《Alpha Instinct - ["A Survival Tale in a Dark Fantasy World"]》


 Prologue: The Age of Darkness

    Humbra. A vibrant world where humans and monsters weave the tapestry of life since the dawn of the Age of Darkness. It is here, with the discovery of the first scriptures, that our story begins, a marker in the vastness of time.


    Humans, with their tireless pursuit of expansion, spread across the land, learning to coexist with the monstrous creatures that inhabited it. Beings that were neither human nor animal, known as Leirions��mystical entities with whom humanity shared the world in a complex dance of coexistence and conflict.


    But progress came at a cost. Uncontrolled growth, wars between nations, and the relentless exploitation of Humbra''s resources led humanity to the brink of despair. The very survival of the species hung in the balance.


    Then, in the year 752, disaster struck. The Leirions, in a sudden and inexplicable surge of fury, launched a devastating attack on all human settlements. A primal change had gripped these creatures��a relentless instinct to eradicate humanity. Was it the will of the gods, a desperate act to halt the ruin of their beloved world?


    For over 180 years, a brutal war ravaged the land, leaving a trail of death and destruction. Eighty-one percent of the human population perished, unable to withstand the Leirions, beasts programmed for hunting and killing. Lacking intellect, they were driven by a single purpose: to conquer and survive.


    By the year 946, hope dwindled with every fallen human. Only 12% remained, clinging to life behind the towering walls they erected around their cities. The future seemed bleak��an endless struggle against insurmountable odds.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    But then, in the year 952, a miracle manifested. Humanity, on the brink of extinction, adapted with astonishing speed. From the ashes of war, a new generation arose, the first children born with extraordinary powers��the Neumonds.


    The legendary triplets, Libby, Lyra, and Lauv, the first of their kind, carried within them abilities that defied comprehension. An almost imperceptible light emanated from their napes, a beacon of their newfound power. It was the ELEV, an evolution of the cervical cortex, granting them control over energies that transcended mortal knowledge.


    Libby, the scholar, mastered the elements with unparalleled dexterity, conjuring fire, wind, earth, and water with effortless grace. Her tireless studies unlocked the secrets of mana and elemental magic, hinting at a power that surpassed all others. Lyra, the seer, experienced a fleeting vision of a city consumed by fire, a warning that allowed its people to escape; she understood the silent language of the ravens, their croaks revealing hidden truths, powers born from collective hope and yearning for survival. And Lauv, the warrior, could lift tons with ease, leap across chasms in a single bound, and move with the speed of sound, capable of feats that would make the mightiest Leirion tremble.


    With this newfound power came a surge of innovation. The grand magic academy, established in the first decades after the emergence of the Neumonds, created a device capable of measuring the energy waves of ELEVs, transforming physical and psychic capabilities into measurable attributes. The Neumonds could now track their progress, pushing the boundaries of their abilities. Thus was born the ELEV Profile.


    The birth of the triplets marked a turning point in human history, a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. It was a new era, a time of rebirth and renewal. Once teetering on the brink, humanity was rising again, its strength now rivaling that of the fearsome Leirions. Though the walls still stood as a symbol of past struggles, new Neumonds were born every day, their powers a testament to humanity''s indomitable spirit.

 Chapter 1: "Wisdom is to comprehend, not understand.”

    Spring 2, Year 189, New Era, Gothia City, Country of Dunkel, Fros continent.


    The sun was already setting on the city of Gothia; it had been an ordinary day, normal like any other. The merchants were about to close their stalls at the adventurers'' fair. Leonard had just finished a temporary job at one of the stalls when a very kind lady thanked him.


    "Thank you, dear Leo; here are some copper coins for your effort."


    Leonard paused, catching his breath. With a weary sigh, he used his sleeves to wipe the sweat from his brow, a grimace flickering across his face as the rough fabric brushed against his skin. He took the coins and nodded to the lady as he left. He had a faint smile on his face, but a deep sadness lingered in his eyes.


    Leo sighed, the sound lost in the murmur of the fair. Another day, another temporary job that barely paid for the stale bread he ate for breakfast. He observed the people passing: families laughing, friends chatting, couples holding hands. A sad smile touched his lips. He helped whenever he could, a gentle smile for the flower lady, a nod to the baker. But at the end of the day, he returned to his empty room, the indifference enveloping him like a cloak. Living or dying, deep down seemed to make no difference.


    Walking through the streets of Gothia, some people would always stare at him; he was quite striking. His skin had a light peach tone. His straight, medium-length black hair often obscured his light blue, almost white eyes. His face was incredibly handsome, with delicate features. He was someone whose beauty drew attention, especially his eyes.


    His beauty was often the sole reason he found odd jobs, as he was unskilled in conversation and lacked charisma; he was quiet and reserved.


    Upon returning to his boarding house in the city''s suburbs, he came across a large cart laden with furs. They were still loading it, but he noticed that all the weight was leaning to the right; its wheel was precarious and was about to topple the whole cart onto the old stallkeeper.


    Fueled by a sudden burst of adrenaline, Leo reacted purely instinctively. In less than three seconds, he covered 60 meters, arriving at the cart just in time to support it.


    "Watch out, old man, it''s gonna tip!" Leo shouted as he supported the cart with his back.


    The old man looked at Leo in astonishment, not understanding where, how, or why this young man had appeared so quickly. The helper who was loading the cart with the old man spotted the danger. Seeing the enormous effort Leo was making to keep the cart upright, he swiftly pulled the old man away from the vehicle��s side.


    A second later, the right wheel cracked and broke, causing the entire load to collapse onto Leo, burying him under the leirion pelts. The cart''s horses reared, letting out loud neighs, creating complete chaos.


    The old man and his helper tried to rescue Leo from under the heavy load, and when they finally found him, Leo managed a strained smile.


    "Do Gramps wish to die? What in blazes was that?" He spoke with clenched teeth.


    "Good heavens! Are you alright? Get out of there; let us check if you are hurt!" The old man seemed very worried.


    "I''m fine, Gramps, just be a little more careful." Leo got to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes.


    They carried many kinds of pelts on that cart, leirion spoils, used to craft armor, clothing, and utensils. Leirions, after all, provided the finest materials, so it was a valuable and heavy load indeed.


    "Here, young man, as a token of my gratitude for saving my life, please accept this leirion��s pelt. It''s not the most valuable, but it''s incredibly useful and versatile. I''m sure you''ll find a purpose for it.".


    The old man presented Leo with a wolf pelt��a lycanthrope''s hide, to be exact.


    Leo looked at the leather, and seconds of silence made his heart pound with anxiety and a sharp headache throbbed through his temples. Leo then dropped to his knees, gasping for air.


    "Good heavens, are you okay, kid? I knew something was wrong! Doctor! Get a doctor here!"


    The old man was distressed and worried.


    The old man''s helper tried to support Leo to prevent him from falling, but Leo pushed him away and stood up on his own. It took Leo a few seconds to regain his composure; he shook his head twice forcefully and blinked a few times.


    "I''m fine, old man; don''t worry. I was just very tired before, that''s all."


    Leo simply turned and walked off, leaving them all bewildered and anxious.


    ��What was that just now? These flashes... why can''t I recall anything?" He wondered, still feeling lightheaded as he walked.


    He arrived in the suburbs and went up to his boarding room; he was exhausted, having worked all day, the incident with the old man, and now these troubles in his head.


