The Western District-infamous for its brothels, slave trading firms, and every kind of black business you could think of.
Despite its reputation, it was one of the highest tax-paying, most profitable districts in the entire human kingdom.
*Screech*
The wagon came to a sudden stop in front of the district's massive iron gate.
"I'm sorry, sir. But... I can't go any further from this point," the driver said, his voice cautious as he looked at Leon.
"Why?" Leon asked with a confused expression as he looked at the wagon driver.
"I've got a wife and three kids. If I go in there, I'm afraid... I won't come out the same man," the driver replied, uneasily.
"Fair enough", Leon said with a chuckle as he hopped down from the carriage. Fruela followed silently behind.
"Here's your money". Leon handed over ten copper coins to him.
"Thank you, sir." The driver gave a grateful nod before turning the wagon around and leaving without another word.
"So... this is the Western District, huh?" Leon muttered with a faint grin as he looked at the tall, decorated gate. Beyond it, the streets were drenched in light-glowing lanterns, colorful signs, an overwhelming sense of temptation and smell of aphrodisiac scented candles.
"I hate this place," Fruela muttered, her voice laced with anger as her red eyes scanned the glowing street.
"Control your anger, darling. If you let your anger take over, you focus will get fucked." Leon said calmly as he stepped through the gate.
Prostitutes lined the roofs, the doors, and even the streets-every brothel putting their merchandise on full display, each girl trying to lure in customers with practiced smiles and exposed skin.
There weren't only human prostitutes but every kind, Elfs, Dwarves, Foxkins, Beastkins and many more.
Then, a human girl about Leon's age approached him - pretty face, heavy makeup, wearing barely anything.
"Hello, gentleman," she said, eyes half-lidded. "Want to take these clothes off me for just five coppers for ten minutes."
'My foreplay is more than that.' Leon thought with a neutral expression.
"No, but can you tell me-" Leon began, but she walked away mid-sentence, already flirting with another man.
'Well, that was rude, but she is a prostitute at last.' Leon thought, slightly amused.
*Tug*
Suddenly, he felt a small tug on his pants. Looking down, he saw a young boy holding a wooden crate stacked with cigar boxes.
"Sir, would you like to buy some freshly made cigars? These are usually only for nobles, but I'll give you a good deal on them," the boy said, hopeful.
"Oh? Cigars, huh. How much for one?" Leon asked with a grin.
"T-Two coppers..." the boy said hesitantly.
"Give me ten." Leon pulled out twenty coppers and handed them over without a second thought.
"R-Really?" The boy beamed, quickly passing over a neat wooden box containing ten cigars and started walking away.
'I've been craving a smoke for days and it walked upto me automatically, what's better than this?' Leon thought with a smile as he pulled one cigar out.
He tapped it and used his skill.
[Name: Cigar]
[Type: Consumable]
[Rank: Common]
[Description: A smoking item that can release tension in the mind for a short time. Considered a luxury by nobles. May harm the lungs.]
'Bad for the lungs, huh? Well, I've got Adaptive Body... I doubt it'll affect me,' Leon mused.
"Oi, kid," he called out.
The boy rushed back with a confused expression.
"Yes, sir?"
"You got anything I can use to light this?"
"Ah, yes! Just a second-here!" the boy said, pulling out a small parchment from beneath his cigar boxes and handing it over.
"What's this?" Leon asked, examining the small paper with a tiny magic circle drawn on it.
"It's a fire spell, sir. Tear it, and you'll learn it!" the boy explained with a smile.
"A spell?" Leon raised a brow, then tore the paper without hesitation.
[Congratulations! You have learned the skill (Lighter) successfully.]
[Name: Lighter]
[Rank: F]
[Description: Produces a small flame on the user's fingertip.]
[Mana Cost: 5 MP]
[Cooldown: None]
"Now just hold your fingertip up to the cigar and use the spell, sir!" the boy encouraged.
Leon placed the cigar between his lips, held up his index finger, and activated the skill.
'Lighter.'
*Bop*
A small, hovering blue flame burst to life on his fingertip, igniting the cigar in seconds.
"Huh...?" the boy stared in awe at the odd-colored flame.
"Well, isn't this convenient. Thanks, kid." Leon took a puff, smoke curling out from his mouth as he turned and continued walking.
"Was that a blue flame...?" the kid muttered, with a confused expression as he walked away.
****
"Come here, kid! I'll show you a good time!"
"No, no, come here instead!"
"Hey, gentleman! Want to strip me down?"
****
Every brothel Leon passed threw waves of propositions his way-girls young and old, some even offering him money to sleep with them.
After a few more blocks, he finally reached his destination.
The building wasn't too big or too small, but it stood out. A large golden-lettered sign loomed above:
{THE GOLDEN SLAVE TRADERS}
*Puff*
*Pshhh*
Leon exhaled smoke as he eyed the place.
Two massive guards stood at the gate-lizardmen, not humans. Towering bodies covered in scales, gripping heavy metal spears in both hands and they had slave collars in their necks.
Leon immediately used his skill on the guards.
[Name: Kol]
[Class: Spearman]
[Race: Lizardman]
[Level: 21]
[HP: 30,000/30,000]
[MP: 15,000/15,000]
[Description: Lizardmen are renowned for their exceptional physical strength and natural resilience.
Their bodies are protected by dense, durable scales that offer powerful defense against physical attacks. As a Spearman, Kol combines raw brute force with precision, making him a formidable frontline warrior.]
'Lizardmen... Huh.' Leon thought with a smile as he walked upto the gate.
Suddenly, both of them crossed their spears as they looked at Leon.
"What's your buisness here?" Both of them asked with a serious expression.
'Well... Time to act cocky.' Leon thought in his mind.
