my beast change system

Owen

A mesmerizing scent pulls me from unconsciousness. My eyes flutter open, greeted by the sight of Athena's warm smile. My head feels oddly comfortable, soft even…

Oh no.

I'm resting on her lap, aren't I?

"Good to see you're not dead yet," Athena says with a teasing smile.

I slowly lift my head, immediately regretting it as pain surges through my body. Every muscle aches from the battle.

"Don't force yourself," she says, gently helping me up.

I glance at the sky—it's already nighttime. How long was I out?

"Seems like the hero has finally woken up," Nate's voice drifts over.

I turn my head to see him lounging against a tree, his beasts resting comfortably around him. The sight immediately puts me on edge.

My instincts kick in, searching for my sword—only to see it in Nate's hand.

"What are those beasts doing here?" I demand, my fists clenching. "And why are you acting so comfortable with them?"

"Calm down, Owen," Athena reassures me. "I'll explain everything."

Before I can press further, a massive ogre dressed in chef's clothing approaches, carrying two wooden bowls filled with steaming food.

"First, eat," Nate says, casually tossing my sword back to me.

I stare at the weapon, then at the ogre, then at the meal in front of me. Athena, unfazed, takes her bowl without hesitation and digs in.

"Whoa! This is amazing!" she exclaims between bites. "Hard to believe an ogre made this!"

I eye the food warily before taking a cautious bite…

My entire world shifts.

The flavors explode in my mouth, rich and savory, perfectly cooked meat melting on my tongue. I take another bite. Then another. Then another.

I can't stop eating.

THIS FOOD IS AWESOME!

---

Nate

Judging by the way they're devouring their meals, I'd say the Chef Ogre did a pretty damn good job.

While they feast, my beasts and I move toward the last remaining chunk of the serpent's meat. Unlike them, we eat it raw.

Between bites, Athena suddenly speaks up.

"So, Nate, which capital are you from?"

I pause for a second. "I'm not from any capital."

She tilts her head, surprised. "Well, today's your lucky day," she says with a grin.

I raise an eyebrow. "Lucky?"

"Because you're going to be one of our adventurer teammates!" she announces proudly.

I blink. "Wait, what?"

"You, Owen, and I—we're officially forming a team!"

Owen, mid-bite, chokes on his food. "Since when?" he sputters, coughing.

"Since today!" Athena responds without hesitation.

I sigh, rubbing my temples. "Yeah… I'm gonna have to pass. I prefer working alone."

Athena smirks. "Oh really? You call yourself alone, but…" she gestures to my beasts, all of whom are now staring at me expectantly.

I freeze.

I look at them. They look at me.

Their expressions say it all: choose your words carefully, or we riot.

I sigh in defeat. "Fine. You win. I'll join you."

Athena jumps in excitement. "Great! We're officially a team! Now all that's left is to register at a guild!"

Owen groans, rubbing his temples. "Do I even have a say in this?"

Athena grins. "Nope!"

Owen glares at her. "And who exactly is going to convince your parents to let you join a guild?"

"Easy. You will."

Owen freezes. "I—what? No way. Absolutely not."

Athena waves him off. "Details, details. We'll handle it later. For now, let's sleep!"

Owen throws his hands up in frustration. "Wait, nothing is settled yet—"

I snap my fingers, extinguishing the magical light I had created. Darkness swallows the camp.

Owen sighs in defeat. "You guys are insane…"

As he reluctantly settles down, I smirk.

Poor guy. He's going to have a very long road ahead if he keeps trying to argue with her.