The Game Heroine's Cannon Fodder Leopard Cub - Chapter 13

Yi’an remained immersed in slumber throughout the morning. It wasn’t until the sun climbed directly overhead that she lazily opened her eyes.

Still groggy from sleep, she gradually regained consciousness after a long yawn. Stretching her stiff limbs, she began to ease the stiffness from her prolonged rest.

“If you hadn’t woken up soon, Nora would have grabbed me by the collar and tossed me into the lake,” a teasing voice broke the surrounding tranquility.

Yi’an jolted upright, her head snapping up as she scanned her surroundings warily. She realized she wasn’t in her familiar room but lying on a garden recliner, sunlight filtering through the leaves to bathe her in a warm, gentle glow. Seated beside her was Chief Jiqi, watching her with an amused smile.

Seeing Yi’an’s sudden tension, Jiqi gently patted her head, her voice softening. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t eat you. Nora hasn’t slept for two days and nights. I finally persuaded her to rest for a while.”

Hearing this explanation, Yi’an’s guard relaxed, her body loosening as she let out a long sigh.

Although Yi’an had spent most of the past few days in a drowsy stupor, she wasn’t entirely unconscious. She could still vaguely recall fragmented, blurry moments. During her brief periods of clarity, she always saw Nora watching over her—sometimes busy feeding her medicine, sometimes adjusting her position, and sometimes simply sitting there, gazing at her with gentle concern. Whether it was day or night, Nora seemed never to leave her side.

No one had ever cared for her like this before.

Perhaps her parents had once watched over her in the same way, but that was a distant memory from her childhood. The sudden car accident when she was five not only took her beloved family but also cruelly stole her precious memories, leaving behind only endless loneliness.

From then on, she became an orphan, dependent on the kindness of strangers.

And now, someone was going to such lengths for her, even though they had only known each other for less than a month, even though she wasn’t even considered a person.

Yi’an’s empty heart was filled with an indescribable surge of emotion, a feeling utterly foreign to her.

“However…” Ji Qi narrowed her eyes, a sly smile curving her lips, interrupting Yi’an’s thoughts. “I also wanted to get her out of the way so I could talk to you alone.”

Yi’an’s little head snapped up again, her ears perking up instantly. Her round eyes widened, fixed on Ji Qi with wary intensity. She tentatively retreated a step, as if sensing the conversation was about to take a serious turn.

“For example…” Ji Qi deliberately drew out her words, her gaze both amused and serious. “Your human form—ow! That hurts!”

Before Ji Qi could finish, Yi’an had already bitten her arm in a moment of panic. Though she didn’t bare her sharp teeth, the force of her bite conveyed her fierce protest. She glared at Ji Qi, a low growl rumbling in her throat.

“Hey! Let go!” Ji Qi cried, both amused and exasperated. She pinched Yi’an’s mouth shut with one hand, struggling to free her arm. “Just hear me out, okay?”

After Ji Qi’s persistent struggle, Yi’an finally released her grip, shaking her head but still watching her warily.

Now Ji Qi dared not prolong the suspense. She blurted out the truth in one breath: “Alright, I know—you’re no ordinary little leopard cub. You’re actually a descendant of the Goddess of Life. If you can recover the Goddess’s Divine Spark, you’ll be able to regain your human form.”

The sheer volume of information threatened to overwhelm Yi’an’s small mind. She froze in place, her tail puffing into a furry ball, and let out a series of frantic meows.

“I know this must sound absurd,” Ji Qi sighed, studying Yi’an’s bewildered and panicked expression. “We’ve analyzed the situation, and it’s highly likely your Divine Spark is hidden in the Morong Highlands. Of course, Baal knows this too, so he’ll undoubtedly try to stop you.”

Yi’an was completely dumbfounded. She tried to gesture a large question mark with her tiny paws, attempting to convey her confusion.

Ji Qi glanced at her and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You don’t need to gesture. Just ask directly. I can understand you.”

???

Yi’an froze, her entire leopard body stiffening in shock, her mouth hanging slightly open.

Meow meow meow meow! (You can really understand me?!)

Ji Qi nodded. “Yes, not only can I understand you, but I also know many more secrets about you.”

A thoughtful expression crossed her face as she murmured, “Actually, you and the Greenfolk share a deeper connection than you realize. I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but our ancestors were originally big cats…”

“I’ve studied the journals of our ancestors. The Goddess of Life’s chosen consort was none other than our close relative, the Snow Leopard, who was also the clan leader of her kind.”

“Legend has it that she was incredibly brave. With a single sweep of her paw, she eradicated all the rampaging Hellhounds, earning the Divine Spark left behind by the Beast God and transforming into human form. Our ancestors, thanks to her generosity, also gained the ability to shapeshift.”

“Our ancestors, blessed by the Goddess, were also granted the ability to transform into human form.”

Yi’an listened, her eyes wide with astonishment, and couldn’t help but meow in surprise.

Why didn’t I know any of this?

Could it be that I’ve transmigrated into a fanfiction of the game?

Ji Qi spread her hands helplessly. “These are ancient legends. It’s not surprising you wouldn’t know them. But the real key is this—”

Ji Qi paused, her gaze flickering slightly, before continuing slowly, “Throughout history, each Holy Beast chooses a person to become their ‘Guardian Holy Beast.’ This person typically possesses the bloodline capable of awakening the Divine Spark—only descendants of the Great Cats possess such power.”

Hearing this, Yi’an suddenly understood. She had a hunch.

So… I’m Nora’s Guardian Holy Beast? And she’s a Greenfolk?!

“That’s right, you’re indeed very clever,” Ji Qi nodded, her tone tinged with resignation. “You are Nora’s Holy Beast Guardian. But Nora… hmm, I can’t say any more about that.”

Yi’an glared at her suspiciously, meowing insistently for more information.

Why can’t you tell me? And why did you send Nora away?

Ji Qi smiled bitterly and spread her hands. “Because I promised Charlotte not to reveal too much about Nora’s origins unless she discovered it herself.”

She paused, looking down at Yi’an with a complex expression. “All I can tell you is this: you are a descendant of the Goddess, and Nora is the only one who can help you awaken your Divine Spark.”

Yi’an stared blankly at her, feeling her mind completely overwhelmed.

The sheer volume of information was too much. She lay motionless on the lounge chair, her mind churning as she tried to make sense of these tangled mysteries.

Finally, she let out a weak meow, utterly bewildered. What is all this nonsense…?

Seeing her dazed expression, Ji Qi couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke her small head. “Don’t worry too much,” she murmured. “Take your time. You still have time.”