Day 2.10 beta Beast & A Meal Fit for a King

Alone with the Tiny Menace

After Eve's stormed out to buy more ingredients, I was left sitting at the wooden table, staring at the tiny winged creature perched on my shoulder.

It stared back at me, blinking its bright golden eyes.

> Creature: "Mommy!"

I let out a long sigh.

> Me: "We really need to fix that."

The creature chirped happily, rubbing its tiny head against my cheek.

> Creature: (≧∀≦)

> Me: "Alright, enough of that. Time to figure out what you are."

I opened the system interface and mentally commanded:

> Me (internally): "System, scan this little guy."

A few seconds later, the system responded.

---

[System Scan Activated]

> Species: ??? (Beta Version)

Status: Newly Hatched

Affinity: ???

Current Bond: [Leo – Imprinted (Mother)]

Note: This creature is still in beta development. Further information is unavailable.

---

I blinked.

> Me: "Wait… Beta?!"

I read the system text again.

> Me: "So that's why Eve's didn't recognize you… You're an unfinished creature?!"

The tiny creature tilted its head, then suddenly—

> Creature: (oωo)?

A small floating text appeared next to its head.

I squinted.

> Me: "Did you… just emote at me?"

> Creature: (´▽`)

Another floating text.

I stared in disbelief.

> Me: "Wait, wait, wait—so this is how you communicate?"

> Creature: (⌒▽⌒)!!

> Me: "...You're ridiculously adorable."

> Creature: (≧ω≦)!!

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. This thing was basically a walking, chirping emoji.

> Me: "Alright, Beta Beast, guess we're stuck together."

The creature nuzzled into my hair again.

> Creature: (≧∀≦)

> Me: "Yup, you're gonna be a problem."

---

The Portal Countdown

I sighed, checking the Lovy clock on my hand.

> Me: "Only a minute left before the portal opens…"

Right as the clock ticked down—

> BANG!

The door swung open, and Eve's walked in, carrying a whole new batch of ingredients.

---

A Meal for Two (and a Half?)

I stared at Eve's suspiciously.

> Me: "Why did you buy so many ingredients?"

Eve's placed the bag on the counter, rolling his eyes.

> Eve's: "It's for the little one."

> Me: "...Wait, what?"

> Eve's: "I may be a heartless businessman, but I'm still an elf. And elves love creatures. A little."

The tiny creature flapped its wings excitedly.

> Creature: (o )!!

I sighed and sat back down as he got to work in the kitchen.

---

The Dish of the Gods

A few minutes later, Eve's placed a steaming hot dish in front of me.

The aroma hit me instantly.

It was rich, slightly spicy, and had a hint of sweetness.

> Me (internally): "Holy crap, this smells like something straight out of a five-star restaurant."

I picked up my spoon, took a bite—

And my eyes widened.

A warm, powerful energy flowed through me, like I had just taken a sip of pure life force.

> Me: "This is… amazing."

Eve's smirked.

> Eve's: "Of course it is. My cooking isn't just food. It enhances strength, agility, and stamina."

> Me: "If only this wasn't a game… I could actually eat until I'm full."

So kept eating, enjoying every bite, while Eve's prepared a smaller dish for the tiny creature.

The little thing sniffed the food before taking a bite—

And suddenly, more floating texts appeared.

> Creature: (⊙ω⊙)!!

Creature: (♡▽♡)!!

Creature: (o≧∀≦o)!!!

Eve's raised an eyebrow.

> Eve's: "...So that's how it communicates."

> Me: "Yeah, I figured that out earlier. It's basically a living text message."

> Creature: (≧∀≦)!!

I smiled.

At least it was happy.

---

A Parting Gift

After finishing our meal, I stood up, stretching.

> Me: "Alright, time to go."

Eve's crossed his arms, watching as I walked to the door with the tiny creature still perched on my shoulder.

> Me: "Are you sure I can keep this little guy?"

> Eve's: "Yes. Like I said, I'm not feeding a child."

> Me: "That's fair."

> Creature: (oωo)??

The little thing looked between the two of us, then made a determined face.

> Creature: (>ω<)!!

I smiled and stepped outside.

> Me: "Well, thanks for everything, Eve's. I'll be back when I need another good meal."

> Eve's: "Tch. Don't expect discounts."

> Me: "I never do."

With that, I turned and look toward we're the Lovy clock point the portal, my new Beta Beast flapping beside me, as we walked.