"I want to buy another one like her." He spoke with a smile as he released smoke on their faces.
*Pshhh*
The guards looked at him for a moment then removed the spears and bowed down to him.
"We are sorry, Sir. Welcome..." They spoke, letting Leon enter inside the house at once.
****
As soon as Leon stepped inside the slave trading firm, a sweet, intoxicating scent filled his senses.
"Welcome, sir," a soft voice greeted him.
A young, strikingly attractive girl approached with a smile, her short red dress clinging tightly to her curves.
"Hi," Leon replied casually, returning the smile as his eyes swept over her.
"Are you here to buy a slave, sir? Or sell one?" she asked, her gaze drifting briefly to Fruela.
Fruela's expression turned cold instantly, shooting the girl a hateful glare.
"I'm here to buy," Leon said, still smiling. "And not just any slave-I want the most expensive ones you've got. Females, of course."
"O-Oh... Th-that-" she stammered, but before she could finish, a voice rang out behind her.
"Jennifer... I think I'll take it from here. Why don't you go and deal with other customers?" said a man descending the staircase.
He looked to be in his forties, sharply dressed in a crimson suit. In his hand, he carried a sleek cane wit a wolf's head carved into its handle.
"Y-Yes, Sir." Jennifer spoke as she immediately walked away.
'Hmmm', Leon thought, smiling as he activated his skill.
[Name: Richard Henson]
[Class: Slave Trader]
[Race: Human]
[HP: 10,000/10,000]
[MP: 5,000/5,000]
[Description: Richard comes from a long bloodline of slave traders. His father, grandfather, and even great-grandfather worked as the proud owner of Golden Slave Trading Firm. He views slaves solely as profit-generating commodities. Skilled in crafting slave contracts and collars.]
'Well... that's an interesting class', Leon mused, smirking.
"Please, follow me to the V.I.P. room, sir...?" Richard asked for his name with a practiced smile.
"Rubin," Leon replied with a smile.
"Ah, Mr. Rubin. This way, please," Richard gestured with his cane toward a side door.
"Sure," Leon said, nodding as he, Fruela, and Richard walked toward the private room.
****
—Inside the V.I.P. Room—
The room was spacious and elegantly furnished-gilded walls, plush carpet, and three oversized couches that looked as if they'd swallowed kings.
Richard took a seat, but Leon remained standing.
"Please, have a seat. Let's discuss the type of slaves you're looking to purchase, Richard offered. "We have such a vast inventory that sometimes even I forget what's in the vault-"
"Dark Elves," Leon interrupted, his voice calm and deliberate. He walked toward the window, staring out with a subtle smile, both of his hands inside his pocket.
"Ah... Excellent taste," Richard said, adjusting his posture. "Unfortunately, Dark Elves are only sold through private auctions. Very exclusive, very high-end. Judging by the one you're traveling with-and how well she's dressed-I'd say you've developed quite the appreciation for the product."
He gave a sly smile. "You'll need to return for tomorrow's auction, though-"
"I have a very profitable, one-time deal for you, Mr. Richard Henson", Leon cut in, still facing the window.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigar, placed it between his lips, and raised a finger to its tip.
"Lighter."
*Boop*
A sharp, blue flame sparked from his fingertip, igniting the cigar with a soft hiss.
*Puff*
"A deal for me? Well, I will be more than intrested in listening to this deal. Please tell me." Richard asked with a smile as he placed one leg over the other and looked at Leon.
"Release all the dark Elfs you have caught in the forest this morning." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he released smoke into the room.
"Oh and what can I get from this sweet deal?" Richard asked with a smile.
"Your Life." Leon replied with a smile as he turned around and Fruela immediately pulled out her blades.
"Well... Those are some nice toys you have bought for your slave but I don't think it will be a good time and place to joke about such things, Mr. Rubin." Richard spoke as the smile disappeared from his face and he immediately stood up from the couch.
"Oh... Look at her face. Do you think she is joking?" Leon asked with a smile as he pointed towards Fruela.
"You are a human, how can you take the Elf's side?" Richard asked with a serious expression.
"I am not taking sides, Richard. I am just giving you a chance to correct what you have done." Leon spoke with a cold smile as he placed the cigar down inside the ashtray.
"They are my products... I have captured them. I can now sell them however I want. You have no right to tell me what to do with my product.
What do you think? You are first ones doing this? I will now call the guards in and both of you will be lying dead on the floor. GUARDS." Richard shouted loudly as he pointed his cane towards Leon.
*step-step-step-step-step*
Leon slowly turned to look at Fruela.
"Three... Humans." Fruela spoke with a serious expression as she tightened her grip over the daggers.
"Well... You are free to do whatever you want with them." Leon spoke with a smile.
*Swish*
Suddenly, Fruela disappeared into thin air.
*Click*
*Thud*
Suddenly, Three men armed with daggers, swords entered inside room. One of them was holding a morning-star in his hand and he was also wearing a black mask on his face.
One of them was wearing a black mask on his face.
All they saw was Richard pointing his cane towards Leon and all three of them ran towards him.
*Swish-Swish-Swish*
Suddenly, All three of them stopped mid-way as a thin red line appeared over their necks.
Slowly blood flowed out of their necks and eventually their heads rolled down on the ground.
*Thud-Thud-Thud*
"W-What!?" Richard looked at their fallen heads and noticed that someone is standing behind him.
He slowly rotated his neck and noticed Fruela standing right behind him pointing her dagger at his neck
The blade's tip slowly piercing into his neck a single drop of blood coming out of it.
"W-Wait... P-Please, I-I will release them." Richard spoke with a scared expression.
"You have seen my face Richard... How can I trust you that you won't tell the royal guards about me?"
