21 Milf
Seven maids stood outside Emilia's room, their faces flushed with embarrassment as lewd, unabashed moans echoed from within—so loud they seemed to permeate every corner of the house.
"Anhhh~ Anhhh~ Anhhhh~"
"Annhhh~ Yes... more, just like that..."
"Anhhh~ Sister-in-law... you're so beautiful..."
"Anhhh~ Yes, more, please... give it to me..."
Across the hall, Leon sipped his tea, a wide, entertained smile curving his lips. Beside him stood Justin, his expression unreadable.
"So... what happens now?" Justin asked, turning slightly toward Leon.
"You are probably going to become an uncle if that guy continued to fuck her like that." Leon spoke with a smile as he took a sip from the cup.
"Not that... I mean how will you prove that they were doing it to my brother ?" Justin asked.
"The servants have heard them both. That's enough for them to serve as witnesses. Just a little longer and I'll send in Jim's secret girlfriend and she will do her part.
Once all of this is over... Your brother won't need anymore proofs." Leon's voice carried a gleeful malice as his smile darkened.
Justin frowned. "What do you mean by Jim's Girlfriend ? You told her about your plans ?"
"No, She is too dumb to understand this. I am only using her." Leon replied.
"So... You are making Amelia Ford a witness to all this ?" Justin asked with a confused expression.
"Yeah, that reminds me..." Leon took another sip, then glanced sideways. "How exactly is your house considered five-star ? Jim's girlfriend is a third-rate charmer who's been manipulating him for two years, and no one seems to know a thing.
Are you guys really nobles or what ?"
"No way... That's true ?" Justin's voice was laced with surprise, but the flicker in his eyes betrayed something else.
Leon caught it immediately.
"Wait... you knew. That tone—sarcastic and a bit too calm—you knew all along about that bitch."
"Yes," Justin admitted with a small smile. "For the past one year."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess. You let it continue because you wanted one brother out of the way. Hmm...?"
Justin sighed, then nodded. "It was pathetic to see him fall for her tricks. She tried the same on me, but I wasn't tempted by her charm.
When I realized he was no longer focused on the successor's position... I simply stayed quiet. Less competition will help me, after all."
Leon's expression shifted to one of amused approval. "Smart. Grow a pair of balls and you'll elevate this house to seven-star status.
Seeing how smart you are, you should've already done all this by now."
"That's the thing with me Mr. Leon. I don't have the courage to do things like this and you are so calm.
What is your secret ?" Justin asked with a smile.
'I have already died... Why would I fear family drama ?' Leon thought in his mind for a second then sipped some tea.
Just then, the creaking of a door drew both of their attention. The fourth room had opened.
"Ah, shit... Mother is awake. The moaning must've woken her up," Justin muttered grimly.
"Don't be scared... You haven't done anything and stay confident." Leon spoke with a serious expression.
"Y-Yes... I am confident."
Without another word, Leon handed Justin his teacup and stepped behind him, his face now wearing a mask of duty.
"What is going on here?" a sharp voice demanded. A woman in her sixties emerged, furious. Althea Weaver—matriarch of the household, mother to Justin, Jamie and Jim, and Emilia's mother-in-law.
'Another witness, this is getting better.' Leon mused, his smile subtle.
"Good morning, Mother," Justin greeted smoothly as he slowly bowed in front of her.
"It's certainly not a good morning for me. What is that awful sound coming from your room? Is there a girl in there ?" Althea snapped with an Irritated expression.
"No, Mother. The noise is coming from Emilia's room." Justin replied immediately as he pointed towards the room.
"Emilia's?" Althea's brows furrowed. "Is Jamie back ? He didn't tell me before-"
"No, Mother. That's Jim... in there with Emilia." Justine spoke cutting her off in the middle of her sentence.
A gasp escaped Althea's lips as she clutched her mouth in horror. "W-What? That can't be—"
Before she could finish, a woman stormed up the hallway, her eyes holding an angry fire. She was none other than Amelia herself.
*Click*
The door flung open.
"You bastard!" Amelia screamed. "You said you loved me! How could you cheat on me with your own brother's wife ?!
Our relationship is over."
Neither Jim nor Emilia so much as flinched. The aphrodisiac coursing through their veins drowned out everything but their own lust.
They countinued to fuck like monkeys in heat.
'Alright, that's my part, now I should get out of here as soon as possible. I should just leave this kingdom... or that butler will keep coming after me.' Amelia thought bitterly, storming out of the room with practiced rage on her face.
"W-Who was that ?" Althea demanded, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"I believe... that was Jim's secret girlfriend, who is not so secret anymore." Justin replied, feigning innocence.
"Close that damned door! And no servant is to go near that part of the house!" Althea roared.
The maids fled, slamming the door behind them.
'Her voice really makes the servants scared huh,' Leon noted blandly.
"Justin," Althea ordered sharply, "Catch that girl. This matter must not leave the household. I'll deal with the servants.
Write a letter and tell your father about this." She turned on her shoe. "ADELINE! Come here, now!"
Leon gave a dry chuckle. "Looks like your mother is flabbergasted by the view of your brother humping Emilia."
"She's trying to contain the damage, protect the family's reputation. I should send orders to the guards to find Amelia and catch her immediately or mother will kill me," Justin muttered as he turned away.
"No need. She's already captured. Look inside your room," Leon said with a calm smile.
Justin paused, confused, and pushed open his door. Inside, Amelia sat tied to his bed, mouth gagged. Beside her sat Fruela holding her daggers in her hand.
"...Umm. There is a dark elf in my room Mr. Leon—"
"She's with me," Leon interrupted, stepping in and shutting the door.
"Your father must be a heavy sleeper if that didn't wake him." Leon spoke with a neutral expression.
"He's not here. He left for the Royal Castle two days ago. Prince Charles came looking for him he was really worried, and they've been staying there since. He only sends messages now."
"What happened?" Leon asked with a confused and curious expression.
"No idea. They were in the main library talking about the matter— and since it's soundproofed completely with spells. Not a whisper escapes from inside." Justin explained.
"I see."
"So that's it for now ?"
Leon nodded, satisfied. "Yes, everything is set. Now we wait for your brother to return and see the chaos. He'll lose it. If anything unexpected happens before then, contact me immediately. Keep her here until that moment," he added, gesturing to Amelia.
"Why in my room? Can't we keep her in the storeroom ?" Justin asked, raising a brow.
"Because, aside from me, you're the only one she can't manipulate. Though... I wonder why ?
Because I have intrest in mature woman... but what about you ?" Leon asked with a suspicious expression.
"...What?"
"Justin, are you sure you're a man?" Leon asked raising his brows.
"I-I am! I can prove it if—"
"That won't be necessary. Just fucking with you. I'll be going now." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he turned to leave, but Justin called after him.
"Mr. Leon..."
Leon paused, glancing back with a confused expression.
"Thank you for all this. I wouldn't have achieved all this without you." Justin said quietly, bowing slightly.
Leon merely smirked and descended the stairs.
The moment he reached the ground floor, Adeline yanked him into an empty room.
"Hello, darling. Dragging men into empty rooms now? Desperate, aren't we?" Leon teased with a grin.
But Adeline's expression was tense.
"Leon, this isn't the time for jokes. Madam Althea has gone completely mad. No servants are allowed to leave the mansion. If she finds out about us—"
"Did you switch the cups ?" Leon asked, serious now.
"Y-Yes," she nodded quickly. "I hid them in the storage room downstairs."
"Good. As long as they don't suspect the tea, we're fine. I have somewhere to be. Keep me updated on what's happening here." Leon spoke with a neutral expression.
"Wait! How are you getting out? Madam Althea said—"
"Don't worry," Leon smiled. "I have my ways."
As he walked away, his mind buzzed with satisfaction.
'Althea's losing her grip. She'll do anything to contain this scandal. In time, this will be a perfect piece of blackmail. But for now... I'll head to the dungeon, gather beads, and level up a little.'
A faint smirk danced on Leon's lips as he entered inside the kitchen and saw Rees standing there.
"Shall we go back ?" Rees asked.
"Yes." Leon replied and immediately both of them vanished into thin air.
-x-X-x-
—Dungeon, Sixth Floor—
*Swish*
With a shimmer of distorted air, Leon and Rees reappeared on the cold, stone floor of the dungeon's sixth level.
"Phew..." Rees stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders. "It feels good to use magic again."
"You are dead and you still stretch your body like you are alive. That's kind of odd." Leon spoke with a smile as he looked at Rees.
"It's just my mind... It wants to feel alive." Rees replied.
Leon glanced at him, one brow raised. "What kind of teleportation spell was that you just used ?"
"The Fraulent Jump," Rees said, straightening his robe. "It's a spatial manipulation spell exclusive to magis.
Though even among magis, very few can master it. It's ancient—requires a five-minute-long enchantment chant, and if you mispronounce even a single word, it fails.
But, once you master it... you can leap between places you have gone to before." He explained.
