What does it mean when a pet evolves incorrectly?

Although it is July, the height of summer, Qinglan City is located in the northern part of Donghuang and is at a high latitude, so it is not hot during the day.

A gentle breeze, carrying the faint fragrance of grass and trees, lightly brushes against the leaves of the plane trees lining the street, casting dappled light and shadow.

The clattering of footsteps shattered the light and shadow.

Although the temperature was acceptable, once he started running, the heat quickly spread throughout his body, and sweat slid down Lin Chen's forehead, soaking through his T-shirt.

At first it was relatively easy, but as time went on and the distance increased, my legs felt like they were filled with lead and became increasingly heavy, requiring more effort to lift each step.

Lin Chen gritted his teeth and slowed his pace slightly, glancing at the Flame Claw Beast beside him out of the corner of his eye.

Compared to Lin Chen, who was gradually struggling, the Flame Claw Beast's steps remained light and powerful, constantly hopping and skipping, showing no signs of fatigue.

As an apprentice beast tamer, Lin Chen's physical abilities far surpass those of ordinary people.

However, as a first-tier pet beast, the Flame Claw Beast's physical abilities are clearly far superior to Lin Chen's.

Humans can't possibly compete with pets in terms of physical fitness, can they?

No, not necessarily.

Lin Chen suddenly shook his head.

It is said that some beast tamers have outstanding innate physical qualities, and a very small number of beast tamers can hone their physical abilities through special training methods, thereby cultivating physical qualities that are no less than those of their pets.

Some even reach the point of directly confronting their pet beasts; these beast tamers are called humanoid pet beasts, and other beast tamers avoid them like the plague.

When fighting against this type of beast tamer, you not only have to deal with their pets, but also have to be constantly on guard against the iron fists of the beast tamer.

What does it mean when an opponent charges at you with an iron fist?

Thoughts flashed by, and Lin Chen looked at the obediently running Flameclaw Beast, a smile of satisfaction unconsciously appearing on his lips.

Although this child has some minor psychological issues and a tendency to become a bully, he is also somewhat wary of himself.

But now it seems that the little guy is quite obedient. The contract process went smoothly, and he has even followed me for so long without complaining.

It seems that the training and development process will be much easier in the future.

Recalling the precautions for interacting with pet beasts, Lin Chen was about to praise it when he saw the Flame Claw Beast suddenly stop, turn around, and walk towards the alley next to it.

Lin Chen was taken aback, and subconsciously followed.

My nostrils twitched slightly as I was instantly enveloped by the various delicious aromas wafting from the alley—the smoky scent of roasted meat, the rich aroma of noodles, and the cloying sweetness of desserts. My stomach immediately started growling.

He then suddenly remembered that he had been busy choosing a pet and getting certified as a beast tamer that morning and hadn't had lunch yet.

The thought had barely crossed Lin Chen's mind when he noticed the Flameclaw Beast standing in front of a barbecue stall, its body ramrod straight, its eyes gleaming as it stared at the sizzling skewers on the iron rack.

The next moment, sharp claws couldn't help but reach out, but they didn't touch anything; their eyes were filled with longing: "Gagoo~".

The barbecue stall owner, a kind-faced middle-aged man, smiled and picked up a skewer of golden-brown, fragrant chicken wings, deliberately waving it in front of the Flameclaw Beast, his voice full of enticement:

"Little one, want a skewer? It smells delicious!"

The Flameclaw Beast nodded vigorously, its eyes fixed on the skewer of chicken wings, its mouth wide open: "Agu..."

Lin Chen was taken aback.

Didn't the waiter say earlier that this guy is very wary of humans?

Where should I be wary?

Lin Chen strode over and gently pulled the Flame Claw Beast back to his side:

"Flameclaw Beast, this is an evil food made by humans. After eating it, you will not only become slow, but your belly will also grow bigger."

"As a mature pet, we should resist such bad temptations."

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow, rolled up his sleeves, and looked displeased.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Lin Chen looked down and met the gaze of the Flame Claw Beast.

