The apocalypse struck, and I became a druid.

Page 70

These extraordinary plants and organisms must contain more trace elements than ordinary plants and animals on Earth, right?

He shared his thoughts.

"Very likely, we can give it a try." Professor Ye's eyes showed approval after hearing this.

He glanced around at the small planting area on the balcony, and the several seed boxes that Han Ning had brought back:

"Given our current conditions, we can first try to make small compost bins using discarded plastic buckets, wooden boxes, or even dig a shallow pit in an area where rain won't reach, and line it with a waterproof tarpaulin."

"I need you to unleash your power on this tomato plant and other crops every day for the next few days, just like before."

"I will observe the specific changes in their growth rate, nutrient consumption rate, and other possible physiological reactions after they are affected by your ability, and collect as much data as possible."

"Only by mastering this data can I more precisely adjust the compost formula to create 'super compost' that can truly support their growth."

Han Ning listened carefully to Professor Ye's clear and logical analysis and found it very reasonable.

“Okay!” He nodded decisively. “I’ll take care of the composting, collecting raw materials, and you can handle the seed cultivation and research on these mutant crops.”

"and this……"

Han Ning took out the twisted staff core from his backpack. It was carefully wrapped in vines, with a strange dark green fruit growing at the top and the staff body covered with fine roots.

"I'm leaving it to you, Professor Ye."

Professor Ye's gaze was immediately drawn to the pulsating dark green fruit. He leaned closer to examine it closely, a look of intense interest on his face.

"Are these plants from this world?"

He looked around for a moment, but didn't touch it, and continued...

"I need your assistance to study it. I'm not sure if there will be any dangers during the research process. Also, your abilities might be of particular use to it."

"No problem." Han Ning readily agreed. "The research site will be here, and I'll take care of the safety."

“Just tell me what you need during the research process. As for food and lodging, I will take care of that, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

"It's a pleasure to work with you." Professor Ye smiled, a rare sight.

After some conversation, Han Ning initially concluded that Professor Ye was indeed highly skilled, and the next step was to see the results of his training.

After the exchange, Han Ning turned his gaze to Su Mingke, who had been quietly standing in the corner listening attentively, and greeted her:

"Teacher Su."

"..."

Su Mingke opened her mouth, raised her head, and met Han Ning's calm gaze.

"Professor Ye's safety is now in your hands."

"While I'm away, you'll be responsible for protecting him and preventing any accidents. I'll also cover your food and lodging."

The three of them then got busy.

Professor Ye carefully examined all the seed samples that Han Ning brought back, and meticulously classified and labeled them according to crop type, growth habits, and requirements for soil and light.

Then, he directed Su Mingke to redesign the small planting area on the balcony.

"This corner receives relatively plenty of sunlight, but it's prone to waterlogging, making it suitable for planting flood-tolerant crops..."

"This place is shady and humid, which is suitable for leafy vegetables that prefer shade..."

"This mutated tomato is a key research subject and needs to be isolated and observed separately..."

As Professor Ye spoke, he personally rearranged the flowerpots that had been placed haphazardly.

At the same time, some discarded plastic boxes and metal buckets are transformed into simpler containers that are more suitable for the growth of different crops.

Su Mingke helped clear out a small office area that was originally part of the resort suite.

They opened the several experimental equipment boxes that Han Ning had brought back and carefully arranged the microscopes, petri dishes, thermometers, tweezers, test tube racks, and other items inside, setting them up as a simple but fully functional experimental table.

Han Ning went out to collect materials for composting.

He had things like the shells and pincers of a spiral crab, and the flesh and bones of a crocodile lizard.

He even specially peeled off a portion of the still-active seaweed-like tissue from the emerald green staff that contained strange energy.

Then they went to the banquet hall next door and got some huge tuna flesh and blood, as well as other ingredients.

Since he was the one who killed the giant tuna monster, the awakened ones who knew Han Ning immediately offered up their flesh and blood as soon as they saw him.

Han Ning did not spend any resources to collect these tuna flesh and blood.

The tuna flesh and blood he collected were all eaten by Xuebing on the way.

The composting process went much more smoothly than I had imagined.

...

Luxury suite room.

On a relatively spacious balcony.

Under Professor Ye's guidance, Han Ning transformed a large, discarded plastic barrel into a compost bin.