Leon asked with a smile as he looked at Richard.
"I-I won't... I-I swear on my life." Richard spoke with a scared expression.
"Well, you just lied and since you swore on your life..." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he gave him a cold stare.
*Stab*
Fruela immediately stabbed the dagger all the through Richard's neck, killing him in one swift motion.
*Thud*
His corpse hitted the ground and blood poured out like water.
"Hah... Time for Plan B." Leon spoke with a neutral expression as he walked upto the room's door and noticed that the girl from earlier is still standing outside.
"Umm... Jennifer, can you come in here for a moment?" Leon asked with a smile as he looked at her.
"Oh, sure." Jennifer replied as she immediately started walking towards the room.
-x-X-x-
*Creak*
"How can I hel-" before Jennifer could finish her sentence, Fruela yanked her into the room and clamped a hand tightly over her mouth.
Her eyes widened in terror the moment she saw the bloodied corpses scattered across the floor. Her breathing quickened. Her legs trembled. She tried to scream, but the sound was muffled.
"Mnnnnfff! MNNNNNNFF!"
The desperate cries were useless under Fruela's palm.
Jennifer's gaze darted around in panic until it landed on Leon-calmly standing by the window, puffing on a cigar with a completely indifferent look on his face.
*Puff*
Outside, snow had begun to fall.
'It's snowing already... I need to be home before both of them get worried. I have to get done with this fast', Leon thought as he exhaled smoke and turned his gaze toward Jennifer.
She was drenched in sweat despite the cold air, her body was shaking like a leaf caught in a blizzard.
"For the next one minute", Leon said, walking toward her, "I want you to listen very carefully to the words coming out of my mouth, Jennifer."
He placed the cigar back in the ashtray and looked her dead in the eyes.
"If you miss even a single word... you might end up on the floor like the others. Do you understand, Jennifer ?"
*Nod-nod-nod*
Jennifer nodded frantically, tears spilling from her eyes. Her mascara ran in dark streams down her cheeks.
"Good," Leon said. "Now, I'm going to assume you're a good girl- just working in this fucked-up place for some financial reason.
You're also smart enough to realize that when my little elf slave here removes her hand from your mouth, you won't scream or shout for help... Right?" Leon asked with a neutral expression as he looked at her.
*Nod-nod-nod*
She immediately nodded once again without wasting another second.
"Good..." Leon spoke as he looked at Fruela, who slowly removed her hand from Jennifer's mouth.
"Jennifer, your boss caught a large group of dark elves this morning, didn't he?" Leon asked with a smile.
"Y-Yes..." she whispered, her eyes still glued to the blood covered bodies on the floor.
"Perfect. Now how about you take me to them-and in exchange, I will let you live." Leon spoke.
"Y-Yes... T-They're in the basement..." she stammered, her voice cracking.
"Good. Then be a dear and lead the way." Leon spoke with a smile.
"T-The keys... they're on M-Mr. Richard, H-He always keeps them i-in his pocket." she said, pointing a shaking finger at Richard's corpse.
"Darling," Leon turned to Fruela, "fetch them for me."
Without hesitation, Fruela walked over, dug into the dead man's coat, and pulled out two iron keys. She handed them to Leon silently.
"Well then," he said with a smile, "let's not waste any time, right Jennifer ?"
"Y-Yes..." Jennifer said quickly and turned toward the silent hallway, leading them toward the basement stairwell.
Leon followed with Fruela by his side. As they entered the next room, Leon pulled the Nyxter from his Inventory and kept it in hand-just in case.
The room had a trapdoor embedded in the floor-a heavy metal hatch with five different keyholes in it.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Only two keys... but five locks?"
Jennifer looked terrified. "I-I was never allowed to go down there... M-Mr. Richard always brought the slaves up. He told me about this door though. H-He said if someone places a key in the wrong hole, poisonous gas will be released... and everyone down there will die."
"Looking at your facial expressions, I can safely say that he never told you which one is the right keyhole, right?" Leon asked with a smile as he looked at Jennifer.
"Y-Yes..." Jennifer replied with a scared expression.
Leon then turned to look at Fruela.
"I can only sense a bottle attached to the gate, nothing else". Fruela replied with a neutral expression.
"Very well, Glitch Point." Leon spoke in a low voice as he activated the skill.
The skill came into effect immediately. Five of the six keyholes turned red.
"That one," Leon said, pointing to the upper-right keyhole,
"H-How do you know?" Fruela asked, her voice tight with concern.
"I'm guessing," Leon said casually.
"W-What?!" Fruela snapped, her eyes wide with panic.
"Place the key in Jennifer," Leon ordered.
"Y-Yes..." Jennifer nodded and slowly inserted the key into the instructed keyhole.
"There are children down there. If they die-this is all for nothing!" Fruela's voice was strained, barely holding back emotion.
"Turn it," Leon said calmly as he ignored Fruela.
"Y-Yes..." Jennifer twisted the key and Fruela immediately closed her eyes as she started praying.
*Click*
Fruela's eyes snapped open as soon as she heard the clicking sound.
"I-It's open," Jennifer whispered, her voice full of disbelief.
She lifted the hatch. The door creaked open without resistance.
"H-How did you-" Fruela began.
"Lady Luck," Leon said with a smile. "Sometimes she just loves me."
Fruela immediately descended the stairs with a confused expression on her face.
Leon gestured to Jennifer, ordering her to go down before him.
She obeyed without hesitation and went down the stairs.
As Leon stepped onto the stairs, something caught his eye.
Attached to the trapdoor's internal mechanism were several vials filled with a faintly glowing purple liquid.
He immediately used his skill on one of them.
