Abella, who scanned the entire internal structure of the research institute in a single glance, "?"
'What kind of proper research centre only has a handful of people?'
'Oh!'
'Asher's research institute.'
The moment Asher's name was attached, all strange things ceased to be strange.
Understood.
Accepted.
Got used to it.
Running at the front, faces full of excitement, were Chase and Sarah, the couple.
Back then, after they were dismissed from their previous research institute and struggled to find new jobs, they were even considering switching careers. By sheer coincidence, they ended up at Asher's research institute, and from that point on, a new chapter of their lives began.
The research institute had only been established for less than two months, yet Asher had already deciphered the true form of a legendary beast, created an unprecedented fusion evolution, and even developed two new evolutionary paths.
Chase and Sarah: "..."
The turning point of fate came too fast, so fast they could hardly react.
And then, their old enemies were swiftly dealt with.
Thanks to the evolution routes of the Holy Light Sunflower and the Nether Sunflower, Asher's research institute had gained significant fame in NY City. Every now and then, other pet professors would seek Asher out for discussions and experience exchanges.
But…
This was Asher we were talking about.
A man full of surprises.
The research institute was established, but the chances of actually seeing Asher inside it were as rare as hen's teeth.
Couldn't find him.
Even as his own team members, they rarely saw him, let alone those pet professors who came to visit.
Of course.
Everyone understood—Asher was still a student, after all… though they had never seen such an outrageous student before.
But it was fine if they couldn't communicate with Asher directly. The few researchers in Asher's institute followed him closely and assisted him, so they must know something, right?
Poaching them… oh well.
Seeing there were only four of them, most people were too embarrassed to make a move, but there were always a few thick-skinned ones who kept making offers, promising generous benefits to lure them away from Asher's institute.
Tempted? Sure.
But whether it was Chase and Sarah or the remaining researchers, they were all very self-aware of their own capabilities.
Were the offers because of their skills?
No, no, no.
Not at all.
It was all because of Asher.
Faced with such a choice, they still had enough clarity to choose between a one-time feast and long-term stability.
At first, they thought rejecting twice would be the end of it, but to their surprise—the more they refused, the more persistent the headhunters became, convinced that there was some deep, undisclosed secret hidden here.
Even those who hadn't considered poaching before started joining in.
Chase, Sarah, and the other two researchers: "…"
Though their willpower was strong, looking at all the enticing offers being thrown at them… it was nearly impossible to feel nothing at all.
So this was basically a test of their loyalty.
'Professor Asher, please come back quickly!'
'We don't want to make mistakes!'
'Really, we don't!'
And now, the moment they saw Asher, it was as if they had reunited with their long-lost blood relatives, eyes brimming with tears.
A completely baffled Asher: "?"
"Your researchers are really attached to you.", Abella observed their genuine excitement and spoke from the heart.
"You guys…", Asher hesitated, then waved at Chase and Sarah, "Let's talk inside."
Chase finally snapped out of it, "Right, right, the entrance isn't the place for this. Let's go in."
Saying that, Chase turned to lead the way, while Sarah walked beside Asher, quickly and softly reporting everything that had happened at the research institute in his absence, along with the various invitations they had received.
Asher suddenly understood.
He glanced at his four researchers.
"It's fine, these are minor issues.", Asher paused, "If any of you really want to leave, it's not impossible, just let me know in advance."
The three researchers, including Sarah, shook their heads frantically.
Leave?
They'd have to be insane to want to leave.
Even if Asher only returned once every three to five months, he paid their salaries, and more importantly, his expertise in pet evolution research was truly top-tier.
Just assisting Asher for a few days had given them more recognition and presence than they had gotten in their previous ten or twenty years of hard work.
They absolutely adored Professor Asher.
As long as he didn't kick them out, they could stay here for a lifetime.
"Professor Asher, is there a reason for your return this time?", Sarah tactfully changed the subject. She glanced at Abella beside Asher.
Abella's looks didn't conform to traditional beauty standards, but no one would ever call her ugly. Hers was a beauty filled with a heroic air. Even her choppy, dog-bitten-looking haircut and facial scars couldn't hide it—if anything, they added to her wild charm.
So…
Sarah's gaze flitted between Asher and Abella, indulging in a bit of silent gossip before unintentionally locking eyes with Abella.
"Cough, cough."
'A little awkward.'
She coughed twice and swiftly changed the subject. "Who is this lady?"
"I'm starting a new research topic—developing a new evolutionary path for the Violent Bear.", Asher didn't introduce Abella. The moment he spoke, the researchers' attention immediately snapped back to him.
'Hmm?'
'A new research topic already?'
'So soon!'
Hadn't the fusion evolution of the Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit just been validated?
Asher ignored their thoughts and continued, "On the way back, I already messaged President Robb. In a moment, draft the application forms, and I'll list the necessary resources. Make sure to take notes."
The gossip had to be set aside.
The moment Asher started discussing work, the researchers snapped into focus. In the blink of an eye, they entered work mode, attentively listening to Asher's assignments.
There were only four of them, but they maximized their efficiency.
This level of coordination had been honed through their previous research on the Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit's evolution path.
Watching this seamless cooperation, Abella was stunned.
This level of synchronization was almost unreal.
The filter she had for Asher? It just got another few layers slapped on.
As for whether he could develop a new evolutionary path for the Violent Bear—Abella now had zero doubts.
She believed in Asher.
The Asher Sect would never fall.
"Hah-choo—", Asher sneezed, rubbing his nose. For some reason, he felt a slight chill down his spine.
