I Became A Starter Beast

“And... that's it.” 

Vance said as he handed Aster some documents.

“The money will be deposited into your account in a couple minutes. If you like, you can immediately head towards the Beast Shop.” He added, with a thin smile on his lips.

”Thank you.”

Aster stood up and shook hands with him.

“No problem, it's my job.”

Aster bid Vance his goodbye and left his office.

He didn't notice it, but his pace of walking was much faster compared to when he was entering the building.

And once Aster was outside the city hall, he immediately hailed the first taxi he saw.

It was surprising for a cheapskate like him to do so, as it would be much more budget-wise to ride trains.

It didn't even shake the smile on his lips when he saw the meter was already on before he could even relax in his seat.

“Lion's Den Beast Shop.”

The driver did reply instead coldly moved his vehicle back on the streets.

Through the window of the car, Aster then watched as the cityscape flashed pass his eyes.

The monochrome architecture of a modern city and the lush, verdant nature blended so well that their being together can be considered to have some kind of symbiotic relationship.

From time to time, Aster could see free Common beasts that were not fit for combat mingling with humans. They, too, are symbiotic.

This is the capital city of Therazia Federation, Simian.

A city where oppurtunities and capitalism come hand in hand. 

If you have power, talent, or luck, then you'll go up as high as you can, but if you don't have those three, then you can only go lower down in the abyss.

For old people bereft of any ambition and those already satisfied with their lives, it might feel suffocating, but for young people with burning spirits, this is a place to stretched their wings as wide as they can.

Aster is currently on that phase. 

His folded wings cannot wait anymore and want to show their greatness to the world.

After almost thirty minutes, the taxi finally stopped in front of a sleek modern building that stood four-story high.

The name of the company and  its logo, a lion with fiery mane overlooking his three pride members, shone in orange light, attracting the hearts of each passing pedestrians.

Aster paid the fare, which scratched a few pieces of his heart, but he did not let his charming smile falter.

He got out of the car, and while doing so, he also threw a couple of curses towards the driver inside his mind.

He didn't take the time to appreciate the beauty of the building and instead immediately made his way towards the entrance.

What greeted him inside was a cozy reception hall. 

Where people were licking their thumbs to turn the pages of the cat magazines, some were with their pets sampling the latest beast foods the company offers with employees guiding them with smiles, while others were in the store section browsing through the different aisles.

Aster went straight towards the receptionist in her well-fitting light-blue uniform, which contrasts with the eye-catching logo of their company outside.

“Good afternoon Sir. Welcome to Lion's Den Beast Store! How may I help you?” she greeted him.

Aster's shoulders relaxed a little, facing her clear, bright eyes and enthusiastic smile.

“Where's the section for the Adept rated beast cubs?”

The lady's smile widened when she heard that.

“It's somewhere in the inner area, Sir. Do you want me to guide you inside?”

“Uh, yes thank you.”

The lady tapped the other receptionist next to her and whispered.

“I'll head inside to guide a customer. Watch the desk for a bit.”

“Treat me to coffee later then.” her co-worker gave her a knowing smile.

”Cappuccino, right?”

The receptionist lady circled around the desk and arrived next to Aster.

“Let me introduce myself first, my name is Jennifer, but you can call me Jenny.”

“Aster.”

Jenny shook his hand before politely gesturing him towards the tinted glass door.

“This way, sir Aster.”

She then led him inside, and his eyes couldn't help but widen the moment he passed through the automatic doors.

There, he saw a number of different kinds of feline beasts resting inside their own large vivariums.

From a young Lightning Striped Tiger to a mature Great Mane Lion, Aster watched as those battle-hungry beasts calmly took their naps or frolicked with one another.

“Are you surprised that these proud beasts were so tame? It's not because they're cowardly; instead, it's due to the latest space expansion technology that also mimics their own habitats. 

“However, the most important reason is because of the special product that our company developed. It can make a feline beast feel calm and safe....” 

Jenny fervently promoted the product's benefits and uses with her perfectly memorized lines, but Aster couldn't pay her his full attention as his eyes were swimming around the different vivariums.

Only when Jenny stopped walking did he finally able to summon his full focus back on her.

“We're here, sir."

“Thank you.” 

“You can freely browse the place, sir. And if you have any questions I'll be here to answer them.”

Aster nodded towards he, before eagerly looking at the feline beasts inside their own enclosures.

However, as he roamed around the place, his seemingly invincible smile slowly started to crack.

It took him almost 15 minutes to check all the vivariums in this section. In the end his smile couldn't help but turned into a frown.

“Is there a problem, sir?” Jenny asked once she noticed his expression.

Still feeling hopeful about his chances, Aster looked towards her with bright eyes.

“A cub of Shadow Caracals, do you still have one? The Adept rated ones?”

”Ah... About that, all of those cubs were already sold out.”

“But, the internet said that you're selling couple of them this week?”

Jenny apologetically smiled, “There was a leak and it was blown up by others, but it's not true. The company still not have released the news when they'll start selling one to the market.

“Also, while it's true that there were shadow cubs, they were already bought by those who pre-ordered them.”

Aster's shoulders slumped as Jenny hammered the last nail on the coffin. 

The wings he had that were threatening to stretch open suddenly faltered in the face of reality; now they're losing their feathers.

'What now? Should I just give up and choose a different beast? But, what about my plans...'

His eyes clouded, and once again he was slapped and punched by the cruel life. 

Aster's eagerness escaped out of him the same way as his breath came out of his mouth when he sighed.

However, just as he was about to make another bargain with the ever-changing reality, he was interrupted by a strange sound.

“Nyyaarkh!”

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