Along the way we talk, Adrian giggled mischievously. "So...I see the 'Secret Weapon' potion I gifted to you was not in the shack anymore, did you use it?"
His playful tone ignited a flush beneath my white fur. Recalling the magic aphrodisiac's effects, I grunted in embarrassment. Adrian smirked up at me, running light fingers across my muscled stomach. The sensation surprised me, though not unpleasantly.
We passed lush fields feeding the city as the sun started climbing down, Port-Tailus came into view in the distance.
Adrian spoke, stop tracing idle patterns along my bare skin that he had ruffled, "This physique of yours makes the journey short. However, I'll walk on my own feet from here - can't have the townsfolk see me being held like a bride, otherwise they will mourning my 'departure'."
His teasing words stirred an unfamiliar warmth. I released him with a gruff, slipped out easily in my new form than I'd realized. Was this how all beastmen of brawn responded to touch?
There are guards, a dog and a bull beastman, manned the city gates as usual, checking travelers slowly entering Port-Tailus. Four beastmen ahead of us, so not a long queue. I gripped my backpack with all the Earth stuffs tightly, hoping the guards wouldn't pry too deep into its contents.
Suddenly a streak of orange fur tore past. He must be so dexterity that didn't notice him until this close, but my keen wolf sight still tracked him - a ragged tiger beastman, bloodstained leathers barely concealing numerous wounds, and some leftover ooze. But what caught my eye most was the deadly scimitar at his hip, reflecting the sunlight.
The guards simply waved him through upon viewing a small bronze token. I glanced to Adrian, raising a questioning brow. He followed my gaze with curiosity flashing in those sharp yellow eyes of his.
"Adventurers," he mused aloud, tail swishing restlessly. "Must have claimed quite a haul for the guild to earn swift passage so. Their work pays a hundredfold what we make, yet threatens life daily."
Adrian's crafty smirk held hints of wistfulness. "Often wonder what I will be if I am an adventurer. With charm like mine, perhaps I will be a bard. Though I've had some taste of adventurer before, if you know what I mean."
Adventurer, the core profession in a fantasy isekai. The person I should possess and become, I don't dislike you, Max. Just being an adventurer and save the world is protagonist's mission, rather than a hardworking docker. But on second thought, more and more protagonist in isekai story nowadays are taking crafting profession and become the tutor of Savior...
Adrian sensed my wandering mind. "I know that tiger beastman is charming, but our friends await, Max. Duty calls!"
His firm grip pulled me from musings as we reached the guards. Although the guard is doubt of my belongings, nothing sharp or showing magical aura. Adrian's charm eased inspection and they discharged us quickly. Adrian Immediately holding my paw, pull me into the bustle and run towards the dock where we worked.
As I stood at the bustling dock, the vibrant scents and sounds enveloped me, assuring me that I was exactly where I belonged. Amongst the commotion, a figure emerged佑ornwall, the boar beastman. His imposing presence commanded attention, his large physique adorned with a coat of rich brown fur and a prominent belly. A pair of formidable tusks protruded from his mouth, adding to his formidable appearance.
His golden hair, short and spiky, framed his forehead and ears, while a thick beard, meticulously woven into three braids, adorned his chin and cheeks. His blue eyes held a seriousness, but his nose, a soft shade of pink, added a touch of gentleness to his otherwise formidable countenance, exactly the same in Max's memories.
Cornwall spotted me and let out a mocking grunt. "Back so soon, mutt?" he huffed, all gruff annoyance.
Inside, my nerves fluttered - Max would've surely snapped back. But not wanting anymore conflict, I keeping calm and lowered my gaze, let the jest roll off. Adrian, ever perceptive, stepped in with a cunning smile. "Now Cornwall, we all have off days but we care about the dock. Why not put Max's strength back to work?"
Cornwall harrumphed, though I noticed his brown eyes soften slightly at Adrian's diplomacy. "Fine, you're rehired. Don't screw it up again, Max."
Relief swept through me as the hustle of labor began. It was my first time working as a hefty hauler, but Max痴 well-built physique knew the job inside out. His muscle memory guided my movements, and his experience demonstrated how the work should be done. I adapted swiftly.
