Encounter

Name: Leonel

Tittle: Hero/T*********R

Class: Hero

Str: 7th order(0%)

Spd:7thorder(0%)

Int:7th order(0%)

Phq:7th order(0%)

Mana:7th order(0%)

Evo points: 35

Talents: quick learning, quick adaptation, hero's will, swordsmanship, magic affinity

Equipment: 11th grade demonic ring (currently: 7th grade):(skills; demonic summon (1/3), demonic absorbtion, anti demonic magic, partial transformation.

9th grade mirage mask: Illusion, concealing].

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden glow over Wilfharm. The bustling town was alive with activity, yet within the small inn room, Leonel sat motionless by the window, his gaze distant.

"It's been three days since her revenge on the Rominary Yellow Bandits, and she still hasn't come back. Not once."

He exhaled slowly.

"Maybe it's the perfect time for me to leave Wilfharm."

He had been delaying his departure, waiting for something—anything—that might convince him to stay longer. But now, with Sheon missing for two days as well, he felt restless. The uncertainty gnawed at him.

"The Erebus Waste… That place should be dangerous enough to push me forward. According to the system, the Cult of Mammon has its base there. If I go, I'll probably run into plenty of those monsters… perfect for me to absorb."

His grip tightened around the armrest.

He was tired of standing still.

Just as he solidified his resolve, his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of someone familiar moving through the crowded streets below.

A young man with silver hair.

Leonel's lips curled into a smirk.

"Gerald."

The brat might have a True Spirit backing him, but Leonel had grown stronger—far stronger than before.

Just yesterday, he had tested out a skill from his newly acquired Demonic Ring:

---

[Partial Transformation]

A skill that partially changes your bloodline to that of a demon, further enhancing your strength. Once activated, you will be able to use demonic mana, and all your stats will temporarily break through one order.

---

His smirk deepened.

"If things go south, I still have that."

Without hesitation, he pushed open the window and vaulted over the ledge, landing smoothly in the alley below. He moved swiftly through the throng of people, keeping a careful distance as he tailed Gerald through the marketplace and toward the town's outskirts.

Leonel's Mirage Mask ensured his presence was completely hidden, making him nothing more than a ghost in the crowd.

Or so he thought.

Just as they left the last traces of Wilfharm behind, stepping into the vast expanse of open plains, Gerald suddenly came to a halt.

Leonel immediately stilled, blending into the shade of a large boulder.

The midday breeze rustled the grass around them.

Then—

"Humans are such foolish creatures."

Gerald's voice carried a condescending edge. His silver eyes gleamed unnaturally as they locked onto Leonel's hiding spot.

"If you want to ambush someone or stalk them, don't you think the first step should be hiding your presence properly?"

Leonel's breath hitched.

"Impossible!"

He had masked his aura perfectly. The Mirage Mask was still active!

His mind raced.

"There's no way he detected me! The mask's concealment should be flawless unless…"

A creeping realization settled over him as he hastily checked the system's description of the Mirage Mask.

---

[Mirage Mask]

Effects become ineffective if seen being put on or if the opponent is far stronger.

---

Leonel's eyes narrowed.

"I was already wearing the mask before I started following him. That means…"

His jaw clenched.

"The second condition…"

"'Far stronger.'"

"Does that mean he's at the 9th order?! No—no, that's not something humans can achieve so easily! Then…"

His gaze locked onto the figure before him.

The voice.

The aura.

The sheer presence that sent a chill down his spine.

"This… isn't Gerald!"

A single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

Then, the imposter spoke again.

"Are you perhaps one of those fools who's after my money?"

Leonel hesitated.

His mind raced for an answer, but lying here seemed futile. The man—no, the being—before him wasn't someone he could easily deceive.

Still, he tried.

"N-No! I have no idea what you're talking about!" Leonel forced a chuckle, trying to sound casual. "I just… I mistook you for someone. You look just like my friend. The only difference is your voice and—your eyes."

Silence.

Then—

"Oh, I see. It can't be helped."

The words were spoken lazily, but Leonel could feel the weight behind them.

"But…"

The air grew thick with tension.

"…you did say that boy was your 'friend'—yet the intent I sensed from you was anything but friendly."

The silver-haired figure took a step forward.

Leonel instinctively took one back.

"I don't actually care about your relationship with that boy," the man continued nonchalantly. "It's none of my business."

For a fleeting second, Leonel thought he had been let off.

But then—

"…However."

A suffocating pressure crashed down on him.

"What I do care about… is the fact that you directed such disgusting evil intent toward me."

Leonel's breath caught in his throat.

"That…" The man tilted his head slightly. "Is a mistake punishable by death."

Leonel stiffened.

And then, the final nail in the coffin—

"Also…" the voice continued. "That ring on your finger."

Leonel's pulse spiked.

"Shit!"

"I'm pretty sure my master gave it to that weak princess."

Leonel's mind reeled.

"Master?!"

A demon?

Realization struck like lightning.

"No… Not just any demon."

The servant of the Demon Lord.

The very being who saved Aelfhim.

And now—

Standing before him.

For a brief moment, his heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement.

Then, a slow grin spread across his face.

"This… This is perfect!"

A demon was standing before him.

His Anti-Demonic Magic—his Demonic Absorption—

All of it would work flawlessly!

The chance to instantly jump orders in power…

Was standing right in front of him.

Leonel clenched his fists, feeling the energy from the Demonic Ring pulse around his finger.

---

[11th Grade Demonic Ring (Currently: 7th Grade)]

(Skills: Demonic Summon (1/3), Demonic Absorption, Anti-Demonic Magic, Partial Transformation)

---

The system's text flashed before his eyes.

"A game-changer."

His heartbeat quickened.

"This… This is the moment that will propel me forward!"

The smirk on his face widened.

"Why should I be afraid?"

"In fact… this demon should be afraid of me."

His golden eyes gleamed under the blazing sunlight as he took a step forward.

"Why do you care?" Leonel's voice carried confidence, bold and unwavering.

"What I do with this ring is none of your business—nor is it the business of your 'master'!"

The warm afternoon breeze did nothing to dispel the heavy tension between them.

Two forces—one human, one demon—stood face to face.

And at that moment—

The real battle began.