Beast Tamer: I Can See Evolution Paths

[T/N: This book is now available as an AUDIOBOOK in YouTube, under the same name. You can enjoy it there as well 😉~ ]

Under the sharp, questioning gazes of industry bigshots, reporters, and professionals, Asher finally wrapped up the academic conference.

As he stepped down from the lofty stage, he didn't show it on his face, but he let out a long sigh of relief in his heart.

Let's be real—being stared at by so many people without feeling even a bit nervous? Impossible.

He was just holding it together.

"Hahaha, not bad at all," President Robb laughed heartily as he walked over to Asher, giving him a solid pat on the shoulder.

A small group of people, who had been about to approach Asher, exchanged glances and hesitated before retreating. But there were always a few who thought highly of their own status and felt the need to confront him head-on at such an event.

Before Asher could respond to President Robb, a cold snort of disdain came from the side.

"Hmph!"

"What 'affection level'? If you ask me, it's all just flashy nonsense. Whether it's even useful is still questionable. Chairman Robb, hastily organizing this academic conference like this is far too reckless."

Asher turned to see a middle-aged man in a gray suit, with a receding hairline and a grim expression. His sharp, hawk-like eyes locked onto Asher, and every word he said dripped with disdain, refusing to acknowledge Asher's findings.

President Robb's previously cheerful expression instantly darkened. "Professor Beauman, Asher has explained his discovery in detail during the conference, and the evolution of the Fire Fox Queen is right there for everyone to see."

"You may look down on it, but you shouldn't slander it. As a researcher, you should understand this principle, shouldn't you?"

Professor Zachary Beauman's face grew even darker, clearly not expecting President Robb to leave him no face in such a public setting.

"I'm merely being objective," Professor Beauman stiffened, refusing to back down. "Besides, I'm just trying to remind you, Chairman Robb, not to be deceived. Research is about diligence and hard work, not stumbling upon luck and dressing it up as some grand excuse to scam more resources."

Not far away, June overheard this and rolled her eyes. Then, in a deliberately "quiet" voice that was actually loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, she muttered to Ivy,

"No way, right? No way? Is there really someone here pulling the 'bully the junior' card at an event like this?"

"Does he really think people can't tell what he's implying? Does he take us all for fools?"

Master June had entered the stage.

"Pfft—"

Laughter erupted from all around.

It was impossible to pinpoint who started it, but it was clear that everyone found it hilarious.

Professor Beauman's face turned so dark it seemed like water could drip from it. His angry, triangular eyes glared fiercely at June and Ivy.

Before they could feel intimidated, Asher stepped in front of them.

"Professor Beauman," Asher said calmly, meeting his gaze with a gentle smile. "If you have questions about the concept I presented, we can sit down and discuss it thoroughly. I'm happy to address any of your concerns."

"Surely, with your esteemed status, you're not the type to cause a scene without evidence, are you?"

Asher's words subtly crowned Professor Beauman with a figurative "scholar's" cap.

What could Professor Beauman say? That he wasn't a scholar?

That he was just here to stir trouble and suppress Asher?

For all his flaws, Professor Beauman still had a shred of dignity.

Between June's sarcastic remarks and Asher's tactful jab, Professor Beauman found his words stuck in his throat, neither advancing nor retreating.

His situation mirrored his current predicament:

Continuing to harass Asher would be humiliating.

But slinking away quietly would also be humiliating.

Luckily, one of his companions called out to him, offering him a chance to save face. Without uttering a parting shot, Professor Beauman took the opportunity to leave.

Asher was speechless.

'So… what was the point of him picking a fight in the first place? Just to get roasted?'

June huffed in annoyance before pulling Ivy along to continue exploring the venue. She insisted it was purely coincidental that she happened to walk by and help Asher out of a jam. It wasn't because she'd spotted someone giving him trouble from afar—definitely not.

As Ivy was dragged away, she waved at Asher, who smiled and waved back.

President Robb, watching the exchange, chuckled, his mood quickly recovering from Professor Beauman's disruption.

"Still trying to figure out what his goal was, huh?" President Robb said with a knowing grin.

Asher nodded.

Professor Beauman's behavior and words hadn't affected him at all.

Just as June had said:

What era is this?

With the Fire Fox Queen standing as undeniable proof, did Professor Beauman really think he could rally everyone to suppress and discredit Asher?

Nobody here was stupid.

Geniuses in specialized fields weren't common, and their emergence naturally shifted some resources their way. But it wasn't like all resources were handed to Asher on a silver platter. Rules were in place, and one's capability determined what resources they could access.

Besides, Asher's breakthroughs didn't just benefit him—they opened doors for everyone.

Take the concept of "affection level," for instance.

Regardless of their private thoughts, the undeniable success of the Fire Fox Queen's evolution allowed researchers to propose new projects involving extraordinary creatures. More resources could be secured for these initiatives.

Suppression? Out of the question.

They weren't fools. They had brains. None of them wanted to be the one humiliated in a losing fight.

As for the "affection level" concept, the Fire Fox Queen was proof enough. Future opportunities to apply and test it would arise.

True gold stands the test of fire.

They were willing to wait and evaluate Asher's work more concretely over time.

After listening to President Robb's explanation, Asher was even more confused. "So why did he step up in the first place?"

"He's not acting like a professional pet evolution professor at all—more like a clown."

President Robb gave him a reassuring look.

Not "like." He was a clown.

"You could chalk it up to… the disdain of professionals for non-professionals."

Asher: "?"

'Seriously? In this day and age?'

"Some of these old-timers, stuck in their ways, can't produce new results anymore. They cling to their titles and act out… It's a thing. Just bear with it," President Robb said with a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

Asher: ⊙⁠.⁠☉

The politics here ran too deep.

He wanted to go back to the countryside.

Engaging in these pointless arguments with pointless people?

He'd rather go home and check if Little Raven had woken up.

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