Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1012: Zidia Ghost-Type Ninth Research Institute

. Qiao Sang set her phone aside, lost in contemplation.

Little Treasure remained at the General stage for now. The pathway to his evolution reaching the Emperor-level was well-known and straightforward; as long as the required evolution items were collected, concerns were minimal.

Moreover, the resources needed for Little Treasure to advance to the King stage would be completely assembled within ten days. The site and manner of that evolution were already foreseen in Adinishi's prophecy, which surely had no connection to this fresh approach.

Qiao Sang turned her gaze to Little Treasure next to her.

"Xun xun?"

Noticing his Tamer's attention on him, Little Treasure blinked curiously.

Qiao Sang passed the phone to him with a grin: "You've put in a lot of effort in the recent competition. Tonight, you can enjoy some time with the phone."

Even though Little Treasure's upcoming evolution shape was fixed, experimenting with ways to bring him joy couldn't do any harm. Should he not shift into a new form, there could still be some beneficial effects.

After all, the condition for Little Treasure's prior evolution to the Ghost Ring Ghost had involved dividing his ring into two, a clear and essential transformation.

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure fixed his stare on the phone offered by his Tamer and grasped it with his paw, yet his face revealed no clear delight.

Qiao Sang inquired uncertainly: "Are you not pleased?"

"Xun xun?"

Little Treasure paused in surprise. 

Qiao Sang explained: "I'm giving you the phone to play with."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure gestured with his paw toward the outdoors and uttered a sound.

Qiao Sang: ...

"Then return the phone to me." Qiao Sang extended her hand.

"Xun xun!"

Little Treasure acted as if he hadn't heard, emitted a cry showing his intent to head outside for fun, and swiftly disappeared through teleportation.

Qiao Sang: ...

Right then, Gangbao awoke by the window and called out, implying that cheering up Little Treasure was far too easy: 

Qiao Sang automatically glanced at Yabao and Lubao. Noting their closed eyes, she quietly exhaled in relief.

 Qiao Sang thought to herself.

"

No one observed that within the water tank, Lubao cracked open one eye before shutting it once more.

---

The following morning.

Qiao Sang performed a quick wash-up, drew back the curtains, and eyed the sky blanketed in pale gray clouds.

"Knock knock~"

While she pondered, a knocking came from the door.

A breeze swept past as Qingbao appeared close to the entrance and tugged the handle to open it.

Mikayla entered and stated: "Once Teacher Flauda gets here and completes the examination, we'll proceed to the Zidia Ghost-type Ninth Research Institute."

Qiao Sang felt taken aback.

Isn't that the facility where Dr. Zhang Taitong works?

"What's the reason for visiting there?" Qiao Sang questioned.

"I investigated that Dr. Zhang Taitong the passerby brought up last night; he's affiliated with that institute." Mikayla approached the sofa and took a seat.

"Though Zhang Taitong holds only an A-grade researcher position, his studies on Ghost-type beasts run deep. The Ghost Ring King originates from your Dragon Nation, and the instructors at Imperial Beast University may lack the same insight into Dragon Nation creatures as the specialists here."

She cast a look at Little Treasure, who was on the ground tinkering with a pile of devices sourced from who knows where, and went on:

"I went through the article Dr. Zhang Taitong wrote about a potential alternate evolution route for certain Ghost-type beasts. The Ghost Ring King's evolutionary cap is the Emperor-level. By heading there to gain knowledge, there's a chance the Ghost Ring King could surpass his species' boundary."

Throughout the extensive annals of Beast-Taming society, myriad scholars have delved into the enigmas of species bloodlines annually. The vast majority of species limits have been exhaustively analyzed and defined.

In modern times, claiming one desires a beast to exceed its species limit comes off as a fantastical notion.

Yet, the individual before her was Qiao Sang, a breaker of numerous norms. She couldn't be judged by ordinary standards, thus Mikayla aimed to pursue this avenue.

As a dual Ghost and Psychic type beast, the Ghost Ring King boasted formidable traits and exceptional aptitude. However, capping at Emperor-level would prevent him from being a primary contender in the future Interstellar Cup.

