Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

Asher didn't want to expose the existence of his cheat-like innate skill, so slowing down his progress was a must.

First, sleep.

As for the remaining matters... He'd deal with them after returning to NY City.

It was time to prepare his lab and research team.

Thinking of the long [Influence] progress bar and Little Raven's [Bloodline Awakening], Asher felt no urgency. After all, being anxious was pointless.

This wasn't something he could rush even if he wanted to.

Asher: 'Stay calm. Tomorrow will be better.'

Out of curiosity about Catworm's unique condition, Asher wandered around the outskirts of the Forbidden Zones in Thousand Springs City and NY City.

Unsurprisingly, he found nothing.

Catworm didn't exhibit any special perception either.

Asher gave up.

He figured he'd be better off spending time properly training Catworm and Little Raven.

Little Raven: (≧≦)

Catworm: QvO

The happier Little Raven was, the more Catworm wanted to cry.

As for battles... they were still with Big Sis.

Catworm: 'Can the dragon refuse?'

No, it couldn't.

Not only was refusal not an option, but it also meant getting beaten up—badly beaten, every single day.

Catworm: *Crying dragon head*

If it could meow, Catworm would probably try pleading with Asher to change his mind using pitiful cries.

Luckily, Asher wasn't entirely a demon.

After wrapping up another day of getting (crossed out) trained, Asher picked up Catworm, cradling it in his arms. Little Raven fluttered behind him, fixing its sharp gold-red eyes on the Catworm in Asher's embrace.

Catworm burrowed deeper into Asher's arms.

"Alright, alright. The training has been a bit intense these past few days. Let's take a break for a few days before continuing, okay?" Asher gently stroked Catworm's back, his voice soft and soothing.

"When the time comes, I'll take you to the beginner training grounds to relive how Little Raven trained back then."

Hearing this, Catworm perked up its head. Its messy eyes gleamed with irrepressible curiosity.

'Big Sis?'

'Training?'

'Getting stronger?'

'Could dragons become as strong as Big Sis?'

'Awesome! Awesome!'

'Dragons can do it too!'

In Catworm's eyes, Big Sis Little Raven was the strongest.

Asher chuckled and tapped the dragon horn on Catworm's head,"Maybe?"

Though the chances weren't high.

After all... Little Raven's strength back then had some help from his cheat skills.

But he could still help Catworm cheat a little. It'd just be a bit more challenging.

As Asher pondered what skills to teach Catworm, his hand continued to absentmindedly stroke its back.

Although Catworm always proclaimed itself a "dragon" or "Little Beauty Dragon," apart from the dragon horns on its head, many of its traits and habits were strikingly similar to those of a cat.

For example, when Asher applied just the right amount of pressure while stroking its back, it was so comfortable that Catworm almost purred audibly.

Catworm: (p≧w≦q)

Seeing Catworm enjoying itself, Little Raven couldn't hold back anymore.

Little Raven: [○｀Д○]

'No more flying!'

'The Bird don't want to fly on her own anymore! Bird is tired! Bird want Beastmaster cuddles too!'

Asher: "Alright, alright."

With one hand holding Catworm and the other catching the descending Little Raven, Asher's arms suddenly felt significantly heavier.

Asher: If this kept up, he'd develop unbreakable iron arms. The strength in both arms was growing ridiculously fast.

Another sweet trouble added to his list.

———

At the Thousand Springs City Beastmaster Alliance.

President Robb, exuding an air of arrogance and vigor, stormed into the Alliance headquarters.

"I don't have an appointment. I'm here to see your president,"Without letting the receptionist finish, President Robb interrupted, his face full of rage. "That old man Dexter dared to hang up on me. Does he think I wouldn't come here to confront him?"

"If he's shameless enough to steal credit from one of my Beastmasters, he'd better be prepared to face me."

"Tell him that if he doesn't show up today, I'll sit here and refuse to leave."

After saying this, President Robb really folded his arms and plopped down in the center of the Alliance's lobby, ensuring he was the first thing anyone walking in would see.