Leon blinked. "You could've just said 'a teleportation spell only magis can use. That can get you from a place to the place that you have gone before.'
Why are you explaining all that to me ? It's not like I can learn it."
Rees chuckled. "Old habits. Back in the Elf Kingdom, I had an assistant, Jerry. I used to lecture him on magic the same way.
You just reminded me of him Mr. Leon."
Leon rolled his eyes and turned. "Anyway, I'm heading to the forest to level up. You coming with me or staying here ?"
"Level up ?" Rees tilted his skull, puzzled.
"Ah... What I meant was... I am going to the forest in order to kill monsters." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he corrected himself.
"But you said Level up... What does that mean ?" Rees asked.
"It means killing monsters and increasing your level of fighting." Leon replied immediately.
"Ah... I understand it now. So we are going to slay monsters so you can train, right ?" Rees asked.
Leon nodded, deadpan. He then started walking towards Rees. "Exactly that. So you coming or not ?"
"Oh! Yes, yes—I'll come along. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and find a Frembian Turtle in the forest." Rees spoke.
Leon stopped. "A Frembian Turtle ? Why ?"
"I need its shell. In order to craft an indestructible magical coat." Rees spoke as he looked at Leon.
Leon gave him a long look. "You spend all your time down here. What's the point of armor ?"
"It's not for me, Mr. Leon." Rees said casually. "It's for you."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "Me?"
"You're the Dungeon Master, Mr. Leon. I can't very well live free in your dungeon forever. Consider it a gift from my side." Rees explained as he looked at Leon.
'Well... Why would I say no to an indestructible magical coat ?'
Leon shook his head. "Fine. Let's go."
He stepped forward, touched Rees's shoulder, and both of them vanished immediately.
---
—Dungeon, First Floor—
*Swish*
The pair materialized directly behind Kai, who was hunched over a half-assembled wooden bed.
He was craving designs on the upper side of the bed very carefully.
"Kai," Leon called from behind in a low voice.
"Fucking hell—!" Kai nearly leapt into the air, clutching his chest.
"Obviously. It's you again. Why are you doing that to me again and again ? You can shout from behind that 'you are here' and then walk up close to me." Kai spoke with a serious expression.
"Did you make the beads, I told you to ?" Leon asked, his voice calm.
Kai exhaled and reached into his pocket.
"Yeah. They're ready. Here." he spoke tossing a pouch towards Leon.
*Catch*
Leon snatched the small pouch out of the air and opened it. Two polished wooden beads rolled into his palm with a soft sound,
*Tick-Tick*
Rees peered over with a confused expression, "Beads? What are we going to do with those, Mr. Leon?"
Leon's lips curled faintly. "Kill monsters." He spoke then turned back to Kai.
"Good work, Kai. You can get back to your bed but I will be needing more of these soon."
"I will-"
Before Kai could reply, Leon touched Rees again, and they vanished.
---
—Dungeon – Outer Edge—
*Swish*
Leon and Rees re-appeared outside the dungeon.
Strong winds howled across the trees. The sky was darkening fast.
*SWISHHHHHHHH*
"A storm's coming," Rees observed, turning his bony skull toward the sky. "You sure you want to head into the forest in this weather, Mr. Leon ?"
"I don't feel cold that much, let's go." Leon said, pulling his cloak tighter and striding forward.
Rees fumbled in his robes. "Wait Mr. Leon—let me get my weapon out. Just in case."
Leon paused, glancing back. "Weapon? You have a weapon? I thought you only used magic as your weapon."
"I do. But before I became a Lich, my mother taught me how to wield this one. After my transformation, I made a visit to the Dwarf Kingdom and traded some rare demon alcohol to a blacksmith.
He got so happy that he made me this beautiful weapon. Ah here it is." Rees spoke as he finally pulled out what looked like a black toothpick.
Leon blinked with a confused expression on his face, "That's your weapon ?"
"Hold on..." Rees brought the stick to his mouth and whispered something in an ancient language.
*Swish*
In an instant, the miniature stick expanded into a full-sized black scythe, a sharp blade gleaming at one end.
"A scythe?" Leon muttered.
"She's called Rias," Rees said, tracing the blade lovingly with a bony fingers. "My partner for a long time."
"Have you used spatial magic on her in order to to shrink it like that ?" Leon asked with a smile as he looked at the scythe.
"No. Runes. A friend engraved them into the handle. They shrink the weapon and until I speak a specific phrase, she can't come back to her original form." Rees explained.
"I see..." Leon turned back toward the forest. "Let's move then."
"Ah yes."
Both of them began to tread through snow-dusted underbrush, wind rustling overhead.
"So... any target in mind? Like a specific monster you want to kill first." Rees asked as he looked at Leon.
"Whatever crosses my path, I will try to kill it." Leon replied.
He then reached into his pouch and withdrew one of the wooden beads.
"Seal." Leon spoke as he activated the skill.
[-20 MP]
A black circle materialized over the bead. Leon ran his thumb along its surface and suddenly, a series of notifications started popping in front of his face.
[-20 MP]
[-20 MP]
[-20 MP]
...
Layers of seals stacked one upon the other with incredible speed. After a few seconds another notification popped up in front of him:
[Maximum Seals have been applied.]
He pocketed the bead, pulled out the second one, and began repeating the process.
Rees watched silently. He had learned not to interrupt Leon when he was preparing something... because if he asked question right now, Leon's answer will only make more questions in his mind.
They continued walking until a low, guttural growl broke through the howling wind.
*Grrrrr...*
"Hm?" Leon stopped. "Did you hear that?"
"I did." Rees pointed to a thick patch of bushes. "It's coming from there."
"Glitch Point."
Three red dots appeared over the bushes—clustered together.
'The dots are awfully close that means it's a single target with three weak spots.' Leon thought in his mind.
Rees pulled his scythe from his back and began casting buffs. Green runes glowed softly along the blade.
[Name: —]
[Race: Wild Agile Boar]
[Level: 9]
[HP: 900/900]
[MP: 600/600]
[Description: Wild Agile Boars are known for their strength and relentless speed. They prey on human children and weaker flesh, preferring easy kills.]
'It's hesitating,' Leon thought. 'Maybe because of Rees's aura.'
He turned. "Rees, step back."
"What?! Are you sure? We don't even know what we're deal—"
"I know." Leon's tone left no room for argument.
"...Yes." Rees stepped back but kept casting buffs.
Leon crouched, holding three exploding beads in one hand, his thumb ready over one.
"Come on... come out."
Suddenly, the bushes rustled.
*Oink-oink-oink!*
The boar lunged forward with shocking speed, tusks aimed for Leon's legs.
"Mr. Leon, it's a Wild Agile Boa—"
Leon flicked the bead toward it and whispered, "Kaboom."
*BOOOOOOOOM.*
A deafening explosion shook the earth. Snow scattered. Blood painted the white ground crimson.
Leon looked down.
At his feet, the massive boar lay still—half its head obliterated, the rest twitching in its death throes.
[Congratulations! You have Leveled Up!]
Rees approached, stunned. "W-What was that?!"
Leon smiled, brushing soot from his coat. "You're not the only one with hidden magic weapons, Rees."
He turned, walking deeper into the forest.
"Let's keep going."
"W-What kind of magic is this guy even using ? Even I haven't seen such a spell that can be activated this fast and without any chants as well." Rees murmured in a low voice as he started following Leon.
-x-X-x-
Vinceral Forest, Midnight
The forest was deathly still, cloaked in a heavy darkness that swallowed all light.
Snow blanketed the ground in a cold hush and it is falling down from the sky non-stop. Nothing was visible—but Leon walked forward without hesitation as his skill was activated.
His breath didn't fog in the freezing air. His body, unnaturally warm. His vision, sharper than any other humans should be. He was studying his status screen as he walked forward:
---
[Name: Leon Luster]
[Class: Alchemist]
[Race: Human]
[Level: 11]
[Mana: 2300/2300 (+100)]
[HP: 1100/1100]
Skills:
[Skill Crafter (F)], [Inspect (C)], [Adaptive Body (S)], [Minor Healing (F2)], [Trap (F)], [Inventory (F3)], [Blind Spot (F)],
[Touch of Lust (F4)], [Loose Grip (F)], [Adrenaline Rush (F)], [Lustful Thoughts (F)], [Potion Crafter (F {S-Cap})], [Alchemy (F)]
[Glitch Point (F)], [Instant Craft (F1)], [Reverberate (F1)], [Mana Thread (F)], [Life Steal (F)], [Leeching Aura (F)], [Mana Return (F)]
[Efficient Breathing (F)], [Core Bonding (F)], [Dungeon Master (F)], [Silent Steps (F)], [Blast Seal (F)], [Focused Reading (F)], [Data Manager (F)], [Mimic (F)], [Bluff (F)], [Lust Bite (F)], [Pain's Recovery (F)]
Title: Dungeon Master
____________
'Wow... I made so many skills? And why is my mana double my HP? Wasn't it the other way around before?' Leon thought for a moment, then dismissed the screen with a sigh.
