Chapter 120: Lion Companion Iced tea works on unborn magical creatures too. The applications keep expanding. [The Golden Mane Lion will emerge within hours of receiving mana enhancement. Be prepared for immediate bonding - the creature will imprint on the first being it sees upon hatching. This bond becomes permanent and unbreakable.] Permanent bonding. That’s both reassuring and terrifying. [Additionally, the lion’s loyalty will be absolute. It will defend you with its life and grow stronger alongside your own development. Adult Golden Mane Lions can match adept-level practitioners in combat effectiveness.] Adept-level combat companion. That’s like having a permanent bodyguard who actually wants to protect me. Noah retrieved a bottle of iced tea from his shelf, noting how the egg seemed to pulse with anticipation as the magical liquid approached. Even unhatched, it can sense mana enhancement. He poured the peach-colored tea over the golden shell, watching as the liquid was absorbed instantly. The egg’s internal glow intensified dramatically, and hairline cracks began spreading across its surface. It’s working. The hatching process is accelerating. The shell continued fracturing as whatever was inside pushed against its confines with growing strength. Noah positioned himself directly in front of the egg, ensuring he would be the first thing the creature saw. First contact determines permanent loyalty. Can’t mess this up. Golden light began seeping through the expanding cracks, and the sound of something moving within grew steadily louder. Here we go. Crack! The first fracture split the shell completely, releasing a burst of magical energy that made the air shimmer with golden particles. Crack! Crack! More pieces fell away as tiny paws pushed against the confines of what had been home for months. Noah positioned himself carefully, ready to ensure proper first contact bonding. Crack! The final section of shell crumbled away, revealing the creature within. But instead of facing Noah as expected, the newly hatched lion turned toward his display shelves with obvious curiosity. No! Wrong direction! Noah immediately sprinted around his counter, nearly tripping over his own feet in desperation to position himself correctly. The bonding moment was crucial—permanent loyalty depended on proper first visual contact. Please don’t bond with my iced tea! He slid into position just as tiny blue eyes opened for the first time, blinking in the shop’s gentle lighting. What looked back at him was the most adorable creature Noah had ever encountered. Oh my god. It’s incredibly cute. The lion was roughly the size of a house cat, covered in fluffy golden fur that seemed to glow with inner light. Its mane was barely visible—tiny tufts of slightly darker gold that would eventually grow into the magnificent crown that gave the species its name. It looks like a living stuffed animal. Enormous blue eyes blinked up at Noah with innocent wonder, taking in their first sight of the world. The little creature’s proportions were endearingly kitten-like. The little one had oversized paws, a round face, and ears that seemed too big for its head. This is the combat companion that matches adept-level practitioners? It looks like it belongs in a children’s toy store. The lion opened its tiny mouth and spoke its first word with crystal clarity that somehow bypassed language barriers entirely. "Mama!" It can talk! And it thinks I’m its mother! "No, not mama! I’m your... papa!" Noah replied quickly, his voice climbing several octaves with panic. Papa. That works better than master or owner. Less weird since it’s treating me like a parent anyway. The little lion tilted its head with curiosity, processing this correction with obvious intelligence. Its tail—barely more than a golden tuft—wiggled with excitement. "Papa!" it repeated with enthusiasm that made Noah’s heart melt completely. The lion attempted its first steps on unsteady legs, wobbling like a newborn kitten discovering gravity. Each movement was accompanied by tiny chirping sounds that somehow conveyed both determination and confusion. It’s learning to walk. Like watching a baby take its first steps. "Papa, what is this place?" the lion asked, its voice carrying childlike wonder as it surveyed the shop. It can form a comprehensive phrase already. Golden Mane Lions are clearly more intelligent than I gave them credit for. "This is my shop," Noah explained, settling onto the floor to meet the creature at eye level. "I sell magical food to customers." "Food?" The lion’s ears perked up with immediate interest. "I’m hungry, Papa!" Of course it’s hungry. Just hatched from an egg after absorbing magical tea. Noah retrieved a small piece of healing bread, breaking it into manageable portions. The lion sniffed the offering with obvious appreciation before taking delicate bites. "It tastes like sunshine!" the creature declared with innocent joy. Like sunshine. That’s actually a perfect description. As the lion ate, its movements became more coordinated. The magical bread was clearly providing nutrition that accelerated its development beyond normal biological processes. "Papa, what am I called?" the lion asked between bites, its blue eyes fixed on Noah with complete trust. Names. I need to give it a name. Noah considered various options while watching the adorable creature demolish bread crumbs with kitten-like behaviour. Traditional names felt too formal, human names seemed inappropriate, but something meaningful would create better bonding. Golden fur, magical nature, loyal companion... "How about Leo?" Noah suggested. "It means brave and strong." The lion’s entire body wiggled with excitement. "Leo! I like Leo! Papa named me Leo!" Leo finished eating and immediately began exploring his new environment with typical feline curiosity. He sniffed everything within reach, his tiny nose twitching as magical scents provided information about his surroundings. "Papa, this place smells like magic and happiness," Leo observed with innocent wisdom. The bond between them was already strengthening, creating connection that transcended normal pet relationships. Leo wasn’t just a creature—he was family, complete with personality and opinions. Permanent magical companion who thinks I’m his parent. Some responsibilities arrive unexpectedly. Leo discovered his reflection in the display case glass and immediately pounced, tiny paws scrabbling against smooth surface in confusion about why the other lion wouldn’t play.