"Let's try using other tools to see if we can engrave it."
Dean Hao and the others became interested.
Initially, they thought the evolution of the Iron Eater was the end, but it seems that, as Shi Yu said, there are still other secrets hidden in the Iron Eater!
"I can help."
A small summoning array appeared in Dean Hao's palm.
He extended his hand and pulled out a tool shaped like a sword hilt, from which a pale yellow laser suddenly emerged.
【Name】: Laser Sword
【Attribute】: Mechanical, Light
【Race Level】: High Commander
【Description】: A man-made light sword life form.
"Damn, that's cool."
Seeing Dean Hao holding the laser sword, Zheng Yingjie and the other boys widened their eyes, almost drooling.
Isn't this more exciting than a girl with animal ears?
No wonder a top mechanic can do this, actually contracting a light sword.
Shi Yu glanced sideways, what a guy, there's actually such a mechanical life form.
He is quite curious now, if a Beastmaster has a fusion talent and contracts a laser sword, would they even need other pet beasts?
Envious.
"Use this to engrave?" Lin Guanzhu nodded, seeing Dean Hao offer to help.
"Sure, thank you."
The Iron Eater looked at the laser sword, completely confused: ???
It felt fine when it did it itself, but using a sword, isn't that a bit too much!
"Don't worry, it won't hurt." Dean Hao laughed.
"Ao..." The recently evolved Iron Eater was still a bit nervous but nodded in pain.
Then, with a flash of the sword, the laser sword left a mark on the Iron Eater's armor without any resistance this time.
The mark was a special symbol on the metal plate.
This time, during the process of engraving the symbol, neither the Iron Eater nor the laser sword felt any resistance.
However, after the symbol was engraved, the Iron Eater showed no change.
This couldn't help but make everyone think.
So, the current issue is indeed the repulsion between the hardening and the armor.
Next, Lin Guanzhu directed the Iron Eater to try several more times.
No matter what they did, the result was the same.
"It seems the symbol is not as simple as a tribal emblem or mark."
"If it was just to engrave an emblem, it could be done like Dean Hao, using another object."
"Based on my investigation, this special symbol should be engraved by the Iron Eater itself using its hardened claws."
"Since it's so difficult for the Iron Eater to engrave a mark on itself, why would it insist on doing so?"
Shi Yu crossed his arms, still very curious about what this symbol represents.
"Ao!!!" Lin Guanzhu's Iron Eater also had a compulsion to leave a mark on itself.
It tried hard to leave a mark on itself but couldn't.
Lin Guanzhu himself was also puzzled, what was going on.
Originally, the evolution of the Iron Eater and the awakening of a new racial skill were double the joy.
Why did this unexplained issue appear now, making him very uncomfortable.
Shi Yu's words sparked a discussion among everyone.
"Regardless, this is a new challenge..." Director Li pondered.
Discovering the evolution method of the Iron Eater through the metal plate seems to be just the tip of the iceberg of this site.
Next, they need to explore the secrets of the Iron Eater's evolution form and the inscriptions.
No wonder Shi Yu said this site is not simple.
The evolution of the Iron Eater into a King race is just the starting point of the research?
Lin Hongnian's lips twitched, "It can't really be as Shi Yu said, requiring a racial skill proficiency level above the Divine level, can it?"
Shi Yu chuckled, "This thing is currently undetermined, but it's not impossible."
"The Iron Eater just evolved, and there are definitely many secrets. To thoroughly determine them, we need to explore step by step."
"Why don't we form an Iron Eater research group and study it together?"
Shi Yu suggested, planning to research the Divine-level proficiency route himself, while leaving other possibilities to Senior Panda and Lin Guanzhu to explore.
Clear division of labor!
The appearance of a new pet beast race, accompanied by a large amount of unknown data, is very normal.
The thousands of known biological data of human Beastmasters were also explored and studied by predecessors.
The current evolution form of the Iron Eater just emerged, and it's not strange that it has unsolved mysteries.
