3★ Beth

Fire Beth

“This Astromon is as fiery as its temper. Usually it’s lives peacefully, but when it feels threatened, it takes a deep breath and swells up its body. Sometimes it can hold its breath for too long though, and pass out, though, which makes me feel kinda sorry for it.”

– Quote from “A Young Child’s First Steps into the Adult World” by Martin Stevens

“You should all take a leaf out of this Astromon’s book and learn to relax. The older you get, the harder it is to find time to unwind.”

“Mr. Stevens. Why not take a break from teaching us?”

“…*sigh…*”

– Quote from “A Young Child’s First Steps into the Adult World” by Martin Stevens

“Look at how colorful Bethany is! Usually, creatures low on the food chain try to blend in. I wonder why she evolved this way?

“Mr. Stevens! Maybe it’s because she likes to dress up and go to parties.”

“Umm… Maybe not…”

– Quote from “A Young Child’s First Steps into the Adult World” by Martin Stevens

Water Beth

An Astromon that puffs up its body when threatened. It’s actually quite a scaredy-cat, but its so cute. Don’t you think?

When provoked, Betty will spray multiple jets of water at her enemy, and if that doesn’t make them back off, she’ll swell up until she explodes! Of course, that’s only as a last resort.

Bethany looks rather extravagant, doesn’t she? This is her way of making herself look more threatening than she actually is. Naturally, she prefers flight to fight.

Wood Beth

“Even adventurers without much adventuring experience under their belts should not have too much trouble with this Astromon. Just remember: 1) When she swells up, that means she is feeling threatened; 2) If you do not get out of there quick, she will attack.”

– “Astromon Behavioral Observations for Beginning Adventurers, Vol. 3” by P. Gilbert

“Some novice adventurers have too much pride, and refrain from escaping in times of danger. To those I say this: Your pride has far less value than your life. Of course, adventurers rarely lose their lives, but it is still better to avoid getting injured. As one of the greatest adventurers in all of Latecia, a lesson I’ve learned time and again is a little less ego and a little more caution never hurt anyone.”

– “Astromon Behavioral Observations for Beginning Adventurers, Vol. 3” by P. Gilbert

“The water Bethany spurts from her mouth is strong enough to break a thin piece bit of wood, but she is too scared to use it most of the time. Just take a deep breath, and I am sure you will be able to deal with her.”

– Excerpt from “The Novice Adventurer’s Guide to Astromon Behavior Vol. 3” by P. Gilbert

Light Beth

Light-elemental Beths, with their gentle temperament, have oft been voted as the most suitable as pets among all the Beths. Their comparatively high intelligence, sociable personalities, and brightly colored fins make them popular among masters.

Their favorite snack is dried shrimp; if they don’t get it three times a day, they puff themselves up to express their discontent. Beware if they do this, for if they remain that way for too long, they may explode.

Light-elemental Beths are famous for their beautiful scales. The peculiar refraction of light that occurs when the sun hits their backs is said to make cloudless days twice as bright. Those who have seen a Beth out on a stroll beneath the sun say it is like seeing the sun taking a ride on the Beth’s back.

“Agh! Beth! Your Beth bit me!”

“What? She never bites people. You must’ve done something to deserve it.”

“What?! That’s so unfair! I was just here reading this magazine. Now I’ve got bite marks on my wrist…”

“Let’s have a look… This is the magazine you were reading, right? ‘Weekly Monsermo Special: A Deep Dive into Master Cook’…”

“Gwekk! Gwaaakk!”

“Beth seems really angry! She’s completely puffed up…”

“I think I know why she’s mad. This article is about Ramu’s victory in Master Cook way back when. The dish he made was…”

“Don’t tell me…”

Dark Beth

These Astromons were born of the vengeful spirits of innocent Beths who had been sacrificed. As such, they are possessed of an innate, powerful hostility toward Chef Ramu.

According to one researcher, dark-elemental Beths’ teeth are infused with a terrible, unspeakable curse that afflicts chefs for life who try to use the Beths in their dishes.

Do you remember years ago on Master Cook when Ramu introduced to the world his new dish, seasoned Beth and fin soup? An extraordinary dish nobody else could make, which displayed Chef Ramu’s divine cooking talent. Here in Bisden, everyone remembers the legendary moment of truth when the judges all wept as they ate.

In the years that have followed, no one has come close to reproducing such a glorious dish. Many have tried, but every attempt has ended in failure, which has even led some to frantically try using the cursed meat of a dark-elemental Beth.

– Excerpt from “Weekly Monsermo Special: A Deep Dive into Master Cook”

“Are you really denying any responsibility for the current state of affairs, Mr. Ramu?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The number of victims has already reached double digits. No chef who has left to catch a dark-elemental Beth has returned to their kitchen.

They become haunted by terrible hallucinations after their encounter, and subsequently give up their dreams of being chefs.”

“That is no longer of any relation to me. Please get out of my way.”

“It IS related to you! It’s because of you that I was fired from my kitchen last week! So I figured I’d bring you a gift… in the form of this dark Beth here.”

“What’re you…?!”

After that day, Chef Ramu’s whereabouts became unknown. The once-legendary chef was nowhere to be found in the streets of Bisden. Did he succumb to the dark Beth’s curse like the others? Did the Beths finally get their revenge? Only the dark Beth who was there knows the truth…