"Can you hold on to this pet?" Zhang Ying asked, flustered.
Zhang Ying knew the demon fox was destined for greatness because it had such a high requirement for a level one, newly born creature. Letting such a beast slip from his grasp would be a grave mistake.
Just because I can't tame it now doesn't mean I'd let someone else get it.
The demon fox opened its eyes and looked at Zhang Ying with squinted eyes before yawning and drifting back to sleep. Such a simple action was enough to conquer anyone's heart, and Alana wasn't an exception.
"We'll take it," she announced.
"But ma'am, you must tame the creature to claim it—"
"Twenty thousand glimmer shards," Alana cut her off. "All for you, of course."
No matter how much the receptionist loved the rules, she had already broken too many of them. But the management didn't mind looking the other way since they'd claim Alana had donated the money.
However, taking personal bribes was looked down upon. She could get in trouble in the higher-ups found out about it.
But Alana wasn't offering a small amount. She was giving the receptionist four months' worth of salary, just for closing one deal.
The receptionist looked at the demon fox in her arms and then at the card in Alana's hand. She looked around as if ensuring no one was there before shoving the fox in Alana's arm and taking the card in one motion.
"Good girl," Alana smiled, placing the fox in Zhang Ying's arms. "Let's head back."
Sugar mommies are the best.
Zhang Ying said nothing, but Alana could tell what he was thinking just by looking at him and smirked. However, Zhang Ying had a problem that money couldn't fix right away.
***
Back at Silvermane's mansion...
"I've hit a limit," Zhang Ying told Alana. "I can't tame any more monsters..."
"I know that much," Alana replied, looking at the sleepy fox. "You need to level up. I can arrange that. I'll hire someone to do party quests with you. You won't have to lift a muscle, just reap the rewards."
Zhang Ying immediately shook his head. He knew Alana wanted him to team up with someone, so he wouldn't have to take the goblins out of their confinement. But he didn't want that.
Gobrina and Gozan were close to evolving. Once they reached level 5, they'd transform, and Zhang Ying hoped they'd look more human-like.
Why? It was simple logic. He wanted a private force that only answered to him. They'd be like assassins who would move freely if the situation called for it. Of course, he couldn't tell that to Alana or she would force him to release them.
"...can I try it on my own?"
"Very well," Alana shrugged, taking the fox from him. "Since you're so eager to prove yourself. Go ahead and do it yourself. Don't expect any help from me now."
With that, she turned and left in a huff. Zhang Ying already knew what was going on inside her head. He was stuck in a strange world and wouldn't accomplish anything without her aid.
She wants me to grovel. Too bad, I have no intentions to do that.
Zhang Ying knew of many places where he could farm experience. After all, it wasn't his first rodeo in the Otherworld.
"It's been a while since I killed some slimes. Alright, let's get those first."
***
In his past life, the slime dungeon was their first stop. Minister Rowan wanted them to get stronger with no breaks and had meticulously booked several dungeons in advance to cultivate them.
But in this life, since he couldn't buy any products, he must have already sold the rights to someone else to recover the losses. That worked out for Zhang Ying, since he had no desire to be around that fat bastard for the foreseeable future.
"Your name?" the manager next to the dungeon asked.
"Zhang Ying, newbie."
The manager looked him up and down before staring back at the form. "Class?"
"Monster Tamer."
"You can't enter," the manager waved his hand.
"...may I ask why?"
"Support path holders need someone to accompany them. Either form a party or leave. Don't waste my time."
"I have my monsters—"
"Rules dictate two humans can enter the dungeon together. Not a human and monster couple."
Zhang Ying clicked his tongue and stepped out of the queue. He forgot about such a rule because, in his last life, he always had people to team up with. But now, he'd have to think of something else.
Forming a party with strangers was a bad idea for two reasons. First, he didn't want anyone to find out about the goblins. Second, following strangers into a dungeon was like walking into a lion's den with one's hands tied.
"Need a hand, Zhang Ying?"
Suddenly, a familiar face approached him, but it wasn't a face Zhang Ying was pleased to see.
"Gao Rong..."
"It's only been a few hours since we last met. Why do you have such hostility in your eyes?" Gao Rong smiled. "I know we've had our differences, but it's a new world. Why don't we let go of grudges and start fresh?"
Zhang Ying looked at Gao Rong's arm stretched towards him. It had only been a few hours for Gao Rong, but it had been years for Zhang Ying.
When he recalled his past life, a sudden anger flared up, but he quickly suppressed it. After all, it was a great opportunity for revenge.
"You're right," Zhang Ying smiled, accepting Gao Rong's help. "We're foreigners in this new world. It's wise to help a familiar face when we can."