The cultivation of mantle bacteria is a long-term project, formally underway.

The current short-term focus for Zhou Yi is the Giant Bone Fish occupying Jupiter's moon Europa.

It also regards the Heavenly People as enemies, potentially making it an ally and collaborator.

But in reality.

Judging by Fast Feet and Big Mouth's words, it's clear that this Giant Bone Fish doesn't trust other groups and only acknowledges its own kind.

Zhou Yi could only change his perspective.

He looked at the two Bone Fish: "Besides the Earth Ghost, are you two the only ones on Europa?"

Big Mouth said: "Chairman, it's just us two. Mr. Earth Ghost also told us we're the first batch of Bone Fish it brought over there, so it wants to train us. But when we want to return to the company, it gets very angry, scolding us for being unambitious and such..."

Fast Feet explained: "Actually, it cares a lot about our company, but pretends not to. Especially when discussing how the Artificial Sun can eliminate the Dead Sea's three calamities, Mr. Earth Ghost outright refuses to believe. According to its viewpoint, accomplishing such things requires not a replica but the real Sun."

Zhou Yixin thinks this is indeed true.

The Artificial Sun utilizes energy syncing, fundamentally leveraging existing solar energy.

Fast Feet added: "Mr. Earth Ghost can't communicate with the Bone Fish on the ground; it needs them to enter satellite orbit to establish connection."

"When consulting Mr. Earth Ghost, it said some strange things, like 'Is there still no change on the ground?' and 'No one has broken through the orbit yet?'"

"Earth's periphery is blocked by 16 Supervisors sent by Heavenly People. These Supervisors are Transformer level, so even Mr. Earth Ghost finds it difficult to transmit messages to the ground without triggering them."

This Bone Fish employee elaborated: "That's why we must enter orbit to escape the ground blockade. Because outer space itself contains a vast amount of Cosmic Rays, areas Supervisors can't recognize or screen."

"But there are too few lifeforms able to leave Earth's surface and enter the outer layer; so far, only Mr. Earth Ghost among the Bone Fish has managed. Thanks to the company, Big Mouth and I flew into orbit using Biological Rockets."

"That's why when it heard we want to return to the company, it felt very down. Perhaps because it's always been lonely."

It turns out to be interference and blockade from Gemstone Transformers.

If Bone Fish don't break through the atmosphere and enter space, they can't communicate with Earth Ghost.

Zhou Yixin pondered.

Hold on.

Seems like there's another approach.

After careful consideration, confirming no issues, he spoke: "Can you two still contact Earth Ghost?"

Fast Feet replied: "We can."

Big Mouth candidly added: "But Earth Ghost is mad at us for returning to the company, and now it won't respond to me, no matter what I say... Maybe it's unhappy."

"However, before we left orbit, it did ask us when this would be over and to quickly return to Europa for further training. It's planning to form a Bone Fish army to fight against Heavenly People. It realizes now that individual strength is limited and requires collective power for support..."

This sounds promising.

Zhou Yi promptly said: "I have an idea now, I'd like to hear your opinions."

"The Giant Bone Fish has taught you methods of becoming stronger and evolving, greatly assisting you. I think you could try going to Europa to start a new career."

Big Mouth was taken aback: "Chairman, are you firing us? Please don't! You can dock our pay or cut our leave instead!"

"That's not what I meant."

Zhou Yi waved his hand, patiently explaining: "It's a special company policy called a leave of absence without pay. It means no salary but retaining your positions."

"You're still company employees, but you go to Europa to follow the teachings of the Giant Bone Fish for faster growth. After all, it's the strongest Bone Fish on Earth so far."

"A leave of absence without pay..."

Big Mouth was still puzzled: "But if we just go there for Earth Ghost's training, does that count as starting a new career?"

"Yes, it does."

Zhou Yi smiled: "Its goal is to enhance the entire Bone Fish group and form a force against Heavenly People, but I believe it won't let you go directly into battle in the short term because your strength is still far too low. Most likely, you'll become the first backbone of its Bone Fish army, eventually becoming instructors and commanders, with a promising future."

"Of course, pursuing this direction will allow you to break through to Light Core Body, but it also entails the risk of war. Thus, you must make your own decision."

Fast Feet was the first to grasp: "Chairman, do you mean we work for Mr. Earth Ghost over there? But if things aren't going well, we can also return?"

"Exactly."