Looking left, looking right.
No abnormalities.
Asher dismissed the thought and continued discussing the necessary resources and materials with Chase and Sarah.
"…That's all.", Asher finalized the list for the Violent Bear's [Sky Shaking Bear] evolution.
"Geocore Rock, Earth Marrow, Earth Jade—if we apply for both mid-grade and high-grade resources, half of your annual resource quota will be used up.", Sarah calculated, looking at Asher for confirmation, "Are you sure?"
Asher nodded calmly, "Apply for it. Resource quotas are meant to be used."
Why keep them?
Are they for display?
On the other hand, Abella looked a bit uneasy when she heard this.
"Asher, this…", Abella seemed embarrassed, hesitating to speak.
Asher immediately saw through her thoughts.
"No need to feel bad. Figuring out the evolution path for the Violent Bear sooner benefits me too.", Asher said sincerely.
Especially since he seemed to have gained quite a bit of Primal Energy from the Violent Bear.
He didn't know its purpose yet, but it was definitely a good thing.
Abella said nothing more.
She noted down this favor.
If one year wasn't enough to repay it, then two years. If two years weren't enough, then three… She was still young. As long as nothing unexpected happened, she would definitely repay Asher before the end of her life.
The application for Asher's research institute was submitted to the NY City Beastmaster Alliance in one second and approved the next.
President Robb even personally delivered the materials to Asher.
President Robb's warm attitude towards Asher was something Abella… had stopped reacting to.
Same as always.
Surprised?
What's there to be surprised about?
This was Asher.
"The resources you applied for just happen to be in reserve at the NY Beastmaster Alliance, so I brought you a little extra.", President Robb said cheerfully, patting Asher on the shoulder, "Kid, don't be stingy with resources. Use what you need. If it's not enough, just let me know. I'll apply to headquarters. As long as we have it, you won't lack any."
The four other researchers in the institute looked indifferent.
Abella: "…"
Alright.
She still found this surreal, but she would learn to blend in.
.
.
.
Training.
Practice.
Building bonds.
Developing synergy between beastmasters and their beasts.
And finally, eating and consuming all sorts of resources.
If Abella had to sum it up, besides increasing training time and adjusting battle techniques with the Violent Bear, it didn't feel too different from her usual training.
"Will this really lead to evolution?", On the fifth day of this routine, Abella quietly asked Asher while having lunch.
Asher glanced at the Violent Bear, whose progress bar was full except for the last 1 point out of 101 needed for evolution. He met Abella's gaze and said, "Have a little more trust in me, a little more trust in yourself, and a little more trust in the Violent Bear."
Asher had assumed that the bear's evolution would be as easy as the fusion evolution of Bean Flower and Dream Soul Spirit.
After all, the hardest part—the absorption and integration of Primal Energy—had already been completed. But what Asher hadn't expected was that the real obstacle was that tiny extra bit of affection and synergy.
Asher sighed.
After spending the past few days with Abella, he understood her personality a little better.
He had a rough idea of where the problem lay, "Have you been worrying about this the whole time?"
Faced with Asher's question, Abella looked a little embarrassed and nodded, "Sigh, things like this… It's hard to control your mindset. Having some doubts is normal, right?"
"Very normal.", Asher acknowledged. Then he added, "But your mindset affects the Violent Bear's mindset."
"If you have doubts about whether it can evolve, the bear will sense it, which could affect its evolution."
"That mystical?", Abella was surprised. She leaned in closer and lowered her voice, her expression puzzled.
Asher's expression was serious, "It is that mystical. But it's not really mysticism—it has a scientific basis."
"Like affection.", Hearing this, Abella nodded thoughtfully.
"Don't rush training this afternoon. Take a proper break, chat with the Violent Bear, communicate, and understand each other's inner thoughts.", Asher said with a smile, adjusting Abella's schedule for the day.
Chase and Sarah naturally had no objections.
What the professor said, they followed.
Suddenly having nothing to do and finding herself with free time, Abella: "…"
Alright, alright.
She'd listen to Asher and relax properly.
After sending off Abella, Asher glanced at the Little Raven and the Cat-Worm, who had been asleep for four full days but now showed signs of waking up.
Even more coincidentally, the little white snake that had been wrapped around his wrist in a hibernation-like state was also showing signs of waking up.
"Meow! Meow!…"
"Awoo…"
The voices of the Cat-Worm and the little white snake rang simultaneously in Asher's mind and ears. Meanwhile, the Little Raven stood up straight, shook its wings, and looked full of energy.
Whoosh—
The Little Raven and the Cat-Worm simultaneously attempted to emerge from Asher's mental sea… but failed. Instead, they dived headfirst back into his mental sea.
Asher: "!"
The next second.
The little white snake, which had just woken up and hadn't even realized what had changed about its body, excitedly dove into Asher's mental sea as well.
One bird, one bug, one snake happily frolicked inside.
Their bodies were now tinged with faint silver-white light from the mental sea.
Not much.
But noticeable.
Asher: "…"
His mental sea no longer felt like his own—it had turned into a fun playground for the three little ones.
Asher had mixed feelings.
Fortunately, the three didn't stay in his mental sea for too long. Less than a minute later, the Little Raven, the Cat-Worm, and the little white snake all voluntarily emerged, neatly sitting in a row before Asher.
Asher: Stare—
"You all—", Asher opened his mouth to say something, only to lower his head and meet three pairs of eyes, each a different color but sharing the same expression.
Little Raven: *Innocent*
Cat-Worm: *Playful*
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