Surviving The Beast World With My 'Sassy' System-Chapter 49: Companion Growth Type

Mirek’s grip loosened by a fraction, though he didn’t step away. His gaze flicked from the vine to Lavayla’s face, searching for any sign of distress. Finding none, he couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

This human was far too trusting.

A Primal plant showing no hostility now didn’t mean it would remain harmless.

Meanwhile, Nessa called out to Lavayla, drawing her attention away from the vine and back to the system.

’So, let me continue what I was explaining. I said the primal plant was a companion-growth type, right?’

’Yes, you did. What does that mean?’

’It means that companion-growth type plants can form bonds with a Beastman or beast whose power is equal to or higher than their own,’ Nessa explained. ’They may also choose partners of the same tier, depending on compatibility.’

Her tone sharpened slightly.

’Unlike aggressive or parasitic Primal plants, companion-growth types form bonds based on mutual benefit. Their biggest advantage is their growth speed. Right now, it’s a high-level mid-tier Primal plant. Once its energy fully recovers, it can naturally advance into a low-level high-tier Primal plant.’

Lavayla’s eyes widened slightly. ’That fast?’

’Extremely fast,’ Nessa confirmed. ’That’s their defining trait.’

She paused—then added pointedly,

’And their growth doesn’t happen in isolation.’

Lavayla felt something click in her thoughts. ’You mean...’

’Yes,’ Nessa replied. ’The bonded partner is affected as well. Whatever attribute the plant synchronizes with will be enhanced. Since you’re human—and you possess a plant-related ability—if it forms a bond with you, the benefits will lean heavily in your favor.’

Lavayla’s breath hitched.

’Your plant affinity would be elevated far beyond its normal limits. And if you begin cultivating beast power in the future, your progress would be significantly faster, with minimal energy loss and effort.’

Hearing that, Lavayla’s gaze changed entirely.

What she’d been looking at moments ago as an unfamiliar, slightly frightening entity now resembled a treasure chest quietly waiting to be opened.

The Verdant Coil Vine seemed to sense the shift. Its forward movement stalled, leaf-fronds curling inward hesitantly.

Lavayla caught herself instantly. She softened her expression, forcing the hunger from her eyes, and offered the plant a warm, gentle smile as she slowly extended her hand.

The vine hesitated—then moved again, inch by inch, until its bud brushed her fingers once more.

Lavayla swallowed and asked inwardly,

’Do you think... there’s a chance I can form a bond with it?’

The thought sent a quiet ache through her chest. A companion like this—one that could protect her, grow alongside her, and help her become stronger—felt almost too good to be real.

But she was only human. She wasn’t a beastman and had no other abilities except for the plant affinity which was great for survival but not for combat.

Nearby, Mirek continued to observe in silence, still unsettled by the rapid succession of discoveries. First, it was the condensed primal energy which was a rare treasure. A high-level Primal plant. And at the center of it all—

His gaze lingered briefly on Lavayla.

She was small, slender, unmistakably human. Her skin was fair, almost pale, her long black hair damp and clinging lightly to her back, nearly reaching her waist.

A human.

Where did she come from?

As the question lingered in his mind, Nessa finally replied to Lavayla.

’Honestly, Host, I can’t say for sure,’ she admitted. ’But it seems to like you. And considering that this area is enclosed and you won’t be leaving anytime soon, your best option is to make yourself familiar and non-threatening.’

She brightened slightly.

’If it grows comfortable with you, you might be able to convince it to form a mutual bond.’

’I see...’ Lavayla murmured inwardly. ’Then I should start now.’

Without hesitation, she crouched down and spoke gently, her voice soft and sincere.

"Hello, my name is Lavayla. I’m a human. It’s wonderful to meet you." Her voice was soft, careful, as though she were speaking to a skittish animal rather than a semi-sentient primal plant.

She gestured lightly toward the glowing crystal behind it. "As for the crystallized energy—he won’t drain everything. He’ll only take small amounts at a time."

The Verdant Coil Vine didn’t move.

Its leaf-fronds fluttered faintly, then settled, as if listening.

Lavayla continued, choosing her words slowly. "You don’t have to be afraid. We won’t destroy this place. And we won’t take what you need to live."

The bud at the front of the vine pulsed softly once as if it were uncertain.

