Awakening : Becoming The World's Strongest Beast Master

"Although it's a waste to use it on you, it's the only way," Leo said calmly.

As he spoke, he approached the screaming individuals on the ground. Without hesitation, he stepped lightly on their bodies and carefully dripped a drop of the white jade snail's saliva into each of their mouths. The miraculous liquid worked instantly. The agonized screams ceased, and the wounded bodies began to heal.

Moments later, the injured individuals stood up in disbelief.

They inspected their bodies, noticing that while their clothes were still stained with blood, not a single wound remained. More astonishingly, they felt no pain.

"This…"

They exchanged bewildered glances, their minds struggling to process what had just happened. Just seconds ago, they had been on the brink of death, yet now they were completely restored.

All eyes turned to Leo, realization dawning that the substance he had given them was the reason for their miraculous recovery.

Evan's expression turned complicated. Earlier, he had felt humiliated after his defeat, but witnessing this miracle turned his frustration into curiosity and greed.

"What is that in your hand?" Evan asked in a low voice, his gaze fixed on Leo. He was certain that if such an item were sold on the market, it would fetch an astronomical price. Never before had he encountered anything with such rapid and miraculous healing properties.

Leo met Evan's gaze coldly, his voice firm. "What this is has nothing to do with you. From now on, my family has no ties to you. You take your path, and I'll take mine. If you dare to harm my sister again, you'll bear the consequences."

Without waiting for a response, Leo turned and walked toward the door. Lia lingered for a moment, glaring at Evan with an icy expression before following her brother.

Evan remained where he stood, his frustration evident. Despite his anger, he did not pursue them.

One of the onlookers whispered hesitantly, "What do we do now? Are we just letting them leave like this?"

Evan's eyes flashed with a calculating gleam. He sneered and responded coldly, "No one is allowed speak a word of what happened here today. If I hear any rumors, don't blame me for what happens next."

His chilling tone silenced the group. Without another word, Evan strode out, leaving his companions exchanging helpless looks.

Before long, Evan caught up with Leo and Lia, who were standing near the entrance of the factory.

"I'm willing to apologize to Lia for everything—both what happened earlier and before—and I can offer compensation. I only ask that we talk."

Evan's tone was sincere, but Leo regarded him with indifference.

Leo was no fool. He knew that Evan's sudden change in demeanor was due to the white jade snail's saliva. Evan's interest in the miraculous substance was glaringly obvious.

"We have nothing to discuss. Stay away from us," Lia interjected coldly, her expression unyielding.

Although she once shared a close bond with Evan, everything changed after she discovered his betrayal. Lia had resolved to cut ties with him completely and had no intention of ever looking back.

Evan, aware of the attention they were attracting, refrained from pressing further. He sighed heavily before speaking again.

"I know you hate me, and I deserve it. I can't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to understand one thing. I may seem free, but my life is not my own. I live under restrictions you can't imagine. Sometimes, even if I don't want to do something, I have no choice."

His voice softened as he looked at Leo.

"If nothing else, consider this: the item you hold has the power to change lives. If we can cooperate, your entire family could undergo a transformation beyond your wildest dreams."

Evan's eyes gleamed with ambition as he added, "Don't let temporary anger blind you to such an opportunity. Chances like this don't come often."

With that, Evan turned and walked away, not waiting for a reply.

Lia scowled at his retreating figure. "What's his problem? Can't he just say what he means?"

Leo, however, smirked faintly.

"Oh, he made himself very clear. He wants what I have."

Without hesitation, Leo placed the white jade snail's saliva back into his inventory. He knew the immense value of the substance and how irresistible it would be to those in their world. Even powerful individuals like Augustus and Benjamin wouldn't be able to ignore its potential. It was no surprise that Evan would desire it as well.

Leo silently acknowledged Evan's cunning. Despite being wounded, Evan had quickly composed himself and sought to negotiate—proof of his sharp instincts as a businessman. However, Leo had no intention of working with someone like him.

Evan's betrayal for a mere quota had already shown his true nature. Such a person could never be trusted; he would always prioritize his own gain, even at the expense of others.

"Let's go home," Leo said quietly.

Lia nodded, and the two began walking toward Finn's house. Just as they reached their destination, a notification sounded in Leo's mind.

[ Mission completed … ]

[ Reward received: 500 points, 100 energy points, and one random draw. ]

A faint smile appeared on Leo's face. Points could be exchanged for money, and the more he accumulated, the better.

Soon, Leo and Lia returned to Finn's house. Upon seeing them both safe and unharmed, Finn let out a sigh of relief.

"Lia, you can share a room with Mia. I'll stay with Finn," Leo said gently.

Lia forced a smile and nodded.

Once she left for her room, Leo turned to Finn and began recounting everything that had happened. By the time he finished, he sighed deeply.

"My sister has been truly hurt this time," Leo said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.

He knew how much Lia had sacrificed for their family. She had spent years taking care of him and Mia, leaving little room for her own life. It wasn't easy for her to trust or make friends, and now to have someone she considered close betray her—it must have been devastating.

Finn listened quietly, nodding in understanding. Yet, the weight of the day's events seemed to catch up with him, and soon he drifted off to sleep.