Chapter 10: A Special Mist Spirit Spider, Leo’s Hidden Motive

To be honest, Adrian was not that surprised.

He had already been stunned once when he first saw this beast’s panel.

[Personality]: Lazy, face-connoisseur, glasses-fetishist

[Status]: Before a good-looking human with glasses appears, she only wants to be a quiet flower butterfly under a purple flower umbrella.

Ever since Adrian gained the ability to see beast panels two years ago, he had seen quite a few beasts. But not many species.

Most were Swiftwing Couriers picking up goods from his home, common-quality beasts seen on the road, or low-level beast cubs shown by teachers in class.

A personality this “special” appearing on a butterfly—Adrian had truly never seen it before.

The butterfly danced lightly and landed on the frame of Adrian’s glasses, as if it had found a new home.

“Wow, junior, you’re amazing!” Leo’s tone rose. “It’s rare for a beast—especially one with Exceptional initial quality—to actively fly toward a human.”

“That often means excellent talent compatibility.”

“This one is already the best-quality Phantom Dream Butterfly in our base, and it’s fated with you. You should definitely consider it.”

Adrian nodded.

He gently took off the glasses. The butterfly circled him twice, “reluctantly” flew back. “Senior Leo, maybe this Phantom Dream Butterfly just likes glasses?”

“Let’s go see the next beast first.”

Adrian did not have much interest in contracting this Phantom Dream Butterfly.

Although its quality was excellent, and Phantom Dream Butterflies were fully compatible with his talent, this one had no hidden evolution path.

It did not even show “None for now.”

That meant its personality, traits, experiences, and hidden bloodline might not be the optimal tier.

Naturally, Adrian wanted to look further.

“Yes, looking more is the right call. You’re steady, junior.” Leo nodded.

Inwardly, he was thinking, ‘Likes glasses? Why has this Phantom Dream Butterfly ignored me for a month when I wear the same pair?’

‘I’m an S-rank talent too. It seems this junior Adrian really does have something special.’

The two continued forward.

They soon arrived at the next cultivation base—the Mist Spirit Spider base.

Compared to the naturally gorgeous Phantom Dream Butterfly base, this one was eerie and solemn.

Mist drifted everywhere. Between tall and short dead trees hung purple spiderwebs. In different spots, similarly sized Mist Spirit Spiders waited.

These spiders were about palm-sized, all white-bodied, with deep purple compound eyes.

Adrian put the glasses back on.

Immediately, the mist seemed less dense, and he could see the Mist Spirit Spiders behind it more clearly.

It seemed the glasses Leo gave him were even better than he had said.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

As Adrian observed this group of Mist Spirit Spiders, he began observing each individual’s size and condition while comparing them with their panel information.

Most Mist Spirit Spiders had similar but not identical panel information.

[Mist Spirit Spider]

[Attribute: Poison, Spirit]

[Quality: Exceptional—Lower / Mid]

[Traits: Spirit Mist, Purple Silk]

[Evolution Path]

Evolution Path One: Mist Spirit Hidden Spider

Evolution Path Two: Violet Spirit Poison Spider

Like the Phantom Dream Butterfly, there was also an evolution path he did not recognize.

That was valuable information too.

But what delighted him was that in an inconspicuous little corner, there was a Mist Spirit Spider that seemed to not enjoy the mist at all. There was not even a trace of spider silk around it.

Its traits were also different from ordinary Mist Spirit Spiders. It was even a little smaller, and its body carried a hint of yellow rather than pure white.

[Attribute]: Metal, Spirit

[Traits]: Spirit Light, Golden Spirit

[Personality]: Timid, simple, shy

[Status]: Depressed because it hates its environment. Ostracized because it does not fit in with nearby kin, its personality has grown more introverted and sensitive.

It needs to be placed in a sunny area and cultivated in a place rich in metal elements. Otherwise, the situation will only worsen.

