Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

Chase, Sarah, and the other two researchers: "?"

Wait a minute?

Did they just hear something a little strange?

Nether Sunflower? Dark attribute… They all turned their heads in unison to look at Nether Sunflower, then turned back to look at Asher.

They didn't say anything.

But the way they stared at Asher seemed to say: 'You're telling me this dazzling thing is dark attribute?'

"Think about Holy Light Sunflower."

Asher's one sentence sent them into another spiral of confusion.

They looked at the Nether Sunflower before them, then thought of Jameson's Holy Light Sunflower.

"…I still feel like I can't quite understand it." Jannet looked at her pet beast, which was shining golden but was classified as dark attribute, and murmured.

"You don't understand the ecology of beasts." Asher remained calm.

Jannet fell silent.

Exactly. She really didn't understand what was going on at all.

Asher used his innate skill to take a look at the evolved Nether Sunflower.

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[Pet Beast: Nether Sunflower]

[Attribute: Dark]

[Breed: Mid-tier, High-grade]

[Level: Tier Three, Intermediate]

[Skills: Corrosion, Puppet Mastery]

[Successfully Evolved*]

[Innate Skill: Light Pollution]

[Light Pollution: Light and dark are complementary, the extreme of light is dark. The dazzling glow it naturally emits can pollute other beasts from sight to mind and body. The probability of pollution increases significantly when beasts are injured or in negative states. Those completely immersed in light pollution will lose self-awareness and become fully controlled. Contracted pet beasts can dispel the control effects of light pollution through the spiritual sea Beast Tamer space.]

[Light! Let the light shine even brighter! Blind them all!]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Asher stroked his chin.

Asher was astonished.

Good heavens.

Although it was a dark-attribute beast, Nether Sunflower's innate skill was still related to light… Light Pollution—so it just directly turned wild beasts into zombies?

In terms of combat power, Nether Sunflower's strength had increased by more than just a notch compared to Holy Light Sunflower. However, both beasts had the same rank, mid-tier high-grade, since Nether Sunflower hadn't inherited even a shred of Holy Light Sunflower's healing abilities.

But whether in battles or beast tides… as long as Nether Sunflower wasn't an enemy, its moves and innate skill were quite practical and could be very effective in frustrating the opponent.

If it teamed up with Holy Light Sunflower, that would be double the annoyance.

'Also, this mental activity of Nether Sunflower… What's this?'

'Is it planning to blind everyone completely so they can't see anything at all?'

Asher thought helplessly.

"Professor Asher, what should we do now?" Sarah rubbed her forehead, her face showing a desire to complain. But she quickly forced herself out of that state and swiftly returned to work mode. "Originally, after this experiment, we would have been able to confirm Holy Light Sunflower's evolution path. But now, with this dark attribute form appearing…"

What should they do?

The evolution paths they needed to verify had increased!

"It's not a big deal." Asher waved his hand nonchalantly, his expression relaxed. "Did our verification fail? No, it didn't."

Asher remained composed.

Was evolving into Nether Sunflower considered a failure?

The steps were the same, the process was the same. At most, there was a slight miscommunication between Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit.

Does that count as a problem?

No, it doesn't.

"Our experiment was still successful. There was just a small variable in the middle, which didn't affect the final evolution result at all." Asher spoke with reason and evidence.

Hearing this theory for the first time, everyone… well, it did seem to make sense?

Chase and the other two colleagues wanted to refute but couldn't find any similar precedents… Because this phenomenon—where an evolution outcome differed due to the combination of two beasts—was happening for the first time.

There were no references.

So whatever Asher said was the truth.

"Alright, Professor Asher, I'll contact President Robb immediately and inform him that our experiment was successful." Sarah was the first to regain composure, glancing at her unreliable husband and the two other men still fussing over the situation. She quickly arranged the next steps.

"I'll send the evolved—" She paused mid-sentence, staring at the dazzlingly bright pet beast in front of her, as if unsure how to address it.

Asher: "Nether Sunflower."

"I'll send a photo of Nether Sunflower along with it." Sarah nodded, accepting the name.

Jannet, who was listening on the side, suddenly burst into laughter. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and two small dimples appeared on her cheeks as she looked at Asher,"Professor Asher, you did that on purpose, didn't you?"