    Leo washed himself in the basin outside before collapsing onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about the Lycanthrope pelt the old man had offered him. His head was a mess. After much contemplation, he fell into deep sleep.


    Even without any blankets, the cold dawn didn''t bother him. The hard, uncomfortable straw mattress didn''t matter to him that night. He was completely numb in his dreams��nightmares that tormented him whenever he experienced such memory flashes.


    Sounds of agony could be heard a few meters away from that hostel room. His dreams were not just any dreams; Leo was inert in nightmares that many humans would call hell itself; pieces of people flew amid screams; howls of Leirions formed a battle orchestra on the spot; the slaughter imposed a dense air. As he cautiously peered out the window, a leirion werewolf with white fur noticed a sweet scent of fear emanating from the room and fixed his gaze on him. Leo runs to the corner of the room and remains huddled, trying his best to hold back the tears with enormous despair. Suddenly a hand grabs his arm, pulling him hard; a scream of "run" echoes in the air, ending his nightmare.


    "This again? Damn it... looks like I can''t run away anymore." He thought as he got out of bed.


    He walked to a sink in the corner of the room. While wiping the sweat from his face, he caught his reflection in a shard of mirror leaning against the sink��s edge and lost himself in disjointed thoughts for a few seconds. Afterwards, Leo made his way to the bedroom window, where the moonlight cast a warm glow.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "This just won''t stop haunting me." He whispered to himself.


    Leo felt he couldn''t keep running from these recurring mental flashes. He decided to make a concerted effort to make it clear that night.


    He stood by the window, looking up at the four moons. He touched the ELEV on his nape; the faint numbness there was a constant reminder. He was a Neumond; that much he knew. He held a golden pendant, a portrait inside��a clue, maybe, to a past he couldn''t recall.


    Leo sat down in front of the window and absorbed himself in meditation, trying to relieve his stress, when he unknowingly activated his ELEV. His energy flew through his brain, recovering the lost path.


    ***


    <hr>


    Fifteen years ago, Leo and his family lived in the small village of Besen, north of Gothia. Besen was unique, built atop Lake Zafir on a massive pillar-supported platform. Two bridges connected the village to the mainland: one to the west and another to the north. All village gatherings and events took place on this platform. Besen''s guard was made up of ordinary soldiers; they had not awakened any Neumond for the village''s defense.


    Besen was a remote village that lived on fishing and agriculture; small caravans occasionally passed through, little to no monster presence, and most were killed off by traps.


    As Leo''s memories of the village surfaced, a terrible headache pressed upon him, forcing more memories to the forefront of his mind.


    It was a sunny day with a refreshing breeze in the village of Besen, something quite rare and valuable for the residents. It commonly rained even though it wasn''t cold in the region. Everyone knew each other in the village, and disagreements were rare.


    Leo was always with Mia, his best friend. He also harbored feelings for her, though he had never dared to confess them. Mia had long, straight red hair at the roots that curled at the ends. Her green eyes looked like tiny jade stones under the fluorescent light, and her skin was pale white with small freckles dusting her delicate nose.


    Mia''s enchanting smile, graced with delicate dimples, held the power to mesmerize all who beheld her beauty. Although at ten she possessed a beauty that many said belonged to the little goddess of Dunkel. Leo was always fixing the bangs that fell over Mia''s face, hiding one of her eyes and making her look timid. Mia always smiled shyly, calling him annoying, and messed up his hair as punishment


    On this day, Mia was acting quite differently than usual and invited Leo to walk in the chaff fields outside the village. Guards shouted at them while they were leaving. Leo and Mia laughed a lot as they got distant from the village.


    Mia sat down on a pile of straw, and as the breeze blew, her hair danced in the wind. She gently tucked it behind her ear, her gaze meeting Leo''s. It was the most perfect vision he had ever had of her. He felt his heart racing, and a shiver ran down his spine, making his hands sweat. Leo gently approached and sat beside her, offering her sandwiches he had brought in his backpack.


    ��Mi... Mimi, would you like one?" Leo asked hesitantly, offering her the sandwiches.


    "Looks good!" she replied energetically.


    Leo occasionally got carried away and addressed Mia as "Mimi." She thought it was cute, and to thank him, she nicknamed him "Kori" after the color of his eyes, which meant ice in the ancestor language.


    "I wanted to thank you, Kori." Mia said thoughtfully.


    "Uh... Err... you don''t have to..." he replied embarrassed.


    "It''s not about the sandwiches, silly!" Mia smiled.


    "Huh? What is going on?�� Leo said, confused.


    "You know, Kori, when you came to me, I was so lonely. Everyone in the village was always afraid and respectful because of my family''s status. I always lived in complete isolation.�� Mia''s face was pale with a sad expression.


    Leo didn''t know what to say, just smiled and remained silent. He didn''t understand why the other children avoided her; to him, it was a sin to wrong such a sweet and kind girl. Mia was the chief��s daughter, and her mother had been banished from the nobility of a big city to take over the place.


    "I have never known what it is like to have a true friend or companion, but you saved me from a life of sadness and isolation.��


    A heavy silence fell between them. Mia felt a big lump in her throat.


    "And?" Leo asked, his gaze fixed on his feet.


    "I will be eternally grateful! Because of you, I can finally laugh without feeling guilty about the past. You''ve colored my life.�� Mia concluded with a huge smile on her face and eyes full of tears.


    "Mimi... sometimes you feel so old," Leo said, perplexed.


    He looked at Mia, at her bright smile. He reached out and fixed her bangs, like he always did. "I''ll take care of you!" The words were out before he could stop them, a promise made


    A peculiar, somewhat unsettling silence enveloped the space as Mia gazed at Leo, her heart fluttering with a mix of surprise and unspoken feelings. After all, she was always the one who took care of him.


    "And this... is... for you!" He handed her a poorly made brown paper bag with a decorated straw ribbon sealing the opening.


    "Uhm!! I hope what you said is a promise!" she retorted to his first comment.


    Leo nodded, smiling at her.


    "What is it, Kori?" Mia said, looking at him clumsily offering the package.


    "It wasn''t supposed to be for now, but you''re so..." Once more, a heavy silence fell between them.


    "Oh! A plushie! How cute...! " Tears welled up in Mia''s eyes. "I''ll call him Lenny! And hey, don''t forget! A promise is a debt!" she said in an affirmative tone as she wiped her face.


    "Uh-huh!" He nodded in agreement.


    That afternoon passed quickly. Leo and Mia returned to the village knowing they would be scolded. However, the time they spent together was so unique that neither of them cared about the punishments. Mia was so happy with her gift that she didn''t even care about her safety.


    Upon arriving home, Leo endured a resounding lecture from his mother about the dangers outside the village, but his mind was elsewhere, thinking about Mia''s smile and wondering if she was being scolded too. After the long talk, his mother just hugged him, saying that he needed to be more careful and that he was her reason for living.


    His mother said a phrase that he would never forget for the rest of his life: wisdom is to comprehend, not understand.


    ��Isn''t it the same mom?�� Leo sounded confused.


    "To understand is to know, to read, to hear, to acquire knowledge; to comprehend is to know more than that knowledge, but also the circumstances to which they are applied, and more yet, to better judge when to apply them. So I beg you, son, be a comprehensive person," she replied while carefully touching his face.


