After their extended conversation, Leon saw Tania off. The following morning arrived swiftly, and as was his habit, Leon awoke early before proceeding with his usual routine.Upon its completion, he ventured outdoors, making his way to their customary meeting place. Today marked another journey to the town, yet Leon retained his consistent appearance—long hair shrouding his face, a scruffy beard, and clothes that hung loosely on his frame. His look exuded an air of dishevelment, and without fail, Tania would reprimand him whenever she laid eyes on him in such a state. Nevertheless, he paid her admonishments no heed.It wasn't a matter of lacking the ability to alter his appearance; in fact, he could readily do so with the aid of his artifact. However, a singular thought lingered in his mind, a sentiment that held him back."I can't bear to confront my own reflection."This was the reason he had never revealed his true countenance to anyone, steadfastly retaining the visage he had adop
"Is that meant to be a compliment or an insult?" Leon questioned, feeling somewhat disheartened by the statement.However, Tania quickly refuted, "No-No, it's a compliment. You've done an excellent job concealing it.""Is that right? Well, whatever then. Let's head to town now.""Alright~"With that settled, they both made their way to the town.Upon their arrival in town, the townspeople, who were familiar with them, greeted them warmly. However, today, more than ever, they couldn't avoid drawing additional attention to themselves as the townsfolk were clearly intrigued by someone among them."I suppose you're quite popular today.""Well, I didn't see this coming. Normally, they steer clear of me, except for you. But today...""They're engaged in quiet conversations, pondering the identity of someone.""Sigh... it's exhausting to be the center of attention like this."Observing Leon's weary expression, Tania attempted to lift his spirits."Isn't it all right?" She playfully grasped L
After conversing with his parents, Luis entered his office, quickly unfastening his collar. He then activated the communication orb resting on his desk.The orb gleamed briefly before revealing an image."What are you up to?" inquired Luis, addressing the figure that materialized."...sorting through some documents," the person replied, their gaze initially fixed on the paperwork before eventually shifting towards Luis. "It's almost that time of the year."Their eyes locked in silent understanding."...yes, it seems we'll be finally participating this year.""Indeed. Have you received another briefing from the Duke?" Luis nodded, albeit somewhat reluctantly."It appears the strategy has already been meticulously planned.""It shouldn't be too complicated, right? But it appears that this time, our focus is on the northern regions of the kingdom.""Yes, but..." Luis hesitated, seemingly lost in thought.Lately, his concerns extended beyond the immediate subject at hand and delved into m
The atmosphere was fraught with tension. Soldiers who entered the gate found themselves enveloped in a radiant glow and, in the blink of an eye, arrived at an unfamiliar location. The gate seemed to have transported them to a specific spot in the northern region. However, due to the simultaneous attempt to transport a larger group of people through different gates, coordinating their arrival at the exact same spot proved to be an insurmountable challenge. They had to designate different locations within the northern area. Nevertheless, the resounding sounds of battle, marked by the loud clashes of weapons and the raucous cries of the beasts, left no doubt—they were precisely where they needed to be. As the soldiers took in the chaotic scene, they knew they had arrived in the midst of a fierce battle. The air was thick with the acrid scent of blood and sweat. The ground beneath them trembled from the ongoing clash between the kingdom's forces and the marauding beasts. Despite the in
The war raged on at full intensity. In the northern part, both allies and beasts had taken up positions. In contrast, the southern region had some individuals ready for unforeseen events, although their numbers were limited.The clock indicated that it was still early in the afternoon. Unnoticed by anyone, a few shadows infiltrated the village of Lancha. Initially, everything remained tranquil. These shadows had yet to take any action; they were making their way toward their intended destination.Their target was the largest house in the small town, typically used by the lord during inspections. It was currently vacant, which was precisely what they were after.They entered the premises with utmost stealth, and one of the shadows issued a hushed command."Search for 'it' immediately, no matter what!"All the shadows nodded in agreement before dispersing, scouring the large house for their objective.As they meticulously combed through the rooms, the tension in the air was palpable. Eve
Meanwhile, before the village were set ablaze, in the midst of the war in the North, which already wrapping up victoriously, Luis and Joshua, two individuals who had made some of the most significant contributions to the war effort, found themselves taking a moment of respite in the tent designated for them. They took the opportunity to change into fresh attire and reequip their armor as a precaution.During this interlude, their attention was abruptly drawn to the orb resting on the table. It began to vibrate, prompting Luis to swiftly activate it, all the while wearing a perplexed expression. He inquired, "What's happening?""Is the beast launching another attack?"But contrary to his expectations, a more pressing matter unfolded on the screen."you-young lord, help us!!"The message on the screen sent a shiver down Luis and Joshua's spines. The urgency in the voice was unmistakable. Luis leaned in closer to the orb, his eyes fixed on the image."What's happening? Who is this?" Luis
Luis and Joshua shared a brief yet determined glance, fully aware that the masked figures were using the snake dragon as a means to dissuade them, hoping it would put a stop to their pursuit. However, they were resolute in their commitment to their mission and couldn't allow such an obstacle to deter them. As they deliberated on whether to confront the creature, one of the masked individuals took action.They hurled something at the dragon's eyes. The dragon, feeling a slight irritation in its eyes, gradually opened them. Its gaze was fixed in the direction of Luis and Joshua, and they were the first beings it saw.Consequently, the dragon's expression transformed into a scowl. It looked at the two of them and emitted a low roar, as if questioning their presence while someone was asleep.The situation was charged with tension due to the confrontation, but the masked figure who initiated the action seized the moment to escape."You—!"Luis and Joshua wanted to chase after the person, b
Clutching the branch beneath him, Leon's realization finally dawned. Tania's defeat in the novel wasn't solely due to Joshua's strength; it was also influenced by the dragon's unfavorable condition at that time."That's the crux of it," he muttered to himself.When Leon had read the novel, there was no further elaboration on the dragon's state. The author simply narrated the fight, and in that climactic battle, Tania met her demise. End of story.However, at this moment, Leon finally grasped the underlying truth.'Tania was suffering during that time.'Her pain had rendered her unable to harness her full power, which ultimately led to her defeat.However, at this juncture, all of that was inconsequential. Joshua remained unaware of Tania's condition, his mind consumed solely by thoughts of vengeance.Even as Leon and Tania engaged in their silent mental conversation, and the dragon momentarily seemed complacent, Joshua exploited the gap in her defenses and launched an unrelenting atta