Rin sat on the old rusted pipe at the edge of the slums — the same spot where he found the tiny injured rat not long ago. The early morning air was still and cool.
The little creature peeked out from his collar, twitching its nose.
"Heh… you've been with me since the start, huh?" Rin said, then smirked. "I didn't even name you yet."
He reached out gently, rubbing the top of the rat's head."How about Rakka? You like that?"
The rat let out a sharp, happy squeak.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Rin pulled a small bowl from his bag, poured in some clean water from his canteen, then carefully uncorked the basic beast healing potion and mixed a portion into the bowl.
"Drink up, little guy."
Rakka waddled over and began sipping. As he drank, a soft green glow surrounded his body — wounds closing, fur smoothing, and strength returning.
Rin watched silently. He's actually recovering… This stuff works.
When Rakka finished, Rin picked him up, tucked him back into his collar gently, and stood up.
"Alright then… let's begin."
He exhaled sharply, then shouted quietly:"Status — open."
A translucent screen blinked to life before his eyes, displaying his details:
[Player: Rin]• Beast Space Rank: F• Beast Space Capacity: 1/1• Beast Core Storage: 2• Special System: ▓▓▓▓▓▓ (Locked)
[Beast Companion: Rakka]• Type: Scavenger Rat• Rank: Normal• Ability:— Silent Loot: Can collect small materials or loot from defeated monsters without being detected.• Condition: Healed• Loyalty: High
Rin blinked at the screen, especially at the last line."Silent Loot…?"
He chuckled, rubbing his temples.
"This… This is a cheat. This rat's literally got stealth loot mechanics," he grinned. "It's so OP."
He couldn't help but feel something warm in his chest. For the first time, things didn't feel hopeless.
With a grin, Rin looked at the horizon."Let's get to work, Rakka."