Should he transcend that species limit and attain the Emperor-level, the outlook would transform entirely.

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure caught on and lifted his head in bewilderment.

... Qiao Sang felt a mix of astonishment and gratitude. She inquired: "Teacher, have you reached out to Dr. Zhang Taitong already?"

Mikayla eyed her: "I don't know him personally, so how could I reach him?"

Qiao Sang paused: "If we simply show up at the institute, will they allow us entry right away?"

"More accurately, you're the one heading to the institute." Mikayla responded deliberately.

"After all, I'm not from Dragon Nation. Folks from other lands can't freely access any country's research facilities."

Qiao Sang paused once more: "Will they grant me access just by arriving?"

Mikayla smiled:

"Don't undervalue your present renown. You've just claimed the Central Hollow Regional Championship; your fame is soaring. Additionally, you possess a gleaming Ghost Ring King. Should you arrive and declare your identity and intent, I trust Dr. Zhang Taitong will eagerly address your inquiries."

Qiao Sang reflected briefly and then agreed: "I'll give it a shot then."

Although Little Treasure's immediate and future forms were settled, and no firm details linked this research to the evolution technique, since she'd arrived in the Zidia Region and uncovered a lead on an alternative Ghost-type evolution route, it was wise to delve deeper.

"Xun xun..."

Upon hearing this, Little Treasure gazed at his Tamer with eyes full of sparkle.

---

"Knock knock~" Two raps echoed at the room door.

Gangbao zipped over to unlock it.

Flauda entered, casting Gangbao a intricate glance before turning to Qiao Sang.

"You're here." Mikayla welcomed.

"Teacher Flauda, have you had breakfast? Would you like something to eat first?" Qiao Sang asked kindly.

"I ate on the flight already."

Flauda remarked emotionally: "I never anticipated that in so brief a period, you'd not only secure the regional title but also guide the Steel Sword Falcon to another Bond Evolution."

Qiao Sang felt mildly astonished: "You caught the news of my championship win?"

Flauda looked at Mikayla and added with a touch of amusement: "Your teacher deliberately forwarded your achievements to me."

Previously, he hadn't interacted much with Mikayla, but since taking charge of Qiao Sang's beasts' training, they'd occasionally exchanged updates on Yabao and the rest.

 Qiao Sang regarded Teacher Mikayla.

Mikayla cleared her throat and shifted topics: "We ought to examine the Steel Sword Falcon's status promptly. Qiao Sang has further plans afterward."

At this, Flauda wasted no time and produced assorted instruments to start assessing Gangbao.

Gangbao remained stationary, aiding calmly and silently.

Following roughly fifteen minutes of thorough review, Flauda set aside his tools and announced:

"The Steel Sword Falcon's condition appears excellent. The upcoming energy pills I'll prepare will emphasize energy expansion. For an optimal recipe, I'll require another assessment once she briefly shifts to her King-stage form."

Mikayla, anticipating his request to evaluate Gangbao's evolved state, nodded faintly: "I've booked a training area here; we can head there immediately."

... Qiao Sang sensed how seamless it all felt.

During the regional championship activities, she hadn't noticed it much, but with the event concluded, she appreciated the perks of a teacher accompanying her constantly.

"Then let's depart now." Flauda suggested.

"Yap yap..."

Upon this, Yabao dashed to the nightstand and scooped up the beast egg.

"Meimei." Mikayla summoned.

"Pen pen." Spengami's voice emerged from nowhere.

In the instant that followed, the party materialized at the training field.

A pair of Ghost-type beasts mid-air, munching and conversing, jolted and faded into invisibility.

Qiao Sang surveyed the area and inwardly admired it. She shared a look with Gangbao and gave a nod.

"Gang Zhan."

Gangbao comprehended.

Shortly, a dazzling white glow burst from her frame.

Flauda observed the outline expanding in the light and expressed wonder once more:

"Numerous veterans at the University are now aware that the Steel Sword Falcon line can perform Bond Evolution straight to the King stage. Professor Apuga has submitted a proposal to investigate the Steel Sword Falcon, aiming to bring the species to Eagle Country."

