Using the jargon of a scumbag, I was sick of it.

Pulling up my pants, I spoke casually,

With resolve.

After processing a few more batches, the growth in abilities from creations of this level would be nearly nonexistent. To improve further, I'd need to hunt for more quality items... dismantle them!

The batch of alchemy works I'd picked up from the lounge in the past few days, they could come in handy now. Apart from the Heart Poison Arrow, which would serve as inspiration for my next work, most were protective-type Blessed Creations. They should be able to enhance my abilities by about thirty percent.

Once I get back to Cliff City, dismantle some of Professor Ye's junk, and work hard, I should be able to reach Third Rank Perfect. Then, I could move on to searching for blessings.

Among all blessings indicated by the Non-attack Matrix, the top priority is the Governance Axis from the Heavenly Origin System. But obtaining blessings from the Heavenly Origin System often requires intervention and control over the external world. Without official cooperation, the difficulty is significant, not to mention the rarity of something like the Governance Axis.

To obtain it, many people must willingly comply with the rules set by Ji Jue, follow his commands, and form a cohesive collective with him at the core. They need to accomplish deeds that align with the principles of the Heavenly Origin System.

Professor Ye's work badge given to Ji Jue contained such guidance. If I could re-integrate the scattered research department and bring about a Rejuvenation for the Coast Garage, it wouldn't be impossible to succeed.

Although it might take a long time, it's better than having no direction at all and buzzing around aimlessly like a headless fly.

Sometimes, the difference between having and not having a teacher lies precisely here. At crucial moments, a teacher always provides the necessary conditions and guidance.

Ji Jue pondered over his future plans, clarifying details, and gradually felt at peace.

When he snapped back to reality, he noticed he had wandered to the edge of the outpost. Without realizing when, there appeared beneath his hand, a...

Dog?

"Woof!"

The groomed and contented dog wagged its tongue, rolling on the ground, exposing its soft belly.

It nudged Ji Jue's hand with its nose, signaling for him to keep petting...

And behind him, the quietly following little calf-horse finally let out distressed squeaks, its headlights teary.

"Hmm?"

Ji Jue was shocked, "Where did this dog come from?"

Only upon careful recollection did he remember that shortly after he sat down here, the dog had emerged from the bushes, circling him and wagging its tail.

Enticing Ji Jue's hand, he couldn't help but pet it.

The coat was smooth and silky, utterly addictive.

Clusters of light gold and white fur tinged with hints of dust and grass seeds felt like silk to the touch.

This was a sheepdog.

It was also wearing a vest that seemed to be for leashing, but the leash had snapped, leaving only a short piece hanging from the buckle, dangling down.

The snapped end wasn't retied but instead meticulously tied into a complex, delicate knot, adding an adorable touch.

It was as if it had given up on being restrained, set free instead.

Now, noticing Ji Jue's halted motion, the sheepdog prudently nudged out its nose and began licking his hand, the sensation both moist and gentle.

"Hey, stop that, no licking,"

Ji Jue withdrew his hand to stop it, and the sheepdog stood up, sitting upright, with parted lips and tongue hanging out, as if smiling at him.

How to put it? Quite cute!

But how did it end up here in the wilds? Surely it wasn't abandoned by its owner?

"Want some canned food?"

Ji Jue bent down and asked, only then remembering he'd never owned a dog nor bought canned food. But there were plenty of chicken legs in the car's fridge.

At least enough to feed one.

"Come, let me take a look~"

Ji Jue gestured the sheepdog over, scratching its chin, then spotted the dog tag hanging from its neck with its name on it.

However, the tag seemed aged, worn to the point of illegibility, even the name no longer clear.

"CEO?"

Ji Jue squinted, fingers tracing over the scratched surface, verifying the letters, and then burst out laughing, "Your name is CEO? How interesting."

What kind of owner names their dog something so absurd?

How heavy must office workers' grudges be... going home to take it out on a dog named CEO?

Ji Jue chuckled, petting the dog's head.

He flipped the dog tag over.

And then, his smile froze on his face.

As if falling into an icy pit.

"Shit..."

On the back of the dog tag, there was a simple LOGO, bluntly indicating the ownership of the sheepdog.

So familiar.

It made Ji Jue's vision darken, heart and lungs seizing.

--- Sky Rail Group!!!

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