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Asher crossed his two index fingers in front of his mouth, forming an "X."
'Got it, got it.'
'Sigh! People nowadays, their hearts are just too fragile. They can't even handle a tiny bit of truth,' Asher shook his head dramatically, thinking to himself.
The people beside him, Abella and the others, didn't even look at Asher. Just seeing him was enough to make them angry. For the sake of their mental well-being, it was best to block him out.
Ignored Asher: "…..."
'Forget it.'
Playing alone wasn't impossible.
Not to mention, he still had three pet beasts.
Little Raven and Cat-Worm were already quite strong, but Little White Snake was still a bit lacking, especially in terms of skills. It was about time to arrange for some dragon-type skills.
Since no one wanted to go near him, Asher opened his talent skill panel. After some effort, he had finally gathered ten dragon-type skills. After careful consideration, he chose the two with the highest proficiency to teach Little White Snake.
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[Dragon Tail Swing]: When used, energy condenses into the illusion of a massive dragon tail, dealing 10% health bar damage. There is a 5% chance of double damage and a 1% chance of causing continuous stun.
[Dragon Impact]: Condenses dragon-type energy before releasing it explosively, dealing between one-third to one-half of the opponent's health bar in damage, but can only be used once per battle against the same opponent.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
These two skills were very suitable for Little White Snake at its current stage.
It wasn't that there weren't stronger dragon-type skills. After all, Asher had drawn ten dragon-type skills, including the more powerful [Dragon God's Dive] and [Dragon Dance Explosive Light Wave].
But those skills weren't suitable for Little White Snake right now.
Its body wasn't fully developed yet, and its energy reserves weren't high enough. If he forced Little White Snake to learn big moves first, one skill might drain it dry and turn it into a dried snake.
Food should be eaten bite by bite, and roads should be walked step by step. Slow and steady wins the race.
Suddenly learning two new skills, the newly reborn, feeling-like-it-was-no-longer-the-same snake: "?"
"Awoo?"
Sticking out its long tongue, Little White Snake tilted its head toward Asher, its golden eyes blinking with confusion.
'What happened? Why did Snake suddenly become so powerful?'
Little White Snake keenly sensed, 'Snake has grown stronger!'
Before Asher could even respond, Little White Snake was already looking at Little Raven and Cat-Worm with eager eyes, golden pupils full of provocation.
'Snake is badass now.'
'Snake is rising.'
'Snake has grown.'
'Snake is about to become the real boss of this house…'
Little Raven: —_—
—Defeated before even setting out.
Snake failed.
Little Raven smacked Little White Snake away with one wing. Cat-Worm coordinated by using all six of its legs to pin Little White Snake to the ground.
Little White Snake? Nope
Snake-skin rug? Yes
Little White Snake: QAQ
The attempt to challenge authority failed. The obedient and well-behaved Little White Snake returned to the lowest rank in the family hierarchy. It then slithered over to Asher, staring up at him with sparkling golden eyes, tilting its head at a perfect 45-degree angle, instinctively displaying its beauty and cuteness—self-taught, no need for instruction.
Trying to cling to Asher's thigh.
Hoping Asher would make it even stronger.
Asher: "…"
"You little opportunist, now you know how to butter me up?", Asher flicked a finger against Little White Snake's forehead, half amused, half exasperated.
The intelligence of beasts was truly something else.
"No more for now. Get proficient with these two skills first. Once you've mastered them, I'll teach you more."
Before Asher even finished speaking, Little White Snake had already abandoned him without hesitation, slithering toward Little Raven and Cat-Worm.
'This beast master is temporarily useless.'
'Better go curry favor with the big sister instead, see if I can climb up the family food chain!'
Little White Snake: *Cold-hearted, iron-willed*
———
[Evening]
Asher's research institute welcomed a special guest.
"Hello, Miss Lucy, is it?"
Asher looked at the stunning yet icy woman in front of him. She stood there like a proud flower blooming against the wind on a cliffside. He couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration.
'A seventh-tier Beast Tamer.'
'And a movie queen.'
'Impressive.'
"Yes, hello, Professor Asher," Lucy's red lips parted slightly as she nodded. Just as she was about to say more, the agent beside her, Julian, stepped in, taking over the conversation.
