"Blood Invoice"

After a few moments, Uncle Joe returned from the kitchen, carrying a wooden tray filled with various dishes. With expert precision, he placed it in front of Leo. The enticing aroma wafted through the air, making Leo's stomach growl as he inhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the food before him.

"This here is a full meal of good things you won't find anywhere else," Uncle Joe said, placing his hands on his hips with pride.

Leo scanned the dishes, his attention drawn to the glossy, caramelized potatoes, a slice of rhubarb pie, a plum pudding drenched in a sweet sauce, and a tall glass of chilled cranberry dessert drink.

[He picked up a fork, sliced off a small piece of the glazed potatoes, and placed it in his mouth. The moment he tasted it, his brows furrowed slightly before he tilted his head in contemplation.]

"Sweet and satisfying... The sugar gives it a caramelized touch, but it still retains a slight crispiness."

Uncle Joe chuckled, patting Leo on the shoulder. "Of course! It's an old recipe I perfected long ago. You'll love the rhubarb pie too—go ahead, try it."

[Leo took another forkful, dipping it into the pie before lifting it to his mouth. The moment he tasted it, he closed his eyes briefly, savoring the contrasting flavors.]

"Mmm, tangy and sweet! The balance is perfect—not overly sugary, but just delicious enough."

Uncle Joe nodded in satisfaction, while Jack, sitting at a distance, watched the food longingly.

Leo laughed, then gestured to the seat across from him. "Come on, Jack. Join me. You're practically drooling at this point."

[Jack turned to his grandfather with a pleading look.]

Uncle Joe sighed and waved his hand. "Alright, alright, but don't think this gets you out of work later."

Jack cheered as he quickly pulled out a chair and sat down. "Thanks, boss!"

[They began eating together, Jack devouring his food enthusiastically, while Leo ate at a slower pace, taking in the comfortable atmosphere around them.]

"Thanks for the games you sent me, Leo!" Jack said excitedly, scooping up a spoonful of plum pudding.

Leo raised an eyebrow as he chewed a piece of pie. "So, you liked them? Which one were you playing?"

"All of them! But my favorite was Shadow Hunter, the one about magical hunters chasing monsters. It's amazing! The combat is awesome, and the magic effects are incredible!"

Leo smiled, setting his cranberry drink down on the table. "Glad you enjoyed it. What about the books? Did you read any?"

Jack's eyes lit up as he nodded eagerly. "Oh, yeah! I loved The Fearless Adventurer! It's about a man who travels the world, facing mysterious dangers. I really liked how he uses his intelligence instead of just brute strength, and how he outsmarts his enemies with clever tricks."

[Leo chuckled, resting his elbow on the table and leaning his face into his hand.]

"Sounds like you've been reading more than before. That's good."

[Jack took a sip of his cranberry drink, then looked at Leo suddenly and asked:]

"By the way, how's your life going these days?"

[Leo paused for a moment, absentmindedly moving his fork around his plate before answering.]

"Less complicated than it used to be, at least. Now that I've quit my job, I feel a bit more at ease."

Jack looked at him curiously. "So, what's next? Do you have any plans?"

Leo shrugged. "Not sure yet. I think I'll take some time to get my life back in order before making any big decisions."

[Jack nodded in understanding, then interlocked his fingers on the table, hesitating before speaking.]

"I'm kind of lost too… I don't know what I want to be in the future."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you always say you wanted to be a magical hunter?"

[Jack sighed, stirring his spoon in his cup thoughtfully.]

"Yeah, but I also love cooking… Grandpa says I have a talent for it. Sometimes I wonder—should I follow in his footsteps and become a chef? Or should I keep chasing my dream of being a magical hunter?"

[Leo studied him in silence for a moment, then smiled slightly.]

"My grandfather used to tell me: 'Choose something you can see in your future without regret—something that makes you excited to wake up every morning, even if it's tough.'"

[Jack pondered those words, then looked at Leo with deep thought.]

"So, I should find what makes me excited every morning?"

Leo nodded, setting his cup aside. "Exactly. No need to rush the decision—just think about what truly makes you happy."

[Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere remained peaceful, filled with the aroma of delicious food. Jack laughed with Leo while Uncle Joe worked in the kitchen. But suddenly, the door swung open violently, and a gust of cold wind rushed inside.]

[Four men stood at the entrance, their dark presence exuding an ominous aura. They wore dark clothing adorned with glowing magical symbols, pulsing with sinister energy.]

[Their leader stepped forward—a tall man with graying hair and narrow, cunning eyes. His voice dripped with sarcasm as he spoke.]

"Oh, old Joe! How I've missed hearing your pathetic excuses."

[Uncle Joe recognized these men instantly. They were part of the Night Wolves gang—a ruthless organization that had no mercy for those who fell behind on their payments.]

[Uncle Joe sighed, keeping his voice steady.]

"Felix, I told you before… I need more time."

[A massive, bear-like man chuckled darkly, an eerie purple aura rising from his body.]

"More time? Haha! Do we look like a charity to you?"

[Felix smirked, pointing a finger at Joe.]

"Don't worry, we're not here to take your money today. We just came to remind you why you don't like being late…"

[Before Uncle Joe could respond, one of the gang members moved with alarming speed. A lanky young man with glowing yellow eyes—Ray—darted forward like a ghost and delivered a powerful punch to Joe's stomach, making him stagger back with a groan.]

"Grandpa!" Jack shouted, jumping to his feet.

[Leo, however, rose slowly, his gaze dark and piercing as he stared at the gang.]

"Why are you doing this?"

Felix stepped forward slowly, his eyes filled with contempt. He pointed his finger at Leo and said, "And who might you be? A little rat who thinks he can meddle in grown-up affairs?"

Drake, the massive gang member, let out a chuckle. "Another insect that wants to scream? Crushing him will be fun!"

[Drake raised his enormous fist and delivered a powerful punch to Leo's chest. Leo didn't even see the strike coming. It felt like he had been hit by a truck, his body soaring through the air before crashing onto the tables.]

Coughing up blood, he muttered in a hoarse voice, "Damn... That really hurts."

[The gang members moved in to finish what they started, but suddenly—]

[The entire place trembled with an immense force!]

[A massive golden aura erupted from Jack's body. The restaurant walls shook, plates flew into the air, and his eyes burned with golden flames. Knives and spoons lifted off the tables, floating around him like an army of weapons.]

Ray took a step back, sensing something unnatural in the air. "Shit... This kid isn't normal!"

But Felix laughed, though a hint of unease crept into his voice.

"Hah? Do I look scared? I don't care who he is. Crush him!"

[With a simple gesture from Jack, the knives shot forward at terrifying speed, aiming directly at the gang members. Ray jumped to dodge, but one of the blades grazed his cheek, making him curse in anger.]

"You little bastard!"

[Drake tried to block the attack, but the knives moved with eerie intelligence, as if they had a will of their own.]

[Jack raised his hand high, then swung it forward as he roared:]

"Get out of here... NOW!"

[The knives surged with even greater force, slicing into the gang members and leaving deep cuts. Felix finally sensed real danger and stumbled backward, shouting:]

"Fall back! This kid is a freak!"

[The gang barely managed to stand from their injuries as they retreated. Before leaving, Felix turned to Uncle Joe with a venomous tone.]

"You got lucky this time, Joe. But remember—if you don't pay up on time... that kid won't be able to save you next time."

[With that, they disappeared into the night, leaving behind a wrecked restaurant, broken tables, and the lingering scent of danger.]

[Jack stood still, his golden aura flickering before finally fading. Then, his knees buckled, and he collapsed, panting heavily.]

Leo, despite his pain, rushed to his side, catching him before he could fall completely. He gave Jack a tired grin.

"Damn, man... you're a beast."

[Inside the now-silent restaurant, Jack stood among the shattered tables, his breath still heavy. The scattered knives clattered to the ground, lifeless once more. Though the threat was gone, the tension in the air remained… lingering like a ghost.]

[Jack turned to Leo, who sat on the floor, wiping blood from his mouth, exhaustion evident in his eyes. Sitting beside him, Jack placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.]

"Are you okay?" Jack asked, his voice calm but still carrying traces of lingering anger.

Leo nodded slowly, but his eyes held frustration. "I'm fine… I guess."