Shi Yu himself definitely doesn't have the energy to fully explore, but in this aspect, Lin Guanzhu should have plenty of energy, after all, he is a true lover.
Mentor Ding said, "Sure, count me in. Actually, we are already very lucky."
"At least, we found a research route right after it evolved."
Director Li also said, "I'm quite curious too."
"Would Lin Guanzhu like to collaborate with Gudu University to study the evolution form of the Iron Eater?"
"You're too kind."
Lin Guanzhu said, "I should thank you all for your help."
Dean Hao laughed, "Count me in too."
In a few words, several master-level Beastmasters decided to explore the secrets of the Iron Eater's evolution form together.
Senior Panda and the Seven Heroes of Archaeology couldn't even get a word in.
They were too junior, feeling they couldn't help much.
"Let's put the inscription aside for now. We can study it later. This is not something that can be explored in a day or two. By the way, after the Iron Eater evolves, shouldn't it have a new racial name?"
"This is the most critical thing right now..."
Generally, when a pet beast completes a racial evolution, changing to a new racial name is a tradition.
Although the Iron Eater can still revert to its original form after evolving, calling it an Iron Eater is no longer appropriate.
"If we are to announce the new evolution form, we do need a new name." Dean Hao nodded.
Lin Guanzhu looked at Shi Yu, "How about giving the naming rights to Shi Yu?"
Although his Iron Eater was the first to complete the evolution, the person to name the evolution form of the Iron Eater should be Shi Yu, as he provided the evolution method.
"Me??" Shi Yu was taken aback.
Although the namer will become famous, he is a naming failure.
Really let him do it?
"Do you have any ideas?" Senior Panda became interested in naming.
Shi Yu fell into deep thought, "Armed Iron Eater? Armored Iron Eater? Armored Iron Eater? Mega Iron Eater? Primitive Iron Eater?"
Everyone: "..."
Lin Guanzhu: "Let's all think about it."
Everyone nodded in unison.
Lin Master's Iron Eater and Eleven also nodded.
For the future reputation of the Iron Eater race, it's better not to give this arduous task to Shi Yu.
Shi Yu was helpless, well, might as well call it Giant Panda or Panda King, except for the mismatch in style, everything else is fine.
"What about Gold Eater? After all, the cost of evolving once is not small."
Lin Guanzhu only now felt the pain.
This time he seemed to have spent a lot of gold, and this name is very poetic.
"Ugly."
Lin Xiuzhu was the first to object, and besides, wasn't that her dowry?
"Swallow Iron Eater?"
"Iron Eater King?"
"Steel Giant?"
"..."
Everyone suggested names, but the more they discussed, the more ridiculous it became.
Shi Yu realized that he wasn't the only one bad at naming.
These people's suggestions didn't sound as good as his.
"Let me do it then."
At this point, after careful thought, Shi Yu had another suggestion.
"After the Iron Eater evolves, it changes from its previous greedy and lazy image. So, we need a name that fits its new character. How about War Beast, a beast specifically for war and battle, and then add a prefix to War Beast."
"We found nine special symbols in this site, which might be related to the Iron Eater, and the alloy used for its evolution is black. The character 'Li' means black, so how about calling it 'Nine Li War Beast'?"
Nine Li War Beast?
Hearing Shi Yu's suggestion, everyone was stunned, but it really seemed to match the armored Iron Eater in terms of character.
"Although it's a bit straightforward, it sounds pretty good?" Lin Master nodded.
Better than the Armed Iron Eater Shi Yu suggested earlier...
"..." Shi Yu smiled, this is not straightforward, but has a deep meaning!
Nine Li, the tribe of the war god Chi You, and the Iron Eater is said to be Chi You's mount. Naming the evolution form of the Iron Eater as Nine Li War Beast is purely to commemorate the Earth's mythology.
Additionally, it also implies the hope that the Iron Eaters in this world can have mythological potential.
"If we can't think of a better name, let's go with this." Senior Panda rubbed her chin in thought, is there no cuter name?
"Not yet, let's wait and see."
