Nestled in a wagon of hay, Miceter observed the crowd with fascination twinkling in his eyes. He studied their gestures and listened to their voices, amazed by their accents. With a slight push from the wind, the delicious smells wafting from the stalls brushed against Miceter's nose. His large, round ears twitched in excitement.

"Zed! You have to come see this!" He squeaked excitedly.

"I've seen it a dozen times already, what left is there to see?" The old dog carelessly replied. Zed yawned, preparing to go back to sleep.

"Come now, you haven't seen her! Or him! Wow, look at his jewelry! Oh, how they sparkle in the morning light!" Miceter sighed in admiration.

"What are you, a poet? Stop talking and go back to sleep." Zed grumbled, covering his long, drooping ears with his paws.

"Oh! I have to see that puppet show, Zed! What are they telling today? There's a dragon, so it must be the Myth of Xavier!" Miceter jumped out from the wagon and rushed into the crowd just as the trader who owned the wagon hopped back on and left.

Little did Zed know that his little, annoying companion was gone for he had fallen back to sleep.

Miceter dodged the boots and heels that stomped his way as if he was a fish in water. He rushed over to the puppet stall just as the story ended. Miceter groaned in disappointment.

"Aww, I was too late. No matter! Maybe I can listen to the tale at another time!" Miceter quickly cheered himself up, scurrying off in the direction of the residential area.

***

In the Prosperous Kingdom, Neighborhood of the Middle Cla.s.s

The sun was just beginning to set before Miceter was finally too tired to continue on his grand adventure. His eyes swept across the gorgeous buildings made of bricks and extravagant wood, searching for a suitable place to rest.

Unlike the other races in the world of Forgoe, the Beast Men have to be the most cautious when it comes to wandering around towns and villages. Unlike the Elves and Humans, Beast Men are not born with a human form. As they grow older, they will begin to harness the ability of shape-s.h.i.+fting. Usually this happens when they are around the ages of seventeen through twenty-one.

Unfortunately, there is no way to distinguish Beast Men from other normal animals before they obtain their ability. This, in turn, leads to the accidental killings of Beast Men. Which, unfortunately, leads to racism.

That is why Beast Men are at odds against Humans and Elves.

This is also a reason why Beast Men have to hide when they plan on resting or traveling.

Miceter had been raised with strict rules and warnings which prepared him for events when he was alone. All he needed to do was avoid contact with Humans and Elves and search for either run-down or empty places devoid of people before he can let his guard down.

Luckily, he had found the perfect spot.

Up ahead, to Miceter's right, there was the sh.e.l.l of what seemed to be a burned down building. This was a perfect spot for Miceter to stop and rest.

Miceter stopped in horrified astonishment as he stepped into the wreckage.

Inside, a ring of black flames with grey streaks silently jerked. As the fire burned, it ate away at the floorboards. Slowly the flames crawled closer to Miceter. Miceter was too shocked to move.

"Oh, how nice." A warm voice pierced through the air, filling the little mouse with confusion.

'Where did that voice come from?'

'Surely not from behind the flames?'

Just as that thought crossed through his mind, the ring of flames opened, revealing what was behind.

With a proud stance and clear golden eyes filled with wisdom, a black cat stood. Miceter held his breath as that pair of gorgeous, profound eyes settled on his figure.

"Oh?" The cat blinked. "Why, it's a little mouse."

***

Back to Me

[Excellent! I'm glad we could come to an agreement, resident of the Corridor of Wandering Souls. I hope you have fun while completing your task. Until then, adieu!]

With those words, I was teleported out of the white room.

It's not like I had a choice, did I?!

You didn't even give me the chance!

Oh how I hate you, System!

In the blink of an eye, I was trapped inside of a circle of black flames.

"Oh, how nice." I said sarcastically.

I mean, come on, stop being a try-hard System. I need no flames to make my grand entrance. All you're doing is embarra.s.sing me.

I'd rather complete my tasks without trying to be flashy, thank you.

As the flames parted, I was greeted with the most adorable sight I have ever seen in my life.

A little white mouse, with a teeny tiny red ribbon tied around his neck, stared up at me with clear and watery red eyes that pierced my heart.

HE'S SO CUTE!!!!

I tried to contain myself so I didn't scare him away.

"Oh? Why, it's a little mouse."

So please, little Beast Man, tell me your name before I cuddle you to death.