Asher was dumbfounded.
"...Come on, Little Raven, Cat-Worm, and Little White Snake, it's up to you now," Asher rubbed his forehead helplessly.
There was no other way.
Self-sufficiency it is.
Let Little Raven, Cat-Worm, and Little White Snake take turns feeding the little jellyfish.
After all, it's just a skill that seals for ten minutes, not a big deal. Let's feed the little jellyfish until it's half full first.
Little Raven: "..."
Cat-Worm: "..."
Little White Snake curled its tail and gave Asher a big question mark.
Asher: '...Ahem!'
A nonexistent conscience twinged for a second.
But in front of the gluttonous little jellyfish, Asher really couldn't muster any more love.
Hard.
Too hard.
Let's feed the glutton first. Once that's settled, then they could talk about love or whatever.
Otherwise, it's all empty talk.
Little Raven: (￢_￢)
'Fine, fine.'
'The Beastmaster is still our Beastmaster.'
'And the little jellyfish is still our little bro.'
Then, Asher was surprised to find, "Hm? It's actually full this fast this time?"
Asher patted Little Raven, who had used up all its skills and was now comfortably curled up in his arms. His face showed some astonishment.
Last time, the little jellyfish ate so many skills from the Banyan Fish and the Rainbow Scaled Koi before it was full.
But this time, only Little Raven made a move, and yet the little jellyfish also showed signs of being full?
Asher suddenly became a little curious about the capacity of the little jellyfish's stomach.
["Quality can compensate for quantity,"] At that moment, Angel spoke up considerately, resolving Asher's doubts.
Asher was momentarily stunned.
'The quality of the skill...'
"Is it because Little Raven awakened its bloodline, or because Little Raven absorbed Mythical Energy?"
Uncertain.
If there were other pets that had absorbed Mythical Energy, Asher could test it out.
But the only other pet that had absorbed Mythical Energy was the little jellyfish itself.
Thinking of this, Asher couldn't help but become curious, 'So, if the little jellyfish used its own skills to feed itself, can it get full?'
Would that mean a perpetual motion machine could be born?
Ahem!
Asher wasn't some kind of demon.
He just thought about it for a second before dismissing the unreliable idea.
A perpetual motion machine? Impossible.
More likely, the little jellyfish would end up in deficit, its income not covering its expenses, and it would just pass out from hunger.
As for Angel, who had also absorbed a large amount of Mythical Energy, Asher never even considered it from the beginning.
Did they even know how difficult it was to replenish Angel's energy?
To Asher, Angel was a trump card.
One he didn't want outsiders to know about.
One he absolutely wouldn't use unless necessary.
"Oh right, we need to sort out your situation too, Angel," Thinking of this, Asher suddenly said, "Everything leaves a trace. Since you're staying in my phone, I need to give you a legitimate and legal identity on the surface."
"Preferably as my pet."
"Do you mind? Or do you have other ideas?"
Asher looked at the big eyeball on his phone screen and asked.
["Angel accepts your suggestion. Angel is your partner and can also be your pet."]
["I suggest that you publicly claim Angel's species to be Thousand Machine."]
Asher: "?"
'That sounds familiar.'
But he couldn't recall.
'Some kind of special beast?'
Asher checked, 'Oh, got it. It is some type of electronic arthropod, which can also function as a semi-intelligent AI, often producing unexpected effects in networks.'
Aside from being somewhat rare, everything else about it was pretty good.
Asher looked at the introduction to Thousand Machine, then back at Angel, and sincerely said, "You're way smarter than a Thousand Machine."
"But as a fake identity, it's actually quite fitting."
Artificial intelligence and artificial idiots, what's the difference if they're both considered intelligent lifeforms?
None.
So if Angel claimed to be a Thousand Machine, there was absolutely no problem.
Even if it accidentally demonstrated a little more intelligence or ability than expected...
Well, wasn't Asher here to handle that?
If any issues arose, Asher could easily smooth them over, Angel thought with complete confidence.
And so, Asher casually made a trip outside. His main goal was to enter a forbidden area to collect a special herb, and on his way out, he dropped by the Beast Tamer Alliance. Just like that, Angel's registration was done.