The pitch-black one was called Holy Light Sunflower.

And the one so blindingly bright it could nearly blind people was called Nether Sunflower.

Jannet was sure that if Asher sent both pictures without telling anyone which was which, people would definitely mix them up.

Asher chuckled.

"Can't help it. It's just that their attributes and skills…" Asher trailed off, giving Jannet a look that said, "You know what I mean."

Jannet: 'I get it! I totally get it!'

These two names weren't Asher's bad taste. If anything, it was just the bizarre ecology of beasts.

What did that have to do with Asher, an ordinary professor researching pet beast evolution?

Asher gave Jannet a thumbs-up for her keen understanding.

That's right.

Well said, keep it up next time.

Upon receiving Sarah's message, President Robb immediately called Asher.

["F***!"]

["Are you sure this isn't the legendary Sunshine Sunflower?"]

["Dark attribute?"]

["Are you joking?"]

President Robb was in shock.

He was struggling to breathe.

He originally thought that the biggest shock Asher could bring him was the Holy Light Sunflower evolution path.

But he never expected that in less than a month, Asher had come up with another evolution route for Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit—something that had only existed in legends.

The evolution route countless pet beast evolution professors had pursued, only to be mercilessly crushed…

"Sunshine Sunflower."

Of course.

Now that Asher had researched it, this form probably needed a new name—Nether Sunflower.

["This definitely calls for an academic conference."]

["If the whole world doesn't know this is your achievement, I'll be sick with frustration!"]

Asher hadn't even said anything yet, but President Robb was already hyped.

Bragging.

This had to be bragged about.

A major discovery like this—keeping it to oneself would be like wearing a brocade robe at night.

And President Robb wasn't that kind of person.

Asher's opinion didn't matter.

President Robb acted at lightning speed. If he said there would be an academic conference, there would be one.

If, before, they had needed the big names—Iris, Henry, Marie—to back Asher up, nearly a year later, Asher's reputation and prestige were more than enough to draw in audiences, professors, scholars, and frontline experts.

As soon as the Holy Light Sunflower and the Nether Sunflower made their appearance, they instantly shocked and drew the attention of countless people.

Holy Light Sunflower?

The first beast with healing abilities?

Nether Sunflower?

An beast that only existed in that legendary beast tide, granting the beast tide army nearly infinite vitality?

Either one of them alone was already incredibly shocking. But now, both of these beasts were placed together, leaving countless insiders and outsiders utterly dumbfounded.

Asher, however, didn't go into too much detail.

For example, he only briefly introduced the evolution process of the Holy Light Sunflower and Nether Sunflower, merely mentioning the new evolution tools of fusion evolution and combined evolution. He then gave a simple explanation of their skills and innate abilities.

Yet this was enough to set ordinary people, Beast Tamers, and pet beast evolution professors abuzz with excitement.

Yes.

Ordinary people who had not awakened their Beast Tamer powers indeed couldn't form contracts with beasts. They typically wouldn't pay too much attention to things unrelated to themselves.

For instance, when the new evolution routes of the Rabbit Dog and the Noise Flower were made public, at most, they would just sigh—"Another new evolution route has been discovered."

Back then, even the new evolution route of the Little Fire Fox didn't attract much attention.

It only gained some interest later due to the introduction of the "affinity" concept.

And that was about it.

Only the evolution route of the Honeybug had garnered significant attention from the start.

But this time was different.

As soon as the Holy Light Sunflower and the Nether Sunflower revealed their abilities, every ordinary person with even a bit of historical knowledge immediately realized that this was a tremendously fortunate development for them—

The threat of the beast tide to them had once again been reduced.

Why did the country continuously research the "Extreme" projects?

It wasn't just to enhance national strength and international standing but, more importantly, to better resist the beast tide.

Every success in the "Extreme" projects was a moment of national celebration.

The appearance of the Holy Light Sunflower and the Nether Sunflower had value and significance in resisting the beast tide that was in no way inferior to the "Extreme" projects.

It triggered a nationwide wave of excitement among ordinary people.

["Hell yeah! The national government is amazing. The Alliance is amazing. Asher is amazing!"]

