Chapter 900: The Seventh Mission
Chapter 900: The Seventh Mission (Combined)
What? She could know what Qiao Sang was thinking without using consciousness communication? Qiao Sang's heart was pounding with panic.
Is the Bond Strength really that powerful?
I hope I haven’t been thinking anything inappropriate...
Occasionally? How often is that?
Thinking about this, Qiao Sang decided to conduct an experiment.
I am a transcender...
Steel Treasure had no reaction.
Our Bond Strength is so strong, the next stage won’t be Bond Evolution, right?
Steel Treasure still showed no reaction.
Steel Treasure is an idiot.
"Steel Blade?"
Steel Treasure looked over with an exasperated expression.
It does happen occasionally... Qiao Sang coughed, changing the subject. "I'll find a suitable Biting Skill for you once we get back."
"Steel Blade."
Steel Treasure didn't dwell on the previous point and nodded.
"Are you going to have Steel Sword Falcon practice tearing skills and feed it Blunt Stones once it reaches the Royal Tier?" Migala asked upon hearing their conversation.
Qiao Sang hummed in agreement.
"It likes to eat directly, and I’ve been thinking that if it Awakens with a defensive skill next, that would be quite good."
Initially, she had favored Steel Treasure not only because of its intelligence but also its strong defensive capabilities. However, most of the skills it later Awakened were offensive, with only one defensive skill, Iron Wall.
Migala pondered for a moment and said, "If you're having Steel Sword Falcon practice tearing skills for those two reasons, I suggest choosing some lower-level or intermediate Biting Skills. They’re easier to learn, and it’s relatively easier to increase proficiency with advanced skills."
"I understand." Qiao Sang took the advice to heart.
Then, she thought of something and asked in a lowered voice, "Teacher, at what level of Bond Strength can a familiar sense the Beastmaster’s thoughts without consciousness communication?"
Migala looked at her in surprise, "You and Steel Sword Falcon have already reached that level?"
Qiao Sang and Steel Treasure exchanged a glance, and she replied weakly, "Yes."
"That’s a good thing", Migala smiled. "Familiars that evolve through Bond Strength are meant to be in sync with their Beastmasters, allowing them to unleash extraordinary power. It’s rare for a familiar to synchronize thoughts with their Beastmaster, though this might be related to Steel Sword Falcon’s evolution path being heavily reliant on Bond Strength."
"It’s occasional thought synchronization", Qiao Sang couldn’t help but correct her.
Migala chuckled, "Then you should strive to deepen your Bond Strength, aiming to reach the realm of thought synchronization sooner."
Qiao Sang: "..."
Qiao Sang said somewhat troubled, "Thought synchronization, that’s not quite right..."
If Steel Treasure knows what she’s thinking, isn’t that like being naked?
"Steel Blade."
Steel Treasure nodded in agreement.
Knowing what his Beastmaster thinks undermines her image in his eyes.
Qiao Sang looked at Steel Treasure in confusion: My image in your eyes is actually that of a towering figure?
Steel Treasure glanced back: That was a long time ago.
Qiao Sang: "..."
A long time ago, and you’ve still been Bond Evolving...
Steel Treasure couldn’t help but laugh.
Migala, noticing the exchange between Qiao Sang and Steel Treasure, smiled and said,
"In a match, no matter how commands are issued, they always require some time. The higher the rank of the match, the more crucial it is for the Beastmaster to time their commands accurately and keep them as brief as possible. In higher-level matches, Bond Evolution is a significant advantage. If you can achieve Synchronization of thoughts, you won't need to issue commands at all, which is definitely a huge advantage in a match."
"If there are thoughts you don't want your familiar to know, you should learn Mind Shielding. However, this can hinder the growth of Bond Strength. I suggest you wait until you can achieve Synchronization before you start shielding your thoughts."
Indeed, after Steel Treasure's Bond Evolution, giving commands in battle became much easier. However, some commands still needed to be conveyed through mental communication. If they could directly Synchronize their thoughts in battle, it would make both the commands and the battle rhythm much smoother. Steel Treasure has always been in Bond Evolution, and the next stage could also be Bond Evolution. It would be best not to use Mind Shielding, as it might affect the growth of Bond Strength. Qiao Sang replied seriously:
"I understand."
