastically nuzzling his face, and she immediately moved off his chest, then stood proudly like a wolf-dog at his feet.
"What other feelings do you have?"
"Shortness of breath, Miss Keroy has gotten heavier."
Ethan supported his waist, taking several deep breaths, the frailty of a mage's physical body was evident, while he concealed the unusual from Ave — the reason he didn't use magic when Miss Keroy pounced on him was due to a peculiar psychic link that made him aware her action was playful, not an attack.
But Ave must not know this, otherwise, he would immediately become another research subject.
And now, Ethan had to face another issue, "What species is this, exactly?"
Before Ave could question him, Ethan took the initiative; the current Miss Keroy belonged to no species he knew of; her feathers had turned a striking fiery red due to mutation, her beak becoming thin and sharp, exuding wildness, and most notably, the tail feathers had transformed — a small tail feather turned into three beautiful forked tails.
"Wolf Chicken."
This issue was simply no challenge for an Enlightenment Society believer, "The principle is simple: when people wear a cursed item they turn into werewolves, so chickens turn into wolf chickens."
While speaking, Ave noted the new species she created on the paper.
Ethan fell into thought; although the current Miss Keroy seemed unrelated to a wolf, she already exhibited many wolf... dog characteristics, Ave meanwhile retrieved a piece of raw meat from somewhere and tossed it to Keroy, the palm-sized meat was intercepted mid-air, with no chance of hitting the ground, it was swallowed by Keroy.
If Miss Keroy pecked someone now, it would be far more than just a sting.
She reminded Ethan, "Don't just stand there, there are many more tests to be conducted next."
From basic measurements like height and weight, to destructive power tests, Ethan had to acknowledge that when he saw Miss Keroy crush granite with one claw, his heart was slightly shocked.
And then came the most critical test, Ethan and Ave separately spent half an hour alone with Miss Keroy, the result as they expected, when the cursed item was activated, its irresistible allure disappeared.
Ave completed her series of tests by nightfall, smoke rose in the distant small town, she packed up pen and paper, gazed at the faint lights at the end of the road, and suddenly said, "If you take the wolf chicken back to town, it's bound to spark discussion and panic; I'll bring you some supplies, until the people from the refuge arrive, you'll have to stay here, with her by your side, you don't have to worry about wild animal attacks."
Ethan was naturally eager for this, he was contemplating an excuse to leave the town, living alone here allowed him to practice the Ice Arrow freely.
Besides, compared to Enlightenment Society adherents like Ave, he preferred being with small animals.
A person and a hen stood by the roadside watching Ave disappear at the end of the road, Miss Keroy walked to his front, stood on tiptoe and rubbed her head against his chest.
"Do you want to go hunting?"
Ethan suddenly thought, since arriving in this world, he seemed particularly favored by animals, it's a pity this world doesn't have professions like Beast King, otherwise, he wouldn't need to stay in town laboring over practicing Fireball Skill for two years.
Miss Keroy nodded and cheerfully ran towards the jungle.
Wolf chickens can understand human language, and he can also sense the wolf chicken's mood.
For example now, she's very excited.
She dived into the deep bushes, and when he got closer, she playfully stuck her head out, seemingly trying to surprise him.
Ethan was influenced and quickened his pace unknowingly.
On the other side, compared to the joyful Miss Keroy, someone was in an extremely bad mood.
A figure, cloaked in black robes, stood within a deep pit at the mountain top, his bloodshot eyes stared fixedly at the land now turned to scorched earth.
Those following her trembled uncontrollably, frozen in place, not daring to make a sound.
Overwhelming fear spread among the crowd.
After who knows how long, someone finally gathered the courage to break the stalemate, "Priest, in my opinion... we should strategically adjust our target, I feel this small town is strange."
Others silently peeked at the figure standing in the pit, inwardly agreeing with the brave one's suggestion.
Although the investigation indicated the sheriff of Ximu Town was merely a second-tier Truth Society bookworm, the town should have been destroyed by the magical tide caused by the ritual last night, but a falling meteor allowed the people of Ximu Town to miraculously survive, making matters worse, the Priest's meticulously raised pet was nowhere to be found in the disaster, and the token was missing too.
Celestial anomaly, surely not a good omen.
"I believe the Mother Goddess will understand—"
The man's voice abruptly halted, his eyes widened, the voice seemed to be stuck in his throat, he painfully clutched his chest, collapsing on the ground, cold sweat soaking through his clothes.
The next moment, a mouthful of blood spurted out, along with a wriggling object.
It was a still-beating heart, coughed out from his throat, held in his own hands.
The man felt his life force dwindling, yet was speechless, he could only look pleadingly at his companions behind him.
Everyone fearfully lowered their heads, some even proactively assured, "Rest assured, priest, Ximu Town will definitely be destroyed, and then the entire Empire will fear us!"
"Thud—"
Everyone heard the sound of something heavy hitting the ground, the man maintained his incredulous expression as he fell to the ground, the still-beating heart also fell, stained with black ash, and ceased to move after a few slight tremors.
"Activate the southwest corner's summoning ceremony."
The figure ordered in an unquestionable tone, "I want to see this place reduced to ashes."