Qiao Sang glanced at Teacher Mikayla.

Before she could question, Mikayla clarified: "Professor Apuga focuses on Bond Evolution studies. Given that the Steel Sword Falcon can Bond Evolve directly to King stage without obvious barriers to further progress, she certainly won't stay idle."

... Qiao Sang felt joy on Gangbao's behalf.

Right away, she sensed Gangbao's elated feelings.

. Qiao Sang determined.

"Gang Chief!"

The white radiance dissipated, and the evolved Gangbao extended her wings broadly.

A mighty wind rushed forth.

Qingbao, caught in the wind's path, involuntarily appeared and got tousled completely.

As she prepared to counter the gust with wind powers, her Tamer positioned herself in front.

"Qing qing..."

Qingbao stared at her Tamer's back ahead of her, taken aback, with a flicker of feeling in her gaze.

. Qiao Sang regarded the evolved Gangbao approvingly.

Flauda commenced the evaluation.

This round, after a minute of inspection, Gangbao diminished in size and returned to her Steel Sword Falcon shape.

Evolution, reversion, evolution, reversion... after cycling through this a few times, Flauda concluded the check.

As he stowed his gear, he mentioned: "The King-stage form of the Steel Sword Falcon shows markedly enhanced defense. When her King-stage form stabilizes fully, inform me, and I'll dispatch the King-stage energy pills right away."

After a beat, Flauda continued:

"Incidentally, the turbine units on either side post-evolution represent a vulnerability. Ensure no strikes hit the central sections of those turbines in battles or drills; their protection there is weaker than the exterior, leading to immediate heavy injury."

"Got it."

"Gang Zhan."

Qiao Sang and Gangbao affirmed simultaneously.

"Approximately when will this set of energy pills be prepared?" Mikayla queried.

"In one week." Flauda answered promptly.

"Let me know your location at that time, and I'll deliver them straight."

"Deliver them to the local Beast Center." Mikayla instructed.

"Very well." Flauda agreed.

Mikayla turned to Qiao Sang and asked: "Do you need a restroom break?"

Qiao Sang blinked and shook her head: "No."

Mikayla grinned and said: "Excellent, then it's your turn to proceed."

Before Qiao Sang could respond, darkness enveloped her view.

When vision cleared, she stood before a building featuring smooth, pristine contours, a design blending advanced tech with dignified splendor.

The sign overhead stated: "Zidia Ghost-type Ninth Research Institute."

Qiao Sang: ...

Suddenly recalling something, she ventured: "Meimei?"

Silence surrounded her. It appeared Spengami had departed.

"Pen pen."

As thoughts swirled, Spengami's voice sounded in the air.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure promptly interpreted: 

. Qiao Sang responded, "Thanks for the effort," and strode toward the primary entrance confidently.

Besides the sealed-window security booth, a roughly two-meter-tall beast in uniform, sporting a purple skull head, hovered at the guard station.

Qiao Sang eyed the purple-skulled Ghost-type beast and firmly opted to rap on the security window.

The window slid open internally, and another purple skull head emerged, issuing an irritated call: "Ou ou?"

Qiao Sang: ...

Qiao Sang composed herself and declared: "I wish to meet Dr. Zhang Taitong."

The purple skull displayed bewilderment and called: "Ou ou?"

"You don't know who I am?" Qiao Sang probed.

"Ou ou." The purple skull shook its head.

"What about him?" Qiao Sang drew Little Treasure forward.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure blinked and deliberately flipped his undisguised golden fur.

"Ou ou." The purple skull shook its head anew.

Little Treasure: ...

Qiao Sang: ...

Noting Little Treasure's crestfallen expression, Qiao Sang resolved to attempt once more: "Could you contact Dr. Zhang Taitong for me? Inform him that Qiao Sang wants to meet."

She hesitated, then supplemented: "The winner of this year's Central Hollow Regional Championship. I'd like to discuss an alternative path for Ghost-type beast evolution with him."

The purple skull scanned Qiao Sang thoroughly, withdrew its head, activated a holographic display, and emitted several "ou ou" sounds.

At once, the display shut down, and it activated a control.

The front gate swung open.