The longing in her eyes was pure and genuine, like a child who couldn't get candy, which softened his heart.

"That's enough."

It's still just a little kid, there's no need to restrain it all the time.

The way pets become stronger is never by suppressing their nature, but by indulging them in a rhythmic way.

Occasional favoritism might actually bring people closer together.

"I previously spent 80,000 on the Flameclaw Beast, and saved 100 yuan on pet supplies thanks to the 2% discount."

"Well, let's celebrate with this hundred yuan."

Lin Chen took out a hundred-yuan note from his pocket and handed it to the uncle: "Give me a few skewers."

"Okay, just a moment." The uncle smiled and pulled the coins that Lin Chen was clutching tightly.

Lin Chen added, "By the way, are there any discounts for beast tamers?"

The man was taken aback: "I'm just a small vendor..."

"But I think your skills are outstanding, boss, and you have the potential to develop into a chain store. You know, most of the barbecue chain stores in Donghuang offer discounts to Beast Tamers."

"Implementing the preferential policies for Beast Tamers is the first step for you to grow bigger and stronger," Lin Chen offered his sincere advice.

The uncle stared at the tiny stall, which was only two square meters in size, and fell into a long silence.

what?

Chain stores?

me?

At this moment, the Flameclaw Beast stared blankly at Lin Chen's back, slowly loosening its tightly clenched claws.

This human seems different from everyone else.

Ten minutes later.

The Flameclaw Beast held a string of chicken wings, while Lin Chen gulped down a bottle of water. The two strolled leisurely down the street.

A gentle breeze brushed against the tips of her hair, dispelling some of the heat. The noise of pedestrians and car horns on the street was gradually drowned out by the chewing sounds of the Flameclaw Beast.

The chicken wings were roasted to a crispy golden brown, with a tender interior. The Flame Claw Beast ate them with its face covered in oil and its little paws smeared with sauce, but it still ate with great relish.

These days, kebabs are getting more and more expensive, so Lin Chen only bought some kebabs for the Flame Claw Beast to fill its stomach, while he chose the most economical and affordable mineral water.

"I'll just go home and eat," he thought.

A moment later, after the Flameclaw Beast finished eating the skewers, Lin Chen took out a tissue to wipe the sauce off the Flameclaw Beast's mouth and claws.

Seeing the tissues being offered to it, the Flameclaw Beast instinctively tried to back away, but then it suddenly remembered something and froze in place as if it had been frozen in place, letting Lin Chen wipe the sauce off.

Well, let's give this human a chance to serve themselves.

Just this once!

"Done."

Lin Chen threw the tissue into the trash can, turned to look at the Flameclaw Beast. Its mental state had improved significantly, its deep green eyes sparkling with joy, and its steps becoming lighter.

But when he looked at it, the Flameclaw Beast avoided his gaze and lowered its head.

Lin Chen chuckled, speechless. "Happy now?"

The Flameclaw Beast was about to nod instinctively, but when it met Lin Chen's expectant gaze, it snorted and turned its head away.

No, not at all!

Lin Chen smiled and naturally changed the subject: "How about we walk slowly for a while to digest, and then run home in one go?"

The tasks issued by the system have no time limit; you just need to complete the entire process.

The Flameclaw Beast nodded and walked forward with light steps.

But before it had taken two steps, the Flameclaw Beast's nose twitched, as if it had caught the aroma wafting from the food stalls along the street.

Its eyes lit up instantly, and it turned and ran towards the dessert shop not far away.

Lin Chen reacted quickly, grabbing the scruff of its neck and pulling it back: "Flame Claw Beast, you know I'm just a recent college graduate."

"Gag?" Flameclaw Beast looked back, its face full of confusion.

Lin Chen spread his hands: "In other words, my current financial situation is not enough to support us in indulging in lavish meals and drinks."

"After all, it's not easy for my parents to earn money..."

"For example, those few skewers of grilled meat would have required several days of hard work to afford."