When President Robb learned that Asher had discovered and contracted a Thousand Machine, he felt envy and jealousy, but mostly happiness for Asher.
"Having an intelligent lifeform to assist you is a great help. You're already a Level 3 Researcher, and to be honest, your workload is quite heavy. Now that you have a Thousand Machine, things will be different."
"Ah, no more talking, so you found it in the forbidden area? I'm going to try my luck too!", Saying that, President Robb eagerly set off.
'Thousand Machine... Hehehe!'
If he could get one, his usual workload would become much lighter.
For President Robb, that was simply an irresistible temptation.
I mean, who wouldn't want to make their job easier?
A wild Thousand Machine that had never worked in a network before, so what?
An artificial intelligence lifeform, if you were patient and trained it well, in time, it would turn into the perfect smart assistant and housekeeper.
Upon hearing that President Robb was heading off immediately, Asher: "..."
'Hmm...'
He had already used up his conscience, so he didn't feel guilty at all.
'Anyway, it is just a trip, Uncle Robb probably doesn't have high expectations, right?'
But honestly... having a personal AI assistant really did make life a lot more convenient.
["Professor Asher, it's time for your break."]
["At this time, you should be outside training with Little Raven, Cat-Worm, Little White Snake, and Little Jellyfish, not sitting around eating junk food. Please don't try inviting Angel as an excuse to get out of this. Angel cannot eat."]
["Professor Asher, Little White Snake's training quota hasn't been met today. Please don't go soft just because it's acting cute."]
["It's time to feed the little jellyfish."]
And so on.
An endless list.
Asher: Useful. Really useful. Way better than an alarm clock or any other wake-up service.
Except for being a little too annoying sometimes, it had no flaws at all.
Incidentally, Asher also broke his bad habit of taking his phone to the bathroom and shower.
He wasn't too keen on bringing up what exactly happened in that process.
Asher: (⊙_◎)
———
"Huh?", Asher was utterly baffled when he received a call from Chase.
"What do you mean?"
"Someone said... they're willing to invest in our research institute?"
'Yeah, yeah!', On the other end of the phone, Chase nodded frantically, completely forgetting that Asher couldn't see him.
Asher: "..."
He was shocked.
Because... Asher had never heard of such a thing.
Most beast professors' research institutes were established with the support of the Beast Tamer Alliance.
And the ownership of those institutes belonged to the Alliance.
Of course—
The achievements made in those institutes belonged to the professors themselves.
Only a few professors had privately-owned research institutes, which had to be reported and approved to prevent illegal, unethical, or inhumane research.
The biggest difference between the two types?
The former relied on public funding.
The latter needed private investors.
Asher: "?"
'A fool with too much money, or someone with ulterior motives?'
"How much do they want to invest?" Asher asked.
["One hundred million,"] Chase.
Asher: "..."
He wanted to speak but hesitated.
Hesitated but wanted to speak.
Why did it really feel like there was an ulterior motive?
"He said that if it's not enough, he can add more funds. He only has one request," Chase continued.
Asher nodded.
Mmm.
Speak.
He's listening.
He really wanted to hear what kind of purpose could make this unknown person throw out a nine-figure sum in one go.
Are they sure they're not crazy?
"Uh... he said he hopes to meet you, Professor Asher. He greatly admires your talent in pet beast evolution and, if possible, hopes that you could guide him a little..."
Asher's conspiracy theories came to a halt.
Asher felt something was off.
One hundred million!
This was one hundred million.
Sure, many high-grade materials could cost hundreds of thousands or even millions, but there really weren't that many beasts worth using.
With a new research project, even if they wasted resources on experiments, one hundred million could last for at least half a year.
This much money…
It's really a lot.
And the person even said, there's more if needed.
Asher: "..."
He swore.
He really wasn't tempted by the money.
Come on, does he even lack money in his current situation?
Not at all.
He's just curious, what kind of person would be so... well, irrational?
Meet them.
This person feels mysterious.
———
[Moonwheel City]
[Half-mountain villa district]
A man in his early forties, dressed in a sharp, well-fitted suit that was clearly expensive, had just opened the door when he heard rustling sounds inside.
He paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping over the shoe rack.