Steel Treasure quietly glanced at its Beastmaster.
It really wanted to say that knowing what its Beastmaster was thinking didn't make much of a difference, and sometimes it was better not to know.
For example, thoughts like "Steel Treasure is a fool", "Steel Treasure's body is so hard", or "Ah, Fangy is more comfortable to sit on."
But seeing its Beastmaster's serious expression, it didn't say a word.
As they chatted casually, the two arrived at the Beastmaster Center.
Fangy was a very conspicuous figure, especially after the descriptions of Qingqing Ni's Beastmaster spread online.
Almost the moment they landed, all the surrounding people turned to look.
Unlike the aerial trade hub, most of the people active here were from the Hollow Plains.
When they saw the Fire Pet Beast with Flame Wings descending from the sky, they were first taken aback, then their eyes lit up, and they all looked excited and eager.
Qiao Sang, holding the now smaller Fangy, walked into the Beastmaster Center's hall with Teacher Mikara.
As they were processing the check-in, a group of people tried to approach.
Migala gave the crowd a faint glance.
A powerful Intimidation descended.
Fear welled up in their hearts, and the people looked alarmed, stopping in their tracks.
The check-in process went smoothly.
Qiao Sang took out his mobile phone, checked the time, and saw it was only 4:15 PM. He told Teacher Mikara and then headed to the third floor Assessment Office alone.
He knocked on the door twice, and a gentle voice replied, "Come in."
Qiao Sang pushed the door open and saw a middle-aged woman with gentle features and a kind demeanor sitting inside.
She looked up at Qiao Sang, then her gaze fell on Fangy, and she paused, asking directly:
"Are you the Beastmaster who bonded with Qingqing Ni?"
No wonder they say that sometimes a familiar represents the identity of a Beastmaster. With Fangy around, it was like carrying an enlarged ID card. Qiao Sang looked down at Fangy, who was meditating, and nodded:
"Yes, I'm here to receive an Evaluation Task."
He stepped forward and handed over the Beastmaster Emblem and ID Card.
The Examiner took the Emblem and ID Card and scanned them.
She carefully read through the information displayed on the screen.
Time ticked by.
After what seemed like a long while, the Examiner finally looked up with a complex expression and sighed:
"I thought they were exaggerating, but you really are so young and yet so powerful."
"Not at all", Qiao Sang replied modestly.
"Have you tried to certify an evaluation to become a B-Class Beastmaster?" the Examiner asked.
Qiao Sang was taken aback. "No."
B-Class Beastmasters aren’t just created by reaching 50% brain domain; an evaluation is also required.
Many Professional Beastmasters with a 50% brain domain spend several years before successfully passing their evaluation. She was currently focused on completing her Evaluation Task, so naturally, she had no time.
"Then your Evaluation Task will be to become a B-Class Beastmaster", the Examiner said, looking up. "The deadline is before the official start of the Regional Tournament."
Become a B-Class Beastmaster? Qiao Sang was stunned.
This was the first Examiner she had encountered who assigned a mission directly rather than from the mission list.
Seeing the girl’s hesitation, the Examiner added:
"If you feel this mission can’t be completed immediately, you can go to other cities to complete missions first. As long as you successfully evaluate to B-Class before the Regional Tournament, it’s fine."
Qiao Sang fell silent. "Is that really okay?"
"What?" The Examiner didn’t understand her concern.
"Is it really acceptable to issue such a mission?" Qiao Sang asked.
While the Examiners in Skyhigh City issued simple missions, they were at least from the mission list and helped people solve problems. This mission, however, was something she would have to do eventually, making her feel like it was specially created for her.
"Why not?" The Examiner looked at her. "Do you feel it’s difficult?"
Difficult? How could it be? Qiao Sang quickly shook her head. "No."
The Examiner didn’t believe her. "I said, you can go complete missions in other cities first."
Pausing, the Examiner decided to explain further: "You’re not from Hollow Plains, so you might not know the status Qingqing Ni holds in people’s hearts here. When you participate in the Regional Tournament, everyone will scrutinize you."
"Participants in the Regional Tournament are at least C-Rank Beastmasters. At that time, your C-Rank status might become a point of criticism."
"Remember, many A-Class Beastmasters who entered Secret Realm 16 failed to bond with Qingqing Ni."
