Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

This news spread among all the freshmen who came to participate in the league within just an hour.

Flood Dragon had thought about suppressing this news and handling it internally, but this was really… impossible to suppress, absolutely impossible.

Everyone's expressions upon hearing the news were all: *Subway, old man, looking at phone meme*

"Wait, what?" Scar loudly complained with a face full of confusion,"Flood Dragon University, that's Flood Dragon! And they could still have a situation where a prepared prize goes missing?"

Scar did not understand.

Scar was shocked.

Scar's teachers and classmates had almost the same expression.

"Is it possible that Flood Dragon feels unhappy because the champion was taken by someone outside of Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon, so they deliberately…?",Someone quietly voiced a conspiracy theory.

Scar shook his head,"If you ask me, Flood Dragon's people would probably rather let Asher take the championship than let Jade Dragon take it… If the champion were Felter or Dexter, I might believe you."

"Flood Dragon probably really did nothing."

Others: "…"

Convincing.

This was just too convincing.

So… it was really an accident?

"Flood Dragon University. What kind of person could steal a carefully prepared and nurtured pet beast egg from Flood Dragon University?"

"Can't figure it out."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Couldn't agree more.

Who would have thought?

"I understand now why some people say this world is just a giant amateur theater troupe." In the hotel where the Frost Wolf University competitors were staying, Matilda rubbed her chin and said with a contemplative face.

"First, someone like me successfully squeezed into the top four in the league of Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon."

"Now, one of the TOP2 universities, Flood Dragon, has lost a pet beast egg…"

Is there anything more ridiculous than this?

The Frost Wolf group sitting around Matilda frantically shook their heads.

No.

Can't imagine it.

When Creed and Roy heard this news, they had the exact same bewildered expression, as if they didn't know what day it was today.

"So… we all know how famous Flood Dragon's pet beast incubation center is. Even our Hidden Mountain knows it. Aren't there supposedly multiple layers of verification in every incubation room?",With only Creed around, Roy didn't stutter when speaking. His weak-looking face was filled with doubt toward Flood Dragon.

"Isn't this just a case of a thief crying 'stop the thief'?"

Creed: "…Hard to say, not sure. Let's wait and see."

"Flood Dragon should give an explanation. If there's anything we can help with…"

"I'll help Professor Asher find the pet beast egg. I will definitely find Flood Dragon's flaw!",Roy excitedly interrupted Creed.

Creed held his forehead helplessly.

That was exactly what he was worried about—there's no conclusion yet, and this guy had already handed down a verdict on Flood Dragon?

The ones who had the same thoughts as them were, of course, Jade Dragon University.

The teachers at Jade Dragon were originally grinding their teeth in secret—despicable Flood Dragon.

They actually used this method to lure Professor Asher into their university. The people at Flood Dragon would definitely take this opportunity to leave a strong impression of their university in Asher's heart.

Jade Dragon couldn't fall behind… QAQ.

They were already behind.

Jade Dragon: Regret. Ask, and the answer is regret. If they had known earlier, they wouldn't have just taken the easy route and spent money. They should have prepared some resources, herbs, and crystals that required a beast tamer to personally choose... Wouldn't those have been great opportunities to get closer to Asher?

There's no medicine for regret in the world.

Ask, and the answer is they couldn't have known earlier.

Besides, Jade Dragon believed they weren't being perfunctory either. After opening the advanced mall quota, for students at this stage who didn't have much personal value, what else could be used besides money?

Just when Jade Dragon was tossing and turning, thinking Asher would be bewitched by Flood Dragon any second, a bolt of lightning struck above Flood Dragon—Flood Dragon's prepared prize pet beast egg was gone.

Jade Dragon: "!"

Wasn't this an opportunity!

The reason the news spread so quickly among all the participating schools was largely thanks to Jade Dragon University.

"I'm just mobilizing everyone's strength to help clear Flood Dragon's name and find the real culprit sooner.",Jade Dragon still put on a very concerned attitude.

Flood Dragon: '…I really, truly thank you.'

But the news had blown up.

Flood Dragon couldn't stop others who wanted to know the truth.