"Professor Asher, hello," Julian extended a hand. Asher shook it politely.
"Can we talk inside? Lucy might need to trouble you for a while."
Asher stepped aside, allowing them to enter the institute. Lucy and Julian walked in, unfazed by the ruined area outside.
They already knew about the violent bear's evolution. At most, they were just a little curious and gave it a few extra glances.
What Asher didn't notice was—
While he was sizing up Lucy, Julian was also sizing him up.
It wasn't that Julian had any bad intentions toward Asher.
It was just that…
Lucy's dual status as a seventh-tier Beast Tamer and movie queen drew far more attention than other Beast Tamers of her level.
Even within their circle, many Beast Tamers, breeders, and young pet professors were her fans.
After all—
Most beautiful actresses weren't as strong as Lucy.
And most strong Beast Tamers weren't as beautiful as Lucy.
With these stacked buffs and cross-field achievements, Julian had seen it all before.
So usually, when people recognized her, she would immediately be surrounded. Fans would ask for autographs and photos or behave like crazed devotees. On top of that, Lucy's true personality was quite different from the public image she displayed…
Julian often had headaches dealing with it.
But now—
He glanced at Asher, who, aside from his initial curiosity, showed no further reaction.
'Huh!'
'Is someone really capable of staying indifferent in front of Lucy?'
'Or are researchers just… different?'
'Oh!'
Noticing the four other researchers and the familiar girl sneaking glances at Lucy with fervent expressions, Julian understood.
It wasn't that researchers were inherently different.
It was that this Professor Asher was different.
'Now this was someone destined for greatness!'
Julian couldn't help but admire Asher.
'Speaking of which, this Professor Asher was quite handsome. If…'
'Cough! Cough!'
Asher: "?"
For some reason, a chill ran down his spine.
When he turned around, he saw the stunning beauty wearing sunglasses following closely behind him, as well as Abella and the other researchers looking at him with complicated, almost resentful gazes.
Asher calmly turned back and led the group to a small meeting room inside.
He poured mineral water into two cups and set them down for Lucy and Julian.
"It's a bit simple," Asher said apologetically.
He didn't visit the institute often, so he had no idea where the tea leaves were kept. The only reason he even had mineral water was that it happened to be there.
"It's fine. Mineral water is great," Lucy sat on the sofa, cupping the glass with both hands, her red lips parting slightly.
"Professor Asher, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. You see…," Julian glanced at the others, hinting at privacy.
Asher turned to his researchers, "You guys don't have work to do?"
The four researchers: "…"
Abella: "…"
'Ugh!'
'What is it that we can't listen to?'
Abella was the first to react, 'What could Miss Lucy be looking for Asher for at this time?'
'It must be about the forbidden land of Heavenly River City.'
'Let's go, let's go.'
Thinking about how much he owed Asher in favors and small money, Abella felt an inexplicable sense of guilt.
'Sigh!'
She wondered if she would ever have a day in this life where she could pay back everything she owed Asher.
Difficult.
Too difficult.
Abella took the lead in leaving, and naturally, the other researchers weren't tactless enough to stay. In no time, only Asher, Lucy, and her agent were left in the small reception room.
Before speaking, Lucy's gaze instinctively fell on the two pet beasts beside Asher.
"Professor Asher, your pet beasts seem to be well nurtured," Lucy said straightforwardly, "Do you need sparring partners? I can battle you later."
Julian, standing to the side, "..."
Julian knew Lucy meant well, but the way she said it… was way too direct and provocative.
Just think about the difference between them.
One was a seventh-rank Beast Tamer, while the other was just a newly recognized official Beast Tamer. A battle… what kind of fight could this even be?
Anyone who didn't know better would think a high-level Beast Tamer was bullying someone.
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it," Asher, however, didn't see a problem and was even a little eager.
A battle with a seventh-rank Beast Tamer?
Winning or losing wasn't important at this point—the main goal was to accumulate experience fighting against high-level Beast Tamers and let Raven, the Cat-Worm, and the little white snake experience the high-level pressure of a powerful opponent. Only then could they be motivated to keep growing stronger instead of being satisfied with their current achievements.