Noticing that a pair of fluffy husky slippers was missing, the corners of his mouth twitched before finally settling into a gentle smile.
"Pierce, you've finally come out of the lab?", Entering the brightly lit, lavishly decorated living room, the man's tone carried an indescribable warmth and affection.
"Mmm!", A young man around twenty-four or twenty-five, sitting at the long redwood dining table, turned his head to look at the man, his eyes shining with pure joy, "Big Brother, you're back! Let me tell you—"
"No rush, eat first, then talk," Donovan sat down beside Pierce with great patience.
Pierce looked at his big brother, stuffing his mouth full while mumbling, "Big Brother, didn't you bring work home today?"
Hearing this, Donovan's expression stiffened for a brief moment.
Then, as quickly as it came, it disappeared.
His expression returned to normal, and his smile didn't change at all, "Your second sister recently came back. She's taken over some of the company's business."
"Oh!", Pierce suddenly understood and sincerely said, "That's great. Second Sister can help take some work off your shoulders!"
Donovan felt a fire burning in his chest but couldn't just let it out.
Good?
Good where?
Good that his authority was being taken away?
Donovan glanced at his naive little brother, feeling an inexplicable darkness in his heart.
The Pennyworth family was a large family.
Their business empire spanned across multiple industries, from daily necessities to travel. Even in the pet beast industry, they had some presence.
Although they weren't top players in the field, as a non-Beast Tamer conglomerate with only two children in this generation possessing Beast Tamer potential, it was already impressive that they had a foothold in the Beast Tamer industry.
This generation of the Pennyworth family had two children who awakened Beast Tamer potential.
The second-born, Natasha Pennyworth, a 31-year-old daughter.
And the third-born, Pierce Pennyworth, a 24-year-old youngest son.
From a financial standpoint, Natasha had decent talent, not particularly strong, but she was already a third-tier Beast Tamer.
Pierce was slightly weaker, still stuck at first-tier, unable to break through to second-tier.
However, his status as a fifth-tier researcher made him somewhat famous in Moonwheel City.
After all, everyone knew, the youngest Pennyworth son had a knack for battle. If he trained diligently, he would undoubtedly become a powerful Beast Tamer.
Maybe not eighth-tier.
But with the Pennyworth family's financial support, reaching seventh-tier would be a breeze.
High-tier pet beasts, powerful resources, whatever Pierce wanted, he could get.
And yet...
Pierce's dream was to become a pet beast evolution professor—A very, very powerful one.
But...
He seemed to lack that last bit of brilliance.
No matter how much money the Pennyworth family threw at him, how much support they provided, or how much they tried to build up his reputation... Ahem, which the young master himself rejected.
Ever since he turned eighteen, the family had used their connections to place him in various pet beast research labs.
With money paving the way, he finally earned the title of a fifth-tier researcher at twenty-three.
If nothing unexpected happened, that was probably the highest he would ever go.
But fortunately, Pierce was content.
Perhaps it was because he had been pampered since childhood, his parents, big brother, and second sister fulfilling all his wishes.
Even when he had a whimsical dream of becoming a pet beast professor, his family helped make it happen.
He was already quite satisfied with his fifth-tier researcher title.
The day after receiving it, the young master eagerly started his own research project, forming his own research institute and leading his first-ever team.
Without applying for any resources from the Alliance, purely using his own personal savings to fulfill his dream.
The Alliance, of course, turned a blind eye.
After all, he wasn't wasting Alliance resources.
Let the young master play however he wants.
Life, after all, is just one big amateur performance.
If he wanted to use his own money to play house, so be it.
No problem at all.
"You heard the recent news too?", Donovan sighed deeply, speaking in a consoling tone, "Little Pierce, don't be upset. You spent over a year on this research. If you had just a little more time, you might have... sigh!"
"It's all because of that Asher!", Donovan looked at Pierce, expecting to see agreement, anger, or righteous indignation on his face.
Unexpectedly...
"Professor Asher is amazing," The moment Pierce heard the name, his eyes lit up.
The young master waved his fork excitedly, practically bouncing in his seat. His clear eyes sparkled as if they could glow.
Donovan: "..."
Wanted to say something but hesitated.
Keeping his smile intact was getting a little difficult.
