The long-bladed Tiger Roar was Ryan Turner's weapon before he lost the use of his left arm. Although Ryan Turner no longer needed it, he still treasured it like a precious keepsake.

"This is the betrothal gift from my uncle!" Tiger Girl slapped Eric Turner's shoulder in her bold, straightforward way and declared loudly, "You can rest assured—after we get married, I promise I'll give you a son as soon as possible."

"Though you might not actually live to see the child born."

Hearing Tiger Girl's earnest promise, Eric Turner was truly at a loss for words. That was just too hurtful—did she really have so little faith in him?

Target for absorption detected. Absorb?

Just as Eric Turner was rendered speechless, a line of text once again appeared in his mind.

Having already experienced the benefits of the Absorption Card, Eric Turner barely hesitated before choosing to absorb.

But just as Eric Turner was looking forward to seeing what ability he might gain this time, another line of text appeared in his mind.

Absorption failed!

It failed. Such a great opportunity, and it failed. This was his only chance to absorb right now.

Now that he had failed, where was he supposed to find more beast crystals to continue synthesizing Absorption Cards?

While Eric Turner was feeling extremely frustrated, Tiger Girl had already taken out a beast crystal and said, "This beast crystal is the betrothal gift from my uncle. Take it and buy yourself something."

"I, Tiger Girl, am not agreeing to give you a child just for the betrothal gift!"

Looking at the fiercely loyal Tiger Girl, Eric Turner couldn't care about anything else and grabbed the beast crystal in his hand.

To Eric Turner, this beast crystal represented hope!

Chapter 3: Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body

Energy: 101

Stamina: 12/13

Strength: 5/5

Spirit: 13/13

Skills: Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body, First Level

Five Tigers Blade, Fourth Level

The moment his palm closed around the beast crystal, Eric Turner felt a surge of heat flood into his body. At the same time, another line of text appeared in Eric Turner's mind:

The basic Absorption Card has met the synthesis requirements. Synthesize?

Synthesize! Of course synthesize!

"Kid, now that's what I call decisive. You know what I used to hate about you? You were always too wishy-washy!" Tiger Girl punched him as she spoke, winking at Eric Turner. "I'm starting to like you more and more!"

Oh please, decisive? What are you talking about!

Silently complaining, Eric Turner was just about to speak when another line appeared in his mind, asking if he wanted to absorb.

This time, Eric Turner hesitated.

He had just failed to absorb Tiger Girl's ability. If he tried again, would he fail once more?

After a moment's hesitation, Eric Turner gritted his teeth and chose to absorb anyway.

Although Tiger Girl was brash, among the younger generation at the survival base, she was one of the top fighters. Besides, since he failed last time, his chances of success this time should be higher.

As soon as Eric Turner chose to absorb, four red cards appeared in his mind!

Absorption successful. Now it's time to choose!

Which one should he pick? At that moment, Eric Turner couldn't help but feel a little excited.

After a brief hesitation, Eric Turner casually chose the third red card. As he made his choice, the card flipped over:

Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body, Fifth Level!

As the card turned into a shower of red light and disappeared in Eric Turner's mind, Eric Turner felt his skin tighten all over, and his muscles swell. His tendons and bones were filled with surging heat.

"Huh? Did you just get taller, or am I seeing things?" Standing across from him, Tiger Girl suddenly gave Eric Turner a heavy slap.

At that moment, Eric Turner didn't have time to check his stats. Feeling as if his whole body was brimming with boundless strength, he said seriously, "Tiger Girl, big bro! Let me stress this again—let's not talk about our marriage anymore!"

"Eric Turner, you coward! I, Tiger Girl, stand tall and keep my word. Tomorrow, when you get off duty, even if I have to carry you, I'll drag you into the bridal chamber."

"Unless you can beat me!"

With that, Tiger Girl swaggered off.

Watching Tiger Girl's departing figure, Eric Turner was speechless. What would it be like to marry Tiger Girl? Probably quite the wild ride. But could he really defeat Tiger Girl?

Energy: 1

Stamina: 35/36

Strength: 21/21

Spirit: 16/16

Skills: Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body, Fifth Level

Five Tigers Blade, Fourth Level

At the survival base, being able to train the Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body to the third level was more than enough to be a squad leader. At the third level, you could basically have the strength of a thousand pounds.

Only those with exceptional talent could train the Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body to even higher levels! Even Eric Turner's father, Ryan Turner, at his peak, had only reached the third level of the Thirteen Protectors' Iron Body.

Looking at his own skills, Eric Turner's heart began to burn with excitement!

Because his current strength meant that, compared to his father at his peak, he was at least as strong, if not stronger.

Holding the Tiger Roar Blade and full of thoughts, Eric Turner finally returned home.