Chapter 46.2

What was even more bizarre was a visitor who had recreated Moonlight’s shaven-back pattern with perfect accuracy, turning it into a provocative backless outfit that left nothing to the imagination.

Mu Ling was astounded by the fans’ behavior, and she wasn’t alone—Qilin and Lightning seemed equally stunned. From within their glass enclosure, they stood at the window, watching the spectacle unfold outside.

They would tilt their heads one way, then another, their expressions painted with unmistakable confusion.

Mu Ling couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

How strange, she thought, that during the day the animals observed the humans, while in the afternoon, the roles had reversed.

Regardless, Magic’s wounds were finally treated. Mu Ling handed Commander Duan a small sanitary bag containing the decayed flesh. “Look at this—see how many parasites are inside.”

It was common knowledge that decayed flesh breeds bacteria, parasites, and flies.

Commander Duan’s expression turned grim as he examined it.

He had been painfully aware of how the wounds were worsening, but at the war beast hospital, Magic wouldn’t let anyone near him. The doctors had exhausted every possible method without success.

Who could have predicted that after just one day at Bi Ke Zoo, Magic would undergo such a dramatic change?

Commander Duan turned to Mu Ling and asked, “Director Mu, could I have a box of that ointment you used on Magic?”

“This?” Mu Ling showed him the nearly-empty container. “I compounded it myself—it’s a custom mixture specifically formulated for Magic’s injuries. It might not be suitable for other animals.”

“I understand. Could I just have what’s left?”

Mu Ling paused, quickly deducing his intention—he likely wanted to analyze the ingredients. After all, Magic was their precious treasure.

Without further comment, she handed over the box.

Commander Duan accepted it with a simple, “Thank you.”

Having been drenched by Magic earlier, Mu Ling excused herself to return to her dormitory for a shower.

The thirty-some people who had accompanied Commander Duan approached him, inquiring about their next steps.

“Magic won’t be going up the mountain,” Commander Duan informed them. “You can all return. Please deliver this to Dr. Burey on your way back.”

He handed the medicine box to one of them.

Dr. Burey was Magic’s primary physician at North Red Star War Beast Hospital and knew the creature’s medical history better than anyone.

Since the zoo was open to visitors during the day, the starship and transport cage had been moved to the pond behind the facility. After bidding farewell to Commander Duan, the team departed in their starship.

The transport cage remained by the pond, ready for any future need to move Magic.

The journey from Shenwang Star to North Red Star took eight hours by starship. Dr. Burey received the ointment box at six that evening.

Puzzled by Commander Duan’s request, he opened the container and examined it. The contents appeared to be an ordinary wound treatment salve, primarily containing anti-inflammatory agents and tissue-regenerating compounds.

Dr. Burey placed a call to Commander Duan.

The commander offered little explanation, simply instructing, “Run an analysis first.”

Though confused, Dr. Burey complied. The detailed analysis took until the following afternoon, producing a thick stack of reports. After reviewing every page, he called Commander Duan again.

“Commander, I don’t understand what you’re looking for. This is just a basic synthetic ointment—the kind available anywhere.”

Commander Duan fell silent before asking, “You’re certain there’s nothing unusual about it?”

Dr. Burey considered carefully. “While these ingredients would be suitable for Magic’s external wounds, that’s irrelevant since it won’t let anyone approach. We couldn’t use them even if we wanted to.”

Another silence fell.

Dr. Burey seemed to grasp something. “Commander, I know how much you care about Magic. But its critical issue is the nerve damage. These external wounds, while painful, aren’t life-threatening for a red terror elephant.”

“Someone suggested that perhaps the pain from these wounds is what’s causing Magic’s deteriorating emotional state, leading to increased damage readings.”

Dr. Burey pressed his lips together. “That’s possible, but we still can’t get near it. The resistance is too strong.”

“Dr. Burey,” Commander Duan interrupted, “have you checked StarNet since last night?”

“StarNet?” Dr. Burey was bewildered. “Between two surgeries last night and three consultations this morning, I haven’t had the chance.”

Commander Duan sighed. “Take a look. Call me afterward.”

He ended the call, leaving Dr. Burey more confused than ever.

The commander hadn’t even told him what to search for.