"Little Pierce, if you're feeling sad, just tell me. I know the Rainbow Scaled Koi was your first research project, and for it to end this way must be a heavy blow..."
"I'm not sad at all," Pierce blinked his completely untainted eyes, looking directly at Donovan with sincerity.
"I actually think I have great taste."
"I picked such a valuable research topic."
"This means my vision is just like Professor Asher's. I just lack a little skill," Saying this, Pierce grinned foolishly.
Donovan: "..."
'Great.'
'That attitude is... way too good.'
So good it almost made him cough up blood.
'Seriously?'
'Is this really okay?'
'What exactly is Pierce giggling about?'
'The new evolution method for the Rainbow Scaled Koi isn't even his research!'
Under the table, Donovan clenched his fist, barely maintaining the kind expression on his face.
Meanwhile, the little fool next to him continued in an exaggerated tone, "Eh? Big Brother, your complexion doesn't look too good. Did you overwork yourself at the company today?"
"You don't have to keep me company. Hurry up and get some rest."
Donovan's well-maintained smile showed a few cracks, and his voice squeezed out from his throat, "I'm fine. Your big brother isn't tired."
"Little Pierce, you've been in the research institute for over a year. Now that you're finally out, do you want me to take you to a banquet to relax?", That way, he could turn the tables and trap this little fool instead.
"No need, Big Brother! I already have my schedule planned out," Pierce quickly slurped up the remaining spaghetti, filling his stomach before standing up from his seat.
Donovan: "?"
Confused.
'What is this fool of a little brother planning now?'
Having watched Pierce grow up, Donovan considered himself quite familiar with his personality and social habits.
If it weren't for the fact that there was still one sharp-minded person in the family, Natasha, he would have long… Donovan clenched his fist tightly again at the thought.
"I'm heading to Radiant City today!", Pierce announced loudly, determined to share his joy with everyone around him.
Donovan was speechless.
Radiant City.
What could his foolish little brother possibly do in Radiant City?
He had no friends there, no classmates.
Only one person—Asher.
"I can't wait to meet Professor Asher!", Pierce was completely oblivious to the mix of responsibility and exasperation on Donovan's face, the frustration, the feeling of hating iron for not becoming steel, and the urge to scold.
The kid was still happily rambling away.
"Professor Asher is really amazing!"
"If I had entered the research institute just a little faster, I would have gone to find Professor Asher a long time ago."
"Professor Asher has discovered so many new beast evolution paths."
"That little Fire Fox evolving into the Fire Fox Queen looks so beautiful. And that Honeybug evolving into the Fairy Butterfly is also super pretty, isn't it? Then there's Professor Asher's own pet, the one called Little Raven, after evolution, its species is a Golden Crow. It looks really powerful."
"And Professor Asher…"
Pierce's rapid-fire speech was like a machine gun.
For the past year, Donovan hadn't specifically followed any news about Asher, but his name would pop up on the internet every now and then.
He had glanced at it casually, never paying much attention.
But today, thanks to Pierce, he was being force-fed a complete update on Asher's entire history.
"…If time wasn't an issue, and meeting Professor Asher wasn't my top priority, I would have loved to follow his example and work at a pet beast service station for ten days or half a month," Pierce said with great enthusiasm.
As for why not two months like Asher…
Because Pierce was very self-aware.
He wasn't sure if he could endure it, and his big brother and second sister definitely wouldn't let him stay at a pet beast service station for that long.
Oh well.
Since he couldn't replicate his idol's experiences and life, he might as well go straight to chasing his dreams.
Just thinking about how he'd be in Radiant City in a few hours, arriving at Bluewind University, meeting Professor Asher, Pierce was once again overwhelmed with excitement.
"I used my sincerity to impress Professor Asher, and he agreed to meet with me," After listening to Pierce, Donovan felt like his entire being had been cleansed. His brain was in a complete daze.
"…"
'Calm down.'
'Stay composed.'
'I must not let this foolish little brother drag me into his nonsense.'
'So what if it is just some pet beast professor?'
"What time is your ticket? Do you need me to take you there?", Donovan maintained his 'good brother' image, asking with concern.
In reality, he was already wondering if he could create some kind of accident along the way…
The sharp, decisive sound of high heels echoed from outside the door.