    As night fell, Leo was preparing his bath when a deafening boom echoed from the north, shaking the entire village. The sound vibrated through the floor, rattling the windows. It was so loud that people thought the platform was falling.


    Whistles began to blow in every direction, and the great bell used as an invasion alarm clanged loudly in the watchtower, but it was too late. All records indicate that the invasion that day was completely unprecedented.


    From the tower, a horrifying sight unfolded: beyond the bridge, a sea of werewolf Leirions encircled the entire village. They were a mass of fur and teeth, a terrifying wave crashing against the village. An almost inaudible voice left the lungs of the tower guard after ringing the bell, uttering a hopeless cry.


    "May the Gods of Humbra have mercy on us..."


    Seconds later, a one-ton rock smashed through the tower, obliterating the guard and shattering everything in its path.

 Chapter 2: "Hearing is not listening."

    The Leirions surged across the north bridge, outstripping the guards�� attempts to cut it down. They were a large pack of lycanthropes, Trasgorian in origin, the most feared of all such hunting beasts. In mere seconds, the bridge was theirs. Though some lycanthropes were ensnared in traps, many more broke through, with still more arriving. The guards fought desperately to defend the bridge, but the sheer number of invaders was overwhelming��ten Lycans for every guard in the village.


    The Lycans'' claws, some eight to ten centimeters long, could slice through steel like cardboard. Some towered ten feet tall, their ferocious attacks sending fragments of flesh and limbs scattering like toys. The guards were swiftly overwhelmed, and despair gripped the village. Once the alarm was raised about the north bridge��s fall, the west side guards immediately cut their ropes, destroying their own bridge.


    These guards hadn''t anticipated such a swift and brutal invasion. The possibility of the north blockade falling so quickly hadn''t even crossed their minds, and in doing so, they inadvertently sealed off the village��s only safe escape.


    The platform became a slaughterhouse with no way out. Leaping into Lake Zafir was practically suicidal. The fall was over twenty meters, and the lakebed was a treacherous expanse of sharp rocks. This was precisely why the village was built on pillars above the lake rather than on its banks.


    Those caught in the open were instantly subjected to a ruthless attack. Screams of pain and despair echoed through the village, growing in intensity. The central area became a bloodbath, littered with human remains��a truly miserable scene.


    A sudden silence descended upon the village after only a few minutes of the invasion. All those caught outside their homes had met their end. The Lycans began sniffing the air with frenzied intensity, howling at Humbra��s moons. One by one, the houses were breached. Each crashing door was followed by fleeting screams, then an unsettling silence.


    Leo was in his room, his mind racing with a sickening dread. Where were his parents? What had become of them? Should he try to find them? And Mia, was she safe? Each question was a hammer blow against his already crumbling resolve.


    The sounds of splintering doors, howls, and screams pulled him back to the present. He cautiously rose and peered through a narrow gap between the wooden planks of his window.


    A massive lycanthrope, five meters tall with white fur, stood feeding on a woman��s head. The sight stole Leo��s breath, his stomach churning. A choked gasp escaped his lips.


    The alpha lycan looked directly at Leo at that very instant, dropping the head and turning toward the house. Leo��s father, Noah, was in the living room, his face grim, a kitchen knife clutched in his hand, ready to defend his family and buy them time to escape. As the lycanthrope smashed through the door, a sweeping slash of its claws obliterated everything in the room. The blow cleaved Noah in two, his body falling in a gruesome heap amidst the shattered dining table and chairs.


    Leo recoiled, a silent scream trapped in his throat. He staggered back, his legs trembling, and fell into the corner of his room. He was paralyzed by fear. He couldn''t think nor even breathe. The stench of raw and metallic blood filled the air, choking him. Seconds before the Leirion burst into his room, a hand grabbed his arm, pulling him from his terrified trance.


    ��Run, my son...!" Leah, Leo��s mother, whispered through tears.


    They both jumped out the bedroom window and fled blindly. The albino lycan gave chase, along with two others nearby. They had covered about 40 yards when Leah spotted a water reservoir built beneath the platform, hoping to find shelter within.


    Leah quickly helped Leo into the compartment. The heavy, thundering footsteps grew closer. As Leah positioned herself in the reservoir��s small opening, a peculiar chill ran down her spine, followed by a sharp pain in her right leg that rapidly intensified.


    The lycanthrope had reached her. With a predatory leap, it savagely tore off Leah��s right leg. Reacting instantly, Leah mustered her remaining strength and punched the Lycan in the snout with such force that a sonic boom echoed through the village. BANG! The impact sent it flying backwards 16 yards, crashing into a nearby warehouse.


    ��A Neumond?�� the alpha lycan thought, its snout throbbing with pain.


    While most Lycans were driven by instinct, some evolved Leirions��alphas, chieftains, and other mystical creatures��retained a degree of intelligence.


    Mother and son were inside the elevator. Their combined weight snapped the rope, sending them plummeting to the bottom of the cylindrical reservoir, but they were lucky that day. The well was nearly empty, with only a few inches of water due to the lack of rain and constant use.


    Leo stared in mute horror at his mother��s wound. Blood pulsed from the ragged stump where her leg had been, staining the muddy water around them a sickening crimson. It wasn''t a clean cut, but a mangled mess of flesh and bone.


    Despite the well��s depth, the high moons of Humbra cast a faint twilight glow inside.


    ��Son, I need you... to... to help me,�� Leah said through gritted teeth, forcing a smile.


    Leo nodded, tears streaming down his face.


    ��You need to be strong, my little prince! Can you do that for me?" She asked, her voice strained but her gaze warm.


    Leo swallowed hard, his throat tight with unshed tears. He knelt beside his mother, who leaned against the reservoir wall. He knew she had given everything to save him. He owed her this.


    ��Cut a strip from your�� shirt... a thin one, please, baby.�� Leah requested.


    Leo hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the tattered remains of his shirt, before he ripped a long strip of cloth from the worn fabric.


    ��Now�� I need you... to be strong! You are my prince... Tie it with all... all your strength around mom��s leg. Please���� Leah��s strength was fading as she spoke.


    Leo��s hands trembled as he looked at his mother''s mangled leg, the raw bone gleaming in the dim light. Bile rose in his throat, but he forced it down. He had to be strong for her. He was just a child.


    ��Be strong, son... I... I don��t have much time. Mom will help you��!�� Leah pleaded.


    For a boy of ten years old, it was an intolerable nightmare. He had just lost his father; everyone he knew in the village was slaughtered, and he didn��t know if Mia was alive. All he knew was that he had to be strong; his mother needed him. The lycanthropes'' snarls and howls echoed above them, terrorizing them with their reminder of the danger they were in. He had to endure.


    Leo took the strip of cloth and, with trembling hands, carefully wrapped it around his mother��s leg as she whimpered in pain. She instructed him to tighten it with all his strength on a count of three.


    "One... two... three... AHHHRG!�� Leah cried out in agony as both tightened the tourniquet.


    Leah had lost a lot of blood and was exhausted. She pulled Leo close, hugging him tightly, her body shaking. They remained silent in the dark well in the cold nightThis tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Gradually, the lycans�� howls faded, leaving only a heavy silence and a crushing sadness. Leah knew she didn��t have much time; her wound was too severe.


    ��Son, listen���� Leah said, her gaze full of love.


    ��Yes, Mom.��


    ��What I��m going to tell you is very serious; listen carefully.��


    ��Okay���� Leo confirmed cautiously.