[Name: Auqalic]
[Type: Poison]
[Rank: C]
[Description: Auqalic is a dangerous airborne toxin capable of erasing all life in an enclosed space within seconds. It fully dissolves in air after three hours.
Mostly used in sleeping assassination and camp wipe outs.]
Leon whistled softly. "Well, that's a nasty little poison."
With delicate care, he removed the vials of Auqalic posion from the trigger assembly and slid it into his Inventory.
"This will come handy in future." Leon thought with a smile as he walked down the stairs and noticed that the basement was huge with multiple cages and jails to keep the slaves in.
But the odd thing was that, most of the cells were empty.
"Why are they empty?" Leon asked with a confused expression as he looked at Jennifer.
"I-It's month's end... Maximum slaves have been sold off and the rest were supposed to be sold off to another slave trading firm by tomorrow morning." Jennifer replied as she continued to walk forward.
"So, where are the Dark Elves?" Leon asked, his voice calm and unreadable as he glanced at Jennifer.
"At the end of the hall," she replied quietly, continuing forward.
As they walked deeper into the corridor, faint voices echoed from the end. The sound grew clearer with each step.
Suddenly, Leon spotted Fruela clinging tightly to another dark elf woman through the iron bars of a cell. The girl wore the same rice sack outfit Fruela had been given, when she met Leon.
"When they came in," Leon asked, his brows furrowed, "were they all dressed like that, Jennifer?"
"N-No Sir," Jennifer replied, glancing nervously at him. "Their original clothes are in the dressing room upstairs, but Mr. Richard didn't allow them to keep anything enchanted.
They were stripped of all belongings-rings, necklaces, even nose rings and their clothes, since they were all enchanted with magic."
"I see..." Leon ordered flatly. "Open the lock then."
"Y-Yes." Jennifer rushed forward and inserted the other key into the keyhole, opening the lock.
*Click*
The gate creaked open. At once, nearly ten dark elf women rushed out, surrounding Fruela in a tight embrace, crying softly, clutching her like she is a long lost relative.
*Boop*
Leon lit another cigar and exhaled slowly, watching the warm reunion unfold in front of his eyes without much emotion.
"Where are the children?" Fruela asked one of the the other girl, concern deep in her voice.
"T-They're kept in another cell," Jennifer murmured in a low voice as she looked at Fruela.
"H-Humans..." One of the elves flinched, and the others immediately hid behind Fruela and one other girl.
'Is she their leader or what and who is this other girl ?' Leon thought, his eyes narrowing as he took a puff.
*Puff*
*Psshhh*
"Don't worry. They're... Good," Fruela said softly, her eyes briefly meeting Leon's.
"Jennifer. Go and release the children," Leon ordered as he looked at her.
"Y-Yes," she said quickly, moving south down the corridor.
"Fruela... a-are you working with this human?" one of the elves asked with a serious expression and worry in her eyes.
"I'm his slave, he bought me from that fat human who bought me in the auction," Fruela replied plainly as she looked at her.
"I-I don't understand... why is he helping you?" the girl asked again, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"I don't know either", Fruela said, glancing back at Leon. "But right now, that doesn't matter. I need to get you all to safety."
Suddenly-
"Mommm!"
"Mommy!"
"MOM!!"
A chorus of young voices rang through the hallway.
Thirteen children sprinted down toward the women, tears running down their cheeks as they hurled themselves into their mothers' arms -except Fruela and one more woman who stood silently besides her, watching.
Leon exhaled smoke again, scanning the group with a confused expression.
*Puff*
"You don't have any males in your group?" he asked casually, releasing the smoke from his mouth.
"All the males died... protecting the kingdom from you humans", another elf girl spat, hatred glowing in her eyes as she looked at Leon.
"Guren, control yourself", Fruela snapped sharply. "He is not the enemy. If it weren't for him, you'd all be getting sold off to humans-and I'd be getting raped by that fat bastard right now. So, you will show respect to him."
"I-I understand... I-I am sorry, sir," Guren said quickly, bowing her head a little.
Leon didn't respond. He simply stared at the rising smoke, lost in thought.
Then, Fruela stepped forward.
She lowered herself onto one knee before Leon and bowed her head.
"Master... please help us," she said quietly, desperation flickering in her voice.
The other elves looked at her in confusion as if trying to figure out why she was bowing down to Leon.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "What kind of help do you want?"
"My people have no males, no supplies, and we don't want to return to the forest. We won't survive on our own. Please, let us live in your dungeon until I find shelter for them.
In return, I, Fruela-daughter of Ralf and Eria-swear my loyalty to you. If danger comes your way, I will face it, even if it costs me my life."
As she spoke, a soft glow lit up her chest and traveled to her lips.
'A heart contract... She just pledged her soul to me. Even better than I planned, A master and subordinate contract.' Leon thought, silently pleased.
Then Fruela took Leon's hand, brought it to her lips, and...
*Chuuu*
...kissed it slightly.
The contract was sealed at the moment.
"Very well. You won't be needing this anymore," Leon said, pulling out her slave contract from his pocket. Without hesitation, he tore it in two.
*Teeeeaar*
*Click*
*Thud*
As soon as the slave contract was torn apart. The slave collar around Fruela's neck unlocked and hit the floor. She smiled as she looked at Leon.
"FRUELA! What have you done?" Guren shouted, running up to her.
"I did what I thought was right, Guren. And you will not raise your voice in front of my master," Fruela said firmly, glaring at her with a serious expression.
"W-What?" Guren gasped as she couldn't understand what was going on.
"As Father always said... I had to choose. And I've chosen this man-to serve until death." Fruela replied without thinking.
"But he's not royal blood... not even a dark elf!" Guren protested.