After discussion, everyone thought the name Nine Li War Beast was feasible, but there was no rush to name it. That would be after the evolution form is announced, and the process alone would take at least a few months.
In this world, Beastmasters have two choices regarding evolution methods.
One is to treat the evolution method as their own, passing it down through family or apprentices, without making it public.
Generally, such evolution methods are discovered by individuals.
The other is to directly disclose the evolution method to the state, apply for a patent, and become an honored evolution planner for that evolution route, in exchange for fame and benefits.
90% of Beastmasters who know evolution methods choose the former, while a few choose the latter.
Those who choose the latter are mostly monopolizing certain evolution resources or pet beasts, with greater benefits to gain.
Or, they are experts working for the state.
Whether it's the Eleventh Bureau or Gudu University, they are clearly state institutions. The discovery of the Iron Eater's evolution form is the result of everyone's joint efforts, so it must be announced.
Once the paper on the Iron Eater's evolution form is published, whether it's Shi Yu, Lin Guanzhu, or Gudu University, they can gain significant fame and benefits.
Especially Shi Yu, who determined the evolution method, will likely become a new star in the archaeological research field at his age.
"It seems I'll have to stay in Gudushu for a while..." Lin Guanzhu sighed.
The process of applying for an evolution patent is very complex, and they will be busy in the coming days.
"I'll leave this to you all." Shi Yu smiled, "I have no experience, so I won't interfere. As for the research on the Iron Eater's evolution form, I'll leave it to you all for now."
Everyone: ???
Aren't you the highest responsible person for this project?
What do you mean, you're going to be a hands-off boss?
"There are only three months left until the professional assessment, and I haven't even reached the qualifying line for registration. I plan to focus on training for a while..."
"Otherwise, I feel I'll have to wait until next year."
Shi Yu gave a reason, but the main reason was that he wanted to explore the proficiency level above the Divine level on his own.
This is a big project and an important research route... he needs sufficient time to rest and recover, plus he needs to meditate to improve his Beastmaster level, so he can't spare the time to study the Iron Eater's evolution form with everyone.
It's better to wait for the ready research results and benefits.
"Uh, the professional assessment?"
Director Li and others were taken aback, almost forgetting that Shi Yu is still a trainee Beastmaster.
"No problem, personal development is the most important." Lin Guanzhu nodded.
Shi Yu's little Iron Eater is still far from evolving, so it's indeed more important to focus on his own improvement. Research matters can be left to him.
Lin Guanzhu felt that by the time Shi Yu's Iron Eater reaches the evolution standard, he should be able to help Shi Yu plan the perfect evolution method.
He is grateful to Shi Yu for the successful evolution of the Iron Eater, and the best way to thank him is to help Shi Yu perfect this evolution route, making it convenient for Shi Yu to use in the future.
"The professional assessment is held once a year, and missing it would have a significant impact."
"Moreover, if you follow the normal admission route, a professional identity is necessary..."
After Shi Yu decided to be a hands-off boss and focus on preparing for the professional assessment, everyone had no objections and even agreed.
Everyone's attention was quickly drawn to the next matter.
"Dean Hao, is there a suitable arena here? I want to see the current strength of the Iron Eater." Lin Guanzhu said expectantly.
Dean Hao laughed, understanding, "Of course."
"Not just you, we also want to see. Let's go."
...
Inside the Mechanical College, Dean Hao activated a high-tech steel arena for Lin Guanzhu to use.
Lin Guanzhu, in addition to the Iron Eater already on the field, summoned his true ace, the pet beast that helped him become a master-level Beastmaster, the King-level Golden Ape.
"Monkey, the Iron Eater has finally evolved."
"Come, test its strength."
"Wait, it's not a battle, don't move yet, just test its attack power."
Golden Ape: ?
On the field, the giant golden-haired ape fell into deep thought.
Looking at the opposite side, the mighty and armored Iron Eater, it suddenly realized, this day has finally come.
The feelings have faded, huh.
The ace is changing, huh.
The new one is always better than the original, huh.