Initially, the receptionist hadn't recognized President Robb's identity. But seeing the surprised expressions on the faces of people coming and going, and hearing their whispers, the receptionist quickly realized this man wasn't ordinary.

A quick search revealed it—

'Oh boy! He's the president of the NY City Beastmaster Alliance.'

Not daring to delay, the receptionist immediately tried contacting their own president.

But after calling eight times without getting through, the receptionist was on the verge of tears.

'President, oh president, what have you done to provoke the neighboring city's Alliance president into coming here personally, only to go missing yourself?'

Caught in the crossfire of a clash of titans, what were they supposed to do?

As the receptionist despairingly continued calling, President Robb's sharp gaze bore into them, leaving no room for slacking.

Meanwhile, word spread among those passing through, and more and more people recognized President Robb's identity. The atmosphere grew thick with gossip.

Curiosity was universal.

Why had the NY City president traveled all this way, four to five hours by train, just to sit here and confront their president? What had happened?

Was it personal?

A dispute between alliances?

As the crowd speculated wildly, a golden figure emerged. To the receptionist's relief, this glowing presence headed straight for President Robb.

This figure truly shone, not metaphorically but literally—their golden hair gleamed under the light.

Just add a halo and wings, and they'd be a full-fledged angel in the receptionist's eyes.

"President Robb, let me take you to meet our president,"Professor Hugo walked up to Robb with a smile, greeted him proactively, and spoke.

"What's the meaning of that old Dexter not coming himself and sending a young lad like you?" Robb glanced at Professor Hugo and snorted heavily. "Does he think I won't bully you because you're young?"

"Well, I have no problem doing it."

"If that old Dexter doesn't come in person, I'm not leaving."

"Daring to bully people but not daring to face me directly, huh!"

"President Robb, don't worry. Even if our president has such thoughts, I wouldn't agree to it." Professor Hugo's expression was sincere, his gaze genuine. "When we initially invited Professor Asher to assist us, we had already discussed everything. I even have a copy of the notarized agreement here. We absolutely won't let Professor Asher suffer any losses."

'Huh?'

Hearing this, Robb finally turned his head, carefully scrutinizing the young man before him. A sudden realization flashed in his eyes. "Oh! So that old Dexter wants to take advantage of you, huh?"

Professor Hugo: "..."

Alright then.

The things he just explained were completely ignored by this President Robb.

Feeling helpless, Professor Hugo also found the situation a bit funny and comforting.

With such a protective president backing him, this genius Asher should be able to grow steadily and shine brightly.

"Anyway, if that old Dexter doesn't show up today, I'm not budging from here."

Robb lifted his chin with a righteous and stubborn expression.

"Alright."

What Robb didn't expect was that Professor Hugo really stopped persuading him. Instead, he said in a very understanding tone, "I think it's reasonable for you to be angry. This is a matter between you two. I've said everything I needed to say, so I won't interfere."

After speaking, Professor Hugo turned decisively and prepared to leave.

Robb, who was suddenly thwarted in his attempt to make things difficult: "..."

Watching Professor Hugo truly ready to leave without another word, Robb's face showed some awkwardness.

He quickly grabbed Professor Hugo, cleared his throat, and discarded any unnecessary shame.

Adhering to the belief that "if I don't feel embarrassed, the embarrassment belongs to others," Robb beamed at Professor Hugo.

"Hey, hey! Why are you running so fast."

"I was just saying. If you had tried persuading me a bit more, I would've agreed."

Holding onto Professor Hugo's clothes, Robb patted his shoulder, speaking in the tone of a senior lecturing a junior.

This time, it was Professor Hugo who fell silent.

He never expected a dignified president to be more shameless than himself.

Professor Hugo looked at Robb with a changed gaze.

Robb smiled cheerfully, pretending not to notice.

'Heh', he thought, 'what can this kid do about me playing dumb?'

"Alright, alright, aren't you going to take me to meet that old Dexter? Let's go now!" Robb, acting as if they were the best of friends, slung an arm around Professor Hugo's shoulder, preventing him from escaping. "If we delay any longer, I'm afraid that old Dexter will flee."