'System really works in a mysterious way. Oh well... I just remembered a new skill and I should make it before I forget it again.' He thought with a smile as he activated the skill.
[Please pick a name for the skill...]
"Sixth Sense."
[Skill 'Sixth Sense' has been created.]
[Rank has been settled to 'F' by default.]
[State the use of skill.]
"A passive skill that remains active all the time and whenever there is danger around the user, this skill will let the user's mind know where the danger is coming from. Other than that... this skill is completely useless, deals no damage, and doesn't give any battle advantage to the user," Leon said in a low voice.
"Did you say something, Mr. Leon?" Rees asked with a confused tone as he looked at Leon.
"Huh...? Oh, nothing. I was just talking to myself, I do that sometimes... You don't have to pay attention to it." Leon replied calmly as he looked at Rees.
"Ah, okay. As you say Mr. Leon." Rees replied.
[Processing...]
'I don't know about this skill. It's like I'm shooting arrows in the dark.
From one angle... it's useless, but in reality, it's really useful. If I can know where the attack is going to come from, I'll have an easy time dodging. I should also make an auto-dodge skill and a skill that can keep me alive while I sleep and—'
Before he could finish the thought, another screen popped up in front of his face.
[Description has been accepted.]
[Estimated mana cost: 400]
[Cooldown: 60 minutes after the user intentionally shuts down the skill.]
[Would you like to learn the skill or destroy it?]
'Oh... the system got really specific with the notifications, huh?' Leon thought for a second before whispering the word.
"Learn it."
[Congratulations! You have learned the skill {Sixth Sense} successfully!]
As soon as the skill was learned, it activated automatically and a very sharp pain struck Leon's head.
"Fucking hell..."
*Thud*
Leon dropped to one knee and closed his eyes, grabbing his head with one hand... He placed his other hand on a nearby tree.
"What happened, Mr. Leon? Do you feel cold or tired? Should I take us back to the dungeon?" Rees asked, placing his skeletal hand on Leon's shoulder.
Suddenly, black-and-white images began flashing through Leon's mind.
His surroundings became visible, not through sight, but through perception. Everything felt alive. Every fluttering insect, each snowflake brushing his cloak and even the breeze of air—he could feel it all.
"Mr. Leon... can you tell me what happened ? So that I can help you ? Please you are scaring me... If something happened to you, Fruela and Dusk will litreally kill me. Please tell me." Rees asked again in a worried tone.
Leon slowly opened his eyes. The world looked normal again.
"I am alright." Leon replied with a flat expression.
'Was that because of the skill? For that one moment, it felt like I was a part of the forest itself.' He thought standing up once again.
"S-Should we move forward or go back? I think going back would be a better option since you are-" Before Rees could've completed his sentence Leon interrupted him.
"We go forward and don't worry about me." He said without hesitation.
"Y-Yes."
After walking for about ten minutes, Leon suddenly stopped.
"What is it, Mr. Leon? Do you feel sick again ? Should I-"
"Something's here..." Leon spoke with a serious expression as he felt it in his brain.
It was as if an alarm went off in his brain... Telling him that something is wrong.
"I see."
Rees pulled out his scythe and began chanting immediately.
"Kekeke..."
A familiar laugh slithered through the darkness and Leon grinned as soon as he recognised the language.
"Goblins..."
He drew Nyxter from his inventory and bound five invisible mana threads to each blade in that very moment.
"Mr. Leon... look, over there on the tree, there is something standing there." Rees said, pointing with his scythe.
Leon looked up and saw a taller, more muscular figure.
[Name: Unknown]
[Class: HobGoblin]
[Race: Monster]
[Level: 13]
[HP: 5000/5000]
[MP: 300/300]
[Description: A HobGoblin is an evolved form of a normal Goblin. They are taller, stronger, and more intelligent. HobGoblins don't like to stay in groups; they prefer to rule inferior goblins.
But if found in groups, they are likely working under a superior monster. Who is commanding them to do his bids.]
"A HobGoblin ?" Leon asked with a little bit confused expression.
"Kekekeke.... Kekekeke... Kekekekekekeke..."
"Keekekekek..."
"Keke kekek kekekeke.."
More HobGoblins stepped out of the bushes, wearing leather armor and wielding swords and shields.
"We're surrounded, Mr. Leon," Rees stated as he stepped back towards Leon and watched the HobGoblins coming towards them slowly.
"I know." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he counted the number of HobGoblins around him.
'1...2...7, 8 and 9. Total nine of them.' he thought in his mind.
"I haven't seen this many HobGoblins together unless they're working under—"
"A superior monster?" Leon finished.
"Yes. Should I use a light spell to distract them so we can run away?" Rees asked as he was ready with the chant.
"Why would we run away ? So much experience points just walked upto me and we should just run away ?" Leon asked, smiling as he grabbed two blades from Nyxter and let three hover around him.
"W-Wait... you don't mean to fight them, do you ?" Rees asked in a worried voice as he couldn't understand why Leon wanted to fight them.
"You're holding a fucking scythe and you know dozens of spells. Can't you fight off some HobGoblins ?" Leon asked with a smile as he slowly tightened the grip on his blades and selected the target HobGoblin that was walking right in front of him.
"I-I haven't really fought anyone before. Neither monster nor human. I'm a scholar, Mr. Leon, not a fighter. But I can cast buff spells if that helps or Teleportation spells too." Rees spoke in a worried tone.
"Then get to casting the buff spells and keep the teleportation spells ready as well." Leon ordered.
Rees began chanting immediately.
"Al frendlle... Shlic Grutosrus." As soon as he stopped the chants messages started popping in front of Leon's face.
[Undead's Buff has been activated.]
[HP increased by 5000 (Temporary)]
[Defense increased by 30% (Temporary)]
[Speed increased by 50% (Temporary)]
[Stealth increased by 60%(Temporary)]
"Hehehe... this is going to be even more fun now," Leon grinned as a black fog swirled around him.
"You're dead, motherfucker. Loose Grip..."
The HobGoblin that was walking in front of Leon suddenly felt his sword and shield slip from his grip.
"Kekekeke...?"
*Thud-Thud*
They hit the ground and the HobGoblin's eyes widened immediately but Instead of retrieving them, it leapt backward.
The HobGoblin understood that if he bent down, Leon will kill him immediately and that's why he jumped two steps back.
*Jump-Jump*
"Kek—"
*Stab*
But in the middle of the second jump, a dark blade pierced out from it's chest. As it looked back in horror, the HobGoblin saw Leon's smiling face.
"Trying to be slick, huh, motherfucker ?" Leon asked with a smile as he slowly twisted the blade.
*Chck*
"Keke-" Before the Goblin could've done anything, Leon brought another blade down, decapitating the HobGoblin in one blow.
*Thud*
Its head hit the snow. The others stepped back, visibly shocked from what happened to their partner.
"What happened? Why are you stepping back? Don't tell me you're scared already, if you don't kill me... What are you going to eat tonight.
I am really tasty you know." Leon said, yanking his blade free. The HobGoblin's body crumpling at his feet.
*Thud*
As soon as Leon killed the first HobGoblin, he turned sharply to the left, his eyes locking onto another target stalking the treeline.
"Well... here goes nothing," he muttered with a smirk, confidence radiating from every inch of his posture. He stepped forward with calm precision, the snow crunching beneath his feet.
The HobGoblin ahead twitched nervously, it's eyes wide. It planted its feet and raised its weapon, preparing to lunge the moment Leon came within reach.
As Leon walked forward... He noticed that the Hobgoblin's sword was twitching in his hand.
'Ah... He is about to use his sword as soon as I get in his attacking range. Well... This should be fun.' Leon thought with a smile as he activated his skill.
"Blind Spot,"
In the blink of an eye, his form disappeared from the HobGoblin's vision.
"Kekek...?!" The creature spun on its heels, swinging its shield in a wide arc, expecting an ambush from behind as he has seen with his friend.
But it was already too late,
*Stab*
Nyxter's blade erupted cleanly through its chest and as soon as he felt his heart getting punctured by it... His eyes widened in fear.
*Chop*
Before he could've turned back... Another dagger decapitated him clean in one blow.
*Thud*
Leon stood behind him, calm and composed, tightening his grip on the Nyxter's handle. With a single, efficient motion, he twisted the blade and yanked it free from it's body.
Blood sprayed into the cold night air as the HobGoblin's lifeless body collapsed to the snow.
Leon shook both blades, flicking crimson droplets to the ground. "You know what...? I should try something else," he said casually.
He released the two blades that he was holding in his hands and all five blades floated above him, spinning silently in formation.
The remaining HobGoblins exchanged hesitant glances. Their discipline cracked as fear slithered into their ranks. Seven of them remained, but none dared stepped forward.
As they were being confused wether to fight or run, one of them roared loudly using his skill.
[Rage Buff]
[All Ally attack damage has been increased by 30%.]
"Keeeekekekekek...!"