["You're calling him 'Dad' just like that? Isn't that a bit much? The beast tide has little to do with us anyway. Isn't it the Beast Tamers who are fighting at the front lines? What does this have to do with us ordinary folks? You're all so hyped, making it seem like I can contract a pet beast now too!"]

["The person above is clueless! Easy for you to talk when you're not the one on the front lines. Ever heard of 'born in worry, die in ease'? Just because we haven't had a large-scale beast tide in the past few hundred years doesn't mean we never will. What if a beast tide of the same scale as the one a thousand years ago happens again? The appearance of the Holy Light Sunflower and the Nether Sunflower gives us two more trump cards. These are new weapons against the beast tide. Do you even understand the confidence that comes from having strong firepower at hand?"]

["LMAO! Isn't it worth celebrating that the country and the Alliance are getting stronger? If I want to call him 'Dad,' what's it to you?"]

["Stop arguing, stop arguing! I just want to say—Professor Asher is seriously too amazing! Do you guys even realize how valuable he is? Let me help everyone put together a timeline of all the promotions related to Professor Asher [link]. You'll understand after reading it—calling him 'Dad' is totally justified!"]

["Wait, wait, wait—are you saying that Professor Asher has only been researching pet beast evolution for a year? You're joking, right?"]

["Correction for the person above—not even a year! The earliest public promotion related to Professor Asher was at the academic conference held by Professor Iris last August, where she revealed the Honey Bug's evolution route and publicly thanked Professor Asher. Back then, a lot of people were still doubting him."]

["…That turnaround was way too fast and caught me completely off guard. Why does it feel like an entire decade has passed instead of just a year? The pace of development is so fast that I can barely keep up!"]

["Damn! How did Professor Asher become this amazing? Is the gap between people really this huge?"]

["A genius! We just don't understand the world of geniuses!"]

They really didn't understand the world of geniuses.

Beast Tamers were also extremely excited about the fusion evolution of Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit—

Hell yeah!

They now had yet another choice for beasts they could contract.

"And neither Bean Flower nor Dream Soul Spirit is of a very high rank," Ivy said with a smile after watching the academic conference. "Even ordinary Beast Tamers won't find it too difficult to contract these two beasts."

June nodded. "Dream Soul Spirit is still relatively rare for now, right?"

"The Alliance will breed more in two or three years," Vicky said, lying on the sofa with his Dragon Lizard sprawled heavily on his lap. "Just like with the Honey Bug—once the new evolution routes for Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit are out, and considering their not-so-strict evolution requirements, they'll be highly sought after by Beast Tamers from ordinary backgrounds."

High-ranked, innately powerful beasts weren't just expensive; their evolution was costly too.

They required massive resource investments, along with time and effort.

On the other hand, contracting too many low-ranked beasts would limit a Beast Tamer's overall strength.

But the emergence of the Honey Bug, Bean Flower, and Dream Soul Spirit undoubtedly provided Beast Tamers from ordinary backgrounds with more options—

They could still take out loans to contract stronger pet beasts, but they could also choose more cost-effective pet beasts.

And—these were healing skills! Crowd control skills!

Who wouldn't be tempted?

No normal person would be able to resist.

Beast Tamers: 'Asher, our god!'

Compared to the pure joy of ordinary people and the excitement of Beast Tamers, those in the field of pet beast evolution research were much quieter.

If asked why—

Asher had shocked them a little too much.

———

Central Region.

Inspection Divison.

As an independent department, the Inspection Divison had its own building.

Sleek silver lines and a vast, open view—on good weather days, the entire building basked in sunlight, radiating brilliance.

When there was nothing urgent, both reserve members and full-fledged inspectors loved to stay on the second floor because the entire level had been opened up as a lounge for beast tamers and pet beasts.

To better accommodate some specially sized pet beasts, the second floor was a full ten meters high, occupying a third of the building's total height.

At this moment.

A massive, eight-meter-tall Crimson Forest Python was coiled in the center.

People passing by were completely unfazed by its presence.

As Jasmine walked past the Crimson Forest Python, it flicked its tail lightly toward her. The movement wasn't fast, more like a small prank.

