"A Beastmaster, as the name suggests, is someone who controls their own monster," Babbata explained calmly. "That monster can be used in combat, for transporting goods, or as the best possible companion during dangerous expeditions. Beyond that, monsters can perform all kinds of specialized tasks. Their uses are incredibly diverse."
As Rowan listened, he immediately grasped the true value of becoming a Beastmaster.
Under Babbata's guidance, Rowan soon arrived before an enormous structure.
The building was circular in shape, its exterior forged from a radiant golden metal that gleamed brilliantly under the artificial light. The main entrance alone stood tens of kilometers tall, its surface engraved with countless monster carvings. Each carving was lifelike to an unsettling degree, as if the creatures might break free from the walls at any moment.
Stepping inside, Rowan entered a vast hall.
Above him stretched a colossal domed ceiling inlaid with countless gemstones. These gems formed a breathtaking depiction of the cosmic starfield, shimmering and shifting as though the universe itself had been compressed into this single space. It felt as if one were standing at the very center of existence.
High-tech devices and display cases lined the perimeter of the hall. Inside the cases were detailed records of various monsters, including their habits, abilities, bloodlines, and evolutionary paths. Beside the data were physical specimens, scales, fangs, bones, and other remnants, each labeled and cataloged with precision.
At the center of the hall stood a massive circular platform. Upon it stood a towering Beastman, nearly eight meters tall. He wore black battle armor etched with glowing golden runes that pulsed faintly with mysterious energy.
"I'm here to register as a Beastmaster," Rowan said as he stepped forward.
The Beastman glanced down at him, surprise flashing briefly in his eyes. He clearly had not expected such a young human to pursue the path of a Beastmaster. In a world ruled by strength, this profession demanded immense power, and Rowan's age made him an anomaly.
"Summon your monster. We need to assess its rank," the Beastman said. His voice was deep and authoritative, like a bell echoing from ancient times.
Rowan infused his mental energy into the Beast Control Ring. In an instant, a surge of light erupted, accompanied by a powerful fluctuation of energy. The Azure Dragon materialized inside the hall.
Gasps rippled through the surrounding crowd.
The Azure Dragon's massive form dominated the space, its original body spanning nearly five kilometers. Yet the hall itself was incomprehensibly vast. As the dragon appeared, the surrounding space expanded seamlessly, stretching to accommodate its full size without distortion.
The Beastman stepped forward, activating a scanner-like device. Streams of data flickered across the screen as he conducted a thorough scan. His expression gradually grew more complicated, brows knitting together in quiet confusion.
"The monster's bloodline and physical condition are not particularly high," the Beastman finally said. "It qualifies as a fifth-grade monster."
"Fifth-grade?" Rowan asked. "What does that mean?"
The Beastman explained patiently. "First-grade monsters are Star Behemoths. They possess terrifying strength and unparalleled talent. They are the true rulers of the cosmos. Second-grade monsters have exceptionally pure bloodlines and formidable power. Third-grade monsters possess unique innate abilities capable of turning the tide of battle. Fourth-grade monsters have strong bloodlines and excellent physical attributes. Fifth-grade monsters are fairly ordinary. They are only slightly stronger than average humans and have limited combat potential. Sixth-grade monsters are roughly equivalent to humans. Anything below seventh grade is considered barely viable in this universe."
Despite the assessment, Rowan felt no disappointment.
He had long known that humanity itself possessed one of the weakest bloodlines. Yet humans had risen to heights others could only dream of.
The Azure Dragon was no different. One day, it would become an existence that shook the universe.
The Beastman handed Rowan a circular metal token engraved with his name and Beastmaster rank.
"With this, you may participate in all sanctioned activities here," the Beastman said, his tone carrying a faint note of goodwill.
Guided once more by Babbata, Rowan soon arrived at the trade center.
This was the most prosperous district controlled by the Beastmen. Even from a distance, the atmosphere was vibrant and overwhelming. Towering buildings soared skyward, covered in flashing holographic advertisements and radiant energy projections, like beacons in a sea of commerce.
The massive entrance stood wide open, with crowds surging in and out. Voices overlapped in a constant hum of negotiation and trade.
Inside was an enormous marketplace filled with beings of countless races. Different languages echoed through the space as buyers and sellers moved between stalls, haggling with enthusiasm.
The stalls displayed an astonishing array of goods. There were weapons designed specifically for monsters, sleek and futuristic. Massive energy blades pulsed with blue light. Laser firearms etched with arcane runes gleamed ominously.
There were also growth-enhancing materials such as Wood Spirit Crystals and Blood Vines.
Rowan wandered through the market, scanning stall after stall. Yet after a long search, he failed to find any gene-enhancing agents capable of improving the Azure Dragon's bloodline.
"Babbata, it doesn't look like what I need is here," Rowan said quietly.
He searched with growing urgency, but no matter how far he walked, the result was the same.
"Why isn't there even a single bloodline evolution serum?" Rowan asked in disbelief.
Babbata chuckled. "Of course there isn't. I brought you here to see the basics first. The real treasures are on the second floor. But entry isn't simple. You need to spend over two hundred billion Black Dragon Coins. Only then will your Beastmaster card upgrade to two stars and grant access."
Rowan shot Babbata a silent glare.
Babbata laughed mischievously, floating above Rowan's head, clearly enjoying himself.
Rowan ignored him and focused instead on the stalls selling Wood Spirit Crystals and Blood Vines. Both were valuable for monster growth.
He approached a stall run by a short, stout merchant with a bald head and sharp, calculating eyes.
"How much for the Wood Spirit Crystals and Blood Vines?" Rowan asked directly.
"Fifty Black Dragon Coins per crystal. Three hundred per batch of Blood Vines," the merchant declared confidently.
"Too expensive," Rowan replied calmly. "I'm spending two hundred billion. Your price won't work."
The merchant's eyes nearly popped out of his head.
After a moment of stunned silence, he grinned broadly. "In that case, nine percent off. That's my absolute limit."
"Not enough," Rowan said evenly. "Forty per crystal. Two hundred fifty per Blood Vine batch. You'll need to gather stock from other sellers."
The merchant hesitated, then clenched his teeth. "Deal."
Soon, other merchants arrived, and the goods were assembled. Rowan paid, and the sellers scanned his identity token.
Light flashed, and two golden stars appeared on the card.
"Congratulations. You are now a two-star Beastmaster," the merchant said enthusiastically.
Rowan moved quickly to the second floor.
Two serpentine guards stood at the entrance, their elongated bodies covered in dark green scales.
"Identity card," one hissed.
Rowan presented it and was allowed through.
The atmosphere upstairs was entirely different. The space was calm and refined, with high-end display cases radiating powerful auras. Most patrons were Stellar Rank elites, with several even at the Cosmic level.
Rowan soon found what he had been seeking.
A Monster Bloodline Evolution Serum.
The liquid inside the crystal vial shimmered purple, threaded with flecks of gold.
"One hundred billion Black Dragon Coins," said the elderly vendor.
"I'll take it," Rowan said without hesitation.
After learning that multiple doses increased success rates, Rowan purchased all three.
As he left, he sensed multiple gazes fixed upon him.
On Dragon Star, conflict was unrestricted.
But Rowan did not slow his steps.
He welcomed it.