A woman with voluminous wavy hair, fiery red lips, and long legs strode in just in time to hear Donovan's words, "No need to worry about it. That brat Pierce bought a special ticket."
Natasha glanced sideways at Donovan, her beautifully lined eyes filled with mischief. Her plump red lips curved into a smirk.
"Lightyear Dragon Rider Express."
Donovan suddenly found it hard to breathe.
'Lightyear Dragon Rider Express…'
'Spendthrift!'
'What a spendthrift!'
The problem was…
Whether it was Father Pennyworth, Mother Pennyworth, or even this older sister of his, Natasha, who always scolded Pierce for being unambitious, in daily life, they all spoiled him to no end.
What?
Instead of taking a slower flight, he chose a ticket that cost five figures per minute?
Safe and reliable.
Buy it! No hesitation at all.
Thinking about how Pennyworth family's money, company money, was being spent like this, Donovan felt a sharp pain in his chest.
More importantly…
He still didn't know what Pierce had done to impress Asher.
If he did, he'd probably be even more suffocated.
As for Natasha, who did know?
Not the least bit concerned.
Not. At. All.
So what if it was a hundred million?
As long as her foolish little brother could actually learn something, even investing another hundred million wouldn't be a problem.
The only thing the Pennyworth family had was money, after all.
Money was meant to be spent.
Why not spend it on their foolish little brother?
"What's the issue?", Natasha crossed her arms, further accentuating her impressive figure.
"This kid Pierce might be a bit useless."
Hearing this, Pierce instinctively shrank his neck, shivering as he looked at his older sister.
Natasha wasn't much older than him.
But compared to Donovan, who was old enough to be his father, he was much more afraid of his sister.
It was an age-based suppression.
A bloodline-based suppression.
In front of his sister, he had no status whatsoever.
"But he's not the type to indulge in luxury. If he wants to chase after an idol occasionally, and that idol is a powerful pet beast professor and Beast Tamer, then let him be. It's only natural he'd be excited and want to arrive faster."
"Our Pennyworth family isn't short on money."
"Unless he tells me he wants to raise a Lightyear Dragon Rider, then I might consider beating him up before taking him to a psychiatric hospital."
Donovan: *Speechless*
Pierce: *Silent as a chicken*
One was rendered speechless from being scolded, could Donovan say that the Pennyworth family had no money?
He simply didn't want to spend money on Pierce.
The other was too intimidated by his elder sister's authority to say a word.
Natasha's gaze swept over the two of them, a trace of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
Very good.
Donovan's reaction pleased her.
Pierce… barely passable.
But at least her foolish little brother had given up his hopeless, day-and-night research obsession.
Going out to chase stars and relax, she fully supported that.
Maybe after seeing how impressive Professor Asher was, this kid would suddenly gain enlightenment, or give up completely.
Whether he decided to become a proper Beast Tamer…
Or return to the company to be a boring CEO…
Both were good choices.
Donovan, who had been completely ignored: "…"
As someone who had been locked in a life-or-death struggle against Natasha behind the scenes for years, he immediately understood what she was thinking.
But… he couldn't say a word.
If Pierce really wanted to enter the Pennyworth family business and take charge…
Father Pennyworth and Mother Pennyworth would definitely be the first to raise their hands in approval.
Their biological son had finally come to his senses.
Why wouldn't they agree?
After struggling for so many years, what parent wouldn't want to leave the best for their own biological child?
Adopted children, transferred heirs…
No matter how nice they made it sound, when compared to real blood-related children, the treatment would always be different.
Donovan was filled with unwillingness.
Unfortunately…
One of the two people present took pleasure in provoking him, wishing he would break down even harder, ideally right in front of their parents.
The other one…
"It's here, it's here! The Lightyear Dragon Rider is here!"
Pierce hadn't even noticed the intense battle between his older brother and sister.
Hearing the notification sound from his phone, he couldn't hold back his excitement. He immediately bolted out of the living room and sprinted toward the courtyard.
Donovan and Natasha, left behind: "…"
They exchanged a glance.
Then simultaneously looked away.
"Hmph!"
"Hah!"
Disgusted.