Flood Dragon itself also took this matter very seriously—they were completely, absolutely, 100% certain that they had no intention of targeting Asher, nor did they want to give him a hard time.

They had already been defeated by Asher. Wouldn't it be better to wrap up this league peacefully, with everyone happy?

Why would they do something stupid at this point?

Flood Dragon still had brains.

So—who exactly was trying to frame them, stir up trouble between them and Asher?

Or… was their incubation room's security not high enough?

If one pet beast egg could go missing, could there be others missing too?

Flood Dragon quickly conducted an internal inspection.

Then Daryll's expression became serious.

"Even though it's currently vacation, there are staff on duty at the school's incubation center every day, and every six hours, all incubating pet beast eggs undergo a round of inspection. At other times, their physiological conditions are monitored through the central control room."

"If any abnormality occurs, the on-duty teacher will immediately go to the corresponding room."

"The last inspection was five hours ago. At that time, all pet beast eggs in the incubation rooms were in completely normal condition, and the central control room did not show any problems with any of the pet beast eggs in their incubators…"

After conducting an investigation, Daryll reported all the findings to Asher in detail.

Asher didn't speak. June raised an eyebrow: "So? What conclusion did you come to?"

"Yeah, just say it straight. My brain is still buzzing!" Vicky nodded furiously from the side.

Ivy: "Teacher Daryll means… this is unlikely to have been done by a human?"

"Mm." Asher nodded, then exchanged a glance with Daryll. "You think a beast stole the pet beast egg."

Daryll coughed twice and nodded in agreement with Asher,"Yes. We have thoroughly checked today's duty staff, and they have no issues. All the timelines and behaviors were completely normal."

"Plus, since the pet beast egg disappeared without a trace and without causing any disturbance, this is absolutely beyond human capability."

"But if it was a beast… what kind of beast could do this?",Ivy blinked her big, watery eyes, her soft voice hitting the key point.

Daryll: "…"

"I don't know."

"From our recorded and known beasts, there shouldn't be any species with this ability or preference."

Everyone looked at each other.

For a moment, the atmosphere was a little awkward.

"Is the missing pet beast egg the only one?",June still found the situation too much of a coincidence and couldn't help but ask.

Daryll's expression became even more awkward.

It really was just that coincidental… For now, there was no second missing pet beast egg, only the one that was supposed to be Asher's prize.

June, Ivy, and Vicky: "…"

Blink, blink.

Their eyes were filled with doubt.

Daryll was sweating under their gazes.

"Please believe us, we really have no intention of hiding or deceiving…",Daryll waved his hands repeatedly and explained to Asher and the others,"But please rest assured, as long as we confirm that it was a beast, we will definitely find it."

Vicky: "That certain?"

"Uh… how should I put it…",Daryll clenched one hand into a fist and pressed it against his lips, his face showing some embarrassment, but also a bit of pride,"Actually, cases of beasts committing crimes… are quite common in Star City."

"But most of the time, we can determine what kind of beast it is based on the traces left at the scene."

"It's just that this time…"

The incubation room was simply too clean.

There was no other evidence left in the petri dish either.

That's why Flood Dragon University first suspected human involvement—Jade Dragon. It must have been Jade Dragon!

After a round of investigation and questioning, they finally came to their senses and refocused on the possibility of a beast committing the crime.

While they secretly breathed a sigh of relief, there was also a hint of helplessness—goodness, what an embarrassment in front of other schools.

Flood Dragon University knew that other competing schools were also discussing this matter. There was no way to keep it under wraps, so they could only spread the investigation results and conclusions through other channels.

Upon learning that an unknown beast had stolen the pet beast egg, everyone: "?"

No way?

Is Flood Dragon really this good at playing games?

Just asking—who would believe this explanation… Oh, Jade Dragon believed it.

Jade Dragon had already started a new round of mockery toward Flood Dragon.

Other schools: "..."

Didn't expect this.

So the living environment in Star City is this complicated?

Curiosity was stirring.

They couldn't resist the urge to get a closer look at the drama.

While some people were still discussing it privately, the brave ones had already run to Flood Dragon University to watch the spectacle firsthand.