"It doesn't matter. The contract is sealed, you will have to accept this." Fruela said flatly.
Leon stepped forward, flicking the burnt cigar aside.
"Ladies, you can argue later. We need to get out of here and if you want to move them to the dungeon, well... there will be guards on the exit gate of the kingdom and there is a chance that people will see us in such a big group."
"Yes, Master." Fruela bowed once again.
"Jennifer," Leon asked, "when does the Western District close?"
"I-It should be closed by now... B-But as you said, if so many elves leave at once, they'll definitely be seen,
And the heavy snow outside will make it difficult for the children to walk." Jennifer replied nervously.
"I can get you out of here." A voice echoed from the nearby cell.
Everyone turned.
A shadowy figure cloaked entirely in black sat motionless inside. No face, no hands, no legs-nothing was visible beneath the fabric.
Without hesitation, Leon activated his skill.
[Name: Rees Krambelbar]
[Class: Magi]
[Race: Lich]
[Level: 97]
[HP: -1/970000]
[MP: 0/485000]
[Description: Rees Krambelbar, once a noble who craved for knowledge but as his age closed in on him, he found the best way to continue his research and studies.
He became a Lich, an undead who holds terrifying powers, enormous amount of knowledge and thirst to know more about the world.
But being seprated from his necroheart Rees was left powerless as he can't collect mana without it and when he was searching for it, Richard found him and enslaved him.]
"An undead, huh?" Leon muttered, smirking.
"Huh? You can tell?" the figure responded curiously, rising and stepping forward.
As Rees stepped into the light, even Leon flinched slightly. A white skeleton, draped in black robes, with three glowing red eyes-one in the center of his forehead.
Although the eyes looked more like red orbs just floating in his skull.
"Fucking hell..." Leon murmured under his breath.
"People usually react like that," Rees said calmly. "But you're holding your composure well. Not scared of the undead?
Any specific reasons for that?" He asked.
"I've seen worse," Leon replied with a grin.
'In movies and mangas, I have seen things like him so much that I only felt a little surprised when I first saw him but now I don't feel much. It's a magical world after all and undead beings here is not a new thing'. he added in his mind.
"So... how do you plan to get us out of here? And what do you want in return? Freedom?" Leon asked with a curious expression.
"I overheard your conversation that you were having with this dark elf girl. You mentioned 'Your Dungeon'. Did I hear that right?" Rees asked as he looked at Leon.
"You did... What about it?" Leon asked with a confused expression.
"A dungeon you're hiding in or did you just cleared it's first floor and taking shelter in it or-?"
"I own it, save your argument for another day." Leon cut in flatly.
'He will still argue about it. I am 100 percent sure'. Leon thought in his mind and...
"T-That's impossible. To own a dungeon, you need to bind with the core. To do that, you have to be-"
"A monster ?" Leon asked with a smile as he cut him mid sentence once again.
"Yes." Rees replied as he looked at Leon.
"Not necessarily. I bound with it as a human. Now, what's your angle? And how do you plan to help us?" Leon asked with a straight face,
"When I looked at you... I saw knowledge. You're hiding it well, but it's there in your mind, I can tell the face of a scholar.
That's why your eyes weren't filled with fear when you saw me, because religious people most often referred to me as the work of devil and always ran away from me." Rees said as he looked at Leon.
"You are a walking skeleton... What do you expect? Now get to the point." Leon replied with a flat expression.
"Let me stay in your dungeon. Just for a while, until I find what's mine. In that time, we can trade knowledge. I know almost every dark art, and I can teach you things that'll crush your enemies. What do you say?" Rees asked his voice laced with greed.
Leon grinned. "How do I trust you?"
"W-What?"
"Your words are a bit too sweet. And since you're without your necroheart, you're powerless. Why should I even bother with you in the first place?" Leon asked with a smile.
"H-How do you-how do you know about the necroheart?" Rees stammered as he looked at Leon.
"See, You were hiding things from me. I don't think I can trust you. So maybe I'll just leave you here to rot -" Leon started speaking but Rees immediately interrupted him.
"W-Wait!" Rees panicked.
"I was captured while searching for materials to craft a new necroheart in the Vincerel Forest since my old one got stolen while I was working in my dungeon. If I stay here, I'll run out of soul essence soon and die.
Help me, and I'll give you every last piece of knowledge I know about dark arts and this world!" Rees spoke as he offered another deal to Leon, this time desperation clear in his voice.
'He broke that fast... pathetic liar', Leon thought in his mind as he looked at Rees.
"Hmm... hard to decide. What if you tried to-" Before Leon could've completed his sentence, Rees interrupted him.
"Take this," Rees said quickly. He reached up and removed the glowing red orb from his forehead, holding it out.
Leon narrowed his eyes and casted his skill on it...
[Name: Life Essence Crystal]
[Rank: B]
[Description: Found in high-level intelligent undead, this crystal stores life force and preserves the user's sanity.
Once bound, it becomes the undead's core lifeline. Any damage to it causes severe, irreversible harm. An undead can possess upto five of them but as they are connected to each other, even if one of them get's destroyed the undead will suffer near death pain and maybe even loose his sanity.]
[Bound to: Rees Krambelbar]
[Life Force: 7 Days]
"It's a life essence crystal-"
"That stores your life force, yeah. Only seven days left, huh?" Leon said, smirking.
"H-How do you know that?! Only I should know that!" Rees gasped with a confused and worried. expression as he hesitated now.
Leon took the orb out of his hand immediately and slipped it into his inventory.
"Jennifer, open the cell." He ordered.
'He might be useless now, but can be useful in future and he has information on dark arts. I will just give him a floor on the dungeon'. Leon thought with a smile.