Seeing him/her wasn't as good as going outside to watch that little fool/foolish little brother instead.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Utilizing his excellent physique as a Beast Tamer, Pierce easily climbed onto the Lightyear Dragon Rider's back within a few moves. Then, he waved down at the two watching him from below.
"Big Brother, Sis, I'm off! Don't miss me!"
The Lightyear Dragon Rider flapped its wings and took off—
Donovan and Natasha: Great!
The little fool was sent away. Now, this was their battlefield!
———
"You got here… pretty fast."
Asher looked at the young man standing in front of him, his face full of shyness, and was a little surprised.
Pierce had finally met Asher, he was so excited that he could barely speak.
But he held himself together.
"Professor Asher, I admire you so much."
"I've read through all of your experiences!"
"I… I, I, I… Can I be your student?"
As he spoke, Pierce unconsciously blurted out his true thoughts.
The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted it.
Was he being too impatient?
Saying his goal so directly, wouldn't that make Professor Asher feel like he was forcing him?
"If it's not possible, that's… that's, that's, that's okay too!"
Pierce struggled to get the words "that's okay" out.
But his facial expression said otherwise.
Asher: "…"
Understood.
A hardcore fan.
Asher never expected that he would actually have a day where he had fanboys…
A little ridiculous, but not entirely surprising, right?
'…Still kind of strange.'
Asher rubbed his forehead, not particularly interested in taking in this rich, self-recommending disciple.
"Our age gap is a little…"
Asher gestured with his hand, trying to make Pierce understand.
He, Asher, nineteen years old, not even twenty.
Pierce, twenty-four years old, a full-fledged adult.
"The wise are teachers!"
Pierce heard an opportunity, he had to seize it.
What age gap? That wasn't a problem!
"You're a Level-3 Researcher, I'm only a Level-5 Researcher, you're more than qualified to be my teacher," Pierce spoke quickly, "I absolutely won't have any objections. My family won't have any objections either."
Pierce had mastered the art of quick responses on his own.
To become Asher's student, he was willing to do anything.
Asher, who didn't expect Pierce to go this far: "…"
A little impressed.
But a rejection was still necessary.
"Level-5 Researcher?", Asher remained composed and smiled faintly, but his next words sent a chill down Pierce's spine, "Any achievements? Tell me, I'll consider it."
"I wasn't really thinking about taking students or disciples, but since you seem very sincere, I can give you a chance."
Pierce: Still chilled to the bone.
Not even a bit warmer.
Pierce looked at Asher with pitiful puppy eyes, "Professor Asher, you mean… if I work hard!"
Asher smiled, "Talent, temperament, and character, you don't have to be better than me, but… well, that might be difficult."
Pierce nodded furiously.
As if Asher made perfect sense.
Passing by Asher's office after class, Iris overheard the conversation inside: "…"
'Pfft!'
'Shameless!'
Iris wanted to curse, but she had to admit, what Asher said… was half true.
Leaving aside temperament and character, ahen it came to talent, no one could compare to Asher.
Absolutely no one.
Even after another hundred or two hundred years, someone like him might not appear again.
Facts were facts, but that didn't mean it was any less frustrating.
If Asher had said this to Iris, she would have snapped back without hesitation.
But Pierce?
He agreed without a second thought.
Any problems?
What Professor Asher said was correct.
Absolutely!
Asher hadn't noticed Iris outside. He continued, "You obviously won't match up to me, but if you can reach half to two-thirds of my level, that should be reasonable, right?"
"If my student or disciple is too weak, it'd be embarrassing for me too."
"I'm not running a charity."
Asher wanted to reject Pierce, but his conditions weren't just randomly made up.
Thinking about how he was already a Level-3 Researcher, on the path to becoming Level-2, maybe even Level-1 someday…
That day wasn't too far off.
So he had to start considering it.
For instance, taking in students.
Asher knew very well.
Finding someone with talent equal to his? Wishful thinking.
So he skipped that option altogether.
Talent close enough would do.
No need to match him.
But they couldn't be too bad.
At the very least, they had to be able to reverse-engineer theoretical knowledge from the answers he provided and apply it.
Simple enough.
Pierce: *Pitiful, helpless, but still nodding.*
No problem.
