The air on the seventh floor hung heavy with the scent of damp stone and faint mana residue. Elis sat cross-legged on the cold floor, her back against a jagged wall etched with ancient runes. Her eyes were closed, her artificial breathing slow and deliberate, as she was drawing mana from the dungeon itself.
The silence was absolute, until it wasn't.
*Click-Click-Click.*
The sound sliced through the stillness like a blade, sharp and unmistakable. The dungeon's main gates were opening. Elis's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile.
"Master..." she whispered, her voice barely a breath. In an instant, her blue form dissolved into shadow.
....
First floor...
Leon stepped through the gates, snowflakes clinging to his dark cloak like frost on midnight steel. The chill of the outside world still clung to him, but the dungeon's warmth began to melt it away.
*Swish.*
A ripple in the air, and Elis materialized before him. She dropped into a deep, graceful bow, her blue hair spilling over her shoulders like liquid moonlight.
"I greet my master," she said, voice smooth and reverent.
"Where are Fruela and Dusk?" Leon asked, his tone clipped, eyes already scanning the room.
"They are sparring on the fifth floor, Master," Elis replied, her expression unreadable. "To decide who is better suited to accompany you."
"What?" Leon's brow furrowed. Then, without another word, he vanished.
*Swish.*
....
Fifth floor.
*Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang.*
The clash of steel on claw echoed through the chamber like a storm of sparks. Two figures blurred across the stone floor—appearing, vanishing, reappearing—leaving trails of light and shadow in their wake.
*Swish.*
Leon appeared just outside the doorway, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold.
*Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang.*
Dusk's claws flashed like streaks of blue lightning, unpredictable and wild. The furnace in his chest glowed a fierce sapphire, pulsing with magic that fueled his impossible speed.
Fruela moved like water around stone—calm, precise, lethal. Her twin blades danced in her grip, eyes locked on Dusk's every twitch, every feint.
"I am the only one suited to protect Master, cat," Fruela said, her voice as steady as her stance.
"Well, you aren't proving it right now," Dusk shot back, grinning through the blur. "I haven't seen a protector who speaks more than she fights."
"I will cut off your claws right now," Fruela replied as her form vanished.
Dusk blurred into blue streak of light.
They charged at each other with full power.
Just as their weapons crossed the midpoint, two pitch-black blades tore through the air from the left—silent, deadly, inevitable.
*Clang-Clang.*
Both combatants twisted mid-motion, deflecting the blades with perfect synchronicity. Without hesitation, they dropped to their knees, heads bowed low, weapons lowered immediately.
"Master, we greet you," they said in perfect unison.
Nyxter's blades arced through the air and slid back into the sheaths at Leon's hips with a soft
*shink*.
"When I leave you in the dungeon to protect it..." Leon stepped into the room, boots echoing against stone, "...you aren't supposed to fight each other and get yourself exhausted."
"I—I apologize, Master," Fruela said, voice steady but laced with shame. "I was merely testing my strength against the cat."
"If you want to test your strength next time," Leon said, eyes narrowing, "do it when I am in the dungeon. You understand?"
"Yes, Master," they answered together, voices firm.
"Good." Leon spoke, his cloak flaring slightly. "Now—the Royal Party that was supposed to happen tomorrow is actually tonight. We leave in ten minutes."
Suddenly, Leon felt a prickle at the back of his neck. Instinct screamed at him to dodge.
Leon shifted right—just as a pale hand sliced through the air where his throat had been.
He turned.
Enid stood there, frozen, eyes wide with shock and confusion.
"Hello, Enid," Leon said, voice calm as death.
"H-How did—!? I was using a very special stealth skill to hide my presence—how did you knew I was coming?" Her voice cracked with disbelief.
"Never ever try that again, darling," Leon said, his gaze cold and unblinking.
"Okay..." Enid stepped closer, her shock melting into a sultry smile. "But I want to have sex. And you reek of so many other girls. Why don't you fuck my pussy, Master? I'll get rid of their smell for you."
"I don't have time for you now, Enid," Leon said. "I have to go to a fucking party."
"Take me with you," she pleaded, grabbing his hands. "Please, please, please..."
"Give me one reason I should take you with me," Leon said, unmoved.
Enid's eyes gleamed. "I am a demon. I can make myself look more human than that elf maid. I have a perfect figure. But most importantly—I've been to countless royal parties in the demon kingdom. If you go without a female companion, you'll look odd. Now please... take me. I beg you."
Leon regarded her for a long moment.
"Well," he said finally, "I was planning to take that white elf maid. But you've given me enough reasons. If you misbehave there—"
"I promise," Enid cut in, smiling sweetly. "You can slit my throat if I do."
Leon opened his inventory. A red gown materialized in his hand—deep crimson silk with subtle golden borders. It wasn't flashy, but it carried the weight of royalty.
"Here. Wear this. Get ready. We leave in five minutes."
"Hmm... it'll be hard to move in this," Enid began. "What if I have to kill someone and—"
Leon's gaze sharpened like a blade.
Her lips sealed instantly.
"I-I'll get ready immediately, Master," she said. Without hesitation, she stripped naked and slipped into the gown, the fabric hugging her curves easily.
Leon changed as well—black shirt, black vest, long black coat with golden buttons glinting like stars in a void. He donned a pure white mask: two narrow rectangles for eyes, one small slot near the mouth—just enough to sip wine.
"Master," Dusk said, tilting his head. "Wouldn't you need a grand carriage for this Royal Party?"
"No," Leon said, a faint smile curling beneath the mask. "I'll be riding you. I want to see how the king reacts to my ride. Fruela will run behind us. We will enter the castle together."
Enid spun once. The gown flared open like a blooming rose.
"How do I look?" she asked, voice soft and teasing.
"A very deadly flower, darling," Leon said, his smile sharp.
"Oh my, what a gentlemen you are sir." Enid murmured, bowing low with impossible grace. In a shimmer of dark magic, her demonic features melted away—replaced by the face of a breathtakingly beautiful human noblewoman.
-x-X-x-
*SWISSSSSSSHHHH* *SWISSSSSSSHHHH*
The wind howled outside, fierce and unrelenting. Thick snow poured from the black sky, blanketing the world in white silence. Through the storm, a massive dark figure charged forward, cutting through the blizzard like a shadow given life. It moved with impossible grace, as if it ran not on the ground but atop clouds.
*Step-step-step-step-step*
Dusk's paws struck the earth in perfect rhythm, never breaking stride. He carried Leon and Enid on his broad back, his powerful muscles rippling beneath midnight fur. No magic fueled his speed—only raw strength. The snow was deep, piled high in drifts that would swallow a man whole, yet Dusk's legs barely sank. He ran flawlessly.
Enid sat in front of Leon, her body pressed close. Both her legs draped elegantly over one side, the red gown flowing like liquid fire in the wind. For the past three minutes, her lips had been on his neck—soft, warm, insistent. She kissed slowly, deliberately, leaving blooming red marks across his skin. Hickeys, possessive, proof of her claim.
"Master..." Dusk's deep voice rumbled, calm despite the speed. "I can see the kingdom's gate."
He slowed to a steady walk, snow crunching softly beneath his paws. The massive iron gates loomed ahead, torches flickering along the walls, casting golden light on the falling snow.
Leon's sharp eyes scanned the scene. Dozens of carriages lined the approach—some grand, pulled by teams of white horses; others modest, bearing the crests of lesser houses. Royal guards in polished silver armor stood at attention, checking invitations with practiced efficiency. One by one, the carriages rolled forward, admitted into the capital.
'Nobles from the outer villages. Village heads. Minor lords,' Leon thought, noting the sigils painted on carriage doors—eagles, stags, crossed swords. A slow smile crept beneath his mask. An idea sparked.
"Dusk," he said, voice low but commanding. "Can you go so fast... that you hop above those guards ?"
Dusk's ears twitched. A grin flashed his sharp teeth. "Absolutely, Master. They won't even see me. But they'll feel the wind when I pass."
He scraped his claws against the snow, muscles coiling like springs, ready to launch at a single word.
Enid pulled back slightly, her lips glistening. "Why?" she asked, brow furrowed in confusion. "Can't we just show the invitation and go in?"
Leon turned his head, two red eyes staring at her through the white mask. "I am the king in the south for now, darling," he said, his smile sharp as a blade. "And kings do not show invitations to get into stupid parties."
Enid's eyes gleamed. She bit her lip. "Oh... I think the king in the south just made me a little wet."
"Dusk," Leon ordered, fingers tightening in the thick fur. "Go."
