"Children, would you like to play a game with me?"
Big Bear released the Awakened in his hand and took a handful of bear-patterned candies from his pocket.
The children were innocent and knew nothing. Their eyes lit up at the sight of candy.
"Let's play red light, green light, all right? If you catch me, I'll give you candy."
Big Bear hurriedly glanced at the Kou Island Awakened drawing ever closer.
He was frantic, but he dared not make any sudden moves.
If he frightened the children, they would scatter.
Then protecting them would be even harder.
"Count one, two, three, then open your eyes. If I move, I'll give each of you a candy, all right?"
Big Bear gently stroked the children's heads.
"Okay!"
"You look scary, mister, but... our teacher said not to judge people by their looks."
"We don't want candy. You must be very lonely, mister." The little girl smiled with wide, innocent eyes. "We'll play with you."
"Such good children. Come on, close your eyes and count slowly. No cheating."
Big Bear nodded with a smile and waved his hand.
A barrier of Qi enveloped the children.
The moment the children covered their eyes, his gaze turned sharp.
He slowly rose, standing in front of the children to face the Kou Island Awakened.
"One!"
The children called out in unison.
Bang!
Vast waves of Qi exploded outward.
Big Bear shot forward like a cannonball.
The Snake Group members barely hesitated.
Their Tachi swept through the air, unleashing a hundred Wind Blades.
Fur sprouted on Big Bear's arms, and he swatted their Wind Blades away with one palm.
"Two!"
Their clear voices rang out.
Despite his burly build, Big Bear moved incredibly fast.
He took a slash head-on and smashed two people's heads with one