This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

"Given the new circumstances, my job is technically complete once I\'ve identified the problem. However, I understand the need to confirm the evolution. If you want me to see this through to a successful evolution, I\'ll need more resources and support. And, of course, a higher reward…"

Seeing that Alaina wasn\'t responding and just staring at him in silence, Kain continued, "The mission was initially not intended to include the actual evolution. It was only about identifying the problem. But considering the complexity of this situation, I think we\'ll need to revise the current reward amount you agreed upon with the college."

After a moment of deliberation, Alaina looked at him with a resolute expression. "If you can get Yara to successfully evolve, I\'ll increase the reward to 800 credits."

Kain\'s eyes widened slightly. He had only needed 600 credits, so the offer was more generous than he had expected. "Ahem! I suppose that amount will be okay… just barely."

"Great," Alaina said while nodding in satisfaction. "Geoffrey, will you please settle this matter with the college?" After a curt nod and a slight bow to Alaina, the butler left the room.

"To achieve this, there are two main tasks at hand—having Yara learn the necessary skill, and determining the new evolutionary materials. However, it will be difficult for me to take charge of both tasks…" Kain said, hoping that she would get the hint.

Alaina\'s eyes lit up with understanding. "I can arrange for a professional trainer to teach Yara the Light Shroud skill while you focus on determining the necessary materials."

"Excellent!" Kain said with a bright smile. "In order to narrow down the required materials, I suggest we start by investigating the source of Yara\'s mutation. It might have been caused by something her mother ingested or encountered."

"I see… I\'ll escort you to speak with my father. He\'s bound to Yara\'s mother and might have some insights into this."

"Perfect," Kain said. "Let\'s get started."

Alaina led him through the sprawling estate to the garden where her father was reportedly located. The garden was lush and meticulously maintained with a large amount of fire-attribute spiritual plants.

As they approached, Alaina pointed to a man tending to a variety of exotic plants. "There\'s my father. I\'ll introduce you."

Kain took a deep breath, preparing for the conversation that would hopefully lead to the information he needed to help Yara. Alaina made the introductions between Kain and her father—Darius Ashenclaw.

Then Kain began to outline the situation, carefully balancing the need for useful information with the need to maintain credibility in his fabricated story.

"Hmmm…" Kain was examined by a pair of piercing green eyes identical to Alaina\'s but much colder, "I didn\'t take my Yanna to any unusual locations around the time that she would have been pregnant. So according to you, Yanna may have ingested something... but if she did, I\'m not aware of it. I\'ll take you to her to ask."

Darius gestured for Kain and Alaina to follow him toward the expansive garden area where two Blazing Ember Wyrms were resting.

As they approached, Kain saw the pair of majestic wyrms basking under the sun, their red-orange scales shimmering in the light. The larger wyrm, who Kain assumed to be the father, was lounging comfortably on the grass. The smaller, more delicate wyrm, who Kain presumed to be the mother, was nuzzling close to him. The two wyrms\' interactions showcased their deep bond.

Darius called out to the mother wyrm with a voice that carried both authority and affection. "Yanna, come here, please."

The mother wyrm gracefully rose and moved towards them, her movements fluid and elegant. As she approached, her large, expressive eyes studied Kain with a mix of curiosity and a hint of wariness.

Despite not being in a hostile relationship with her, Kain couldn\'t help but be intimidated by her imposing figure. She and her partner both possessed dark, volcanic-red and molten-orange scales that seemed to flicker like embers.

While slightly smaller than her male counterpart, her body was still muscular and possessed fierce claws and a powerful tail tipped with a flame that left a trail of heat waves as she moved toward them.

Along both of their backs were jagged, sharp ridges that shifted in colour as she moved and gave the appearance of moving flames.

Darius introduced Kain. "Yanna, this is Kain. He\'s been helping us figure out the reason for Yara\'s failed evolutions. He has discovered that Yara might have a unique mutation involving a light attribute."

The wyrm\'s gaze shifted to Kain, who offered a respectful nod. "Thank you for meeting with us, Yanna. We\'re trying to determine if there\'s anything unusual that might have happened during the time you were pregnant with Yara\'s egg?"

Yanna\'s face was an impassive mask, though Kain thought he glimpsed a fleeting look of something unusual in her eyes—Worry? Sadness? Panic? It was difficult to identify. Perhaps it was due to parental concern for Yara?

Darius prompted, "Did you eat anything or go somewhere I wasn\'t aware of? I know it was a few years ago, but can you remember anything?"

Yanna\'s deep, rumbling voice echoed softly as she replied, "I do not remember consuming or encountering anything out of the ordinary during that time."

Despite being shocked by his first conversation with a spiritual creature, he knew that higher-level spiritual creatures may eventually develop the ability to speak, Kain had the presence of mind to study her expression closely. She had a calm appearance and a lack of any visible signs of distress. However, his gut was telling him that there might be something hidden beneath her composed mask.

But it\'s not as though he could force a blue-grade spiritual creature to speak if it didn\'t wish to. He just hoped that she wasn\'t really hiding anything due to her concern for Yara\'s well-being being great enough.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Kain said, trying to keep his tone neutral. "It\'s crucial that we gather as much information as possible to address Yara\'s issue effectively."

Darius nodded in agreement. "I understand. If there\'s anything more you need from us, please don\'t hesitate to ask."

With that, Kain and Alaina separated from her father and walked back to the house. Kain couldn\'t help but take a peak back at Yanna who, likely not realizing that she was being watched, had dropped her guard.

Finally, Kain could identify the emotion that showed briefly in her eyes—pure panic.