Chapter 477 Astral Serpent
Archer continued to listen to the passionate professor's explanation.
Professor Summerwild's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Through hands-on experiences and thoughtful study, you'll uncover the mysteries of creatures both familiar and rare. From the smallest water spirit to the mightiest dragon, each holds its place in the intricate tapestry of our wonderful world."
She concluded with a reassuring smile. "So, let your curiosity guide you as we embark on this magical journey together. Get ready to witness the wonders that this world has to offer."
The Professor stopped talking, turned toward a cage, and started playing around with it, as Sera commented. ''Archer, why are you taking this class? You're a tamer with your Monster Army.''
He nonchalantly shrugged before responding, "Yeah, I might have the skill to capture beasts, but when it comes to understanding them, I'm clueless. Perhaps this class will be the key to increasing my knowledge, so I can collect even more beasts. After all, countless Netherbeasts met their end because they didn't listen to my commands."
Sera nodded before Leira asked while her tail swayed due to her curiosity. ''Why do you want beasts? Why not just use the Dragon-kin soldiers?''
Archer looked at the purple-haired cat girl and answered with a grin. ''Beasts are uncountable. They will be my main soldiers while everyone else will be the elites.''
Leira grinned and was about to say something, but Professor Summerwild interjected, "Attention, students. You'll now have the opportunity to select a beast to care for during our classes."
She gestured towards a fenced corner containing various creatures, but Archer seemed uninterested as he inquired, "I already have my own beasts. Can I bring them?"
Professor Summerwild smiled at him and replied, "Certainly. Bring them to the next class."
But with a mischievous smirk, he opened a portal to his domain. Suddenly, a pint-sized Owlbear, no larger than a dog, burst forth from the portal.
Its fluffy feathers and sharp beak created an adorable yet fearsome sight.
Instead of attacking, the tiny Owlbear surprised everyone by bounding toward Archer, who crouched down with a grin.
With a series of adorable noises, pounced onto him, showering him with affectionate licks. Archer laughed as he wrestled playfully with the small creature.
The scene was so unexpectedly heartwarming that it elicited giggles from five girls, who couldn't resist the charm of their comical encounter.
When Professor Summerwild saw this, her jaw dropped, and all the other students watched amazedly.
The older woman quickly spoke. ''Mr. Wyldheard! Where did that adorable beast come from?''
Archer interrupted his playtime with the joyful little bear, who exuded happiness in his company, shifting his focus to Professor Summerwild.
With a smile, he responded, "I suppose you could call me a collector of creatures, Professor, and this charming little girl is no exception."
As he spoke, Archer affectionately caressed the small bear, who responded by playfully rolling onto her back, exposing her belly.
He stroked her soft fur gently, which pleased the older woman. ''I can see you care for the little Owlbear. But how did you come by her?''
''Well, she was being sold in an exotic beast shop, and I freed her before giving her a safe home to grow up with her brothers,'' Archer spoke as he booped the bear's beak.
That's when he thought to himself. 'I need to name her. Let me think.'
After careful consideration, he settled on a name. Just as he was about to christen her, Professor Summerwild interjected, "Alright, now take some time to play with her while the others make their selections."
With a nod, Archer received a kiss from each girl, except for Halime, who watched with jealous eyes.
As the others departed, the little Owlbear, delighted by the girl's departure, bounded into Archer's lap, eagerly seeking more attention.
However, Archer, instead of immediately indulging her, spoke with a smile, "Your name shall be Juno, you little fluff ball."
As he gently rubbed Juno's belly, her happy noises filled the air, and she curled up even tighter, content in the newfound companionship.
He loved her soft brown feathers and wondered how her brothers were doing. So he opened a portal again, and two more balls of fluff flew at him before crashing into him.
The two young Owlbear boys were excited, climbing over him and playfully licking and nipping at his long ears.
Archer gently pushed their beaks away, cautioning, "Don't bite my ears. They're sensitive."
However, being youthful bears, they paid no heed and continued to nibble at his ears, causing him to laugh when he felt their little beaks.