A crackling surge of yellow and blue lightning exploded across Dusk's body, arcing over fur and flesh. His eyes blazed electric. Then—he moved.
The world blurred.
In two heartbeats, he crossed the distance to the gate. Snow erupted in his wake. Just as the guards turned, Dusk leaped, a dark comet soaring over their heads, high above spears and helmets.
*SWISHHHHHHHH*
A razor-sharp gust of wind slammed into the guards as he passed. Helms rattled. Cloaks whipped violently. One guard stumbled back, eyes wide.
"What the hell ?" he barked, spinning to his comrades. They looked just as lost him as they didn't knew what just happened.
A carriage driver chuckled, adjusting his hat. "The wind is wild tonight."
The guard blinked, then waved the next carriage through. "Yes... go on."
...
Inside one of the carriages that was marked with a soaring bat in front of half moon, two young women sat in shadowed silence. Black lace covered their faces, but their eyes burned with unnatural light.
"Did you see that?" the younger sister whispered, leaning forward.
"I most certainly did," the elder sister replied, voice smooth as silk.
"What was that beast?"
"An Eclipsemora," the elder said, reverence in her tone. "A mythical creature. To see one in a lifetime is a great achievement. To tame one? Impossible. No one has ever done it yet."
"Yet... ?" the younger said, tilting her head. "I'm certain I saw a man riding it."
"I know."
"Are we to report this to Mother Marie?"
"No," the elder said firmly. "We observe first. His attire tells me that he is also heading to the Royal Party."
The younger's lips curved beneath her veil. "If he agrees... can I choose him as my husband?"
The elder's eyes narrowed. "There was a female companion with him. We are forbidden from becoming concubines."
"But what if he is not married to her?"
Silence covered the whole environment.
"Then you should leave him for me," the elder replied. "I am your elder sister."
The younger smirked. "Mother Marie says rank does not matter—so long as you bring strong males into the cult."
"You may have charms to trap ordinary men," the elder said, voice dripping with confidence. "But I have the body men would die for. If he is not married to a girl... he is fair game."
The younger giggled softly. "Oooh... I like the sound of that."
"What of the orphanage though ?" she asked. "Do we visit there before the party ?"
"No need," the elder said, gaze distant. "The child who sees the future has already fled. With the virgin girl and the talented boy.
I always suggested that it was impossible for them to stay there for long."
The younger clicked her tongue. "Damn. The boys would have made fine cult members. And the virgin girl, we could have offered her as sacrifice for the Greater Cause."
The elder's head snapped toward her. Her eyes flared bright pink behind the veil, glowing like twin embers.
"Mother Marie gave strict orders," she hissed. "If those words leave your mouth again, I will cut out your tongue and feed it to the summoned hounds."
The younger froze. "I-I'm sorry, sister. I will not speak them again."
"Do not forget your purpose," the elder said, voice cold as the snow outside. "And do not let others find out about it."
Silence fell heavy in the carriage.
The younger nodded once. Her own eyes glowed bright pink in the dark.
....
Royal Castle Gate.
Hundreds of royal guards stood in perfect formation before the grand entrance. A long crimson mat stretched from the gates to the castle doors, rolled out like a river of blood to welcome the nobles. Torches blazed in iron sconces. Music drifted faintly from within—harps and flutes, laughter and clinking crystal.
Most guests had already arrived. Elegant wagons crowded the courtyard, horses snorting steam into the cold. The fountain at the center glittered with ice.
*SWISSSSSSSHHHH*
Without warning, a towering dark beast materialized before the front line of guards. Dusk landed with a soft thud, snow billowing around him. Blue and yellow lightning crackled along his fur, fading slowly into the night.
"What the—"
Spears rose in unison. Shields clanged. Guards shouted in alarm.
But before a single weapon could've been pointed towards Leon—
"WEAPONS DOWN."
The command thundered across the courtyard, deep and absolute. Every guard froze. Then, as one, they lowered their arms and dropped to their knees, heads bowed.
Leon turned slowly.
At the top of the grand marble stairs, beneath the shadow of the castle doors, stood a man.
He appeared in his forties. Long silver hair flowed down his back, tied neatly with a golden cord. He wore a robe of pure gold, heavy with embroidery—dragons, stars, ancient runes. Golden chains draped his neck. Rings glittered on every finger, each pulsing faintly with magic.
And atop his head rested a massive crown—gold, intricate, embedded with seven brilliant gems.
'So, he is the king of Human kingdom. Wait... What was his name again ?' Leon thought with a confused expression.
Dusk lowered his massive frame with deliberate grace, knees bending until his belly nearly brushed the snow-dusted crimson mat. Leon stepped down first, boots sinking slightly into the plush fabric. Enid followed, her gloved hand resting lightly on his arm as she descended, the red gown pooling like fresh blood around her feet.
Leon's eyes never left the man at the top of the stairs.
A soft blue panel unfolded in front of his eyes as soon as he used the skill.
[Name: Adwin Lorence]
[Class: Sword Saint]
[Race: Human]
[HP: 890,000/890,000]
[MP: 567,000/567,000]
[Title: {True King} {One with the Sword} {Angel's Hand Holder} {Gracious One} {Dragon Slayer} {Demon Slayer} {Excalibur Holder} {Elf Slayer} {Forbidden Lover}]
[Description: Adwin Lorence, one of the three legendary sword saints that ever lived. Adwin is seventy-six years old but his instincts are still as sharp as they were in his peak age.
It is said that Adwin and the demon lord once engaged in a very furious battle for seven days straight and he almost killed him but the demon lord escaped somehow. Adwin now rules the human kingdom waiting for his death and for one of his sons to take over his throne.]
'Every title is glowing golden. All gold. He really is a monster' Leon's thoughts raced behind the mask.
Adwin descended the marble steps, each footfall silent despite the weight of his robes. A warm smile curved his lips, but his eyes—sharp, old, unreadable—locked onto Leon's mask.
They stopped three paces apart.
Adwin extended his hand. "Sir Michael Jackson... it is a pleasure to meet you."
Leon clasped it firmly. "Sir Adwin Lorence. The pleasure is mine."
Adwin turned to Enid, bowing slightly. "My fair lady."
Enid smiled, lifting her hand with practiced elegance. Adwin took it gently, pressing a chaste kiss to the back of her glove before releasing the her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, dipping into a shallow, graceful curtsy.
Adwin's gaze returned to Leon. "I suppose I won't be seeing your face tonight, then."
"I prefer to keep it concealed for now," Leon replied, his voice flat.
Adwin tilted his head with a confused smile. "And how will you eat with the mask ?"
"I'll only be having wine." Leon replied immediately.
A soft chuckle. "A pity. But fear not—I'll have the finest wine brought to you. Please, come inside."
He turned and began walking. Leon followed, Enid at his side.
'He knew I was coming before I even came,' Leon thought, scanning the courtyard. 'He was waiting behind those doors. Like he'd been informed about my arrival beforehand.'
"I must say," Adwin continued without looking back, "I thoroughly enjoyed your little entrance. Leaping over the gate guards so swiftly they couldn't even notice it? Brilliant. And that Eclipsemora of yours—magnificent. Fast as lightning, beautiful as the night."
Leon's eyes narrowed behind the mask.
'Messenger at the gate. Of course. There is no way he could've gotten the information this fast.'
He glanced up. Nobles pressed against the tall windows of the great hall, faces pale, eyes wide. Some whispered. Some stared in open shock. A few looked ready to lick his boots.
Adwin followed his gaze and smiled. "I've arranged a special stable for your beast. If he roams freely, my guests may faint from fright. I hope you don't mind."
Leon didn't answer. Instead, he turned and raised two fingers, twisting them clockwise in a slow, deliberate circle.
Dusk rose from his crouch. His body shimmered. Fur retracted like liquid shadow. Bones shifted. In seconds, the towering Eclipsemora was gone.
In its place stood a sleek, midnight-black cat. Long, pointed ears twitched. Two tails swayed lazily behind him.
Adwin's smile widened. "Remarkable. I saw one of these when I was a boy, hunting with my father in the Whispering Woods. I didn't knew they could shapeshift like that."
"I trust your guests won't be disturbed if he takes a stroll through the mansion, right ?" Leon asked.
Adwin laughed, "Hahaha... Of course, of course. I hope he finds a lovely companion among the palace cats. We have so many cats around the castle, my wife loved them hahaha..."
Dusk's ears flattened. "What?! Did he just implied that I mate with cat-"
Leon leaned down slightly, voice barely a whisper. "Find the messenger. The one you saw that assassin supplying the information to."
"Yes, Master," Dusk replied as he walked away immediately.
