Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

The crowd on the sidelines exchanged glances. "Who's up next?"

"Go, go, go!"

"Doesn't matter who goes; the result's the same!"

As they hesitated and passed the buck, a clear voice rang out.

"I'll go!"

'Huh?'

Everyone turned to look—where had this brave soul come from?

June stepped out from the crowd.

Asher smiled. Little Raven's eyes lit up as it stared at June.

'Oh, oh, oh!'

'The fox is here!'

'The day of vengeance for the bird has arrived!'

Standing on the Shadow Panther, Little Raven jumped even more excitedly.

June watched its movements, and her gaze unconsciously shifted to Asher, a look of indescribable complexity on her face.

Asher, catching her thoughts: "..."

"If I say Little Raven's habits have nothing to do with me, would you believe it?" Asher blinked, speaking seriously.

June nodded. "Got it, got it, I understand."

Asher: 'Great, she didn't believe a word of that.'

With a helpless sigh, Asher stopped explaining.

After all...it was simply inexplicable.

At first, Little Raven didn't have this particular quirk. But perhaps as its strength and bloodline grew, combined with the cheers of those around, its natural avian instinct to show off gradually intensified.

Win a fight?

Then it must flaunt its beautiful feathers.

Little Raven's post-battle displays evolved from hopping twice on Asher's shoulder to full-on dancing atop its opponent's "corpse."

The first time Little Raven did this, Asher felt the opponent's gaze change entirely.

Opponent: 'What the heck? This guy's doing it on purpose. He's mocking me. He's provoking me. Unacceptable.'

'I must fight back.'

'Otherwise, this insult will haunt me.'

Over time...Asher somehow became the "Demon King" of the training ground.

What could Asher do?

Nicknames are given by others, and being called "Demon King"...wasn't too bad. Even more people challenged him after that, so he let them say whatever they wanted.

He couldn't shut them up anyway.

But when facing acquaintances...there was at least a baseline level of awkwardness.

"Ahem." Asher coughed twice. "Ready?"

June nodded.

The burly guy in the pink frilly dress quickly withdrew the Shadow Panther, making way for June.

June strode to the opposite side of Asher. With a grand gesture, she shouted, "Come forth, Fire Fox Queen."

"Yip-yoo~"

A red, long-haired fox with a seductive demeanor and mesmerizing gaze appeared, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Both the audience in the stands and the beastmasters surrounding the arena widened their eyes and gasped in unison.

"Wow—"

What a beautiful fox.

Some even thought they'd seen a real-life "fox-eared girl."

It exuded that classic fox demon allure.

A few sharp-eyed individuals recognized the Fire Fox Queen's true identity. Their exclamations were no less intense than those mesmerized by its beauty.

"Whoa! The Fire Fox Queen. It's real. I thought that summer academic conference was a hoax, but here it is before my eyes."

"How did a little Fire Fox evolve into something so stunning? Damn it. My new wife is right there tempting me—next time, I'm contracting a fox too."

"Wait a second...the Demon King looked familiar... Isn't he that boy genius who developed the new evolution route for Fire Foxes?"

As the realization spread, the onlookers' gazes toward Asher turned even more incredulous.

In just a month, Asher had cemented his position as the undisputed "King" of the rookie training ground.

No one doubted the strength Asher and Little Raven had demonstrated. Though they loudly proclaimed their defiance, deep down, they were awed.

To them, Asher was destined to become a powerful and extraordinary beastmaster. They could understand and accept this.

But today, they learned something new:

Not only was Asher a beastmaster prodigy, but he was also a scientific genius.

The rookie beastmasters: "..."

Stop. Just stop!

If this goes on, their morale might truly collapse!

Why was the gap between people so immense?

Was it because they didn't pay-to-win in the game of life?

Many silently wept.

Asher and June, however, paid no attention to the murmurs around them.

Because the moment the Fire Fox Queen and Little Raven locked eyes, it was as if thunder and lightning erupted in the arena.

Sparks flew.

With just one glance, blazing flames ignited around both Little Raven and the Fire Fox Queen.

"Little Raven, do your best. Today is your revenge battle," Asher encouraged.

He understood Little Raven's thoughts.

