After everything that happened yesterday, getting magic, my racial ability evolved. I expected not to be so sore when I woke up, but here I was, aching terribly. As usual. I did feel something warm near me, and as I got up, I looked down and saw two little puffballs curled up next to me.

My confusion grew as the same type of squirrels that had pelted me with acorns the day before were now sleeping next to me like a cat in a sunbeam. They were incredibly adorable, but I was confused about them.

I slowly reached a hand down to pet them. If I thought the fur on their heads was soft, the fur on the rest was unbelievable! I just sat there taking my time this morning and petting the squirrels. It was the most relaxing morning I'd had since I arrived in this world.

After a while, I decided I needed to start my day and keep going. If I start any later in the day, I may not be able to get up. It took me a few minutes to get off the ground, and the squirrels complained loudly that I was no longer petting them.

“Well, if you want, you can help me work now. Come on,” I said to them, slowly making my way over to the second plot of land where I was planning on making a second field.

“Well, time to get to work, fellas!” I said to the two squirrels that had joined me on my shoulders.

??? POV

Something had changed. I could smell it; one of my kind was in the region. This was exciting news: there were so many things this could turn into! I could have a partner to spend time with or perhaps a young one to train with. I started toward the smell, going to a lower magic zone.

It must have been relatively low-ranked to have appeared here, disappointing, but I suppose I can live with that. I can at least get some entertainment out of it. I started sneaking so that I could startle the youngling.

As I was sneaking through the shadows and trees, I came upon a clearing with a sight that confused me greatly. I saw a human-looking man walking through churned earth, handing tiny seeds to a squirrel on his shoulder and pointing to a spot where the squirrel would throw the seed. Another Squirrel ran up the man and held out its tiny paw for a Seed as well.

As I continued forward, I felt an aura wash over me from the man that made me stop completely in my tracks. I was still hidden from it, but I was subject to its effects; typically, I would never have been affected by something of such a lower rank, but I had never imagined that it would not apply to the beneficial impacts.

I could feel it suddenly, a slowing of a clock that had been there since the day I manifested and choosing to hide away so that I would not be killed by adventures but knowing that one day I would lose control. I would have all my choices taken from me and be nothing more than a rampaging creature with no mind.

But for the first time, I felt an option had appeared before me, which could not have been until now. It was overwhelming, and I didn’t know what-

“Oh hey there, buddy, I didn’t see you. I didn’t know there was anything besides squirrels in these woods. I’m glad to see you, though. You are a big fella, huh? Is it alright if I give you a scratch?” My thoughts were interrupted entirely by the human creature walking into me by accident. I had been so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't even notice that he had gotten so close as to bump into me.

There he was, standing in front of me with a smile, something that the memories I’ve had all my life told me would never happen. His aura could hide nothing from me, and I saw his honesty and love for all life radiating from him like a beacon. I gave him a slight nod, and he reached out with a hand and scratched behind my ears. I don’t know what came over me, but a loud noise started to come from my chest.

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“Now, ain’t that something I didn’t know tigers could purr.”

Abe's POV

I was honestly very surprised when I walked into a tiger but considering I walked into a tiger and wasn't killed immediately I decided to hope that my new abilities would make it work out.

After giving it some scratches and receiving a purr that rattled my bones, I looked at the tiger. It was large for one, for sure, coming up to my chest. I may no longer be six foot two inches in my youth, but I was still a respectable five foot eleven inches.

Besides the creature's size, its coloration also stood out, as it looked golden with beautiful blue stripes. I had never seen anything like it before, well I suppose that's no surprise. I'm In a new world, after all.

But it was a beautiful specimen. Its fur made me feel like I had become royalty very suddenly. It wasn't softer than the squirrels; it just felt luxurious.

“Well, buddy, there isn't much here at the moment. Can I help you with anything?” I asked the tiger. It tilted its head in confusion as it looked around, and I could just tell that it didn't think I could offer anything.

“That's fair. I don't really have anything, but if you find something, feel free. This place is open to all people and creatures as long as you don't hurt anyone or anything. If you do, I'll have to ask you to leave.” I said firmly, looking directly into its eyes.

I could tell this confused it even more, but it nodded and seemed continent with the arrangement. With that, I continued planting seeds in the fields. Then I looked over at the large cat wandering around my clearing, and a thought crossed my mind with a smile soon to follow.

“Alright, Boxy, I have a few requests for the next few minor awards.” I said. I was thinking of the future for the first time since arriving here.

Tiger's POV

I watched as the man walked away from me and was surprised that I felt no instinct to attack him. Usually, that kind of thing would be hard to resist. However, I had no desire to.

He gives me an odd feeling. Like an old member of my family who hangs on to life for the young ones. I felt like his scent was telling me more about him than should be possible but as I watched him I felt like I was magically able to understand who he is. It's such an odd feeling to know something so much weaker than you would do everything it could to protect you. It's nice.

I walked around this area and found some clothes lying on the ground. I decided to curl up on it and enjoy the sun in this clearing. After a short nap in the sun, I was awoken by the smell of fresh meat. I opened my eyes to see the old man holding out some meat I had never smelled before.

I tentatively took it, and while its taste was good, its magic was lacking. But I appreciate it nonetheless. It's clear that this man has almost nothing to give, but he gives what he can, even if I don't need food.

I make a sudden decision as I stand up to leave the clearing and the man. He gives me a gentle pat on my flank that I barely notice as I walk away. I have some hunting to do.

Abe's POV

Watching the tiger walk away, I wondered if I would ever see it again. I hoped she would come back, but if she didn't, that's just the way of it: time to get back to work!

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A few days had passed since I had last seen the tiger, but I had continued to work on with my work on the fields and was finally about to get my next essence.

I had to wait for the magic in the area to replenish before my farm could generate another essence. I could have gotten an awakening stone, but Boxy told me that it was better to try to get the full set of essence first and then get the rest of your abilities. Not sure why he just said it was best.

So here we are as my next essence is forming. I can't help but feel a bit lonely as I watch a magic cube appear in front of me. I let it fall to the ground, and I just stared at it there and wondered how long I would be alone.