Beast Taming Star Journey

Dean Tie raised his head, staring sharply at me. "Nong Yu..." he paused, "Do you... know how big a mess you've made?" I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.

“Dean, I know my proposal breaks with centuries of academy tradition, but the students need change, and the academy needs change.”

"Change? Do you know how many years Professor Xi has been at the academy? How many of his students have become Beast Taming Masters? What right do you, a mere brat, have to question his teaching methods?" Dean Tie's voice was tinged with anger as he slammed his fist on the table.

I was not intimidated by his imposing manner; on the contrary, I became even more determined.

“Dean, I certainly admire Professor Xi’s achievements, but times are changing, and sticking to old ways will only make the academy stagnant. We cannot only train beast tamers who obey orders, but also beast tamers with innovative thinking who can adapt to various complex environments.” I paused, took out a pre-prepared plan from my pocket, and handed it to Dean Tie with both hands.

"This is my reform plan. Please take a look, Dean." Dean Tie took the plan with some skepticism, his brow furrowed as he flipped through the pages one by one.

My heart rose and fell with his gaze, like a restless little bird.

In the proposal, I detailed the drawbacks of the current teaching system and the benefits that my reform plan could bring.

I proposed increasing practical courses to give students more opportunities to interact with different beasts and learn different combat techniques; encouraging students to conduct independent research and cultivate their innovative thinking; and establishing a fairer assessment system so that every student has the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Time passed slowly, and the room was silent except for the sound of Dean Tie turning the pages of paper.

I could feel his breathing gradually become steady, and his tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

He nodded from time to time, and occasionally tapped lightly on the plan with his fingers, as if he was thinking about something.

Seeing a glimmer of hope, I continued, "Dean, the competition in the beast taming world is fierce now. We can no longer use the old methods to train students. Only through reform can the academy be revitalized and can we cultivate more outstanding beast tamers."

Dean Tie put down the proposal and looked at me intently.

“I have considered what you’re saying. But…” he sighed, “there’s too much resistance from the academy, and Professor Xi and the others won’t agree easily.”

“I know,” I said firmly, “but for the future of the college, we must make changes. I believe that as long as we persevere, we will succeed.”

Dean Tie was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I will seriously consider your proposal. You can go back now."

A surge of joy filled me, knowing I was halfway to success. I bowed to Dean Tie and turned to leave.

Just then, the office door was suddenly pushed open... The door was flung open with a loud bang, and my heart jumped.

Professor Xi stood angrily at the door, his wrinkled face contorted with rage, as if it were about to explode at any moment.

"Dean Tie! You actually listened to this kid's nonsense alone!" Professor Xi's appearance was completely unexpected. I subconsciously clenched my fists and felt my palms sweating slightly.

"Professor Xi, calm down." Dean Tie tried to soothe him, but Professor Xi clearly wouldn't listen.

"Calm down? How can I calm down! This kid's reform plan is utter nonsense! He'll ruin the academy!" Professor Xi pointed at me, his spittle almost hitting my face.

I suppressed my anger and tried to remain calm. "Professor Xi, my plan isn't nonsense; it's been carefully considered. It can..."

“Deliberate consideration? What do you know about deliberate consideration!” Professor Xi interrupted me rudely, pulled out a stack of documents from his pocket, and slammed them hard on Dean Tie’s desk.

“Look, this is the college’s graduate employment rate over the past ten years, which has been steadily increasing! This proves that our teaching methods are effective! Your reform plan will only disrupt this stability!” I could tell at a glance that there was something wrong with the data. The data had obviously been tampered with, some key indicators had been deliberately exaggerated, and other important data had been concealed.

I took a deep breath, about to speak in rebuttal, but Professor Xi pressed on relentlessly, giving me no chance to speak at all.

"Your so-called practical courses are nothing but a waste of time and resources! Your so-called innovative thinking will only lead students astray! Your so-called fair assessment is utter nonsense! Do you know how strict our college's assessment system is? It has been continuously improved by several generations! What right do you have to question it!" Professor Xi's voice grew louder and louder, almost roaring.

I feel like a wild beast trapped in a cage, wanting to break free but powerless to do so.

I glanced at Dean Tie; his brow was furrowed, as if he were weighing something. A sense of unease rose within me; I wondered what his decision would be.

Just then, I heard light footsteps outside the office. I knew it was Su Yao; she must be waiting anxiously outside.

I could almost feel the worry in her eyes, which made me even more determined. I couldn't back down; I had to fight for my plan to the very end.

“Professor Xi, I seriously doubt the authenticity of the data you mentioned. I have conducted a detailed investigation, and the college’s graduate employment rate is not as high as you say, and…” I had just finished speaking when Professor Xi interrupted me again.

"Enough! I don't want to hear your nonsense anymore! Dean Tie, you can't be fooled by this kid! You must..." I suddenly raised my voice, interrupting Professor Xi.

“Dean Tie, please believe me, my reform plan is feasible! It can…” Before I could finish speaking, the office door was pushed open again, and a slightly panicked voice came: “Dean! Something bad has happened! The experimental field…” Dean Tie suddenly stood up, his face becoming extremely solemn.

He glanced at me, then at Professor Xi, and said in a deep voice, "We'll discuss this later."

Then he strode out of the office, leaving Professor Xi and me alone, with the air thick with the smell of gunpowder...