Zhou Yi nodded: "For now, Earth Ghost hasn't troubled you; it allows your return. At least towards you, it's showing restraint and tolerance."

Fast Feet and Big Mouth exchanged glances.

"Then... we'll give it a try."

"Just honestly inform the Giant Bone Fish about the leave of absence without pay."

"Alright."

But to contact the Giant Bone Fish, they need to be in satellite orbit.

So the Artificial Sun sent them up again.

Via a derelict satellite, both employees managed to contact the Giant Bone Fish once more.

Fast Feet quickly reported via Cat God: "Chairman, upon hearing about our leave of absence without pay policy, Mr. Earth Ghost didn't say much. It even referred to the company's vacation, promising to give us 4 days off monthly, sending us home. Although it's less than the company's vacation, it's better than we anticipated."

"That's great."

Zhou Yi felt relieved.

"Also... Mr. Earth Ghost has asked me to relay a message to you."

"Hmm?"

"It said, if more Bone Fish can go skyward, it will be highly rewarding."

"Then please convey that, in the long run, Bone Fish going skyward into satellite orbit will be continually promoted, and our company encourages Bone Fish employees to head to Europa. They'll grow rapidly over there and have more space to show their strength."

"Okay."

Ending the conversation, Zhou Yi felt good.

Though he still hasn't had direct communication.

The Giant Bone Fish showed goodwill toward the company, showing positivity about cultivating Rocket Bone Fish and hoping more Bone Fish head to Europa.

From the company's standpoint, this provides Bone Fish employees more career growth opportunities while also bolstering one's own forces against Heavenly People, something Zhou Yi is happy to see happen.

Agriculture Minister Zheng Tao, however, has strong opinions on the matter.

He directly stated: "Chairman, our Bone Fish employees undergo years of training before acquiring intelligence close to humans. From being mere fry, growing into Bone Fish, then gradually evolving into Rocket Bone Fish, ultimately participating in various company departments' work, through Zhanjiang Bay No.1's suitable hydroponic environment and the tireless efforts of trainers."

"These are the seedlings painstakingly nurtured and selected by our Agriculture Department."

"Currently, only about 300 Bone Fish meet company job requirements. They've all had courier work experience, now gradually gaining the current intelligence and experience."

"Those who can be sent for satellite orbit operations are the cream of the crop, possessing at least 3 years of work experience before skyward."

"After the decline of the courier center, as delivery services were gradually replaced by the airship system, the initial incubation and cultivation of Bone Fish has entirely fallen under the Agriculture Department."

Zheng Tao's dissatisfaction also comes from watching the young potential they painstakingly nurtured being plucked by the Giant Bone Fish.

Zhou Yi invited him to 3101 for a private heart-to-heart talk.

"Old Zheng, I understand your point. But we must see this from a developmental perspective."

"True, our trained core Bone Fish reaching for satellite maintenance and then heading to Europa mean we've lost quite a bit of manpower. However, we also receive considerable benefits."

"Firstly, the effect of mantle bacteria has been confirmed, significantly raising both the lower and upper limits for Bone Fish. According to the structure model of Underground Bone Fish, once symbiotically merged with mantle bacteria, they can at least achieve B-level strength."

He poured tea for Zheng Tao: "Have a drink."

"Moreover, our company's method of cultivating Bone Fish is inspired by samurai crabs. Samurai crabs are the company's closest and most reliable insiders."

"Even if Bone Fish go to Earth Ghost and work for it, they are still the company's children."

"The core mission of our company's second five-year plan is to go out and educate."

"Rocket Bone Fish are executing these two company strategies. They've reached distant Europa, and under long-term company cultivation and education, they've earned Earth Ghost's recognition. Now going out also tests their overall qualities."

"We can't bind every employee's hands and feet. They choose to stay with the company because it offers what they need, they like it here."

Zhou Yi advised: "It's time to shift our perspective. Bone Fish employees training on Europa is akin to our Mushroom Forest Primary School graduates attending Dragon Palace for advanced studies, also displaying the company's educational success."

"Whether they stay on Europa for a long time or ultimately decide to return, we should support them. Like children leaving home to pursue their careers, some like to pursue dreams in faraway places while others prefer staying in their familiar hometown."

"Outside involves work and career, but Jade City and Sand Port are always home to return to."

Zheng Tao drank the tea, gradually nodding in agreement: "Indeed, considering Bone Fish as company-raised children... this does sound better."

"Chairman, I understand now."