[Evolution Path]

Evolution Path One: Mist Spirit Hidden Spider, Compatibility: 1%

Evolution Path Two: Violet Spirit Poison Spider, Compatibility: 2%

Hidden Evolution Path: Golden Spirit Ninja Spider, Compatibility: 92%

There it was!

The difference in personality and the uniqueness of its traits had given rise to this new evolution path.

Mist Spirit Spiders were a species that never feared natural enemies. They excelled at lying in wait and enduring, often waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

This one truly was an “oddity.”

Especially with its golden appearance and thin, small form, it looked even weaker.

“Junior, I won’t quiz you this time.” Leo’s mind still seemed stuck on that Phantom Dream Butterfly.

He had worn the same glasses and stayed here for a month. Why had that Phantom Dream Butterfly never paid him any attention?

His “thirst for knowledge” had made him analyze several possible answers.

Only now did he finally snap back.

“I’ve only been in charge of these Mist Spirit Spiders for less than two weeks, but I’ve found some unusual things. You observed them for quite a while. Tell me what you discovered. Maybe our findings overlap.”

Adrian nodded.

“Senior, you should have noticed that yellowish spider is a bit ‘out of place,’ right?” Adrian did not answer directly. He asked first.

“Correct. It’s this Mist Spirit Spider. The cultivation center defined it as a weak beast. Its price is even twenty thousand crowns lower than the others.”

“However, my talent is S-rank Spirit Essence Harmonization. I can more gently sense the fusion and collision between different elements. I also discovered a small amount of discordant elements inside this little spider.”

“Guess what element it is?” Leo looked at Adrian again.

“Senior, it should be metal. Look at the dead wood near this spider. There are marks like blade cuts. That should be from it attaching metal attribute to its claws under some special condition.”

“It should be a beast that underwent attribute mutation.”

“The growth path of such beasts is different from ordinary ones. Either they cannot adapt to their environment and easily die in the cub stage.”

“Or, like that black cat that evolved into a Sunshadow Spirit Cat recently, under a reasonable living space, they evolve into a form the world has never seen.”

As Adrian said this, Leo’s eyes filled with even more admiration.

“Junior, your observation of beasts, combined with your theoretical knowledge, already exceeds the level of an ordinary high school student.”

“Yes. This Mist Spirit Spider—I originally planned that if no one chose it before my internship ended, I would buy it and take it home.”

“I happen to be an officially certified Two-Star Breeder. I believe its potential is no weaker than an ordinary Mist Spirit Spider.”

“I normally wouldn’t recommend this little spider to others. Everyone thinks it’s weak. They haven’t discovered its potential.”

“But you’re different. Mr. Caldwell wanted me to help you choose the best beast. At first, I had a bit of a selfish motive. After observing your sensitivity and attitude toward beasts, I completely believe you deserve this special Mist Spirit Spider.”

“I’ll be honest with you. Among all the Phantom Dream Butterflies, Mist Spirit Spiders, and Serene Spirit Cats in the cultivation center, I personally think this Mist Spirit Spider has the highest future ceiling.”

“It’s just a little hard to raise in the early stage. It needs more careful attention. But I promise you, junior, I can help you get through the difficult early cultivation period. Maybe one day, we can work together to replicate that black cat case and evolve this Mist Spirit Spider into a brand-new form.”

When Leo said this, his eyes were already shining.

It was clear he was full of passion for the breeder profession.

In just a few sentences, Adrian also felt his strength as a Two-Star Breeder and the second-highest scorer in the school’s exams.

Indeed, this Mist Spirit Spider had a hidden evolution form.

But he still wanted to see the Serene Spirit Cats.

What if one of them was better and more suitable?

“Senior, thank you for your ‘painful sacrifice,’ but I want to finish looking at the Serene Spirit Cats before making a choice,” Adrian said.

“Fine.” Leo nodded. “Caution and patience are qualities we beast tamers need.”

“Follow me.”