Mirek’s eyes narrowed.

He didn’t understand how she expected it to comprehend spoken language. Primal plants didn’t process words the way humans did. They responded to intent, to energy, to instinct.

Yet, the vine shifted.

It lowered slightly, its thin body pressing closer to the stone floor as if easing into a less defensive posture.

Lavayla noticed and felt a quiet spark of hope.

"I don’t want to take anything from you," she said honestly. "I just want us to... coexist. Help each other. That’s all."

She withdrew her hand slowly, deliberately, giving it space to decide.

The cave fell silent save for the distant sound of water.

Then, inch by inch, the Verdant Coil Vine moved again.

This time, it didn’t reach for her fingers.

Instead, one of its leaf-fronds extended and brushed lightly against the ground near her knee—hesitant, testing. A faint thread of pale-green light seeped from its veins, sinking into the stone and fading harmlessly.

Nessa’s voice rose in Lavayla’s mind, sharp with surprise.

’Host... it’s responding to your intent.’

Lavayla was surprised. ’Is that... good?’

’Very,’ Nessa replied. ’It means it doesn’t perceive you as a threat—or prey.’

Mirek shifted behind her, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of danger. But the vine made no sudden movements. No constriction. No aggression.

Only curiosity.

The bud at its front unfurled a fraction, releasing a soft pulse of energy that washed over Lavayla like a warm breeze through leaves.

She inhaled deeply in surprise.

The sensation was gentle. Refreshing. Like standing in sunlight after a long winter.

’It’s sharing energy,’ Nessa whispered, awe creeping into her tone. ’Like... It’s gifting you.’

Lavayla’s eyes shone.

"Wow... so you can understand me," she murmured, barely above a whisper.

The vine swayed once.

Mirek stared.

In all his years, he had never seen a primal plant initiate energy contact with a human—let alone one without cultivation.

This was unheard of.

Just then, the baby stirred.

His small head shifted slightly, round eyes blinking open as if drawn by something. His gaze drifted—past the glowing vine, past Lavayla’s shoulder—until it landed on Mirek.

Mirek glanced down reflexively.

Then he froze.

His body went rigid, breath catching as he leaned closer without realizing it, his sharp gaze locking onto the baby’s face. The familiar curve of the brows. The faint mark near the temple. The unmistakable features of his bloodline.

...Vai?

His nephew.

Cold shock rushed through him.

This baby—was his nephew?

His mind raced. Vai was supposed to be safe. Back at the tribe. Under the care of Zaran’s partner—the one Mirek himself had entrusted with the cub’s protection.

Then why—

Why was he here?

And how in the world had he ended up with a human?

"Human."

Mirek’s voice came out low and sharp, cutting through the silence.

Lavayla startled violently at the sound so close behind her. She gasped, instinctively trying to stand, her balance tipping forward—

Before she could fall, Mirek reacted instantly.

One arm wrapped firmly around her waist from behind, steadying her, while his other hand came up to the baby’s back to keep him from slipping. Lavayla had moved at the same time, her hand already bracing the baby—so Mirek’s palm ended up covering hers.

The sudden movement pulled her backward instead, inertia sending her back against his chest.

Lavayla sucked in a breath, heart pounding, too focused on recovering from the scare to process how close they suddenly were.

"Are you alright, human?" Mirek asked, his voice lower now. "I didn’t mean to startle you."

He had dipped his head slightly to speak, and his voice brushed near her hair.

That was when Lavayla realized.

How close they were.

She froze for half a heartbeat—then blurted out, "I—I’m alright. Thank you. But my name is Lavayla. Not ’human.’"

She stepped out of his hold at once, moving a few steps forward before turning back to face him. Only then did she fully register his height—how much taller he was when she wasn’t pressed against him.

Clearing her throat, she continued, "I haven’t asked for your name yet. What is it?"

Mirek barely heard her.

His attention was fixed on the baby in her arms, his gaze intense, unreadable.

"Mirek," he answered automatically.

Then, without looking away from the child, he added, his voice firm and certain,

"The baby with you—he’s not yours. He’s a beast cub."

____

{Hello! I dropped the image of the *possible* next book cover in the comments 👀

I’m considering changing it in January, so tell me—do you like it, or should we leave it as it is?

Thank you for sticking with me ♡}