The guards standing near the entrance pushed open the grand double doors. Warm light spilled out, along with the scent of roasted meat, spiced wine, and perfume. Music swelled—violins, lutes, a low drumbeat.
Every head turned.
Hundreds of nobles stood in the vaulted hall, silver goblets in hand, silk and velvet gleaming under chandeliers. Conversation died. Eyes locked on Leon and Enid.
Adwin stepped forward, arms wide.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly, "allow me to introduce Sir Michael Jackson—honored and powerful king of the south."
A maid appeared instantly, bearing a silver tray with two glasses of deep red wine in golden glasses.
Adwin took one. "Please. The finest wine—made only in the dwarf kingdom. They say it's like a thousand years old or something."
Leon accepted the second glass, raising it slightly.
Adwin lifted his higher. "A toast—to my new friend Michael, king of—"
He paused, turning to Leon with a puzzled smile. "I'm sorry... what was the name of your kingdom again?"
Leon didn't miss a beat and spoke the first word that came to his mind. "Gotham."
Adwin beamed. "To my new friend Michael Jackson, king of the southern kingdom of Gotham!"
Every glass in the hall rose in perfect unison.
'Yeah,' Leon thought, a smirk tugging beneath the mask. 'And I'm Batman. Should've picked something less ridiculous. Why was this the first name that came to my mind anyway ?'
But no one questioned it. Not a single noble dared contradict their king's toast.
'Oh well, not like they will question me or anything.' Leon mused, sipping the wine.
The hall erupted into polite applause.
Leon and Enid stood in one corner of the room...
Leon held the same glass of wine, sipping it slowly, while Enid clutched a plate brimming with meat delicacies.
"Oh my... These taste divine. In our kingdom, they just devour raw meat—what a waste." Enid said, grabbing a whole chicken from the plate and tearing into it.
"Set it down and eat piece by piece... I thought you have attended many parties." Leon said sternly, eyeing Enid.
"I-I'm sorry, darling. I've never been to human parties. I assumed it was normal for you folks to just like us demons and—"
"It's not." Leon cut her off mid-sentence.
"Hello, Sir." A voice suddenly sounded from behind.
"Hmm...?" Leon turned slowly, spotting a man in his forties with two ladies beside him.
"Yes ?" Leon asked, brow furrowed in confusion behind the mask.
"I am Duke Marcus Vanguard; this is my wife, Linda, and my daughter, Kiren. We are from the Vanguard noble household." Marcus said with a smile, extending his hand for a shake.
Leon briefly shook it...
"Actually, I've visited your kingdom." Marcus added, still smiling.
A wide grin spread across Leon's face beneath the mask.
"Oh, really ?" Leon asked, smiling back.
"Yes, yes... It's a truly stunning kingdom. I believe it's been five years since I last saw one of the most beautiful kingdom in the south." Marcus replied, chuckling.
'This motherfucker... He's lying so convincingly. For a second, I almost believed there really was such a kingdom and I was its king.
But why is he lying to me?' Leon thought, puzzled, glancing at his daughter and she looked really angry.
'This girl... I've seen her before. Wait, wait... She's the one from the training ground that day. Kiren Vanguard, with frozen nerves—she can't channel mana properly.
I think she's the fourth or fifth daughter of the Vanguard house. Is he trying to set me up with her ?' Leon recalled everything as he looked at Kiren.
"If you don't mind my asking... How old are you, sir?" Marcus inquired with a smile.
"I'll be nineteen next month. Why do you ask ?" Leon replied and even though he knew why he was asking for his age, he kept the hint of confusion in his voice.
"Oh my god, a young man like you shouldering the burdens of such a vast kingdom all alone. It must be really hard without a queen, right ?"
"Excuse me ? But what do you want ?" Leon asked flatly, setting his wine glass on a nearby table and crossing his hands.
As soon as Marcus noticed the change of tone in Leon's voice, his attitude and voice changed completely.
"N-Nothing... I-I just wanted to introduce myself and my family. It was a pleasure speaking with you; thank you for your time.
We will take our leave now." Marcus stammered, turning abruptly to walk away with his wife and daughter.
"I told you... He's a king. Why would he be interested in me?" Kiren muttered angrily, glaring at Marcus.
"I just wanted to help you. If you became his concubine, all my children would gain real value." Marcus sneered in disgust, eyeing Kiren.
"So... Um, when are we leaving to have sex on the new bed that—" Before Enid could finish, an old man approached Leon with his wife.
"Hello, Sir Michael Jackson... I am Valkov Vance of the Vance household." He said smilingly, extending his hand for a shake.
"Yes?" Leon responded with a cold tone, ignoring the handshake.
"Oh, well, I was wondering if you're open to taking concubines. I have five very beautiful, elegant, and intelligent daughters who would care for you day and night, they can even bear you beautiful childre—"
"No, I'm good." Leon interrupted sharply.
"I understand. It was a pleasure speaking with you." Valkov replied with a smile, turning quickly to leave with his wife.
'What kind of nobles are these? Are they truly worried about their daughter's futures, or do they just want influence by selling them to me as concubines ?' Leon wondered, confused.
"They're using their daughters to forge real ties with you, darling. I thought this only happened in our kingdoms." Enid said from behind, her expression neutral.
"Seems common in the demon kingdom, huh?" Leon asked with a smile.
"Obviously... How do you think I got married ? My father sold me off for control of ten bloodstone mines and a slice of land in the southern Tyun-Ja Valley.
I wasn't ready to marry him and wanted to protest, but in the demon kingdom, a dead daughter is preferable to one who talks back to her father." Enid replied neutrally.
"I see. Well, it's much the same in human kingdoms but here they are either kicked out of the house or sold as slaves." Leon replied with a neutral look.
"Okay, everyone... May I have your attention?" Adwin's voice rang from above.
All turned toward the stairs, seeing him standing there.
"Very good... I hope everyone has had their food because I'm afraid we must end this party early tonight, and I request the main guests to remain for an important meeting.
The heads of the seven noble houses, Dukes, Archdukes, and Army Generals of rank four and above. Thank you." Adwin announced as he descended down the stairs.
Those not named began filing toward the gates, faces etched with confusion as they started to talk about the sudden meeting.
...
'Well... Guess the party's over. Hope Dusk and Fruela caught that guard by now.' Leon thought, turning to leave.
"Let's go, darling, and have some really good sex." Leon said with a smile, looking at Enid.
A wide grin lit Enid's face instantly.
"Yess... Finally." Enid said, linking her arm through Leon's as they headed for the door.
"Mr. Michael Jackson..." Adwin's voice called from behind.
"Hmm...?" Leon turned, his expression confused.
"I'd like you to join this meeting with us. It's for our kingdoms' mutual benefits. Think of it as an investment to our future."
'Fucking hell.' Leon thought, face serious.
-x-X-x-
Royal Castle, Meeting Room...
The grand chamber was deathly quiet. Leon, Adwin, and a dozen high-ranking nobles and generals sat around a massive obsidian round table, each staring at the walls, the ceiling, or the grain of the wood; anywhere but at one another.
'What the hell is this even about ?' Leon wondered, already bored.
*Knock-knock.*
Every head snapped toward the double doors.
"Come in," Adwin ordered.
The doors swung open. A young man in his mid-twenties strode in, emerald hair tied back, matching green eyes bright with excitement. In his arms he carried two faintly glowing crystal orbs and a rolled-up white cloth.
"Good evening, my lords," he said, bowing low. "I am Ruben, Lord Adwin's nephew and I will be your host for today's meeting."
Adwin smiled proudly. "Ruben is the finest magical artificer of his generation. He makes things that people can't even think about."
Leon gave a neutral reply as he looked at Ruben "I see."
Ruben wasted no time. He placed the orbs on the table, drew a slender silver wand, and flicked it. The white cloth unfurled and floated upward, pinning itself to the far wall like a perfect screen. With another gesture, every candle in the room snuffed out at once.
Darkness swallowed the chamber for a heartbeat; then Ruben began to chant in a low, melodic voice.
"Aldreso... Frunesio de gutrenmo hulo astrides..."
The orbs ignited with soft white light. Beams shot out, converged, and struck the cloth. A crisp, glowing map of the known world appeared on the makeshift screen.
Murmurs of admiration rippled around the table as everyone started looking at Ruben...
"Brilliant..."
"A true prodigy."
"Never seen anything like it."
"He can really become something with that talent of his."
...
Leon yawned behind his mask, utterly unimpressed.
'Congratulations, kid. You invented a fucking projector with magic. Meanwhile I could've mastered Last Rise another thousand times, fucked two sex hungry bitches, or just made some damn good pizza.