Its battle with the little Fire Fox was its very first—and ended in defeat. This left a lasting impression on Little Raven.

Though Little Raven had lost other fights since, none were as unique to it as that one. Losing to the little Fire Fox wasn't due to lack of strength, but lack of experience. That's why Little Raven couldn't let it go, determined to prove itself through an even fiercer battle.

Flapping its wings, Little Raven hovered mid-air, its small, beady black eyes gleaming with resolve.

The Fire Fox Queen stared back, its pupils taking on the predatory sharpness of a hunter.

Even before the fight began, the onlookers instinctively held their breath, afraid to disturb the intense atmosphere.

"Three."

"Two."

"One—"

"Battle start!"

As the referee's flag descended, the tension in the arena exploded.

"Fire Fox Queen, King's Aura!"

June launched her attack right away, attempting to overwhelm Little Raven with sheer presence before landing a decisive blow.

"Yoo-hoo~"

At June's command, the Fire Fox Queen unleashed a terrifyingly powerful aura. Its proud figure, enveloped in this almost tangible energy, became even more commanding—looking down on all creation.

However, whether it was Asher himself or the surrounding beast tamers spectating, their expressions held a subtle hint of peculiarity... just a little bit.

King's Aura...

It might have been their imagination, but it didn't seem to have the same oppressive impact as when Little Raven used it earlier.

In fact, it felt as if the Fire Fox Queen's aura couldn't dominate them at all.

This realization made the beast tamers who had previously been crushed by Little Raven tremble unconsciously—they had unknowingly turned into the shape of the Demon King.

'Damn it!'

They didn't want this transformation at all. If things went on like this, they'd have to team up to assassinate the Demon King.

Asher: Suddenly feeling a chill down his back...

He dismissed the fleeting feeling and smiled faintly.

The surrounding beast tamers could all sense the disparity—the Fire Fox Queen's King's Aura had no effect on Little Raven.

"Little Raven, use Double Down."

'Hmm?'

June, who was waiting to see Asher and Little Raven struggle, was filled with question marks.

She looked at them with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

'Wait, using Double Down?'

'Is Asher serious?'

[ Double Down: When activated, it repeats the last skill used against the opponent, dealing double the damage (with a 30% chance of doubling again).]

Under normal circumstances, it's an incredibly practical skill, especially when the last attack deals substantial damage.

But Little Raven hadn't dealt any damage to the Fire Fox Queen yet. Without the first hit, how could there be a double hit?

The next moment, eight blazing pillars of fire erupted from the ground, completely surrounding the Fire Fox Queen. The searing flames danced and leaped as if performing in mid-air, their blinding light and scorching heat turning everyone's eyes red, including June's.

June: "!"

Ivy: "!"

'What just... happened?'

"This... This is... the Fire Fox Queen's Fire Dance?!" June's voice was filled with shock and disbelief.

Ivy, watching from the sidelines, was equally stunned, her cherry-like lips agape.

'Fire Dance... who used it?'

'Little Raven?'

Putting aside whether Little Raven even knew this skill, they hadn't seen Little Raven use it at all.

"Yoo-hoo~"

Even the Fire Fox Queen was taken aback, its upturned fox eyes widening in astonishment at the sudden Fire Dance. The fiery glow reflected in its pupils betrayed its shock.

But a Fire Fox Queen is still a Fire Fox Queen.

As a transcendent being with a kingly nature, the Fire Fox Queen's "king" title didn't just signify being the ruler of foxes—it was also the master of flames.

"Yoo~"

With a long, enchanting cry that echoed through the arena, the flames surrounding the Fire Fox Queen suddenly scattered in all directions. Just as the fire was about to cross the boundary of the battlefield, an invisible energy barrier rose, confining the flames within the designated area.

Neither Asher nor June, who stood closest to them, were affected in the slightest.

The onlooking beast tamers, however, instinctively held their breath.

What... what the heck?

This was the first time they had encountered such a scene.

Although they knew that battle arena rules prevented harm to spectators, facing such life-threatening situations firsthand still rattled their nerves.

The Fire Fox Queen's natural mastery of flames meant that the Fire Dance didn't inflict much damage on it. Only a small patch of its fur was scorched, turning long fur into short stubble.