In just a few words, Asher's impression of this Miss Lucy, who had a dual identity, improved significantly.
Lucy also maintained a sincere and earnest demeanor while conversing with Asher.
Only Julian, standing between the two of them, was left utterly dumbfounded.
'Wait?'
Since when did the most clueless, least emotionally and socially intelligent artist under his management—oh no, Beast Tamer—become so articulate?
Or was the real issue with Asher?
The atmosphere between Asher and Lucy was quite good.
As they talked—
"Actually, the main reason I came to find you, Professor Asher, is to ask if you have any understanding of the forbidden land in Heavenly River City."
Julian, who had been slightly distracted, snapped back to attention the moment he heard Lucy's words. His hair practically stood on end in alarm, but it was already too late to stop her.
Lucy continued, "Or rather, how much do you know about the Phantom Mist?"
Julian: ( ╹▽╹ )
'Forget it.'
'Might as well lie down and accept fate.'
He's just a normal agent—what else could he do?
'Phantom Mist?'
Asher heard an unfamiliar term again and paused.
'What is that?'
His face showed a clear expression of confusion.
It was obvious.
He had never heard of it before.
"Professor Asher, you haven't heard of it, have you?", Seeing Asher nod, Lucy's red lips slightly parted into a round 'O' shape, clearly revealing her shock.
Even though her eyes were hidden behind her sunglasses, Asher could somehow already imagine a pair of round, slightly silly-looking, wide-eyed expressions.
The image of a dazzling beauty cracked just a little in his mind.
Lucy herself was completely unaware, and even if she were, she wouldn't care.
The only one who cared was Julian.
Julian: "..."
'Sigh!'
What use was his concern?
Forget it.
Just let it be.
After all, there were only the three of them here, so even if Lucy's image collapsed, it wasn't a big deal.
Julian took another look at Asher.
'Hmm...'
Asher really was calm as still water in front of Lucy, completely unaffected.
"Then… Professor Asher, how did you discover the new evolutionary path for the Violent Bear?", Lucy's voice was filled with confusion and puzzlement, as if she had encountered a huge mathematical problem—
She had already calculated the correct result and wanted to check the process against the answer, only to suddenly realize that she had used the wrong formula from the very beginning.
Then what about the result…
Asher touched his chin, "Phantom Mist… Are you referring to the key factor in the Heavenly River City forbidden land that prevented the Violent Bear's wounds from healing, the one that Abella and the others encountered?"
Lucy was once again shocked.
'Wait?'
'No way?'
'Asher clearly didn't even know what Phantom Mist was, so how could he pinpoint the exact key issue so accurately?'
Asher: ◉‿◉
Of course, because he was cheating.
"Miss Lucy, could you please explain the Phantom Mist to me in more detail?", Asher smiled at Lucy and politely asked, "You must have come to me because of this Phantom Mist, right? I believe I can help answer some of your questions."
"Before that, I think I should learn a little more relevant information first," Asher said calmly, taking a sip from his cup.
"Alright," Lucy nodded.
Julian: *about to speak but stops*
"Lucy, isn't this a bit inappropriate?", Julian couldn't hold back anymore, "Information regarding the Phantom Mist is restricted to high-level Beast Tamers only. I originally thought that Professor Asher might have learned about it through other channels, but now…"
As he spoke, Julian looked at Asher, his gaze filled with unconcealed shock and indescribable complexity.
'Damn!'
'He really doesn't know anything.'
Even so—
Asher still managed to discover a new evolutionary path for the Violent Bear.
If anyone said that was just luck?
Julian wouldn't believe it for a second.
Luck?
As if sheer luck alone could lead to the discovery of a new evolutionary path?
What kind of joke was that.
"It's fine," Lucy said firmly, "I believe if I tell Professor Asher, he will definitely be able to help me."
Behind her sunglasses, Lucy's eyes sparkled brightly.
If not for Julian's strict teachings, she would have already pounced forward to cling to Asher's leg.
Her sixth sense.
Every fiber of her being was telling her—this man in front of her was the god of the Beast Tamer world.
An all-knowing, all-powerful existence.
