Stray Cat Strut - SCS Fanfiction Contest Winner: Libitania, by NiameScrawls

This is a peaceful village without so many disturbances.

Until one day, a young man named Dong Qing awakened the mutated martial spirit Tianjiao Ant,

This peaceful village has become less peaceful,

After some years.

“This planet tastes really good.”

After some years.

“The taste of this plane is really good.”

After some years.

“This universe smells really good.”

Countless billions of years later.

“Brother, you also like to eat so much!”

“yes!”

“What’s your name?”

“shortage”

- Description from novelbuddy

Derek Carter never asked for a System, an apocalypse, or the pressure of being humanity’s so-called “last hope.”He was just trying to survive the daily struggles of being an orphan in Paleview City—dodging bullies, scraping together meals, and lying his way into school. Life was already hard enough.Then, one day, a blue screen pops into his vision:[Warning: The world is doomed. Try not to die.]Yeah, great. Just what he needed—cryptic doomsday messages and no instruction manual.Now, monsters are creeping into the city, reality is unraveling, and Damien’s “legendary” starting stats are barely above zero. The System promises him power, but there's just one tiny problem—he’s never won a fight in his life.Armed with sarcasm, questionable decision-making skills, and the sheer refusal to die, Damien is about to embark on the worst (and possibly last) adventure of his life. Because if the world really is ending… he’s at least going to make it someone else’s problem first.After all, heroes are overrated—survivors get to tell the story.

Young Master He had always been a male god in the eyes of others.

Until one day, the god-like him died.

And he became the much detested white silk trouser-wearing second rich generation.

Male God He was unaffected by this.

In his previous life, he had sacrificed everything for his clan, now, he could finally break free from that tiring life.

The only thing was that he had gained a handicapped partner.

Initially, he thought his partner was just a weak, gullible and pure lamb.

In the end, a certain person changed entirely making everybody cry and shout daddy.

- Description from Novelupdates

Lucas Carter, a stressed-out office worker, never expected to die, let alone be reincarnated into a brutal world where beasts are the key to power. Born as the heir to a lowly barony, surrounded by elves, beastkin, dragons, and demonic clans, he was supposed to be a mere pawn, nothing more than a stepping stone for the true power players.But fate had other plans. Armed with a modern strategist’s mind and a mysterious system that grants him the ability to tame legendary beasts, Lucas quickly rises above the limitations of his birth. With the power to summon beasts, fuse them into deadly weapons, and unlock hidden skills, Lucas is no longer just surviving—he’s thriving.By his side are his loyal companions:Umbra, a Black Nemean Lion with indestructible fur and devastating roars that disrupt magic.Zephyra, a playful yet fierce Baby Wind Dragon who wields the power of wind itself.With his growing army of legendary beasts and his tactical genius, Lucas begins to build an empire. Along the way, he forms bonds with powerful women from every race, all while navigating the dangers of political intrigue, betrayal, and the constant threat of rivals who want to take everything he’s earned.One beast at a time, Lucas will carve his name into history. But in a world where strength is everything, can his cunning and loyalty to his beasts truly make him the ultimate ruler?