The extraordinary event lasted for nearly a minute before finally dissipating, leaving Russell drenched in sweat and even Caesar, rarely seen perspiring, wiping his brow quickly. At this moment, Russell felt genuine awe for ancient peoples; even setting up a simple Spirit Trap Array could cause such a spectacle. Perhaps those exaggerated myths weren't entirely false.

The suction force just now was naturally the manifestation of the array drawing in surrounding spiritual energy. The reason it ceased soon was due to the lack of available spiritual energy to absorb. The visible barrier that had formed disappeared.

However, Russell knew it hadn't vanished entirely but merely lay dormant, invisible to the naked eye. This was akin to modern energy-saving modes in appliances; the array couldn't continuously expend large amounts of energy visibly, but to assume its binding power was nonexistent would be a mistake.

"Ding, side quest 2 completed: Setting up the Spirit Trap Array. Reward: Divine Energy +1, random item reward—one bottle of Basic Genetic Enhancement Serum, please claim your reward in the Pet Space."

As the strange effects of the Spirit Trap Array faded, the system's completion notification finally arrived.

Simultaneously, Russell felt a powerful wave in his mind, followed by the cold prompt: "Host's maximum Divine Energy reached 15 points, initiating Super Pet System update..."

The update didn't keep Russell waiting long; about two minutes later, the composed system voice returned: "System update successful, promoted to level 2. The Level 2 system will open the 'Beast' shop, please check host information."

"Ding, main quest level-up task completed, reward: 300 points, reward: one mysterious item, please claim your reward in the Pet Space..."

A series of system notifications bombarded Russell, leaving him momentarily dazed until a sense of deep satisfaction surged from within.

Completing the Spirit Trap Array not only fulfilled the side quest but also successfully completed the main quest upgrade task. The 300-point reward was secondary; what piqued Russell's curiosity were the two material rewards. What were they exactly?

Moreover, there's a mysterious item reward?

Unable to wait any longer, even disregarding the newly completed Heavenly Witch Spirit Trap Array, Russell's consciousness quickly entered the Pet Space.

In one corner, two reward items were impossibly miniaturized and stored—about the size of rice grains. Without Russell's consciousness scanning, his slightly nearsighted eyes would have had trouble discerning them.

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Of the two items, one was a pale yellow vial resembling a laboratory test tube.

Russell naturally recognized it as the reward for setting up the Spirit Trap Array—the "Basic Genetic Enhancement Serum."

Unexpectedly, the Pet System offered more than just pet seeds; it included other items as well. This was something he hadn't anticipated before completing his task. Without further ado, this ordinary-looking liquid was undoubtedly a high-tech, revolutionary creation.

Russell's thoughts fluctuated rapidly as he extracted it from the space, holding the finger-width, ten-centimeter-long test tube in his hand. It felt cold, but its value was undoubtedly extraordinary.

Since the side quest lacked any point rewards, this little guy was clearly the main benefit.

"I have to see what kind of genetic serum this is, capable of equating to hundreds of points." Russell muttered, focusing intently on the tube in his hand. Soon, information flooded back into his mind.

"Basic Genetic Enhancement Serum, produced by Bayard Lanqi Corporation, a human enhancement liquid. It suits the usage requirements of most humans. Upon consumption, your physical attributes will elevate to a new level. Specific effects may vary, and the serum has no adverse effects. Repeated use is ineffective!"

"Comprehensive physical enhancement? With no side effects? Wow, I've hit the jackpot. On Earth, this would be a priceless commodity."

"Will I transform into a Super Saiyan with red underwear worn outside?"

At this moment, Russell was genuinely excited. The Super Pet System, even though the strongest pet was still an external force, couldn't compensate for his inherent weakness.

Yet this small genetic serum could entirely change that disappointing narrative. Without further ceremony, Russell gazed lovingly at this small container, murmuring, "Open."

A strange scene unfolded before his eyes; the sealed top of the small test tube melted away, revealing an opening.

"Gulp, gulp," after a brief hesitation, Russell tilted his head back, draining the pale yellow liquid.

Instantaneously, a fiery surge erupted in his stomach, feeling as if his body was being scalded by a blaze, blood rushing rapidly, and his mind becoming dizzy with boundless chaos.

"This symptom feels like a burst blood vessel."

"Damn it, who claimed this had no adverse effects? That Bayard Lanqi company must be a fraudulent, unscrupulous manufacturer. It seems not even aliens are trustworthy."

Russell's consciousness began to fade; this was his last coherent thought before he slumped into the fish pond with a thump.

It was unclear how much time passed before Russell dreamt—a tormenting dream where he found himself consumed by the scorching lava of a volcano, repeatedly turning his tender body into tiny carbonized particles, only to be reassembled by some mysterious force. Each cycle of dissolution and restructuring played out while he watched himself unable to die.

"Ah." He awoke in the fish pond, jolting upright, gasping heavily for air.

"Damn it, this is what they meant by no adverse effects!" Russell mused, filled with post-traumatic relief. If not for his decent willpower, optimism, and courage, he'd have been driven insane by the dream's torment.

"Dammit." He cursed under his breath, finally taking stock of his body's changes.

First, like the cliche descriptions in internet novels, a thick layer of grime clung to his skin—a cleansing of years of accumulated impurities, all purged by the serum.

His health had undoubtedly improved several levels, the most immediate benefit. Additionally, even while sitting, Russell could distinctly sense his body's reactions felt entirely different.