"Hehe, Professor Asher.",Among the group, Matilda stood out like a sore thumb, grinning widely and bouncing as she raised her hand high, waving at Asher as if afraid he wouldn't see her.

Asher crossed his arms and swept his gaze across.

Well then.

All familiar faces from the finals.

Scar, Creed, Roy, Matilda, then the four kings of Jade Dragon and Flood Dragon—adding Asher, they almost had ten people.

Asher: "?"

"What are you all doing here?"

"We heard your reward pet beast egg went missing, so we came to see if you needed any help.",Scar walked up to Asher, casually nudging Vicky aside with his shoulder. Under Vicky's incredulous gaze, Scar patted Asher's shoulder and said,"We just didn't want you to be sad and upset alone."

Asher stared at him silently.

Scar looked at the sky, looked at the ground, but refused to meet Asher's gaze.

It was Matilda who finally ran up to Asher, giving June, Ivy, and Vicky a friendly smile before turning to Asher and saying,"We're here to help you find the pet beast egg together."

"You're looking for the egg thief, right? The more people, the more power.",Matilda's face was always lit with a big smile,"After all, we did compete in the same league—we're friends, aren't we?"

Roy, standing behind Creed, clutched Creed's clothes while nodding repeatedly in Asher's direction.

Yes, yes, yes.

They competed in the same league, so they were friends.

Roy took another look at Matilda, his gaze filled with such admiration it was almost tangible.

Asher: "..."

Asher barely believed their words.

But… what about the Leonheart sisters, Felter, and Dexter?

Not that Asher liked gossiping behind people's backs, but they didn't look like the type to be so warm-hearted.

"Flood Dragon is our school. Since Flood Dragon lost the pet beast egg, we naturally have an obligation to help find it," Luna said, her smile as gentle as water,"Think of it as restoring a bit of Flood Dragon's dignity."

Asher nodded—reasonable.

"Oh, we just came to laugh at Flood Dragon, and help you out along the way," Felter added right after Luna.

Asher turned his gaze toward Felter and saw the guy with his hands in his pockets, eyes wandering, looking at everything but him.

Dexter: "Based on the existing clues, the beast that stole the pet beast egg should be from Flood Dragon University's beast park."

"To avoid unnecessary waste, the search and confirmation process is usually handled by beastmasters from the park's affiliated unit. If the perpetrator is not found within 24 hours, the case is handed over to the Beastmaster Alliance for professional handling."

"Since school hasn't started yet, Flood Dragon doesn't have enough internal beastmasters, so we're here to help search the park for the culprit."

Since meeting Dexter, this was the first time Asher had heard him speak so much in one go.

Though his tone was flat, without ups and downs, Dexter conveyed everything that needed to be said.

Not just Asher, but everyone—including Asher's three companions—looked at Dexter with surprise.

Dexter's face remained unchanged, still wearing his expressionless mask.

"Ahem." That's when Daryll appeared. He glanced at the crowd, his gaze lingering on Felter and Dexter… Asher could tell—that was the look of someone trying to poach talent.

Asher felt speechless inside.

What was this?

The legendary "love so deep it hurts"?

Once they're in my bowl (school), I want to keep them?

Fortunately, Daryll was reliable overall. In a grateful tone, he said,"We really appreciate everyone's help. Most likely, the egg thief is still inside the park. Here's a map of the park and a general distribution of the beasts."

As he spoke, he distributed paper maps to everyone,"The egg thief… Ahem, the beast that stole the egg has abilities we've never seen before. We suspect it has undergone evolution into an unknown form."

"Everyone, please pay extra attention to any beasts not recorded in the archives."

Daryll hesitated for a moment when handing the map to Scar, then silently took it back.

Scar: "?"

"Wait? Why am I not getting one?",Scar almost jumped in frustration.

"Uh…",Daryll said seriously, "Well… most beasts in the park don't attack humans—at worst, they ignore us. But there are a few with aggressive tendencies. Just in case, there are certain strength requirements for beastmasters entering for the investigation…"

Scar, remembering how he got eliminated in the second round,"..."

Excluded.

The worst part? He couldn't even argue back—he could only sulk in silence.

