Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 50

"Stay in groups of at least three," Zhao concluded, his owl’s penetrating gaze sweeping across the gathered students.

"Report anything unusual and remember... While safety is paramount, don’t forget this is a gathering class. Your grades will depend directly on the quantity and quality of materials you obtain."

As students began organizing themselves, Ren studied the nearest trees. The mushrooms in his hair pulsed gently, revealing patterns others might miss.

The silk was valuable, yes, but he knew the real treasures lay at the edges of the marked territory, where beasts still maintained their natural behavior, undisturbed by human presence.

’I just need to be careful,’ he thought while the mushrooms pulsed softly in agreement. ’And choose the right moment.’

"Now," Zhao spread his wings while surveying the students, his owl’s influence making his presence even more imposing.

"These excursions happen only three times throughout the year," the professor continued. "I hope you’ve paid attention in Professor Song’s theoretical classes. Correct identification of valuable materials will be crucial for your success."

A mocking laugh echoed from Jin’s group, cutting through the serious atmosphere.

"Did you hear that, Fungus?" he called loud enough for everyone to hear. "The theoretical classes! Aren’t those the ones you never attended because you were too busy becoming less poor or running from us in the caves?"

More laughter joined in. It was true, Ren had spent most of those classes in the mines, both gathering and easily evading Jin and his group’s clumsy pursuit.

"I guess being desperate for a few miserable iron crystals was more important than learning to identify valuable materials, poor people logic," Jin continued, his tiger markings gleaming with malice.

"If student Patinder considers he already masters the theory," Zhao intervened, his sharp gaze fixed on Ren, "then his results in this excursion should reflect that."

Ren maintained a neutral expression, though the mushrooms in his hair pulsed with quiet amusement. If his classmates knew he’d been gathering far more than "miserable crystals" all this time...

"The best performing groups," Zhao continued, drawing attention back to himself, "won’t just receive the highest grades. The school offers double bonuses for gatherings, remember."

Several students’ eyes lit up at the mention of rewards.

Even Luna’s noble followers seemed more interested, their previously bored expressions sharpening with sudden focus.

"But remember," Zhao’s voice hardened, his owl’s wings casting meaningful shadows, "a dead student can’t enjoy any bonus. Keep your priorities in order."

"Good luck with that, Fungus," Jin smiled maliciously, his tiger markings rippling. "Maybe you’ll find some dry leaves worth as much as your iron crystals."

Taro stepped forward, his beetle manifesting protectively, but Ren stopped him with a subtle gesture.

"I get you Jin… Mushrooms are experts at identifying what’s rotten and what’s valuable," he responded simply, causing the laughter to choke off as they processed the double meaning.

The mushrooms in his hair pulsed with satisfaction while Jin frowned, trying to decide if he’d just been insulted.

"Enough," Zhao cut in. "You have until sunset for your first gathering. Don’t forget your flares and stay within the marked boundaries."

As groups began dispersing, Ren caught a slight smile playing at Luna’s lips before she turned away with her companions.

’Let the others laugh,’ he thought while checking his equipment. ’Knowledge was almost everything so he could skip almost any theoretical class.’

His mushrooms pulsed in agreement as he prepared to demonstrate exactly how much he’d learned during those "wasted" hours in the caves.

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