Chapter 9
Leon sat quietly on his bed, the glow of his newly acquired Acting Master skill still lingering in his mind. A faint, excited tremor ran through him. He glanced at his phone and scrolled through the lines he had saved, thinking carefully. Villainous monologues, knightly declarations, tender confessions — each line held its own flavor, its own life.
"Should I do a villain line… or maybe something like a knight?" he murmured, voice low and uncertain. He ran a hand through his messy black hair, sighing. "…Hm, my voice isn't that great… but I'll give it a try."
He stood and moved toward the center of the room, closing the door behind him. The faint click echoed softly, like a starting bell. His heart thudded rapidly in his chest, a strange, nervous anticipation gripping him. He had read the sample line three times already, yet every time he attempted it aloud, his voice came out too stiff, too commanding.
Leon inhaled slowly, letting his chest loosen, his shoulders dropping slightly. He whispered the words toward the empty air, soft and tentative:
"When I look at you… it feels like the world is quieter. Like I don't have to fight anymore."
The words trembled at first, heavy, almost too solemn — like a soldier confessing in the midst of battle. Leon paused, frowned, and shook his head. The tone felt wrong. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself, then tried again, softening the delivery, letting the weight fall away.
"When I look at you… it feels like the world is quieter. Like I don't have to fight anymore."
It sounded… better. Gentler, more tender. He looked into the mirror, seeing a faint reflection of himself — hair slightly tousled, eyes wide, lips curling into a small, awkward smile. Encouraged, he added the final line, letting his voice quiver with vulnerability:
"…So please, don't leave my side."
For a brief moment, the room seemed alive. It was as if an invisible partner had appeared, blushing at his words, listening with bated breath. Leon's cheeks flushed crimson. He chuckled softly under his breath. "Man… if anyone saw me right now, I'd never hear the end of it."
He repeated the line once more, slightly changing his posture — leaning forward, then back, experimenting with the subtle shifts in expression and tone. The skill flowed through him naturally now, instinctively guiding his movements and voice. His heart raced as he spoke, chest tightening with exhilaration. He tried again, each repetition smoother, more natural, each word imbued with genuine emotion.
After several attempts, fatigue began to weigh on him. He sank onto his bed, letting out a long, satisfied sigh. "I should sleep… it's late, and I don't want to be late tomorrow," he whispered. The last rays of sunlight slipped through the window, painting the room in a warm, golden hue. The quiet of the night wrapped around him as he drifted into sleep, a smile lingering on his lips.
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The morning sunlight pressed against his eyelids. Leon groaned, shifting uncomfortably as a dull ache throbbed through his head. He reached blindly for his phone, which was lying on the pillow beside him. Fingers brushed the cool screen, and he cracked one eye open.
"Hm… my head hurts… what time is it?" His voice was rough and groggy. He squinted at the screen.
"…What?!" he gasped, sitting up abruptly. The phone nearly slipped from his hands as he saw the time: 11:00 a.m. Multiple missed calls blinked insistently on the screen — all from Lenora. Panic gripped him. "I can't even go to university now…"
Memories of last night flashed through his mind — the repeated practice of lines, the exhilaration of the Acting Master skill coursing through him. He buried his face in his hands. "I should have stopped the moment I checked the skill… damn it…"
Yet even as regret prickled at him, a thrill lingered beneath it. He had felt it, truly felt it. That sensation, that ability, was intoxicating. "…It was worth it," he whispered quietly, brushing hair from his face.
He dragged himself out of bed, heading for the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, splashed cold water on his face, and stepped into the shower, letting the water wash away the last remnants of sleep. By the time he dressed, he was fully awake, though a dull ache still lingered in his temples.
He looked around his small, worn room — the faded walls, the creaking bed, the old desk. "…This place is too small," he muttered. A slow, determined thought took root. "…I should move. If I have the money, it should be easy, right?" He nodded to himself, resolved. "Yes… I need something better. Somewhere I can really live."
Adjusting his jacket and checking the lock twice, he stepped out. The streets of Nyser were alive with morning activity — merchants calling, footsteps echoing, vehicles moving along the cobblestones. Leon made his way with purpose toward the city's most reputable real estate agency.
The building was tall and imposing, glass panels reflecting the morning sun. Inside, clerks moved briskly, shuffling papers, answering phones, arranging contracts. Leon's gaze swept over the bustling office. Before he could take two steps, a man approached — black suit, polished shoes, classic rimmed glasses, hair neatly combed back, papers clutched in one hand.
"Hello, customer," the man said smoothly. "Are you here to buy a room or a full house?"
Leon's brow lifted. "…So, Mr… I want to move today. Is it possible if I pay the money?"
The man's eyes glinted behind his glasses. "Gray Astrok. Normally impossible… but with immediate payment, I can make it happen. What exactly are you looking for?"
Leon hesitated for a moment. "…I initially wanted a single room, but… I think I should buy a house."
Gray's gaze sharpened, interest flickering. "And your budget, sir?"
Leon's hands slid casually into his pockets. "I currently have 52 million… and I can secure another 100 million."
Gray's eyebrows rose. "…152 million total?"
"Yes," Leon confirmed.
Gray quickly shuffled through papers, producing a set of glossy property photos. "Here, sir. Available houses. This one," he pointed to a pale green-and-white property, "is perfect for immediate move-in."
Leon's eyes lit up. "Can we move here?"
"Yes. The property is 150 million. Moving today is possible if you pay 50 million upfront," Gray replied.
Leon nodded. "…And I want my things moved from number 323, left-side building near Nyser University."
Gray scribbled a note. "Moving cost: 100,000 credits."
"I see. Can we start now? I'll pay 50 million now, and the rest after I secure the full budget," Leon said calmly.
Gray thought for a moment. Finally, someone who acts decisively… he mused. "Yes, sir. We'll prepare everything immediately."
Leon transferred the 50 million.
50 million spent detected. 100 million transferred to host's account.
A faint smirk tugged at Leon's lips. "Perfect."
Gray arranged the movers and office cars. Within minutes, Leon was on his way to the new house. The journey was brief — just a few minutes' walk from the university.
Arriving at the house, Leon's eyes widened. The pale green and white exterior gleamed in the sunlight, and the large windows reflected the bustling city outside. Gray gestured to the movers. "Your belongings will be moved and arranged within an hour."
Leon nodded, observing as they worked. Boxes, furniture, and personal items were carried with precision and set neatly in their new places. Time passed quickly, and soon everything was in order.
Finally, Leon and Gray sank into the sofa in the spacious living room. Leon exhaled, letting the weight of the morning settle.
"…I still have to pay the full payment, right?"
"No," Gray replied smoothly. "You can pay once everything is set. But if you want, you may settle it now."
Leon's smirk returned. "I will pay now. I have the money."
Gray raised an eyebrow but nodded. Leon transferred 100 million.
100 million spent detected. 200 million transferred to host's account.
He leaned back on the sofa, gazing around the house, the sunlight streaming in through the large windows. "…So… it's all settled."
Gray reminded him of the moving labor costs, which Leon paid immediately.
100,000 spent detected. 200,000 transferred to host's account.
Gray departed with a polite nod.
Alone, Leon stretched across the sofa, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "…I should call Mom and Dad," he whispered softly, the words floating in the quiet house.
Slowly, exhaustion overtook him. He closed his eyes, letting sleep envelop him once more. The sunlight danced across the walls, reflecting his new beginnings. For the first time in a long while, Leon felt truly at home.
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