It charged forward, his shield raised high in order to protect from any straight forward attacks.
"Now you're charging head-on ? Bold move, but you see... Even after being so intelligent, you still have the mind of a goblin when in fear.
You think your partners will charge alongside with you but they aren't." Leon said with a chuckle as he raised his hand, palm open.
Swish—Swish—Swish—Swish—Swish!
The blades shot forward with incredible speed. One skewered the HobGoblin's foot, pinning it to the forest ground. Another struck its shoulder. Two more pierced its chest and skull. The final one shattered its kneecap.
"Kekeke.!!!! Kekekekekekeke !!!!! Ke-" He shouted in pain and misery as if calling his partners to help but none of them dared to step forward.
Stab-Stab-Stab-Stab-Stab!
Thud.
[Congratulations! You have leveled up!]
The monster died before it could even complete his last scream. Its blood steamed in the snow.
Leon tilted his head, inspecting the result with analytical calm. "Still imprecise... I wanted only the foot pinned, rest of the blades were aimed to strike at the chest. They're responsive, but I need better control.
I am just relieved that all of them hitted the same target."
Rees's hollow voice cut in. "Mr. Leon... I believe they're retreating."
Leon looked up. The HobGoblins were inching back into the shadows.
'Knowledge is really a curse huh ? When they were goblins, I am pretty sure they would've charged at me at the same time because they were dumb.
But after becoming intelligent... All they have learned is how to save themselves first. Some creatures are better left dumb. But that's just to my advantage.' Leon thought for a second as he looked at the HobGoblins.
"They are not retreating Rees... They are running. I wanted to kill all of them but looks like I can only kill one more." he said, disappointed.
With a snap of his fingers, the floating blades converged toward another target.
*Swish—Swish—Swish—Swish—Swish!*
The running HobGoblin lifted its shield—but it couldn't block everything. Leon struck from every open angle and the HobGoblin's shield couldn't block them all.
*Stab-Stab-Stab-Stab-Stab!*
Another one dropped down, it's blood spilling over the ground.
*Thud
Seeing another comrade butchered with surgical ease, the remaining Hobgoblins finally panicked and fled into the dense forest.
Leon recalled the blades, spun them once midair to shake off the blood, then reassembled them into Nyxter and slid the weapon back into its sheath.
"Let's go forward," he said flatly.
Rees hesitated. "Mr. Leon... the superior monster leading these HobGoblins will be deeper inside. If we keep up with this path, a confrontation is very likely to happen."
Leon paused. 'Those HobGoblins were too easy... but what if the next enemy isn't?' he thought with a serious expression.
Rees pointed off-trail. "If we head this way, we can circle the forest's perimeter. We'll avoid the deeper zones—for now. What do you say ?"
Leon considered it.. 'He's right. I shouldn't underestimate whatever's ahead. Even dusk says that the deeper zones of this forest aren't very safe and I won't let my arrogance fuck me up... let's just stay out for now.'
"Fine," he said, turning to the right.
"A truly wise decision, Mr. Leon." Rees replied in a happy tone.
As he walked, he glanced down at his bloodstained hand. The sticky crimson blood reminded him of how difficult every battle truly was when he fought the hoblins. He wiped it off on a leaf and moved forward.
...
Meanwhile, in the Weaver mansion's grand library, tension strangled the air. Justin and Althea sat in heavy silence across the table.
"This... this isn't good," Althea muttered as she stood up and started walking around the room.
"What happened today will destroy our reputation. Your father entrusted this house to me while he's gone—and this... this disgrace. He'll never forgive me." she spoke with a worried expression as she sat down on the couch.
'Hmm... She is right. The reputation of the house will certainly go down if this news made it out.' Justin thought but didn't give it much time.
She stood up, pacing once again. "Should I kill all the servants? Silence them? Or... do I kill that shameless whore Emilia instead? What do I do, Justin? Help me you are the smartest kid I have."
Justin's expression remained unreadable. 'You're asking me for a solution? You, who ignored me all my life ? What a fucking joke.'
But outwardly, he simply nodded. 'I should say what Mr. Leon told me to say.'
"Mother, I've already sent word to Brother Jamie. He's returning home." Justin spoke without any hesitation as he looked at Althea.
"You WHAT?!" Althea spun toward him, stunned.
"I said—"
*SLAP!*
Justin's head jerked to the side as Althea slapped him really hard.
"Ouch... Fuck," he cursed, straightening up and looking at Althea with a confused expression.
"You fool! You think he'll listen to any of us ? Don't you remember what he did when you stole his toy as a child?!" Althea asked with an angry expression.
Justin's eyes narrowed. Cold fury boiled to the surface immediately.
"I remember what he did... As clear as day. He stabbed me—with a fucking dagger. Through my fucking hand, Mother." He spoke with a serious expression.
Althea's face froze.
"And you?" Justin said, his voice low. "You did nothing. You never even checked on me. Just kept pampering him and saving him from father.
Isn't that what you did, Mother ?"
Althea tried to pull away, but Justin caught her wrist in a vice-like grip.
"Let go! You're hurting me! Justin I said let go... I am your my mother." Althea shouted as she looked at him.
"I also remember when he killed a maid ten years ago. You helped him cover it up. Burned her body, slaughtered her family. I wonder who gave that order, Mother ?
I hope father forgave you for that incident." Justin spoke with a serious expression.
Althea's face turned pale.
"You... How do you—?"
"I saw her burn. She was the only one who treated me like a son. Her ashes are still in my room, Mother."
Justin's tone dropped, deadly calm. "They stay there until I take this house from father. And now... I have the perfect opportunity to become the successor since my dear brother is coming home."
"You... you did this on purpose?" Althea asked, horrified.
"What?" Justin tilted his head.
"Emilia and Jim. You planned it—to make your brothers kill each other! Didn't you ?" She asked.
Justin smirked. "I didn't plan it. But I'll use it the opportunity to it's fullest."
"You sick bastard. I'll see to it you never become head of this house!"
Althea stormed out, her footsteps echoing in the marble hall.
Justin sank onto the couch, breathing hard. "Fuck... that took everything out of me. Why the hell did Mr. Leon want me to say all that? What's his plan?"
-x-X-x-
-x-X-x-
—Vinceral Forest, northern outer edge.—
Leon and Rees pressed forward in the snow-laced gloom, their boots crunching over frozen underbrush. Despite their alerted senses, the forest lay still—too still.
No monsters were in sight. Only the occasional sigh of wind whispered through the trees.
*Swish-Swish*
"Where did all the monsters go? It's dead here." Leon muttered, his tone edged with confusion.
"The cold is forcing them into hiding, Mr. Leon." Rees replied.
"What ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Only a few monsters can deal with such a cold weather and even they only come out in the day.
We should return, Mr. Leon it's worthless to waste anymore time in this place. It's nearly midnight. I doubt we'll find anything still roaming." Rees explained as he halted and looked at Leon.
Leon nodded slightly, his gaze scanning the treeline. "Alright... but we'll walk back to the dungeon."
Rees tilted his skull slightly. "Why walk, when I can—"
"I feel like walking," Leon cut in with a faint smile. "Maybe we'll find some of those HobGoblins on the way back. I just want to kill one more and then we will return tomorrow morning."
'If I killed one more HobGoblin... I will reach level thirteen and that would be really good.' Leon thought with a neutral expression.
"As you wish," Rees said, and together they turned back, retracing their path through the frozen woods.
After a moment of silence, Rees spoke again. "Umm... Mr. Leon, may I ask you a question ?"
Leon glanced over with a confused expression, "What kind of question ?"
"Well... when I get bored, I tend to tell riddles. Would you mind if I gave you one? You don't have to answer if—"
"Go on, ask it... I am also getting bored." Leon said, cutting him off mid-sentence.
"Ah, very well... I was expecting a negative response, since most of the humans don't really like riddles-"
"Just ask, Rees." Leon spoke cutting him off once again.
"Yes, The more you take, the more I grow. Invisible trails that always show. I mark your path, but never stay—What am I, that walks away?" Rees asked in a rhyming tone.
"Footsteps, the more I take the more they grow, invisible trails because they are my trails.... They mark my path but disappear after sometime." Leon replied almost immediately.
"Y-You got that way too fast... Even I couldn't crack it that fast or—" Rees started speaking but he was interrupted in the middle of his sentence.
"I'm good with riddles, Rees. You choose wrong opponent to pass time with. If you want amusement from me... You will have to take another topic and you were looking at my footsteps when you asked the question." Leon said.
"I see, Then let's see how you handle this Mr. Leon.
Born of silence, yet I break it. Seen by none, yet all have met it. I flee the light, embrace the deep, and cradle those who fall asleep. What am I ?"
Leon's expression darkened. "Danger."
"Incorrect," Rees said. "The correct answer will be—"
But Leon held up a hand. "Something's coming, Rees. And it's not just any monster. Get ready."
"Wha-!?"
Suddenly, the forest shook with a deafening roar.
"GRAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Rees's tone sharpened. "Mr. Leon—above you!"
Leon's gaze snapped skyward immediately. A massive shadow hurtled toward them, descending down with terrifying speed.
Without wasting another second, Leon jumped back twice.
*Jump-Jump!*
*THUD!*
The impact was cataclysmic. Snow exploded outward as the creature landed, leaving a small crater beneath its bulk.
Leon's eyes narrowed.
Before them stood a hulking figure—nearly nine feet tall, its skin a dark green. Veins bulged beneath its thick, muscular frame. In both hands, it gripped twin axes, each glinting with dried blood.
There was a necklace of HobGoblin heads in it's neck and golden bracelets in both hands.
Leon wasted no time and used his skill on him.
[Name: Gruder]
[Class: Goblin Champion]
[Race: Named Monster]
[Level: 20]
[HP: 20,000/20,000]
[MP: 50/50]
[Description: Gruder was named by a mage—after he slaughtered him. Known for his intelligence, strategic brutality, and overwhelming bloodlust, he fights with relentless rage when challenged by a worthy foe or when he is extremely hungry.]
"M-Mr. Leon... that's a Goblin Champion," Rees warned. "He's the one commanding the HobGoblins that we met earlier. And I think now he's come to finish the job himself because I can see their heads hanging in his necklace."
Leon's expression turned even more serious as he activated another skill.
But to his disappointment, there were no weak points over the Goblin Champion's body.
'Dammit. How does he not have any weak points ? I should've brought Dusk or Fruela.' Leon thought with a serious expression.
Then the monster spoke.
"Which... of you... stronger?"
Leon blinked with an utterly confused expression.
'It can talk ?' Leon thought as he tightened his grip on the Nyxter's blades.
"Mr. Leon! I've prepared the escape spell. Please—we can still run! Just run over to me." Rees shouted from the other side, a glowing sigil forming under his bony feet.
'He is right... We should return back to the dungeon. Fighting this monster is going to be a very very risky thing.' Leon thought in his mind.
"If it can speak our language, Rees... it can probably understand it too. Don't you think, Rees ?" Leon asked with a neutral expression.
Gruder grinned, revealing sharp yellow teeth as he looked at Leon. "No waste time. I eat... you. Food."
'His speech is broken... limited vocabulary, that means he has hunted less but more than enough humans to learn the language.' Leon assessed for a moment but dismissed the thought immediately.
"Sorry, I'm not on the menu tonight." Leon whispered in a low voice.
Leon vanished from sight and bolted toward Rees—but he'd barely covered half the distance when something whistled through the air.
*THUD!*
An axe buried itself in the ground just inches away from Leon's feet. He skidded to a stop, his eyes wide in shock. Across the clearing, Gruder's gaze burned with crimson red.
'He can see through Blind Spot...!' Leon thought with a serious expression as he looked at him.
"Mr. Leo—" Rees began but,
The second axe was already airborne.
"REEES! MOVE!" Leon shouted with all his might.
Rees tried to move but it was too late...
*CRACKLE—CRACK!*
The blade sheared through his lower torso, scattering the bones across the snow.
"Fucking hell." Leon spoke as his expressions turned grim.
But Rees's bones quivered, reassembling almost immediately. "I—I'm alright. I am alright Mr. Leon."
"Motherfucker... I thought he died." Leon spoke in a low voice as he turned to look at Gruder.
"DIE, FOOD! DIE!" Gruder roared in a very deep voice, as he charged towards him with terrifying speed, both of his fists raised in the air and over his head.
Leon immediately jumped back—
*THUD-THUD!*
—barely dodging the double slam.
Then again, Gruder thundered forward.
"GRRRRAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
Same form. Same angle. Same wild fists.
Leon stepped back again, narrowly avoiding the next strike as well but this time... Leon gained some distance between them.
This time, Gruder grabbed an axe and re-aimed it towards Leon.
[Opponent Level Too High. Skill will not function correctly.]
As soon as Leon readed the warning, it was already too late.
The axe spun like a comet toward him.
*SWISH—*
"Le Frozar Walor!"
*GRRRRR*
*CRACK!*
A shimmering wall of ice erupted in front of Leon in the blink of an eyes, absorbing the strike into itself completely.
"Mr. Leon, are you alright?!" Rees asked in a worried tone.
Leon exhaled. "Yeah. I'm good."
"Phew..."
The wall melted instantly and turned into water.
Gruder charged towards Leon once again, his fists raised in the air just like before. "DIEEEEE!"
Another furious slam came down—
*THUD!*
Leon danced away, this time a smile appearing over his face.
"Wait..." He spoke.
Again, Gruder raised his fists and came towards Leon to deliver another slam.
*THUD!*
Leon stepped back, watching Gruder closely this time.
Rees called out, concerned. "Mr. Leon, what are you doing?! We need to escape! Please come to me"
Leon didn't respond. His eyes were locked on Gruder. Focused. But there was also a smile on his face.
It was as if he had found out something about Gruder.
"GRAAAAAHHHHHHH..."
*THUD*
He brought done another Slam, but this time... Instead of dodging close, Leon jumped back twice... maintaining some distance between them.
*Jump-Jump*
Gruder snarled. "FOOD DON'T RUN!"
He grabbed the axe and curled it towards Leon with full force—
*SWISH—THUD!*
—Leon stepped aside with perfect timing.
A wide smile spread across his face.
"Now... the fists." He spoke in a low voice.
Gruder bellowed and charged again, fists raised.
Leon's boots shifted as he sidestepped.
*THUD!*
"Hahaha... This is fun."
Rees watched from a distance, baffled. "W-What is he doing...?"
Leon's smirk deepened. 'he is repeating the same pattern to attack me again and again.
If I am in close range... he just slams me continously but when I gain some distance, he starts to throw the axe at me in order to close distance, following the same pattern again.'
He was throwing fists on Leon and Leon was easily dodging them as if it's a piece of cake.
There was a mocking smile on Leon's face that made fun of Gruder for missing everytime.
"GRAAWWWWWWHHHHHHHH..." Gruder roared loudly as he slammed his fists on the ground and Leon dodged to the side very easily.
"Okay... Time to end this." He spoke jumping back a few steps.
"FOOD... ANNOYING." Gruder shouted as he immediately picked up the axe and threw it towards Leon.
Without wasting another second, Leon dodged to the side and inserted his hand inside his pocket.
He slowly grabbed the bead that he prepared in the start with max number of exploding seals on it and pulled it out.
"Come on big guy... Come and get your food." Leon spoke as he activated his skill.
The skill showed no weakness just like before but Leon's plan was to create one this time.
"GRAAHHHHHHHHHH..." Gruder roared as he immediately ran towards Leon with his fists in air.
But this time as soon as he opened his mouth, Leon saw a small red glowing dot in front of his eyes.
He immediately placed the bead, right behind the red dot and used his thumb to launch it.
The beads flew directly into Gruder's throat and he swallowed it.
*THUD*
Leon stepped aside and dodged the smash... He then immediately jumped back twice and hided behind a tree.
"What kind of foolish things is this guy even doing ? Is he mad or what ? I knew trusting a human was a big mistake." Rees spoke as he looked at Leon.
"FOOOD... MUST DIE." Gruder shouted as he immediately grabbed his axe and got ready to threw it at the tree with full power.
"This will go hard... Kaboom." Leon spoke with a smile as he immediately covered his ears.
Suddenly, Gruder felt something moving in his stomach.
"FOO-!?"
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
A very huge explosion took place in the vinceral forest. It was so loud that the sound travelled to all the nearby villages.
[Congratulations ! You have Leveled up!]
[Congratulations ! You have Leveled up!]
[Congratulations ! You have Leveled up!]
[Congratulations ! You have received the title {Goblin Slayer} !]
[Title: Goblin Slayer]
[Description: You have successfully slayed the 'Goblin Champion' and as a reward, this title will increase any magical or physical damage dealt to any Goblin monster, It will increase by 2x.]
"Fuck... That was louder than I thought." Leon spoke as he started rubbing his ears with both fingers and stood up.
"Hmm...?" Leon stepped out from behind the tree and noticed that there was a hole where Gruder was standing and the trees are covered in blood.
All the snow from the trees have fallen down and there is a continuous beeping sound in his ears.
"Wow... That was lethal. Although I was expecting his body to explode but I was expecting it to explode from one side or something.
I made only one of that max seal ball-" Suddenly, Leon stopped speaking as he realised something.
'Wait... I spoke the word 'Kaboom' but the other beads in my pocket are still intact. Only the one that I wanted to explode was inside the Goblin Champion and it exploded.
Is this part of the spell ?' Leon thought with a serious expression.
"Damn I have to be careful next time. Have to put these beads in the inventory and then use them one by one." Leon spoke with a serious expression as he immediately opened the inventory and placed the beads inside it.
"Hmm...?" Suddenly, he noticed something shining brightly purple inside the hole.
As the hole wasn't that deep, Leon entered inside and started walking towards the shining object.
