Awakening : Becoming The World's Strongest Beast Master

Lia sat by the bed, holding Mia in her arms, her eyes full of helplessness. She sighed deeply.

There were things she had kept to herself for years, but now that Leo was capable of handling matters on his own, she no longer felt the need to hide them. In a soft, sorrowful voice, she began to speak:

"Honestly, life has never been kind to me."

"A B-level elemental ability might be impressive for someone from a decent family, but for me, it's only made others jealous."

"You know how things were for us. Before I awakened my ability, starvation was common. Afterward, the subsidy I received barely allowed us to eat properly. But in the academy, because of my ability, I was placed in the top class. I excelled in every assessment, surpassing those from far wealthier families. Naturally, that didn't sit well with them."

She paused, her voice trembling as she continued.

"They made my life miserable at school—mocking me, belittling me, and spreading rumors. It was unbearable."

Lia's eyes turned red as tears welled up.

Though she had endured so much, raising her siblings after losing their parents, the bullying she faced in the academy still weighed heavily on her.

"I didn't tell you any of this because it wouldn't have helped. You and Mia couldn't have done anything, and it would've only made you feel worse."

Mia buried her face in Lia's chest, her small body trembling with emotion. Leo, standing nearby, clenched his fists as he looked at Lia, his heart aching.

He had always admired his sister's strength.

After a while, Lia wiped her tears and managed a faint smile.

"Evan really was a good friend to me."

"His family background is excellent, and he's a kind, capable person. He always stood up for me when others bullied me and even helped me find ways to earn money. During the college assessments, when people tried to exclude me, he grouped up with me. And when the academy initially tried to take my spot for the top ten colleges because of my lack of connections, Evan intervened. He convinced his father to advocate for me, and that's how I kept my place."

Lia scratched her head awkwardly.

"Honestly… if he didn't already have a fiancée, I'd think he might've liked me."

Her cheeks flushed as she added softly, "By the way, why are you asking about Evan? Did you meet him?"

Leo frowned. After a moment of hesitation, he replied, "When I went to repay my debt to Marcus, I ran into Evan."

His tone turned serious.

"He's working with Marcus. And not just that—he seems to have a higher status than Marcus. Evan knew the money I borrowed was to save you, yet he still recognized me and didn't intervene. If I hadn't invoked Augustus' name, I'm not sure I'd be here right now."

Lia's face paled.

"And another thing," Leo continued, "your injury is suspicious. With your wind affinity, it's strange that you were the only one hurt in such a serious way. You were out with Evan that day. Are you sure there's nothing unusual about him?"

Lia's expression faltered.

"I… I don't think Evan would ever harm me," she said weakly.

Leo sighed.

"You've never suspected him?"

Lia hesitated before responding.

"He has no reason to hurt me. There's no competition between us, no conflict. Why would he do such a thing?"

Leo didn't press further. He could see how much Lia valued her friendship with Evan. Instead, he softened his tone.

"I'm not saying you need to take action, Lia. I just want you to be cautious around him—especially since you're heading to the top ten academies soon."

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken warnings.

Suddenly, Lia's eyes widened as if she had realized something.

"What is it?" Leo asked, his tone laced with concern.

Lia hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Every advanced supernatural academy has a fixed number of recommendations. I heard that Evan's fiancée was originally selected, but she lost her spot when someone even more talented transferred in. Since the list had already been finalized, her name couldn't be resubmitted. At that time, my name was on the list."

Lia's voice wavered.

"If I had died… or been too injured to attend… my spot would've been vacated, and she could've taken it."

Leo's face darkened as he pieced together the implications.

"If Evan had a motive, it would be the spot at the top ten academies," Lia said bitterly, her voice thick with emotion.

She stared at the ground, overwhelmed by the thought that someone she trusted so deeply might have betrayed her.

Leo's heart ached for his sister. He spoke gently, "It's enough that you understand the situation. Just stay cautious around him. With Augustus in our corner, he won't dare try anything else."

"Be happy, Lia. Don't let him take away your smile."

His words brought Lia some comfort, but the pain lingered.