Zhang Ying raised an eyebrow. It was the first time he had heard the name Pashupatinath. Judging by how Director Shin had completely lost his composure, now brimming with excitement like a child during the Lunar New Year, he must have been a big shot.
Alana cleared her throat, snapping the director back to reality. Shin sat back once he calmed down.
"That... is a unique beast space," director Shin commented. "It's one of the treasures the king of beasts left behind."
"What does it do?" Zhang Ying asked.
Since Director Shin appeared well-versed in such matters, Zhang Ying wanted to extract as much information as possible. But to his dismay, Director Shin shook his head.
"I was actually hoping you could enlighten me." Shin smiled wanly. "Not much is known about the king's treasures. Where on earth did you even come across a beast space like that?"
"At the auction house," Alana interjected. "It was an undeciphered scroll written in some ancient script. But Zhang Ying deciphered it in mere seconds."
Director Shin's gaze turned to Zhang Ying with a spark of curiosity. The more he learned about the outsider, the more Shin was interested in him. But that was given since Alana was sponsoring Zhang Ying, something she hadn't done before. But it also worried him.
"You're still after them?" Director Shin sighed.
Alana looked taken aback, but didn't say a word. Zhang Ying didn't know what the two were talking about. He could tell they wouldn't divulge anything, even if he asked.
So, he didn't. Instead, Zhang Ying shifted the attention back to himself.
"Come out," Zhang Ying instructed.
One by one, the tamed creatures emerged from the portal, stepping forward obediently. Shin looked at them and shook his head. He couldn't believe the sight. A slime, a demon fox, and two goblins stood behind Zhang Ying.
Usually, the goblins would have already attacked their peers. Yet, they stood silently, unflinching, even as the demon fox leaped onto their heads with playful arrogance.
"An irregular." Shin finally broke the silence. "The department heads won't like it one bit."
"Irregular?" Zhang Ying asked.
"Someone with an abnormal ability, like you," Shin explained. "You already know this—tamers are usually classified into two types: monster and beast tamers. But you don't fit into either category."
Shin continued, "Over the years, Otherworlders have grown wary—some might say hostile—toward irregulars. Your kind is unpredictable, and hard to control. The empire even issued a decree demanding that all irregulars be captured and sent to the capital for trial."
Zhang Ying was about to say something, but Alana raised a finger to her lips, gesturing him to quiet down. Director Shin hadn't finished talking yet.
"And that," Shin said, turning his gaze to Alana, "is why you brought him here, isn't it?"
Alana nodded.
Zhang Ying looked confused. Shin smiled looking at him and continued.
"The Agraville academy is an exception to imperial laws. Here, we abide by a simple truth: Talent tramples everything, even the law."
"As long as you prove your worth, no one can touch you. Being irregular may mark you outside these walls, but as a student of Agraville, it makes you untouchable. But that is... if you get accepted into the academy."
Director Shin got up, clasping his hands behind his back as he stared out the window. For a moment, no one dared to speak out. Only Kita, the demon fox, yawned, nestling into Alana's lap.
"You must hide your identity as an irregular," Shin eventually spoke. "I suggest taking the admission test with one of your beasts."
He continued, "That Slime would be ideal—it's stronger than the others. Once you're accepted, we can figure out a way to reveal your true identity later. The first test is scheduled for tomorrow, so I suggest you get some rest."
No sooner than he said that, one guard entered the room and kicked Zhang Ying out. He barely had the time to summon the beast space and leave. However, Alana didn't follow. She had other things to discuss with Director Shin.
"Quite a husband you've got," Shin mumbled, stroking his beard.
"How did you—?" Alana asked.
"It's not a secret when you're parading around with identical rings. But... I want to ask. Is this how you want your relationship to be? Using him as a pawn for your revenge?"
Alana fell silent, her gaze shifting to the ring on her finger. It wasn't the first time she had worn such a ring.
In over three decades of her life, she had found love once. That chapter, however, was long closed—buried beneath pain she refused to revisit. Yet Shin's words hit her conscience.
No matter how she framed her relationship with Zhang Ying, the truth was undeniable. He was a pawn, just as Shin had said—a tool for her vengeance.
But the director's words couldn't sway her emotions. She had made her choice, and she would see it through to the bitter end.
"Fine... I'll give you the information," Shin sighed, patting her shoulder. "The rest is up to you and... Zhang Ying."
With those words, Director Shin left the chamber, leaving Alana behind with her thoughts.