[At that moment, Uncle Joe stirred, wincing as he clutched his side, still aching from the earlier attack. He looked at Jack, then at Leo, before letting out a deep sigh.]

"I'm sorry, boys… You shouldn't have had to see that."

[Jack lifted his gaze to his grandfather, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and pain.]

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you say you were dealing with all this alone?"

[Joe averted his gaze, as if the words were too heavy to speak.]

"I didn't want to burden you, Jack… You're young. You have your own life. You shouldn't have to deal with my problems too."

"My problems?" Jack scoffed bitterly before standing up. "You're my family, Grandpa! How could you think I'd let you face this alone? You should've told me from the start!"

[Joe lowered his head, his expression weighed down by guilt. He finally spoke, his voice subdued.]

"I borrowed money from them months ago… I thought I could pay it back over time, but…"

[He gestured toward the empty restaurant.]

"The customers kept disappearing one by one. I couldn't even afford the ingredients I needed anymore. I kept hoping things would get better… but they never did."

Jack felt something break inside him. He had never imagined things would come to this. "Why didn't you tell me? We could've found a solution together!"

Joe remained silent for a moment before offering a sad smile. "Because I didn't want you to carry a burden that isn't yours."

Jack looked down, biting his lip in frustration, while Leo stared at his trembling fists.

"I wish I were stronger… if only I had something, anything… I wouldn't be just a spectator," Leo muttered in a barely audible voice.

Jack immediately turned to him. "What did you just say?"

Leo lifted his head, his eyes filled with sorrow and anger toward himself. "I'm just an ordinary person with no magical ability… no power. I couldn't even protect myself, let alone help anyone else. I was just a burden in this fight."

Jack wanted to deny it, to tell him that his presence mattered, but the pain in Leo's eyes was undeniable. It wouldn't be easy to convince him otherwise.

Joe raised his gaze to them, his tired eyes showing how much he was affected. "I don't want you two to be part of this… It was my problem, and I don't want you getting more involved."

Jack let out a slight, sarcastic chuckle before sitting down beside his grandfather. "Grandpa, I was already part of this the moment they stepped into this place. It's not a choice anymore."

Leo looked at Jack, then down at the floor, clenching his fists. He didn't know what he could do… but he didn't want to remain weak any longer.

[Inside the kitchen, where the scent of food still lingered in the air, Uncle Joe sat in his worn-out chair while Jack stood beside him, the weight of everything that had happened still pressing heavily on his chest. The traces of chaos were evident, but the worst seemed to be over… or so it appeared.]

[Leo stepped forward quietly, pulling a small pouch from his pocket and placing it roughly on the table. The sound of metal clinking against wood echoed softly. Both Jack and Uncle Joe looked at him in surprise before the latter asked hesitantly,]

"Leo… what is this?"

[Leo let out a sigh before answering with confidence,]

"Two million gold pieces."

[Uncle Joe's eyes widened in shock, while Jack stared at Leo as if he had lost his mind.]

"Wait… where did you get that kind of money?!"

[Leo smiled slightly, as if he had expected the question.] "Goja Mart. I got a share of the profits."

[Uncle Joe's eyebrows shot up as Jack exclaimed in disbelief,] "Goja Mart? That cola drink? Don't tell me you…?"

[Leo nodded confidently.]

"Yes, it was my idea. And my contract with them was profitable enough." [He then pushed the pouch closer to Uncle Joe.] "Take this, pay off your debt, and rebuild the restaurant."

[Uncle Joe was still in shock, staring at the pouch as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.]

"Leo… this is more than what I owe them… I can't take all this."

["Yes, you can." Leo interrupted firmly, his eyes reflecting a seriousness Uncle Joe had never seen before. "I don't want anything in return. This place has always been warm to me, and you always gave me food when I had no money. Now, I want to help you… and your food will always be my favorite."]

[Uncle Joe stared at Leo for a moment before offering a faint smile, his eyes glistening with emotion.]

"You're a good kid, Leo… Thank you."

[At that moment, Jack stepped forward, placing a hand on Leo's shoulder before grinning.]

"You know? Even if you can't use mana… you're still amazing. The best big brother anyone could ask for."