"Hmph!" Robb snorted loudly and started complaining while dragging Professor Hugo along.

"Can you imagine how shameless that guy is?"

"If it weren't for Professor Jorge contacting me, I wouldn't even know that old Dexter planned to hog all the results. Do you think he really has no shame?"

Professor Hugo held back but ultimately rolled his eyes,"President Robb, I'm aware of all this. In fact, I was the one who contacted Old Jorge after noticing our president's intentions."

"Hahaha!" Robb laughed heartily, slapping Professor Hugo on the shoulder repeatedly. "Good, good, I knew you were a reliable young man."

Indeed, he was!

Robb was aware of Asher's plan to learn from the two laboratories and lend a hand.

What he hadn't expected was Asher's incredible speed.

While Professor Jorge's lab had yet to yield significant results, it was said that Jorge had already identified the key to Noise Flower's new evolutionary path.

Later, Professor Hugo—introduced by Professor Jorge—helped Asher.

With a trustworthy character and remarkable luck, Asher entered the lab, and results followed shortly after.

What shocked everyone even more was that the evolved form of the Rabbit Dog, Fraud Hound, awakened a talent skill.

Yes.

After inviting breeders to verify this, the confirmation that the Rabbit Dog had awakened a talent skill post-evolution left Professor Hugo utterly astonished.

He immediately compiled the documents and informed Thousand Springs City Beastmaster Alliance's President Dexter.

The look on Dexter's face then... resembled someone starving for days suddenly finding a grand feast: excited, thrilled, ecstatic!

He gestured wildly and wanted to attribute all credit to Professor Hugo immediately.

If Professor Hugo hadn't reacted quickly, preventing irreversible consequences, he wouldn't know how to face Asher later.

Fortunately, he acted in time.

And Asher's city's Beastmaster Alliance President wasn't a pushover either.

Thus, upon receiving the news, Robb came charging in without delay.

An old man and a young man—one sly and one helpless—left the Beastmaster Alliance shoulder to shoulder, attracting curious gazes from bystanders.

The gazes of the people around them occasionally landed on them.

There's drama.

But they couldn't get involved.

It was itching them.

They really wanted to know what had happened.

That evening, Asher received a call from President Robb and finally found out what was going on.

"Hmph! That old Dexter tried to take advantage of me. I went straight at him and gave him a piece of my mind. Let him try to take advantage now. Do you think I'd let him have it that easily?" President Robb was beaming with pride, and even over the phone, Asher could tell he was so excited he might as well take off flying.

Asher: "So, what exactly happened?"

Asher was still curious.

Mainly because… when he had discovered the evolution path for Honeybug, President Robb hadn't been this excited. When he had found the new evolution path for Little Fire Fox, President Robb hadn't been this excited either.

As for Little Raven and Noise Flower… Asher wasn't planning on making their evolution paths public just yet.

But now, President Robb was over the moon about Rabbit Dog's new evolution path.

Why?

What made the evolved Rabbit Dog different from other contracted beasts?

Asher thought he might have an idea.

At this moment, President Robb on the other end of the line lowered his voice: "Because there's an undeniable contribution from you in this, I don't mind telling you. Otherwise, most scholars and professors researching beast evolution wouldn't know about this."

"Just listen; don't ask too many questions."

Asher: "Alright."

Asher felt like he was touching on some classified information.

"Unlike humans who awaken beastmaster potential and naturally gain talent skills, the vast majority of beasts don't have talent skills. Only a rare few species can gain talent skills after evolving."

"And every beast that can gain talent skills after evolving has extraordinary potential—they possess a remarkable, traceable bloodline that allows them to ascend to mythical status."

Asher: "?"

"This…" Asher was shocked and wanted to say something, but President Robb interrupted him.

"I've told you everything I can. The rest will have to wait until you reach a certain level. Knowing too much too quickly isn't good for your growth," President Robb said earnestly, patiently advising Asher on the other end of the line.