"Baba, you're no longer a two-meter-long, wrist-thick little snake." Jasmine easily leaped away, dodging it. Then, in her usual cold voice, she mercilessly stated, "With your current size, if I accidentally got hit by that tail, I'd probably be resting in a hospital for a hundred days."

Bone-deep injuries.

Crimson Forest Python, Baba: QAQ

It was clearly a huge creature, yet after hearing Jasmine's words, its two massive, golden-yellow eyes still revealed a look of grievance.

Jasmine: "…"

Sighing, Jasmine helplessly patted the python's tail. Her delicate, pale fingers formed a stark contrast against its black-and-red scales—her palm wasn't even as large as one of its scales.

Feeling comforted, the Crimson Forest Python happily wagged its tail and snuggled closer to Jasmine, finally shaking off its sulky mood.

Jasmine chuckled and continued forward, soon stopping in front of a small table set apart from the others.

"Teacher, Baba's temper is getting worse—it must be because you've spoiled it."

Jasmine glanced at her teacher, who was sitting on a carved wooden chair. Though elderly, with wrinkles on his face and graying hair, he was calmly holding a porcelain cup, sipping a carbonated drink that bubbled noisily inside.

Without hesitation, Jasmine rolled her eyes.

"Also, you! Didn't Shin tell you to drink less soda? It's bad for your teeth and health."

Kevin let her words go in one ear and out the other, continuing to sip his soda with the elegance of drinking tea.

Then, he shamelessly argued, "I'm not drinking soda—I'm drinking life."

"I took a picture."

Jasmine pulled out her phone, her face expressionless.

"Explain it to Shin when you get home tonight."

Kevin: "…"

Silently, he put down his teacup, pretending nothing had happened.

"By the way, I saw the academic conference held by that young man you recommended." Kevin changed the subject.

Recalling today's live-streamed academic conference, he couldn't help but sigh, "Heroes emerge from the young."

Jasmine sat across from him and spoke,"Bean Flower and Dream Spirit's fusion evolution… I really didn't expect that aside from the Holy Light Sunflower form he showed me before, there was actually a Nether Sunflower form too."

"Moreover, this Nether Sunflower form solved a thousand-year-old puzzle that had stumped countless pet beast evolution scholars.",As she spoke, even her voice carried a trace of excitement.

"You seem to have a high opinion of this boy named Asher."

Kevin caught on, looking at Jasmine with some surprise.

Jasmine had joined the Inspection Divison and become his student. Though their time together wasn't long, it was nearly two years. Kevin knew very well that at her core, she was a cold person.

For those who didn't catch her interest, she could turn around and forget their names in an instant.

But toward Asher… she paid an unusual amount of attention.

She had pulled strings to get Asher a beast tamer pass for the Forbidden Zone in the Central Region. She had helped him get a higher-level pet beast professor certification.

And today, she was among the first to tune into his academic conference.

A gossipy look flashed in Kevin's eyes. As he sneakily reached for his teacup, he grinned and said, "The age gap between you two isn't that big. You know what they say—'a woman three years older is a golden treasure.' You…"

"TEACHER!"

Jasmine glared at Kevin, her sharp gaze locking onto his outstretched hand.

"Stop talking nonsense."

She emphasized, "I just appreciate him."

A person at his age, achieving such feats, yet still unwaveringly staying true to himself… Jasmine felt it was only natural to pay him more attention.

It absolutely wasn't what her teacher was implying.

She shot Kevin another glare.

"Don't try to sneak a drink right in front of me."

"Tsk, I was just joking, just joking.",Retracting his hand, Kevin muttered dejectedly.

"But this Holy Light Sunflower and Nether Sunflower discovery… does prove he's got real skill. He lives up to the name of genius."

"Frankly, a Level 4 researcher is still too low for him. I shouldn't have stopped you earlier. You really do have a good eye for these things."

He admitted sincerely.

Jasmine looked at him in surprise.

Her teacher… admitting he was wrong?

That's rare.

"What kind of person do you take me for?",Kevin noticed her gaze and huffed in annoyance before lowering his voice slightly.

"I just thought you were overdoing it, constantly pulling strings to get him resources and approvals. Who'd have guessed that the kid would make such groundbreaking discoveries the moment he stepped in? It just makes me look stingy in comparison."