    ��Soon Mom will go to meet Dad." Leah was interrupted.


    ��NO! No, Mom�� I don��t wanna be alone!�� Leo implored. His voice was cracking with despair.


    He was the smartest boy in the village, had studied since he was very young, and fully understood the situation, but he didn''t want his mother to confirm it.


    ��There is no other way, my son. Mom has lost too much blood, and there��s no way for us to get out of here.��


    She looked up at the narrow opening, a faint circle of moonlight far above. Leah knew the walls were solid wood, and the reservoir was cylindrical; climbing fifteen meters to the top without help would be impossible for Leo.


    They could try to break through the bottom of the reservoir and escape through the lake��after all, the fall from the bottom of the well into the lake would only be four or five meters��but even she didn''t have the strength to break through that solid wooden floor. It was impossible.


    Dawn finally broke; hours had passed agonizingly slowly. Leo had been trying to climb for hours, but he couldn''t get more than two meters; the walls were smooth and covered in mud. It was truly impossible without help.


    ��Baby, talk to me a little to distract me; it��s getting very cold,�� Leah whispered to Leo, her body wracked with shivers.


    Leo stared at his mother; she was deathly pale, her lips tinged purple, and dark circles had formed under her eyes. He knew somehow that she was slipping away.


    ��Mom? Are you okay?�� Leo asked, worried. His voice was a barely whisper.


    ��I am okay; I just need to rest a little... Tell me, how are you and Mia?�� Leah managed to whisper.


    ��Mom, I made a promise to Mia. I said I would take care of her�� as soon as we get out of here, I��ll tell her everything. I hope she��s okay. I even gave her a plushie, Lenny; well, with Dad��s tips,�� he said with a hint of embarrassment, trying to distract his mother.


    Leah��s heart ached for her son, for the innocence he had lost and for the burdens he now carried. She was deeply concerned about Leo, attempting to soothe and divert his attention. She knew this situation was a dead end.


    ��That��s very good, Leo. Take good care of your friends and be a great man to your future wife. Always eat healthy food at the right times and in moderate amounts. Study as much as you can. I hope you get a good job, my son. Your father and I are proud of you. I bless you, my love.�� Tears streamed down Leah''s face.


    Her eyes fluttered, and for a moment, she wasn''t in the cold, dark well anymore. She saw a fleeting image: Leo, older, stronger, his eyes blazing with a fierce light. He was facing a creature of darkness, a golden pendant shining in his hand. Then the vision was gone. Leah had a vision��a premonition. Leo was held aloft a familiar golden pendant, its surface gleaming with power in that quick glimpse. She knew she wouldn''t last much longer.


    ��Mom���� He hugged her tightly.


    ��Take this necklace." Leah weakly unclasped her necklace and pressed it into his hand. ��Live, my baby; survive; be strong. I... love... you... forev���� Leah''s voice faded away while her hand fell down with no resistance.


    ��Mom...? Mom! I LOVE YOU TOO!! MOM!!! Don''t leave me here alone! Wake up, Mom! I promise to be a better son and never leave the village again! LEAH!!!�� His cries were raw, desperate, echoing in the confined space of the well. He clung to her lifeless body. His chest was heaving, trying to find air through his sobs.


    For hours, Leo wept over his mother''s body, embracing her and reminiscing about how she had been a devoted, hardworking, and caring mother. He recalled how she would do his laundry and, even amidst her own work, would stop just to give him a little treat. He remembered her helping him with his schoolwork, always with a smile and unwavering patience. Leah gave her love to Leo with everything that she could have. He vowed that he would survive at any cost; it was his duty, a reciprocal act of gratitude. His mind had shattered on that fateful day. He had lost his parents and everyone he knew, and he was still trapped in that abyss.


    The days passed, one after another. Leo had lost all hope; he no longer knew how long he had been in that pit with his mother. His mind was clouded; hunger gnawed at him, and despair filled his thoughts. To survive, he drank the rainwater that was collected at the bottom. The water, unfortunately, was not clean all the time. He would try to drain it to renew when the rain offered a fresh supply. Eventually, he grew numb to the difficult conditions.


    Many days had passed��only the gods knew how many. The hunger was overwhelming for Leo, a boy of just 10 years old. When he was on the verge of fainting from starvation, he made a difficult choice to survive, remembering his promise to his beloved mother. He spotted a small lizard skittering along the wall. He lunged, trapping it with his hand. He stared at the creature for a long moment, his stomach churning, then, with a grimace, he ate it. He felt so nauseous but could clench his jaw and persevered to survive. Leo''s spirit was deeply wounded, but he prayed to the Seven Gods of Humbra every night before sleeping, like his mom taught him, seeking strength and hope.


    Leo had already considered smashing his head into the solid wood until he passed out and died there. He had tried countless times to climb out without success and had screamed until his voice faded into a hoarse whisper. In the end, he just wanted to be with his mother; he missed her, and her body being there only made everything worse��it would be better to just leave.


    As his last tears fell and he prepared for suicide, voices could be heard in the distance, mingling with the rain that had returned that day.


    ��People?�� Leo wondered, confused. He wondered if it was just a figment of his imagination.


    He then chose to shout��it couldn''t hurt; it was just one more of the tens of thousands of attempts he made day after day.


    ��Help��!�� Leo tried to yell, but he was very weak, almost without any strength. ��Someone�� please�� save�� me��!�� He tried with his last bit of energy, but there was no breath left in his lungs.


    ***


    After 14 days without communication, the rescue guard and reinforcements, along with caravans, had arrived at the village of Besen. Due to the intensity of the massacre, the neighboring city of Gothia had been slow to realize what had happened. The time it took to rebuild a bridge was excessive in those flooded areas with ravines around Lake Zafir.


    ��Captain Roland! We��re arriving!�� shouted the coachman.


    ��My God, it was a massacre." Roland whispered, his gaze sweeping over the ravaged village, his face grim.


    ��Captain, it looks like we''re in hell,�� said one of the guards.


    ��Everyone, search everything! Look for any signs of life!�� Roland bellowed.


    Roland got out of the wagon and commanded the guards, who followed in a line. Everyone was working their hardest, gathering the bodies and trying to identify them to give them a proper burial.


    ��Joshua! Get over here, help me with this jammed door!�� one of the guards shouted.


    ��Useless creature,�� replied the soldier Joshua.


    Joshua and other guards were trying to open one of the house doors to retrieve some of the bodies. As they heaved, the splintered wood groaning in protest, when they finally managed to open the door, a distinct sound crossed his mind. Joshua looked towards the sound��


    He heard the sound of wind, raindrops, the steps of war boots��ordinary sounds.


    ��Joshua! This one��s heavy; help me! Stop dozing off!�� A soldier shouted.


    Joshua turned to the soldier and grumbled, ��What a crappy job!��


    The soldiers searched the houses and recovered all the bodies, beginning a simple cleanup and organization to begin the burial soon. The soldiers began working on organizing the objects that were scattered throughout the village. While carrying a bucket that was in the way, Joshua again heard a sound behind him. He stopped, looked, and saw rain, wind, boots... He then realized that his work was almost over.


    The soldiers managed to identify most of the bodies and buried them in a plain near the road as a sign of respect, with a memorial.


