Bear School Astartes

”A secondary name?”

Lann tilted his head with interest towards the Commander-in-Chief and the scholar. He searched through the materials he had studied at the ecological research institute, and it seemed there was no explanation for this term.

”What’s this about?”

Instead of immediately answering Lann’s question, the Commander-in-Chief first frowned and confirmed with the head of the ecological research institute.

”So quickly confirmed as a [secondary name]? It hasn’t been captured for long, has it?”

”Just listening to the description and simple observation is enough.” The old man from the Douding Dragon Race waved dismissively. ”The characteristics of a [secondary name] are too obvious.”

After the two had finished their exchange, the institute director immediately jumped back into the crowd of scholars, squeezing towards the Barbaric Jaws Dragon.

The Commander-in-Chief took the time to explain the concept of a [secondary name] to Lann.

In a species of monsters, there are naturally many individuals, and it is precisely this that allows them to be called a ’species’.

The so-called ’special individual’ is an individual within a species that has distanced and differentiated itself from the original species through special environments or other special conditions.

This could be due to an excess of nutrients breaking through the original species’ physical limits.

Or living in extreme environments for many years, causing their breath and other attack methods to be influenced by the environment.

These monsters can be considered as beings that have surpassed the original species.

But they are still not called [secondary name].

The distinction lies here: if a monster of the original species were given all the conditions of special treatment usually given to a special individual, it would likely also become a special individual.

But a [secondary name] is more unique, an individual born due to unique experiences and mutations during its own life within the population, like ’a certain one’ among them.

Simply put, there can be a group of special individuals. However, in a species, or perhaps in a world, there is only one [secondary name].

In the case of this Barbaric Jaws Dragon, the root of its transformation was a brief encounter with Lann, and its leg was nearly torn off. However, through a stroke of luck, it found a way to heal and even train itself, which led to its current state.

There seemed almost no possibility in nature for another Barbaric Jaws Dragon to have the same experience.

Of course, rarity does not directly equate to strength. However, it is generally acknowledged by hunters and scholars that [secondary name] monsters are generally stronger than the original species.

”A unique mutation, huh?”

Lann folded his arms, using his distinct height to see over the crowd at the Barbaric Jaws Dragon he captured... which should now be called [Fierce Claw].

The concept of a biological organism’s unique mutation slightly excited him.

His innate talent and interest in biotechnology were fueling his curiosity.

”If I could dissect and take a look...”

The Demon Hunter murmured softly.

”Oh? Are you interested in researching it?” the Commander-in-Chief tilted his head sideways to look at Lann. ”That’s no problem at all. If the scholars at the research institute agree, you can definitely join the research on Fierce Claw.”

”Hmm?” Lann looked at the Commander-in-Chief in surprise, ”Dissection is allowed too? Doesn’t this Fierce Claw need to be returned to nature?”

Throughout these days of contact, Lann had come to better understand the ways of the Hunters.

In the eyes of these Hunters, as long as it does not pose a threat to human production and life, whether to return the monster to nature depends only on: whether its ecological habits might have an impact on nature.

And it has nothing to do with the strength of the monster.

This Fierce Claw, although significantly stronger than an ordinary Barbaric Jaws Dragon, has not been found to have major changes in its ecological habits so far. Meaning it is still part of nature.

Though it somewhat enjoys blocking the gate of the Star Base, if it weren’t for the current time constraint due to the activity of the Molten Mountain Dragon, scholars would probably be too happy about this normally.

Releasing it back into nature is almost a foregone conclusion for the Hunters.

”Of course, we’ll release it.” But in response to Lann’s question, the Commander-in-Chief instead looked at the Demon Hunter in surprise.

”It’s just dissection, how could that possibly kill it? The material rewards for Hunters in the capture mission are taken during the process.”

The Demon’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Dissection and killing... they aren’t equivalent here, are they?

But thinking back, the tail of the Barbaric Jaws Dragon that he chopped off, bone and all, the scholars said would grow back within days.

Given the monstrously abundant vitality of these creatures, being dissected under anesthesia, within limits... doesn’t seem like a mortal wound, does it?

After all, if entire lost bones can regrow, then even if crudely stitched up after dissection, it could probably heal quite well once it wakes up.

... Damn! Such vitality is enviable!

Lann pouted.

Though Demon Hunters and Interstellar Warriors also have notable survival means on the battlefield, they seem inconsequential compared to the vitality of such monsters.

However, if research on the bodies of this world’s monsters were possible. Perhaps...

Lann’s eyes started to glimmer with excitement. It was like he had thought of a good idea.

”But although a secondary name is precious, now is not the time for research, everyone!”

Suddenly, the Commander-in-Chief’s loud shout caught the attention of the scholars and other onlookers.

”This Fierce Claw will remain in the Star Base, kept under anesthesia, and will be available for future research. Our current priority is to explore the primary objective of our expedition team!”

Upon hearing this, every member of the expedition team appeared solemn and expectant.

[Ancient Dragon Crossing].

In the known world, the largest creature—the Ancient Dragon species, Molten Mountain Dragon.

An Ancient Dragon is a creature standing at the pinnacle of the world’s ecology.

Compared to these god-like beings, a [secondary name] Barbaric Jaws Dragon is indeed not of primary importance.

After the Commander-in-Chief’s command, the supply crew, who were already eager, shouted confidently as they drove carts and wagons loaded with supplies, pulled by herbivorous dragons, in a long line out of the Star Base’s gate.

The expedition team nearly went all out for this survey.

Even the usually stationed Sword Master left with them.

Only a few remained as a rear guard and to maintain Fierce Claw’s anesthesia status.

They were instructed by the Commander-in-Chief: if by chance a monster attacked during this time, or Fierce Claw woke up, then just run away.

Undoubtedly, facing the behavior of the Molten Mountain Dragon in an Ancient Dragon Crossing, the Commander-in-Chief even ranked the investigation priority above the Star Base itself, second only to personnel safety.

”I always feel that using human creations to stop a moving volcano is somewhat unrealistic, especially when it’s rushed work.”

Lann said as he watched the convoy driving out in single file, frowning slightly amidst the dust.

However, the white-haired, crew-cut elderly man, with a blackened face, had no objections to this.

”It would be best if it works, but even if it doesn’t, we can obtain unprecedented valuable data.”