Wait, now that I think about it... I should really make some pizza. It's not like it's that hard to make. Haa... I don't know how long am I going to be stuck in this stupid meeting.'
Ruben continued, his voice steady.
"These orbs record mana imprints of events. Infuse them once with mana at a certain place, and you may replay the scene forever of whatever happens at that place. But that is merely the tool.
What you see now on this cloth is our continent. Twelve days ago, in the northern Frostfang Mountains here..." a red dot pulsed on the map, "our scouts discovered the stripped skeleton of a demon, devoured by its own kind.
Deeper in, we located a cave harboring twelve surviving demons. When some of our soldiers engaged in combat, out of forty... thirty-six were slaughtered. The demons fled with three stolen supply carriages, now laden with... human corpses.
Their destination is this point we have named Maximux." Another marker flared. "It is the farthest a demon army can march from their homeland without starving to death. Beyond Maximux, they require sustained feeding. Those three carriages now carry enough 'food' to bring roughly three hundred demons across the starvation line and establish a forward base in our mountains.
And if that happens, we could be looking at a very huge problem that can-"
A grizzled general snorted. "Three hundred? We have over three hundred thousand soldiers baring sharp swords. We can just crush them like pests and be done."
Ruben shook his head grimly. "That is exactly what they want. Their goal is not conquest yet; it is supply theft. Every soldier we send becomes additional rations for the next wave that is walking from the demon kingdom to point maximux.
They will engage in fight, kill some of our soldiers and run away... If we killed 150 demons and lost 300 soldiers in the battle, we just made way for 900 more demons to walk into the mountains and this process will keep repeating general until they just walk all over us.
Alternatively, if we do nothing, demons breed nine times faster than humans and birth litters of ten or more. Leave them thirty days, and those mountains will crawl with a fully functioning demon colony, this territory will become inaccessible to humans and if they grew enough numbers... Same thing will happen and they will launch a full fledged attack on us.
We have already dispatched an elite strike force to an intercept point on their alternate route. Leaderless demons are easy prey as they don't have guidance on what to do. But the moment the Demon King realizes we are choking his army, he will begin escorting the caravans with Demon Generals.
The Demon king himself cannot yet cross the starvation threshold; he is still too weak after the last war.
That is the situation, my lords."
With a final flourish of his wand, the projection vanished, candles relit themselves, and the cloth drifted gently back into Ruben's hands.
Silence fell again, heavier this time.
Every pair of eyes turned to Adwin, waiting for his orders.
"A war is coming, gentlemen. Not next year. Not next season. Now.
Sir Michael," Adwin said, turning directly to Leon, his voice very serious. "I need two hundred thousand troops from your kingdom; soldiers, battle mages, and longbow holders.
Together we strike point maximux with an overwhelming force and teach the demons that humans are no longer their prey."
Leon met his gaze, expression unreadable behind the mask.
"I will have to think about it. You will have my reply on the day after tomorrow." Leon replied with a neutral expression.
'So that's why I got the fancy invitation and the free wine,' Leon thought, a cold smile forming beneath the mask. 'Well played, Your Highness.'
Adwin inclined his head. "I am not twisting your arm, Michael. But understand this: if my kingdom falls, yours is next. United, we survive. Divided, we become dinner."
The room held its breath, waiting for Leon's next word.
"I understand."
Leon simply rose, chair scraping against stone, and walked toward the door without looking back.
-x-X-x-
Leon walked out of the castle and noticed dusk and Enid standing outside.
"Darling." Enid spoke with a smile as she immediately ran upto Leon.
"Let's go." Leon replied with a neutral expression as he immediately jumped over dusk's back.
"Yes Master..." Dusk replied as he started running immediately.
"Darling, you are going to fuck my pussy really hard once we get back right ?" Enid asked with a smile as she looked at Leon.
"I will, after you answer some of my questions." Leon replied with a smile as he placed his hand under Enid's ass and squeezed it tightly.
*Squeeze*
"Anhhhh~" Enid moaned as soon as she felt her ass being squeezed by Leon and a seductive expression appeared on her face.
"Ask me anything darling... I will answer every question you have." Enid replied as she placed her cold nosetip against Leon's chest and started sniffing him.
"What do you know about the demons hiding in the mountains just north of the kingdom." Leon asked with a neutral expression.
As soon as Enid heard about this, her eyes opened in shock and she immediately looked at Leon with wide eyes.
"I-I have no hand in it... Darling. I-I swear on my life." Enid replied.
"So you do know about them." Leon replied with a smile as dusk jumped out of the kingdom's walls and Leon removed his mask immediately.
"I-I may know a few things about it... But, this information is too important to the demon kingdom and-" Enid started with a hesitated expression but before she could've completed her sentence, Leon grabbed her throat with a tight grip.
"Remis..."
He then slowly brought his lips near her ear and whispered in a low voice, "When I fucked you inside that forest like a stupid slut... What did I ask you ?"
"W-Where does my loyalty lies..." Enid replied as she felt arousal rushing through her body and her eyes started to flutter.
"Good... What was your answer to me ?" Leon asked as he slipped his hand upto her pussy and pressed his middle finger against her clit tightly.
"Anhhhhhh~ Y-Yours... My loyalty is yours, master." Enid replied as her legs started shaking and just as she was about to cum, Leon removed both of his hands from her body.
As soon as his hands left Enid's body... The feelings of arousal increased even more but the magical touch was gone.
"N-No... Please don't take away your hands from my body, darling." Enid spoke as she immediately tried to grab Leon's hands.
"Tell me everything you know about the demons in that mountain or I will fuck every single girl in that dungeon right in front of your eyes." Leon replied with a serious expression.
"B-But..."
"I will tie you to the bed and fuck girls, with their pussies placed right in front of your face and my dick fucking them ruthlessly.
You will see everything but you won't be able to do everything, not even finger your pussy but if you tell me everything like an obedient bitch right now...
The first thing I am going to do after reaching the dungeon is to throw you on the first bed that I see... tear off this stupid gown off of your body and fuck you so ruthlessly that your pussy will beg for mercy but it won't be given any because your body would've become so numb that your mind will need a tight slap on the ass cheeks to get back to it's senses." Leon replied in the most seductive tone possible.
"I-I will tell everything... Master, but please keep groping my body." Enid replied as she felt her pussy and nipples tingling so hard that her body couldn't sustain without Leon's touch after all the dirty talk.
"Very well... Start talking. Fast." Leon replied with a neutral expression as he grabbed her boobs and started groping them.
*Rub-Rub-Rub-Rub*
"T-Ten years ago... My father ordered me and my husband to come to the human kingdom and prepare a village for the thirteen Demons.
These demons aren't like any other demons, each of them have such high regeneration ability that even if you cut off their heads... They will regenerate in a matter of seconds.
The thirteen demons were practically immortal but they needed food to keep their bodies working and regenerating.
That's why they were sent to the human kingdom with a mortal demon, so that they can eat him and sustain the journey but they never came to the village and decided to go with another plan that the demon king has formed on his own.
Only the demon generals knew about it." Enid explained.
"That means your father knows about it, right ? What is their main focus, darling ?" Leon asked as he grabbed her nipples and pinched them.
"Anhhh~ to gain as much as information possible about the human kingdom and humans.
The demon king wants human rulers to think that a full fledged attack is coming from the Demon kingdom but it's just a distraction to move the demons who are already inside the kingdom." Enid replied as she closed her eyes in pleasure.
"What do you mean by demons who are already inside the human kingdom ? I thought they can't come here without any food." Leon asked with a confused expression.
"The thirteen demons came to the mountains six years ago and they started hunting adventurers in those mountains but not in large quantities to raise any suspicions...
They used jwellery and artifacts of dead adventurers as baits to lure in even more adventurers and kill them.
After killing them, the corpses were sent to 'The Point Of Starvation' to feed normal demons and bring them to the mountains.
In just two years those mountains were crawling with demons but it became a problem as more and more adventurers started spotting them.
That's when the thirteen demons created a village in the middle of the forest with the same magic that I used on my village.
It can't be found by humans and those who found it, never lived to tell the tale." Enid spoke.
"How many demons are currently hiding in the kingdom posing as humans ?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
"Too many... Anhhh~"
-x-X-x-
Inside the Dungeon, Fifteenth Floor...
Leon sat slouched on his rough rock throne, floating a full meter above the cold stone floor, his fingers drumming against the arm-rest, brows knotted, mind racing.
'Hah... A whole goddamn hidden village buried in the southern mountains, packed with demons. Thirteen fucking demons with hyper regeneration ruling over it, and now Adwin wants my answer by the day after tomorrow.