Upon seeing the burnt fur, the Fire Fox Queen's gaze turned sharp as it glared at Little Raven.

Before it could retaliate, Double Down activated, singeing another patch of fur. If this went on, it would soon have a bald spot.

Fire Fox Queen: "!!!"

"Yoo-yoo! Yoo-yoo-yoo!"

'Unacceptable.'

'This is absolutely unacceptable.'

"Fire Fox Queen, use Flame Bite!"

Seeing the Fire Fox Queen's fury, June seized the opportunity to direct it into a full-force attack fueled by 100% hatred, delivering 200% damage.

"Little Raven, use Flash Step, then get close."

Asher showed June that Little Raven was no longer the same as it was two months ago.

Its former weakness in flight had become a thing of the past.

With its round, compact body, Little Raven zipped through the air like a bullet, dodging and weaving with astonishing agility.

Hitting Little Raven now? That required top-tier aim.

Flashing like lightning, Little Raven darted toward the Fire Fox Queen, hidden by blinding light and flashes of smoke. Its small body seemed almost monumental as it streaked through the battlefield like a black bolt.

"Fire Fox Queen, use Smoke Screen!"

"Little Raven, Peck Attack!"

Their commands overlapped.

Thick, acrid smoke filled the battlefield, but it was too late—Little Raven had already closed in on the Fire Fox Queen. Its sharp beak struck precisely at the nearly bald spot on the Fire Fox Queen's belly.

Feeling the targeted attack, the Fire Fox Queen's wide, round eyes screamed, 'Evil bird!'

What little fur it had left—gone!

The Fire Fox Queen lashed out with its furry claws, trying to grab Little Raven.

Little Raven: 'Hee-hee~'

Taking advantage of its small size and agility, Little Raven abandoned precise strikes in favor of multi-angle sneak attacks—here a nip, there a peck.

In the midst of flashing lights, fireworks, and smoke, no one could see clearly. But everyone heard the increasingly frantic and indignant cries of the Fire Fox Queen:

"Yoo!"

"Yoo-yoo!"

"Yoo-yoo-yoo~!"

'Bad bird!'

'Evil bird!'

'Stop plucking my fur!'

Little Raven: 'Not listening, not listening, fox chanting scriptures.'

'Hee-hee~'

'Tail—peck!'

'Butt—peck!'

'Belly—fair treatment—oops!'

One careless move, and the Fire Fox Queen's belly was completely bald.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Little Raven stopped playing hide-and-seek and flapped its wings, retreating without looking back.

'This bird did nothing wrong. This bird knows nothing. This bird is innocent.'

When the smoke and light finally cleared...

"Pfft—"

Someone couldn't hold back and let out a small laugh.

In the dead-silent arena, it was piercing... painfully so.

The Fire Fox Queen's glare followed immediately.

June: "..."

Clenching her fist and pressing it against her mouth, June barely managed to suppress her laughter. Otherwise, she feared the Fire Fox Queen would turn on her next.

She swore she didn't want to laugh, but...

The Fire Fox Queen's appearance was just too ridiculous.

What once was a glossy, sleek coat was now patchy and singed. The most glaring bald spot was on its belly, revealing a pink underbelly.

Its fluffy ears had a single tuft of fur standing upright—not the cute kind, but the silly, awkward kind.

June had to look away, or her restraint might crumble entirely.

Meanwhile, Ivy and Asher didn't bother to hold back, chuckling softly.

Fire Fox Queen: 'Furious!'

"Fire Fox Queen, calm down. Use Thermal Surge, then Fireball!"

No more holding back. Time to go all out. Apply the buffs, then engage in a life-and-death struggle with Little Raven.

"Yip~ yip~ Awoo!"

The Fire Fox Queen's eyes shimmered with a fiery glow. Her heavy paws stomped on the floor with a commanding presence.

BOOM—

RUMBLE—

A series of basketball-sized fireballs spewed from the Fire Fox Queen's open mouth. Any one of those fireballs could easily engulf Little Raven entirely.

"Heart of Protection."

Centered around Little Raven, a soft glow enveloped her body.

It blocked all the incoming fireballs one by one.