    Roland prepared his wagon with the important items and shouted for the guards to line up; the battalion was about to depart. Roland ran through the battalion, checking if everything was in order. When he reached the last man in line and saw that everything was okay, he ordered the march. The battalion began its march back. Roland then turned back to the village of Besen and, with a bitter taste in his mouth, silently questioned why such an atrocity had happened. As he turned to follow the battalion, a metallic sound crossed his mind, and he looked again at the city. The rain blurred his vision, and fatigue clouded his mind.


    Roland then turned back to the battalion, which was already distant. The sound of rain, the leaves, the almost inaudible lake��a silence prevailed.


    A metallic sound crossed his mind again; Roland turned and looked at the city. Then the sound repeated. Roland now knew it wasn''t just fatigue; he had really heard something.

 Chapter 3: "Sometimes you just need to believe.”

    Leo''s eyelids fluttered open, and he found himself on a stretcher, being carried away from the ruins of Besen by two soldiers.


    ��Hmm? Where��?" Trying to sit up, he felt nauseous as his head throbbed. He felt the world spin as he regained his memories of the terrible days before, causing his mind to fail. "Ahhh..." he grunted.


    He didn''t recognize the faces around him. Everything was a blur. Then he saw him. A sturdy man, his hand resting reassuringly on Leo''s arm, a uniquely designed helmet glinting in the dawn light. Their gazes locked, and Leo''s heart pounded in his chest, a spark of recognition, a flicker of hope in the man''s eyes.


    Roland remained at Leo��s side, desperate to ask him what happened, but he could see the boy was in no condition to talk.


    ��Easy there, lad. We''re the good guys. We pulled you out of that pit. You��re safe now. You can trust us. Rest.�� Roland said softly, his voice rough with exhaustion but tinged with a strange mix of relief and sorrow.


    Leo closed his eyes, the knot of tension in his stomach loosening slightly. Safe. For now, at least. But the images, the screams, still echoed in his mind. He remained lost in thought, the weight of what he��d been through slowly receding, granting him a sliver of much-needed respite. Fear and death had been his constant companions for days.


    However, a question persistently gnawed at him, forcing its way to the forefront. He had to know. A deep longing rose within him: he needed to know if his mother��s body had been found; he yearned to honor her memory, to say a final, heartbreaking farewell. But his voice was hoarse, his body ravaged by hunger and fatigue, yet he desperately tried to convey his need to know about his mother.


    With trembling hands, Leo unclasped the golden necklace and offered it to Roland. Intrigued, Roland accepted the pendant and scrutinized it. He carefully opened a tiny locket attached to the chain, revealing a miniature portrait of a young Leah in a beautiful gown. Her radiant smile, captured in the portrait, sent a fresh wave of grief through Leo.


    Roland''s face drained of color as he recognized the woman in the portrait. After a moment, he regained his composure, but his gaze, when it snapped to Leo, was filled with a complex mix of emotions: pity, guilt, and a flicker of something akin to fear.


    ��Where did you get this pendant, lad?�� Roland demanded, his voice strained, his eyes searching Leo''s for answers.


    Leo strained to speak, his voice barely a whisper: "My mother... she gave it to me before... before it all happened.��


    ��Halt!�� Captain Roland roared, his voice cutting through the somber air. The two stretcher-bearers halted abruptly.


    Roland quickly instructed two guards, who were stationed a short distance away, to wrap Leah��s body in a shroud or any available cloth, stipulating that under no circumstances should the body be exposed. He watched them for a moment, his jaw clenched, then turned back to Leo, his expression unreadable.


    ��The decomposition is significant. She and this boy deserve some dignity,�� he explained quietly to the departing guards, more to himself than to them.


    Roland returned to those carrying Leo, kneeling beside the stretcher. He lowered his voice, almost to a whisper. He leaned in, his gaze intense. ��What you��ve heard here stays here. I presume you value your lives and the well-being of your families. Forget everything.�� His words, though soft, carried the weight of a mountain, a silent threat that hung heavy in the air.


    Turning his attention back to Leo, he continued, ��Listen carefully, lad. We need your testimony. In recognition of your miraculous survival, we will ensure your mother receives a burial near the tranquil gardens of Mount Lichtwelt��the most peaceful resting place she could have. It''s a place reserved for heroes, and your mother... she was a hero.��


    Leo, his throat tight with unshed tears, could only manage a small nod.


    Once he was settled in the wagon and they were ready to depart, the weight of his recent experiences pressed down on him like an unbearable burden, threatening to crush his spirit. A persistent wave of dizziness threatened to overwhelm him, yet even as he lay there, drifting in and out of consciousness, he watched the passing scenery blur by, and soon he spotted the graves of the villagers lining the edge of the lake ravine, some fifteen meters from the road.


    The soldiers had created simple memorials of stacked stones, marking each grave with a small six-pointed wooden star. To further identify the deceased, they had placed personal belongings found with each victim beside their respective stars.


    A single, fragile thought flickered in Leo''s mind: "I did it, Mother..." But it was quickly extinguished by a fresh wave of agony. He saw his father��s grave, and on it, Noah��s familiar straw hat impaled on the wooden marker. Two graves away, the soldiers instinctively surrounded a small, distinct grave with stones. Beside the wooden star lay a battered plushie, and the only thought that crossed Leo��s mind was...


    ��Lenny��...!


    A numbing cold spread through Leo''s chest, the world fading away, reality dissolving into a dreamlike haze. One question echoed in his mind. ��Why?��


    Standing beside Leo, Roland suddenly noticed a faint, rhythmic pulse of light emanating from the nape of Leo''s neck.


    ��A late awakening?" Roland thought, his heart pounding with sudden, inexplicable apprehension.


    ***


    <hr>


    Leo regained consciousness. He was sitting on his blanket in front of the window in a small, dimly lit room. The air smelled of stale sweat and dust. He realized he had fallen into a deep trance, and fragments of his past flickered within his shattered memory. It was already dawn; his head was still throbbing, but an uncontrollable fury boiled from the pit of his stomach, fueling a new, burning resolve. He was shaking uncontrollably.


    ��Bastards��!�� he whispered, clenching his fist tightly.


    In that instant, Leo resolved to go to the Guild House and become an Equalizer. Equalizers were the warriors who ventured to hunt and subdue the forces of the Leirions, but to be an Equalizer, one necessarily needed to be a Neumond. Leo had never wanted to take risks and live a life of adventure; he had always been a very peaceful person, but he simply could no longer contain his hatred for the Leirions.


    He needed to move, to act, to do something. As he emerged from his room, a modest, cramped space in a boarding house within the poorest district of Gothia, his eyes were drawn to the imposing ramparts of Gothia, rising in the distance.


    Gothia was a sprawling city within the realm of Dunkel, a sanctuary compared to the precarious existence of the villages strewn across the landscape. These hamlets could never grow too large, for they would inevitably draw the attention of the Leirions and fall victim to their brutal, unpredictable attacks. The great cities, on the other hand, paid a high price for their relative safety; massive stone walls were their only defense against the monstrous creatures drawn to their teeming populations, forcing their citizens to live in close quarters.


    Gothia itself was a city of three concentric circles, carved into the terrain surrounding a venerable hill. The lowest ring was home to the city��s poorest inhabitants, a chaotic mix of ramshackle slums and meager fields of rice, wheat, and potato. It was clear that this was the poorest part of the city, both socially and geographically. Simple huts of wood and straw huddled together along narrow, winding lanes, the residents toiling as farmers or seeking their fortunes in the trades of the wealthier districts.