Ventilation holes were drilled at the bottom, and several observation ports were also opened on the side walls.

"The key to composting is the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, moisture content, and aeration."

Professor Ye explained as he guided Han Ning to layer the various materials into the bucket,

"The ratio of green materials (biological flesh and blood, tender leaves) to brown materials (dried branches, wood chips) should be roughly between 1:2 and 1:3."

"The moisture content should be moderate; it should be able to be clumped together without dripping water, and it should be able to crumble when released. It should also be turned over regularly to ensure oxygen supply."

Following the instructions, Han Ning layered the powdered shells of the vortex crab, the bone and flesh fragments of the crocodile lizard, the tuna meat paste, and the fragments of the mysterious seaweed into the bucket as "green materials," mixed with a small amount of withered leaves and soil from this world as "brown materials," sprinkled wood ash on top, and finally sprayed some water on top.

"Alright, now we just have to wait for the microorganisms to take effect."

Professor Ye closed the lid of the bucket, leaving only a vent.

"High-quality compost usually requires more than 45 days to allow microorganisms to fully decompose organic matter, kill harmful bacteria and insect eggs, and form stable 'black gold soil' rich in humus."

"45 days?" Han Ning frowned slightly. "That's too long."

The monsters are getting stronger, the environment is deteriorating, and they don't have 45 days to wait.

Looking at the sealed plastic bucket in front of him, Han Ning had an idea.

"By the way, could rapid growth and natural blessings... work on microorganisms? Or... accelerate the composting process itself?"

Do it when you think of it.

He walked to the compost bin, placed his hands on the inside of the bin, and concentrated.

hum!

Emerald green light emanated from his palm, seeping through the plastic bucket walls and into the mixed organic materials inside.

[Nature's Blessing (Beginner) Proficiency +1, currently 42/200]

The mixture inside the bucket, which had been calm, seemed to tremble slightly under the influence of the energy of nature's blessing.

Next, Han Ning tried to unleash [Rapid Growth].

[Rapid Growth (Intermediate) Proficiency +1, currently 168/200]

The effect is more obvious.

Chapter 78 Hot Pot

An extremely faint hissing sound began to emanate from inside the bucket, as if countless tiny lives were frantically moving about.

The temperature of the barrel wall rose at a visible rate, becoming warm.

Wisps of white steam, carrying the scent of soil and fermentation, began to rise from the gaps in the lid and the vents.

"This is..." Professor Ye, who had been observing from the side, was quite surprised to see this unusual phenomenon.

"The temperature is rising rapidly."

He quickly took out a thermometer used for experiments and inserted it into the observation port.

"The core temperature has exceeded 60°C and is still rising."

Professor Ye looked at the rapidly rising temperature on the thermometer, his voice filled with surprise.

"It's amazing..."

The temperature inside the barrel rose higher and higher, the steam became thicker and thicker, and the fermentation smell became stronger, though not unpleasant.

Instead, it carries a unique earthy fragrance.

This process lasted for about ten minutes.

Han Ning only withdrew his hands when the temperature of the barrel wall began to stabilize and stop rising, and the steam that was rising became thinner.

This action consumed approximately 30 points of his spiritual power.

He has a lot of energy now and recovers quickly. He can recover about 20 points of spiritual power per hour, so he can afford to keep going.

Such a grand gesture was unheard of in the past.

"Professor Ye, now? How much longer?" Han Ning asked.

Professor Ye carefully examined the thermometer, then sniffed the vent, and even used a clean wooden stick to stir it, sensing the moisture and condition of the material.

“Incredible!” he murmured.

"Based on this temperature, reaction intensity, and the degree of material decomposition... it should only take about 5 to 7 days now!"

"5 to 7 days..." Han Ning was fairly satisfied with the result.

Compared to 45 days, this is a huge leap forward.

Moreover, he can speed things up every day, and perhaps the time will be shortened even further.

With the plan progressing smoothly, Han Ning felt much more relaxed.

Although these composting and breeding activities may not seem to have an immediate effect on his current combat effectiveness, they are all laying the foundation for the future.

Once a mutant crop with special effects, like the Red Mist Tomato, is cultivated, or even just a high-yield, high-quality food crop is grown on a large scale using this super compost, the benefits will be enormous and sustainable.

A stable food source is the foundation of survival in the apocalypse.