"Aura of the King!"

A powerful aura swept through the entire arena.

June and the Fire Fox Queen's eyes went blank.

'This... this aura... is this... Little Raven's Aura of the King?'

Unlike June, the surrounding Beast Tamers erupted into low cheers: "Ohhh—this is the feeling—this is the oppressive might we know from the King's Aura."

Yes, this feeling.

Compared to the Fire Fox Queen's previous King's Aura, this one feels right.

"Finish it off with Peck!"

Little Raven spread her wings, like lightning. In that instant, her form seemed to grow larger. Her tender yellow beak transformed into an invisible sharp spear, striking ferociously toward the Fire Fox Queen.

"Yip-yooo—!"

The Fire Fox Queen, stunned and defenseless, was sent flying dozens of meters away before crashing to the ground, tail up. She spat out crimson blood and fainted, unable to fight any longer.

"The Fire Fox Queen has lost the ability to battle."

"The winner is contestant Asher."

The referee blew the whistle, declaring the final victor.

It had been a long time since anyone had witnessed such an evenly matched and thrilling battle. The apprentice Beast Tamers gave thunderous applause, clapping so hard their hands turned red, yet they didn't stop.

Worth it.

Whether it was the Fire Fox Queen's displayed strength or Little Raven's performance, they were worth such recognition.

But still...

"...I think that skirt strategy didn't work. Look at the girl who contracted the Fire Fox Queen—so proper and pretty. The Demon King didn't hold back at all."

"That's why he's called the Demon King, isn't it?"

"This proves the Demon King is definitely single. I can accept him crushing me in strength, even outsmarting me, but I can't accept him being in a relationship."

On the other side.

Seeing this, June quickly recalled the Fire Fox Queen into her spiritual sea beast space.

She couldn't lift the Fire Fox Queen.

But protecting the Fire Fox Queen's last bit of dignity from being trampled by Little Raven—June could still do that.

And then there was... June feared that if the Fire Fox Queen woke up and realized Little Raven had danced on her, she wouldn't have peaceful days ahead.

Fortunately, it seemed Little Raven had no intention of "taunting the fallen." Instead, she flew back to Asher's shoulder, swaying her head and puffing out her chest, eager to show off.

"You..." After recalling the Fire Fox Queen, June looked at Asher and Little Raven, hesitated, and didn't know what to say.

"Little Raven is amazing now, progressing super quickly."

After some thought, June followed her heart and loudly praised Little Raven.

Little Raven raised her head higher. If Asher hadn't steadied her with his hand, she might have fallen off his shoulder entirely.

Little Raven: ╭(╯^╰)╮'That's right!'

'This lady is incredible.'

'Because this lady has the most super-awesome Beast Tamer in the universe.'

"These past two months haven't been wasted. Little Raven has worked very hard," Asher said with a smile, ruffling the little tuft on Little Raven's head.

June glanced at Asher and Little Raven. What she didn't say was this: In just two months, raising Little Raven's strength to this level wasn't just about hard work.

She also remembered the post she'd seen before coming here.

The Demon King of the Beginner's Village… At the time, June thought it was an exaggeration. After battling Little Raven again, she no longer thought so.

Asher and Little Raven deserved the title.

"Want to go for treatment together?" June invited. "Little Raven has fought several battles this morning, hasn't she? Take a break?"

"We haven't seen each other in so long. You can't just make Ivy and me come all this way just to fight you, right?" June said in a drawn-out tone.

Asher glanced at June, then at Ivy, who was smiling shyly at him from outside the arena.

After some thought, Asher didn't refuse.

"Alright, let's go together."

Usually, Asher would fight a few more matches before leaving, but today he left early.

Ivy and June walked hand in hand beside him. The three headed toward the service station, while the surrounding apprentice Beast Tamers made way, watching their backs silently.

Not a single word was spoken until Asher and his group disappeared.

Then, a tearful voice broke the silence.

"...I've lost! This time, I've completely lost to the Demon King. Two of them. Two!"

———

Unaware of what happened behind him, Asher focused on recovery.

Although the Fire Fox Queen coughed up blood, her injuries weren't severe and were quickly healed.