"Still, we just promoted him to Level 4 researcher. Immediately pushing him to Level 3 wouldn't look good.",Jasmine sighed in frustration, feeling a little guilty.

If she had caught the Nether Sunflower's evolution route during the review, she would have definitely applied for Level 3 right away.

"Not a big deal.",Seeing her slight frown, Kevin waved it off.

"For some people, moving from Level 4 to Level 3 is a lifetime hurdle, something they might not overcome even after 30 or 50 years."

"But for others, it's as easy as eating, drinking, and sleeping—a mere matter of time."

"Which one do you think Asher is?"

Jasmine was momentarily stunned, then smiled slightly,"You're right, Teacher."

"Asher isn't even an adult yet, but he's already achieved so much. He'll only accomplish greater things in the future. I was worrying over nothing. If anything, I was underestimating him."

Seeing her smile, Kevin fell into deep thought.

'Hmm… earlier, I was just teasing her.'

'But now, judging by her reaction… maybe I wasn't imagining things?'

"Even so, we should compensate him properly."

Seeing that Jasmine hadn't realized anything herself, Kevin decided not to point it out.

A seedling he'd barely had under his care for two years was already bouncing toward an unfamiliar wild boar?

No way.

Kevin decisively changed the topic: "I'll think about arranging some more compensation for him… Resources or something, given his current identity, applying for them shouldn't be too difficult. What is he interested in? Opportunities to communicate with pet evolution professors? Or perhaps some novel research topics?"

"Hmm… He probably wants to become a Beast Tamer more,"Jasmine said in an uncertain tone.

Kevin: "..."

He remembered now—he had stopped Jasmine from helping Asher apply for a Level 3 Researcher position precisely because Asher had said he preferred Beast Tamer-related compensation.

'Beast Tamer…',"Does that kid even have the time and energy to balance the identities of both a Beast Tamer and a Researcher?",Kevin said with slight displeasure, even changing the way he addressed Asher to a more impolite one.

Jasmine noticed but didn't take it to heart. She simply thought the teacher disapproved of Asher's style and took the initiative to explain for Asher: "I've seen the two pet beasts he raised. They're both quite unique and strong."

"One is an evolved Oriental Peacock, which seems to be a new evolution form… And the other is an beast I've never seen before. At first glance, it looks like a cat, but its plumpness makes it resemble a pig, and it has two horns on its head—kind of like newly grown dragon horns?"

"Both pet beasts are quite strong."

Kevin became even more displeased.

"I see…" He didn't show it. "What do you think about letting him participate in this year's freshman tournament jointly organized by Jade Dragon University and Flood Dragon University?"

Jasmine: "?"

"He'd get to compete against outstanding Beast Tamers around his age. If he wins, he can earn generous rewards. I heard that Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon are being quite generous this year."

"The champion's reward includes not only a rare pet beast egg but also an advanced marketplace slot they managed to obtain—given as a reward for the champion."

Jasmine: "Alright, that sounds good, but will Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon agree?"

After all, these two rewards… weren't things Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon could just casually hand out. If Asher really won and took them away…

"Don't worry, no problem at all." Taking advantage of Jasmine's distraction, Kevin finally enjoyed his cola in satisfaction. He no longer cared about elegance, gulping it down in a few swigs before letting out a comfortable sigh from his chest. "Besides, these freshmen aren't ordinary freshmen."

"The freshmen selected for the competition were all admitted through early admissions. Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon specifically picked combat-oriented freshmen Beast Tamers to participate."

"They also invited freshmen Beast Tamers from other top universities who were admitted through guaranteed spots or early admissions."

Pausing for a moment, Kevin then smiled and said, "That kid is a freshman at Bluewind University this year, right?"

"Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon didn't invite anyone from Bluewind for 'personal reasons.' Those who understand will understand—nobody openly mentions it, but it's obvious."

"If I bring it up at that time… heh heh." Kevin's face showed a gleeful expression of someone watching drama unfold.

This kind of "you're just not invited" move—doing it is one thing, but saying it out loud is another. Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon still cared about their reputation.

But Kevin's reputation was enough to hold weight.

