"Should we buy this mantis and form a contract, Cypher?" Cedar silently asked.
[Yes, but there is a problem, Master.]
[If it has been starved for too long, its health might be too unstable.]
[However if it's only lacking the right food, it should recover quickly once fed properly.]
Cedar thought for a moment.
He knew they had the money to take the chance.
Worst case, he'd lose what he spent.
But if it works out?
A beast with great potential would be added to their team.
He turned back to the stall owner, keeping his face neutral.
"I'm not sure." Cedar muttered, pretending to hesitate.
The stall owner, sensing the uncertainty, raised an eyebrow.
"Young man, this is a rare specimen."
"It's larger than a typical Fury Mantis. You won't find another like it."
Cedar nodded, glancing at the Giant Blood Mantis again.
"It's certainly larger." he said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"But it looks like it could fall over with a single touch."
He made a flicking motion with his fingers, emphasizing how fragile the mantis seemed.
The stall owner's face twitched, a nervous smile appearing.
"Ah, well... You're right. Its condition isn't the best."
Cedar took a step back, pretending to lose interest.
"I'm not sure if I want to risk spending too much on it."
The stall owner hesitated, clearly unwilling to lose the sale.
"I could offer a discount." he said quickly.
"How about 3,500 UPD?"
Cedar shook his head, giving the mantis one more look.
"It's sick, and I'm not sure it will recover. I wouldn't pay more than 2,000 UPD for it."
The stall owner's eyes widened in disbelief.
"2,000 UPD? That's... too low for such a rare beast."
Cedar remained firm.
"Take it or leave it. I'm not paying more for something that might die in a few days."
After a long silence, the stall owner sighed.
"Fine." he said reluctantly.
"2,000 UPD it is."
Cedar smiled inwardly and swiped the card Vanessa had given him.
The payment was completed.
He carried the Giant Blood Mantis' enclosure carefully, holding it by its handle.
They headed toward the food court.
After reaching the counter, Cedar turned to Cypher.
"Anything you want?" he asked.
Cypher hesitated for a moment, then pointed to a dish.
"I want to try the Blazing Lizard Feast, Master." Cypher replied.
Cedar raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes, Master. I want to try it." Cypher answered confidently.
With that, Cedar ordered two dishes made from Grade 1 Copper-Rank Beasts.
For himself, he selected the Smoky Boar Platter.
The meat was marinated in rich herbs, tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that lingered with each bite.
Alongside it was crisp vegetables.
With every bite, Cedar could feel a faint surge of qi entering his body.
Cypher's Blazing Lizard Feast was an eye-catching dish.
The lizard meat was grilled to a golden brown with a charred edge, glazed with glossy sap.
Crunchy nuts added texture, while the meat's rich, earthy flavor was complemented by a sweet, tangy taste from the sap.
The two annihilated their meals, hunger written on their faces.
It was a small luxury, but one they both deserved after the day's events.
They headed back home after resting.
They also bought gears and resources for their upcoming plans.
The total cost was around 100,000 UPD.
A large portion of the spending was on equipment.
Some of the items would be delivered to their home.
However, the items urgently needed for the Giant Blood Mantis had to be carried by Cedar.
With only two hands, it was a hassle to carry everything.
Cypher informed Cedar about items called spatial equipment.
Spatial equipment contains its own separate space inside, useful for carrying more items
Cypher suggested they buy one if they had the money.
But the lowest price for a storage ring was about a million UPD.
It was a hefty amount, but Cedar understood its value.
For now, they would make do with what they had.
Arriving home, Cedar treated his parents and Maya to a luxurious meal, ordered from the best restaurant in town.
After finishing their meal, Cedar and Cypher returned to their room to look after the Giant Blood Mantis
Cedar knelt beside the enclosure.
Next to him was a box filled with several set of vials, each holding the blood of different Grade 1 Copper-Rank beasts.
He carefully poured each blood into separate feeding cups.
The first was Golden Caterpillar Blood, its amber color glowing brightly like liquid gold.
Thick and almost luminous, this blood was rich in vitamins A, B, and antioxidants.
It was known to boost regeneration, heal wounds, improve vision, and recover fatigue.
The second vial contained Silver Toad Blood, metallic silver and slightly shiny, resembling melted metal.
It was high in vitamin D, calcium, and potassium, strengthening bones, improving endurance, and speeding up bone healing.
Lastly, there was Primal Howl Bear Blood, dark red like fresh meat, with a thicker consistency than the others.
Packed with protein, iron, and collagen, it enhanced strength, stamina, and muscle regeneration.
Once the blood was prepared, Cedar opened the feeding compartment at the bottom of the enclosure.
He carefully slid the feeding cups into the compartment, one by one.
The Giant Blood Mantis remained still for a moment, its antennae twitching as it caught the scent.
Its head turned slightly, mandibles clicking softly in response.
Slowly, it moved toward the first cup, its legs shifting with faint creaks of effort.
It dipped its mandibles into the cup of Golden Caterpillar Blood and began drinking.
The amber liquid disappeared steadily as the Mantis fed.
Its body seemed to loosen, no longer as stiff as before.
Next, it approached the cup of Silver Toad Blood, quicker this time.
The metallic silver liquid glistened as the Mantis eagerly consumed it.
Its legs straightened more firmly, and its movements grew smoother.
Finally, it reached the Primal Howl Bear Blood, mandibles digging into the dark red liquid.
With each sip, its body seemed to regain vitality, its energy visibly returning.
Its antennae flicked sharply, and its posture grew more stable.
Cedar watched closely, feeling relieved at the subtle but clear signs of improvement.
The Giant Blood Mantis had begun its path to recovery.