At this moment, Vicky, letting bygones be bygones, stepped forward and patted Scar's shoulder. "Hey, at least you've got us three with you."

As he spoke, he pointed to June and Ivy beside him.

June and Ivy's fists were itching to move.

They didn't really want to receive attention in this manner

———

Asher and the other seven people entered the park together. Each of them was equipped with a special real-time synchronized mini camera from Flood Dragon University, clipped to their collar or pocket, allowing those outside to view the transmitted footage at any time.

"This really has a jungle adventure vibe.",Matilda said excitedly,"And with this camera, I feel like a live streamer."

Matilda touched her chin and enthusiastically imagined,"Maybe I should become a streamer in the future…"

"You're one of our year's top four freshmen, and you're already thinking about being a streamer? Where's your ambition and drive? Did a dog eat them?",Felter looked utterly exasperated.

Matilda: "Uh-huh!"

Felter almost choked from anger.

Back then, he had been full of confidence, thinking he was at least strong enough to secure the fourth place while fighting for the top spot.

But who would have thought?

He fell in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, someone like Matilda… well, he had no words to describe it, but she had made it into the semifinals.

Felter: *heartache*

"You, a mere quarterfinalist, should stop yelling. Why do you care about what someone else wants to do in the future?",Aria lifted her head and stared straight into Felter's eyes, firing back at him,"What's wrong with being a streamer? How does it bother you? You talk as if you have any say in her future. Who do you think you are?"

"You agree with me, right, Professor Asher?",As she spoke, Aria turned to look at Asher.

Asher, who had been silently enjoying the drama: "?"

Huh?

Why was she looking at him?

Hadn't he been completely quiet this whole time?

"I think… it'd be better if we split up to search.",Asher smiled slightly, using the classic topic-changing technique,"Moving together as a group of eight is inefficient."

Not just because they were too many.

But also because they kept arguing from time to time.

The arguing and the bystanders watching the drama were slowing down the mission to find the egg thief.

Creed and Roy, who had been quietly watching the drama with Asher: … cough, not their fault. The fights were just too entertaining to watch.

"Then let's split up.",Felter suddenly stopped walking, and the others also halted,"I'm fine with anyone, as long as it's not this crazy woman."

Felter folded his arms and spoke.

Aria: "Who are you calling a crazy woman?"

Felter: "I didn't name names. If you respond, that means you're guilty."

"As if I'd want to be in a team with you. I'll team up with Professor Asher.",Aria rolled up her sleeves, ready to throw hands, while also pulling Asher into it.

Matilda immediately jumped up,"Me, me, me! I also want to team up with Professor Asher."

"Professor Asher should be with me.",Roy looked around, his fanboy instincts kicking in, and loudly declared with his eyes closed.

Asher, who had suddenly become the center of attention, once again had a massive question mark on his face.

When did he become this popular?

And it was both men and women fighting over him?

"Professor Asher, who do you want to team up with?"

Aria, Matilda, and Roy all turned their gazes toward Asher simultaneously.

Asher: "…"

Asher first looked at Creed, signaling with his eyes,'Control your bestie, aren't you two always inseparable?'

Creed smiled and shrugged,"Actually, I also want to team up with Professor Asher. I feel like I could learn something valuable from him."

"Don't compete with me.",Roy angrily tugged at Creed's sleeve, glaring at him with fierce eyes.

Asher didn't want to talk anymore.

… So was he part of their little play now?

Asher refused to think deeper about it.

Asher then looked at Luna: 'Control your sister?'

Luna: "Sis, I also want to team up with Professor Asher!"

"Let's settle it with a duel.",Aria switched targets and rolled up her sleeves again, ready to fight Luna.

Meanwhile, Matilda was sneaking toward Asher, but before she could reach him, Felter grabbed her,"Where do you think you're going? Trying to sneak away?"

He wasn't as shameless as the others, but he had been keeping a close eye on Asher.

Trying to get close to Asher right in front of him?

Impossible.

"Let's go with proximity. Pair up with whoever is next to you, and let's move out.",Dexter suddenly spoke up.

Everyone except Asher: "?"

Asher: "."

"Let's go." Asher decisively turned and walked away, with Dexter following him.

