Aidan stood outside the door to Professor Marlon's office, clutching a neatly bound stack of papers. The thesis they had been working on was finally complete, but the journey to this moment had been anything but easy.
Professor Marlon, a renowned scholar and beastologist, had approached Aidan weeks ago with an unusual proposition. "You have a sharp mind and an eye for detail, Aidan," the professor had said, his deep voice resonating with authority. "I need an assistant for my latest research, and I believe you're up to the task."
At first, Aidan had been hesitant. He was already juggling intense training, classes, and his responsibilities as a tamer. But the opportunity to work with someone of Marlon's stature was too valuable to pass up. Not just that when Marlon promised to reward him with beast core of his choice, he immediately accepted it. Since that was something he desperately needed.
The professor's research revolved around a topic that fascinated Aidan: the evolutionary potential of beasts and the mysterious energy signatures that influenced their growth. The chance to delve deeper into this mystery ignited a curiosity within him that he couldn't ignore.
---
The thesis, titled Catalysts of Evolution: Unraveling the Mysteries of Beast Growth, aimed to explore the factors that triggered significant leaps in a beast's development. Most tamers understood that beasts could evolve through training and exposure to rare materials, but the mechanisms behind these changes remained poorly understood.
Marlon's hypothesis was groundbreaking. He theorized that certain environmental conditions, combined with specific elemental energies, acted as catalysts for these transformations. To test this theory, he had tasked Aidan with gathering and analyzing data from various sources:
1. Field Reports: Aidan reviewed dozens of case studies from tamers who had witnessed their beasts evolve under unusual circumstances.
2. Elemental Analysis: Using tools provided by the professor, Aidan studied the energy signatures of materials like Thunder Orbs and Flame Cores, documenting their effects on beasts.
3. Behavioural Observations: Aidan spent hours observing beasts in controlled environments, noting how their instincts and interactions changed when exposed to different stimuli.
The work was demanding, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both beast physiology and elemental theory. Yet, Aidan found himself engrossed in the process. The more he learned, the more he realized how little he truly knew about the creatures he sought to tame.
---
Balancing the research with his other responsibilities proved to be a Herculean task. Early mornings were spent training with Hope, his bonded beast, while evenings were dedicated to poring over data and refining the thesis. The Thunder Orbs he had received as a reward for his earlier efforts became a focal point of his experiments, as he observed their effects on Hope.
One particular discovery stood out. While documenting Hope's interactions with the Thunder Orbs, Aidan noticed a peculiar pattern: the energy released by the orbs seemed to resonate differently depending on Hope's emotional state. When Hope was focused and calm, the energy integrated smoothly, enhancing its abilities. However, when agitated, the same energy caused erratic and unstable reactions.
"Could the emotional state of a beast influence how it absorbs external energy?" Aidan had mused aloud during one late-night session. He quickly jotted down his observations, realising they could be a crucial piece of the puzzle.
---
Aidan pushed the door open, stepping into the professor's office. The room was a chaotic blend of books, scrolls, and glowing artifacts, each radiating an aura of mystery. Marlon sat behind a massive desk, his sharp eyes scanning a weathered tome. He looked up as Aidan entered, a rare smile crossing his face.
"Ah, Aidan! Right on time. Let me see what you've brought me," Marlon said, gesturing for Aidan to approach.
Aidan handed over the thesis, his hands steady despite the weight of the moment. "Here it is, Professor. All the data, analyses, and conclusions I've worked on."
Marlon flipped through the pages, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper. Finally, he looked up.
"Impressive work, Aidan. Your observations on the energy fluctuations in Thunder Orbs are particularly insightful. I hadn't considered that their potency might vary based on the beast's affinity."
Aidan's face lit up with pride. "Thank you, Professor. I noticed the pattern while analyzing my pet beast Hope's interactions with the orbs. It seemed like the energy resonated differently depending on his state of focus."
Marlon nodded thoughtfully. "That's exactly the kind of critical thinking I was hoping for when I brought you on board. Tell me, what did you think of the hypothesis overall?"
Aidan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I think it's compelling, but there are still gaps. For example, we don't fully understand why some beasts react violently to certain catalysts while others grow stronger. There's more to uncover about the interplay between a beast's innate potential and external stimuli."
The professor's eyes gleamed with approval. "Exactly. Science is never about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions. And you, my boy, have a knack for that."
---
As they continued discussing the thesis, Aidan couldn't help but reflect on how much he had learned during the project. Beyond the technical knowledge, he had gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the beasts he sought to tame. Each creature was a puzzle, its potential shaped by countless factors, both seen and unseen.
The conversation eventually shifted to Aidan's future plans. "You've shown great promise, Aidan," Marlon said. "Have you considered pursuing a scholarly path rather than your training as a tamer?"
Aidan shook his head. "Not seriously, Professor. My focus is on becoming stronger and protecting those I care about. But I won't deny that this experience has opened my eyes. Understanding beasts on a deeper level could make me a better tamer."
While he certainly liked helping with the research he has not forgotten why he wants to become a beast tamer. Not only to become strong but also to take revenge on the Darnath's family and kill beasts.
Marlon leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile on his face. "Knowledge is power, Aidan. Remember that. The strongest tamers are not just those with the mightiest beasts but those who truly understand them."