Chapter 33: Forbidden Zones and New Mineral Deposits

'Mines? As in those forbidden Zones?'

Hearing this key phrase, Asher instinctively pricked up his ears. President Robb's voice gradually lowered, making it impossible to catch more details.

Still, Asher couldn't help but mull over this term that sounded so familiar.

In this world inhabited by beasts, its size was twice that of Earth's. Beyond the 70% that was ocean, the landmass was significantly larger as well.

Humans had built cities and civilizations in fully explored and relatively safe areas, but the land they occupied was ultimately limited.

Every nation and city had their own unexplored "forbidden zones."

These areas were teeming with powerful or weak wild beasts, various herbs, and minerals. Yet, more often than not, they were filled with omnipresent danger and the law of the jungle.

Unyielding beasts ruled the wilderness, battling fiercely amongst themselves in a realm of bloodshed and violence.

But they also presented opportunities and resources.

Every Beastmaster, regardless of their level, had some need for the forbidden zones.

Around these zones, ordinary people and Beastmasters had established unique business circles, exploration teams, trading markets, and so on.

Thus, despite the inherent dangers, forbidden zones had become the backbone of each city's secondary industries.

As the provincial capital, Radiant City's development relied heavily on its resources, but the neighboring NY City's rapid growth, comparable to Radiant City despite lacking a top-tier university, was largely due to the forbidden zone under its jurisdiction.

Although only 35% of NY City's forbidden zone had been explored and developed, the discovered resources included Crimson Fire Fruits, a favorite among fire-element pet beasts. These fruits could purify flames and were indispensable in certain pet evolution processes, ensuring a steady flow of Beastmasters to the city.

The annual revenue from this alone was considerable.

Mineral deposits, or more specifically underground ore veins, were classified into active mines and dormant mines.

Active mines referred to extractable veins yielding specific attribute ores, while dormant mines were non-extractable veins containing vast quantities of attribute-specific energy.

If a mineral deposit was discovered in a forbidden zone, whether active or dormant, it would be highly sought after by Beastmasters.

Active mines provided abundant resources. Although the energy and purity of specific attribute ores weren't as high as attribute energy stones, they made up for it with sheer volume, affordability, and availability.

Dormant mines couldn't produce ores because the energy wasn't concentrated enough to solidify. However, they were ideal for attribute-specific pet training and cultivation, often delivering twice the results with half the effort. With some luck, one might even unearth attribute-specific herbs within the mine's bounds.

The value of these rare herbs alone made some dormant mines even more popular than active ones.

Listening to President Robb's phone call, Asher pieced it together: 'had NY City's forbidden zone uncovered a new mineral deposit?'

About half an hour later, President Robb ended the call and approached Asher, his face filled with apology. "Sorry to keep you waiting; I couldn't put this off."

"Uncle Robb, it's only natural for someone as busy as the Beastmaster Association's president." Asher shook his head, genuinely unfazed. "You've already taken time out of your day to help me. I'm the one causing delays."

Seeing Asher's sincere attitude, President Robb's impression of him improved even further.

Initially, President Robb's goodwill toward Asher stemmed from the Honeybug evolution matter and Iris's heartfelt gratitude, which had highlighted Asher's potential value. President Robb considered his efforts to build rapport with Asher an investment.

But Asher's composed and respectful demeanor, combined with his sharp mind, only enhanced President Robb's satisfaction with him.

The more President Robb thought about Asher's age and accomplishments, the more convinced he became that this young man was no ordinary talent. His rise to prominence was only a matter of time, and establishing a good relationship early on was undoubtedly a wise choice.

As they walked to the equipment room to print Asher's ID card, their casual conversation flowed smoothly. When the timing felt right, Asher, with a gentle yet curious smile, asked, "Uncle Robb, just now on the call, I overheard something about a mineral deposit. Has a new one been discovered in NY City's forbidden zone?"

Pausing briefly, Asher gauged President Robb's reaction before continuing, "Is this something you can share? I just happened to overhear and couldn't help but wonder."

President Robb wasn't offended.

After all, he'd taken the call in Asher's presence. It was only natural for someone to pick up on a few keywords, especially something as enticing as a mineral deposit.

"Indeed, a mineral deposit," President Robb admitted. "Just a week ago, we discovered a vein brimming with fire attribute energy within NY City's forbidden zone. For NY City and its Beastmasters, this is an enormous resource windfall."

Asher nodded in agreement. Mineral deposits were undeniably invaluable to Beastmasters.

He couldn't resist asking, "Is it active or dormant?"

"We're not sure yet," President Robb said, shaking his head. "Preliminary surveys show the deposit is rich in energy, but whether it can yield ores requires further exploration and study. The area hasn't been opened yet for this very reason. The level of danger is still unknown, and we need specialized teams to assess it."

Asher nodded, understanding the rationale.

The discovery of a mineral deposit was cause for excitement, but its specifics, including the risks involved, needed thorough investigation.

Still, the fact that it was a fire attribute deposit left Asher deeply intrigued.

Especially if it turned out to be a dormant mine—such a place would be a godsend for him.

In fire attribute dormant mines, certain special herbs could help fire attribute pet beasts enhance their mastery of flames. For beasts with high perception, they might even directly grasp the elusive Essence Flame.

Considering that Little Raven would eventually evolve into a three-legged Golden Crow, surely its perception wouldn't be low.

Before this, Asher had considered seeking out a fire attribute dormant mine to try his luck.

However, the three dormant fire mines in the country had all been developed for over fifty years. With countless fire Beastmasters frequenting them, even the surface layers had been picked clean.

Expecting to find usable herbs there? He'd have better luck buying a lottery ticket.

But now, a brand-new, untouched fire attribute mineral deposit had been discovered in NY City.

How could Asher not be tempted? Was he supposed to just sit on his hands?

Even if it turned out to be an active mine, he thought of June's little Fire Fox. For it, this would also be a golden opportunity.

Although active mines lacked the concentrated energy of dormant mines, they still offered environments far more conducive to fire attribute pet training than ordinary settings. Spending ten days or so there might just push the Fire Fox into evolution.

Resolving himself, Asher glanced at President Robb, who was printing his ID card, and said, "Uncle Robb, if you're putting together a team to investigate the deposit, could you include me?"

President Robb froze mid-motion, leaving only the sound of the printer's whirring in the room.

Clearly, President Robb hadn't expected Asher to make such a bold—and risky—request.

"Mineral deposits aren't playgrounds, you know, and your pet isn't even fire attribute," President Robb said, neither rejecting nor agreeing.

Hearing this, Asher sensed an opening. All he needed was a convincing reason to sway President Robb.

A myriad of ideas flashed through his mind before he settled on one that aligned with President Robb's interests and position.

A faint smile played on Asher's lips.

If June and Ivy had been present, they would've immediately recognized this as the same smile Asher had used to sweet-talk them.

Now, he was ready to launch into another round of yapping.

"President Robb," Asher switched to a formal tone, "would you like to hear about my recent research?"

Then begin the crusade of Asher, the Legendary Yapper.

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