If she clung to him, she would soar to the top instantly.
Asher: "..."
'Cough! Cough!'
'That is a bit much.'
'Really, way too much.'
Unfortunately.
Asher had no idea what Lucy was thinking, only that her burning gaze was intense enough to be felt even through the sunglasses.
"The Phantom Mist—some say it's a mysterious natural phenomenon, while others believe it to be a unique type of beast," Lucy began, and Asher perked up his ears.
'Hmm?'
'A mysterious phenomenon?'
'a beast?'
No matter which one it was, Asher found it fascinating.
"The Phantom Mist hides its true form within normal fog, sometimes concealing itself in the mist of forbidden lands, and at times within the steam rising from hot springs. Based on recorded cases, it has been definitively spotted fourteen times in the past eight hundred years—on average, it appears once every fifty to sixty years, though sometimes over a hundred years pass without a sighting."
"Of course, it's also possible that the Phantom Mist appeared but was never discovered or recorded," Lucy added, her voice tinged with regret.
If it had appeared but wasn't noticed… Just thinking about it was painful—
Even worse than knowing someone else had encountered it instead of her.
"The last recorded appearance of the Phantom Mist was said to be near NY City," Lucy's words made Asher freeze.
"Spiritual Mist Awakening?", Asher recalled the legend President Robb had mentioned earlier, which sounded like a fairy tale.
Now it was Lucy's turn to be confused.
"There is such a saying," Julian finally found an opportunity to interject. Seeing Lucy and Asher simultaneously turn their heads towards him with synchronized movements, his mouth twitched slightly.
'Great!'
At this moment, he completely abandoned the idea of poaching Asher to become a celebrity.
Just one Lucy was already enough to keep him overwhelmed and exhausted. If he added a Asher to the mix… unthinkable. Simply unthinkable.
Too terrifying.
Even while his mind was filled with these chaotic thoughts, Julian didn't forget what he was about to say, "Because most people don't know the characteristics and nature of the Phantom Mist, and the incident in NY City had a significant impact—directly introducing a new group of beasts—it's not something that can be explained in just a few words. Thus, the term 'Spiritual Mist Awakening' came into use."
"But since it only happened once and lacks supporting evidence, it hasn't been mentioned much in the past few decades," Julian paused, adjusted his glasses, and gave Asher a curious look, "I didn't expect Professor Asher to know about this term?"
Asher, "President Robb told me."
Julian: 'Understood.'
"'Spiritual Mist Awakening' is more of a legendary or story-like term, but it's roughly accurate," Lucy nodded thoughtfully, "If we must distinguish between the two, the main difference is that the official records of the Phantom Mist date back further and have been continuously tracked, though with little success."
"What exactly is so special about the Phantom Mist that demands such continuous tracking?", Asher lifted his gaze and met Lucy's eyes through his sunglasses, directly striking at the heart of the matter.
Saying it outright wouldn't be appropriate, but keeping quiet… Julian hesitated and chose silence.
He was just a regular employee. Whether to disclose this or not should be Lucy's decision. He wasn't getting involved.
Unlike Julian, who was torn, Lucy didn't hesitate for even a second before responding directly, "Because beasts that have been exposed to the Phantom Mist, sustained injuries within it, and later recovered all exhibit strength far surpassing their peers of the same species—or other advantages. Systematic research has shown that these creatures gain a significant boost in both potential and energy."
"In the past few hundred years, we've even discovered that these beasts might have developed new, superior evolutionary paths. However, identifying these evolutionary routes is not an easy task," Lucy shrugged.
"That's why the state and the alliance have been increasing their support for professors specializing in pet evolution, hoping to produce more outstanding pet professors."
There were far too many unsolved mysteries surrounding beasts.
The alliance needed more excellent pet professors to discover, research, and analyze the mysteries shrouding these creatures.
To thoroughly understand the evolutionary paths and bloodline intricacies of beasts.
"A little inside information," Seeing Asher deep in thought, Lucy added, "There's supposedly an even more secretive record and intelligence regarding the Phantom Mist within the alliance, accessible only to Beast Tamers of at least Rank Eight. So, I don't know what it is."