The others wanted to follow, but they ended up dragging each other down. All they could do was watch as Asher's figure disappeared from their sight.

"Hmph!"

"…Damn it! That brat Dexter definitely did it on purpose."

"Waaah! I wanted to team up with Professor Asher too. It would've been so fun. And I could've used the chance to build a better relationship with him. Who knows when that might come in handy?"

"I also wanted to ask Professor Asher about his two pet beasts, especially the one called Little Raven… I still don't understand how its flames are that powerful."

"I wanted to ask him for advice on evolving my Pearl Princess or strengthening it further."

"…Shut up. Don't bring up your clam spirit. Because of that thing, I got eliminated in the Round of 16."

Outside the park, Daryll and Scar watched this chaotic scene with complicated expressions.

"So why can we only sync the video feed but not the audio?",June sighed in regret,"Just looking at them, you can tell something hilarious is happening."

"The video is for later enforcement purposes. Recording audio would involve privacy issues…" Daryll wiped the sweat off his forehead, seriously explaining, as if he had never had such thoughts himself… 'Sigh!'

———

Elsewhere, Asher and Dexter randomly chose a direction.

Asher released Little Raven and Cat-Worm, while Dexter summoned his War Blood Lion King. With their three pet beasts, their safety in the park was pretty much guaranteed.

Cat-Worm excitedly hopped forward on its seven little feet, occasionally circling around Asher's legs before continuing to charge ahead.

Cat-Worm: "Meow! Meow!"

'Happy!'

'Freedom!'

'Still feeling hyped after the battle!'

Little Raven looked at Cat-Worm with a helpless expression.

'Sigh!'

'Little bro is just too… never mind, forget it.'

'Who told her this is Birdie's little brother?'

Might as well let Birdie take care of and protect the beastmaster.

Little Raven flapped its wings and followed beside Asher.

The War Blood Lion King walked between Asher and Dexter—silent, dignified, eyes fixed straight ahead—except that it had no fur on its body at all and absolutely did not dare to meet Little Raven's gaze beside it.

"This park is not small. Trying to find an unknown beast here...",Asher lightly clicked his tongue, not wanting to say it, but it really felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

"Don't worry, we'll conduct the first round of searching. If we don't find it, when we leave, the beastmasters from Flood Dragon University will come in again and take different routes to search once more.",Dexter explained in a flat tone,"If it weren't for the holiday, this carpet-searching job should have been their responsibility in turns."

"Actually, you didn't have to come in.",Dexter continued.

Asher shook his head,"Teacher Daryll told me about it. I chose to come in myself."

The loss of the beast egg was not Asher's responsibility. If anything, he was the victim.

Who would make the victim personally search for the lost reward?

Would it still be called a reward then?

Asher was interested in this unknown beast and also in Flood Dragon's beast park, so he wanted to come and take a look.

Who could have expected to run into such a few... teammates that were hard to describe in words?

Oh.

Dexter could be considered one.

"You wanted to walk with me alone. Is there something you want to say?",It was a question, but Asher's tone was affirmative.

After all.

Dexter didn't look like someone who would get involved in the activity of snatching teammates. If he wanted to team up with him, there must be another purpose or need.

"...Mm.",Dexter's response was somewhat hesitant.

Asher was puzzled.

"I just wanted to ask...",Clearly, when explaining to Asher earlier, he had spoken quite smoothly. But now, facing Asher's inquiry, he stuttered a little, and after much effort, he finally blurted out, "I just wanted to ask... ask you... your beast Cat Dragon... is it male or female?"

Asher: "?"

Asher: "???"

Asher abruptly stopped in his tracks, turning his head in shock to look at Dexter and the War Blood Lion King. His gaze at this man and lion was filled with scrutiny, seriousness, and disbelief.

Little Raven's expression was no better.

(ΩДΩ)

'Wait?'

'What are you talking about?'

'Do you even realize if what you're saying is human speech?'

'Birdie's little brother!'

'That's Birdie's little brother!'

Little Raven flapped its wings, but before it could act, Asher had already stopped it first. He held Little Raven, smiling as he looked at Dexter,"What do you mean by that question?"

A calm tone.

