I Became A Starter Beast

“1, 2, 3, smile!”

Johnson pressed the capture button of the phone. 

He's taking a picturesque photos of the brother and sister pair against the Man&Beast statue near the front gate.

Aria then took back her phone from him while smiling apologetically. ”Sorry for the trouble, senior.”

“Haha, it's no trouble at all.” 

Aster who was watching his friend visibly fawn over his sister felt creeped out and decided to cut in.

“Alright, that's enough pictures. You should head home now, Aria."

“Wait, you're not coming with me? Are you going somewhere?”

”Yup.” Aster's smile was truly genuine, he added, “I'm going to the City Hall first.”

“You're getting your beast grant today?” Johnson asked, surprised.

“Yup, I’ve got all my paperwork here. Now that I've got my diploma, there's no reason to wait."

Aster showed them his diploma case and the envelope that he'd been carrying since this morning.

“So, are you getting a beast companion too?"

“Yeah.” he nodded.

“What kind of companion will you get, brother?" 

Aster didn't think twice and immediately answered his excited sister.

“A Shadow Caracal.”

“That assassin cat from Lion's Den!” Johnson's brown eyes twinkled in excitement.

”It ranked fourth place in this years Alpha League Third Division and many people are excited about this new breed!” 

Johnson spewed those informations out of his mouth, before looking at Aster with judging eyes.

“Do you even know how much a cub costs, its—”

“I know." Aster interrupted.

“The Elite-rated Shadow Caracal cubs are over the budget, but Adept ones are within the grant's range. I checked online."

“But, Brother... I don't think Silvi would like it."

Aster scratched his head when he remembered his sister's companion sitting back home.

“Well, let's just wish they'll somehow get along.”

'Silvi would most likely be in a state of constant stress, but I'll left for college in two months and would mostly stay in the dorm after, so it's not a big problem.' 

If she heard his true thoughts, Aria would probably throw a tantrum here just so that he would change his mind in buying one.

'I'm sorry Aria, but I can't compromise with this one. The cat complements my fighting style and it would boost my strength on a different level. It's the perfect beast as my first companion.'

“Alright, see you later.”

“Take care, brother.” 

“You too.”

Aria waved her hand, Aster too waved back before walking towards the station.

•••

Aster's steps was light and his charming face was adorned with smile.

It was fatal enough to make some passersby stopped in their tracks as he made his way out of the train station.

In this world of man and beast, a teenage boy like him who grew up having no beast companion is hard. 

It greatly differentiate him from his peers, in a bad way, who from early age already bonded with one or two beast.

You can imagine that he's excited as someone who's been lost in the desert only to finally got to find that oasis among the mirages.

After walking through the sidewalks for 15 minutes he finally faced the imposing doors of the city hall, yet his expression couldn't be more happier.

Inside of the grand structure that was somehow able to blend the both the ancient architecture with modern ones was barely empty hall. 

Well, except for the haggard employees rushing here and there and the seniors waiting with their beast assistant next to them.

Aster walked straight towards one of the receptionist.

“What can I help you, Sir?” the lady adorned with gentle smile asked him.

“I'm here to apply a claim for a beast grant.”

“Understood, sir. Here take this, please wait in the waiting area and come back here again after your number got called.”

“Thank you.” 

Aster took the card with number 117 and went to sit in the waiting area. 

He look at the big monitor placed hanging on the marbled pillar and saw that it was displaying the number 96.

“Close.”

However, even if he knew that his turn is quite close his foot couldn't help but repeatedly tap against the floor.

He leaned his back against his seat and tried to calm his mind.

He tried to let his mind wander about different things, but somehow it wandered back towards the beast grant that he would receive.

It is a bill that gives a helping hands to those who are less fortunate, but have an ambition and talent, for a chance to overturn their current way of life.

This is the investment of the government where they wouldn't lose much, but instead earn a lot if one or two of their investment succeeded. A kind of win-win situation for both parties.

'I don't know who among the hundreds of senator pushed it through the senate, but I'm thankful to you.'

They say that government sucks, but Aster believes that some parts of it is still genuinely working for the benefits of the common people.

His fingers started drumming his diploma case, that's why to take his mind off the grant, he decided to recite the well-known Beast Masters who were once a beneficiaries of the grant.

'Livala, Gretchen, Bastille...' 

Meanwhile the number in the monitor continues to go up until finally his number was called.

“117, 117,...”

Aster snapped out of his thoughts when he finally heard his number. 

He went back to the front desk and saw a man sporting a professional look with his well groomed mustache and eyeglasses standing next to it.

“Nice to meet you, I'm Vance and you are?”

“Aster.” 

Vance offered his hand and Aster shook it after introducing himself.

“Let's talk more about the beast grant in my room, Aster. Follow me.”

Vance led the way and they arrived at one of the elevator. It didn't take a moment before its doors opened.

Aster watched him pushed the button for the third floor and the cart they're in started to move upwards.

The silence between them was then broken after Vance, wearing a gentle smile, asks him.

“Is it your graduation today?”

“How do you—” Aster stopped in his words when he noticed the pin still stuck in his blazer.

His ears went red in embarrassment when he remembered how he commuted here. 

'Its like I am shouting to the world that I've just graduated!'

“It's a trait of a youth to be eager, so don't worry. I just asked so that I could congratulate you.” 

Vance softly laughed when he saw Aster's ears turned redder.

“Thank you.”

“Mhm, I'm glad to see hardworking kids like you. Let's get this going so that you can go and buy yourself a companion.”

The doors then opened and Vance led him towards his office.

Once they arrived at his cozy, soft brown themed office. He took a seat one of the couch and offer Aster the one in front of him.

“First of all, once again, congratulations. Good job overcoming that hell.” 

Aster lips twitched at his 'light' hearted joke. 

'It's worse than hell.'

“Now, I know that you already know this, but I still have to explain have to explain to you about the grant.” 

Vance leaned back on the couch while crossing his arms before he continued.

“Visionary Transition Beast Companion Grant is the full name of the bill.

“It is a law that existed since the founding of the Federation. It aims to help the less fortunate, who are willing to work hard and put an effort, in getting their own beast companion.

“Their are a lot of requirements, but the most important among them are, the proof that you don't have the ability to buy or raise a beast, and to become a highschool graduate.”

Vance looked at the folder and diploma case that Aster put down towards the table.

“You're really well-prepared.”

Vance smiled thinly as he brushed his mustache with his fingers. 

He then continued explaining  the specific details of the grant, and Aster was eagerly listening to it with a smile on his lips.

•••