Little Raven didn't even need to enter the treatment capsule; a bottle of special nutrient liquid was enough to replenish her fully.

"You've really become so strong, Little Raven!" Ivy exclaimed in amazement.

Little Raven puffed out her chest proudly, 'Yes! That's right! Praise me! Keep praising me.'

Seeing Little Raven's smug demeanor, Ivy couldn't help but laugh.

"So cute, Little Raven."

That comment didn't sit well with Little Raven.

If her Beast Tamer called her cute, fine.

But others? Absolutely not.

Little Raven—a proud, double-standard bird.

Ivy looked at the soon-to-awaken Fire Fox Queen inside the healing pod and sighed softly, "I feel like if this keeps up... the power gap between me and you guys is only going to grow bigger."

June, hearing this, patted her shoulder, "It's okay. Next time, I'll spend more time helping you practice."

"Indeed, don't waste the Fairy Butterfly's potential." Asher also nodded.

From the time the Fairy Butterfly evolved until now, it hadn't gained a single new skill. Asher had figured it out—Ivy disliked battling even more than June.

It was understandable.

If Ivy had been truly ambitious, she wouldn't have initially formed a contract with the Honeybug.

Everyone has their own priorities; you win some, you lose some.

Asher wouldn't impose his own standards on others.

But June would.

Dragged along by June, Asher didn't bring Little Raven for more battles but instead spent a rare peaceful, harmonious, and relaxed afternoon shopping and having afternoon tea with the two of them.

Asher didn't feel it was a waste of time.

In fact, after the outing, he thought it wasn't bad—it helped him relax his nerves, which had been tense from constant battles.

As for those hopeful, desperate prospective Beast Tamers still waiting for him to return for battles...

Asher: 'What does that have to do with me?'

After saying goodbye to June and Ivy, Asher returned to his dorm with Little Raven in the evening.

Since it was a weekend break, Vicky wasn't in the dorm, having gone home. Asher locked the door and confidently activated his talent skill.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[Beast: Oriental Peacock]

[Species: Mid-level, Low-tier+]

[Level: Tier 3, High-grade]

[Skills: Aura of the King, Eye of the King, Heart of Protection, Peck, Blink Magic, Super Double, Flame Bite, Fire Strike, Fireball, Heat Energy, Smoke Screen, Dance of Fire]

[Evolution Path: Three-Legged Golden Crow (Selected)]

[Evolution materials not yet collected]

[Special bloodline awakening complete]

[La la la~ La la la~ Miss here has won! La la la~]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Asher couldn't help but chuckle. It was evident that Little Raven was thrilled about defeating the Fire Fox Queen.

Over the past month, there hadn't been a single day when Little Raven was as happy as today.

Asher looked at Little Raven's skill list again.

As the number of skills grew, Asher realized he needed to arrange more detailed plans for Little Raven's skill utilization and training intensity.

Sometimes, it's better to focus on refining skills rather than accumulating a lot of them.

But this was all for Little Raven's evolution.

For now, mastering more skills was necessary. Once Little Raven evolved, they could work on a more specific plan.

Then Asher clicked on [Three-Legged Golden Crow].

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[Affinity: 100 (89/100)]

[Sync Rate: 100 (71/100)]

[Beast Tamer's Mental Sea and Space: 2/4]

[Sunlight Bathing: Cumulative 98 days]

[Moonlight Bathing: Cumulative 98 days]

[Little Raven's Mental Power: 2/4]

[Fire Attribute Skills: 6/7]

[Special Attribute Skills: 4/7]

[Refined Flame: Not Achieved]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Looking at the detailed data before him, Asher's lips curved into a small smile.

'Not bad, not bad.'

From the summer break to now, just over three months had passed, and these stats were already quite satisfying to Asher.

With nearly a quarter of the 400 days gone, his progress had exceeded that fraction.

The steady growth of his Mental Sea and mental power was far beyond his expectations.

At this rate, achieving the mental capacity to form contracts with four beasts wasn't a dream.

The fire and special attribute skills were only slightly lacking compared to the Mental Sea and Beast Space, but they would be much easier to complete.

As for...

Asher's persistent headache: the Refined Flame.

