Leo sat silently on his makeshift bed of leaves, arms resting on his knees, expression heavy with thought. The early light streaming through the open hut played across his face, casting deep shadows beneath his golden eyes.
Across from him, Lili sat cross-legged, chewing loudly on a skewer of roasted fruit.
"So," she said between bites, "you understand now?"
Leo exhaled slowly. "Hmm… So you're telling me my mana core has evolved… and now I'm officially qualified for those secret, underground rankings? The 'Great Three Tiers' or whatever?"
Lili nodded while still munching. "Mmhmm."
Leo narrowed his eyes, then frowned. "Swallow first."
She shrugged and gulped down her food dramatically. "There. Happy?"
He sighed and leaned back. "Whatever. I don't care about any of those stupid tiers."
But in his thoughts, he added:
I don't care because… this is the perfect time to finally start a calm, normal life.
His fingers ran through the newly grown strands of crimson hair, and he groaned dramatically. "Crap… why this? What happened to my old hair?"
Lili looked at him with mischievous delight. "Aww, is the little girl gonna cry over her precious red locks?"
Leo pointed a finger at her, mock-scowling. "Shut up, you goddamn witch."
Lyra giggled as she entered, carrying clean cloths. "Leo, you ate your breakfast, right?"
He nodded, still sulking slightly.
"Then you should probably tell the others you're fine. Lia's worried. Uncle Zack said—"
Suddenly, the memory hit.
[Flashback Begins]
Zack stood in front of everyone, his arms flailing in rage.
"What the heck happened to him?! That fodder! Who gave him permission to pass out like that?! I'm gonna kick his spine back into alignment!"
He grabbed his own hair and growled. "Getting unconscious like some third-rate mob character—ridiculous!"
[Back to Present]
Leo chuckled under his breath, amused and irritated all at once. "Oh really? I'm definitely paying him a visit soon."
He stood and tugged at a handful of his hair. "But seriously… what am I supposed to do with this mess? It's not just long—it's red. And the eyes, too…"
Lili hummed. "Don't forget the golden eyes, sweetheart."
Leo groaned. "Yeah, yeah…"
He glanced at a chunk of his hair draping over his shoulder. "Should I just cut it off?"
"No!" Lyra's voice was firm, surprising both of them. "Let it stay. It… it suits you."
She stepped closer, a soft smile forming on her lips.
"Here, let me fix it."
She gently reached forward, her fingers brushing against his temple as she tucked a few strands behind his ear and some infront of ears. Then she let the longer, wavier pieces fall naturally, framing his face. Her touch was light, careful, and oddly intimate.
The red strands, slightly tousled and thick, caught the light as they curled gently along the sides of his cheeks, falling forward and resting on his shoulders—fiery waves framing gold-lit eyes.
As she adjusted the hair on his shoulders, both of them suddenly paused.
They were close. Too close.
Leo looked up just as Lyra's fingers stilled. Their eyes met.
Both flushed instantly, a soft red blooming across their cheeks. Lyra pulled her hands back quickly, stammering.
"I-I'll just… I took the plates and cups earlier, right?" she said, turning away quickly.
Lili smirked from her spot in the corner. "Oh? Am I interrupting a cute couple moment?"
Leo growled. "Shut up, you meddling broom-rider."
Lyra squeaked and hurried out of the room, cheeks still red. Lili burst into laughter, rolling over onto the floor.
Leo, still slightly pink, crossed his arms and muttered, "Stupid witch…"
But behind the fluster and grumbling, he couldn't help the small, real smile curling at the edge of his lips.
The wooden door creaked as Leo stepped outside, sunlight spilling across his face. The air was fresh, alive with the subtle scent of earth and pine. Around the settlement, people moved about—humans and goblins alike. Some carried supplies, others stacked wood, and a few laughed as they worked together, no longer separated by race or fear.
Leo stood there quietly at the top of the stairs, letting the breeze tousle his long crimson hair. His golden eyes scanned the scene—the village he had built, the people he had protected, the peace he had created.
Down below, Zack stopped in his tracks, his sharp nose twitching like an alert animal.
"...Leo?" he whispered.
Then, with a loud laugh, Zack dropped the bundle of firewood he was carrying and sprinted toward the stairs.
"LEO!!!" he yelled with pure joy.
Before Leo could say a word, Zack barreled into him, pulling him into a tight bear hug that nearly knocked him off his feet.
"YOU'RE ALIVE! I KNEW IT! I TOLD EVERYONE! YOU OWE ME A BOAR DINNER!"
Leo winced slightly but smiled, patting Zack's back with a mix of amusement and exhaustion. "You… always have a way with greetings."
Nearby, Sheron and Sara looked up from their work, eyes widening in surprise. The stoic warrior and the skilled archer paused for a moment, as if unsure it was real. Then, like the wind shifting direction, a sense of ease and joy rippled through them.
Even the goblins, who had been gathering fruits and arranging crude weapons, turned their heads. Gruk grunted softly and gave a single approving nod, while others mumbled, "Boss Leo's back."
Leo looked around as more people gathered, smiling, waving, some even laughing. Lyra was peeking through the open doorway, Lia beaming beside her. Lili leaned lazily against the wall with her arms crossed and a sly grin on her face.
Leo's heart slowed. The pounding headache was still there. His muscles ached. But his spirit—
His spirit was calm.
A quiet breath escaped him, and he whispered to himself:
"That's right. I have my family."
And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to simply stand still… and smile.