[Leo chuckled lightly, ruffling Jack's hair.]

"That's just because you're small and annoying."

[Jack burst out laughing before responding mischievously,]

"I'll take that as a compliment."

[The place was still a mess, with Jack and Uncle Joe busy cleaning the tables and putting things back in order. Meanwhile, Leo sat at the table, sipping a glass of water, trying to regain some strength after the battle he had faced.]

[Uncle Joe stood nearby, his eyes filled with concern.]

"How are you feeling now?"

[Leo sighed, running his fingers along his side, where the pain still throbbed in his ribs.]

"A little better… but it still hurts."

[Uncle Joe nodded seriously before placing a hand on Leo's shoulder, his palm glowing faintly with a soft blue light. He examined him carefully with his magic before furrowing his brows.]

"You have a fractured rib. You can't just leave it like that—I'll make you a healing drink."

[Leo didn't protest. He knew arguing with Uncle Joe would be pointless. The older man headed into the kitchen, and after a few minutes, he returned with a small cup filled with a glowing golden liquid. He pushed it toward Leo.]

"Drink this. It'll heal your injuries in minutes."

Leo eyed the cup warily before lifting it to his lips and taking a sip. A gentle warmth spread through his body almost instantly, easing the pain little by little. He let out a sigh of relief and set the cup aside.

"This… is incredible."

Uncle Joe smiled faintly, but his expression quickly turned somber. Lowering his head slightly, he muttered, "I'm sorry, Leo… I shouldn't have let you get caught up in my troubles. I was supposed to protect you, not have you beaten because of me."

Leo waved a hand dismissively. "Forget about it, Uncle Joe. There's no point feeling guilty now. At least it's over."

Yet, the silence that followed his words was heavier than he had expected. Jack watched him with questioning eyes, as if sensing that something remained unsaid.

And sure enough, after a brief pause, Leo took a deep breath and spoke with quiet determination.

"I've made my decision."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Decision about what?"

Leo glanced at him, then at Uncle Joe, before carefully setting his cup down on the table.

"I'm leaving town."

Both men froze, staring at him in shock. Jack was the first to break the silence.

"What? Where to?"

A small smile played on Leo's lips. "To Stardale Valley. My grandfather Arthur left me a farm there… I'm going to live there."

Uncle Joe remained quiet for a moment before nodding slowly. "Stardale… I've heard of it. The supplier who brings me ginger ale comes from there."

Jack, on the other hand, looked at Leo as if struggling to process the news. "But… that means you won't be here! How will I see you?"

A pang of guilt tightened Leo's chest at the sadness in Jack's voice, but he reached out and gently ruffled the boy's hair.

"I'll visit from time to time. And I'll never forget you guys."

Jack was silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding, though his expression remained tense.

Leo rose from his seat, taking a deep breath as if preparing for a new chapter in his life. He then turned toward the door, pausing just before stepping out. With one last glance at Uncle Joe and Jack, he smiled.

"I'll see you soon."

And with that, he left, leaving behind an air of bittersweet acceptance.

As Leo walked away from the restaurant, trying to ignore the weight of the moment, a familiar voice called after him.

"Leo!"

He turned around to see Uncle Joe standing at the doorway, hands on his hips, shaking his head with an audible sigh. Then, with a warm smile and a voice filled with emotion, he called out:

"Thank you, kid! For everything! No matter what happens, remember—this place will always be your home!"

A warmth spread through Leo's chest, but he simply raised a hand, waving at Uncle Joe with a soft smile.

Before he could take another step, another voice rang out.

"Leo!!"

Jack was sprinting toward him, his footsteps hurried. He stopped right in front of Leo, breathing heavily. Looking up at him with determined eyes, he declared:

"I've made my decision!"

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Decision about what?"

Jack took a deep breath before smiling confidently.

"I've decided what to do with my life. I was lost, not knowing what path to take, but after everything that happened… I realized I want to be stronger. I want to be able to protect the people I care about and never feel helpless again!"

For a moment, the wind seemed to pause as if listening to his words. Then, with a softer voice, he added:

"And thank you, Leo… for everything. You've always been my big brother. Even if you can't use mana, you were always the one I looked up to."