"If this discovery and the resulting rewards weren't directly tied to you, I wouldn't be telling you any of this yet. Understand?"

Asher nodded.

Got it, got it.

Got it crystal clear.

If the news that beasts that could awaken talent skills after evolving had higher potential ever got out… the chaos would be unimaginable.

Although beasts were divided into low, medium, and high levels based on potential, average strength, reproduction rate, and other factors, this classification was man-made.

There were beastmasters who, through their own strength, elevated low-level beasts to greatness, maximizing their potential.

This gave most beastmasters confidence.

But if there existed a class of beasts inherently superior to others… the psychological impact would be completely different.

This was both a means to stabilize society and a necessary compromise.

"What's going to happen to the Rabbit Dog species now?" Asher couldn't help but ask.

Knowing that the evolved Fraud Hound had talent skills, what would the nation and the alliance do?

Recruit them all?

Have them evolve through contracts with insiders?

President Robb immediately caught on to what Asher was truly asking. He laughed heartily: "No, no, no. Our country isn't that short-sighted."

"What we're going to do is, without drawing too much attention from other nations, reduce the number of Rabbit Dogs exported while quietly increasing imports."

There was legal trade of beasts in domestic and international markets.

"We won't publicize the new evolution path for Rabbit Dogs. Instead, we'll keep the method classified and use it to enhance our nation's beastmaster capabilities."

"After all, having a special bloodline doesn't mean every beast can fully awaken it."

Quantity was still needed to produce quality.

Hearing this, Asher felt there was nothing wrong with the plan: "But Rabbit Dogs are already a rare extraordinary species. Shouldn't we consider establishing breeding bases to increase their numbers?"

"Of course. Do you think I traveled all this way to argue with old Dexter for nothing? He wanted to keep all the benefits to himself."

The sound of a table being slapped came through the phone,"Currently, there are less than ten species of beasts in the country that can gain talent skills after evolving. Every newly discovered species is a treasure."

"Usually, breeding bases are established directly where these species are discovered."

The value of such a base was evident to anyone with a bit of common sense.

Some would be made available for ordinary beastmasters to contract.

Others would be sold at high prices through official channels.

Legal transactions.

These were sources of income for the city.

So when President Robb learned that the head of the Thousand Springs City Beastmaster Alliance wanted to monopolize the benefits, he was furious.

Unbelievable!

Old Dexter dared to try and pull a fast one behind his back?

No way! President Robb confronted him head-on and refused to back down.

He wouldn't give up the city's benefits, nor those owed to Asher.

"What's more, it's a good thing you signed a contract with that Hugo kid and reported it to the alliance." President Robb chuckled, his voice brimming with smugness and satisfaction.

"That document is solid proof. With it, old Dexter has no way to argue with me." Then, President Robb laughed again: "By the way, that Professor Hugo is actually a decent guy—very straightforward and generous."

Hearing this, Asher smiled faintly.

Professor Hugo might seem unreliable, but his character was beyond reproach.

This was evident from the twenty-four high-quality materials Professor Hugo had sent him a few days ago.

In fact, Asher wouldn't have said anything if Professor Hugo had sent just twenty. That was what they initially agreed on, and the extras were Professor Hugo's way of going above and beyond.

Professor Hugo's motto was simple: "What's mine is mine; what's not, I won't take."

"The reproduction base project is finalized. It'll be located in NY City, and construction will start this year. Meanwhile, efforts to ensure the successful breeding of the rabbit-dog species are being accelerated."

"And then there's your reward," President Robb paused, sounding somewhat uneasy.

Asher smiled lightly. "Uncle Robb, what about the reward?"

He could sense President Robb's guilty conscience.

Still, Asher thought the reward wouldn't be that bad.

For some reason, President Robb always acted as though he owed him a lot—so much that it left Asher both amused and helpless.

"Hehe… Well, I did manage to secure the reproduction base, so your reward might have been… slightly reduced." President Robb chuckled awkwardly. Even through the phone, his unease and caution were palpable.