"And... why do our affinity and sync rate feel a bit low?" Looking at the 89 and 71, Asher rubbed his forehead in frustration.

Clearly, his coordination with Little Raven was already excellent.

After a month of battles at school and another month at the battle arena, Asher and Little Raven had achieved the level where they could communicate with just a glance to decide on the next skill.

'Isn't this synergy?'

Saying this, Asher turned to Little Raven, who was perched on the desk, preening its feathers after eating some fruit. He suddenly stretched out his finger and poked it.

When Little Raven turned its head, Asher quickly withdrew his finger, pretending to examine the panel as if he hadn't done anything.

Little Raven: "?"

Little Raven stared at Asher with its beady eyes.

When Little Raven resumed preening, Asher poked its feathers again.

Little Raven: "!"

This time, without moving its body, it snapped its head around in a sharp 180-degree turn, fixing its beady black eyes on Asher's retreating hand, catching him red-handed.

Asher: 'Ahem!'

"I was just... wondering if you wanted a snack." Slowly, Asher retracted his finger, pressed his fist to his lips, and spoke seriously.

Little Raven gave Asher a distrustful look.

Quickly, Asher pulled out a pack of specialty snacks he usually rationed for Little Raven, opened it, and held it near Little Raven's beak. With an innocent, pitiful look, he said, "How could you not trust me?"

Little Raven took a bite, and its expression softened.

Another bite, and all its doubts vanished.

Little Raven: =V= 'Delicious.'

'I shouldn't have doubted my Beast Tamer.'

And so, under the power of snacks, peace between man and bird was once again restored.

———

On weekend evenings, there are evening self-study sessions, so Vicky returned to the dormitory early.

The moment he pushed the door open, Vicky froze with one foot still in the air.

He backed out and glanced at the sun in the sky, then poked his head back into the dormitory, looking at Asher, who was packing his things.

He repeated this twice.

Asher gave him a disapproving eye-roll: "The sun hasn't risen from the west. I just didn't go to the battle arena today."

"Oh, oh, oh!" Vicky finally walked in. "You scared me. Who told you to stay out every day until after five or six in the evening for the past month? Suddenly seeing you in the dormitory at noon, I thought something big had happened."

Vicky set his luggage down as he spoke, patting his chest and taking deep breaths to calm himself.

Asher couldn't be bothered to respond.

But Vicky was not one to stay quiet.

"You sneaky devil, packing your stuff—are you really planning to abandon me and move out?" Vicky watched as Asher stuffed clothes, compressed biscuits, food for Little Raven, and other items into his backpack, crying fake tears on the side.

Asher paused his packing and helplessly explained, "I don't plan to go to the battle arena for a while. I feel like I've hit a bottleneck."

Constant fighting isn't the solution.

Sometimes you need to relax your nerves.

"So where are you planning to go? The forbidden zones in our city?"

"Not quite. Little Raven's strength hasn't reached that level yet." Asher had a basic understanding of both his and Little Raven's capabilities.

Among beginner Beast Masters, Little Raven was indeed very strong.

Against slightly weaker official Beast Masters, Little Raven wasn't completely outmatched either.

But as for venturing into a restricted zone… Without hiring an exploration team for protection, it would be impossible to manage inside.

And doing so would negate the purpose of training Little Raven.

Simply put, the map level was too high—unsuitable for exploration.

He needed to find a more appropriate map for a challenge.

"Professor Iris from Bluewind University said she's been busy lately and contacted me to assist her for a while." Asher smiled as he spoke.

Iris had sent him a message the previous night.

Though she had applied to become a professional course instructor next year, this year, she was also teaching an elective.

Moreover, after her recent academic conference revealed her findings on the Fairy Butterfly, her popularity soared.

In past years, her classes rarely filled up, but this year they were suddenly overflowing.

After just over a month of teaching, Iris felt she was on the verge of breaking down.

She needed an assistant.

Naturally, Iris first thought of Asher, the one responsible for her increased workload, who also happened to have free time.

Asher: "..."

The battle arena at Bluewind University was rumored to be exceptional, equipped with unique machinery and modes unavailable elsewhere.

It was difficult for non-students of Bluewind University to access their battle arena.