    The middle ring, home to the more affluent citizens, showcased buildings of clay, cement, and gleaming marble. This was also reflected in their social status. Here resided prosperous farmers, influential merchants, and the city guard, alongside rows of cramped tenements for unmarried laborers. Northward, within this middle ring, lay the vibrant heart of Gothia��s commerce, anchored by the magnificent Guild House��a towering structure adorned with gold leaf and graced by a private garden, where the city''s elite often gathered.


    The highest and smallest of the three districts was reserved for the elite: nobles, rulers, and high-ranking military officers. The opulent residences, uniformly white, boasted intricate sculptures and lush gardens, standing in stark contrast to the lack of greenery in the lower districts. The spaciousness between the houses clearly reflected the elevated status of their occupants, as well as the social division within Gothia.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    After arriving in Gothia, Leo had received a stipend of three silver coins each month. He didn��t know the source of this income, but it allowed him to pursue his studies independently and purchase a few books. Although he never aspired to become an Equalizheroes, possessed a keen curiosity about ELEVs and a considerable understanding of the Neumonds. Leo believed that one day he might find a way to utilize his ELEV skills professionally rather than as an Equalizer.


    After achieving his majority, Leo no longer received financial assistance and was left to support himself. The amount was far from being something large; he could at most pay the rent and buy dry bread. So from early on, Leo tried his livelihood on the streets of Gothia.


    Because he chose to work informally and have a life of almost extreme poverty, Leo was not well regarded by people of higher status in society; they judged him whenever they could. No one knew that Leo was a Neumond, and he had no idea of who his parents were, only that he had the lineage. The incident in the village of Besen was never discussed after his testimony. Captain Roland sent him the silver coins but never had any contact with Leo. The only information Leo obtained was that he had Neumond lineage, not that they could hide it from him anyway.


    Leo made his way towards the Guild House, situated in Gothia''s central district, marked by a spacious plaza with a central fountain ringed by numerous vendor stalls selling wares of all kinds. At the far end of the square stood a massive structure of stone, accented with gold, resembling a grand cathedral; this was the Gothia Guild House headquarters.


    Leo carried a pouch heavy with coins he��d saved over the past few years, hoping this would secure him the necessary support within. His studies had taught him that every major city boasted a Guild House, each controlled by the local government and dedicated to assisting the Neumonds in their fight against the Leirions, including purchasing soul stones and other spoils of their hunts.


    Stepping into the central hall, Leo was struck by its immense interior. White and red banners hung from the rafters, while stained-glass windows depicted scenes of knights locked in combat with fearsome beasts. The furniture was rustic yet refined, crafted from polished wood, and massive marble pillars supported the vaulted ceiling. A mural on the ceiling portrayed the three Primordials: Lyra, wielding a shadow dagger; Lauv, grasping a halberd of black silver; and Libby, summoning a bolt of lightning amidst the chaos of battle. The polished marble floor mirrored the entire scene. Circular tables draped with white cloths provided space for discussions between counselors and Neumonds. At the far end, a service counter with ornate cast-iron grilles separated clients from attendants, and a small chest provided for transactions. Here, exceptionally rare items were traded, items too valuable and potentially destabilizing to be sold on the open market.


    While the place wasn''t particularly bustling, it wasn''t empty either. Leo quickly counted about fourteen attendants in matching, upscale uniforms and roughly twenty patrons, judging by their weaponry and combat attire.


    A woman in her mid-20s approached, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun to highlight the straight lines on her face; she was giving him a disapproving look.


    ��Are you... lost? May I help you?" She asked, a subtle emphasis on the "lost" word.


    ��I��m not lost,�� Leo replied, his voice even and steady. ��I��m here for the Guild House entrance exam.��


    ��Sir,�� she said, her tone dripping with condescension, ��are you quite sure? You understand that one requires both wealth and Neumond blood to even be considered?��


    She paused, her eyes raking him from head to toe.


    ��A lack of either simply makes your presence here... inappropriate,�� she finished pointedly.


    "Don''t you really know how to be cordial?" Leo hated being prejudged. "The A-DMIS-SION E-XAM, please?" He emphasized the syllables strongly.


    "Follow me, please." She shrugged. "My name is Silica, spelled like the sand. I will be your hostess today, sir. Could you show me the money? It''s 30 silver coins for admission." She said as she walked through the hall.


    Silica was a pretty formal woman. Her height was average; she had black eyes, black hair, a slender body, and a common face. She wore a light green silk dress that was tight enough to show her curves, had a sexy walk, and a strong personality.


    ��Here.�� Leo thrust the money at her, his expression a clear indication of his displeasure.


    ��Thank you, Mr....?�� she asked, a subtle lift of her eyebrow.


    ��Leonard. Leo will do.��


    ��Mr. Leonard,�� she said smoothly, ��the Guild Houses are entrusted with the care of the Neumonds��a burgeoning branch of humanity��and thus, we safeguard the future of all mankind. Any questions you��d like to ask?��


    ��I��m good,�� Leo mumbled with a shrug.


    ��As you wish.�� Silica turned and began to ascend a grand staircase.


    ��The testing chambers are up on the second floor,�� she announced over her shoulder, proceeding to explain the testing procedures as she walked.


    ��The test consists of three stages: capacity, energy, and potential. Upon completion, we''ll analyze your results and inform you of your status.��


    Leo simply nodded.


    ��Let��s hope your test isn��t a complete failure,�� Silica said with a tight smile.


    ��A failure? I am a Neumond,�� Leo retorted.


    ��Yes, but that doesn��t mean much. Some barely manage to achieve the senior officer rank; they lack the strength to hunt monsters on their own.��


    A heavy silence hung between them until they reached the testing room on the second floor.


    ��Mr. Leo, before we proceed with the test, I need you to verify your ELEV,�� she stated mechanically.


    ��Like this?�� Leo tilted his head, revealing his nape and focusing briefly, causing his ELEV to glow faintly.


    ��Alright, you may enter.�� She swiped a Guild access card to open the door.


    ��Your ELEV seems to be pulsing. Do you know why that is?�� She inquired, probing for information.


    ��Something about a late awakening..." Leo tried a guess.


    ��A late awakening? I��ve never heard of such a thing. Perhaps you��re simply defective.�� She concluded.


    ��Is everyone here as charming as you are?�� He replied sarcastically.


    It''s common knowledge that Neumonds awaken during childhood, usually between the ages of four and six, when their cognitive abilities begin to solidify alongside the development of their personality and emotional traits.


    ��You��re over twenty?�� she inquired.


    ��Yes����


    ��Then your lowest stats should be above twelve, and your highest around twenty. Don��t worry, even if they��re all around twelve, you can still land a decent position as a sergeant or battalion captain.��


    ��I will become an Equalizer, no matter the cost,�� Leo stated firmly.


    ��Alright, Mr. Future Equalizer,�� she said with a hint of irony. "Please take a seat in that chair. I��ll retrieve the assessment device.��


    Silica retrieved a magical box and unlocked it with a specialized key. From within, she produced a magical device with a small mana-infused crystal display. Using a mana brush, she inscribed Leo��s name onto the device��s base; the inscription promptly vanished as the device activated.


    "Relax; it won��t hurt, but you need to focus,�� Silica instructed.