Also, I remained focused, determined not to replicate his occasional clumsiness and avoid any further mishaps. A few close calls set my heart racing, yet I successfully safeguarded the goods. As the dock bell rang, signaling the end of the day. I am tired yet satisfied, truly felt like a part of our close-knit crew.
I saw Adrian sauntering up, arm linked with Cornwall. The hyena's light brown fur contrasted the boar's darker hide. A new dog beastman named Michael followed behind, his orange and white fur standing out brightly.
Michael had a muscular but smaller build than Max. His fluffy tail wagged excitedly as he walked. White patches marked his chest and ears, matching his energetic blue eyes. What a cutie! He always helped colleagues with boundless enthusiasm.
I braced myself as we stood before Cornwall, met the glare steadily. I acknowledge Max's prideful nature, however I tried to apologize for yesterday's mistakes on behalf of Max. The remorseful words felt foreign on my tongue, but I rumbled in my deepest tone, "Alright...I messed up yesterday. And I...apologize. I was wrong, Cornwall. It won't happen again, you have my word."
As Adrian watched in amusement, unease stirred within me. Apologizing didn't sit right with Max's pride. I felt his stubborn spirit straining for control with newfound strength, raging against my stolen dominion. A growl slipped out unintentionally - not from me, but Max!
Cornwall glanced up impatiently but I hastily muttered of needing relief, unsure how long I could contain the raging wolf within. Striding away with stiffened gait, I hurried to some concealing crates, my muscles quaking as Max fought to reclaim his form. Reconnecting our telepathic link, his fury stormed through my mind.
"You dare humiliate me, make me beg forgiveness?! Get out of my body, thief!" Max thundered, barely contained madness searing our shared thoughts.
I projected calm in response. "Please, let go of this anger. I only want to help you start anew."
Max roared back, "You help nothing! I wished only for death's peace, no more humiliation. What gave you the right to steal my life and pride? Get out!" His presence writhed and thrashed within, seeking to overwhelm me.
Cornwall suddenly appeared behind us as Max and I quarreled inwardly. "Wolf, are you done--" he began huffing before coughing erupted from someone behind crates.
The boar's demeanor softened. He shuffled his hooves awkwardly, looking down at the ground. "Listen Max...I was too harsh on you yesterday. Firing you in front of everyone was wrong."
"You're one of my best workers, been here for years. And you didn't deserve that kind of humiliation." He met my eyes, his bristly face regretful. "I know I hurt your pride deeply. And for that, I am truly sorry. I acted rashly when I should have shown restraint."
Cornwall clasped my shoulder with his hoof. "You're a valued part of this crew. I hope you can accept my sincere apology and come back to the docks. We need you, Max. I need you."
Hearing this shocked Max into stillness, halting his struggles against me. Sensing an opening, Michael and Adrian emerged from hiding, showing their care and support.
Michael gently nudged me, a joyful glimmer in his eyes. "We all have our off days, Max. Let's leave the past behind us."
"That's what friends do - we forgive mistakes and move on together!" Adrian proclaimed. "Now let's seal it with a hug!"
Cornwall challenged Adrian's statement with a chuckle "You just can't resist the chance to get your paws on us, whore?"
Adrian counterattack teasingly "You already I always love it, especially on you~" The boar beastman's face reddened and he punched the hyena's arm, though not unkindly.
I spoke gently to Max's simmering spirit. "You're not alone anymore. Apologies strengthen bonds rather than break them. These people care for you - do you not feel the same?"
Max only grunted, but I could feel he is listening. I pressed on, "Swallowing pride is hard, I know. But anger solves nothing, only breeds more. What say you?"
At last convinced, Max relented resist to me, though not without a show of stubbornness. I could feel his happiness at reconciling, even without the Empathy Upgrade.
Grateful for this second chance, I clasped arms with Cornwall. "Apology accepted. Let's leave the past be and work towards a brighter future." Adrian whooped triumphantly and pulled us all into a fierce hug, with Michael's help of cause.
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Achievement: Who is in charge now? (Kinempathy Upgrade unlocked)
(You have act against the host's nature, but you retained possession and even convinced him to accept it)
Kinempathy Upgrade (prerequisite: Empathy Upgrade): Your connection to the mortal soul deepens even further. When possessing someone, you may manipulate their thoughts and feelings in order to modify their behavior and personality. Whenever a big change is made, the soul may try to fight for control.
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