Fish bone beast bones could be replaced with the flesh and bones of extraordinary monsters.
These extraordinary plants and creatures likely contained higher concentrations of various trace elements compared to ordinary Earth flora and fauna, right?
He voiced his thoughts.
"Highly probable. We can test it," Professor Ye responded with an approving look.
Surveying the small planting area on the balcony and the seed containers Han Ning had brought back, he continued:
"Given our current conditions, we can start by creating small compost bins using discarded plastic buckets, wooden crates, or even digging shallow pits in rain-sheltered areas lined with waterproof fabric."
"I'll need you to continue using your ability daily on these tomato plants and other crops as before."
"I'll monitor their growth rate changes, nutrient consumption patterns, and any other physiological responses under your ability's influence to collect comprehensive data."
"Only with this data can I precisely adjust the compost formula to develop truly effective 'super compost' to sustain their growth."
Han Ning listened attentively to Professor Ye's systematic analysis, finding it quite reasonable.
"Agreed!" He nodded decisively. "I'll handle raw material collection for composting. The seed cultivation and research on these mutated crops will be your domain."
"And this—"
Han Ning retrieved from his backpack the twisted staff core carefully wrapped in vines, its tip bearing a peculiar dark green fruit and its shaft covered in fine root tendrils.
"I'll entrust this to you, Professor Ye."
The professor's gaze immediately locked onto the pulsating dark green fruit. Leaning closer with keen interest, he examined it carefully without touching.
"Is this native to this world?"
After thorough visual inspection, he added,
"I'll need your assistance studying it. There might be risks during research, and your ability might have special effects on it."
"No problem," Han Ning readily agreed. "We'll conduct research here—I'll ensure safety."
"Just inform me of any research equipment needed. I'll also handle accommodation and meals—no need for concern."
"Pleasure working together." Professor Ye smiled—a rare expression.
Through their discussion, Han Ning became convinced of Professor Ye's genuine expertise. Now it depended on cultivation results.
After concluding their talk, Han Ning turned to Su Mingke, who had been quietly observing from the corner.
"Teacher Su."
"..."
Su Mingke parted her lips slightly, meeting Han Ning's steady gaze.
"Professor Ye's safety will be your responsibility going forward."
"In my absence, you'll protect him against any incidents. I'll provide for your accommodation and meals too."
The trio soon immersed themselves in work.
Professor Ye meticulously examined all seed samples Han Ning had collected, systematically categorizing and labeling them by plant species, growth habits, and soil/sunlight requirements.
.
Then, he directed Su Mingke to reorganize the small planting area on the balcony.
"This corner gets relatively ample sunlight but tends to accumulate water, making it suitable for flood-resistant crops—"
"This spot is shaded and humid, perfect for leafy greens that prefer shade—"
"This mutated tomato is a key research subject and needs to be isolated for observation—"
Professor Ye spoke while personally rearranging the haphazardly placed pots.
At the same time, he repurposed discarded plastic containers and metal buckets into simple containers better suited for different crops.
Su Mingke helped clear out a small office area from the resort suite.
She carefully unpacked several equipment boxes Han Ning had brought back, arranging microscopes, petri dishes, thermometers, tweezers, and test tube racks to set up a rudimentary but functional lab bench.
Meanwhile, Han Ning went out to gather materials for composting.
Items like Vortex Shell Crab carapaces, claws, and Crocodile Lizard flesh and bones were already in his possession.
He deliberately peeled off a portion of still-active algae-like tissue from the energy-infused Emerald Staff.
Then, he went to the adjacent banquet hall to retrieve some flesh from the giant Tuna and other materials.
Since Han Ning had slain the massive Tuna monster himself, the Awakened who recognized him immediately handed over the flesh without hesitation.
He didn't have to spend any resources on the Tuna meat.
However, Snowflake devoured all the Tuna flesh he had gathered on the way back.
The composting process went far more smoothly than expected.
Inside the luxurious suite.
On the relatively spacious balcony.
Under Professor Ye's guidance, Han Ning repurposed a large discarded plastic barrel into a compost bin.
He drilled ventilation holes at the bottom and added a few observation windows on the sides.
"The key to composting lies in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, moisture, and aeration," Professor Ye explained as he instructed Han Ning to layer the materials into the barrel.
"The ratio of green materials (organic flesh, fresh leaves) to brown materials (dried branches, wood chips) should roughly be between 1:2 and 1:3."
"Moisture should be moderate—clumping without dripping when squeezed, and crumbling when released. Regular turning is also necessary to ensure oxygen supply."
Following the instructions, Han Ning layered the compost bin with powdered Vortex Shell Crab carapace, minced Crocodile Lizard flesh and bones, Tuna meat paste, and fragments of the mysterious seaweed as "green materials," mixed with a small amount of dried leaves and local soil as "brown materials."
He sprinkled wood ash over the layers and lightly misted them with water.
"Alright, now we just wait for the microorganisms to do their work," Professor Ye said, sealing the barrel while leaving the ventilation holes open.
"High-quality compost typically takes over 45 days for microorganisms to fully break down organic matter, eliminate harmful bacteria and insect eggs, and form stable, humus-rich 'black gold soil.'"
"45 days?" Han Ning frowned slightly. "That's way too long."
Monsters were growing stronger, and the environment was deteriorating—they didn't have 45 days to wait.
Staring at the sealed plastic barrel, an idea struck him.
"Wait—what if Rapid Growth and Nature's Blessing could affect the microorganisms? Or—accelerate the composting process itself?"
Without hesitation, he walked over to the compost bin, placed both hands on its surface, and focused his mind.
Hum!
Emerald-green natural energy radiated from his palm, seeping through the plastic barrel walls and permeating the mixed organic materials inside. [Nature's Blessing (Beginner) Proficiency +1, Current 42/200]
The previously calm mixture in the barrel trembled slightly as it was bathed in the energy of Nature's Blessing.
Han Ning then attempted to release [Rapid Growth].
[Rapid Growth (Intermediate) Proficiency +1, Current 168/200]
The effect was even more pronounced.