I thought about everything that’s happened so far. “There is no other way! It’s impossible!” So, come on!” The small cat raised his voice. Instead, Likulau’s eyes avoided meeting mine. I turned to the silent Clouded Leopard, looking for a different answer. The large cat’s eyes stared back at me with pity. Once that happens, there’s no going back.” Whatever’s left of it is inside this wicked cat, melded with his own negative chi. We… we still need to rescue Senpai.” The words felt hollow as soon as they left my mouth.
“Hold on, Lin Hu.” I stepped over to the two cats. Yet you will not leave this place with your life.”
You come here, even now, expecting a meal. “You’re one to talk about overconfidence. Guardian Tiger seemed taken aback by the smaller cat, but he quickly recovered.
Your overconfidence will be the end of both of you.” “Ha! Don’t make me laugh.” Leopard Cat turned his attention back to Tiger. “As I’ve said, Liao is under my protection. Your kind never learn.” Tiger’s grip tightened on Leopard Cat’s neck, and the smaller cat let out a pained gasp. I certainly won’t be the last one to come for him.” “You think I’m the only one attracted by Liao’s spirit power. In this world, it’s eat or be eaten.” Leopard Cat looked at me through his open eye. One of his eyes was closed and his sharp, clenched teeth were exposed as he struggled. Leopard Cat tried to pry Tiger’s large hand away. How many humans have you consumed at this point? Even one soul is far too many.” He switched his grip from Leopard Cat’s collar to his throat. Leopard Cat crossed his arms and pouted at the large feline. As long as Liao is under my protection, you won’t lay a finger on him.” The small cat thrashed around for a bit before giving up with a defeated look on his face. When I opened my eyes, Guardian Tiger had caught Leopard Cat by the collar and was holding him in the air. I closed my eyes and held my arms in front of my face, bracing for the impact that never came. It caught me off guard when he lunged at me again. “All you gotta do is let me eat your soul!” I’m the closest you’ll ever get to him! Buuuuut, you can still help me if you want.” Leopard Cat stuck his tongue out and winked at me. Your Senpai’s gone, and he’s never coming back. Leopard Cat looked slightly shocked, but quickly turned to anger. I stared directly into Leopard Cat’s eyes. I have to save him… “Give him back.” My voice came out small. You even could’ve seen your Senpai’s body before you died.” All I had to do was get you to come home with me. “You mean… letting you escape from your family… at our date at the arcade?” I almost had you to myself a few times, but you always denied me.” “I just used that to get close to you.” The cat pouted. Senpai… felt that way about me? I didn’t even notice… What I said and my desire to date you were a reflection of his will.” Like I told you, when I ate Shu-Chi’s soul, I gained his experience and his memories. “So… the shopping… the dating… dining… it was all a lie?” Clouded Leopard backed away, but didn’t raise his eyes from the floor. We couldn’t have possibly sensed his true intentions.” Tiger’s words didn’t make me feel any better. Kulau looked up towards the bigger cat, but then turned his gaze to the floor. “No useless!” Kulau took a step towards the leopard cat, but Tiger held out his arm across the clouded leopard’s chest. You could’ve saved him if one of your useless pets had noticed my intentions earlier.” Leopard Cat’s eyes flickered towards the two other beast-men in the room. “S-Senpai… is dead? This whole time, he…?” I tried to breathe, but the air kept catching in my throat. My heart sank as a wave of anxiousness and fear washed over my entire body. You can kill me, but you can’t save him.” “He’s long dead and I’ve absorbed his soul completely.