"But I do know this—every ace Beast Tamer is obsessed with the Phantom Mist. They both love and hate it. They long to encounter it, yet they hesitate and hold back."
"Take this time, for example. When the situation in Heavenly River City's Forbidden Zone arose, many Rank Eight Beast Tamers suspected that the Phantom Mist had appeared. But they didn't dare to enter."
Asher curiously looked at Lucy—the Rank Seven Beast Tamer and film queen whose personality might not be as she presented, "From their reaction, you should have guessed that the Phantom Mist is both an opportunity and a danger. Aren't you afraid?"
"Afraid. Of course, I'm afraid," Lucy blinked before realizing Asher couldn't see her. She spread her hands casually, "The reason they hesitate is probably because injuries caused by the Phantom Mist are difficult to heal. Not every pet can absorb the mist. If they can't recover, they face only one outcome—death."
"It's an opportunity, but the risk is immense."
To Rank Eight Beast Tamers, each of their pets was a vital family member, partner, and friend.
They sought opportunities and weren't afraid of risks, but when facing death, hesitation was inevitable.
Asher pondered. If he knew the potential benefits and dangers of the Phantom Mist and had no certainty that he could absorb the mist… he might hesitate too. That was only natural.
"My two pets are special, so I decided to take the gamble. My sixth sense told me to give it a try," Lucy said uncertainly, "That's why I went."
Asher had already heard Lucy mention "feeling" and "sixth sense" multiple times.
"Your sixth sense, as in?", Asher poured himself another glass of water and asked.
"It's my innate talent—[Sixth Sense]. It's not always precise, but most of the time, it's incredibly accurate," Lucy grinned widely, breaking the ice-cold beauty image completely. Asher even found her a bit silly.
'How to put it… sort of like Vicky?'
Cough! Cough!
Asher almost choked on his own thoughts.
'That is… unsettling.'
'Better rephrase it.'
'A simple, instinct-driven creature?'
'Yeah.'
'That description fits.'
"That's all I know, Professor Asher. Is there anything else you want to learn?", Lucy, her throat dry from all the talking, obediently picked up her cup and gulped down water in large swigs. She finished one cup in no time.
Without waiting for Asher or Julian to intervene, she refilled it herself and downed five cups in a row before stopping.
Julian: "…"
Silence.
He was just a quiet bystander.
Luckily, Asher wasn't too concerned with Lucy's image. He was preoccupied with thoughts about the "Phantom Mist."
From the description, it should be the same thing that had wrapped around the Violent Bear's wound—preventing healing until he absorbed it—the "Primal Energy."
Asher's expression turned contemplative.
The alliance's speculation about the Phantom Mist seemed quite accurate.
Absorbing and integrating Primal Energy could indeed grant a beast power far beyond its peers.
Their potential and energy received a massive boost.
Most importantly—
They gained a brand-new, powerful evolutionary path.
That last part was the most critical.
And it was precisely what the alliance wanted to uncover.
Thinking about the deeper secrets of the Phantom Mist that only Rank Eight Beast Tamers could access… Asher felt a strong curiosity. He was sure it had to be the most important secret related to Primal Energy.
Unfortunately—
He was only a Rank One Beast Tamer. The gap between him and Rank Eight…
Asher's gaze silently shifted to Little Raven, Cat-Worm, and the little white snake coiled around his arm.
Little Raven: 'Trying my best! The bird is already awesome!'
Cat-Worm: 'Dragon is super strong!'
Little White Snake: 'Snake is also super strong!'
Asher: "…"
*Disappointed but not surprised*
If Asher's peers, Vicky, June, Aeron, and the others were here, or if his senior schoolmates like Abella were present, they would definitely find a way to gang up and throw a sack over Asher's head the moment they heard his thoughts.
June, Vicky, Aeron, Abella: 'Compete, compete, compete! All day long, you're just competing! You've already outcompeted your peers, and now even the senior students are struggling to keep up with you.'
'Can't you leave us a way to survive?'
'Why does such an oblivious guy exist in this world?'
'So infuriating!'
However—
They had no idea what Asher was thinking, and Asher had no idea how they would react. He was genuinely sighing.