Leo was silent for a moment before placing a hand on Jack's head, just as he had before.

"You're a good kid, Jack. Don't forget what you just said… and I'll make sure to check on you when I come back."

Jack lifted his head, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Don't forget to stay in touch, brother!"

Leo chuckled softly, then turned away and continued walking out of town—leaving behind a piece of his past.

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Here is your translated text with the scenes placed in square brackets:

[Leo eyed the cup with suspicion before bringing it to his lips and taking a sip. A pleasant warmth spread through his body, and soon, the pain began to fade. He let out a relieved sigh and set the cup down.]

"This... is amazing."

[Uncle Joe gave a faint smile, but it quickly faded into a more serious expression as he lowered his head slightly.]

"I'm sorry, Leo... I shouldn't have let you get involved in my problems. I was supposed to protect you, not have you end up getting beaten because of me."

[Leo waved a hand dismissively.]

"Forget it, Uncle Joe. There's no point in feeling guilty now. At least, it's over."

[But the silence that followed was heavier than he expected. Jack was watching him, his eyes filled with unspoken questions, as if sensing that something had yet to be said.]

[And indeed, after a moment, Leo took a deep breath and spoke with determination.]

"I've made up my mind."

[Jack raised an eyebrow.]

"Made up your mind about what?"

[Leo glanced at Jack, then at Uncle Joe, before quietly placing his cup on the table.]

"I'm leaving town."

[Both of them froze, staring at him in shock. Jack was the first to break the silence.]

"What? Where to?"

[Leo smiled slightly.]

"To Stardale Valley. My grandfather Arthur left me a farm there… I'm going to live there."

[Uncle Joe remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly.]

"Stardale… I've heard of that place before. The supplier who sends me ginger ale is from there."

[Jack, however, was still staring at Leo, as if struggling to process the news.]

"But… that means you won't be here! How am I supposed to see you?"

[A pang of guilt tightened in Leo's chest at the sound of Jack's saddened voice. He reached out and gently ruffled Jack's hair.]

"I'll visit from time to time. And I'll never forget you guys."

[Jack remained silent for a few moments before reluctantly nodding, though his expression remained uncertain.]

[Leo pushed himself up from his seat, taking a deep breath as if bracing himself for a new chapter in his life. He turned and walked toward the door. Before stepping out, he glanced back at Uncle Joe and Jack, then smiled.]

"I'll see you soon."

[And with that, he left, leaving behind a mixture of sorrow and acceptance in the air…]

[As Leo walked away from the restaurant, trying to ignore the weight of the moment, he heard Uncle Joe call out from behind him.]

"Leo!"

[He turned to see Uncle Joe standing at the doorway, hands on his hips, shaking his head with a deep sigh. Then, with a warm but strong voice full of emotion, he shouted:]

"Thank you, you rascal! For everything! No matter what happens, remember—this place will always be your home!"

[A warmth spread through Leo's chest, but he simply raised his hand in a small wave, offering a faint smile.]

[Before he could take another step, another voice called out.]

"Big brother!!"

[It was Jack, sprinting toward him, his footsteps hurried and uneven. He stopped right in front of Leo, panting heavily. His eyes were filled with determination as he spoke.]

"I've made my decision!"

[Leo raised an eyebrow.]

"Decision about what?"

[Jack took a deep breath before smiling with newfound confidence.]

"I've decided what I want to do with my life. I was lost, unsure of what path to take, but after everything that happened… I realized that I want to be stronger. I want to be able to protect the people I care about and never feel powerless again!"

[The wind seemed to still for a moment, as if listening to Jack's words, before he continued, his voice softer but filled with warmth.]

"And thank you, Leo… for everything. You've always been my big brother. Even though you can't use mana, you were always the one I looked up to."

[Leo remained silent for a moment before reaching out and ruffling Jack's hair once again, just as he had before.]

"You're a good kid, Jack. Don't forget what you just said… and I'll make sure to check on you when I return."

[Jack lifted his head, flashing a wide grin.]

"Don't forget to keep in touch, brother!"

[Leo chuckled softly before turning away, continuing his journey out of town, leaving behind a part of his past.]