Chapter 14 – Generous Terms of Invitation

“Brother, you’re incredible!”

Guan Ning looked at Lin Ze with admiration, her little face flushed with excitement.

“Congratulations, Brother Lin.”

Zhang Xiaoyun and Liu Siyan also chimed in with cheerful congratulations.

Lin Ze patted Guan Ning on the head and smiled, nodding at them.

Just then, He Zhenwen and Lu Peixin walked over.

“Young man, your performance was stunning. I take back what I said earlier—your confidence comes from your strength, not from impulsiveness or recklessness.”

Unexpectedly, He Zhenwen admitted his earlier mistake right off the bat.

Lu Peixin was equally straightforward, saying frankly, “I apologize for what I said earlier.”

Both examiners were Silver Beast Tamers, figures who were undeniably great in the eyes of ordinary people, yet they took the initiative to apologize to an Apprentice Beast Tamer.

Watching this scene, not only were the people around them startled, but even Lin Ze was somewhat surprised.

However, he quickly recovered and shook his head, saying:

“It’s no problem. You both meant well.”

He Zhenwen and Lu Peixin nodded inwardly at this, their eyes showing growing approval.

Not only was he young with outstanding talent, but he could also maintain a calm demeanor—not becoming arrogant or self-important. This mindset was truly rare and commendable.

This young man was bound to achieve great things in the path of Beast Taming.

The two examiners exchanged a glance, the same thought flashing through both their minds.

“You’re Lin Ze, right? Are you interested in joining our Beast Tamer Association?”

He Zhenwen suddenly said.

Lin Ze was momentarily taken aback: “But I’m still a student.”

“That’s no problem.”

He Zhenwen waved his hand with a smile.

“I can apply to the higher-ups to give you a position as a reserve cadre. You won’t be responsible for any practical duties, but you’ll still enjoy the corresponding benefits and treatment.”

“Moreover, this doesn’t conflict with your application to the Beast-Taming Academy. You can still enroll there, and after graduation, you’ll immediately receive the title of Deacon in the Association. How about it?”

Everyone around was stunned.

The conditions He Zhenwen offered were incredibly generous.

It was equivalent to supporting Lin Ze for four years with the generous benefits of a cadre, without requiring him to bear any obligations during that time.

After graduating from the academy, he could directly obtain the position of Deacon in the Beast Tamer Association, without needing to go through examinations or competition.

This was simply enviable beyond words!

Guan Ning beside him also showed a delighted expression upon hearing this.

Among the many paths available to Beast Tamer graduates, the Beast Tamer Association firmly ranked ahead of the Federation Military and the consortium families.

After all, the military had strict rules, and the consortium families’ contracts were too restrictive—essentially equivalent to selling oneself into servitude.

In comparison, the Beast Tamer Association, a semi-official and semi-civilian organization, was much more lenient, and its benefits were quite attractive.

It was the most popular organization among Beast Tamer students, bar none.

Every year, a large number of Beast Tamer students wanted to join the Beast Tamer Association, and the competition was so fierce it was like thousands of troops crossing a single-plank bridge.

And now, such an opportunity—one that required no competition or examination, where one could join the Beast Tamer Association immediately upon graduation, and even directly become a Deacon—was being placed before Lin Ze.

How could people not feel envy and resentment?

For a moment.

Many people looked at Lin Ze with undisguised envy and jealousy in their eyes.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ze didn’t even think about it and directly shook his head in refusal.

“I’m very grateful for your kindness, but I’m sorry—I haven’t decided on my plans after graduation, and I don’t intend to make a decision right now.”

He Zhenwen and Lu Peixin were both stunned.

The people around them were also dumbfounded.

No one had expected that Lin Ze would actually turn down such generous conditions.

“Perhaps you should learn more about our association before making a decision…”

He Zhenwen assumed Lin Ze was unaware of what the position of Association Deacon entailed, so he prepared to persuade him further.

However, he was cut off mid-sentence by Lin Ze.

“Examiner, thank you for your kindness, but I’ve already thought this through very clearly. I’d still prefer to wait until after graduation before making any plans.”

Lin Ze’s expression remained calm, without the slightest wavering.

The treatment He Zhenwen had promised was indeed quite generous, but there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. The more one received now, the more one would have to give in the future.

Lin Ze had no intention of being tied to the Beast Tamer Association’s war chariot so soon.

Even if he were to join the Beast Tamer Association, it would have to wait until after graduation.

With his rate of growth, by then his strength would surely be a hundred or a thousand times greater than it was now—enough to demand far better benefits and treatment from the Beast Tamer Association.

Rather than just this “little bit” of perks now.

This was an account Lin Ze could calculate clearly.

Seeing Lin Ze’s resolute expression, He Zhenwen let out a quiet sigh and stopped insisting.

“In that case, I won’t force you.”

After a pause, he continued.

“You’ve just been promoted to Apprentice Beast Tamer, so there must be many things about Pet Beasts you’re still unfamiliar with. If you ever need help in the future, feel free to come find me. I spend most of my time in this building.”

He Zhenwen’s words once again stirred envy among many onlookers.

This was a gesture of goodwill from a Silver Beast Tamer.

It was more than enough to prove how highly He Zhenwen thought of Lin Ze.

But then again, upon reflection, it made sense—this was a genius who had passed the Apprentice Assessment at Ultra Difficulty.

And he was only eighteen years old.

Destined for boundless prospects.

With such an extraordinary genius, one would certainly want to establish a good relationship early on.

With that thought, many people’s minds began to stir with ideas.

He Zhenwen offered Lin Ze a few more words of encouragement, left his contact information, and then departed together with Lu Peixin.

The moment the two examiners stepped out of the room, the crowd surged forward with a buzz, surrounding him.

“Classmate Lin Ze, you’re from Pinghai No. 1 High School, right? We’re schoolmates!”

“Brother Lin, are you interested in joining an adventure team? We can take you out to hunt Ferocious Beasts for free!”

“Brother Lin, do you have time later? How about we grab a meal together?”

“Lin Ze-gege, let’s exchange contact info! There are some things about Pet Beasts I don’t quite understand—could I ask you for advice another day?”

The crowd swarmed around Lin Ze like stars encircling the moon.

Some tried to cozy up to him, others asked for his contact information, and they all flattered him desperately with such fervent enthusiasm it was almost embarrassing to witness.

Unfortunately, Lin Ze had never been interested in this kind of social interaction. He brushed them off with a few perfunctory words and hurried away with Guan Ning and the other two girls.

After stepping out of the building’s main entrance.

All four of them wiped their brows in unison.

“We almost couldn’t get away—those people were way too enthusiastic.”

Guan Ning patted her chest, still shaken.

Liu Siyan chuckled. “What can you do? Brother Lin is just too impressive. They all want to get close to him.”

Zhang Xiaoyun snorted. “I even saw some women asking Brother Lin for his contact info. They’re clearly much older than us, yet they’re calling him ‘Lin Ze-gege’—disgusting!”

As she spoke, the girl made a retching motion.

Guan Ning and Liu Siyan covered their mouths and giggled.

A slight smile also tugged at the corner of Lin Ze’s lips.

Zhang Xiaoyun glanced at him, her eyes darting around before she leaned in and said in a coquettish tone:

“Brother Lin Ze, let’s exchange contact information too, so we can chat together in the future.”

Guan Ning & Liu Siyan: “…”