After mentioning Asher, coupled with the fact that he was admitted through a special exception due to his talent in pet evolution research—without displaying any 'outstanding' Beast Tamer skills in public—Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon, for the sake of saving face (or perhaps even wanting to take some back from Asher), would most likely not refuse.

Whether Asher would end up embarrassing himself or dominating the competition and shocking everyone—it all depended on his strength.

Of course.

Kevin still trusted his judgment of his student.

Asher's strength definitely wasn't weak.

That was enough.

———

Asher was still slightly surprised when he heard about this from Iris.

"The freshman solo Beast Tamer tournament jointly hosted by Jade Dragon University and Flood Dragon University?"

"They're really inviting me?"

Asher asked.

Iris nodded. Then, realizing that Asher on the other end of the call couldn't see her, she added, "The rewards are quite generous. Your Little Raven and Cat-Worm aren't weak either—you could give it a try."

"As long as you make it to the finals, you'll receive a reward. The top three rewards are even better, each one more valuable than the last."

"Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon went all out this time. The champion's reward even includes an advanced marketplace slot."

Hmm?

Asher's face showed interest.

He had heard about this advanced marketplace before.

It was a special marketplace reserved for Rank 7 and above Beast Tamers or Level 1 Researchers.

It contained a vast array of resources, information, exclusive pet cultivation plans, and other things not available to the public.

Everything that could be bought with money was reasonably priced.

Nothing was overpriced.

For the things that couldn't be bought with money, bartering or exchanging favors was the norm.

It was essentially the top-tier exchange platform within the Beast Tamer circle.

"A big move, but even if an average person gets this slot, their own value might not be enough to meet the bartering and favor-exchange standards." While Asher was interested in the advanced marketplace slot, he remained rational.

"Just because others can't doesn't mean you can't. Having the skill level of a Level 1 Researcher in battle is quite well-received." Iris chuckled. "Besides, consider it an early exposure to a more advanced circle. It's good for broadening your knowledge."

That was true.

Asher nodded and accepted the invitation.

He wasn't just interested in the advanced marketplace—he mainly wanted to find stronger opponents for Little Raven and Cat-Worm.

With their current strength and skills… honestly, not to brag, but among their tier, they were practically invincible in official training grounds.

The only ones who could suppress Little Raven and Cat-Worm were Rank 1 Beast Tamers.

And even then, only by a slight margin.

If Asher contracted just one more pet, the whole situation would flip.

Asher wanted to see—just how strong were the freshmen Beast Tamers recruited by top universities through early admissions and guaranteed spots? Could he find some suitable opponents?

For that reason, Asher accepted the invitation without hesitation.

———

"When we finally get a break, you're running off to Star City. What's up with that?" When June heard that Asher was going to participate in Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon University's freshman tournament, she looked slightly annoyed, puffing up her cheeks.

Asher smiled. "It's a rare opportunity."

"Hmm… Can we go watch?" Ivy seemed to think of something and looked at Asher curiously.

June's eyes instantly lit up, and Vicky also jumped in: "Yeah, yeah! Can we bring a support squad to cheer for you? If we can, you HAVE to bring us along."

Asher: "I really don't know. I'll ask."

Soon.

Iris gave Asher a reply.

Yes.

As long as Asher made it to the finals, he would receive companion tickets and could invite friends to watch in person.

After hearing Iris's voice message, Asher looked up—only to meet three pairs of bright, shining eyes that seemed to glow even in the dark.

"Asher, whether we get to see Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon's tournament is all up to you." June's round peach blossom eyes were filled with expectation. "You can definitely do it, right?"

Ivy: "Little Raven and Cat-Worm are both super strong. You'll definitely make it to the finals, Asher!"

"Big Bro, I want to see what Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon Universities look like." Vicky took a step forward, excitedly reaching out as if to grab Asher's hands. "This is my one and only request in life!"

Asher stepped back, dodging Vicky's hands with a face full of obvious disgust.

"Can you all be normal?",Asher said helplessly, "I heard that the freshmen from Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon University who are participating in the competition are all from the combat department. Apparently, there's even a Rank 1 Beast Tamer among them. Don't be blindly optimistic about me in advance."