    She then placed the device against the back of Leo��s neck, triggering his ELEV. Leo felt a slight tingling sensation, a warmth spreading from the base of his neck. The air around him seemed to shimmer faintly. Several arcane symbols materialized on the crystal screen, but after only a few seconds, the screen abruptly cracked, and the device ceased to function.


    ��Did something go wrong?�� Silica wondered aloud, considering possible causes.


    ��Could the device have run out of mana?�� An ELEV reading typically took thirty to forty seconds.


    ��I��ll fetch a newer model, one designed by the Magic Tower. It��s far more sensitive. Please wait here, Mr. Leo.�� Silica disappeared through a door marked ��Special Storage.��


    Three minutes elapsed.


    ��Let��s try this again, Mr. Leo.��


    ��Okay���� Leo replied calmly as always.


    She reactivated the device, and this time, an intense, alternating yellow and white light revealed his ELEV. Leo felt a surge of energy, a feeling of suppressed power yearning to be unleashed. His nape became numb, and for a few seconds, his mind went blank.


    Thirty seconds later, it emitted a sharp beep, signaling the completion of the reading.


    "Wow��!�� Leonard shook his head, feeling light-headed.


    ��I��ll retrieve your profile; one moment, Mr. Leo,�� she said, ignoring him.


    Leo found himself filled with a newfound curiosity about his own capabilities. He hadn��t experienced such a rush of joy in ages; the rhythm of his once dull existence had become all too familiar. Now, everything seemed poised to change, even if it was in a way he��d never imagined. His ordinary existence was about to come to an end.


    Silica returned and handed him his status and Guild House membership card.


    Doubt clouded Leo''s eyes as he searched for answers within, but his mind offered nothing. He met Silica''s gaze and found her just as incredulous. A wave of anxiety washed over Leo; he felt isolated, possibly unique in the world, but the question died on his lips; he wasn''t brave enough to ask. Silica remained frozen.

 Chapter 4: "The loser and the dummy”

    Leo stared at the card.


    Profile Stats / Guild House Membership Card


    Name: Leonard


    Surname: Winston


    Rank: Iron


    Strength: 4


    Agility: 6


    Cognition: 5


    Constitution: 5


    Mentality: 6


    Characteristic: Divergent.


    -Unable to track battle traces-


    -Affinity synthesis error detected-


    Leo stared at the results sheet, utterly bewildered. Nothing made sense; it contradicted everything Silica had told him. He wordlessly extended the card towards her, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and desperation, expressing a clear plea for an explanation.


    ��What the...?�� Leo exclaimed, taking the card, her usual composure faltering for the first time. ��Don��t pin this on me. I am just as perplexed as you are.


    ��Are you sure?�� Leo was devastated and spoke in an almost inaudible voice.


    Until now, I have never witnessed anything comparable. Your readings are comparable to a Neumond child of six. Right now, you��re barely any stronger than a baseline human. In all my six years working with the Guild, I��ve never seen anything like it.�� She wasn''t believing the facts.


    "But... is it absolutely correct?�� Leo stammered, his voice trembling slightly.


    ��Absolutely, Sir. I checked it three times myself,�� she asserted, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in her voice.


    "So... what now?�� he asked, a note of despair creeping into his voice.


    ��It''s plain and simple: as you are now, you��re screwed. There��s nothing you can do about it with these stats.�� She offered a dismissive shrug.


    Leo felt his legs weaken, and he leaned against the wall for support. His carefully constructed plans, his dreams of vengeance, all crumbled to dust. A common soldier? That was the last thing he''d imagined. He hadn''t even made it to the rank of a low officer.


    He swallowed hard, trying to regain control. He remembered his mother''s words, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." He forced a bittersweet smile, but the sadness in his eyes was undeniable.


    For a moment, he questioned why he kept going, trying, and even living. Then, the promise to his mother resurfaced in his mind��the desperate need to be worthy of surviving Besen when so many others, including his own parents, hadn''t.


    "Mr. Leo, perhaps I can help you..." Silica said softly, her earlier condescending tone replaced by something akin to genuine concern. She seemed to have been unexpectedly touched by his plight. Her usual icy demeanor seemed to have melted, just a little.


    "Yes?�� he asked, a flicker of hope appearing in his eyes.


    "The Guild House gives new Neumonds a Starter Kit as a gift for their adventures; it''s not much, but it helps those who are starting out."


    "And what exactly is a starter kit?" He asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.


    "A weapon of your choice, a backpack, and camping tools," she replied.


    "Yeah, this will help me a lot," he said, looking at her with a deadpan expression. "With making a barbecue in my yard," he gritted his teeth. "How do you expect me to face the world if I''m a loser?".


    "I''m sorry, I''m just trying to help." Her voice softened again. She shrank back but continued. "There''s one more thing, Mr. Leo."


    ��You��re not telling me this comes with a clown suit, right?�� Leo muttered through clenched teeth, his attempt at humor falling flat.


    ��Mr. Leo, I��m serious. Please. You could take the growth potential assessment. "It is not much, but it could provide a ray of hope," she said earnestly. She nibbled on her lower lip.


    "Or it might be the final straw," he remarked. "But maybe... maybe having absolutely nothing to lose is the driving force I need." A wry smile tugged at his lips as he sighed, a spark of defiance flickering in his eyes.


    ��Great! Let��s do it, Mr. Leo!�� Silica��s face lit up at his agreement, a genuine smile replacing her earlier formality.


    They exited the admissions testing room and walked a short distance to another chamber. This one felt different, more scientific. This one was slightly larger, containing a treadmill alongside a peculiar, magical contraption with numerous tubes connected to a central sphere and a mask dangling nearby.


    ��That��s��definitely weird���� Leo muttered, his eyes fixated on the strange machine. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease.


    ��This machine measures your metabolism, but the mages at the tower have discovered that it can also gauge your growth potential using mana signatures.��


    Humbra��s philosophy defined two forms of cause and effect in Neumond assessments: potentiality and actuality. One determined where someone could potentially end up, while the other measured their current level of development.


    ��Right��But what do I have to do?�� Leo asked, his apprehension growing.


    ��Simply put on the breathing mask and walk on the treadmill for five minutes,�� Silica replied with a reassuring smile. She gestured towards the equipment.


    Leo remained hesitant, his gaze darting between the strange machine and Silica''s expectant face. But with no other options available, he resigned himself to the process. He climbed onto the treadmill and secured the mask over his face, the long tubes hissing softly as they connected to the strange device. He took off at a fast pace, his heart pounding in his chest. Silica pressed a lever, causing a series of glowing runes to appear around the machine, bathing the room in ethereal light.


    ��Rest assured, Mr. Leo,�� Silica said. ��This test is strictly confidential. Revealing the results is forbidden. It��s for your eyes only. I won��t even glance at them. I��ll hand you the results directly, sealed and untampered.��


    Unable to voice his growing apprehension, Leo simply raised his shoulders in a silent ��Why?��


    She didn''t need to explain. The answer was obvious. Imagine if others knew the full extent of your capabilities��envy, predatory investments, strategic manipulation, injustice, and even targeted harassment could follow. Such information was dangerous in the wrong hands.


    After five agonizing minutes had elapsed, Leo gradually decreased his pace until the machine finally whirred to a stop. He took off the mask, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    Silica reached into the machine and pulled out a small, folded slip of paper, its edges slightly singed from the process. She then passed it to Leo, her hand lingering for a moment as if she were reluctant to part with it.


