Leo breathed hard, lowering his weapon. Mor4 limped over, his form flickering like smoke, but still alive.
"That's six down," Leo muttered, wiping his forehead. "But one of my shadows is barely holding together. My mana recovery can't keep up at this rate."
Even so, they pushed the plan once more, Mor4 acting as the first bait this time. The shadow couldn't hold out. And his body scattered into black wisps under the kobolds' assault. But in exchange, another six enemies fell to the ground.
The forest grew quiet.
Leo stood among the bodies, three magic crystals glimmering faintly in his palm. The sky above had already begun to darken.
"It's getting late. That's it for today," he said, slipping the crystals into his pouch. A small smile tugged at his lips. "Another good harvest. I'll keep them for now and sell them later."
He turned his gaze to the three shadows at his side, their glowing eyes staring back.
Leo thought for a moment, then nodded to himself. It was better to let the three shadows keep hunting for now. If an emergency came up, he could always summon Mor4, his mana had almost recovered enough to call out one shadow again.
"Spread out," he ordered softly. "Hunt on your own, but don't forget, bring me the crystals."
The shadows nodded in silence before melting into the forest. Leo turned toward the city, making his way back.
By the time he reached the slums, the sky had already dimmed, shadows stretching long across the narrow streets. The air smelled of smoke and damp stone.
From a distance, a pair of eyes caught him.
"Oi, isn't that Leo?" one man muttered, nudging his two companions.
It was the same gang that had beaten him bloody just three days ago. Their leader, a rough-faced thug with a scar under his eye, smirked as he twirled a rusted blade in his hand.
"Heh, what luck. Looks like it's payday."
They trailed after Leo, keeping just enough distance until the streets grew quieter. Finally, they cornered him at the mouth of a narrow alley where few people passed.
"Yo, runt." The scarred thug stepped forward, blocking his way. His tone carried no patience. "Where's the money?"
He tapped the blade against his palm while the two others flanked him, grinning as if the outcome was already decided.
"Sir Brick…" Leo muttered, voice small, dropping his head like he always did. He shuffled along with them, pretending to be the same scared runt.
Brick grinned, twirling the rusty blade. "Didn't I tell you to pay your rent three days ago? You don't pay now, we'll dump your body in the trash."
Leo swallowed hard, panic buzzing under his skin. 'Sh*t, I forgot about them. Should've brought Mongmor and the others…'
"Sir… Sir Brick, please, can you push it to next week? I just… I'll get the money soon." Leo begged, voice trembling.
Brick spat. "So you got money, then give it."
"No… please, if you take it now I won't be able to eat." Leo's voice cracked, eyes wide like he was begging for his life.
One thug cracked his knuckles and sneered, "Give it now, brat."
Leo's hands shook as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out the few pennies left and handed them over like it was everything he owned. He kept his face as hard as he could, playing it pitiful.
"That's how it's done," Brick laughed, grabbing the coins. "Pay nice and we'll have no trouble." He and the others walked off, laughing and swaggering like they owned the street.
As their backs faded into the alley, Leo stood frozen a beat, then let his fake fear slip. Calm returned to his face slow and quiet. If he'd acted weak without giving them anything, they'd have searched him, taken everything. This way, they left thinking they'd squeezed him dry.
He bowed his head once, then called out in his mind. 'Mor4.'
Mana poured out of him like water. His head throbbed. Pain hit him hard, but he pushed past it. Even hurting, he kept his face steady as he watched the thugs disappear.
"Follow them, but always stay hidden. Memorize where they sleep, who they meet, everything. And come back by morning," he ordered.
A black shape peeled from his shadow and slipped behind one of the thugs, invisible and silent as smoke. It clung to the man's coat, moving like a second skin.
He couldn't touch them yet. If he did, the whole gang would come crawling out, and their boss… there were whispers that man was awakened, though no one knew his rank. Rushing in blind would only get him killed. First he had to know. Find their nest, count their numbers, measure their strength. Then he could strike.
'Laugh now, Brick…' Leo's jaw tightened as his fists clenched at his side. 'You've beaten me, stolen from me, treated me like trash for years. I'll endure a little longer. But when the time comes, I'll make you pay.'
He spat on the ground, shaking off the thoughts before they ruined his night completely. "Hah. My mood's already sour. Better just eat and sleep." He shoved his hands into his pockets and trudged back home through the alleys, eyes sharp but steps calm.
…..
Morning came.
Leo opened his eyes to the flicker of glowing text across his vision.
(Experience point +1)
(Experience point +1)
…
(Your shadow Mor3 has been destroyed)
(Your shadow Mongmor has been destroyed)
A crooked smile tugged at his lips. "That's eight points… not bad."
He sat up, rubbing his face, then snapped his fingers. Dark shapes rose from the ground as Mongmor and Mor3 returned. Their glowing eyes fixed on him.
"Before we start hunting today, let's train first," Leo said, taking Mor3's spear into his hands. He planted his feet firmly on the creaky floorboards, then faced Mongmor. "Come at me. I'll learn properly this time."
The shadow raised its spear, stance lowering, ready to strike.
Leo tightened his grip, a fire sparking in his chest. "Alright. Show me again."