"For researchers who discover new evolutionary forms and talent-awakening skills in beasts, the rewards from both the Alliance and the state are incredibly generous. Not only does the amount of resources available daily double, but one's current rank is also upgraded by one level."

Ah…

Asher's expression lit up with understanding.

He already knew about this. Thanks to Iris's reminder, he had specifically looked into it.

Professors in pet evolution research and breeders, like beastmasters, had their own ranking systems.

Take pet evolution research professors, for instance. While they were generally referred to as "professors" publicly, there were clearer distinctions within the system:

Fifth-level researcher,

Fourth-level researcher,

Third-level researcher,

Second-level researcher,

And first-level researcher.

The lowest rank was fifth-level researcher, with first-level being the highest aspiration for most ordinary individuals without beastmaster qualifications.

However, for someone like Professor Damien, who had reached the peak of his field, he was above a first-level researcher and considered a national-level professor.

Below fifth-level researchers was another category: intern researchers.

Typically, only fifth-level researchers and above were addressed as "professors," signifying their practical contributions and achievements in pet evolution research. It also marked their official entry into the field.

For example, Iris was the youngest fourth-level researcher in the entire Jin Yang City. It was rumored that she was close to being promoted to third-level.

Henry and Marue, a married couple, were both fifth-level researchers, but they were just a step away from becoming fourth-level. If the new evolution route for the little fox had a significant impact, at least one of them could advance to the fourth level.

The benefits at that level would be completely different.

Most researchers under 40 years old hovered around fifth or fourth level. Climbing higher wasn't about age—it was about having substantial, impactful achievements.

"If we hadn't secured the reproduction base, the higher-ups were prepared to directly promote you to fourth-level researcher," President Robb said in a hushed voice.

Hearing this, Asher subconsciously let out an "Oh, wow."

It wasn't that he lacked perspective; it was just… so generous.

The higher-ups were being extraordinarily generous.

Iris was already considered young as a fourth-level researcher, having discovered or improved no fewer than ten evolution paths for beasts, alongside countless research papers.

Now, just for discovering a new evolution path for the rabbit-dog species, they were offering him the title of fourth-level researcher. It truly was generous.

Under normal circumstances, this required recommendations, evaluations, and accumulated contributions.

Typically, they'd start by granting an intern researcher title at most.

Asher asked, "So what's the decision now?"

"Fifth-level." President Robb admitted sheepishly, "I really didn't expect…"

Before he could finish explaining, Asher interrupted, "Uncle Robb, there's no need to explain. I really don't mind. Fifth-level researcher is already great."

"Aye, you don't have to comfort me, kid. I just got too excited and overlooked your situation," President Robb sighed.

Asher chuckled. Regardless of whether President Robb's words were sincere, his support and guidance had undeniably been significant.

"If they really skipped ranks to make me a fourth-level researcher, plenty of people would feel it was unfair and that I was being overly favored."

"After all, as you said, the fact that beasts can awaken talent skills isn't common knowledge. Even among pet evolution researchers, many are unaware."

President Robb stayed silent, tacitly agreeing with Asher.

"So," Asher continued, smiling serenely, calmer than President Robb, "with my current achievements—three new evolution routes for beasts, introducing new concepts—a fifth-level researcher is perfectly fitting, isn't it?"

President Robb was speechless.

Huh… He wasn't wrong.

Looking at Asher's accomplishments, even without publishing papers or networking within the circle, his achievements were undeniable.

Promoting him directly to fifth-level researcher without an exam?

Anyone disagreeing would be asking for trouble.

Asher's results were indisputable. Could anyone else achieve this?

Absolutely not.

"Besides," Asher's tone shifted, carrying the sharpness and playfulness unique to youth, "Uncle Robb, don't you trust my abilities? Whether it's becoming a fourth-level researcher, third-level, or higher, do you think it'll be difficult for me at my age?"

"Honestly, all I lack right now is time to accumulate more experience."

President Robb… found himself speechless again.