Unruffled.

As if Asher didn't find anything wrong with it at all.

The only thing that reassured Asher was that, thankfully, the child wasn't here.

And considering the size difference between the War Blood Lion King and Cat-Worm... Asher gestured with his hand.

Not to mention the size difference, not to mention reproductive isolation, Cat-Worm is still an egg.

"When the Lion King first saw Cat Dragon in battle, it... fell in love at first sight." Facing Asher, Cat-Worm's beastmaster, and Little Raven's golden-red, predatory gaze that seemed ready to attack at any moment, Dexter spoke with great difficulty. "Originally, the Lion King wanted to confess... after defeating it..."

Little Raven: ┗|｀O′|┛︵⁠ ⁠┻⁠━⁠┻

'Shut up, you stinky durian!'

'Birdie's little brother is a child!'

'It's still a child!'

'Besides, you're not even the same species!'

'Being together won't bring happiness!'

This time, Asher really couldn't stop Little Raven, who was flapping desperately in his arms. And deep down, Asher didn't really want to stop it either.

Stop it?

Why stop it?

It's hot. The War Blood Lion King is definitely partly to blame. Let Little Raven beat it up a bit to cool things down.

Asher: *Calm, smiling*

War Blood Lion King: "?"

"Aw~ Awoo—!"

The War Blood Lion King was beaten so badly by the unrestrained Little Raven that it howled.

Lion King?

No, no, no.

It's just a hairless lion.

Want to be turned into a little kitty?

Little Raven: *smiling*

'It doesn't deserve it!'

Little Raven really went all out. The War Blood Lion King ran wildly without daring to fight back… mainly because fighting back wouldn't help.

The War Blood Lion King still hadn't forgotten how it was burned completely bald by Little Raven not long ago.

The fur still hadn't grown back.

Without its fur, the War Blood Lion King didn't even have the confidence to face its beloved Cat anymore. Otherwise, it would have confessed personally.

Hmm? Hmm? Hmm?

While running, the War Blood Lion King suddenly showed a puzzled expression.

'Where is my beloved Cat?'

Little Raven, who was furiously beating the War Blood Lion King, also suddenly froze.

'Cat?'

'Where's Birdie's little brother?'

Asher and Dexter: "!"

"Cat-Worm is missing?",Snapping out of the shock from Dexter's words, Asher looked ahead. The previously lively and playful Cat-Worm had disappeared.

Asher and Dexter, as well as Daryll and others watching through the cameras, all had identical expressions of shock.

Unlike the beast egg that disappeared from the incubation room,

Cat-Worm had vanished right under their noses.

Yet neither Asher, who had a contract connection with Cat-Worm, nor Little Raven, with its overwhelming strength, had detected any trace of the egg thief's presence or movement.

For a moment, everyone fell silent. The atmosphere was exceptionally heavy.

Unlike the missing beast egg, which Asher had never seen and was just a reward to him, Cat-Worm was Asher's beast. It was his family. It was his second child.

And now, it was gone...

Asher was angry.

Little Raven's aura also erupted violently.

'Find it!'

Even if they had to turn this entire park upside down today, they had to find the egg thief—the cat thief.

———

Outside, Daryll was almost gasping for emergency oxygen.

The situation had changed way too fast.

The pet egg hadn't been found yet, and now a pet had gone missing.

What kind of beast was this?

What kind of weird hobby was it to steal both eggs and pets?

The search couldn't continue like this.

Asher stormed out, full of anger,"Egg, that beast's target is pet eggs."

Daryll wanted to say something, like how the Cat-Worm wasn't a pet egg… But when he met Asher's gaze and considered that the biggest victim in this whole mess had been Asher from start to finish—plus the undeniable responsibility of Flood Dragon University in this matter—his expression grew serious,"Alright, I'll apply for it right away."

The precious pet eggs couldn't be used as bait.

But applying for an ordinary one… there was no other choice if they wanted to track down this elusive beast.

Asher sat silently on the side.

Turn the park upside down?

Back when Little Raven was taken, he had stayed calm and found a solution. Now, there was even less reason to lose his mind and do something irrational.

