Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World-Chapter 354: Challenges of Raising Thorn Fish

He also thought to ask about the condition of the ducklings. "How are the ducklings doing? Should I send some over from my farm now?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely!" Do Seungjin had been planning to discuss this herself.

Accompanying Do Seungjin, Kim Haru visited the Animal Research Institute to inspect the foundational layout for the ducks’ activity area.

On the way, he also took a moment to check on the lives of the mutated black pigs.

The mutated black pigs, under the leadership of the Little Black, had adapted well to their confined lifestyle.

Occasionally, when the researchers had spare time, they would take the pigs out for a stroll.

The most common destination for these outings was the field where the forage crops were grown.

Of course, as the mutated black pigs grew larger and stronger, their opportunities to roam outside were limited.

The humans feared that if the black pigs would accidentally escaped and they might cause trouble.

After all, this was the central zone, surrounded by people from the safe zone.

Although some of them is ability users, no one could guarantee that the black pigs wouldn’t injure someone before being caught.

On a rare day when the black pigs were allowed extended leisure time, it was because Do Seungjin personally performed the castration procedure on the male pigs.

To comfort the distressed animals and divert their attention, the researchers gave them extra time outside.

Naturally, not all the male black pigs were castrated.

Based on various data and daily observations, the researchers selected the five gentlest and highest-quality black pigs to keep as breeding stock.

Even these five breeding pigs benefited from the outing and enjoying a few extra moments of freedom alongside the others.

While the breeding of black pigs and ducks was proceeding smoothly, the biggest challenge at the Animal Research Institute was the cultivation of thorn fish.

This content is taken from fгeewebnovёl.com.

In the last two days of winter, the researchers had already moved the ice blocks containing large thorn fish into specially designed tanks.

At that time, the tiny fish that was trapped in the ice were far smaller than the ones at Kim Haru’s farm, only about the length of a finger joint.

However, the tests showed that even without any mother fish present, these little fish could live independently.

The moment spring arrived, the researchers took action and slaughtered the giant fish.

They had no choice—this massive mutated fish that has been grown in a virus-laden natural river, was far from docile like the mutated creatures they had raised from a young age.

If they didn’t kill it, it wouldn’t be long before the fish turned the tables on them.

It was a pity that despite its enormous size, the edible portion of the fish was small.

After confirming with Kim Haru that he didn’t need any of the fish, the researchers offered its meat as a reward for completing tasks at the Ability User Center.

Nothing from the fish went to waste.

The toxic spines on its back were carefully removed and embedded into weapons specifically crafted by Metal-type ability users.

While the poison was ineffective against zombies, it was highly effective against mutated plants and animals.

The sharp dorsal spines of the fish were just as valuable.

Sold at the Ability User Center, they were snatched up quickly.

Even the crescent-shaped bones from the fish’s head were repurposed into weapons.

Some ordinary people bought these materials and transformed them into tools like scythes or hoes.

Surprisingly, they were far more durable and effective than stone-made alternatives.

The fish’s skin, after extensive processing, became waterproof bags—practical and widely appreciated items.

Even the poisonous fish meat, though inedible for humans, was carefully collected by researchers, processed simply, and set aside as feed for the smaller fish.

The young fish didn’t mind the origin of their food.

To them, the fish feed—made of a blend of fish meat, grains, and corn—was a gourmet mix of protein and fiber.

When Kim Haru arrived, the young fish were devouring their meal enthusiastically.

Inspecting the fish farm, Kim Haru noticed the setup, including stones and sand placed in the tanks.

However, he pointed out, "Their growth rate is extremely fast. At this density, the tank won’t hold them in two days."

"I’ve been worried about that too," admitted Do Seungjin, who had frequently discussed the issue with the researchers at the Animal Research Institute over the past few days.

As members of the Animal Research Institute, they were well aware of how terrifyingly fast these fish could grow.

Although farmed fish wouldn’t grow as quickly as wild mutated creatures, it was evident that their small tanks wouldn’t suffice for long.

Someone suggested using the duck pond as a fish farm, but concerns arose.

Would the fish and ducks coexist peacefully?

Besides, even if the pond were available, it would still be too small to accommodate so many fish.

If they needed to move the fish again, draining the pond, catching the fish, and relocating them would involve even more work.

Do Seungjin had consulted Go Okrim about how the small farm handled the issue of space for growing fish.

With Kim Haru’s permission, Go Okrim had explained their approach to Do Seungjin.

Initially, Do Seungjin considered simply crafting a fishing net and releasing the fish into the river.

However, he dismissed the idea before even discussing it with the other researchers.

The river outside the safety zone was vastly different from the pond on Kim Haru’s small farm.

The pond lacked dangerous creatures and was under the control of the farming system.

Even if the thorny fish lived in water infected by the mutagenic virus, the system ensured they would ultimately become excellent, edible fish.

Although Do Seungjin was unaware of the farming system’s existence, he speculated that Kim Haru possessed some special ability.

Without this ability to regulate the conditions and considering the inherently aggressive nature of mutated fish in the river, the idea of raising fish there was quickly dismissed.