Chapter 287
Chapter 287
Chapter 287
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 287 – Lan Qi’s Affinity with Beasts
The massive oak door was gently pushed open, and the deep golden door ring gave off a faint creaking sound.
What unfolded before them was a spacious room of several hundred square meters. The air was moist and cool, as if stepping into another world.
Strange plants wound their way across the walls, lush with greenery. Hanging between the vines were faintly glowing magic lamps, their soft light spilling gently into every corner of the room.
Lan Qi and Zestira looked toward the depths of the room. Just as the Beast Breeding Department had described, there were indeed many magical beasts present.
Aside from the shelves stacked with sealed jars, tools, and ingredients, one corner was piled high with bundles of hay and heaps of flowers and leaves.
In the distance, various magical beasts roamed freely—not bound by cages or chains, but calmly staying in the farthest section. Some had smooth, elegant fur; others bore flame-like feathers, wings spread wide like a fiery dance; some were covered in thick scales; still others carried sharp horns and deadly claws.
Even Zestira, who had attended lessons before, could not recall all of their names at once.
And in the center of the classroom, the only human present was an elderly teacher with a full head of white hair.
He stood slightly hunched, whispering affectionately to a magical beast with ice-blue eyes.
The old teacher stroked the creature gently, his gaze filled with deep compassion.
Though the magical beasts looked fierce and dangerous, under the old man’s care, they all appeared tame and approachable.
By the door, Zestira’s steps faltered slightly.
Seeing those huge, dangerous creatures in the distance, her heart filled with unease and fear.
For someone only at the Second Tier, it seemed that even a random beast here could easily surpass her level.
Her small figure shrank back, instinctively hiding behind Lan Qi.
Although she had always thought of her teacher as someone with weak combat ability, at crucial times he was always calm and composed, unconsciously making her feel he was a reliable pillar of strength.
“Oh? Students coming so early?”
The teacher had noticed them from afar.
Squinting slightly, the old man sounded both gratified and somewhat surprised that two young students were willing to step into this field most people avoided.
He gently set down the small magical beast in his arms.
The creature seemed to understand, hopping lightly away and settling quietly into a corner.
“Welcome, children.”
The old teacher slowly walked toward them. His voice was aged and unhurried, yet warm as autumn sunshine.
His demeanor gave Zestira a bit of comfort.
She loosened her tightly clenched hands and raised her head slightly.
Though fear still lingered in her eyes, seeing that the teacher here was merely a kindly elder without malice, she felt herself relax.
A man who could treat magical beasts so tenderly surely had a heart as still and deep as an ancient well—long past any hostility toward the present-day demon race.
“Good day, sir. We’re here to take the Beast Breeding Department’s assessment later.”
Lan Qi bowed respectfully. Zestira, snapping out of her daze, quickly followed his lead.
“This is a Difficulty Level Three assessment. You did see that, didn’t you? This young noble lady should still be a preparatory student. But since you’re her follower, you can complete the trial in her place.”
The old man studied them briefly, their attire already telling him their identities.
“That’s correct. We’re aware,” Lan Qi confirmed.
Though if both completed the test they could earn double credits, noble students were given certain privileges—such as allowing their followers to attempt the trial in their stead.
The old teacher nodded. He thought for a moment; even without checking the time, he knew the assessment was still a few minutes away from officially starting.
“This test does not require combat. So if you’re ready, I can explain the rules ahead of time.”
The old man spoke gently.
Each monthly exam day, only a handful of students ever came to this classroom—especially during the first session.
So he could essentially treat this as if only these two had shown up.
“We’re all ears,” Lan Qi replied, almost acting as Zestira’s representative.
She didn’t mind, and simply left the matter to him.
“All you need to do is go to the back, find a child you like, earn its recognition, play with it, feed it, and finally complete my task before the class ends. Essentially, you must make the child willingly cooperate with you to accomplish some simple work.”
The old teacher’s voice was light. The rules were straightforward and clear.
For beast tamers, this was a vital skill. Yet in modern times, the profession was largely out of favor. Most large and powerful beasts had already gone extinct, and magical card summons were far more portable and practical to control.
But in the old man’s eyes, magical beasts weren’t just for battle. They could be like family, intelligent companions.
However, Zestira’s gaze flickered nervously between the dangerous and unknown creatures, her face pale with unease.
It might sound simple, but in reality? To build rapport with such powerful beasts in such a short time was nearly impossible—and extremely dangerous!
Sensing her nervousness and fear, some beasts’ eyes sharpened, their bodies rippling with warning magic waves. Low growls rumbled from their chests, like echoes from an abyss.
Zestira felt as if she were standing in a grassland about to erupt into flames, her heartbeat only intensifying the hostile tension.
“Don’t be afraid, Zestira.”
Lan Qi’s voice was low and steady, like an undisturbed lake.
At the center of this storm, his expression never wavered—still calm, still warm, his eyes filled with understanding and acceptance, as if he could see through to the tenderness and loneliness hidden behind these creatures’ ferocity.
Without hesitation, he walked straight toward the fierce, powerful beasts—without a trace of fear or defense.
The old teacher had originally wanted to warn him for safety’s sake. But seeing the young man’s composure, his hand stopped mid-air and his words fell silent.
After all, the assessment hadn’t officially begun yet.
And there was no rule forbidding students from interacting with the beasts outside of class hours.
Besides, for those brave enough to come here, he was always lenient. As long as there was no real danger, he didn’t mind letting them try.
✦ To be continued...