"Y-Yes..." she stammered, unlocking the gate.
*Click*
Rees stepped out. The elves and children clung to each other in sheer terror-some even crying, trembling, others hiding behind their mothers. Only Leon remained calm, unfazed.
"So," Leon said, "that plan to get us out of here you mentioned-was that a lie too, or...?"
"N-No, it's real. I know a teleportation spell. But..." Rees trailed off, placing his bony hand over his skull.
"There's a small problem."
"What kind of problem?" Leon asked, suspicion written across his face as he narrowed his eyes at Rees.
"Umm... you see," Rees began, rubbing the side of his skull. "The teleportation spell I intend to use... it consumes a massive amount of mana. On both ends."
"Both ends?" Leon repeated with a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"Aha... well, that's another part of the issue, " Rees said with a nervous chuckle. "This spell works using two magic circles-one drawn where we are now, and one drawn at the destination where we want to teleport."
Leon crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Something tells me the problems aren't over yet."
"T-There might be... one last, very, very small issue", Rees said sheepishly.
Leon's voice sharpened. "What is it?"
"If mana isn't supplied to both circles at the exact same time... the spell fails. There's only a one-second window to ignite both circles and if-"
"...And if it's not done simultaneously, it won't work," Leon finished the sentence with a sigh.
'These aren't just problems-they're conditions we have to fulfill in order to use the spell', he thought, now wearing a serious expression.
"I can draw the circle here," Rees continued, "but I can't feed mana into it. If all of these elves supply mana at once, it should be enough to activate this side."
"And the other side?" Leon asked, gaze unblinking.
"That's the problem, Someone has to supply mana to the second circle as well. Simultaneously." Rees said as he looked at Leon.
"Does the spell require a continuous mana stream or a burst mana supply?" Leon asked.
"A burst mana supply," Rees answered immediately, "Once both circles are hit with a mana burst, a spatial connection is formed, and everything standing inside the circle is transported to the other location. Poof~"
Leon nodded, thinking. "Looks like most of your problems are solved then."
'I am sure Elis can easily fullfill the mana needed in this and since I am also Level ten now... I can recover her mana much faster now.' Leon thought with a neutral expression.
"Can they supply mana from this side?" He asked Fruela, pointing towards the Elfs.
"Yes, Master, but their mana has been sealed by those magic restraint bands around their ankles," Fruela replied, pointing at Guren's leg.
A thick yellow band clamped tightly around her ankle, faintly glowing with runes.
"The more we struggle in removing it, the tighter it gets," Guren said, her voice calm but tinged with frustration.
"Umm... could you show me your leg for a moment?" Rees asked as he raised his bony index finger.
"I-I don't think-" Guren hesitated, shrinking back.
Fruela placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and gave her a small nod.
Reluctantly, Guren stepped forward and showed the band to Rees.
He crouched down and began tapping it with his finger in specific patterns.
*Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap*
*Click*
*Thud*
In just a few seconds, the band loosened and dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
"How did you-!?" Guren stared at the band in disbelief.
"Every magical device has flaws. And this one? I designed it so I knew it's working," Rees said, standing once again.
"What do you mean, you designed it?" Leon asked, his expression hardening.
"When my necroheart was stolen, some of my schematics for magic equipment were taken too. This restraint was one of them. The kid who captured me forced me to wear it, but I removed it the same day." Rees replied with a neutral expression.
Leon's eyes narrowed. "You keep calling him 'kid'. How long have you been locked up down here?"
Rees tapped his chin. "Fourt-no, fifty years, three months, and... I think today is day twenty-nine. Turns out no one wants a useless skeleton as their slave."
'This bastard is so intelligent and he is just lying in this stupid place for so long? There is no way he couldn't get a single chance to escape from this place.' Leon thought with a shocked expression.
"Alright," Rees said as he turned toward the others. ''Please come up one by one. I'll remove the bands from your legs as well."
Though the elves were visibly terrified, Fruela and Guren did their best to calm them. Slowly but surely, they began approaching Rees, each receiving the same quick taps and hearing the satisfying click of their restraints falling away.
Leon turned back to Rees. "What kind of circle do I need to draw on the other side?"
"Ah yes. I'll need a page and a quill", Rees replied.
Leon didn't even respond -he simply looked towards Jennifer.
"I-I'll have to go upstairs to get them..." she said hesitantly.
"Fruela, accompany her", Leon instructed calmly.
"As you command, Master," Fruela responded, immediately walking over to Jennifer.
"Let's go," she said, her tone flat.
"Y-Yes," Jennifer nodded and led the way up the stairs.
****
A few minutes later, they returned. Jennifer handed over ten sheets of paper, a pot of ink, and a quill to Rees before stepping aside.
Rees sat down and began drawing the teleportation circle. His skeletal hand moved with sharp precision, ink flowing as he created complex glyphs, runes, and sigils. It took ten minutes, but finally, he was done.
"Here." He handed the page to Leon. "Just replicate this on the ground where you want the teleportation to go. As big as possible."
Leon took the page, folded it carefully, and slipped it into his pocket. "Understood."
"Umm... how will we know when to activate the circle?" Guren asked, looking puzzled.
Leon held out his hand. "Jennifer, give me the keys."
"Y-Yes..." she obeyed immediately.
Leon activated his skill.
"Threads."
The keys floated in midair, wrapped in invisible mana threads.
"When these keys fall to the ground, you flood the circle with mana. No hesitation. Understood?" Leon asked with a serious expression.
Guren nodded. "Got it."
"Is the destination nearby?" Rees asked curiously.
"It's in the Vinceral Forest," Leon replied.
"What ?! That's far. Your magic won't hold beyond ten or twelve meters. The spell will fail if your magic fades."