Fucking hell... All of this because I ran my mouth and told that stupid fucking Charles, "I am king in the south." One sentence. One fucking sentence fucked up so much. I have to start keeping my mouth shut.'
*Swish*
The air tore open. Elis dropped out of nowhere, her knee hitting the ground at once, head bowed so low her hairs brushed against the floor.
"Master... Sir Gerald is asking to have a talk with you," she whispered, voice soft but clear.
"Hmm...? Gerald wants to talk ?" Leon muttered. He pushed off the throne, dropping fast, but before his boots could touch stone his body vanished.
...
Twelfth Floor...
*Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang-Tang!*
The massive furnace roared like a living beast, flames licking the ceiling. Heat rolled in waves. Gerald sat hunched over the anvil, hammer rising and falling in a brutal rhythm, beating a glowing curved bow of metal into shape. Sparks exploded with every strike.
Black goggles hid his eyes. Thick brown leather gloves creaked as his fists worked full force.
A tiny elf girl stood right beside him, staring at the metal like her life depended on it. Same big goggles on her eyes, huge scorched leather jacket that covered almost every body part and her cheeks were red from the heat.
*Swish*
Leon appeared out of thin air behind them. His gaze slid across the room and locked on the long rack against the wall—dozens of brand-new weapons still steaming from the forge.
"Gerald, you wanted to see me ?" he asked, voice low, almost lost under the hammer's song.
"Wait a damn second..." Gerald growled without turning. He lifted the hammer high and slammed it down one last time.
*CRACK*
A sharp crack split the bow limb clean.
The elf girl leaned in, eyes wide.
"If the center is too damn strong, the limbs stay weak as glass. First draw of the string and it shatters. The archer will die before he can take the shot. Start over," Gerald said, voice rough as gravel. He stood up and ripped the goggles off.
"I understand, Teacher," the little elf said quietly. She grabbed the broken piece with tongs and shoved it back into the furnace's mouth.
"Kid, you're here, good." Gerald said, finally facing Leon, wiping sweat with a forearm.
"Yeah. What's the deal with the elf kid ? Isn't she took small to be playing around here ?" Leon asked, eyebrow raised.
"She was running around this floor, when the blue-haired transperent girl first dragged me down here. I told her to piss off. She looked me dead in the eye and said she wanted to be a blacksmith.
Figured she'd bolt once the heat and noise hit. Two hours later she's passing me tools before I even ask. Made a deal—she helps, I teach. So now she's my apprentice. Everything I know dies with me if I don't pass it on," Gerald said, face flat, honest.
"I see... But, aren't dwarfs and Elfs enemies ?" Leon asked as they walked together towards the south side of the room.
"I have no enemies kid, but knowledge to pass on... I wouldn't have given that dagger pair to the dark elf you brought to my shop the other day, if I hated them like the rest." Gerald spoke with a neutral expression as he stopped in front of the corner.
As soon as Leon looked into the corner his eyes twitched in confusion.
Pure black waited there. Not shadow—something thicker. A living fog of darkness that crawled and pulsed, as if it was ready to eat anything that got too close.
"What the fuck is this ?" Leon asked, staring at it with a confused expression.
"In the dwarf kingdom there's a ritual nobody agrees on—some call it forbidden, some don't. Blacksmith fixes the finest weapon that he has ever crafted, casts a summoning spell that opens a door straight to the darkness realm, and throws the blade in.
I threw your sword into it," Gerald said, calm as stone.
"Reach in. Picture the Nyxter in your mind. When it burns clear in your head, it'll be in your hand. The moment your fingers close on the hilt, the trial starts.
Beat it, the sword comes back with a rare skill no forge, no enchantment, no mage in this world can give. Fail it and... Well I don't know what happens then. Nobody's come back to tell the tale.
Or I kill the spell right now and forge you a new one. Your choice."
Leon stared harder. "Why the hell would you throw my sword in there?"
Gerald walked away, dropped onto a wooden bench, grabbed a heavy mug dripping with booze, and took a long pull.
*Gulp... Gulp*
He wiped his mouth with the back of his glove and looked up. For one heartbeat his eyes flashed faint gold.
"I needed to know..." he said, voice low, "if I'm making weapons for some guy who just kills big beasts with them... or for someone who actually deserves them.
You can just say no and I will forge you a new sword, it will be made out of iron but it will come with a skill, although it won't be really good." Gerald replied with a smile.
A slow, dangerous grin spread across Leon's face.
"You know what ? Your timing couldn't have been better..."
He didn't wait. Didn't think. He shoved his hand straight into the writhing black fog.
Gerald's eyes shot wide.
'This kid-'
Dark smoke crawled up Leon's arm like poison veins. His eyes flipped solid black. His whole body locked stiff, breath gone as if his soul was ripped out.
Gerald barked a short laugh, jumped down from the bench and walked upto him, he then slapped leon's frozen shoulder once, and turned back to the furnace.
"Crazy bastard. No one in history's ever pulled a blade back out. Hell... no one ever agreed to place their hand into it. Hahaha..."
...
Somewhere...
*Blink—Blink*
Leon's eyes snapped open.
Cold. Dead silent. Ash fell slow like grey snow.
He looked down—Nyxter already rested heavy in his grip.
He drew it slow. The edge gleamed perfect again, razor-sharp and ready to slice.
Bare trees stood all around, trunks pitch black, branches coated in thick white ash, not a single leaf. The ground was cracked dry earth that drank every sound. Icy wind cut straight through him.
"Where the fu—"
*GRAAAWWWWWLLLLLL*
A guttural roar rolled out behind him.
Leon spun.
Twenty meters away, a massive hound crouched low. Skin gone, muscle gone—just bone and empty air. A gaping hole sat where its chest should be, and inside floated a single glowing green core, pulsing like a sick heart. Empty sockets burned with venomous green fire.
It bared rows of jagged black teeth and growled again, low and hungry.
Leon tightened his grip on the Nyxter's handle...
"That is one ugly motherfucking dog..."
-x-X-x-
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
The hound stood rigid, roatten muscles quivering under its fur as it stared at Leon. The green flames burning inside its eyes flared brighter, almost alive, as if reacting to his presence.
Leon triggered the skill out of habit, expecting the familiar stream of information to appear in front of his eyes but...
Nothing.
Not a flicker.
'What the fuck is happening ?' he thought with a serious expression.
He used the skill again, harder this time, almost willing it to work.
Nothing. The silence felt mocking.
...
He switched to another skill—any skill—but the result was identical. Hollow. Dead.
'Okay... System, this is not the time to be fucking kidding with me. Wake the fuck up and let me use some ski—'
The thought stuck halfway as frustration mixed with a creeping unease. A hesitant twitch pulled at his expression.
The hound caught it instantly.
Its lips curled back, fangs dripping with hunger and murderous intent. The moment it sensed that pause, it lunged forward.
Woof!!
*Step-step-step-step-step*
"Oh shit... OH SHIT—!" Leon twisted sharply to the right, his body reacting faster than his mind. The hound's jaws snapped shut where his shoulder had been a second ago.
No break.
No pause.
The beast recoiled and leapt again.
Leon threw himself into a roll, dirt grinding against his palms and back as he narrowly avoided another fatal bite.
"Grawwwhhhh..."
The hound didn't relent. It began circling him, slow and deliberate, green fire locked on him. Leon pushed himself to his feet, breathing steadying as his expression hardened.
"You're a good dog, and you don't—"
The words were cut off as the hound charged again, giving him not a second more.
"Okay, that's it..." Leon muttered. His hand moved, drawing the nyxter from its sheath.
The moment the blade left the scabbard...
something instinctive and absolutely primal surged inside him.
"LAST RISE... FULL MOON!"
Leon raised the sword high, grip tightening as he rotated it in a perfect clockwise arc.
The motion created a trail of pale, ghostly afterimages drawing the hound in.
Its charge halted mid-step. Its eyes widened.
Its entire body froze as the hypnotic motion pulled at its senses.
The sword continued its rotation, nearing its semi-completion. But before it could've completed... The stance broke.
The hound snapped out of the trance.
But by then... it didn't matter because the blade was already halfway through the hound's neck.
*Swish*
*Thud*
The severed head hit the ground, rolled once, and stopped with its dead eyes still glowing faintly.
"Fucking hell..." Leon exhaled, shaking the sword to fling off the black blood before sliding it back into its sheath.
'I can use the skill Last Rise... but not the others. Why ?' The thought gnawed at him as he stared at the nyxter.
*Creak*
A faint sound whispered from behind.
