Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

If not, Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit's evolution would be delayed.

The problem was that others had taken advantage of this.

This situation placed Asher in a very passive position.

Bringing in more people, even if many of them only had two contract slots open... If Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit could both be contracted, he could discuss it with them properly...Students, after all, still had passion and hot-bloodedness, which made them easier to deal with compared to seasoned negotiators.

Besides...

Asher looked at Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit.

"I'm not sure... If contracting both Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit will take up one slot or two."

"After all, they'll eventually fuse, which means that after evolution, they'll become one, right?"

Taking up two slots but becoming one in the end?

Asher wasn't sure.

It could be tested.

It was all worth testing.

But because it was uncertain, Asher ultimately wrote "contract two" on the flyer. However, if someone had an extra contract slot and the courage to try, Asher was willing to give them and himself a chance.

Let the brave enjoy the world first.

On the selection day for suitable assistant beast tamers, more people came than expected.

When the students from two schools and the trainers from the rookie training ground were combined, there were thirty to forty people in total. Finally, there were three reserve team members from the Crescent Club Team, brought by Drake, who met Asher's standards.

"There are... so many people!" The three reserve members who came with Drake stood at the back of the line. Seeing so many people, they couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

No way?

Were there really so many beast tamers in NY City who met Asher's standards and were actually willing to come?

Drake was also quite surprised.

Becoming an assistant beast tamer for a new research project had its pros and cons.

The benefit was that it could provide better cultivation for their pets, with a chance of evolving into a new form and gaining stronger powers.

The downside was that during the selected cooperation phase, pets couldn't evolve, and each project couldn't guarantee 100% results. If things went wrong, years of cooperation could end up wasted.

Falling behind in evolution would mean lagging behind other pets.

For ordinary beast tamers, this might not be a big issue.

But for club team beast tamers—it was a bottleneck.

Their main goal was faster, stronger, and more efficient progress.

If not for their envy of the little fire fox Asher had previously researched... plus the fact that a national-level expert had personally expressed gratitude to Asher, Drake wouldn't have been able to select these three reserve members to participate in Asher's selection.

Even among the chosen three, their attitude toward this matter was somewhat reluctant.

They joined the club to become famous, didn't they?

They had two open contract slots because their own resources couldn't get them better, stronger pets. They wanted to leverage the club's resources to further their strength.

Was Asher famous?

He was.

But watching him online for fun was entirely different from genuinely believing in him and following his arrangements... They had their doubts.

These three had been persuaded for a long time and only agreed to take a look after considering their strength.

Unexpectedly...

Thirty to forty people!

Far more than they had imagined.

Initially, they thought that having ten or so people would already be a lot.

Seeing so many people coming to try out, the reserve team members' mindset shifted from being aloof to being cautious and serious... It seemed Asher's influence was bigger than they thought?

Maybe this time... they could truly gain something? The three exchanged glances, their eyes filled with mixed emotions.

After careful observation, Drake realized... most of these people seemed to be students or rookie beast tamers under twenty years old.

Drake's expression turned slightly complicated.

Was he being taken advantage of?

Drake wasn't entirely sure.

Were these people really not shills invited by Asher?

Over there, Vicky had already excitedly rushed through the crowd and patted Asher on the shoulder with a big hand, exclaiming with excitement, "Impressive, my dude!"

Asher glanced at him, unfazed by Vicky's ever-changing nicknames.

'Whatever.'

'Call me whatever you like.'

'As long as it makes you happy.'

"Ha, this lab is built pretty decently." Vicky looked around. It was a bit crude, but one could see the embryonic form of a legitimate lab: "Just feels a little empty."

Asher: "It was set up quickly; no rush, we'll improve it bit by bit."

Asher said nonchalantly.

He glanced around at the people. Combined, there were only 14 students from the two schools, and some even looked like sophomores without a contracted pet, coming just to try their luck.

There were slightly more people from the training ground—eighteen.

Their expressions showed familiarity, casualness, and a look that seemed to say, "Let's see the Little Raven."

Hmm.

Clearly, they were old acquaintances who had been beaten up before.

When their eyes met Asher's, they sheepishly smiled before realizing—wait?

Why were they feeling guilty?