As he spoke, Lin Chen's tone became slightly downcast. The Flame Claw Beast keenly sensed the change in his emotions and froze, unsure of what to do with its two claws.

So those kebabs were actually quite expensive.

What should I do? What should I do?

What should we do now?

Seeing this, Lin Chen reached out his right hand and pressed down on the Flameclaw Beast's head, smiling brightly: "Oh, it's alright, the budget shortage is only temporary."

He paused briefly, then smiled slightly: "As long as you behave and train hard, we can make a lot of money once you become stronger."

He waved his hand dismissively, exclaiming with boundless confidence, "When the time comes, you can eat as many skewers as you want!"

The Flameclaw Beast nodded solemnly: "Gagu!"

For the sake of grilling skewers—oops, for the sake of becoming stronger—it will keep going.

Lin Chen's smile widened.

After walking slowly for about half an hour, the food in Lin Chen's stomach gradually digested. Then, with his Flame Claw Beast, he quickened his pace and ran towards home.

Much later.

[Mission complete. Rewards: 5 Experience Points, 1 Double Experience Card]

"That's my home."

Standing at the entrance, Lin Chen introduced the Flame Claw Beast to the beast beside him.

The Flameclaw Beast stood before the closed gate, more tense than ever before, its steps so heavy it could barely move.

What will it be like inside?

According to the elders in the tribe, humans are mostly bad people. They capture poor wild animals and force them to work.

If they don't work, they will be severely whipped until they let out heart-wrenching screams.

In that instant, the Flameclaw Beast seemed to see the thug holding a whip waiting for it, and felt a chilling wind blowing against its neck.

But soon, the Flameclaw Beast recalled those delicious skewers, shook its head, and banished all distracting thoughts.

Because Lin Chen bought him some kebabs, even if it was a demon's lair ahead, the brave and fearless Flameclaw Beast was determined to explore it!

Big deal.

At worst, we can figure out a way to slip away later!

With a creak, Lin Chen pushed open the door and entered. The Flame Claw Beast, its nerves on edge, poked its head out and strode heavily.

This is a house that is not very big, and the decoration is very ordinary. The walls are simple white, and the furniture is all old models that have been used for a few years, but it is kept spotless and clean everywhere.

Having just finished exercising, Lin Chen waited until his heart rate calmed down before giving the Flameclaw Beast a brief introduction:

"Look, this is the living room. We can rest here from now on."

"This is my room. You'll sleep here tonight."

"This room is..."

After introducing all the rooms, Lin Chen crouched down, looked directly at the Flameclaw Beast, and his eyes softened:

"From now on, you are a member of our family, and this is your home."

The Flameclaw Beast stared blankly at everything: "Gagu?"

This doesn't seem to be a den of demons.

This is Lin Chen's home, and from now on... it will be my home too?

I have a home again?

The Flameclaw Beast stood there blankly, increasingly confused.

"My parents are still working and won't be back until tonight. They're both very nice and will definitely like you."

Lin Chen patted the Flameclaw Beast's head and continued:

"I also have an older sister, but she's going to do an internship this summer and won't be coming home. I'll introduce you to her when she gets back."

"So for the most part of the time after that, it'll just be the two of us at home."

After saying that, Lin Chen gently patted the Flameclaw Beast's back: "You stay home and familiarize yourself with the environment first. Don't run around. I'm going to take a shower."

The Flameclaw Beast nodded blankly, cautiously walked to the sofa in the living room, touched the sofa armrest with its paw, and then looked around, full of curiosity about this unfamiliar place.

At that moment, a gentle breeze from outside the window lifted the curtains, and the Flameclaw Beast lay sprawled on the soft sofa, gazing at the bustling city view.

Those unbearable memories have gradually faded.

After taking a shower, Lin Chen went to the bedroom and immediately saw the Flameclaw Beast fast asleep on the sofa. He smiled, closed the window, and covered the Flameclaw Beast with a thin blanket.

Next, it's time to immerse yourself in studying the system.