Spirit Taming

Chapter 149: Two Docs

"Doc J? Can you tell us about the research theory you have created that you will be speaking about today?" Ella managed to grab Doc and Doc J's attention before they walked away completely. She wanted to prepare.

"Of course. There are many insect type beasts. They are very common as a food source for other bests. However, documents were found in a run down village that outlined the growth of a patterned caterpillar in to a cocoon, then further in to some form of butterfly beast. Normally they evolve in to moths and have weak combat ability."

"There were some unique situations they became butterflies. However, the reason this research made my sister and I put our heads together was also unique. The process described feeding certain materials to create a certain butterfly that could rival the bird type beasts that would normally feed on them. So much so that they are listed as a higher tier predator."

Between the two research specialists, the student couldn't raise a single question fast enough. Everyone knew the weakness of most insect type beasts. Especially the caterpillar and inchworm beasts sold as food for other beasts. If there was such a breakthrough in research, then many tamers might have a unique beast to raise on a budget.

"I look forward to it." Ella flipped through her notebooks and passed one of them to Clark, Isa, and Maria. "I researched them as a food source but my notes are still useful.

"Patterned caterpillars are high in proteins that can assist in beast growth." Isa saw this and considered a breeding lab for them. Unfortunately, the cost would be high compared to the profit. One outbreak of disease and they would lose everything. It was too risky for them now.

"They seem too little. How could they be strong enough to fight with birds?" Isa wanted to compare them to the flame sprite she had that could fight larger beasts but it was the elemental strength that her beasts had that made them stand out.

"I would say that they gain some form of magical strength? They can use the energies they absorb. But I thought that they would usually end up with plant, wind, or no typing at all when they grew?" Maria felt that she had seen these beasts too many times.

Around them, their fellow students considered this. "Hello, I am one of the lab attendants that our esteemed Doc. J, has asked to guide you. Please remember that you are outside the grand lecture hall. There are two hours before the lecture. If you need a tour please ask us."

The woman stepped forward ready to help out. She was getting a bonus for her help along with the other attendants. Who wouldn't be happy with that?

"Where do students go to pick a fight? Where do we go to get some friendly sparring in?" Clark stunned everyone with this question. They were research students so the talk of battle was not common.

"Oh yeah, you wanted to get a few matches in. Let's do it!" Isa decided it was better to get this done now than later.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do? We can give a tour of the breeding labs we have here on campus?" The attendant was a little cautious having such a question asked of her.

"Yes. It seems like we are just research students but the four of us are also battle related students. Also, is it better to hire guards or be able to protect your own research?" Maria made everyone silent again. She was too sweet when asking this that it made all of them wonder if it was what she really asked or not.

"Well, I understand why you ask. That would be the building just across this field here. The square usually opens up for the larger student tournaments. But now it is open to all students to spar with one another. There are no separate arenas unless requested. You may go freely as long as you show your identifications as students of Nova academy."

The four walked away leaving the rest cautious. They were already wondering just how the four would use their research and battle techniques together. There was a rarity in those that could both fight and research at the same time. It set them aside but also usually caused them to research the more dangerous things. Great rewards and great risk.

"How do we go about this?" Maria was sure that challenging someone randomly would go poorly.

"Just pick anyone that looks like a fair challenge. You should be able to figure it out." Clark smirked a little. He was ready to let Crim do his most to fight it out. "Crim has entered a growth phase so I have to pick someone challenging for the fight."

"Growth phase! You should have told me. I will record the before and after effects of a challenging battle. Diagrams, weights, behavioral activity, and anything else!" Ella was shocked. She felt that she had just been told a great secret hidden away from her for many years.

"It was on my list to tell you about but I kept getting distracted. Sorry." Clark felt that he had let it slip his mind a little too much.

"This building is well unkempt. Fair amount of students. The grass outside is clearly grown using a beast's skills. That means that they have larger battles more often. They are preparing." Isa used her business skills to find these small details. It was easier for her to figure it all out than the others.

"Good, that means those students are waiting for us. By the way, Ella should fight that guy over there with the swamp thing. I met him the other day and figured he would be here since I told them we would come here. It would be a good challenge for your wisps because they won't be able to do major damage to it." Clark gave a wave then the group of boys came over.

"Glad to see you again! My swamp thing is already looking better!" The boy reached out to shake Cark's hand right away.

'That's actually why I waved as soon as we got here. I know your swamp thing would be a great challenge for my friend's beast. Want to spar?" The boys had instant energy. They wanted to have some fun and also see what rare beasts Clark's friends had to bring. They had one good experience in the market and wanted to see what else could happen.

"Sure thing! What about you? Will you challenge us?"

"I was actually going to see about that kid over there. He looks like he had a tough best to go against. I need a tougher opponent to let Crim have a really fight. Not that you can't, I just need a heavier pressure."

"I understand, forging diamonds and all that in pressure. But stay away from him. He has a bone fist ape as a beast. It can do some major physical damage." The warning was well received. But that was what Calrk saw too,

"I think we can handle that. Feel free to watch and learn." Clark walked away while Maria and Isa looked around for their own opponents.