Shouldn't the big bad wolf be the one begging for their help right now?

...Oh well, habits die hard.

Seeing Asher's face brought back memories of being beaten by his two pets.

In the end, Asher's gaze landed on Drake and the three unfamiliar faces beside him.

"Professor Asher, you're amazing!" Drake grinned and gave a thumbs-up, his muscular arms bulging as he gestured.

He pointed at the three beside him. "I brought these three to try out and see if there's a chance to collaborate with you."

Asher nodded.

He raised his hands to signal everyone to quiet down.

Vicky shut up, and the students from School Eleven followed suit.

Sigh.

Don't ask why.

It's just that no one knows how this husky-like guy became the alpha wolf of the pack.

June and Ivy also worked to settle down the students from School Nine.

As for the 18 people from the training ground, there was no need to say more.

One look from Asher, and they quieted down faster than anyone else.

The three reserve team members who had never seen such a scene before: "?"

They followed suit and fell silent under the atmosphere, though they couldn't understand... why did Asher command such authority?

Confusion, shock, and cautious compliance.

Asher wasn't about to explain.

"Thank you all for standing here today and being willing to assist me in my upcoming research project, contributing to the evolution of pet beasts," Asher began, setting an emotional tone from the start.

Most of those standing there were young people.

They might have dreamt of becoming stronger overnight or imagined good fortune falling upon them. Regardless of their reasons for coming, in Asher's eyes, they were all worthy of gratitude and respect.

Including Vicky, June, and Ivy, everyone's faces turned beet red.

"Oh my~ Praising us like this... We're almost too embarrassed~"

Their shy yet pleased expressions vividly displayed everyone's feelings.

Joy.

As teenagers, they felt a deep respect that touched their souls, personalities, and emotional values.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Asher continued,"However, I must say something upfront: contracting two new pet beasts is not a simple matter."

Without Asher's research project, most of those present would not have chosen to contract Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit as their beasts.

"My experimental project is one thing. Once you contract them, they become your pet beasts, and your responsibility."

"These two Beasts will choose their own beastmasters, but if you ultimately decide not to contract them, that's fine—you have the right to refuse."

"But once you do, please be fully prepared to take on the responsibility for their futures."

A small portion of the crowd's expressions shifted slightly, showing unease.

What Asher said wasn't unfamiliar, but before coming here—and even now—many had not given it much thought.

They had simply thought, Why not try? If I'm chosen, it's not a loss anyway. Besides, isn't Asher the rising star, the genius pet beast evolution professor of NY City? How could he make a mistake?

Asher: "..."

Whether Asher might make a mistake was one thing; their attitude was another.

The fact that Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit clung to Asher had left an impression. After all, Little Raven and Cat-Worm had put considerable psychological and physical pressure on them recently.

If possible, Asher still hoped to find them responsible beastmasters.

As for how Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit chose their beastmasters, Asher wasn't entirely certain.

"Let's first sign a confidentiality agreement. Before I officially announce this research project to the public, please do not spread any information."

"Huh?"

Many began whispering amongst themselves.

A confidentiality agreement?

This was somewhat rare.

Most pet beast evolution professors openly published their projects, allowing everyone to view them on the Alliance's official website.

Signing a confidentiality agreement was only required for significant research projects.

The students from schools Eleven and Nine were confused, but the "Eighteen Guardians" exchanged glances, seemingly activating a secret communication channel.

Damn, does this mean we're involved in something big?

Probably not… Right? Let's wait and see!

The three reserve team members from the club felt like saying something but couldn't suppress their amused expressions.

"Sign a confidentiality agreement? This can't be serious!" A hot-tempered young man with red hair lowered his voice but still stood out in the quiet atmosphere.

Drake's forehead veins bulged. His muscular arm slapped the red-haired youth's back. "Shut up! Don't embarrass us here."

Hadn't they discussed this beforehand?

The red-haired youth grumbled but fell silent.

Drake quickly gave Asher an apologetic look. "This guy..."

Asher waved it off.

"It's fine. I understand some may have doubts, and I accept that," Asher said with a smile. "If anyone doesn't want to sign, that's okay—you simply won't be able to participate in the selection process."

"Mutual choice, after all."

Drake: "..."