Leon turned immediately, instincts alert.
Among the trees, a small figure peeked out. Just a silhouette at first—then the details sharpened: pale blue skin, long pointed ears and a tiny frame.
"What the fuck...?" Leon muttered under his breath as he focused his eyes on the small elf like kid.
"Hey, kid... who are you ?" he called out.
The child didn't answer. Instead, he pressed himself further behind the trunk, as if trying to melt into it.
Leon approached slowly, his hand never leaving the hilt of Nyxter.
"Oi... can you understand me?" He stepped around the tree and suddenly his eyes widened in shock because there was no one behind the tree. It was completely empty.
"What the—"
*Swish*
A sound cut the air behind him.
Leon reacted instantly, swinging the nyxter backward in a defensive arc.
*Thud*
As soon as he turned around, Leon saw the kid hanging upside-down from a branch, clutching a thick black wooden stick like a makeshift weapon.
"Your attack is too slow and too loud..." Leon said, eyes narrowing. Fear flooded the child's face immediately.
The kid dropped the stick and scrambled, trying to pull himself up the branch using only his legs, but Leon grabbed his cloak and yanked him down like lifting a feather.
"Leave me! Leave me! I will kill you! I'll really kill you!" the kid screamed, his nails digging into Leon's hand in a desperate attempt to escape.
Leon barely flinched.
"What kind of elf are you...? Never heard of anything like you in video games or comic books," he muttered to himself.
Suddenly, the kid twisted his body and tugged sharply—undoing the knot of his cloak. He slipped free and bolted.
His legs moved fast, frantic, but to Leon it was sluggish—almost slow motion.
"I'm not done with you, little prick." Leon stepped once, closing the distance, and grabbed him by the neck this time.
"Leave me! Leave me!" the kid thrashed again.
Leon drew the nyxter and pressed its cold blade to his small throat.
"Shhh. If you speak another word, I'll cut off your fucking head. Do you understand ?"
Nod-nod-nod.
Tears streamed down the kid's face as fear filled his body.
"Good. I ask questions. You answer. Try anything clever, you die. You understand ?" Leon asked as he pressed the blade.
Nod-nod.
"Nice. What are you?"
"S-Snow Elf..." the child stammered.
'Snow elf? What kind of elf is that ?' Leon frowned but continued.
"You alone ?"
"I—I'm alone."
"What are you doing here? And what is this place ?"
"This is the Forest of Death... I was with my father until I got lost..."
"What were you doing here ?"
"H-Hunting the ghost hounds for cores..."
Leon pointed at the corpse behind him. "That one, is it a ghost hound ?"
"Yes..."
"You were watching me from behind that tree while I was fighting, Why?"
"I-I wanted to kill you and take the core... for myself..."
Leon's jaw flexed.
"What do the cores do ?"
"They're food... w-we eat the cores to stay alive..."
Leon fell silent, staring at the dead hound, then the terrified child.
'I still can't understand... what the fuck am I supposed to do in this trial ?'
Leon walked through the dead forest, each step crunching on dry, lifeless dirt. Not a single bird cry. Not a breeze. Not even an insect. Just empty silence stretching endlessly between the skeletal trees.
'This trial... I don't understand it. What is my goal? What am I supposed—'
*Break*
A sharp snap echoed behind him—the clean sound of a stick cracking under weight.
Leon turned around immediately with a neutral expression on his face.
There he was again.
The same Snow Elf child, following him at a careful distance, half-hidden behind a tree trunk.
'What the hell is his problem? Why is he following me now ? Is he planning to kill me with a stick again ?' Leon thought and started walking toward the kid with an annoyed expression.
The moment the child saw Leon approaching, he panicked, spun around, and began walking away—like some awkward attempt at pretending he wasn't tailing him.
"Stop." Leon's voice cut through the forest.
The elf child halted instantly and slowly turned back, staring at him with a neutral expression.
"Why are you following me ? Don't say you are not because I have seen you do it." Leon asked, face flat with confusion.
"You didn't kill me." The child said it with a blank, neutral expression.
"I can now..." Leon replied, hand sliding the sword halfway out of its sheath.
The child didn't flinch. Instead, he pulled out a dark, prism-shaped locket and held it up.
"Help me find my father. I will give you this." he spoke with a neutral expression.
Leon narrowed his eyes. "What's that ? A rock ?"
"The core of a Gillian hound. If you eat this, you will become very powerful." He replied with a neutral expression.
Leon blinked with a confused expression. "Then why don't you eat it ?"
"My body can't handle all that power."
Leon clicked his tongue. 'If I help him find his father, maybe I can finally get some damn directions out of this endless tree graveyard. And it's not like I have the system working for me right now... Haa... I thought this trial is going to be a fight to death or something.' He sighed.
"Where did you see your father last time?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"In that direction." The kid pointed north.
Leon nodded. "Okay, so if we keep heading in—"
"No wait... I think it was that direction." He pointed south this time with the same confused expression.
Leon stared at him. "...You don't have any idea where you saw him, do you ?"
"No." The child admitted, shoulders dropping with regret.
"Keep following me then..." Leon turned around and started walking north anyway.
The kid followed quietly at his side, step after step, saying nothing.
Twenty three minutes later...
"What's your name ?" Leon asked without looking at him.
"Ju-ilo."
"Why are you saying your name in two separate words?" Leon raised a brow as he continued to scan the environment around him.
"The first two letters of my father's name and last three letters of my mother's name." Ju-ilo explained.
"I see." Leon shrugged. "Whatever works."
Ju-ilo hesitated. "Can I ask you a question?"
"You just did." Leon replied with a neutral expression.
"Two more questions?"
Leon sighed. "Go on. I don't exactly have anything better to do right now."
"How did you kill that ghost hound without using magic ?" Ju-ilo asked with a curious expression.
"With my sword." Leon replied with a neutral expression.
"So you can't use mag—"
"Shhhhh..." Leon immediately pressed two fingers to his lips, signaling him to stop.
Creak...
Both of them froze.
Then both of them felt it, The bloodlust. They turned back-to-back.
Step-step-step-step-step...
'I can hear it. Something's walking. But I can't see a damn thing in view.' Leon pulled the nyxter free, his expression sharpening.
"Radal..." Ju-ilo whispered, his eyes narrowing.
"What ?" Leon kept scanning the empty forest.
"It's a Radal. They can turn invisible for a short time. They always try to catch you from behind and enjoy eating you alive."
Ju-ilo grabbed a stick and held it like a blade.
Then—
Silence.
The footsteps stopped completely and silence covered the environment.
"It will jump now... DODGE!" Ju-ilo shouted and immediately threw himself to the ground.
"Garrwwwwwww!"
A massive blur erupted to Leon's right and launched at him.
"Fuck—!" Leon ducked and spun aside, feeling claws slice the air where his head had been. When he turned back—
Gone.
The creature turned invisible again.
Step-step-step-step—
'If only I had my skills...' Leon strained his ears, trying to catch the exact direction.
Then—
A voice whispered inside his mind.
'If you're trying to listen to its footsteps... then listen properly. Close your eyes. You won't see it anyway with open eyes.'
Leon froze.
'White Fox...?' he asked silently in his mind.
'The sword will guide you.'
The voice faded like mist.
'Fucking hell...' Leon exhaled slowly, closed his eyes, and tightened his grip on the nyxter.
Step-step-step-step-step...
"Run! Run, what are you doing!?" Ju-ilo yelled from a distance, voice shaking. Fear twisted the kid's face.
But Leon only listened—focused—followed the sound.
The steps suddenly stopped.
'Right behind me...'
Leon's eyes snapped open.
He twisted the hilt sideways.
"LAST RISE... FULL MOON!"
He spun the sword in a perfect semi-circular arc, turning with it.
The moment he pivoted, the Radal appeared—its black, bear-like body materializing out of nowhere, crouched inches behind him.
Its eyes widened, caught in the hypnotic sweep of the sword's afterimages.
Then—
The stance broke.
The Radal snapped out of the trance and reacted instantly.
Tang!
It slammed its claws forward, sacrificing them to soften the blow. The nyxter sliced through the claws but only carved halfway through its neck—deep, bloody, fatal, but not enough to kill instantly.
'Fucking hell... he's too fast to—'
Leon didn't get to finish the thought.
The Radal immediately raised its other arm, claws slashing toward Leon's legs.
He knew—instantly—that dodging was impossible.
Leon's eyes widened.
"Fuck me." He shut his eyes, bracing for impact.
Swish
THUD
Blink–Blink...