Feeling left out, Juno joined in, creating a scene that captured everyone's attention as the three Owlbears enthusiastically jumped all over him.
The joyful chaos drew amused glances and smiles from onlookers, turning the moment into a delightful spectacle.
The courtyard bustled with activity as the students resumed selecting their creatures to care for.
After half an hour, everyone gathered under the veranda. Archer, with Juno clinging to his back, not letting go, and the Owlbear boys nestled in his lap.
They were tired after playing for so long and hunting earlier in the day. Upon the girl's return, they were greeted by the heartwarming sight.
Smiles adorned their faces, and Sera couldn't resist a playful comment, "The big bad dragon pampering three little Owlbears. Never thought I'd see the day."
Archer laughed, responding, "So what if I'm a dragon? That doesn't mean I can't enjoy life and care for things."
Intrigued, Ella inquired, "And what have you named them?"
Archer took a moment, carefully selecting names that suited the two little bears. "They are Bastian, with white and black feathers, and Bjorn, that has the light brown feathers."
That's when he noticed the creatures the five girls had, and their choices didn't catch him off guard. Ella had a petite white bird that emitted cheerful chirps.
Sera's companion resembled a tiny wyvern, and Leira's creature appeared like a small cat. On the other hand, Hemera's beast was a radiant fire bird gracefully circling her.
Finally, Halime's choice was a serpent-like creature coiled around her neck, contentedly accepting her affectionate gestures.
After watching the girls, Professor Summerwild spoke to the whole class.
"Now that you've chosen your creatures, building a strong bond with them is crucial. I want you to come by daily to tend to your beasts starting tomorrow. This daily interaction is vital for establishing a connection.''
She emphasized the importance of the daily routine, "Feeding, grooming, and spending time with them will not only ensure their well-being but will deepen the bond between you and your magical companions and create a formidable partnership. So, make it a point to visit and care for your creatures regularly."
After her explanation, Archer turned his attention to Ella's petite white bird, examining it in the company of the other creatures.
[Aetherwing]
[Rank: A+]
His gaze shifted to Sera's beast, followed by Leira's, Hemera's, and Halime's creatures.
[Drakeling]
[Rank: B]
[Thunderfeline]
[Rank: A+]
[Dawnfeather]
[Rank: C]
[AstralSerpent]
[Rank: S]
Upon encountering Halime's small serpent, he directed his inquiry to the professor, curiosity etched on his face. "Professor, what kind of snake is this?"
He gestured towards Halime, who suddenly appeared shy, her gaze turning towards the floor. The professor responded, "That is a Nightfang Archer. They hail from the Jungle of the Beastlands in the south."
When Archer heard her answer, he nodded before she returned to talking to the other students.
Ella, Leira, Sera, and Hemera played with their beasts while Halime read a book about hers.
He didn't know where it came from, but the snake girl saw his reaction and giggled before talking. ''The Professor gave it to me, and I stored it away.''
Archer smiled before getting up and walking around the table to sit beside Halime, who was pleased but got shy.
The other girls saw this and watched him while chatting among themselves. But Archer looked at the little black snake with red eyes.
With a gentle yet confident tone, Archer addressed the snake coiled around Halime's neck, "Come here, little snake."
His voice carried a comforting assurance, and he extended a hand towards the creature.
The tiny serpent, seemingly attuned to Archer's presence, uncoiled itself from Halime's neck and gracefully slithered into his hand.
It ascended his frame until it arrived at his neck, catching his attention as it approached the slumbering Owlbear. Upon noticing this, Archer reassured, "Don't worry, little one. Juno won't harm you."
The snake acknowledged with a nod, gracefully winding itself around Archer's neck. A melodious voice echoed, "Thank you. So warm."
Halime, witnessing the scene, smiled. However, Professor Summerwild approached their table, her gaze on the snake.
She remarked, "It seems the creature has chosen you. Nightfangs tend to stick to the person they choose."
Her attention turned to Halime, whose yellow eyes gleamed with fascination as she observed Archer tenderly stroking the little snake.
"Go and acquire another one. Being a snake Demi-human, gives you an advantage in bonding with them," the professor suggested.
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