Red-haired youth: "..."

"Fine, I'll sign!"

The red-haired youth's defiant expression seemed to say, 'I just want to see what tricks you're playing.'

Asher remained silent, smiling faintly.

More people meant more chances.

Aside from the three club members, the rest of the attendees had basic trust in Asher.

Rustle—

Without hesitation, they all signed their names on the confidentiality agreement.

"Don't worry; you won't have to keep this secret for long," Asher joked, collecting the agreements. "Even if you could hold back, I probably couldn't resist spilling the beans."

"Hahaha!"

"Then hurry up, Professor Asher. We're so curious about your project."

"Can we go in now?"

The tension caused by the red-haired youth quickly dissipated into light-hearted laughter.

"Alright, follow me," Asher said, leading the way and opening another door.

Aside from Drake, the remaining thirty-plus participants filed in.

And then—

"Wow—"

Exclamations of surprise rose one after another in the room.

Drake, who wasn't there for the selection, couldn't even sign a confidentiality agreement or enter the room. He could only stay outside with the researchers: "..."

Curious.

Itchy with curiosity.

What on earth were those people "wowing" about?

Did they see some unbelievable Beast?

Then Drake thought he heard the voice of his own little red-haired teammate.

Drake: "?"

Even itchier!

And the tone of that voice sounded intense.

It almost seemed like... an argument?

Drake: "?"

Today's Drake felt like a walking question mark machine.

It felt like a long time had passed for Drake.

In reality, less than half an hour had gone by.

Finally, everyone in the room came out.

Their expressions... were strange, indescribably strange.

If Drake had to describe it... it was like they had eaten a big scoop of juicy gossip, but found it slightly sour and spoiled. They wanted to complain but were mute and couldn't speak.

Yes.

Drake nodded to himself, satisfied with his string of brilliant descriptions.

Asher was equally satisfied.

Previously, seeing Bean Blossom and Dream Soul Spirit act like they would rather chase him down than settle for another beast master, Asher had been worried.

If those two couldn't find a suitable beast master, would he really have to step up himself?

Luckily, it didn't come to that.

Bean Blossom and Dream Soul Spirit chose four beast masters out of the thirty-plus candidates.

Ivy and Vicky.

Two acquaintances of Asher.

Then there was a girl named Jannet, who spoke gently and smiled sweetly. At first glance, her style was a bit similar to Ivy's.

The last was a companion of the red-haired youth—a young man named Jameson, the most ordinary and low-profile among the three reserve members of the Crescent Club team.

These four now surrounded Asher, accompanied by a visibly indignant June.

"Unbelievable! Why am I the only one out of the three of us who wasn't chosen? What kind of eyesight do those two Beasts even have?" June fumed, grinding her teeth and glaring, "It's one thing to lose to Ivy, but how am I inferior to this fool who looks like a husky?"

As she spoke, June shot Vicky a sharp glare.

Vicky: "Heh~"

June got even angrier.

"Alright, alright. What are your thoughts now?" Asher, helpless, tried to steer the topic back on track. "You've all seen the two Beasts, and I've explained the research topic to you."

"The choice is in your hands now."

"Professor Asher, I'm actually interested, but I only have a slot for a second contract beast. Can I still participate?" Jannet, the gentle-looking girl, was the first to speak.

Her bright, sparkling eyes turned toward Asher.

Asher encouraged her. "I'm not sure, but we can try together."

Jannet nodded thoughtfully.

"Then I'll pass this time." Ivy also spoke, pressing her lips together with a slightly embarrassed smile. "I should let others have a chance, right?"

She winked at Asher. "There will be other opportunities, won't there?"

"I'll pass too!" Vicky said cheerfully, throwing an arm around Asher's shoulder and nudging him. He winked exaggeratedly. "If no one steps up, your bro here will do it. But since you're not short on candidates, I won't crash the party."

Vicky looked at Jannet, then at Ivy, and finally gave June a meaningful glance.

Then his gaze landed back on Asher.

'Look!'

'I'm being a good wingman here!'

'Giving you one-on-one time with the girls!'

'Surely you'll win one over, right?'

Understanding Vicky's intentions, Asher silently closed his eyes.