Fortunately, Asher was quite good at adjusting his mentality. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he preferred to face reality and solve problems. He looked up at Lucy, "Miss Lucy, thank you very much for telling me so much information."
"So, is there anything I can help you with?"
Lucy visibly perked up at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Yes!"
"Very much so."
"Professor Asher, since you've been able to research a new evolutionary path for beasts that have absorbed Phantom Mist, could you take a look at my beasts' situation?"
Asher wasn't startled by Lucy's excitement. By now, he had a good grasp of her true personality, "Let them out, and I'll take a look."
"Okay," As soon as she finished speaking, two beasts appeared before Asher.
"Mira~" A Miss Flying Flower.
"Leila~" A Miss Wood Spirit.
Even though they weren't the same species, since both were humanoid beasts with wood attributes, they bore an unexpected resemblance to each other.
Miss Flying Flower had slender vine-like arms and hands shaped like flower leaves. Her pink-tinged white hair was styled into a blooming flower bud. Her light green eyes radiated the vitality of a flower in full bloom. A pink princess dress, shaped like a slightly inward-gathered flower, made her look like a delicate spring blossom.
Miss Wood Spirit, on the other hand, had soft, pale green hair cascading over her shoulders and back at varying lengths. Her green arms rested gently at her sides. She wore a long white dress, resembling a flower fairy growing amidst a floral forest—simple yet breathtakingly beautiful.
Asher couldn't help but sigh—wood-attribute beasts really did tend to be exceptionally good-looking.
And Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit were prime examples.
With these two beauty-boosted beasts sitting obediently on either side of Lucy—who was herself a stunning beauty—it was as if they were demonstrating a living equation: 1 + 1 + 1 = 100
Their combined beauty was multiplying exponentially, delivering a direct critical hit to anyone who appreciated good looks.
"So, is there something wrong with Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit?", Asher took the initiative to ask.
As the three of them sat together, they simultaneously turned their gazes toward Asher. Even someone like him, who was solely focused on getting stronger and remained unaffected by beauty, had to admit—it was a visual feast.
And it wasn't just Asher.
Little Raven and Cat-Worm, who had been sitting quietly in Asher's arms, also fixed their gazes on Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, eyes shining.
Luckily, Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit were bold enough. Otherwise, they might have been frightened.
"It's like this," Lucy patted Miss Flying Flower, then patted Miss Wood Spirit.
Watching her movements, Little Raven and Cat-Worm were itching to move.
'They wanted to touch too!'
'They wanted to pet them!'
Asher pressed one hand on each of them, simultaneously pinning down the little white snake that had started wriggling in his sleeve, 'No! You don't want to at all!'
'Stop moving!'
Asher's movements were swift and steady, so Lucy didn't notice anything amiss. But Julian, who had been quietly observing, did.
A knowing smile appeared on his face.
'Sigh!'
'Even beasts like other good-looking beasts.'
Totally normal.
Absolutely normal.
No problem at all.
Lucy continued, "Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit were the first two beasts I ever contracted. They were my very first companions."
Huh?
Asher paused for a moment.
The very first contracted partners?
Even without using any skills, just sensing the energy emanating from Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, Asher could tell—they weren't very strong.
Otherwise, Little Raven and Cat-Worm wouldn't be so eager to pounce on them for pets.
Strength really mattered.
And considering even the little white snake was getting restless…
"Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit's strength is around the sixth rank," Asher didn't use any abilities, but relying on experience alone, he made an accurate assessment.
And it wasn't even a strong sixth rank, which was why Little Raven dared to be so cocky.
Taking advantage of the weak—cough! cough!—was a common trait among beasts.
Lucy looked surprised, "Yes, that's right."
"Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit are both at the lower sixth rank," Her voice carried a trace of melancholy and helplessness.
"Mira~"
'Don't be sad, Beast Master~ It's okay~'
"Leila~"
'That's right! We'll always be with you, Beast Master!'
Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit snuggled against Lucy, using their actions to comfort her.
'It's okay.'
'Don't worry.'
'It's not as bad as you think!'
Asher, on the side: 'Actually, it is kind of bad.'
For a seventh-rank Beast Master like Lucy, she should have at least one eighth-rank beast and one seventh-rank beast.