He had almost forgotten—Asher's journey, from accidentally discovering the evolution route for the honeybug to actively developing the little fox's new evolution path, then aiding Professor Jorge in pinpointing the Noise flower's evolution key, and finally assisting in evolving the talent-awakening Rabbit Dog—all within less than a year.

Less than a year.

He had advanced at rocket speed to become a fifth-level researcher, crossed the preparatory beastmaster threshold, and became an official beastmaster along the way.

President Robb thought to himself: 'What kind of time management wizard is this?'

This wasn't something an ordinary human could achieve.

Reflecting on Asher's rapid growth, President Robb's guilt eased. "Kid, you're really something!"

"Anyway, this might still feel like a slight, so I'll make a decision. Officially, you're a fifth-level researcher, but in NY City's Beastmaster Alliance, you'll enjoy fourth-level benefits." President Robb didn't want Asher to feel any grievance. To him, investing in Asher was investing in the city's future.

Before Asher could protest, President Robb had already made the decision.

Hearing this, Asher couldn't help but smile wryly. "Alright, alright. Thanks, Uncle Robb."

"No need to thank me. You earned this!"

"Why are you thanking me? This is what you deserve!"

He hung up the phone.

Other benefits would come later, but the most immediate one was this: after officially earning the title of a Level 5 researcher, Asher could now receive a salary every month.

Yes.

He hadn't even started university yet, and his paycheck had already arrived early.

Faced with a six-figure monthly salary, Asher understood even more why the pet beast evolution major had become such a hot career path.

For the money alone, people would dive in headfirst.

With enough financial support, it indeed gave rise to a group of highly capable researchers.

This was the power of money.

Asher: Cheers to being rich.

.

.

.

Over the next month or so, Asher didn't rush to dive into new work.

He spent time researching the preparations needed to set up a laboratory.

Meanwhile...

He also found time to take Catworm to the novice training ground for some sparring.

In NY City.

The opponents who were already familiar with Asher's face: "..."

"Seriously?"

"Hadn't the Demon King and his devil pet already evolved?"

They'd all seen the New Year's battle, after all.

The forum videos had gone viral.

And the photos—each one perfectly captured the Demon King's handsomeness and the evolved pet beast's imposing presence. These images left countless aspiring beastmasters who wanted to challenge the Demon King clutching handkerchiefs and crying "boohoohoo."

They thought they'd never see the Demon King again.

The Demon King was no longer on their level.

The Demon King and his pet beast had ascended together.

Other beastmasters were ecstatic.

Thrilled.

Yes!

The training ground was once again their happy haven without the Demon King around.

Get beaten, beat others in turn.

It was all about that endless cycle.

Then...

The Demon King suddenly came back with a newly contracted pet beast.

The beastmasters at NY City's novice training ground: "..."

Their spirits broke.

Thankfully, the pet beast the Demon King brought out to spar wasn't last year's sparrow-sized Oriental Bird that had thrashed them for two whole months.

The evolved Little Raven was lazily lying in Asher's arms, occupying the best viewing spot. The one entering the arena was Catworm.

It couldn't fly.

It was tiny.

Its appearance was... difficult to describe.

Under the bright lights, just one look could make your sanity take a nosedive.

No tail, vaguely cat-like but not a cat, horns on its head, a plump, round body, and it chirped incessantly.

"What is this?"

"What kind of bizarre hybrid is this?"

Every beastmaster who fought Catworm for the first time couldn't help but show this expression of confusion.

They couldn't figure it out.

Really couldn't figure it out.

What made it even harder to accept was... this creature had seven legs.

That's right.

After repeatedly confirming, they discovered that Catworm indeed had only seven legs.

Short, stubby, sharp, fleshy legs with no pads. From just looking at them, one might mistake it for some oversized caterpillar-like beast.

The problem was, insect legs were supposed to be symmetrical, not like this...

The opponents tried to gesture and mimic, but their faces showed how perplexed they were.

For opponents with OCD, it almost drove them insane on the spot.

