Awakening : Becoming The World's Strongest Beast Master

Leo reassured his elder sister, Lia, with a confident smile. "Don't worry about me, sister. I'll be fine."

As they walked, Leo suddenly noticed there was no sound of footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Finn standing in the same spot, eyes closed and already fast asleep.

Leo let out a helpless sigh and walked back to Finn. Without a word, he bent down and lifted Finn onto his back. Finn opened his eyes briefly, looking a little embarrassed, but Leo didn't give him a chance to protest.

"You've fallen asleep four times in less than a kilometer. If we keep this up, we won't reach the academy until noon. Let's move faster and get there on time," Leo said firmly.

Finn scratched his head awkwardly but didn't resist.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the Advanced Ability Academy.

At the entrance, a car was already parked, and a group of people stood waiting beside it. Among them, Leo immediately spotted Evan, his expression as cold and distant as ever.

Evan didn't look pleased. He had assumed Leo would approach him first for a conversation, but to his annoyance, Leo didn't seem interested in doing so.

As Leo walked toward the group, he leaned toward Lia and whispered, "When you arrive at the top ten academies, if anything happens—no matter what—promise me you'll tell me about it. Don't hesitate, even if you think I might not be able to help. Just let me know."

Lia looked at him, her lips pressed together in thought, but before she could say anything, Leo continued, "If anyone bullies you or gives you trouble, tell me immediately. You know as long as I have that potion, even the most powerful people in the city will respect me. So please, don't try to handle everything by yourself."

The past two days had been transformative for the siblings. The wealth they had amassed from selling the White Jade Snail Saliva potion was beyond anything they had imagined. Leo knew its value and recognized the opportunities it presented. With it, he could form alliances with influential figures, people like Augustus, who had already shown an interest in working with him.

Moved by her brother's determination and care, Lia nodded. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she silently promised to rely on him when needed.

For years, she had carried the responsibility of protecting Leo, but seeing the capable and resourceful young man he had become, she felt some of the weight she bore lift from her shoulders.

When they reached the group, an impatient voice broke through the air. "Well, isn't it an honor for all of us to be kept waiting by you?"

The group consisted mostly of students who, like Lia, were heading to the top ten academies. Many of them harbored resentment toward her, viewing her presence as undeserved. Their hostility was evident in their tone and glares.

Leo didn't respond. Instead, he stood back to observe how Lia would handle the situation. He knew that her ability to stand up for herself here would set the tone for how she'd navigate challenges at the academies.

Lia stepped forward, her expression calm and composed. "If I'm not mistaken," she said evenly, "there's still half an hour before the departure time. I'm not late. Are you upset because I didn't come earlier to soothe your insecurities?"

Her words hit their mark, and the speaker's face darkened.

"You—"

Before he could say more, Lia interrupted, her tone sharp and cutting. "I suggest you watch your tone. I'm a Level 4 superhuman now. At my age, reaching Level 4—even with a B-level ability—means I could easily qualify for the top three academies among the top ten."

Her gaze was steady and unyielding as she added, "Unlike you, I actually have a chance at the top three academies. So, if we meet again, you might want to call me 'senior.'"

Her words silenced the crowd. Shock and disbelief spread across their faces, except for Evan, who remained stoic.

Most of the students were only Level 2 or 3, even those with B-level abilities. Lia's achievement of reaching Level 4 was exceptional, setting her apart from the rest.

No one dared to challenge her claim. They all knew the ranking system within the top ten academies gave higher status to students from the top three institutions. Lia's potential clearly placed her above them.

Leo observed the exchange with a faint smile, feeling reassured. Lia's confidence and composure meant he didn't have to worry about her being bullied.

"Sister, I'm heading off to register now," he told her. Then, leaning closer, he added, "If anyone gives you trouble, just contact Augustus directly. He'll handle it for you."

At the mention of Augustus, the group's attitude shifted noticeably. Murmurs broke out among them, and even the teacher leading the group seemed surprised.

"Do you know Augustus?" the teacher asked hesitantly.

Leo didn't bother answering. With Mia following closely behind, he turned and walked away toward the Advanced Ability Academy.

The group's attention shifted back to Lia. Suspicion and curiosity filled their eyes as they wondered if she truly had connections to Augustus.

Lia clutched her backpack tightly, watching her brother disappear into the distance. Once his figure was out of sight, she let out a quiet sigh.

Inside her backpack were the potions Leo had given her—a collection of valuable elixirs capable of healing injuries and enhancing potential. She knew these were the tools that would help her carve out a place for herself in the academies.

Feeling the weight of the stares around her, Lia spoke calmly, her tone unwavering. "Yes, Augustus has promised to support me once I'm at the top ten academies."

Her words were met with skepticism, but Lia didn't seem to care.

"If you don't believe me," she continued, "you can ask Augustus yourself. Or, wait until the academy's records are updated. You'll see the truth soon enough."