The weasel searched the area for a while.
Then came back, pointing right with its paw.
"Boss, there's a cave over there, pretty hidden."
I nodded and followed it over.
The armadillo followed behind me, footsteps heavy.
Each step made the ground tremble slightly.
Walked about fifty meters.
The weasel stopped before a hillside.
On the hillside was a sizable cave entrance.
The entrance was obscured by several large rocks, not very conspicuous.
I walked over to check.
The entrance height was just right for the armadillo to enter.
I peered inside.
Pretty spacious inside, could probably fit seven or eight beasts my size.
The floor was rock, dry and hard.
The air held a faint earthy scent, no smell of other beasts.
"Good." I said. "This is it."
I went in first, carefully checking everywhere.
After confirming no danger, I called the weasel and armadillo inside.
The weasel easily squeezed in.
The armadillo took some effort but finally pushed through.
Three magic beasts crammed in the cave.
The space suddenly felt somewhat crowded.
Especially the armadillo—its body was too large.
Took up nearly half the space.
"We'll rest here tonight." I said.
"Weasel, you take the first half of the night."
"Armadillo, you take the second half."
"Yes, boss." The weasel nodded.
"Understood." The armadillo said quietly.
I took out food from the space.
Still had plenty of Spike-Armored Rat meat left.
I divided several pieces for the weasel.
And more for the armadillo.
Its body was large, needed more food to recover.
"Eat."
The weasel immediately began eating.
The armadillo looked at the meat, then at me.
"Thank you... boss."
Then also started eating.
I also ate some myself.
[Gained 4 Experience]
[Gained 3 Experience]
[HP: 110/160]
[MP: 100/115]
Much better.
Though not fully recovered, at least wouldn't affect tomorrow's travel.
I looked at the weasel and armadillo.
They were also recovering.
The weasel's injuries had mostly healed.
The armadillo's HP should be around 60.
I opened the panel to check their status.
First the weasel.
[Spike-Tail Weasel]
[Level: 4/15]
[Experience: 35/100]
[HP: 50/60]
[MP: 20/20]
[Strength: 7]
[Defense: 5]
[Speed: 14]
[Luck: 6]
[Agile small magic beast, feeds on insects and small animals, tail barbs carry mild toxin]
[Traits: Keen Perception]
[Skills: Venomous Thrust]
HP recovered to 50.
Experience had also increased quite a bit.
Now check the armadillo.
[Iron-Shelled Armadillo]
[Level: 7/20]
[Experience: 78/200]
[HP: 55/120]
[MP: 40/40]
[Strength: 18]
[Defense: 22]
[Speed: 8]
[Luck: 7]
[Magic beast covered in heavy armor, extremely high defense but slow speed, aggressive temperament]
[Traits: Thick Armor Protection]
[Skills: Heavy Strike, Shell Defense]
HP recovered to 55.
Though still not half, at least no longer life-threatening.
I closed the panel.
Looked at the two beasts eating.
They ate very intently.
Especially the armadillo, taking large bites of meat.
I thought for a moment, then spoke.
"You two."
The weasel and armadillo stopped eating, looking at me.
"Following me isn't just about survival." I said.
"I can make you stronger."
Both beasts paused.
"Stronger?" The weasel asked confused.
"Yes." I nodded. "You know about evolution?"
"Know..." The armadillo said quietly. "But very difficult."
"Many beasts never evolve in their lifetime."
"That's because they don't know the evolution conditions." I said.
"But I do."
The weasel and armadillo exchanged glances.
Doubt in their eyes, but also a trace of hope.
"Boss... you really know?" The weasel asked cautiously.
"Of course." I said. "I can see your evolution requirements."
"Just follow the conditions and you can evolve."
This wasn't lying to them.
I really could see evolution conditions.
Though I hadn't checked their detailed evolution information yet.
But if the system could display it, I could definitely see it.
"Follow me, I'll help you evolve." I continued.
"Make you stronger, much stronger than now."
"Then your strength, speed, defense will all greatly improve."
I looked at them, voice becoming more forceful.
"In this forest, weakness is the original sin."
"You've seen it—powerful beasts can hunt the weak at will."
"Today it was you who got defeated by me."
"But what if you became strong?"
"Then no beast would dare easily provoke you."
The weasel and armadillo fell silent.
They were thinking about my words.
I could see the change in their eyes.
From initial doubt to current wavering.
"Plus, following me has other benefits." I continued.