Asher: 'Hehe~'

Catworm: 'Hehehe~'

Little Raven: 'Go! Don't disgrace me, your big sister!'

Catworm: : 'Charge, charge, charge!'

'Dragons are the best!'

Catworm charged.

Catworm felt sheer joy.

"Meow~!"

"Meow~ Meow~!"

'They're all so weak!'

'This dragon can take them all down in one bite!'

Although Catworm didn't have as many skills as Little Raven—primarily because Asher realized that to teach skills to Catworm, there was a prerequisite: the skill had to be max level. Otherwise, it couldn't be taught to Catworm. Thus, Catworm only had four skills so far:

[Psychic Guidance], [Shadow Sneak], [Blade of Destruction], and the reversed skill derived from the max-level [Fairy Flash], [Shadow Corrosion].

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[Shadow Corrosion]: Upon activation, it creates a toxic field centered on the pet beast, covering a diameter of 5 to 10 meters. The black-purple mist lasts for three minutes, inflicting 10% to 30% health loss per minute depending on the beast's toxin resistance. There's a chance of instant death, and toxin-type beasts cannot fully resist the poison.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Asher: "..."

As expected of a skill reversed from max-level [Fairy Flash].

It was leagues stronger than the ordinary [Shadow Corrosion].

The area of effect alone wasn't something typical beasts could achieve.

Five to ten meters.

Catworm could control the exact range itself, but with its current strength, it could only maintain a five-meter toxic field for three minutes—a decent feat.

As Catworm's strength improved, the field's range would expand further.

And the toxin concentration would also increase.

This was a skill that could instantly dominate in a novice training ground.

Asher didn't often let Catworm use this skill.

Some flying opponents could also avoid the field's range.

Compared to directly maxing out [Shadow Corrosion], Asher was more inclined to have Catworm use [Psychic Guidance] and [Shadow Sneak].

These were Catworm's innate skills, and their proficiency wasn't maxed out.

Also... Asher wanted to see if Catworm could learn any new skills through combat.

Unfortunately, despite leveling up from Tier 2 Advanced to Tier 3 Intermediate, Catworm still hadn't grasped any new skills.

After finishing yet another battle, Asher leisurely extended his hand toward Catworm.

Catworm skillfully and nimbly used its seven little legs to sprint and leap into Asher's arms in a way no ordinary person could comprehend.

"Meow!"

"Meow! Meow!"

'Dragons are amazing, right?'

'Dragons defeated them all again today! Flattened them into the ground!'

'That's the power of dragons!'

'Such a mighty and beautiful little dragon!'

*Head held high, chest puffed out, proud*

Before Asher could say anything, Little Raven took the initiative to help curb Catworm's arrogance.

Little Raven stared at Catworm with its big round golden-red eyes, then looked up at Asher and spread its wide wings, slapping Asher's arm.

'Let the bird handle this! The bird would help it cool down!'

Catworm: QAQ

It only took a blink for Catworm to go from smug to sobbing.

Catworm wanted to escape... but couldn't.

It could only obediently accept the love from its big sister.

After bullying its little brothers all day, it still had to be bullied back by its big sister.

Catworm: (⁠ᗒ⁠ᗩ⁠ᗕ⁠)

Moments like these were when the other beastmasters in the training ground felt most delighted.

"Hehe, seeing Little Raven step in, it's like reliving the days we fought against it."

"Yeah! The Demon King already contracted a second pet beast and came back to stomp us again, and we're still just fodder."

"...Can you not phrase it like that? If you can't, just shut up!"

What fodder?

They were progressing at a normal pace, okay?

The Demon King was just ridiculously OP.

A rare exception.

Don't compare their normal progress to the Demon King; it was a recipe for self-humiliation.

Finally, Asher wrapped up a day of training.

Without recalling Little Raven and Catworm to the beast space, Asher held Little Raven in one arm while scrolling through his phone with the other. Catworm perched on his shoulder, walking out of the novice training ground with a carefree air.

It was a message from their homeroom teacher, Old Arthur.

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