Another reason was… Closing his eyes, Asher could still feel a faint, intermittent connection with the Cat-Worm.

No distress signals.

No pain.

There was even a hint of… indescribable comfort?

Cat-Worm: 'Wait for me to level up, Beastmaster!'

Asher had no idea what the Cat-Worm was thinking.

He could only determine that, for now, it wasn't in any danger. In fact, it seemed… willingly (?) to have left with the egg thief?

Confusion aside, on the surface, he still had to act angry and determined.

Life is a performance.

It's all about acting skills.

Asher still had to find that beast.

After all, the Cat-Worm's safety was one thing, but what exactly did that creature want? It stole a pet egg, then stole the Cat-Worm, which was also sort of an egg… The behavior was simply baffling.

The disappearance of the Cat-Worm escalated the seriousness of the situation again.

Daryll's application was approved almost immediately.

"This is a newly laid Fire Frog egg. Its mother couldn't hatch so many at once, so she left some to us for incubation.",Daryll explained as he walked over to Asher, holding a white pet egg.

Asher took a glance.

Fire Frog, he knew about that.

A peculiar Water + Fire attribute beast that lived in aquatic environments. However, before a Fire Frog hatches, its egg must be continuously burned by flames until the shell turns from white to red—that's when it has accumulated enough energy.

A single Fire Frog's flames could only support 3 to 6 offspring at most, yet Fire Frogs typically laid 8 to 10 eggs per clutch. The mother would choose the healthiest ones to hatch personally.

The rest? In the wild, they were abandoned.

In the park, they were simply handed over to humans.

Isn't this just another form of mutual benefit between humans and beasts?

"You want Little Raven to provide some flames.",Asher stated flatly.

Daryll's expression stiffened. "That's… the idea…"

"After all, normally, pet eggs…",He hesitated, seemingly wanting to explain something.

Asher waved his hand, cutting him off,"Just do it."

Daryll dared not say another word.

Inside, he was groaning in misery.

How is Flood Dragon ever going to leave a good impression on Asher like this?

'Ugh!'

'We're practically giving Jade Dragon a free goodwill boost.'

All the Beastmasters and pet studies students who stayed at Flood Dragon University during the break gathered at the site. This time, Asher and a few others didn't enter the park themselves.

Instead, four Flood Dragon Beastmasters were responsible for taking the Fire Frog egg into the park.

They were equipped with 360-degree body cameras, ensuring that no matter where the beast appeared, it would be captured on film.

Even the Fire Frog egg itself had a camera and a tracker attached.

The four Beastmasters also summoned their pets immediately.

If they could capture the egg thief directly, that would be even better.

With all preparations complete, everyone gathered around the big screen, watching the four of them and monitoring the Fire Frog egg from multiple angles.

The four retraced Asher's previous route.

At first, nothing unusual happened.

As they approached the area where Asher had lost contact with the Cat-Worm, everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the screen, afraid of missing any crucial footage.

Asher and Little Raven also stared intently at the display.

Advance.

Keep going.

The beast seemed to realize it was a trap and didn't show up.

They were about to step into the next zone when—

A whirlwind-like figure suddenly appeared.

Daryll: "!"

"Catch it now!"

He shouted into the communicator, and the four Flood Dragon students moved swiftly.

With multiple pets attacking in coordination, the beast finally slowed down, fully revealing itself on camera.

A humanoid figure.

Nearly two meters tall.

Two massive gray-black wings flapped, revealing long, thin bird legs underneath. Its sharp claws were elongated, and it let out a piercing sound.

"Meow—Meow——"

Even through the camera, the vibrations in the air were almost visible. The pets flinched, displaying clear discomfort.

The beast didn't linger.

Cradling the Fire Frog egg it had just snatched, it turned and vanished like a wisp of gray smoke before their eyes.

"Check the tracker!"

Pushing aside his frustration at missing the capture, Daryll hurriedly shouted at the monitoring team.

"The signal disappeared," the student at the console replied. "The last recorded location before losing connection was…"

His tone turned odd.

"Where?" Daryll pressed.

"East Mausoleum."

Asher: "?"

The Star City people: "..."

"East Mausoleum… Isn't that… the cemetery?"

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