After getting closer, he noticed that it was a giant golden bracelet radiating a purple hue around it.
"Now, Now... What kind of artifact are you ?" Leon asked with a smile as he used his skill on it.
[Name: Bracelet Of Dominance]
[Rank: C]
[Description: A special bracelet, when it's activated... It will create a fifteen meter domain around the wearer and as long as the wearer stands inside it, his strength and defence will be increased by 1.8x for 20 seconds.
New Domain can be re-created instantly after the first one ends but if the wearer stepped out of the domain, the bracelet will go on a cooldown.]
[×|§§|π×`ק§]
[Cooldown: 1 Hour]
"Ahh... Now I understand why he was repeating those attacks and when I jumped out of his domain, he threw the axe at me with increased strength because he couldn't step out of the domain and that was the perfect attacking pattern for him.
But that kind of thing can only work with less intelligent monsters and stupid humans maybe. But, I will take this..." Leon spoke as he picked up the big bracelet and to his surprise, the bracelet started vibrating all of a sudden.
"What the-!?" Before he could've completed his sentence, it went around his hand and got adjusted to his wrist size.
"What the fuck just happened ?" Leon asked with a serious expression as he tried to take off of the bracelet but it won't budge from his hand.
"Fucking hell... Come out... Come out." Leon shouted as he tried to take off the bracelet with full force but it didn't even more.
"Mr. Leon... Are you alive ? Mr. Leon ?" Suddenly Rees' voice came from outside.
"Rees... I am here. Can you hear me ?" Leon asked as he looked up.
"Ah... Mr. Leon, what happened ? I remember that Goblin Champion taking his axe and pointing it towards you, but I don't remember what happened after that." Rees spoke as he looked at Leon.
"I will explain it later... Can you take a look at this bracelet and take it off if you can." Leon spoke as he immediately walked out of the hole and showed the bracelet to Rees.
"Ah... A cursed Artifact." Rees spoke as he looked at the bracelet.
"A What ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"It's a cursed Artifact, Mr. Leon. These things are rare... Did you find it from the Goblin Champion's body ?" Rees asked.
"Yes." Leon replied with a serious expression.
"That explains his extreme power. You see... cursed Artifacts are just artifacts that are cursed." Rees replied.
"Wow... That explains it. You idiot, you just said two words and then reversed them. Can you tell me why is it cursed ? Who cursed it ? And what is the curse over it ?" Leon asked with an Irritated expression.
"Ah... I am sorry. Let me see." Rees spoke as he immediately started clicking over the bracelet with his bony fingers.
After tapping for about ten seconds, the bracelet let out a purple hue once again and a red magic circle appeared over it.
The circle started turning white slowly, just like a clock.
"Oops." Rees spoke in a low voice.
"What the fuck do you mean by oops ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"The bracelet was cursed with self-destruction magic and when I interfered with it's lock, the curse got activated." Rees replied as he looked at Leon.
"Are you fucking kidding me ? Will my hand blow up when this red circle turns completely white ?" Leon asked with a shocked expression.
"No... I don't think the explosion will be that small. I am pretty sure you will get blown into pieces but I can stop that from happening if I cover your body with a protective barrier." Rees spoke in a hesitated voice.
"What about my hand ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Oh... If will still explode." Rees replied.
"Fucking hell Rees... I don't want my hand to explode. Do something and save it." Leon spoke in a loud voice.
"We need a curse removing Artifact, Mr. Leon. If you want to save your hand, looking at the timer... You have about four hours." Rees spoke as he looked at Leon.
"Do you have a curse removing Artifact ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"Not here but I had one back in my elf kingdom's dungeon and it was the only thing that wasn't stolen in the Human raid." Rees spoke with a serious expression.
"How the fuck are we going to get inside the Elf kingdom ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"We need to go back to the dungeon... Maybe Fruela can help us. She is from the Elf kingdom, right ?" Rees asked as he immediately stood up and started casting a teleportation spell on the ground.
'Fucking hell... It didn't say on this thing's description that this item is curse-' Suddenly, Leon remembered something and he immediately re-opened it's description.
[Name: Bracelet Of Dominance]
[Rank: C]
[Description: A special bracelet, that when it's activated... It will create a fifteen meter domain around the wearer and as long as the wearer stands inside it, his strength and defence will be increased by 1.8x for 20 seconds.
New Domain can be re-created instantly after the first one ends but if the wearer stepped out of the domain, the bracelet will go on a cooldown.]
[Cursed By Albino's Magic.]
[Cooldown: 1 Hour]
"Now I understand why it was written in gibberish." Leon spoke in a low voice as both of them disappeared.
-x-X-x-
—Dungeon, Fifth Floor—
Leon and Rees re-appeared inside the dungeon and as soon as Leon looked around, he noticed all the dark Elfs looking at him with confused expressions.
"Where is Fruela ?" Leon asked with a confused expression as he looked at one of the dark elf girl.
"I-I don't know, Sir. Last time we saw her... She was going to the seventh floor in order to meet you." She replied in a hesitated voice.
"I will cast another teleportation-" Before Rees could've completed his sentence, Leon touched his hand and both of them disappeared immediately.
...
—Seventh Floor—
*Swish*
Leon and Rees re-appeared on the seventh floor, only to notice Fruela talking with Elaine and Selene, while Elis is standing in one corner and watching them.
"Fruela..." Leon spoke as he started walking towards her with a serious expression.
"Master." Fruela spoke as she immediately stood up and started walking towards Leon.
"I greet, my master." Elis spoke as she disappeared and re-appeared right in front of Leon.
Leon look at her and continued to walk forward.
"Is something wrong, Master ?" Fruela asked as she walked upto Leon and immediately bowed down showing her respect.
"Leo... You are back. We have been waiting for you." Elaine spoke as she immediately stood up and started walking towards him.
"Mom... I have to take Fruela with me somewhere it's very urgent. You guys go to sleep. We will not be back till tomorrow morning or afternoon." Leon spoke with a serious expression.
"But... Have you eaten something ?" Elaine asked with a worried expression.
"I will eat on the way. Don't worry." Leon spoke as he immediately placed his hand over Fruela and Rees' shoulder.
'Take me to the fifth floor.' He thought in his mind and all three of them disappeared immediately.
"He is so busy all the time... Right ?" Suddenly, a voice came from the other side.
"Hmm...? Who is there ?" Elaine asked with a confused expression.
A naked woman stepped out from the dark corner of the room and as soon as Elaine saw her... A horrified expression appeared over her face.
"O-Oh my god." Elaine shouted as she immediately took two steps back because the woman was none other than Olga herself.
...
*Swish*
Leon, Fruela and Rees re-appeared on the fifth floor and all the dark Elfs turned to look at them with confused expressions.
"Okay... Fruela. I need you to get me inside the Elf kingdom." Leon spoke with a serious expression as he looked at her.
"W-What !? Master... What are you saying ?" Fruela asked with a confused expression as she looked at Leon.
"Mr. Leon said that you need to get us-" Before Rees could've completed his sentence, Fruela interrupted him with a serious expression.
"I heard master at once, Skeleton. But... That's just impossible Master. We were kicked out of that place.
It's not like we can just walk in there." Fruela spoke as she looked at Leon.
"There has to be a way... Some secret tunnel or we can bribe the Elfs ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"I don't think there is a secret tunnel into the Elf kingdom, Master. And since we don't use money in the kingdom that much... I don't think you can bribe the guards." Fruela spoke with a serious expression.
"Umm... Execuse me." Suddenly, a sound came from behind.
All three of them immediately turned around and noticed a dark Elf girl standing behind them.
"Belça... Do you want something ? Can't you see that I am talking to master right now ?" Fruela spoke with a serious expression.
"I-I am sorry sister Fruela, but I overheard some of your talk and I-I might've a way that you can use to return to the Elf kingdom." Belça spoke with a hesitated expression.
"What ? Really ?" Leon asked with a shocked and surprised expression.
"Y-Yes, Sir." She replied.
"What is it ?" Fruela asked with a confused expression.
"The old travel room." Belça spoke as she looked at Fruela.
"What !? You still have the Frey Stone ?" Fruela asked with a shocked expression.
"What the fuck is a frey stone ? and what is travel room ? Look... I don't want to rush you guys or anything but my hand will explode in about three hours and fourty minutes.
So, next time you take name of some weird thing, give a small explanation with it." Leon spoke as he he looked at Fruela and Belça.
"Ah... I am sorry master, A travel room is something that all the Elfs use in order to travel throughout the world and a frey stone is used to operate it." Fruela explained immediately.
"That's one of their greatest achievements... Using Teleportation magic using no mana or casting. Just like you do in the dungeon Mr. Leon.
That thing is one of the major reason for the war after slavery right ?" Rees asked as he looked at Fruela.
"Yes, Humans want that." Fruela replied.
"I just want this bracelet off of my hand. So how can we use that frey stone to get to the Elf kingdom." Leon asked as he looked at Fruela.
