No one would willingly exhume their family's remains to process them into Beast Soul Stones.
Nor would anyone realize that the so-called Beast Soul Stones are formed from the remains of tamed beasts.
This is an internationally recognized measure to protect tamed beasts.
Only in this way can loopholes be prevented from being exploited by criminals to harm them.
It was then that Li Miao understood why the laws of this world showed such favoritism toward tamed beasts.
Looking into Erha's innocent eyes, Li Miao couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle its head.
"I understand."
She said to Jia Yunwan, "I've always understood."
"Erha is my family, my partner, and my friend."
Of course, the premise is that it doesn't do anything stupid.
Like eating feces or digging in the mud.
Jia Yunwan was immensely relieved upon hearing this.
"Your talent is exceptional, and I have high hopes for you. I hope one day, you'll become my pride."
She said, "Go now."
"Take your tamed beast with you."
"Chenchen's will shall guide you into the awakening."
Li Miao nodded solemnly.
Sensing its master's serious mood, Erha also lifted its chin and let out a firm "Woof!"
No problem.
It was definitely going to awaken!
After all, it was the Chosen Dog!
Erha strode with its head held high, as majestic as a soldier in a military parade.
Li Miao quietly followed behind, muttering, "Erha, your butt crack is showing!"
Erha: "..."
Master, are you the devil!?
Is this really the right time to mention that!?
If it weren't for the imminent awakening, Erha swore it would have chomped down on Li Miao right then.
Soon, the two reached the enormous skull.
The skull alone stood hundreds of meters tall, and a single tooth was even taller than Li Miao.
Gazing at the skull before it, Erha couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
So big!
It wanted to be that big too!
Then it could flip its master over with one paw and do whatever it wanted!
At this thought, Erha stuck out its tongue and let out a shameless, wicked chuckle.
Li Miao shot Erha a suspicious glance.
Before she could ponder the reason behind the strange noise, she noticed something enveloping Erha's body.
Rubbing her eyes, Li Miao activated her True Sight.
To her surprise, luck was on her side again—she had triggered the 10% probability once more.
[Tamed Beast: Jia Chen
Race: Desert King Hound
Attribute: Earth
Quality: Platinum
Level: ???
Personality: ???
Status: Deceased (Note: The soul is gone; beyond saving.)
Special Status: The soul is gone, but the will remains. It shall protect its family with unwavering loyalty until the will dissipates.]
This was the data she saw when looking at the skeletal remains.
When she turned her gaze to Erha, another data panel appeared:
[Special: Force of Will
Status: Active
Passive Skill: Draws tamed beasts near the force of will into an illusionary trial. Passing the trial allows the beast to awaken. Failing deducts some of its base stats.]
Li Miao took a deep breath, then glanced at Erha.
[Tamed Beast: Erha
Race: Siberian Husky
Attribute: Ice
Quality: Bronze (Can Evolve)
Level: 1 (Can Awaken)
Personality: Playful, Energetic
Status: Undergoing Awakening Trial...]
This trial came way too fast, didn't it?
Li Miao sighed helplessly as she looked at Erha, who had unknowingly sprawled on the ground and was snoring away. She then sat cross-legged beside it.
Jia Yunwan waved goodbye before riding off on her motorcycle, saying she'd bring them food later.
As the roar of the engine faded, the heat returned. Li Miao glanced at the sky, hesitated for a few seconds, and finally dragged the unconscious Erha into the shade of the skull.
At least it would be cooler there.
Meanwhile, in the illusion, Erha felt as though it had returned to a tamed beast breeding facility.
But here, there were no private rooms—just iron bars and cramped cages with a single ragged blanket tossed inside as a makeshift home.
It had been born in this lightless breeding facility.
Then one day, it was bought by a pet store.
Before it could rejoice, it spotted Li Miao passing by.
Erha instinctively barked.
But soon, it caught itself again.
Why had it barked?
Did it know that girl?
Did it want her to be its master?
Staring at the girl outside the window, walking with her classmates, Erha suddenly lost interest.
It lay down in the display window, feeling suffocated by the tiny kennel. It longed for freedom—especially life by its master's side.
Huh?
Had it ever been free?
Confused, Erha blinked. Its tiny brain couldn't hold too many thoughts, nor could it make sense of these strange emotions bubbling up, so it fell asleep.
For days, it alternated between eating and sleeping, as if numbed, swallowing kibble whole without tasting anything.
But soon, it was purchased.
The buyer, a woman named Li, said she was buying her daughter a birthday gift.
And just like that, it was given to the girl named Li Miao.
Li Miao... Chewing on its kibble, Erha grew pensive.
Noticing its gaze, Li Miao tilted her head and smiled at it.
"Hello."
"Starting today, I'm your master."
"My name is Li Miao."
"And you?"
Erha barked once.
It didn't have a name.
"Then I'll call you Erha."
As if understanding, Li Miao smiled even brighter and scooped Erha up, lifting it high before gently setting it back down.
Erha's heart stirred.
It wanted to memorize this girl—it sniffed at her scent, engraving her into its heart.
This was its master.
With that happy thought, Erha wagged its tail vigorously at Li Miao.
"Woof!"
Li Miao grinned, patting its head.
"Good boy."
Time passed, and it slowly grew from a tiny pup into an adult.
In this world, there were no tamed beasts, no supernatural powers—it was just an ordinary pet. Besides being sturdy, it seemed utterly useless—
No.
It still had one use.
It was the best at wreaking havoc at home!
Ears drooping, Erha was once again banished to the corner to reflect.
"How many times have I told you not to wreck the house!? Look at what you've done to the couch! Aargh, I'm so mad!"
"Erha!"
"You dumb dog! What are you even thinking!?"
"And my slippers! The slippers! How did you manage to shred those too!?"
Li Miao laughed angrily before smacking its head. "All you do is eat, eat, eat! Look at you—nearly a hundred pounds! Is destroying the house the only thing on your mind!? Do you really plan to annoy me to death so you can find a new master?"
Erha whined in protest.
Of course not!
It only had one master!
Her name was Li Miao.
"You still dare to argue back!?"
"Always causing trouble—I must owe you in a past life!"
Erha closed its mouth.
Its master couldn't understand it…
Felt wronged.
Felt sad.
Felt like crying.