"You don't have to worry about it," Leon said, turning away. "The keys will stay up. Just focus on drawing the circle here."
He paused, then pointed at Jennifer. "Fruela... take her with you. Don't leave her behind and until he makes the circle, why don't you guys go up and get your clothes and ornaments back that Richard took from you?
I don't want to see you guys roaming in those stupid bags inside my dungeon." Leon instructed.
"As you command, Master," Fruela replied, walking over to Jennifer again.
"You're coming with me. Move. Come on guys."
Jennifer nodded quickly and followed.
"Okay... now then," Rees said as he looked at the floor. "It's been a while since I drew magic circles."
-x-X-x-
Heavy winds howled through the forest, carrying thick sheets of snow that fell from the sky in a relentless downpour. Yet Leon moved effortlessly through the blizzard, his body adapting to the environment with the help of his skill, Adaptive Body.
*Swish-Swish-Swish*
A cigar hung from the corner of his lips, the glowing ember pulsing faintly as he took slow, deliberate puffs. The smoke curled around his face, only to be stolen by the roaring wind.
*Puff*
*Phsssss*
*Clip-Clop-Clip-Clop*
The sudden sound of hooves echoed through the snowy silence, cutting through the howling winds.
Leon turned his head sharply, his eyes narrowing as a massive carriage rolled through the storm behind him. It was unlike anything a commoner would ever see-large and majestic, with ornate golden lamps hanging from every corner and a proud lion-head sigil embossed on its sides.
Surrounding it were royal cavalry on horses, their armor gleaming even in the dim, storm-covered night. Swords hung at their sides, and their white horses trudged powerfully through the snowdrifts.
That carriage wasn't noble but a Royal carriage.
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Fucking hell... why is a Royal carriage heading into the forest during a storm like this?"
He immediately veered off his path, trying to distance himself and avoid being noticed. But-
*Clip-Clop-Clip-Clop*
One of the knights broke off from the group, steering his massive white horse directly toward Leon.
"... Fuck. How the hell are they spotting me in a night storm? Am I glowing or something?" Leon muttered, his pace increasing.
"Commoner! Wait," the Royal Knight shouted, his voice loud and commanding.
Leon turned, feigning surprise. "Hmm...? Oh, a Royal Knight," he said smoothly, bowing respectfully.
"What are you doing out here this late?" the knight asked, his tone formal but suspicious.
"I'm on my way home, sir", Leon replied with a gentle smile.
"Where is your home?" the knight asked, peering at Leon from under his helmet.
"Vernon Village, sir." Leon replied with a smile.
The knight glanced him up and down. "You're not even wearing a coat. Prince Charles has ordered this to be given to you. If you'd like, you may walk with us. We can escort you to your village."
The knight tossed a thick leather blanket toward Leon.
*Catch*
Leon caught it and wrapped it around himself, even though his skill made him immune to the cold. Declining a royal gift would've been nothing but an insult.
"I'm grateful for the hospitality, sir. But I can't impose upon the Prince for someone like me. My village is close-just a couple minutes away. Still, thank you for the blanket." Leon spoke as he tried to get rid of them as soon as possible.
The knight nodded. "Very well, then." He turned his horse back towards the carriage.
Leon watched for a moment, then spoke. "It must be really important, huh?"
The knight paused. "What?"
"I mean, the Prince himself is out in a weather like this. Must be something urgent", Leon said with a faint smile.
"A commoner should only know what he can comprehend. Go home, kid," the knight replied curtly before riding away.
*Clip-Clop-Clip-Clop*
Leon chuckled under his breath.
'So the Prince is out of the castle... in this kind of weather? That means something big is happening. I've never seen the Royal family step outside their castle since I arrived in this world. But, Where are they going?
That way... It leads to the Southern Border, if I am not wrong. I will just ask Justin about what happened, since they do the information exchange from the borders.' He thought in his mind as he continued to walk towards the dungeon.
After walking for nearly forty-five minutes through snow-laden paths, Leon finally reached the entrance to the Vinceral Forest.
"... I look like a goddamn snowman," he muttered as he brushed the snow off his shoulders and hair.
As he stepped into the forest and made his way to the dungeon, he found the entrance completely buried in snow. He bent down and thrust his hand into the thick layer, fingers brushing against the familiar stone steps beneath.
"Take me to the last floor," Leon said with a smile.
*Swish*
In an instant, his body vanished.
****
—Seventh Floor - Vinceral Dungeon—
*Swish*
"this place is warm," Leon muttered with relief as he reappeared inside the dungeon. He pulled off the blanket and deactivated his skill immediately.
"I greet my Master," Elis said, bowing respectfully as she appeared in front of him.
Leon walked toward the throne and dropped into it with a relaxed sigh. "Did you change the dungeon's temperature, Elis?"
"Yes, Master. Olga and Reina were shivering from the cold while sleeping, so I raised the ambient temperature. Should I return it to normal?"
Leon shook his head. "No, leave it. More people are coming soon. They will need it." He reached into his pocket, pulled out the folded page and handed it to her.
"Here. Draw this circle on the ground-make it as large as possible." Leon ordered.
Elis took the page and examined the diagram for a brief moment. "As you command, Master."
She placed her hand on the ground. Instantly, the stone tiles began shifting, sliding into place with precision. Within seconds, a massive circle was carved into the floor, intricate patterns covering nearly half the chamber.
"It is complete, Master", Elis said, handing the page back to him.
"Nicely done," Leon replied, standing up and admiring the work.
"Now you'll need to supply it with burst mana-a large amount, all at once-to activate it."
"As you wish, Master." Elis replied, lowering her hand toward the center of the circle.