"I have to create a magic circle completely identical to the travel room's magic circle and once we place the frey stone in it... You will be teleported to the selected location." Belça explained as she looked at Leon.
"Just draw the circle on a paper... I will make it myself." Leon spoke with a serious expression.
"I-I already have it on paper. Here." Belça spoke as she handed a small paper to Leon.
Leon immediately opened it up and noticed a huge and complex magic circle drawn all over it.
"Wow... Is that a nine circular ?" Rees asked as he look at Belça.
"Eleven... Sir." She replied in a low voice.
"Amazing... You elf people are really advance when it comes to magic." Rees replied in a admiring tone.
"Okay... Where is the stone ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Ah... Wait a second." Belça spoke as she went back and called out her daughter, who was playing with the other kids.
She then took his pendant and came back to Leon.
"Here Sir." Belça spoke as she gave the green emerald like stone to Leon.
Without wasting another second, Leon used his skill over it.
[Name: Frey Stone]
[Rank: ??]
[Description: A magical stone with unknown properties, that is believed to be a very sacred by the elfs and it is used in travel rooms.]
'No rank ?' Leon thought for second.
"Okay... Thanks. I will not forget this favour." Leon spoke with a smile as he looked at Belça.
"Ah... No, No... It's just my gratitude for saving us, Sir. Please use it as you please." Belça spoke as she immediately bowed down to Leon.
"Let's go Rees..." Leon spoke as he placed his hand over Rees' shoulder but Fruela interrupted him immediately.
"Please wait Master. Take me with you. I will help you as I know the elf kingdom better from inside." She spoke with a serious expression.
"Good point." Leon spoke as he placed his other hand over Fruela's shoulder and all three of them disappeared.
....
—Fourth floor—
*Swish*
All three of them re-appeared on the fourth floor and as soon as they did... Leon noticed that the room was completely empty but there were still torches shining brightly on the walls.
"Okay... Elis come here." Leon spoke with a neutral expression.
*Swish*
"Master. You called ?" Elis appeared in front of Leon and bowed down immediately.
"Can you draw this on the floor...?" Leon asked as he showed the magic circle to Elis.
"As you command, Master." Elis replied as she immediately went down on her knees and placed her hand over the ground.
As soon as she did... The stones on the floor started shifting and rising.
In just a few seconds, the magic circle that was on the paper came into existence over the fourth floor.
"Still amazed by the things she can do. Truly a genius dungeon core." Rees spoke as he looked at Elis.
"Okay... So, according to the paper. I am supposed to place this stone in the middle of the circle right ?" Leon asked as he showed the paper to Rees.
"Ah, Yes... There will be a small chamber in the middle for the stone." Rees explained as he looked at the map closely.
Leon immediately walked upto the middle of the magic circle and noticed a very small hole in the middle.
He slowly placed the frey stone inside it and stepped back.
"What now ? How do we know if it's working ?" Leon asked as he turned to look at Rees.
"Ah... It's working. Look Mr. Leon." Rees spoke as he pointed towards the stone.
As soon as Leon turned back around, he noticed the stone floating in the air.
"Woah...."
Suddenly, A bright green light started spreading across the magic circle.
"It's Activating." Fruela spoke with a smile.
-x-X-x-
—Fourth Floor, Dungeon—
*Zzzzzzzzzz*
The fourth floor was shining brightly with green light as the frey crystal powered up the magic circle that was etched into the floor.
"Well... What now ? How do we travel ?" Leon asked as he looked at Rees.
"We are travelling, Mr. Leon." Rees replied as he looked at circle.
"What ?" He asked with a confused expression.
"The moment this circle was made... I noticed a realm travel rune there." Rees spoke as he pointed towards a line written in ancient language that was unreadable.
"What about it ?" Leon asked with a confused expression as he walked upto the rune and noticed that it was the most glowing part of the circle.
"That means this room is travelling through space between the realms. You can't get out of here or no one else can enter inside this room." Rees spoke as he walked upto one of the doors and as soon as he touched it... An invisible wall stopped his hand from going out.
"Wait... Wait... Are you telling me that this room has disappeared from the middle of the dungeon ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"That's a question that even the Elfs don't know the answer to, Master." Fruela replied with a smile.
"What do you mean ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"The answer to your question will be, Yes and No, Mr. Leon." Rees replied.
"What ?"
"You see... We don't know what that rune really means or what it does but whenever you use it.
The room or should I say an identical copy of this room will take it's place in our realm while the real room travels to the other places. That's the only working theory that the Elfs have come up with or that's what one of my Elf friend told me back then." Rees replied as he looked at Leon.
"Fuck all that... How do you plan to get us to the Elf kingdom and your dungeon ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Ah yes... The crystal listens to the ancient elven language. I have to guide it by telling the location in that language." Rees spoke as he started walking towards the Frey crystal.
"You know our ancient tongue ? Even I don't know that." Fruela asked with a confused expression.
"I know every language that's spoken on this land or that was ever spoken before, Lady. I might not know how to fight physically but if you want to fight me with knowledge, I will always win." Rees spoke with a proud expression as he immediately stopped in front of the frey crystal.
"Rees, would you just do it ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"Ah yes, 'Lani udna temao kunida, valtre konesa. Sedrio, fina'. That should do it." Rees spoke as he took a step back and suddenly the green glowing runes turning pink.
*SHAKE-SHAKE*
The whole room shook for a bit but as soon as it stopped, Leon noticed that the runes have turned back to their natural green colour.
"What happened ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
*Sniff-Sniff*
"I can feel It... This is the scent of white fluverbell flowers. They are all around the elf kingdom." Fruela spoke with a smile as she sniffed the air.
"Can we go out ?" Leon asked with a confused expression as he looked at the exit door and noticed a white hue covering it.
"Ah, Yes. The room must be on the location now." Rees spoke as he walked upto the exit and slowly placed his hand out.
As soon as he pulled it back in, there was snow over his hand.
"Yes... We are here." He confirmed.
"Good, we are on time." Leon replied as he looked at his wrist that noticed that there were only three hours left.
"Wait... Where was your dungeon again ?" Fruela she asked with a serious expression as she looked at Rees.
"In the middle of the Rangong forest." Rees replied.
"Oh no." Fruela spoke with a serious expression as she immediately withdrew her daggers.
"What ? What's wrong" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Rangong forest is one of the deadliest forest in our kingdom, Master. As it's covered in dense poisonous fogs.
The skeleton will be alright since he is already dead, I have a skill that makes me immune to any poisonous effect.... But what about you master ?" Fruela asked with a confused expression.
"I will be alright. Let's go." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he looked at Fruela and activated his skill.
All three of them stepped out of the room and noticed that it was still snowing but no snow was visible on the ground due to the poisonous green fog floating low.
*Sniff*
[Warning: You have been poisoned.]
[-500 HP]
*Thud*
Suddenly, Leon felt a serious weakness in his body and he immediately fell down to one knee.
"Master."
"Mr. Leon."
Both, Rees and Fruela came to pick him up, but Leon stopped them with a gesture of his hand.
"N-No... Don't." He spoke with a serious expression.
[Mana pores have been opened up.]
[Posion will be neutralized with mana.]
[Adapting to Poison.]
"B-But, Mr. Leon... You are-" Before Rees could've completed his sentence, Leon stood up from the ground and took a deep breath.
*SNIFFFFFFFFFF*
He took in a long breathe and then let it out.
*Fuuuuuuuuuuuu*
"A-Are you okay, master ?" Fruela asked with a worried expression.
"I am good now." Leon spoke with a smile as he looked at Fruela.
"Your hand... Mr. Leon." Rees spoke as he pointed towards Leon's hand.
"Hmm...?" As soon as Leon looked down, he noticed that a green liquid was coming out of his hand.
"What's this ?" Leon asked with a confused expression but before he could've used his skill on it, Rees interrupted him.
"Oh my god... Your body is not immune to posion, Mr. Leon-"
"It's refining the poison out." Fruela completed the sentence.
"Yes... Do you see this ? Isn't this incredible ?" Rees asked as he pointed towards Leon's hand.
"It is... In order to achieve such a strong body, one has to meditate under mana rivers for years." Fruela replied with a smile.
"How did you do it, Mr. Leon ?" Rees asked as he looked at Leon.
"I meditated under a mana river. Now, can we go to your dungeon ? Because the body won't be of much use without my fucking hand." Leon asked with a serious expression.
"Ah... I am sorry. Please follow me. The dungeon is not that far from here." Rees replied as he started walking forward and both of them started following behind him.
After walking for about ten minutes, Rees stopped and started looking around.
"What happened ? Why are you stopping ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"That remel berry tree was towards the north direction and if I take twelve steps to the right... There should be a-" Without speaking Rees tapped on something that was in the woods and suddenly, a clicking and gear shifting noise started coming from inside the ground.
*Click-Click-Click-Click*
After ten seconds, the noises stopped.
"What just happened ? I thought a secret door will open on the ground." Leon asked with a confused expression as he looked at Rees.