"You've seen I have spatial abilities."
"Can store food, can protect you by putting you away during danger."
"I can also see other beasts' information."
"Know their levels, know their strength and weakness."
"This way we can avoid danger and choose suitable prey."
"Most importantly..."
I paused, looking at them.
"I'm building a team."
"A powerful team."
"Then it won't be just you two facing danger alone."
"But a group of companions fighting together."
"Coordinating with each other, protecting each other."
"Like today, the weasel and I coordinated."
"Though your defense is high, we found your weakness."
"One drew attention, one attacked the belly."
"With coordination, even opponents stronger than us can be defeated."
I looked at the armadillo.
"Today you were sieged by five rats, nearly couldn't hold on."
"Then we joined the battle, and you completely lost."
"What if you had companions helping you then?"
"The result would be completely different."
The armadillo lowered its head, silent.
It was recalling today's battle.
The helplessness when sieged by five rats.
The despair when ambushed by the weasel and me.
If there had been companions then...
"This is the power of a team." I said.
"Boss..." The weasel spoke. "Can you really help us evolve?"
"Yes." I said firmly. "As long as you follow my commands."
"Fight well, accumulate experience."
"Then fulfill evolution conditions."
"I'll guide you step by step."
The weasel was silent for a few seconds.
Then nodded.
"I understand, boss."
"I'll follow you properly."
Though the tone still held some reluctance.
At least it was no longer obeying just out of fear.
But had a bit of anticipation.
I looked at the armadillo.
"And you?"
The armadillo raised its head.
"I... I'm also willing to follow boss." It said quietly.
"If I can really evolve, become stronger..."
"I don't want to be bullied anymore."
I nodded with satisfaction.
Good.
Though subdued by force.
But as long as I gave them hope, gave them goals.
They'd be more loyal.
This was the art of selling dreams.
"Then follow me well." I said. "I won't shortchange you."
"Yes, boss." Both beasts said in unison.
We continued eating.
The atmosphere in the cave was better than before.
At least they no longer just feared me.
But had some... anticipation?
After eating.
I suddenly thought of a problem.
Always calling them "Spike-Tail Weasel" and "Iron-Shelled Armadillo" was too awkward.
Waspy and Brownie both had names.
Though just simple nicknames, at least they were unique.
These two should have them too.
"Right." I said. "You don't have names yet."
Both beasts looked at me.
"Names?" The weasel asked.
"Yes." I said. "Always calling you by species names is too troublesome."
"I'll give you names."
I looked at the weasel.
Agile body, fast speed.
Its tail was its weapon, with venomous barbs.
"From now on you're Spike." I said.
"Spike?" The weasel paused.
"Yes, Spike."
"This name... is too casual, isn't it?" It muttered quietly.
"Got a problem?" I looked at it.
The weasel immediately shrank its neck.
"No, no..."
"I think it's good."
"Thank you boss for giving me a name."
Though it said this, I could tell it was somewhat unsatisfied.
But that was fine.
As long as it didn't dare resist.
I looked at the armadillo again.
Large body, high defense.
Entire body covered in thick armor, like a moving shield.
"From now on you're Shell." I said.
The armadillo nodded.
"Shell... I'll remember."
"Thank you boss."
It was much more obedient than Spike.
No dissatisfaction whatsoever, calmly accepted it.
I nodded with satisfaction.
"Alright, Spike, you guard the first half of the night."
"Shell, you guard the second half."
"Yes, boss." Spike walked to the entrance.
"Understood." Shell lay down in a corner.
I also found a spot, leaning against the cave's inner wall.
Closed my eyes.
But didn't fall asleep immediately.
Mind thinking about many things.
Waspy and Brownie.
Where were they now?
Still waiting at the thicket?
I calculated the time.
From jumping off the cliff until now, already three days had passed.
Don't know how much longer until reaching the thicket.
The river swept me too far—completely didn't know where I was.
Could only keep heading north.
Hoped Waspy and Brownie were okay.
I opened my eyes, looking at the entrance.
Spike crouched there, alertly watching outside.
Shell was already asleep, making light snoring sounds.
I recalled what I'd just said.
Help them evolve.
Make them stronger.
This wasn't just selling dreams.
I really could do it.
With the system, I could see their evolution conditions.
As long as they progressed step by step, someday I could make them evolve.
Then my team would be stronger.
I closed my eyes.
Tomorrow continue north.
Would definitely find Waspy and Brownie.
Definitely.