Professor Asher's words make a lot of sense.
"And then... it's best if you are also a Beast Tamer yourself," Asher stated a requirement that no other Pet Beast Professors had for accepting students.
Pierce: "?"
Iris, standing outside the door: "?"
'Wait, what?'
'What kind of requirement is this?'
'Isn't this... a bit too strict?'
'A person's energy is limited.'
Trying to juggle both being a Pet Beast Professor and a Beast Tamer... is truly an extremely difficult thing.
"As for strength... at least at the starting level, the stronger, the better," Asher said calmly, "Although there is no entry barrier for the Pet Beast Professor profession itself, as long as you have research talent, you can become one."
"But most people remain at Level 5 or Level 4 their whole lives, and even becoming a Level 3 researcher is rare."
"The way Beast Tamers and non-Beast Tamers think when facing beasts is fundamentally different."
As he spoke, Asher paused for a moment, "Of course, if someone is truly gifted in pet beast evolution research, exceptionally talented, to the point where it's like being spoon-fed by the heavens, then whether they are a Beast Tamer or have Beast Tamer potential becomes unimportant."
Hearing this, Pierce immediately perked up.
"Professor Asher, I'm a Tier 1 Beast Tamer!"
Yes!
Finally, he met at least one criterion.
Asher continued smiling, "So… achievements?"
"The importance of talent in pet beast evolution research outweighs simply being a Beast Tamer."
Pierce: "..."
Withers.
Asher: Ahem!
Looking at those pitiful eyes, Asher softened just a little bit.
About half the size of a fingernail.
A pinky fingernail.
Asher quickly hardened his heart again.
He really didn't want to take on a student for now.
Hadn't found a suitable one.
Didn't want to teach.
Didn't want to mentor students.
More importantly...
Asher: 'Isn't my ultimate goal to be a Beast Tamer?'
'Pet Beast Professor?'
'Meh!'
'I'll think about it later!'
Pierce was utterly shattered by Asher's ruthless blows.
Fortunately, Pierce's greatest strength was, strong self-adjustment ability.
No matter how frustrating or disheartening something was, Pierce could quickly regain his composure, "Professor Asher, then... can I join your research institute?"
Asher: "?"
"You sure?", Asher glanced at the delicate-skinned, pampered young master who could invest nine figures with a flick of his wrist, a little unsure.
Hearing a possible opportunity, Pierce instantly revived, his face beaming even brighter, "Yes! I can! I've been in other Pet Beast Professors' research institutes before, I have experience."
Seeing that the young master was genuinely eager.
And considering that Asher's research institute didn't actually have very high requirements...
Plus, Pierce was a Level 5 researcher himself.
After some thought, Asher finally relented, "Fine."
"But you can't expect special treatment. Your work will be the same as an ordinary researcher."
"If you can't handle it, you can leave anytime."
Asher made things clear in advance.
Pierce had no objections whatsoever, "Mhm mhm! No problem! I don't even need a salary. I can even pay Professor Asher tuition every month."
Asher: "..."
"...No need, I'm really not some money-grubber," Asher said helplessly.
Alright.
He could completely rule out the possibility that this young master had ulterior motives.
Iris, after listening to their entire conversation: "..."
A speechless emotion filled Iris's heart.
'What is this?'
'A clueless young master stepping out into the world to experience hardship?'
'And his family is okay with it?'
'Asher... barely counts as a person with morals, or else this foolish young master will be taken advantage of and left with nothing, and his family won't even be able to say a word.'
'Damn rich people!'
Then Iris suddenly thought of something, 'Oh, right, Asher himself is also a damn rich person now..
Iris/Rich, but definitely not as rich as Asher, already drowned by this rising star: '…No words, just wants to sit in silence.:
'Why can't there be one more rich person in this world. For example— me!'
Completely unaware of Iris's passing thoughts, Asher: "?"
Do you even hear yourself?
Just ask, what Level 3 researcher doesn't have a bit of wealth?
At most, he just had a tiny bit more.
A teeny bit.
A billion teeny bits.
It's really no big deal.
Very soon.
Chase, upon learning that a billion-dollar investor had become one of his subordinates: "?"
'You damn rich people!'
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