Welcome back Transmigrator

Chapter Eight: Unexpected Connections

Gaige sat back, massaging his temples, as he observed his newfound underlings diligently arranging his makeshift bedding. The crimson fur coat still clung to his shoulders, courtesy of their insistence. It was bizarre, but he had no inclination to shoo them away; the less he spoke, the better.

He had no desire to endure the embarrassment of his peculiar speech patterns.

"Andy," Gaige called, addressing the massive figure who had momentarily abandoned the couch he was attempting to assemble. Andy scurried over in response.

"Who's the real boss here?"

"Y-you?"

Gaige shot Andy an annoyed glare for not grasping his few words right away. Discontent was etched across his face, fueled by his aversion to seeing such a colossal man cower, and his growing frustration with Andy for not standing up for himself and utilizing his strength.

"What a waste of strength and physique," Gaige thought, shaking his head.

He continued to lock eyes with Andy, who fiddled nervously with his shirt. "Did you realize Axel wasn't actually your boss?"

Gaige reverted to his stoic expression, prompting Andy to finish his explanation. "In truth, I... I own this building, but I'm not the boss."

Gaige waved his hand, urging Andy to elaborate further. "Our actual leaders vanished, and it's been a month since. Axel assumed leadership, believing they'd return."

"Why do they mistreat you?"

"Why do I tolerate their mistreatment? They possess guns; the leaders left them for our defense, but they misuse them for nefarious purposes. I can't leave; I need to remain here in case the leaders return."

"Why?"

"In case the leaders return, I must be here."

"Leaders?"

Gaige echoed the word, surprised that they weren't referring to just one person but multiple leaders. How could a group function effectively with several leaders? The curiosity gnawed at him, but his inability to voice his thoughts kept him silent.

"Rowan and Minka typically led our group, but all four of them were strong!"

"Where are they?" Gaige inquired, but Andy remained silent. Gaige was on the brink of resorting to intimidation to extract more information when he perked up, catching what Andy mumbled under his breath.

"I can't reveal that we are transmigrators."

"Transmigrators? Are you?"

Andy's eyes quivered as he wrestled with the decision to disclose his origins. "D-do you believe me, sir?"

Gaige narrowed his eyes, seizing both of Andy's shoulders. His heart raced with excitement at the prospect of encountering another transmigrator. Unable to contain his enthusiasm, he eagerly sought more details.

"I'm a transmigrator too! Tell me everything!"

Andy exclaimed, "W-what? You too?" Realization dawned on him. "You're not proficient in Earth's language, are you?" Gaige released his grip, and Andy continued, "Of course! I returned here a year ago; I've already acclimated." But his bashfulness resurfaced as Gaige questioned further.

"But why are you weak?"

"Any power, skills, abilities, and strength gained from the other world gradually wane over time. The duration of their preservation varies among transmigrators, but only your appearance remains," Andy explained, fidgeting with his nails.

Gaige glanced at his hand, generated a small aura on his fingers, and allowed divine light to dance in his palm. He couldn't fathom life without his powers, and he worried about potentially becoming as feeble as Andy.

A multitude of scenarios raced through his mind as he contemplated how to maximize his remaining powers to avoid succumbing to Andy's vulnerability. Clasping his hand, Gaige resolved to make the most of his lingering abilities, determined not to end up as pitiful as Andy.

"So, where did Rowan and Minka go?"

"Ah, yes, you were asking that." Andy shook his head, as if mentally preoccupied before recounting their story. "Minka possesses a system that can detect newly arrived transmigrators returning to Earth. This group was initially formed to help newcomers adjust to their otherworldly appearances and establish new identities."

"What do you mean?"

"Sir, we're fortunate to have transmigrated into human form. Think about those who ended up as different species."

Gaige nodded in agreement. The plight of transmigrators transformed into non-human entities would be particularly dire. None of them had anticipated being unable to revert to their original selves. The transmigrators in this unfortunate predicament would undoubtedly feel betrayed.

"Why hasn't anyone come for me?"

"When did you arrive here, sir?"

"Today."

"Well, as I mentioned, Rowan and the others have gone missing. It's been a month already. The transmigrator they encountered might be malevolent or dangerous. I hope they're still alive."

Andy sighed before casting an expectant gaze toward Gaige. "What powers do you possess, sir?"

"Why?"

"Could you help me search for them?"