Chapter 2

"Hello, who is it?"

"It's me, Director Hao."

"Oh, it's Xiao Lu! Aren't you currently studying at the Imperial Beast High School in the city? How do you have time to call this old man?"

Listening to the familiar yet distant voice on the phone, Lu Yuan subconsciously recalled the scenes of Director Hao taking care of him in the orphanage.

As his name suggested, Director Hao was indeed a good person.

"Director Hao, I remember you told me that as soon as I awaken my Imperial Beast Space, you would apply to let me choose an initial pet beast."

"What! You finally awakened?!" Director Hao immediately became excited.

Lu Yuan smiled helplessly: "Yes, Director Hao, I finally awakened."

"Then come to the orphanage quickly. I'll take you to choose your initial pet beast right away. Don't worry about the application; with your background, the review will be a matter of minutes."

"Okay, I'll come right over."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Yuan didn't linger. He picked up some things and left the apartment.

After all, in a month, the summer vacation for his sophomore year would be over.

The tense senior year of high school was about to begin.

For Lu Yuan, who aspired to become an Imperial Beast Master, he must make good use of this time.

Because compared to the 'geniuses' who awakened their Imperial Beast Space at the ages of eight and twelve, he, who only awakened at sixteen, was already behind at the starting line.

To overtake them, he must catch up quickly.

After all, who doesn't accelerate on a straight road? Being fast on the curve is what really matters!

However, before going to the orphanage, Lu Yuan first went to the mall.

Going to ask for help empty-handed is not a good habit.

Even though Lu Yuan and Director Hao were not father and son, their relationship was like that of father and son.

...

Jiujiang Orphanage.

Lu Yuan got out of the car, carrying a large bag and a small bag.

Looking at the orphanage in front of him, scenes from the past involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

Although those memories were from his predecessor, Lu Yuan felt a sense of empathy at this moment.

Following the memories, Lu Yuan arrived at the orphanage gate.

He saw an old man in a security uniform leaning against a stone lion, sleeping. His listless appearance made one doubt whether he could really stop any bad guys if they came.

Lu Yuan walked up to the old man and gently patted his shoulder.

"Grandpa Li, Grandpa Li, wake up."

The old man slowly lifted his head and saw Lu Yuan standing in front of him.

"Oh, it's Xiao Lu. Why are you back? Is it a school holiday today?"

"Yes, it's the summer vacation recently, so I came back to visit. Grandpa Li, look, this is a gift for you."

Lu Yuan took out a pack of 'Ruanhua' cigarettes from his bag and handed them to Grandpa Li with a smile.

Seeing the Ruanhua, Grandpa Li's eyes immediately lit up.

He showed his yellow teeth and said with a smile, "Not bad, not bad. You're thoughtful, Xiao Lu. None of the other kids came back to visit after they left."

"Haha, maybe they're just busy."

Grandpa Li shook his head speechlessly, clearly not agreeing with Lu Yuan's words.

"Grandpa Li, I'll go in first. Please help me distribute these gifts to the younger ones. I have something to discuss with Director Hao, I'll talk to you later!"

"Alright, go ahead."

Lu Yuan waved and walked directly into the orphanage.

After Lu Yuan walked away, Grandpa Li's cloudy eyes seemed to become much clearer, his face filled with a smile.

He took out the Ruanhua Lu Yuan gave him and opened it skillfully.

"Old buddy, want a Ruanhua?"

Grandpa Li raised the Ruanhua in his hand, and the stone lion behind him, which had been motionless, suddenly moved.

It skillfully extended its paw and took out a Ruanhua.

The old man and the stone lion thus smoked and chatted at the orphanage gate.

If it weren't for the remote location of the Jiujiang Orphanage, this scene would have stunned many people.

...

Lu Yuan walked to the director's office. From a distance, he saw a middle-aged man with a potbelly standing at the door.

"Director Hao!"

"Xiao Lu, you finally came!"

The bald Director Hao happily walked up to Lu Yuan, patted his shoulder, and looked him up and down.

"Not bad, not bad. You look strong. It seems you're doing well at the Imperial Beast High School. I'm relieved."

"Of course, if I hadn't awakened a bit late, we might have had a city top scorer from the Jiujiang Orphanage!"

"Ha ha ha! You still have such ambition. It's worth waiting for you so long, Director."

"Director, this is a gift for you."

Just as Lu Yuan was about to hand over the prepared gift, Director Hao interrupted him.

"No need for formalities. Come, come, follow me. I've already arranged it for you. You can go choose your initial pet beast now."

"Really?!"

"Of course!"

Director Hao led Lu Yuan directly to another direction in the orphanage.

Actually, right next to the orphanage was a pet beast breeding center.

The distance between them was just a wall.

Soon, the two arrived at the neighboring pet beast breeding center.

With Hao Ren leading the way and Lu Yuan's clear identity, they passed through the necessary checks almost without any hindrance.

Soon, Lu Yuan met the manager of the breeding center.

It was a woman wearing glasses, exuding an intellectual charm. Even in a loose white coat, her alluring figure could not be hidden.

"Lu Yuan from the Jiujiang Orphanage?"

The female manager looked up at Lu Yuan after finishing the documents in her hand.

"Yes."

"I've reviewed your application, and the procedures are in order. Director Hao, please stay here. Follow me, Lu Yuan."

"Xiao Lu, remember to choose a pet beast with high potential. If you have any questions, you can ask Manager Shen Bing. She is also from our orphanage."

This manager is also from the orphanage?

Looking at the cold and aloof mature woman beside him, Lu Yuan was somewhat surprised.

Shen Bing looked at Lu Yuan and said indifferently, "You must choose the pet beast on your own. I won't provide any help beyond the rules."

"Understood."

Soon, the two arrived at a huge indoor garden.

Shen Bing took out her ID card and swiped it at the door, which slowly opened.

"This is the beginner pet beast breeding room. Inside are young pet beasts. Remember, you can only choose one pet beast. Once you find the one you want and sign the contract, you must come out."

"Also, you are not allowed to harm the pet beasts inside. They are the treasures of the breeding center."

"I understand."

"Good, go in."

Lu Yuan nodded and walked into the garden.

As soon as he entered, he was stunned by the scenery in front of him.

It was a vast indoor space, with dense plants all around and an artificial sky and sun overhead.

Everything looked no different from the outside world.

After being stunned for a moment, Lu Yuan took out the map in his hand.

It marked the living areas of various pet beasts.

After carefully studying the map, he decisively walked in one direction.

If everything went as planned, he should be able to find a pet beast that seemed to match the 'Jiraiya template' there.

...