'Ah... this guy's brain... Never mind. Never mind. He's still my good brother.'

Asher brushed off Vicky's arm and turned to the silent Jameson, asking gently, "What about you?"

Jameson hesitated.

He opened his mouth to speak, but the red-haired youth beat him to it.

"Hah! What do I think? Obviously, I don't agree!" The red-haired youth, since leaving the room, had been holding his head high, almost tilting his chin toward the sky. His gaze toward Asher was full of disdain, as if looking at a conman. "Do you even hear the nonsense you're spouting?"

"And those two Beasts—hilarious! Who in their right mind would play around like this? Do you want us to get scammed to death?"

The red-haired youth's gaze swept over Jannet, Ivy, and Vicky, filled with ridicule and scorn. "Are these people your plants? Just here to scam our Crescent Club's excellent reserve players?"

"Skyler, shut up!" Drake shouted sternly.

"Why should I shut up?" Skyler no longer held back, glaring angrily at Asher and then at everyone else around him. "What did I say that's wrong?"

"If they want to contract these trash-tier weaklings, that's their business. But we three are reserve members of the Crescent Club team, destined to become official players and make a name for ourselves in the arena! Who has the time to play house with him here?"

Drake frowned.

"That's going too far. Didn't Professor Asher make everything clear from the start? And it's a mutual selection process. If you don't want to contract them, just refuse. Why the verbal abuse?"

"Exactly! I think you're just throwing a tantrum because you weren't chosen." someone chimed in.

Skyler: "Who even cares? Even if I were chosen, I'd refuse!"

"Oh, sure. We believe you. But the fact remains, you weren't chosen, right? Even if the plan sounds a bit wild, pet beast evolution research is often like that."

"Yeah, supporting it! The bolder the idea, the more progress you make. Many new evolution paths for pet beasts were discovered in ways that seemed absurd at first."

After a brief silence, everyone began speaking up for Asher.

Fusion evolution, combination evolution... Sure, it sounded far-fetched.

But Asher, barely eighteen, already had such achievements.

Wasn't that far-fetched too?

If it seemed unreliable, they could just observe. Why resort to personal attacks?

Asher smiled.

His gaze toward Skyler grew gentle, almost grateful.

'Ah—this is good.'

'I thought my reputation would take a hit because of these people. Who knew it'd turn around so quickly?'

'Skyler, the king of verbal missteps. A good comrade indeed!'

Skyler's face darkened.

On one side, his peers were mocking him with sly comments.

On the other, his coach Drake looked at him with disapproving eyes.

The only friendly gaze came from... Asher.

Skyler: *Yuck*

Feeling utterly betrayed, Skyler vented his frustration on Jameson, shouting, "What are you hesitating for? Speak up already!"

"Uh... I..." Jameson glanced nervously between Skyler, Drake, and Asher. Finally, as if making up his mind, he said, "I... agree."

"Professor Asher, I'm willing to assist in your research project—"

"You've lost your mind!" Skyler interrupted furiously, leaping up as if Jameson's words had physically shocked him.

Skyler stared at Jameson like he was a lunatic.

Then he turned to his other teammate, seeking support. "Little Fatty, you agree with me, right? This guy's crazy to believe in this fraud!"

Under Skyler's intense gaze, Little Fatty hesitated, caught in a dilemma.

"Well..." Little Fatty, seeing Skyler's insistence, hesitated before saying, "Respect others' choices. No need to decide for them."

Mature people don't need unnecessary conflict, right?

Little Fatty had no strong opinions on Asher's research. If it worked, he might even use it himself in the future.

There was no need to burn bridges.

Pragmatism at its finest, Little Fatty smiled wordlessly.

Feeling betrayed by the whole world, Skyler: "..."

"Fine, fine, fine!"

"I'll just wait for all of you to get slapped in the face."

"Trusting the nonsensical ravings of a fraud—you've all lost your minds!"

Unable to bear it anymore, Skyler stormed out of the lab toward the club's car.

Without Skyler, the previously tense and combative atmosphere in the lab instantly calmed.

Even Drake felt a twinge of guilt.

His team member... definitely went too far, huh?

Drake sighed. The club liked fiery players for the drama they brought to matches.