"So you must demonstrate your strength comprehensively to silence the critics."
The Examiner’s tone grew more serious:
"Reaching this level of strength at your age is unprecedented. I hope you can prove your worth to everyone when you make your debut at the Regional Tournament, showing that you are worthy of bonding with Qingqing Ni."
Even if she wasn’t worthy, the bond was already formed... Qiao Sang thought to herself but maintained a serious expression. "I understand."
With that, she picked up the Beastmaster Emblem and ID Card from the table and prepared to leave.
"Wait", the Examiner held her hand.
Qiao Sang looked up in confusion.
"Can I see Qingqing Ni?" the Examiner asked solemnly.
Qiao Sang was speechless.
...
Ten minutes later.
At the Beastmaster Hall.
Qiao Sang stood by the window, registering for the B-Class Beastmaster evaluation.
The crowd was growing.
A group of people tried to get closer.
"Xunxun..."
Treasure Seeker, recalling the demeanor of his Beastmaster teacher, appeared and displayed his Dominant Aura.
The Oppressive Aura he had practiced recently was not for nothing.
A powerful Intimidation radiated from it, causing those who wanted to approach to halt in their tracks.
"Your evaluation can only be scheduled for a week from now", the staff member smiled.
Qiao Sang was taken aback. "Can't it be sooner?"
"The Examiners capable of evaluating a B-Class Beastmaster need to be notified in advance. We have to invite them from outside, and a week is already considered a very quick turnaround", the staff member explained patiently.
Qiao Sang didn't press further, and the procedures were quickly completed.
...
Back at the Residential Area, Qiao Sang knocked on Teacher Mikara's door.
Before Mikara could speak, a gust of wind slipped through the door crack, transforming into Qingbao, who nodded.
"Qingqing."
She was inside.
As if on cue, Teacher Mikara's voice rang out, "Come in."
Qiao Sang gave Qingbao a complex look before pushing the door open and entering.
"What's wrong?" Migala asked first.
At this time, her student would usually be on her way to a mission.
"The mission is to pass the evaluation for B-Class Beastmaster", Qiao Sang said, sitting down on the sofa. "I applied, and the appointment is in a week."
She glanced at the open suitcase on the floor.
After hearing this, and seeing Qiao Sang's expression, Migala had a bad feeling.
She hesitated, "You're not thinking of leaving for the next city now and coming back just before the week is up, are you?"
"Teacher, you're so intelligent", Qiao Sang flattered.
"We just got here", Migala said, sounding a bit exhausted.
Qiao Sang quickly added, "We can leave tomorrow morning."
She felt that with her efficiency in completing missions, she might be able to finish another one before the B-Class Beastmaster evaluation.
Migala's mouth twitched.
In the past, she was a person who valued efficiency, but now, she realized she wasn't as fond of it...
"Becoming a B-Class Beastmaster isn't easy", Migala took a deep breath and said seriously. "The B-Class Beastmaster evaluation is different from the lower-level Professional Beastmaster evaluations. It has two rounds: a 1v1 battle and a 2v2 team battle. You need to win both to pass."
"Your Brain Domain has only recently broken 50%, and the Ice Emperor Ram just evolved to the Royal Tier. I think you need more practice. You haven't participated in many team battles, and you need to consider which familiars are suitable for teaming up and how to coordinate their skills."
"I think a week is a bit too tight for you to prepare for the B-Class Beastmaster evaluation."
Qiao Sang considered herself a good listener, especially when the advice came from an S-Class Professional Beastmaster. She immediately asked, "Teacher, which familiars do you think would make a good team?"
"Fangy!"
Fangy let out an excited cry.
"Xunxun~"
Treasure Seeker flicked her hair, wearing an expression that said, "Is this even a question?"
"Ice Emperor."
Lulu leaped out of the backpack.
"Steel Blade."
Steel Treasure flapped its wings, calling out to assert its presence.
"Qingqing."
Qingbao glanced at Fangy and the others, raising its claws to indicate it could also join.
"You're their Beastmaster, so you decide", Migala said, relieved that Qiao Sang was taking her advice. "Once you've chosen which familiars will participate, you can come to me for advice on how to coordinate their skills and combination techniques."
"I won't interfere with your missions, but I can help with battle training." (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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