Leon slowly opened his eyes. His vision steadied and the first thing he saw was the Radal's corpse lying a few centimetres away, a metallic arrow buried straight in its skull and coming out from the other side.
"What the fuck—!?" Leon snapped upright, his head jerking up.
Three adult Snow Elves hung upside-down from different branches of different trees, each holding a metallic bow glowing with bright purple runes.
One of them dropped gracefully from the tree, landing silently before Leon.
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" He asked with a confused expression.
"I am—"
*Touch*
Leon froze mid-sentence.
A sharp pressure dug into his back. He turned his head just enough to see another Snow Elf behind him, his spear-tip pressing into his spine.
"Where is my child? His scent... it's on your hands. Where is he ?" the elf growled as he pressed the spear's tip deeper into Leon's back.
"Well... he's hiding behind that tree, if my memory is serving me right." Leon replied, pointing towards a tree in the distance.
"Ju-ilo ?" the elf called, his voice tightening.
"...Dad ?" Ju-ilo peeked out from behind the trunk as he recognised his father's voice.
"Ju-ilo!" The spear vanished from Leon's back as the elf sprinted towards his child. They immediately began speaking—Ju-ilo pointing repeatedly at Leon while explaining something rapidly.
*Slap*
Suddenly, Ju-ilo's father slapped him across his face and then slapped him once again.
*Slap*
'Wow... They are really having a serious conversation.' Leon thought with a neutral expression.
One of the bow-wielders approached Leon, his eyes narrowed. "What kind of creature are you? We've never seen anything like you here. Are you... some kind of fairy ?"
"...Did you just say fairy ? Like the fairies that can fly and have little wings ?" Leon asked, visibly shocked and surprised.
"Yes. Are you a fai—"
"Weapons down, everyone." Ju-ilo's father ordered sharply, cutting him off.
"What? We don't know how dangerous he is or where he comes from. We should take him back to the village and investigate him."
"He helped my son. If your weapon stays raised, you'll have an arrow in your chest and my spear in your throat.
Now, do you want that ?" His expression didn't waver.
The elf holding the bow grimaced but lowered it, glaring at Leon.
But Leon just smiled back at him.
Leon bent down in front of the Radal's corpse, pulled the nyxter from its half-cut neck, and wiped the blade clean before sheathing it again.
Ju-ilo and his father approached.
"You helped my family," the father said. "I give this Radal to you. Eat it and feed your family, then our debts will be no more." He spoke with a neutral expression as he looked at Leon.
His companions looked irritated but stayed silent.
"Umm... I don't need it," Leon replied with a neutral expression. "Just tell me the way out of this forest and I will be on my way."
"A way out ?" The elf raised a brow. "Okay, keep walking south from here without looking to any side, if you do the forest will never let you get out, just look forward and keep moving. You will reach the exit." Ju-ilo's father explained.
"Ah... thanks." Leon turned and started walking immediately.
"Wait." Ju-ilo's father stepped forward.
Leon paused.
"If you don't want the Radal's body, then at least take this. I will not carry your debt."
He tore open the Radal's stomach with his spear and pulled out a glowing blue, hexagon-shaped crystal and threw it towards Leon.
Catch.
Leon caught it, glanced at it once, and pocketed it without thinking twice.
"Well... okay." He resumed walking north.
"Wait!" Ju-ilo shouted.
Leon turned again. "Hmm...?"
Ju-ilo ran to him and shoved the black prism into his hands.
"Ah... my hard earned reward. Thanks, kid." Leon held it up as a smile appeared over his face.
The prism squished slightly. Soft. Jelly-like.
'Huh... this thing really is edible.'
"Thanks," Ju-ilo said before turning back to his father. The group began carrying the Radal's corpse away.
"Oh well, I have to—"
Darkness swallowed Leon's vision instantly.
'What is happppppppppp...'
...
Inside the Dungeon, Twelfth Floor...
Leon's eyes snapped open again. The dark smoke around his body receded and vanished, leaving him standing alone with the nyxter in hand.
GAAASPPPPP
"What the fuck!?" Leon gasped, sucking in a lot of air. Sitting right in front of him on a table was Gerald, grinning ear to ear.
"Hahaha! I knew you weren't just some stupid brat. So I assume you passed the trial... and won those things." Gerald pointed at Leon's feet.
Leon looked down immediately.
The Radal's core and the black prism locket lay near his boot.
He reacted immediately and used his skill on them.
[Name: Radal's Core]
[Rank: D]
[Description: A magical core obtained from the corpse of a Radal beast. Can be used to add one of it's random skills to a weapon's empty skill slot. Snow Elves usually eat them as food, best if consumed with the radal's eyes.]
[Name: Gillian Hound's Core]
[Rank: B]
[Description: A magical core obtained from a Gillian Hound's corpse. Can be consumed to gain extreme boosts in strength, stamina, endurance, dexterity, vigor, charisma, and bloodlust permanently.
Gillian Hounds are mostly extinct in the Dark Realm. Only 2% of the remaining population may possess this core.
Warning: After consumption, remain in a sealed space or open forest for 24–48 hours due to extreme bloodlust increase.
Note: May induce behavioral changes once consumed.]
Leon's lips curved upward slowly.
"Looks like I fished out something real good."
He pocketed the Gillian Hound's core.
Gerald leaned forward. "That core... I can use it to—"
"I know. You can use it to add skills to the nyxter." Leon tossed both the weapon and the Radal's core at him. "Here. Get on with it."
Gerald caught them easily. "Then come back in two hours. Your sword will be ready."
"Good. Then I'll take my leave." Leon turned toward the exit.
"Oi, kid," Gerald called. "If you don't mind me asking... what was the trial?"
Leon stopped mid-step.
A confused expression washed over his face.
"...Wait. I can't remember."
"What the hell do you mean you 'can't remember' ?" Gerald shot back, brows knotted in confusion.
Leon just shrugged, face blank. "It's all foggy. Like a half-remembered dream I can't quite grab."
Gerald pinched the bridge of his nose. "Whatever. Give me two hours. Meet me back here when I'm done with this sword."
Leon's lips curled into a filthy smirk the second Gerald turned to the forge. "Two hours. Guess I'll go and fuck Enid's brains out, hehe."
*Swish.*
Without wasting another second, Leon vanished from the floor.
...
Tenth floor.
Enid sprawled across her bed in nothing but a thin silk gown, lazily rolling a carved wooden bird between her fingers, her thighs rubbing together from sheer boredom. Her fat ass peeked out beneath the hem every time she shifted.
*Swish.*
Leon materialized right behind her like a predator that had been stalking her for hours. The air turned thick with his scent and the raw lusty pheromones that his body was giving off.
He didn't speak and walked slowly upto Enid.
Leon raised his hand and cracked his palm across her plump ass so hard the slap echoed like a gunshot.
*SMACK!*
His fingers sank deep into the soft, jiggling flesh, squeezing until red handprints bloomed over it.
"ANHHHH~! M-Masterrrr~♡" Enid's whole body jolted, the wooden bird falling from her hand as her ass wiggled on instinct, begging for more like the greedy bitch she was.
She tried to twist around, her eyes already glassy with need, but Leon wasn't having it. He dropped his full weight on her back, pinning her face-down into the sheets, thick cock already straining against his pants and grinding between her ass cheeks.
"Hello my dear slutty demon," he growled low, hot breath tickling her ear. "Miss me ?"
A violent shiver ripped through her. Her pussy clenched so hard she felt the wetness seep straight through the gown.
"Remis..." he muttered, triggering the skill.
Instantly, a brutal wave of molten pleasure slammed into her core. Her cunt spasmed like it was trying to suck something inside that wasn't even there yet. Thin strands of pre-cum drooled down her thighs, soaking the sheets and her red gown in seconds.
"M-Master... please..." she started to beg, voice cracking.
Leon clamped a rough hand over her mouth, fingers digging into her cheeks.
"Shut the fuck up, bitch." He ripped the flimsy gown down the front with zero patience, fabric tearing like paper. Her heavy tits spilled out, nipples stiff and begging.
"I'm gonna strip this useless rag off you and pound that sloppy wet pussy until your legs don't work. You got a problem with that ?"
Enid frantically shook her head, muffled whimpers leaking against his palm, drool already running down her chin.
"Good girl." without wasting another second he yanked her hips up, forcing her ass high in the air like a breeding sow. Her soaked pussy lips glistened, twitching and dripping in anticipation.
Leon pulled out his fat, veiny cock out of his pants and dragged it through her sloppy folds, the swollen head kissing her entrance over and over, smearing her sticky juices along his shaft until it glistened like polished steel.