"I apologize on his behalf. He didn't mean harm—he just doesn't trust anything outside his understanding." Drake awkwardly tried to explain Skyler's behavior, apologizing to Asher.

He hoped Asher wouldn't hold it against the entire Crescent Club.

After all, who knew when they might need to collaborate with Asher in the future?

A friendly demeanor never hurt, especially with someone as capable as him.

"That's alright; it's not entirely his fault." Asher shook his head, looking as though he didn't care at all.

Then, he turned to Jameson and Jannet. "Are you both sure about this?"

Jameson and Jannet nodded.

"For the sake of caution, we'll first select Mr. Jameson as the auxiliary beast master to assist us with the experimental research."

"I can guarantee that within no more than a month, there will definitely be results."

"When we conduct the verification experiments later, we'll contact you again. Is that okay?" Asher asked Jannet.

"That's wonderful!" Jannet beamed with a sweet smile. "That way, I'll feel even more confident when it's my turn, won't I?"

"I'll also keep working hard during this time and try to unlock my third contract slot."

Jannet clenched her fist, her lips pursed, and a small, sweet dimple appeared on her left cheek.

Asher had four researchers personally drive a rented minibus to safely send everyone, except for the club's battle team, back to the school.

After they returned.

Including Asher, there were now six people in the lab.

Professor Asher.

Four researchers.

And auxiliary beast master Jameson.

The place was sparsely populated.

The laboratory, which was already spacious, now felt even more empty.

Asher looked at Jameson, who had become the center of everyone's attention and seemed particularly nervous and uneasy. He smiled and said, "Don't be nervous. Do you need to calm down first?"

"I'm fine… I just… feel a bit out of place." Jameson stiffened his body, turned his neck awkwardly, and stammered.

Sarah glanced at Jameson with a hint of maternal affection in her eyes.

'This child… he looks so nervous!'

'Like a little lamb about to be eaten by a big bad wolf.'

"I… I-I-I… What should I do next?" Jameson, feeling even more uncomfortable under Sarah's motherly gaze, stuttered.

Asher: "First, contract with Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit."

Jameson nodded quickly, looking obedient and ready to follow orders without question.

Contracting was something he knew how to do.

"Try contracting them both at the same time," Asher suddenly added.

Jameson: "?"

He didn't understand.

But he followed the instructions.

In theory, contracting pet beasts should be done one by one. Even if someone wanted to contract two or three pet beasts in a hurry, they would typically take breaks between each contract to meditate, allowing the beasts to adapt to and familiarize themselves with the spiritual sea and beast space before moving on to the next.

Otherwise, there was a risk of them fighting in the spiritual sea beast space.

It wasn't an exaggeration.

There had been such cases before.

Although rare, most people preferred to play it safe. After all, no beast master would gamble with their spiritual sea beast space, right?

"Hello, thank you for choosing me." Jameson bent down, extended both hands to Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit, and softly asked, "Would you like to contract with me and become my pet beasts?"

Facing Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit, Jameson didn't seem as awkward as he was with Asher and the others.

If Asher were to comment, he'd say Jameson even exuded a hint of tenderness.

Hmm… Asher frowned.

Wait a second.

What standards do Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit use to choose beast masters?

Asher glanced at Jameson, then thought about the personalities of Ivy and Jannet… A pattern seemed to emerge, but then it was utterly disrupted by the outlier, Husky Wolf King Vicky.

'Fine.'

Gentle, considerate, kind-hearted… None of these words matched Vicky.

Asher refused to ponder whether he himself matched any of these descriptions.

Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit raised their tiny heads to look at Jameson. Hearing his gentle tone and sensing no threatening, predatory gazes around them, their eyes welled up with tears.

They were moved.

Truly touched.

Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit glanced back at Asher, then jumped onto Jameson's palms, one on each side.

'Goodbye!'

'We've found a new favorite!'

'See ya!'

Asher: "…"

He quickly restrained Little Raven and Cat-Worm, who were about to jump out of his spiritual sea beast space.

Calm down, calm down.

Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit's gaze definitely wasn't meant to provoke.

Jameson connected his spiritual sea with Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit simultaneously.

He had expected contracting two pet beasts at once to be a painful experience.