When Iris promised to secure him an access card for the school's battle arena, allowing him to spar freely with the university's student Beast Masters, Asher readily agreed.

The level of this map seemed just right.

Plus, he could get a feel for the university environment in advance, making it easier to adapt (and escape…) next year.

Hearing this, Vicky's eyes lit up: "Professor Iris? That gorgeous professor?"

"Can you remember something useful other than her being gorgeous? What if her new discovery this year ends up on your exam?" Asher said faintly.

Vicky, who had been full of enthusiasm a second ago, instantly deflated.

Exam topics…

Better not mention it.

———

On a Monday morning.

At the east gate of Bluewind University, a stunning and elegant woman wearing a white lab coat, her glossy black hair pinned up, and frameless glasses perched on her nose, leaned lazily against the gatehouse. She occasionally glanced at her phone, clearly waiting for someone.

Passing male university students couldn't help but let their gazes linger on her high heels, sheer black stockings, and long legs for two extra seconds before blushing and hurrying off to their early classes.

Inwardly, they fumed: 'Who is this guy? How dare he keep such a beautiful woman waiting. This is outrageous.'

As class time approached and the crowd thinned, Iris finally spotted the person she was waiting for.

Not far away, Asher was dressed in a plain long-sleeved sweatshirt, comfortable tube pants, and sneakers. Carrying a bulging hiking backpack, he walked in her direction.

Iris straightened up and walked toward Asher, eyeing him critically. "Didn't President Robb provide you with a stipend? Can't you dress a little sharper now that you have money?"

Asher stopped in his tracks and looked down at his outfit.

Simple, comfortable, versatile—two sets could last him a whole year without worrying about what to wear daily.

"I think it's fine."

Iris: "If it weren't for your face, I wouldn't even recognize you in a crowd dressed like that."

"But I'm handsome, so I can wear anything. Otherwise, guys would get jealous," Asher said, waving his hand with an air of confidence.

Iris: "..."

"Fine, fine, Mr. Handsome. Follow me," Iris said, turning and gesturing for him to catch up.

As they walked, Iris briefed Asher on his "work arrangements."

"I'm teaching an elective called The Evolutionary History of Beasts this year. It's only three sessions a week, and the students are all first-years. I'll send you the lecture materials."

"All you need to do is prepare the PPT before each class, sort and grade the assignments afterward, and you're free to spend the rest of your time as you wish."

"Bluewind University has a pretty high proportion of Beast Masters—about fifty-fifty. I've secured you a registration card for the university's battle arena, so you can spar there anytime."

Iris laid out his duties in a few sentences, making it sound fairly simple.

But...

"How many students are enrolled in this course?" Asher asked cautiously.

Iris… fell silent.

After a long pause, she finally muttered, "…Two thousand."

"Sorry, how many?" Asher asked, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

"Two thousand."

After repeating it twice, Iris straightened up, regaining her composure.

"This course used to have only a hundred or two students yearly, but thanks to that academic conference, it's now packed," Iris explained matter-of-factly.

Asher wanted to turn around and leave.

Universities usually admit seven to ten thousand students annually.

After dividing them into majors, the numbers per course decrease significantly.

But Iris somehow managed to attract two thousand students.

The sheer amount of homework and group projects could overwhelm anyone.

"Does Bluewind University even have a classroom big enough for two thousand students?" Asher couldn't help but complain.

Iris gave him a look. "Do you underestimate Bluewind University? Forget two thousand—we can accommodate an entire first-year cohort in one classroom if needed."

Asher gave her a thumbs-up.

Impressive.

Once again, he was acutely aware of the differences between the two worlds.

Seeing Asher wavering, Iris added, "Don't worry. Attendance will dwindle as the term progresses. By mid-semester, there'll usually be less than half the initial number. It's just busy at the start."

"That's why I need your help for a while."

What else could Asher do?

He had already boasted in the dorm.

He didn't feel like returning to the battle arena recently—the opponents weren't challenging enough. Plus, he did want to relax for a bit.

Since he was already here, he agreed after some thought.

"You have a place to stay, right?"

"Yes, Bluewind provides on-campus single accommodations for teachers and assistants."

"Great. Which days are the classes? I'll plan accordingly."

═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═

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