Buddy was not far from their camp. With Arlo leading the way, they soon caught sight of a patient Deathwalker Wolf waiting ahead, not circling the barrier like a feral beast would.

Most of the group was already impressed, showing favouritism towards Arlo. However, Reinhardt, the male warrior, remained obstinate as they drew nearer.

'This man is acting as if I killed his entire family!' he grumbled to himself.

Arlo felt somewhat anxious, unsure of how to make Buddy understand that it was still him under his guise. At the moment, he looked completely different and even wore clothes with someone else's scent on them. Even if Arlo were in Buddy's position, he would assume the worst.

Buddy took on a defensive form upon seeing the approaching group. He moved back skittishly and began growling at them. Although scared, he wanted to stay where his master had left him.

Reinhardt drew his sword and pointed it at Arlo's throat, speaking in a mocking tone with a sinister smile, "Go ahead, move to your pet's side."

Arlo nodded and cautiously approached Buddy, but they both remained on opposite sides of the invisible barrier, gazing at each other.

From the wolf's actions, Reinhardt was sure this man would soon be mauled first, and then lose his head to his sword next.

Buddy seemed ready to strike at the slightest sign of threat. Reaching out to pet him would undoubtedly provoke his anger, potentially leading to a confrontation with Reinhardt, at the very least.

Arlo's new face, or rather, his original face that he had now transformed into, appeared innocent and pure. It was a face you wouldn't expect any malice from. His last face, coupled with his grotesque transformations, had terrified everyone and everything around him, after all.

Unsure of how to approach Buddy and ease his apprehension, Arlo abandoned the idea of using kindness and love. After all, that wasn't how he had initially impressed the cub.

He stepped out of the barrier without fear and spoke with a quiet yet solemn voice that conveyed extreme danger. If the party members heard him, they would definitely take caution against this man, simply from his tone.

"Buddy. Down!"

He uttered these simple words while gazing directly into Buddy's eyes, showing no mercy to this dangerous predator who would never yield to anyone under normal circumstances.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

However, despite the difference in appearance, Buddy felt a familiar yet terrifying sensation. The overwhelming pressure emitted by Arlo compelled him to lie down timidly on the ground as his little heart palpitated strongly in fear.

"Incredible!" exclaimed the old wizard, caressing his pointy beard. "You have truly domesticated this pup!"

One by one, members of the group stepped out of the barrier, while Reinhardt, the male warrior, remained behind with a displeased expression on his face.

The female warrior, referred to as the princess by her group, approached first with her hand outstretched. Although Buddy seemed apprehensive at first, he did not attack anyone when his master did not allow it. He quietly endured.

Initially indignant, Buddy eventually lay on the ground, kicking his legs in sheer joy.

"Why did you name him Buddy?" asked the princess, her gaze fixed on the wolf as she patted his head, watching his tail wag from side to side.

"Well, you know," Arlo replied, scratching his head. "Because he is my buddy!"

The group laughed awkwardly for a few seconds, quickly moving on as the wizard said, "You are quite a straightforward lad, aren't you?" Without waiting for a response, he continued, "That's good too! There aren't many like you around!"

"I have no doubt about that!" Arlo chuckled, as the only one here fully aware of the truth in that statement.

"You can call me Dicky," the old wizard said, offering some berries for Buddy to eat from his hand.

Dicky then adjusted the barrier so Buddy could enter without setting off any alarms, inviting them to their camp.

As adventurers are accustomed to facing danger, they should have been more cautious. However, witnessing the domestication of a monster, especially a breed known for its pride, was an extraordinary sight for them.

The Warrior Princess continued to pat Buddy's head, remarking, "With such obedience, you must be a druid!" She quickly turned to Arlo and added, "Am I right? Aren't I?"

Arlo chuckled to himself and replied quietly, "I am really not someone extraordinary."

At that moment, Dicky's wrinkled but content face turned solemn, instantly silencing the group as his large grin vanished.

"What happened?" inquired the ranger with slicked-back hair, equally stern.

"They have returned."

Before Dicky could finish his sentence, the ranger had already left the group's side to scout the situation ahead. The rest of the party swiftly followed suit, leaving Arlo behind, as instructed to him by the Warrior Princess.

Arlo didn't mind staying behind with Buddy. He noticed Buddy stealing a drumstick from the plate Reinhardt had been snacking from but said nothing. Arlo quickly grabbed the remaining drumstick and devoured it quickly.

He knew the food was delicious and well-prepared, but at the same time, felt the urge to spit it out. He could still appreciate the taste, but it wasn't even a fraction as fulfilling as freshly hunted prey. It felt as if he just ate some flavoured air.

He contemplated going outside for a few hours to hunt more and consume most of it himself, returning with whatever remained as a means to garner sympathy from the team. He enjoyed being part of their group.

He desired their favour, although he couldn't quite grasp as to why. Hunting and feeding brought Arlo pure ecstasy, yet there was an inexplicable longing for something more.

"Reinhardt was correct!" Arlo's keen ears caught the words in the air, approaching rapidly as the man spoke. His deep voice conveyed outrage. "How dare you invite a stranger to our campsite?!"