Awakening : Becoming The World's Strongest Beast Master

The size of the White Jade Cat had grown immensely, now towering over the corridor and brushing against the ceiling. Its massive frame made the narrow hallway feel suffocating, and its powerful paws lashed out at those surrounding it. Anyone caught in its swipes was sent sprawling, their bodies colliding against the walls with loud thuds.

However, the cat's size proved to be a hindrance in such a confined space. Its bulk made it difficult to turn around or keep track of the enemies flanking it.

At that moment, the Silver Light Fox leaped into action. Its sleek body transformed into a streak of shimmering light, darting behind the White Jade Cat and slamming into the debt collectors. The fox's attack cleared the way, leaving no immediate threat to Leo and Lia.

Lia stood frozen in shock, her mouth agape. The sheer power of the two beasts protecting them was far beyond her imagination.

Leo, however, remained composed. Just a month ago, he had been nothing more than an ordinary person, powerless and vulnerable. But now, standing beside two formidable beasts, he felt like an entirely different person.

"Let's move," Leo said in a low voice. The commotion they'd caused was bound to attract unwanted attention, and the system hadn't yet notified him that the task was complete. A lingering sense of unease told him danger was still close.

The White Jade Cat and Silver Light Fox shrank back to their normal sizes, obediently trailing beside Leo as the group made their way toward the hospital exit.

Behind them, the debt collectors began to stir. Although the beasts' attacks had been forceful, they hadn't caused severe injuries. The onlookers, realizing there was no more drama to witness, dispersed in disappointment.

One man among the debt collectors pulled out his phone and made a quick call. "He's running! That kid dared to use beasts in the city! Call the city guards—let's catch him together!"

Leo and Lia had almost reached the hospital gates when Lia glanced at him with a worried expression. "You shouldn't have fought here," she said softly. "If the city guards catch you, you'll face a massive fine."

Her life of frugality made her naturally cautious, but Leo didn't share her concern.

"It's fine. We have money now, and we know someone influential. Worst case, I'll call Mr. Benjamin. He won't let us fall into trouble," Leo reassured her calmly.

Despite his composed demeanor, he couldn't shake the feeling that the crisis wasn't over yet.

Just as they reached the hospital entrance, the White Jade Cat leaped forward, blocking Leo's path and letting out a low growl.

Leo and Lia stopped in their tracks, their eyes narrowing as a group of more than a dozen men appeared, blocking the exit. Dressed uniformly and exuding hostility, it was clear they weren't here for a friendly chat.

Leo recognized the group immediately—these were the same people he owed money to.

Before he could say more, the leader of the group, a burly man with a cold expression, spoke first. "You think you can just pay back what you owe after causing trouble? That's not how it works anymore."

With a wave of his hand, the debt collectors rushed toward Leo and Lia.

They held back their abilities, waiting for Leo to act first. City rules dictated that whoever initiated a fight using powers would bear the consequences, including hefty punishments. However, counterattacks were considered justified and went unpunished.

Unfortunately for them, Leo didn't care about those rules.

"Go all out," Leo commanded his beasts. "If they want a fight, they'll get one."

The White Jade Cat and Silver Light Fox immediately sprang into action.

The debt collectors, realizing they were under attack, activated their abilities in response. Despite being the weakest among the city's power users, they still underestimated Leo and his beasts.

"Fireball!"

"Water Sword!"

"Wind Blade!"

Elemental attacks filled the air, but their lack of coordination and strength made their strikes easy to dodge.

Leo moved nimbly, weaving through the chaos, while Lia, using her own elemental ability, Child of the Wind, soared into the air. The gusts of wind swirling around her lifted her body effortlessly.

Watching Leo dodge so fluidly, Lia was filled with both admiration and disbelief. She'd never seen him fight like this before.

Meanwhile, the White Jade Cat, now significantly larger, swung its massive paws at the debt collectors. Though its attacks forced them to retreat, its enormous size slowed its movements, allowing some of the attackers to evade the blows.

The Silver Light Fox, on the other hand, thrived in the chaos. It stood its ground, releasing a fragrant scent into the air—a charm ability.

The debt collectors' eyes glazed over as they fell under the fox's spell. The White Jade Cat seized the opportunity, sending several men flying with a single swipe of its paw.

But the charm's effect didn't last long. The collectors snapped out of their trance and shifted their focus to the Silver Light Fox.

The White Jade Cat immediately stepped in, shielding the fox with its stone-like fur. Despite the barrage of attacks, the hardened fur absorbed the blows effortlessly.

"Use your abilities again!" Leo called out, his voice steady.

Both beasts obeyed. The Silver Light Fox released another wave of charm, while Leo used his secondary ability, Expansion, amplifying its effects.

This time, the charm's influence was twice as potent, leaving the debt collectors completely vulnerable.

The White Jade Cat took full advantage, delivering devastating strikes that sent several more flying out into the street. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd of onlookers.

"We need to leave!" Lia called out, her voice urgent. "If anyone dies, you'll be declared a fugitive!"

At that moment, the system chimed in Leo's mind.

[ Mission Complete. ]

Relieved, Leo nodded. He called the White Jade Cat and Silver Light Fox back to his side, and the group made their escape, disappearing into the bustling streets.