I Became A Starter Beast

'Aster, I want that one.'

Twy's left paw repeatedly tapped the young man's neck, while the other one was pointing toward the shop selling grilled eels.

Aster sighed, he raised a plastic bag with different foods inside. “You didn't even finish this and you're going to add another one? Enough already." 

'I'll eat them later, this is the last one promise!' the kitten pleaded with glittering eyes.

However, no matter how much he did so Aster didn't stop walking, instead he walked faster and faster while holding onto his partner, just to get away from this merchant's den.

The young man gritted his teeth as he felt his wallet losing weight. 'Whoever decided to allow those stalls near the bus stop, you did damn well.' he then lowered his head, looking at the map on his phone. 

Aster followed the highlighted path, he took a couple of turns in different streets and crossed the road until his feet finally stopped. "We're here." 

Twy squirming stopped when he heard that—like he'd broken out of the curse. He raised his tiny head and looked at the building that stood five floors tall, giving a warm and comfortable vibe due to its rustic style of architecture.

Aster released a sigh of relief, before pushing the dark wooden doors of the building. 

The bell connected to it rang which signaled the receptionist the presence of a customer.

She hurriedly hid her phone and greeted Aster with a well-practiced smile. “Welcome to Laivelle's Inn! I'm Jaine, how may I help you, Sir?"

“I already booked a room in my name, Aster Night.”

”Sir Aster, please wait for a moment. I'll check the reservation list for your name.”

“Alright.” Aster nodded, he watched as she took a ledger hidden from his sight.

Jaine started combing each of its thick pages with her fingers only for them to stop after a short moment. 

She then wrote something on the ledger, put it aside, and handed him a brass key with a wide smile on her lips. “Your room number is 303, it's the third room on the third floor. I wish you a great stay here at Laivelle's Inn, Sir Aster." 

“Thank you.” Aster took the key from her and headed towards the wooden staircase visible from his position.

However, his steps halted when he felt Twy's paw on his neck.

“What now?” he turned his head towards him and saw that the kitten was pointing somewhere.

His gaze followed his paw and he saw an elevator in that direction—unlike the stairs though, this one's felt deliberately placed on a blind spot.

'Hehe. They probably want to keep an old inn vibe, but have to compromise with some conveniences of technology.' Twy thought the insatiable hunger from his eyes was gone.

Aster moved towards the elevator, pressed the button, and waited until it opened.

Unlike the usual modern, white-gray cart, they are greeted with a tasteful interior of brass and brown—rustic and humble.

'Why did you choose this kind of hotel?' Twy sent his partner his curiosity in waves.

“Are you curious why I chose this place?” Aster glanced to his shoulder and spotted the kitten's raised right paw. He answered. “It's because this place is both cheap and has good reviews on the BiB site.”

The elevator's door opened with a metallic chime, greeting them along with the well-lit hallway where the brass windows and vintage paintings lined up.

While Twy's eyes feasted on the colors of the Renaissance, Aster walked calmly until he arrived in front of their designated room.

He placed the brass key inside the brass doorknob, he heard them click and suddenly felt his mana getting sucked towards the key. 

Aster's eyes widened. “A magic tool...!?” 

Twy's fur stands on its end from his partner's sudden loud voice. 'Don't shout next to me!' he had an urge to scratch his neck but was able to hold it in.

Aster looked at the kitten apologetically. “Sorry. I was just surprised to see someone using a magic tool for something like this.”

'It's probably some rich, inn otaku's doing.' Twy sighed, before pointing his claw towards the door. 'Don't think too much about them and just open it.'

Aster shook his head and placed the key carefully in his pocket like it was a fragile, little glass. 

He then opened the door and what awaited them beyond was a room with a refreshing fragrance of nature coming out in every wooden furniture inside. 

It's a small, but cozy and relaxing room that's like a cottage an elf once stayed.

Twy jumped down from Aster's shoulders and immediately dashed towards the queen-sized bed. 'So soft! This is heaven...'

The young man watched as the kitten fell against the temptation of sleep. 

He didn't stop him though, and instead shed his bags down the table and on the floor, before also succumbing to the bed's seduction.

'Sometimes, things like these are nice.' Aster thought, letting go of all the tension he accumulated after a month of grueling routine.

•••

The sun was already sinking when the young man and the kitten went out of their room. The contentment they felt after that long nap can be seen from the marks left on their faces.

'So, where are we going?' Twy looked curiously at his partner.

Aster who just closed his mouth after a big yawn, replied. “It's not only the lake and the demon dungeon that are the attractions this place has. Let's go and check them one by one.”

'Woah! That's a great idea, young man!' Twy immediately jumped on his shoulder, hearing that.

The two then went down to the ground floor and left the key to their room to Jaine, who was still manning the front desk.

Once they stepped foot outside the inn they were greeted by the orange light that bathed the whole city in an ephemeral glow.

“Where do you want to go first?” Aster asked while walking down the steps of the inn.

Twy shook his head. 'You're the one who knew the spots, you can decide.' 

”Oh I forgot, I didn't tell you.” Aster scratched his head before he nodded his head. “Then... let's try that hot spring bath this city is also famous for.” 

'Hot spring!?' Twy's tail perked up when he heard that, he repeatedly sent his anticipation to his partner.

Aster smiled when he saw him raise his right paw immediately. “It looks like you also like it there.” he raised his head, gazing at the beautiful street in front of him. “Let's not hurry though. I read that it's best when the night is cold...”

The two walked the streets of Dextrim. Among the crowd, they stand out, not only because they can seemingly understand each other, but also because of the pure and genuine joy coming from them while they look around the place.

At the city on the foot of the verdant mountain, the two enjoyed the beauty of the sunset, like it was their last.

•••