Chapter 12: Evolution or Wallet-Drainer?

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Though the little black bird was silent, Asher could almost decipher the look of curiosity on its fluffy face.

Mainly because… he recalled the little Oriental Peacock's inner thoughts he'd seen earlier.

'Ahem! Definitely a bird with a personality.'

"Hello there."

Asher took the initiative to greet this unique Peacock. He bent down, extended his hand gently toward the black-feathered bird, and said softly, "Would you like to be my pet beast?"

The small black Oriental Peacock seemed taken aback, as if it hadn't expected such a question. Was he… asking for its consent?

Its beady eyes noticeably widened, genuinely surprised.

Then, without hesitation, the little bird hopped forward, its tiny feet landing right in Asher's palm, hopping and fluttering as it scrambled up his arm, eventually perching on his shoulder.

It leaned in close, nuzzling Asher's cheek.

Its response was clear.

Yes!

Absolutely, yes!

Asher's face broke into a genuine smile. The thought that he finally had his very own pet beast filled him with an uncontainable joy that bubbled up from the bottom of his heart.

"Alright then, let's begin the contract."

Closing his eyes, Asher felt his nerves tingle.

'It's really happening'

To say he wasn't both nervous and excited would be a lie.

With his eyes closed, he focused on the mental energy within his mind, tentatively guiding it as he connected with the small Oriental Peacock perched on his shoulder.

Then, suddenly, the Oriental Peacock vanished from his shoulder.

A tiny presence appeared within his spiritual sea, nestled in his Beast Space.

'Phew, the contract is a success.'

The next second, Asher summoned the little Oriental Peacock from his Beast Space.

With that, he officially became a trainee Beast Master.

To Asher's surprise, what should've been a simple process instead revealed a striking side to this unique little Oriental Peacock.

As the spiritual light coalesced and transformed into the Oriental Peacock's form, a burst of brilliance erupted in Asher's spiritual world.

The Oriental Peacock spread its wings, every feather shimmering with vibrant colors.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, pink…

It was as if every hue in existence danced across the Oriental Peacock's wings, dazzling but elegant, each shade shining with a gem-like radiance.

A breathtaking sight.

The entire process went smoother than he'd ever expected.

When Asher opened his eyes, he felt as though the world had sharpened, becoming clearer and more vivid.

Watching how effortlessly Asher bonded with the little Oriental Peacock, the staff member couldn't help but smile with envy. "It seems like you two have a great affinity."

The affinity between a Beast Master and their pet beast has always somewhat been mystical.

Each pairing formed differently.

Clearly, Asher and his Oriental Peacock had a natural synergy.

No obstacles, no difficulties—just a mutual desire to connect, and they'd bonded in a heartbeat.

The staff was genuinely happy for the little Oriental Peacock.

After all, the beast breeding centers weren't exactly charitable organizations.

Any beast with low abilities and without a Beast Master to take it in wouldn't be abandoned, but it certainly wouldn't get the best care.

This little black Oriental Peacock had been at risk of falling into that category.

Luckily, it met Asher.

A Beast Master who had chosen it.

The staff member swiftly completed the Oriental Peacock's registration.

"This card comes with one year's worth of special Oriental Peacock feed and three pet beast vaccines. The vaccines are administered monthly, and you'll need to bring it to the base for each shot over the next three months. Would you like to take all the food now?"

"Just two months' supply for now," Asher replied after a moment's thought. "I'm still not sure if the Oriental Peacock's diet will need any adjustments. If it does, I'll discuss with the base about switching to the necessary food."

The staff member nodded.

Soon enough, a full box of special feed for the Oriental Peacock was set in front of Asher.

"Here's the red-mud worms and mixed fresh fruit. One pack per meal, three to five meals a day, all portioned out for you."

"When you need more, just bring this card back, and you can pick up the remaining supply."

The staff returned his black card.

Now that Asher had selected the black Oriental Peacock, the card would only allow him to access services at the Oriental Peacock Breeding Base.

Carrying a box marked with the base's logo, Asher walked out with the little black Oriental Peacock perched on his shoulder.

Perhaps because of the contract with the Oriental Peacock, even the midday sun didn't feel as harsh.

As he strolled toward the bus stop, he spoke softly, "How about I give you a name?"

The Oriental Peacock chirped, nuzzling his cheek in response.

That meant yes.

"Let me think…" Asher glanced at the little guy on his shoulder.

In the physical world, the Oriental Peacock's feathers remained pitch-black. But perhaps because he'd seen its brilliant colors in the spiritual realm, he kept imagining a hint of rainbow shimmering beneath its black feathers in the sunlight.

So this was… the legendary shimmering black?

"Well, if nothing else, I'll call you Boss."

The Oriental Peacock: ·△·?

Cough

Asher cleared his throat, pretending he hadn't just said that.

"How about 'Littile Raven'?"

Though a simple name, he'd given it some real thought this time.

"You do look a bit like a raven. Besides, raven feathers also have hidden colors that human eyes can't see, only appearing black."

'Just the right fit.'

The Oriental Peacock didn't refuse the name.

Though it didn't quite capture its beauty, seeing as its Beast Master thought it up, it would agree.

After officially registering Little Raven at the Beast Masters' Alliance, Asher was finally able to bring it home.

He fed it a portion of its special food.

The red-mud worm was a special, cultivated insect—a favorite treat of most bird-type extraordinary beasts.

And the mixed fresh fruits weren't ordinary either. They grew on trees that had failed their evolutionary attempts. These fruits, packed with nutrients and energy, were juicy and sweet, making them beloved by herbivorous and omnivorous extraordinary beasts.

Neither food was cheap.

And Little Raven ate a lot of it.

Asher did the math.

Little Raven's monthly food bill could easily match his living expenses for three months.

Asher: "…"

At this moment, he silently thanked President Robb.

The man had prepared a year's supply of food for Little Raven.

Otherwise, he'd be selling his kidney—or worse, taking out a loan to keep it fed.

After ensuring Little Raven had eaten its fill, Asher quickly took care of his own dinner.

Then he began a thorough examination of Little Raven.

'Now, how should I go about planning Little Raven's evolution…?'

Activating his [Eye of Insight] Asher brought up Little Raven's panel.

[Pet Beast: Oriental Peacock]

[Type: Mid-Grade, Low Tier]

[Level: Tier 2, Mid Level]

[Skill: Eagle Eye]

[Evolution Paths: Radiant Peacock, Three-Legged Golden Crow]

[Evolution materials not yet gathered]

[My Beast Master is amazing. I'm thrilled. I like him. Like, like, like.]

Seeing the repeated likes, Asher felt a bit embarrassed.

'Ahem!'

'How am I supposed to handle such an openly affectionate pet?'

'Guess, Just get used to it.'

Asher moved his gaze to the evolution paths.

First, he opened the Radiant Peacock option.

[Evolution Requirements: Can evolve once strength reaches Tier 3]

Days 1–7: Feed 1 Rainbow Glimmer Flower per day, plus 20g each of Sunlight Crystals and Moonlight Crystals.

Days 8–14: Feed 3 Rainbow Glimmer Flowers per day, 40g each of Sunlight and Moonlight Crystals, and 1 special-element energy stone.

Days 15–21: Feed 80g each of Sunlight and Moonlight Crystals, 1 special-element energy stone, and 1 light-element energy stone.

On Day 21: Upgrade to Tier 5 and feed one Fairy Tree Fruit for a 50% chance of evolving into a Radiant Peacock.

If unsuccessful, repeat from the beginning]

Asher stared in silence.

"Is this… an evolution path or a budget-draining path?"

Because all he could see was money.

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