"Oh no, no Mr. Leon. When I built this dungeon... It wasn't that advance.
OURA." Rees explained as he shouted a weird word.
"What the-"
Suddenly, A magical door made out of mana appeared in front of Leon.
"It was a magical door embedded with physical mechanics. You see when the mechanism is triggered by the-"
"We understand." Fruela and Leon spoke at the same time.
"Well then, come on." Rees spoke as he immediately entered inside the gate, Fruela and Leon stepped inside after him.
As soon as all three of them entered inside, they saw nothing but darkness and the smell of moss.
"Alfien." Rees spoke as he immediately summoned a small ball of light and lightened up the room.
Leon looked around and noticed that the room was really small and it was completely empty.
"Hmm...? I don't remember this room being empty. Did someone else came to the dungeon after that raid ?" Rees asked in a low voice as he walked upto the exit gate of the room and opened it.
*Click*
As soon as he opened the door, light of burning torches shined brightly on their faces.
Leon closed his eyes for a second.
"Who are you ?" Rees shouted loudly.
Leon immediately opened his eyes and noticed a human girl in her twenties sitting on a desk and pouring some chemicals over a wooden doll.
She had, black hairs, black eyes, a mask over her face and fair skin tone.
"Huh...? KYAAAAAAAAAA... MONSTERRRRRRR." She shouted as soon as her eyes fell over Rees.
"Umm... You are in my dungeon and you are calling me monster. Don't you think that's disrespectful ?" Rees asked as he looked at her.
"W-What !? Your dungeon ?" She asked with a shocked and scared expression.
-x-X-x-
"Umm... Can you tell us who you are and how you got down here ? This dungeon is atleast thirty feet down from the surface and very, very far from the Human Kingdom." Rees asked as he looked at the Human Girl.
"M-My name is Leena Afloman. I am the first daughter of the Afloman Household-"
"Afloman Household ? I have read about it... Wait, Wait. Search Afloman." Leon spoke in a low voice as he immediately activated his skill.
[Afloman - 3 results found. Flashing into memory.]
As soon as the memories were flashed into Leon's mind a serious expression appeared over his face.
"Your house used to be a three star noble household but your father was executed when he was found conspiring against the king and your noble status was ripped off.
That very night... Some assassins killed your whole family but no one tried to raise this issue, right ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"Y-You are right." Leena replied with a hesitated and scared expression.
"By that... Isn't she supposed to be dead, Master ?" Fruela asked with a confused expression as she looked at Leon.
"Please give me a chance to explain... If you aren't here to kill me that is." Leena spoke as she looked at Leon.
"I don't have time for your explanation... Rees, Where is that thing ?" Leon asked with a serious expression as he looked at Rees.
"Ah, Yes... Little girl have you seen a device that used to be there ?" Rees spoke as he pointed towards the empty wall.
"A device ? Ah... That thing. I placed it inside that room with the other garbage." Leena spoke as she pointed towards a room to the left.
"Nothing... Keep it in mind little girl. Nothing in this dungeon is trash other than you." Rees spoke in a very angry tone.
"That equipment is the most expensive thing that you have ever seen in your life, Girl." Rees spoke as he immediately walked towards the room opened it and went inside.
In just a few seconds, he dragged out a big 'C' shaped machine made out of rusted iron and magic runes were etched into it's base.
It was also threatening to break any second.
"Okay... Just give me a moment to set it up, Mr. Leon. I have to clean the rust from over the runes, so that they can work efficiently." Rees spoke as he started scratching the rust using his bony fingers.
Leon looked at the timer on the bracelet and noticed that it had gone half white and half-red.
"Do it fast, Rees. I only have two hours." Leon spoke with a serious expression.
"More than enough... Mr. Leon. Don't worry." Rees spoke as he continued his work.
"What even is this thing ? I-If you don't mind me asking, Sir Skeleton." Leena asked as she looked at Rees.
"My name is Rees Krambelbar. Don't call me Skeleton. I hate it whenever someone calls me that." Rees spoke in a neutral voice as he continued to scratch the rust from the runes.
"I-I am sorry, Mr. Krambelbar Sir." Leena spoke as she immediately apologised.
"You don't seem that much nobleish from the way of your talking." Leon spoke as he looked at Leena.
"Ah...It's been a while since I met fellow humans. First I thought that the ones who are going to find me will be Elfs but I am really surprised to see you here." Leena spoke with a neutral expression.
"How much time do you think has passed since you are down here ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Umm... About seven years, eleven months and today is the sixteenth day. I think the time out there would be around mid-night, right ?" Leena asked as she looked at Leon.
"Three hours past mid-night." Fruela replied with a neutral expression.
"Ah... My calculations are off by three hours ? That's a shame." Leena spoke as she placed her hand back on her head.
"How did you survive down here without food or water ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Ah... Yes, You see... I found this." Leena spoke as she pointed towards a wooden plate that was sitting over the counter.
"Hmm...? A wooden plate ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Not an ordinary wooden plate. It's a defective magic equipment, if you transfer mana into it... The equipment looks for a random eatable food in a range of four hundred kilometres around it and teleports it to the plate." Rees explained as he continued to do his work.
"Yes." Leena spoke as she nodded slightly.
"That's food robbery, isn't it ? What were you even thinking when you made it ? And why did you even make it in the first place ? You are an undead, you don't need food to survive." Leon asked with a confused expression.
"I was trying to make something else, Mr. Leon. As I said, it's just a defective equipment used to steal food and drinkables. Wasted five years over it." Rees replied.
"What were you trying to make ?" Fruela asked with a neutral expression.
"Something else." Rees replied.
"What is that something else, if I may ask." Fruela spoke as a smile appeared over her face.
"I don't think, I am obliged to answer that question." Rees spoke as he looked at Fruela.
"Let me guess... You were trying to make a magic plate that would summon you anything you wished from the whole elf kingdom without ever going out of your dungeon.
Am I right ?" Fruela asked with a smile.
Rees remained silent and continued to work.
"Fruela, don't do it. There are somethings better remain disclosed. We all have our secrets, just like I have never asked you about your past." Leon spoke as he looked at Fruela.
"I-I am sorry, Master." Fruela immediately apologised as she bowed down to Leon.
"One day... When I went out to get somethings from the Elven market. Your Queen's carriage was supposed to make a round through the kingdom.
I always covered my face with this black robe that I am wearing, everytime. But that day, something slipped from my hands and when I bent down to pick it up, a little elf girl got the glimpse of my face.
She got so scared that she tried to run away, I tried to stop her but at that very unfortunate second, a carriage with twelve shining spirit horses came running through the road and crushed that little girl to her death.
Her mother and father cried their eyes out in front of the whole crowd... Her brother ran to attack the Queen, but the guards pushed him away.
From that day... I never decided to get out of the dungeon. I tried to make a device that can bring me anything I want from the whole elf kingdom but not with the intention of stealing.
Just because I am undead doesn't mean I don't have feelings. I have everything a living human has except a living body. So, I am sorry if you think I am a nothing but a petty thief, Dark Elf." Rees spoke as he continued to scratch the rust.
*Sob-Sob-Sob-Sob*
Leon immediately turned to look at Leena and noticed that she is crying.
"Why are you crying ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"I-I am sorry, I-I haven't heard such an emotional story for years." Leena replied as she looked at Leon.
"Okay, It's done and ready to use, Mr. Leon." Rees spoke as he stood up and looked at Leon.
"What do I need to do ?" Leon asked as he stepped forward.
"Just stand on the platform and I will start it immediately." Rees spoke as he pointed towards the platform.
Leon immediately walked upto the platform started staring at Rees as he took off his robe.
"What are you doing, Rees ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"I am undead Mr. Leon. I am the most cursed thing in this whole world since death is the absolute truth and I am something that goes against it.
In order to keep me from turning into a stupid monster, my necroheart helps me. It fights the curse." Rees spoke as he pulled his necroheart out and placed it right over the upper edge of the equipment.
As soon as he did this, the necroheart started hovering right above Leon's heart.
"Okay... What now ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Now stay still for a moment. Alcusto Opria Furk Mei." Rees spoke as he started chanting and as soon as his chanting ended, the necroheart let out a sharp green coloured beam out of it that went directly into Leon's head.
After exactly three seconds, it stopped.
"Okay... Is it stopped, Mr. Leon ?" Rees asked as he looked at bracelet.
"Hmm...?" Leon looked at the bracelet and noticed that there was no timer on it now.
He slowly touched it from the sides and...
*Click*
The bracelet opened up immediately.
"Nice." Leon spoke with a smile.
"Now, I will take back my heart." Rees spoke as he placed his heart back into his rib-cage.
"Shall we head back, Master ?" Fruela asked as she immediately turned around.
"Yes... Let's go." Leon spoke as all three of them started walking towards the room that came in from.
"Wait please..." Leena shouted from behind.
"Hmm...? What ?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"Can you please take me with you ?" She asked with a hopeful expression.
-x-X-x-