The remaining beasts theoretically had no specific rank requirements, but at minimum, they should all be at least sixth rank—otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to pass the sixth-rank Beast Master evaluation.
But for stronger seventh-rank Beast Masters, at least one or two of their remaining four beasts should also have reached the seventh rank. Even if the others hadn't reached seventh rank, they would be high-level sixth rank, just a step away from breaking through.
Yet—
For Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, Lucy's very first contracted beasts, how could they still be stuck at the lower sixth rank?
Look at Little Raven.
Cat-Worm and Little White Snake both turned to look at Little Raven upon hearing Lucy's words.
Little Raven, Asher's First Contracted Beast, The Absolute Boss: o(￣︶￣)o
'What are you looking at?'
Cat-Worm and Little White Snake: *Innocent*
'We weren't looking. We weren't thinking anything.'
'Yep! That's right!'
Asher: "Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit are both mid-high grade. Breaking through to the eighth rank might be tough, but reaching the seventh rank shouldn't be difficult."
"Uh… I don't really know the specifics either. I first encountered Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit in a small mountain hollow," Lucy sighed and recounted how she met them.
Back then, she had just entered an entertainment company known for forming idol groups. She was just one of thousands of aspiring trainees.
Then she unexpectedly awakened as a Beast Master.
Should she continue pursuing stardom, or switch paths to the beast industry?
For Lucy, who had no money at the time, came from a not-so-good family, and had a terrible relationship with her parents, this was a crucial choice.
Unable to figure it out, Lucy went back to her rural hometown alone to relax.
Then... just like how the protagonist in a wuxia novel falls off a cliff and obtains a peerless martial arts manual, or like meeting an old grandmaster inside a ring, Lucy accidentally rolled down a small mountain slope and encountered two young, dying, seemingly completely harmless and on-the-verge-of-death Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit.
She didn't think too much about it.
At that time, her innate skill [Sixth Sense] had not yet fully awakened. Relying only on her own feelings and intuition, Lucy contracted these two beasts.
Under the nourishment and enhancement of the Beast Space in her spiritual sea, the frail Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit survived.
"If you ask me whether I knew at the time that Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit's condition wasn't good, or that it might even affect their future strength... actually, I was aware," Lucy rubbed her chin, recalling her thoughts at the time, and spoke with genuine sincerity, "But I really didn't think that much about it."
"I also never thought I would become some super powerful beast master in the future."
"I was just thinking... If I couldn't become a beast master, the entertainment industry makes money the fastest, and forming a group with others is too much trouble, so why not just debut with Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit instead?", Lucy spread her hands, "After all, I entered the entertainment industry just to make money, a lot, a lot of money."
"Even if I didn't become an overnight sensation, it should still be pretty profitable, right?"
As she spoke, Lucy's tone carried a bit of uncertainty, and she turned to look at Julian beside her.
Julian had a face that looked utterly drained.
'Why is she looking at me at a time like this?'
'Don't look at me!'
'I can't answer that!'
Asher: "..."
"Miss Lucy, your wish is really... simple."
Besides this word, Asher really couldn't think of a more suitable one.
Who would have thought?
A seventh-rank beast master, a renowned actress, a hugely popular celebrity, originally just wanted to make money? Simple, but very practical.
"Uh... forget it, forget it, I've long known what kind of person you are, but I really didn't expect you to have had such thoughts before," Julian rubbed his forehead. He wanted Lucy to maintain some kind of image, but then he thought about how in front of Asher, Lucy didn't have that kind of image at all.
But as for Lucy's arrangements for Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, this was actually the first time Julian had heard about them.
"Well~ that's just how it was," Lucy, when talking about her initial thoughts, was deeply empathetic and completely able to relate, "Later, because of this and that, I met you, and the idea of debuting as a group disappeared. I genuinely wanted to properly train Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, but..."
The other contracted beasts later reached the eighth rank, some reached the seventh rank, and the remaining two were at sixth-rank intermediate and sixth-rank advanced, about to break through to the seventh rank.
Only Miss Flying Flower and Miss Wood Spirit, the very first contracted beasts, barely broke through to sixth-rank low level and then never showed any further changes.
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