"Wait," Leon said quickly, raising a hand. "Don't do it yet. I'll give the command. Once I do, you must act instantly. We've got a very small time window. Understand?"
"Yes, Master. I await your command." Elis spoke as she looked at Leon.
Leon exhaled, his breath warm in the dungeon's comfortable atmosphere. He raised his fingers.
*Snap*
"Now" he ordered.
"Yes, Master." Elis nodded and poured a massive wave of mana into the magic circle beneath her immediately.
*ZzzzzzzzZ*
The array blazed to life in a dazzling light blue hue.
Leon shielded his eyes with one hand. As the brilliant light dimmed, he blinked slowly and lowered his arm.
*Blink-blink"
What greeted him next was... a sight.
All the dark elves were on all fours-backs arched, their round asses raised high in the air, facing Leon directly.
"Well... That's one hell of a view," he smirked, his eyes shamelessly looking at the wobbling curves in front of him.
"Wait-did it actually work?" a male's voice came from behind.
Leon immediately turned to see Rees, Fruela, and Jennifer standing just behind his throne.
"Hello, darling," Leon said, flashing a smile at Fruela.
"Master," Fruela responded with a respectful bow.
Leon turned his gaze back toward the elves-only to find the view gone. They were now upright, clothed in proper dresses and gowns, no longer the tattered rice sacks they were wearing at the slave trading firm.
"... Why do I have to look away?" Leon spoke in a low voice as he looked at the Elfs. Their confused eyes met his as they stood silently.
"Do we have to live here?" Guren asked with a confused expression, glancing around the room's interior and two girls who were sleeping in one corner of the room.
"No. You'll live on the fifth floor", Leon answered immediately, then he turned and looked towards Rees.
"You'll stay on the sixth floor-directly above me, and below them."
"... That's weird. Feels strange hearing my name after all these years-wait. I never told you my name," Rees said, narrowing his eyes. "Are you reading my mind?"
Leon tilted his head with a confused. "Do you even have one to read ?"
"I don't have a physical brain, but-damn it. I'm going to my floor," Rees muttered in frustration as he turned and walked toward the room's exit.
As he passed the gate, he caught sight of Elis standing near the gate.
"Whoa... A Dungeon Core in human form", Rees murmured, stepping toward her slowly.
"Hello, Dungeon Core." He spoke with a fascinated voice.
Elis simply looked at him, her expression unchanging.
"Stay away from her," Leon said flatly as he looked at Rees.
"F-Fine, it's not like I am stealing her." Rees backed off immediately and exited without another word, making his way toward his assigned floor.
'Interesting... He built a vertical dungeon instead of spreading it horizontally. Makes it harder to detect due to minimized surface presence. Clever bastard... I might actually learn something here. Maybe even build myself a new Necroheart.
But, How did he know my knowledge?' Rees thought as he ascended the stairs with a confused expression.
****
Back in the throne room, Leon turned toward the elves still lingering.
"What are you standing around for? Go on. The temperature down here's good enough for sleep, right?"
he asked.
Without hesitation, all the dark elves dropped to their knees and bowed deeply.
"...Hmm?"
"Thank you, Sir," they all said in unison.
"Thank you again, Master. We'll never forget your hospitality," Fruela added, bowing even lower.
Leon gave a dismissive wave. "Fine. Go, Go... I will take care of your food tomorrow."
"Yes, Master as you say," Fruela replied, and with that, the elves made their way toward the exit.
Leon rose from the throne with a stretch and walked over to Elis.
"I'll be leaving too, Elis. I'll return the mana you used today-tomorrow," he said.
"As you command, Master. I will await your return," Elis replied, bowing respectfully.
"Take me out," Leon ordered as he immediately disappeared.
*Swish*
****
—Outside the Dungeon—
Leon reappeared at the entrance, his legs instantly buried in thick snow.
The cold slapped him in the face like a hammer and a deadly chill ran down his spine.
"Fucking hell... Adaptive Body," he grunted as he activated the skill. In an instant, the chill vanished from his muscles, his body adjusting as though the cold had never touched him.
A wicked smile tugged at his lips.
"Time to get buried in MILFs" he muttered, yanking his legs free from the snow and breaking into a run toward the village.
****
—Fifteen Minutes Later - Vernon Village Gate—
Leon strolled up to the gates. The two guards were curied up in leather blankets, snoring peacefully while snowflakes dusted their faces.
'Hah... What can I say? A hoard of monsters can just come in fuck up the village and go. ' Leon thought as he passed them and headed straight toward his house.
The village was quiet-eerily so. Not a single lantern burned outside, except for one: the chief's residence.
Leon reached his home and found Dusk curled in front of the door, his head resting on his paws.
"Hello, Dusk, having a good sleep?" Leon asked with a grin.
"Hm...? Oh-Master." Dusk immediately stood and gave a small bow.
"Why are you outside?" He asked with a smile.
"I went in earlier, Master. But after checking on your family, I decided to keep watch out here. They're... getting really worried about you."
'I've been gone for nearly two days. Of course they're worried," Leon said softly, and walked up to the door.
*Knock-knock*
*Step-step-step-step-step*
He heard hurried footsteps inside.
*Click*
The door swung open-and there she was.
"You're back..." Elaine whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Hello, Mom," Leon said, smiling gently.
"Come here," she choked out and pulled him into her embrace, burying his face in her huge, soft and fleshy boobs.
Leon grinned like a pervert.
'Now this... this is the warmth I want.'
He wrapped his arms around her waist, then slid them lower-grabbing both of ass-cheeks and squeezing with open affection.
His face nestled between her tits, rubbing into her cleavage like a man reclaiming his throne.
"I'm home... Mom," Leon murmured, his voice muffled against her breasts.