But to his surprise… it wasn't. Not at all.

His entire body felt as if it were soaking in warm water, or basking under the warm sun—utterly comfortable.

So comfortable that he inadvertently summoned his first pet beast as well.

It was a thorny rose, twirling its vines, appearing particularly beautiful.

Its pinkish-red hue was an unmistakable sign of its potent toxicity.

Asher stroked his chin.

He had a hunch… The fusion issue between Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit might soon be resolved.

Asher: *Subtle*

Having successfully contracted Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit, Jameson opened his eyes, his whole body feeling as though he had just received a full-body massage. Even his nerves relaxed, and he was less anxious around Asher.

"Professor Asher, what should I do next?" Jameson asked.

"Describe in detail how you felt when contracting Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit," Asher instructed seriously. "Then check how many contract slots they occupy."

Jameson scratched his head.

Closing his eyes to sense… he suddenly opened them, a look of indescribable shock directed at Asher.

"I… I saw…" Jameson stammered, unable to find the words in his excitement.

"Take a deep breath. Don't rush; we have plenty of time. You can even sit down to explain," Asher gestured for him to breathe deeply and take his time.

After several deep breaths, a soft seat, and a few sips of water, Jameson's eyes sparkled as he spoke.

"It's incredible!" Jameson put down the cup, gesturing quickly with his hands as if forming seals. His description was vague: "It's like… Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit occupy two small rooms in my spiritual sea beast space, but… I can feel my third contract slot remains untouched."

"It's more like…"

Jameson frowned, searching for the right words.

"Like an invisible barrier splits the original contract slot, creating two separate spaces," Asher offered.

"Yes! Exactly like that!" Jameson nodded enthusiastically.

Perfect description!

Exactly spot-on!

Asher: "…"

'What is this?'

'A newlywed couple's honeymoon phase?'

Off to the side, Chase and Sarah were furiously jotting down every single word Jameson was saying.

Micheal and another researcher were also scribbling notes at lightning speed.

Their eyes glowed as they looked at Jameson.

Incredible.

Simply incredible.

Simultaneously contracting two pet beasts, yet these two beasts only occupied one contract slot?

This was unprecedented, something that had never occurred before.

Initially, they had thought Asher's research topic was a bit outlandish.

But now?

No, no, no.

Not even slightly outlandish anymore.

In fact, they were now filled with confidence in Asher's theory.

Asher himself became increasingly certain of his hypothesis.

"Would you be okay staying in the lab for a while during this period?" Asher confidently proposed. "If my guess is correct, Bean Flower and Dream Spirit will evolve very soon."

"There are surveillance cameras in the lab that can record the entire evolution process."

"We will also monitor your situation in real-time, ensuring that we capture the precise moment Bean Flower and Dream Spirit evolve."

Jameson nodded without hesitation.

Agreed.

Of course, he agreed.

In just a few short hours, Jameson had developed an unparalleled trust in Asher.

The form that Bean Flower and Dream Spirit took in the mental contract space after being bonded was simply too astonishing.

Sarah and Chase, the married couple: "?"

The other two researchers: "?"

"Wait, hold on?" Chase quickly interjected, "Professor Asher, isn't what you're saying a bit too…"

Rash?

They hadn't done anything yet.

"Besides, didn't you previously say that even the slowest progress would yield results within a month…" Isn't this making things difficult for Fat Tiger here?

"Don't worry. All you need to do is observe and monitor the contracted Bean Flower and Dream Spirit, ideally on a 24-hour rotation schedule," Asher said with a smile.

He then turned to Jameson. "While you're in the lab, you can release all your pet beasts."

As soon as he finished speaking—

The next second—

Thorny Rose, Bean Flower, and Dream Spirit were released by Jameson.

Utterly obedient.

Asher nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, the rest of your job is just observation."

The four researchers: Didn't understand, but followed orders.

They created a 24-hour shift schedule, and during their off-duty hours… Asher's instructions were essentially that they could do whatever they wanted.

The researchers, used to bustling about the lab: "…"

Nervous.

Uneasy.

Suspicious.

Is this really okay?

Is doing absolutely nothing really fine?

It felt like whether they were there or not made no difference at all.

