Still very much a kitten despite his terrifying potential.
"Papa, why won’t the other Leo play with me?" he asked with adorable frustration.
"That’s your reflection, like seeing yourself in water," Noah explained gently.
Leo studied his reflection with newfound understanding, then deliberately made faces to watch the image copy his expressions.
Smart enough to understand mirrors immediately. Definitely more intelligent than regular cats.
Looking at his new companion, Noah thought of inspecting him.
’Maybe he also has a status, just like me.’
[Size Manipulation (Locked)] – Leo has the latent ability to shift his physical size, ranging from a small kitten to a full-grown lion with a majestic mane. (This skill remains locked; Leo must reach adolescent growth.)
[Claw Sweep] – Leo unleashes a powerful sweeping strike with his claws, dealing heavy damage to anything in his path.
Noah had been worrying about the cub’s size. Once he grows up, it would be difficult to keep him in the roleplay as a ’domestic cat’, which meant Leo would be unable to stay on earth with him, except in the house.
However, with the size manipulation skill, the issue had been resolved.
Noah’s eyes widened with interest as he processed Leo’s incredible potential. The cub stage was clearly just the beginning—his companion would eventually possess abilities that could rival Valeria.
Adept-level potential with size-changing abilities. That’s incredible.
The locked skill suggested Leo’s development would unlock increasingly powerful capabilities as he matured. Even his current ability, Claw Sweep, indicated combat effectiveness that belied his adorable appearance.
He’s going to become formidable. He’s already as strong as I, and he was just born.
"System, how does Leo grow and develop his abilities?"
[Golden Mane Lions develop through feeding and hunting experiences. As natural predators, they must engage in combat to unlock their full potential. Magical enhancement also accelerates this process significantly.]
Hunting and feeding. He needs actual combat experience to grow stronger.
Noah nodded with understanding. Leo wasn’t just a pet—he was a warrior in training who required proper nutrition and combat experience to reach his potential.
Time to give him the best possible start.
Staring at his cute companion, who was now attempting to catch his own tail with typical kitten enthusiasm, Noah made a decision that felt both generous and practical.
I’m not going to be selfish. He deserves the best enhancement I can provide.
Noah retrieved one of his remaining protein bars, unwrapping it with the same care he’d used for his own consumption. Leo’s nose immediately twitched with interest as magical scents filled the air.
"Leo, try this," Noah offered, breaking the bar into manageable pieces.
If it can permanently enhance humans, imagine what it might do for a magical creature.
Leo approached the protein bar with cautious curiosity, sniffing each piece before taking delicate bites. His reaction was immediate and intense, purring like a contented house cat while his eyes closed in obvious pleasure.
"Papa, this tastes like...so good!" Leo declared between satisfied purrs.
He can taste the magical enhancement. Fascinating.
The purring continued as Leo consumed every piece, his tiny body vibrating with contentment. But as the final bite disappeared, something unexpected began happening.
Wait. Something’s changing about him.
Leo’s golden fur started glowing brighter, and his body began expanding with visible growth that defied normal growth means. Within minutes, the kitten-sized creature had grown to puppy proportions.
He’s getting bigger. Much bigger.
"Papa! I feel stronger! And bigger!" Leo’s voice carried excitement rather than alarm.
The protein bar somehow triggered accelerated growth. He’s advanced to the next development stage.
Confused by the rapid transformation, Noah immediately consulted the system for an explanation.
"System, what just happened to Leo?"
[The protein bar contained sufficient concentrated energy to advance Leo from cub to juvenile growth stage. Golden Mane Lions can absorb enhancement more efficiently than other species due to their magical nature.]
Juvenile stage already. That protein bar was incredibly effective.
Noah focused his inspection ability on Leo again, curious about his enhanced status.
[Size Manipulation (Locked)] – Leo has the latent ability to shift his physical size, ranging from a small kitten to a full-grown lion with a majestic mane. (This skill remains locked; Leo must reach adolescent growth.)
[Claw Sweep] – Leo unleashes a powerful sweeping strike with his claws, dealing heavy damage to anything in his path.
[Roar] – Leo can produce an intimidating roar that may cause fear or hesitation in weaker opponents.
Apprentice rank and a new skill. The growth acceleration is incredible.
Leo’s transformation was remarkable. His golden fur had developed richer colour, and his movements were clearly more coordinated.
The consumption of the protein bar made his growth look like a timeskip.
He went from newborn kitten to juvenile lion in minutes. That’s development on an unprecedented scale.
"Papa, I feel so much stronger!" Leo announced, demonstrating his enhanced agility by leaping onto Noah’s counter with perfect agility.
His physical capabilities multiplied dramatically. That protein bar investment paid incredible dividends.
The new Roar ability suggested Leo was developing the intimidation factors that would make him effective in actual combat situations. Even his Claw Sweep would carry more force at his increased size.
Combat-ready companion in record time. Some investments exceed all expectations.
Leo explored his expanded body with obvious delight, testing his enhanced strength by playfully swatting at empty air with movements that generated visible force.
Still playful like a kitten, but now with actual combat potential.
"Papa, can we go hunting? I want to try my new powers! Please, please?" Leo asked with eager anticipation. The lion was clearly sound in the way he was acting.
"Spoken like a true lion, Leo. We shall go hunting together," Noah smiled at the little lion, stroking his soft, golden fur.
Leo rubbed his head against Noah’s hand in happiness.
He’s ready for real combat experience. Time to see what juvenile Golden Mane Lions can accomplish.