Awakening : Becoming The World's Strongest Beast Master

The surroundings were silent.

Leo hugged Mia tightly and nodded in satisfaction. He then turned to Finn and said in a low voice, "Let's leave. It seems that even if you enter the academy, your ability won't be appreciated. I won't let you waste your potential here."

"Let's head to the next city. I refuse to believe that in all these cities, no academy will accept a B-level ability user!"

With that, Leo turned and started walking away. His disillusionment with the academy was evident, and he had no desire to linger any longer.

Finn, following close behind, looked at Leo with helplessness in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment, about to speak, but at that moment, a voice rang out from the teachers gathered nearby:

"Don't crowd around here! If you haven't registered yet, find an available teacher to help you. Those who have completed their registration should leave quickly!"

Two teachers stepped forward from the group, one of whom was the teacher whose desk Leo had flipped earlier.

"Well, I think we should have a proper discussion," she said, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. Her expression reflected the regret she now felt.

Having witnessed Leo's three powerful beasts, she realized that letting him leave would be a grave mistake. The young man before her might accomplish feats that others could only dream of.

Leo, however, remained cold and indifferent. He glanced briefly at the two teachers but did not stop walking.

Surrounded by his three beasts, it was challenging for the two teachers to get close, but they tried again, speaking hurriedly:

"We made a mistake earlier, but if you leave now, there may not be any academies left for you to apply to," one of them said quickly.

"The enrollment periods for academies in every city happen simultaneously. Even if you rush to another city, it might already be too late. You should stay here. After all, this is your home. Living at home is always more comfortable, don't you think?"

"If you join another academy, you'll have to leave your hometown, which will be very inconvenient."

Leo kept walking, unmoved by their words. Seeing this, the teacher whose desk had been flipped motioned to her colleague, who quickly left to fetch additional help. The remaining teacher, noticing Leo's cold demeanor, shifted her focus to Finn.

"Why don't you join our academy?" she said quickly. "We'll assign you a tutor who can guide you effectively. It'll be much better than going to another city and being randomly assigned a teacher who might not suit your abilities. Although we don't currently have a mentor specialized in your skillset, we can find someone who will definitely help you improve."

Her words were aimed directly at Finn, hoping to sway him.

Before Finn could respond, Leo suddenly stopped and turned to face the teacher.

At that moment, someone hurriedly approached them—it was William.

William stepped in front of Leo, and upon seeing him, Leo's expression softened slightly. But before William could say anything, Leo forced a faint smile and said quietly, "It's clear we're not welcome here, so I've decided to apply to academies in other cities."

Hearing this, William's smile faded.

For days, he had eagerly anticipated Leo's arrival. To hear these words now was a disappointment he found difficult to accept.

The teacher, sensing the tension, spoke quickly: "Wait! We haven't had a proper discussion yet. Tell us your requirements, and as long as they're reasonable, I'll apply to the academy to fulfill them."

Noticing William's reaction, she realized that if Leo truly left, not only would the academy lose out, but William would hold her responsible.

"I knew dealing with him would be this difficult," she thought to herself.

Leo remained silent for a moment, then said firmly:

"First, I require the freedom to leave the academy at any time. I will not be restricted to vacations like other students.

Second, I need a single dormitory—or, alternatively, a shared dormitory with Finn.

Third, I want a mentor who can either improve my abilities or elevate my status.

Finally—and most importantly—I agree to participate in semester assessments, but my information must not be recorded during regular periods. If you can meet these conditions, I'll stay. If not, I won't hold it against you. Let's just pretend I was never here."

Leo's piercing gaze met the teacher's. She, in turn, looked at William, her worry evident.

William hesitated briefly, then said with some embarrassment, "I can manage the first three conditions, but the fourth is a bit challenging.

Every academy is required to maintain regular records of its students. These records are essential for applying to the top ten academies. If your information isn't recorded, it might jeopardize your future opportunities."

Hearing this, Leo frowned slightly.

He didn't want his rapid growth, achieved through the fusion system, to attract unnecessary attention or suspicion. But William's explanation gave him pause. After a moment of thought, he compromised.

"Fine. You can record my information, but only when it's absolutely necessary—like when it might affect my admission to the top ten academies. Otherwise, you must keep my details private. Do we have a deal?"

Leo's trust in William stemmed from the latter's clear appreciation for his abilities. Knowing this, he was willing to give him a chance.

William's smile returned as he nodded.

"Agreed. If you trust me, I'll ensure everything works out."

"We'll return in seven days," Leo said, then turned and walked away.

As he left, William called after him, "I'll be waiting at the academy gate! Come early!"

Leo nodded but didn't look back, leaving quickly with Finn and Mia in tow.

The teacher, unable to hold back her curiosity, asked William, "Is he really worth all this effort? Are these concessions truly justified?"

William, visibly excited, replied, "Absolutely. I've encountered many beast tamers over the years, but none have impressed me like Leo. He has the potential to achieve extraordinary things."

With that, William hurried off to inform the dean of his decision, determined to ensure Leo joined the academy. To him, Leo represented hope for the future of beast taming.

Meanwhile, Leo and his companions left the academy grounds.

Finn, walking close behind, asked with a puzzled expression, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Leo sighed and explained, "That woman won't let this go easily. She'll either come after us herself or send others to cause trouble. We need to lay low for now to avoid unnecessary complications."

Finn muttered in disbelief, "I doubt it'll come to that."

But Leo, speaking with certainty, replied, "Trust me, it's very likely. Don't underestimate her persistence."

The system had already assigned Leo a task while he was at the academy. Explaining it to Finn would be difficult, so leaving quickly was his only option.