Hearing Asher's words, the three people gave him a uniform look—contemptuous, disdainful, and full of disbelief.

"Just listen to yourself. Do you even believe what you're saying? Like you haven't fought Rank 1 Beast Tamers before."

"Exactly! Asher, your title as the training ground's demon king has already spread from the beginner's training ground to the official training ground, okay? The Beast Tamers at the official training ground have discussed more than once whether a professional has entered the field, because otherwise, how could it be so ridiculous?"

"Even professionals aren't as strong as Asher, right? The strength of the Little Raven and the Cat-Worm that Asher raised is seriously insane—not just the usual kind of insane."

As they spoke.

The three of them once again, without prior agreement, looked at Asher.

'Just admit it.'

'This is reality, isn't it?'

Asher: "…"

That was indeed the case, but hearing it come out of these three's mouths…

"Ivy, you've changed." Asher said helplessly, "I remember you used to be…" Not like this.

Before Asher could finish his sentence, he was interrupted.

Ivy pursed her lips into a smile, a slightly embarrassed expression appearing on her face. "Well… after seeing you guys bicker so much, I learned by example?"

As she spoke, Ivy blinked her big, watery eyes, looking especially gentle and harmless.

Asher looked at the other two.

June and Vicky were also looking at Asher.

Their eyes were filled with mutual blame.

Two against one, but Asher didn't back down at all. "I'm not taking the blame for this. Between the three of us, you two are more suspicious than me."

Seeing that June and Vicky were about to speak, Asher added,"Besides, you three spend more time together, don't you?"

"I spend most of my time either training or researching pet beasts."

June and Vicky shut their mouths.

They glanced at Ivy, who still had an innocent and pure smile on her face, as innocent as a newborn fawn.

Their feelings were complicated.

'She's changed!'

The only moral compass among them had changed too.

'Sigh!'

———

Jade Dragon University and Flood Dragon University were both located in the central region's center—Star City.

The national capital.

Although it was called a "city," its size was equivalent to a full-fledged province. It was named Star City because of its highly unique geographical location.

Other cities bordered the Forbidden Zone on one side, with one side of the city facing the Forbidden Zone.

But Star City was different.

Star City was more like a city built inside the Forbidden Zone.

The entire city was surrounded by walls, and beyond the city lay the vast expanse of the Forbidden Zone.

Star City's unique geographical environment shaped its people's bold and fearless nature.

Whether Beast Tamers or ordinary people, everyone in Star City could fight.

And in different ways.

Beast Tamers who were slightly weaker simply couldn't survive well in Star City's environment.

Even ordinary people were generally well-trained in combat.

Despite this unique geography, Star City's economic development wasn't hindered.

Because both of the country's top two universities, Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon, as well as the headquarters of the Beast Tamer Alliance, were all based in Star City, greatly boosting its economy.

There was only one way to reach Star City from other provinces.

One had to take any form of transportation to Clove City, the nearest city to Star City, and then board a designated flight to Star City during specific time slots.

Entry and exit were strictly limited to these fixed time slots.

After all—

The Forbidden Zone surrounding Star City housed many fierce flying-type beasts. Unlike those in other cities, which rarely left their territories unless a beast tide occurred, these creatures would occasionally stir up trouble and even launch attacks on the city.

Star City remained highly vigilant toward the outside world.

It absolutely refused to give any beast a chance to breach its defenses.

Asher and his three companions sat on the plane to Star City, watching the in-flight video that openly introduced Star City's special conditions. Their faces showed expressions of deep thought.

"Star City… really is a very special city," Ivy murmured, leaning on June's shoulder.

June: "Yeah. I've only heard about it before, but never visited. I didn't expect it to feel so…"

June frowned. It was hard to put into words.

It felt like the moment you boarded this plane, you developed a special, indescribable emotion toward Star City.

Admiration.

Awe.

Respect.

"Aren't the ordinary people in Star City scared?",June muttered.

Asher looked at the Beast Tamer Alliance's iconic building, visible even from their altitude, and smiled,"The country and the Beast Tamer Alliance gave them confidence."

The confidence to survive in this city, surrounded by danger, guarding the central region's most perilous Forbidden Zone.

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