Getting paid high wages every month for work that was far lighter than before made them feel guilty, so they recorded every single detail of Bean Flower and Dream Spirit's daily activities.

Down to the number of steps they took each day, how many times they drank water, how many meals they ate, and they even recorded the status of Thorny Rose on the side.

Even so, their free time was overwhelming.

Finally, on the third night, changes began to appear in Bean Flower and Dream Spirit.

Tonight, the researcher responsible for observing Bean Flower and Dream Spirit was Sarah.

When she noticed that Bean Flower and Dream Spirit were no longer occasionally fighting, debating with Thorny Rose, or quarreling and reconciling like the previous days—but instead adopting a… mating posture…

'Ahem!'

Sarah's mind blanked for a moment.

'Wait, what?'

'Weren't Beasts supposed to be reproductively isolated from each other?'

Then she realized.

'Oh!'

'So when Professor Asher talked about fusion evolution, combined evolution, he actually meant literal fusion and combination. I had thought…'

Regaining her senses, Sarah immediately took out her phone.

Call. Call now. Contact Asher immediately.

The phone rang only once.

Asher, who was resting in the adjacent empty room, arrived at the scene at lightning speed.

The other three were also awakened.

Realizing what might be happening, they rushed over.

In the dimly lit lab, the five of them formed a circle like… well, some kind of peculiar crowd. Each held a camera, holding their breath as they focused on Bean Flower and Dream Spirit, who were…

Expressions serious.

Eyes determined.

Not a trace of awkwardness.

Academic research demanded rigor.

They needed to document every single detail. Only then could they minimize unforeseen variables when reviewing and re-confirming the evolution process.

As the dominant Bean Flower stretched its body, a milky white glow enveloped both Bean Flower and Dream Spirit.

Aside from Asher, who had expected this,

The other four widened their eyes, holding their breath entirely. They dared not interrupt.

This was a critical moment.

They absolutely couldn't interfere.

The milky white glow grew larger and larger.

Bean Flower and Dream Spirit, originally the size of a palm, began to fuse, elongate, and grow… The glow morphed into the shape of a large sunflower.

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

'This… This… Could this be…'

Finally, the glow faded.

A never-before-seen Beast appeared before them.

Asher: "?"

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

Confused expressions appeared on all five faces.

'Uh…'

This creature resembled an enlarged sunflower, slightly shorter than a Big-Face Sunflower. Its stalk was as thick as a woman's arm, with two leaves on either side. Its entire body was a ghostly purple, except for a ring of yellow petals resembling those of a sunflower. Its large face held a grimacing ghost face.

'Sunshine Sunflower?'

'No, no!'

Chase and Sarah shook their heads violently.

They refused to believe it.

They couldn't accept that their ancestors would name such an Beast "Sunshine Sunflower."

If that were true, it'd be outright fraud.

Compared to Chase and the others, Asher's emotions were even more in turmoil.

Because…

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[Pet Beast: Holy Light Sunflower]

[Attribute: Light]

[Species: Intermediate High-Tier]

[Level: Tier 3 Low]

[Skills: Healing, Holy Light Dispel]

[Evolution Successfully Completed]

[Innate Skill: Child of Light]

[Child of Light: A favored child of the light, innately possessing the ability to dispel all negative states. The sunlight continuously provides it with energy, transforming it into healing power to grant other Beasts.]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Asher: "…"

Holy Light Sunflower.

Light attribute.

Child of Light.

A favored child of light.

Asher's expression stiffened.

It wasn't his eyesight—it was just that based on appearances… there were no visible signs of this.

Absolutely none.

With that appearance, anyone would believe it was a dark-attribute Beast. Ninety-nine percent of people would believe it.

Chase, Sarah, and the other two researchers couldn't comprehend why Asher was so exasperated.

Nor could Asher explain why this pet beast wasn't poison-attribute or dark-attribute, but instead single-attribute light—pure and untainted.

Other surprising factors, such as how Bean Flower and Dream Spirit, both initially low-tier low-level Beasts, evolved into an intermediate high-tier one—honestly, under the radiance of holy light, none of that mattered anymore. Truly, it didn't.

The innate skill had awakened.

What else could possibly be out of the question?

═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═

patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator

🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.

https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y