"You want this fat cock splitting your stupid pussy open, don't you, you filthy little demon whore ?" he taunted, grinding slow and cruel against her twitching cunt.
*Nod-nod-nod-nod*
Enid bucked her hips back desperately, trying to swallow him whole, drooling like a bitch in heat from her pussy lips.
Leon just laughed, dark and nasty. "Nah-uh, dumb little cumrag. You don't get this dick until you say something that makes my balls ache to fuck you hard.
So, let's play a little game... I am going to remove my hand from your stupid mouth and the next words put of your mouth better be pleasing to my ears or I will keep rubbing my dick over your pussy but no fucking will happen... Your time starts now."
He peeled his hand off her mouth, spit strings stretching between his palm and her swollen lips.
"Ten seconds, slut. Make it good, or I can really rub this dripping hole all fucking night."
Enid's voice came out hoarse, broken, absolutely desperate already.
"I'm just a worthless demon fuckhole who lives to serve this strong human cock... no one can punish this greedy, leaking cunt like Master's strong cock can... please, please break my insides until I'm nothing but a cum sleeve for your—"
*SCHLURK!!*
Leon's eyes rolled back in pure lust and he slammed every inch into her in one savage thrust, her pussy walls ripping open around his girth with a wet squelch that echoed through the room.
*SLAP*
"That's fucking enough, Bitch." he snarled, shoving her face so deep into the mattress her screams came out muffled and pathetic but loud enough to be heard across the room.
"ANHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! YESSSSSSSSSSS!!! FUCKKKKK MEEEEEEE!!! ♡♡♡♡♡"
Her cunt spasmed wildly, gushing around his pistoning cock as he immediately started pounding her like a rabid beast.
*SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!*
The sound of his hips bruising her fat ass filled the room, wet and obscene, her juices splattering everywhere with every brutal thrust.
"ANH♡! ANH♡! ANH♡! ANH♡! YES♡! YES♡! YES♡! FUCK♡! ME♡! HARDER♡!"
For the next seventy-five straight minutes he never slowed, never changed position, just railed her prone-bone like she was a cheap onahole. One hand kept her head pinned, the other gripped her lips and cheeks.
He triggered another skill—
"M-Mercy, Master—too deep—gonna break—ANHHH!!"
But after the first hour something inside her snapped.
She stopped fighting.
Her eyes went glassy, tongue lolling out the corner of her mouth, drool pooling beneath her cheek as she surrendered completely. Her cunt turned into a mindless, squirting fleshlight, cumming over and over with every punishing stroke, soaking the sheets until they were dark and heavy with her shame.
Leon still hadn't blown.
His cock only swelled thicker inside her, veins pulsing angrily against her battered walls. His heavy balls—swollen and aching—slapped her swollen clit and puffy pussy lips until they glowed red, the lewd... *thwack-thwack-thwack*
And he clearly had no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
-x-X-x-
*SMACK-SMACK-SMACK-SMACK-SMACK!*
One hundred and ten minutes of pure, savage fucking. The bed frame had long since cracked, the mattress sagged like a swamp, soaked through with sweat and cum. Enid's face was utterly ruined: crossed, twitching eyes, tongue lolling out the side of her mouth like a broken fuckdoll, drool pouring in thick ropes onto the sheets.
"Anhhh~♡ Annh~♡ Anh~♡ Mas—ter... plea—se... mercy... gonna dieee~♡" Her voice cracked into pathetic little squeaks, every word punched out of her by the fat cock slamming into her guts.
Leon didn't even hear her anymore.
His balls drew up tight, swollen to the point of pain, veins throbbing along his shaft as it thickened inside her one last time.
"Fuuuuck..." he snarled through gritted teeth.
*SCHLURP!*
He ripped his cock completely out of her gaping cunt, a torrent of creamy juices gushing out. Then, with a single murderous thrust, he speared straight through her battered cervix and buried himself to the root inside her womb.
*SCHLAAAP!*
"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡"
Enid's scream shattered the air. Her ass and thighs spasmed uncontrollably, back arching so hard it looked like she'd snap in half. Her eyes rolled fully white, tongue flopping uselessly as her ahegao turned grotesque with raw, brain-melting pleasure.
Leon's cock pulsed like a firehose.
Hot, thick ropes of cum erupted straight into her womb; one, two, five, ten massive spurts, each one thicker than the last. His balls clenched and unclenched, pumping her full until her belly visibly swelled, taut and round like she was already months pregnant.
The pressure was too much. His cum exploded back out around his buried shaft in filthy, creamy geysers, splattering the sheets, the headboard, their thighs.
*SQUIIIIIIIRRRRTTTTTTTTTTT!!!*
Enid's own orgasm detonated at the exact same second. A violent jet of clear cum blasted from her ruined pussy, hosing down Leon's abs and the bed in a shameful, endless flood.
Her whole body seized, limbs thrashing, then went completely limp.
Eyes blank.
Tongue still out.
Pussy still twitching and drooling cum in weak little pulses.
She was gone; fucked unconscious, mind shattered, womb packed so full of semen it leaked in steady streams from her gaping, red-swollen hole.
Leon stayed buried inside her for a few more seconds, grinding lazily, letting the last drops ooze into her depths.
Then he pulled out with a wet *POP!*, a river of white pouring out after him.
'Hah... That was really something. I don't really know how I kept pounding her pussy for that long in the same position... But, it felt something else.
It was as if my body wanted me to keep breeding her until she is pregnant or something. I really went wild this time...' Leon thought with a smile as he slowly placed his fingers over her pussy lips and opened them slowly.
*Squirt*
But as soon as he opened them, more white cum squirted out.
'Wow... I am really cumming buckets.'
"Phew... I should get back to Gerald. Nyxter should be ready by now." Leon thought as he immediately wore his clothes and vanished from the room.
As soon as Leon disappeared, Elis re-appeared in the room and walked upto Enid with a curious expression.
She noticed the white semen drooling down from her pussy and placed her fingers in it.
Elis brought the semen closer to her face and stared at it curiously.
....
Twelfth Floor,
*Swish*
Leon re-appeared on the floor and noticed Gerald holding the nyxter on his pinky finger's fingertip and he was staring at it with a serious expression.
"Is something wrong with it's balance ?" Leon asked from behind as he started walking towards him.
"Well... I fixed the balance of the sword but I have some doubts that it's still a little off-balance.
It won't matter to you, so don't worry." Gerald spoke as he threw the nyxter towards Leon.
*Catch*
Leon grabbed the sword and gave it some swings.
"Hmm... I feel it's a little off-balance." Leon replied with a smile.
"Oh yeah ? If you can tell me from which side this blade is off-balanced... I will become your slave right here and right now." Gerald replied with a smile as he looked at Leon.
"From the handle side...?" Leon spoke with a confused expression.
"Nope... Now check out the skill that you got." Gerald spoke as he sat down on the wooden chair and picked up the jug that was full of booze.
[Name: Nyxter]
[Type: Weapon]
[Rank: Rare]
[Crafter: Gerald Lon Kiggester]
[Description: A special sword crafted by legendary blacksmith Gerald Lon Kiggester. Forged from Travertine — a sacred, near-indestructible material from the Dwarf Kingdom. Don't be fooled by its dark look. The sword houses five distinct razor sharp blades, capable of slicing through nearly any surface.]
[Skill slots: 5]
[Skills: {Blade Of Artimes}]
[Enchantments: None]
'Huh...' Leon thought as he immediately clicked on the skill.
[Name: Blade of Artimes]
[Rank: Rare]
[Description: Upon activation, enchants the sword's edge for 10 minutes, increasing its sharpness tenfold.
Each successful strike on a target applies a stackable Poison debuff, dealing 100 damage and reducing regeneration speed by 80% every second until the skill ends. Regeneration speed reduction does not stack but Poison debuff does.]
[Mana: 50000]
[Cooldown: 120 seconds]
'My, My... Would you look at that ? What a great skill it is.' Leon thought as a big smile spread across his face.
"Looks like it's a really good skill, since you are smiling like that." Gerald spoke with a smile as he looked at Leon.
"It's good." Leon replied with a smile.
"What is-"
*Swish*
Before Gerald could've asked his question, Elis appeared in between them and bowed down to Leon immediately.
"Master... Sir Rees is standing on the dungeon's entrance. Should I let him inside ?" Elis asked with a neutral expression.
"Rees is back ?" Leon asked with a shocked and surprised expression.
"Yes, Master." Elis replied.
"Is he alone ?"
"There is a lady with him as well, Master."
"I will go and see them myself." Leon spoke as he immediately placed the nyxter into his inventory and disappeared from the floor.
-x-X-x-