Absolute Beast Dominion

Right now, Leo and Ashton stood at the front of the banquet hall, and Ashton was publicly apologising for the incident.

[Solarheart Emberfruit] - Low-Yellow(5) Tier Treasure

- Born only where ancient sunsparks seep into volcanic soil, the Solarheart Emberfruit resembles molten gold beneath crystal-like skin. It contains concentrated solar essence capable of refining flesh, blood, and bones while greatly increasing natural affinity with fire-elemental energy.

When properly refined, it permanently enhances physical constitution, increases resistance against flames, strengthens muscle fibres, and accelerates fire-energy absorption. Fire-attributed beings may also consume portions of it to evolve dormant bloodlines or awaken stronger elemental abilities.

"Damn! A Yellow-Tier treasure as compensation? I wish I were the one wrongfully accused."

"I know, right? The city is literally the best it can be. Not only is it excellent in hospitality, but they even readily admit their mistake and offer the best compensation!" the man said excitedly as he recalled the previous colourful night, almost drooling at the thought.

"Well, if the city is this impressive, just how special must that man be for a single mistake to warrant the City Lord personally stepping in?"

"I mean, it's Aurelius Beast Academy. Who would want to mess with them?"

"Yeah..."

They turned to look back at Leo, who was holding the treasure and examining it curiously.

Not only had Ashton managed to uphold the city's image, but he had also allowed Leo to recover the reputation he had supposedly lost.

In truth, Leo never actually cared about any of this; he just needed the treasure.

The Solarheart Emberfruit was roughly the size of a melon, covered in translucent crystal-like skin that revealed swirling molten-gold flesh within. Fiery crimson veins pulsed across its surface, while a faint golden halo shimmered around it, radiating gentle warmth.

This... It's too useful for many of us, Leo thought, thinking about Naelith, Lizardmen and even himself.

Under Gunther's pressure, Ashton had been forced to cough up this precious treasure that had originally been meant for his own kids or inheritors. But now, nothing could be done because Leo had already swiftly stored it away.

Under Gunther's pressure, Ashton had been forced to cough up this precious treasure that had originally been meant for his own kids or inheritors. But now, nothing could be done because Leo had already swiftly stored it away.

Gunther knew Leo had acquired the [Infernal Sunblood Physique] and required flame related treasures to help himself, thus his pressure. And Ashton was just left thinking Gunther was taking revenge for undermining the Academy's value, making him jeopardice his own bloods progress.

Leo then extended his hand towards Ashton.

"I accept the apology, but I am curious... does the reward of a Yellow-Tier treasure still stand if I reveal the location of the Leader Wyvern's hideout?"

Ashton's eyes widened.

"Wait... for real?!" he blurted out.

"Yes. I have seen that beast with my own eyes and even know the exact path where the entrance to its hideout begins. If the prize still exists, I might as well tell you because I think the information is far more valuable to you..." Leo said with a calm smile.

Ashton thought for a moment before immediately turning towards the crowd, who were curiously watching them.

"Esteemed guests of the city, I am very happy to announce that we have someone in our midst who knows the whereabouts of the Leader Wyvern inside the realm!" It was almost as if Ashton had completely forgotten the previous matter and was focused solely on this.

The crowd erupted.

"I knew it! Someone must have seen the leader among those smaller ones!"

"Shit! If only I were so lucky..."

Everyone immediately became eager to find out who it was, unaware that the person was standing right on the stage.

"It's none other than Student Leo of Aurelius Beast Academy!" Ashton declared, pointing at Leo.

A collective gasp swept across the banquet hall.

"Son of a bi—"

Thap!

The man was cut off as his friend clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Watch your tongue. He got the City Lord to publicly apologise. I don't think you stand a chance if he decides to target you."

The silenced man nodded and quietened down, though he still couldn't believe Leo's luck.

Ashton turned back towards Leo.

"There certainly was a Low-Yellow Tier treasure prepared for the person who revealed the Leader Wyvern's whereabouts." He paused.

"Was prepared? Are you saying you won't give it anymore?" Leo asked, raising a brow.

"The answer is both yes and no. Do you know what the second reward was supposed to be?" Ashton replied with a smile, though he couldn't hide his excitement at finally having a chance to tame the Leader Wyvern.

Leo thought for a moment.

"I think it was a Wyvern egg..." he muttered.

"Correct. But you have already tamed a powerful Wyvern. In other words, you no longer need that reward. So I have decided to raise the reward by one level instead—something that will help you, or more specifically, the Wyvern you have tamed."

Ashton flicked his fingers, and a massive metallic box appeared on the ground with a heavy thud.

Leo was slightly surprised by its size. It was so large that nearly two people could comfortably fit inside it side by side.

Even through the countless magical seals covering every corner of the box, a faint draconic aura seeped out, as though whatever was inside was strong enough to break through all of the seals.

Ashton proudly presented it to everyone at the banquet.

"This... is a Dragon Crystal Vine!"

Some that recognized what it was had their eye pop out.

Some immediately began cursing their terrible luck, while others openly sang the praises of both Leo and Ashton, they did that even without knowing what was the reward. They just saw a big box and ended up concluding it was something very good.

The only person who remained completely clueless...

What the fuck is a Dragon Crystal Vine? Leo thought.

Ashton answered that exact question the very next moment.

"For those who don't know, the Dragon Crystal Vine is a Natural Treasure that forms over the bones of a dead Ancient Dragon! It is said to be an incredibly potent treasure capable of elevating any draconic beast's bloodline by an extraordinary margin! Not only that, but it can even grant one Intermediate Draconic Trait to any being that consumes a properly processed vine. And this particular vine originated from an Ancient Flame Dragon with a Royal Bloodline!"

Leo was genuinely surprised.

So traits can even be acquired like this?

Don't get excited, kid. He clearly said a properly processed vine. This isn't one, and there's only one alchemist in the entire Empire capable of processing it. And he spends all day beside the Emperor, Gunther's voice echoed inside Leo's mind, making him look at Ashton suspiciously.

Is he handing me a trash treasure so he doesn't suffer any major losses? Leo wondered.

There had been countless cases of treasures being extremely high-ranked, yet because no one was skilled enough to process them—or even knew exactly what they were used for—they simply gathered dust until they gradually fell in rank.

Their other name was 'Museum Treasures'—better displayed than consumed.

Ashton seemed to be handing one of those treasures to Leo.