Still perplexed, Dr. Burey opened StarNet. Immediately, his attention was caught by two trending topics:

「New Resident in the Animal Dormitory: Magic」

「Magic and Wifey」

Could this be the same Magic he knew? And what wifey?

Intrigued, he clicked on the trending topic and found numerous posts, the most popular featuring a nine-minute video.

The footage began with excited exclamations, followed by the creator’s breathless narration: “It’s three o’clock, and the Animal Dormitory is finally open! Everyone, look what kind of elephant that is! Ahhh! The dormitory has an elephant now!”

Through the crystal-clear glass enclosure stood a red-skinned giant that Dr. Burey would recognize anywhere, leisurely consuming leaves from a tree that had already been stripped partially bare.

Suddenly, a young woman in dark work clothes rushed into the enclosure. She positioned herself boldly in front of the giant, using her hands to push against its trunk, urging it to back away.

Dr. Burey broke into a cold sweat, memories flooding back. He’d witnessed a similar scene before—a caregiver at their hospital had tried to stop a red terror elephant from ramming its head against a tree. The attempt had ended with the caregiver being gored by the elephant’s tusks, breaking their ribs despite full protective gear.

This woman wore no protection at all.

She’s done for, he thought with certainty.

But then, something extraordinary happened.

Under her persistent nudging, the giant elephant actually backed away, appearing almost sheepish as it moved from the tree.

The woman seemed satisfied only then, patting its trunk affectionately while pointing at the tree with a clear “no eating” gesture. The elephant, known to enjoy being petted, lowered its head compliantly. Then, without warning, it curled its trunk around her body.

Dr. Burey’s heart nearly stopped—but instead of harm, the elephant gently positioned her to sit sideways in its curved trunk, creating a makeshift swing.

The woman kicked her legs frantically, clearly wanting down, but her apparent distress only seemed to encourage the elephant, which swung her more enthusiastically. Finally accepting her fate, she buried her reddening face against the trunk, leaving only one burning ear visible.

The video creator’s excited commentary continued: “Is that the ‘wifey’ everyone’s talking about? It must be—she matches the online photos perfectly!”

“Awww! Wifey looks cute being embarrassed by the elephant!”

The creator’s friend chimed in: “The elephant is cute too! We need more elephants in the world!”

“Someone please tell me who this elephant is! What’s its name? This is crucial information!”

Another tourist called out from the distance: “That’s Magic! Haven’t you seen the news? The S-class red terror elephant Magic retired half a month ago. They posted pictures online then. Though nobody expected it to end up at a mountain zoo like Bi Ke. And look—it seems perfectly fine. Why did it retire?”

The video ended there.

Dr. Burey stared at the darkened screen in stunned silence, his mind struggling to process what he’d witnessed.

After a full thirty seconds, he stiffly searched for more posts, finding similar videos all centered around Magic.

Yes, this was undeniably Magic, but…

Wiping his face, he finally called Commander Duan back.

“Tell me why,” he demanded as soon as the call connected.

Commander Duan sighed heavily. “If that ointment truly has nothing special about it, then I’m as mystified as you are.”

Dr. Burey hesitated. “Bi Ke Zoo?”

“Yes.”

“Who’s their veterinarian? If they’re Federation-certified, I might know them.”

“You don’t,” Commander Duan replied wearily. “Their zoo director doubles as their vet. She’s been studying veterinary medicine for half a month.”

Dr. Burey was speechless.

“Well, that’s that,” Commander Duan concluded, ending the call.

Even after the call terminated, Dr. Burey found himself muttering “Bi Ke Zoo” repeatedly. He searched again, recalling someone recently sharing videos about the zoo. He’d dismissed them as promotional material for a new facility opening, having no time or interest to investigate further while handling external consultations in the war zone.

Now, after thoroughly reviewing all available information about Bi Ke Zoo, his attention was caught by their job posting:

「VETERINARIAN WANTED

Requirements:

– Minimum 10 years experience

– Independent experience treating large predators, raptors, and S-class war beasts

– Federation Veterinary Association certification preferred

– War beast medical training experience preferred

– Advanced veterinary diploma preferred

Salary and benefits negotiable

Contact: Shenwang Star 93382071」

Dr. Burey stared at the screen.

They might as well have written his name in the requirements.