"Soul Binding Compass..." an idea popped into my mind, and I accessed the window to take it. I stared at the soul that wandered in the air, about to disappear, and I opened the compass. That second, the middle-aged woman’s soul entered inside.

"I’ll take you to your son when I’m out of here," I murmured softly...

I heard rustling sounds and immediately rushed to my sword. I held it firmly and pointed it forward, waiting for whatever was going to jump out,but instead, it was the cat.

"Now that’s what you call a show," she said, impressed, and I lowered my sword.

"Why did you separate me from my beast-men? It’s far worse than my lifespan being reduced," I scoffed.

She sighed. "Host, do you really think I’d let you die that easily? This is an easy challenge. And with that brain of yours, you’ll pass," she said.

I don’t know, but that kind of felt like both an insult and a compliment at the same time. I shivered and snapped out of my thoughts.

"Why does the hologram show up instead of you?" I asked, and she sighed again, like I was frustrating her life.

"Host, I was on vacation. When I’m not here, the hologram replies to you in my stead," she replied, rolling her eyes. "Stop acting so dumb already," she added, and I rolled mine.

"For a cat that small, you have a big mouth," I mumbled under my breath, and she gave me a glare. Did she hear that?

Either way...

"Vacation? Do you have another life apart from this?" I paused. "I have so many questions...?"

The cat lips twitched, and her eyes carried that bored, annoyed look. "Ah, I have so many ways not to answer you. Which will it be now?" she laughed, and my eyes darkened. Before I could say anything, she disappeared...

"Arghhh, I have never seen a system that doesn’t help its host!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. "Shouldn’t I always be getting cheat skills or something more? I only get gifts and have to do the thinking myself. Argh..." I mumbled grumpily, increasing my pace...

My vision blurred the second I reached the riverside. My tummy grumbled, and right then, I collapsed to my knees.

I could almost taste fries in my mouth spiritually. Now I was starting to miss my world. The thought of burgers crossed my mind and I licked my lips.

"Too bad... I’ll die from hunger," I mumbled, ready to collapse to the ground, when suddenly—

"Host, don’t die yet... Food panel has been gifted to you by Reader51."

The cat’s voice rang out, and my eyes lit up immediately. I stared at the panel, my eyes glistening...

"Oh my..." I exclaimed. "Chicken nuggets, sushi, croissants, lasagna, tacos, dumplings, kebabs, samosa, kimchi, burgers, shawarma..." I called out the names, and saliva dripped from my lips.

I immediately clicked on everything. Okay, I admit it, you can call me a glutton.

I chewed on the shawarma and moaned, it tasted so good. I shoved chicken nuggets into my mouth and squirmed softly. Even the lasagna tasted like heaven... I ate everything in less than an hour.

I gently wiped my lips and stared down at my tummy. It wasn’t that flat, but who cares? I was filled to the brim.

"Thanks, Reader51!" I yelled. Whoever they were, they made my day.

I scrambled back to my feet and gently stepped into the river... The water was fast and flowing, but I kept a steady balance, walking carefully, when suddenly a wave of water hit me and I sank deep into it.

I held onto my sword and rose to the surface, panting for air. I wiped my face and then I spotted someone.

"Ryker?"

I swam forward and climbed onto the grassy ground. I dragged my tired legs...

Gosh, I suddenly felt like puking...

"Ryker!" I screamed... she probably placed them far away from me, so I doubted he heard me. I slowed and crouched down, placing my hands on my knees, panting...

I froze as I saw boots right in front of me.

I looked up and froze as his face was inches away from mine...

I watched as his eyes brightened. "Master," he called out, and I staggered backwards, but his hands shot out and grabbed my waist.

"How did you disappear from the cave? There was meat all set and ready. Why did—"

I cut him off with a hug.

"I thought I wouldn’t find you," I sighed in relief and pulled away. My eyes turned serious. "Where are the others?" I asked, and his brows furrowed.

"When I went back to the cave, you weren’t there... and neither were the others. It was empty," he said.

Ahh... my hope died instantly, and I licked my lips.

"It’s okay... we will find them," I mumbled, but shivered as his gaze turned intense.

"What’s wrong? Is something on my face?" I asked.

He didn’t say a word and kept staring. "Master, why do you have dirt all over your body?" he asked, and I blushed.

I reached for my cheeks and wiped them. "Well, don’t mind me... I’ll go bathe around if it disgusts you?" I said, and he laughed.

"Disgust?" he mumbled, and I nodded.

Before I could blink, he moved closer and my breath ceased.

"You look beautiful... like a swamp princess," he said, and my cheeks turned bright red. I looked away as my heart suddenly raced. I bit my bottom lip and watched as his gaze shifted to it.

His lips suddenly landed on mine: soft and gentle. He sucked on my bottom lip and pulled away. Our lips made a soft sound.

I wanted to say something, but his tongue slid out and he moved closer...

His tongue trailed across my face, slow and gentle, until it moved upwards. I hiccupped at that second, I wasn’t expecting this...

I watched as he pulled back and licked his lips. "You taste nice, Master," he said, and I gasped, finally breathing.

My legs gave out, but he held me tightly and gently pinched my cheeks.

"Are you hungry? I have meat. I can roast it. I also have a place where you can rest for a while, you look tired... and maybe a change of clothes!" he said all at once.

I tried to process his words. I smiled as he stopped, catching his breath, gazing straight into my eyes.

"We can rest, Master. The others will be just fine. They won’t die if you rest for a few minutes," he said, and I nodded. He was right, I needed rest.

"Ryker, I need to head to the southern part. I want to kill low-rank demons. I want to get at least a few cores and level up," I said, and watched as his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Master, but you are weak! I can’t take you there. Let’s just go find the others," he said, ready to move, but my hand reached out and held his wrist.

"I can’t keep running from danger," I said, and he sighed.

"Master, you don’t have to run into danger. We will run into it for you... that’s why we are your beast-men... your consorts," he said.

Ahh... those words made my stomach flip. It made me happy knowing there was someone willing to risk their life for me, but I also had to reciprocate that feeling.

"And I will also protect you guys in return. Being partners doesn’t mean you give me everything. It’s a shared responsibility both sides have to carry, Ryker. So let’s treat each other the same...either in hate or love," I said.

I watched as his eyes softened and he looked away.

"That’s nice, Master," he said... but why did he sound vulnerable, like he was hiding something?

I should use this chance to get to know him.

"Ryker, where are you from? Your hometown. Tell me everything about you...?" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

His eyes widened and he gazed at me. "Y-you want to know about me?" he asked, and I nodded. He smiled, and his fox ears popped out suddenly.

Did they only reveal themselves when he was happy or what? I mumbled, and he noticed.

"They pop out when I feel excitement... or sadness... just my emotions," he said, and I nodded.

He gently reached for my back and waist. "Wait! I can walk," I said, but he suddenly scooped me up.

I could feel his muscular chest and his strong biceps.

I blushed. "Ahhh... my beast-men are going to be the death of me..."