    ��Here��s your result. As you can see, it��s folded, so I honestly can��t see it,�� she said, her usual nonchalance faltering slightly.


    Leo took the paper with trembling hands and unfolded it to read:


    Growth Potential: ?


    Holy sh��! Cough, cough! - Leo blurted out a genuine curse, then began coughing, his breath catching in his throat as he stared at the unbelievable pentagram.


    ��Excuse me, I... I choked,�� he gasped, trying to regain his breath.


    ��Could you tell me what the potential levels are?�� He had to know, had to understand what this meant.


    ��You��re piquing my curiosity, Mr. Leo,�� Silica said with a sincere smile.


    Silica explained that the potential rankings ranged from F, E, D, C, B, A, S, to S+. Leo wrestled with the urge to ask what a pentagram ranking meant but restrained himself. Such a question would be exceedingly dangerous, and he suspected it was information beyond her knowledge.


    Leo decided to take a gamble.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ��Has there ever been a rating lower than F? Perhaps a G?�� he ventured.


    ��Never in the entire history of the Fros continent.��


    ��Or anything higher than an S+?�� This was the real question he wanted to ask.


    ��There��s nothing cataloged beyond S+, at least not officially. However, since this is a purely private assessment, our records aren��t comprehensive. I can only offer information based on studies of those who have chosen to share their results,�� she concluded.


    Leo nodded in agreement.


    He felt a surge of hope, a thrill coursing through his veins. This... this could be it. This could be the key to everything. Leo was inwardly elated, convinced that his result was something truly special, at least a glimmer of hope for his otherwise bleak stats.


    He thanked Silica for everything she had done, and she offered him the chance to pick up some weapons and a starter kit from the warehouse, which he readily accepted. Since Leo��s stats weren��t all clear, he couldn��t decide on a battle class��at least not yet. He then chose two short swords and a survival kit along with a backpack.


    She also explained the Equalizer rankings: Iron > Bronze > Silver > Gold > Platinum > Titanium > Diamond. Advancing through the ranks depended on their accomplishments, spoils earned, reputation, and stats card. The requirements for advancement should be checked at the Guild House, as market fluctuations occurred due to the inconsistent flow of Equalizers and spoils.


    As Silica escorted him to the door, she explained that Neumonds evolved through training, not solely by hunting leirions. Even if Neumond only focused on weight training, their strength would improve. To enhance magic, practice with mana was necessary, while unique abilities could be improved simply by using them or meditating. Hunting leirions logically accelerated growth significantly due to the combat experience, stress, and pushing the body to its limits.


    After all the preparations, Leo left the Guild House and headed towards the training grounds; he needed some basic instruction to fight, even if it came from the guards.


    Upon leaving the Guild House, the training grounds were close by, and since many novice Neumonds trained there, it was the most convenient option.


    Leo was starving; he hadn''t eaten properly in days. To keep up his training plans, he needed to eat, so he used his pocket money��about 50 copper coins��to buy some bread. The leftovers of the meal he saved into his backpack.


    In Humbra, 100 copper coins were equivalent to 1 silver coin, 100 silver coins to 1 gold coin, and 100 gold coins to 1 platinum coin. A typical person��s daily expenses rarely exceeded one gold coin; average prices generally ranged from bronze to silver.


    Arriving at the training grounds, Leo felt self-conscious due to the many stronger people training there. He looked for a more secluded spot but couldn��t find one. So, he chose the first straw dummy he felt comfortable using.


    He dropped his backpack to the ground and drew his two swords. ��Time to see what this pentagram potential is all about!�� he thought, his heart racing with anticipation, a nervous energy buzzing beneath his skin.


    He gripped the hilts of his new swords, the leather cool against his palms. Leo charged forward, the sound of his swords meeting the dummy echoing through the training grounds, but it wasn''t a good strike; it was a dry and weird dull thud. He stumbled, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. He felt a shiver run down his spine, even a brief urge to urinate��it was an extremely clumsy display, an embarrassing sight to behold. Leo��s hands trembled with each swing, and his swords nearly flew from his grip. Within minutes, the others at the training grounds had nicknamed him the ��dummy fairy�� due to his light hits and awkward swings.


    He persisted until nightfall, continuing to strike the dummy without any technique, flow, or rhythm. By the end of the day, his arms were shaking and his hands were sore and blistered, but he remained focused. He believed that if he kept at it, his pentagram potential would somehow work wonders. He was completely mistaken. Training without technique provides little benefit; it��s a waste of time. He might get somewhere, but not before he starved to death with no money.


    Leo persevered for three days, dedicating fourteen hours a day to his training with minimal breaks. At the end of the third night, a man with gray hair but who wasn''t too old came up to Leo and asked him.


    "What are you up to, lad?" The mysterious soldier walked closer.


    "Training! Argh���� Leo lunged at the dummy, his swords flashing, but the attack was poorly executed. He lost his balance and stumbled, falling to the ground with a grunt.


    "To me, it looks like you''re just beating up your knuckles and getting schooled by this dummy," the man grinned.


    Leo sprawled on the ground and felt a wave of frustration wash over him. He was tired, hungry, and his body ached.


    "What else can I do? I don''t have money for food, let alone a teacher," Leo sighed.


    "I can give you some pointers, lad. I''ve seen you here for three days straight, sweating it out; a lot of people would have quit already," the man said.


    "I''m broke. Forget about it," Leo shot back, avoiding the man''s gaze.


    ��You don��t need to pay me; these are just some pointers from a tired old man.�� The man drew his great longsword from his back. ��As it happens, we��re both swordsmen...��.


    The man stepped forward with his right foot and turned swiftly, masterfully. His sword traced a perfect, incredibly fast arc above his head, seeming to pass just by the dummy. A second later, the dummy split cleanly in two diagonally, like a hot knife through butter.


    ��Holy cow! That��s incredibly strong!�� Leo exclaimed, quickly sitting up, startled, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    The man let out a satisfying laugh as he sheathed his sword, then offered Leo a hand up.


    At that moment, Leo finally met the knight��s eyes, and a rush of both doubt and comforting warmth filled his heart. Although he had seen him only once, long ago, he knew he would never forget his savior��s face now that his memories had returned.


    Roland, the knight with the stern countenance and gray hair that reached his ears, personified discipline and austerity. His eyes, cold and sharp like the blade he wielded, seldom revealed any emotion other than the unwavering determination of a seasoned warrior. Around sixty years old, he maintained a firm posture and the strength of a man in his prime, commanding respect with every step. Behind the impenetrable armor and stoic facade, he concealed a solitary heart, open only to those, like Leo, who earned his trust through perseverance and simplicity.


    ��Roland��?�� Leo asked, startled.


    ��Oh! You remember! Hahaha!�� Roland gave another hearty laugh.


    ��My memories have just returned,�� Leo said.


    ��That��s wonderful, lad! I never approached you after you lost your memory; I was afraid you��d remember that hellish day.��


    ��And so as I did, I couldn''t run away from it anymore; it was difficult to keep living.�� Leo lowered his gaze. ��But thank you for everything, Roland; you saved my life. I am eternally grateful,�� Leo said, extending his hand for a handshake.


    Roland just ignored the handshake and side hugged Leo, saying, ��We��ve still got a lot to talk about, but let��s just train for now!�� and he laughed again. ��I��m so glad you took the Neumond path.��


    Roland was super cheerful and happy with Leo right then, totally different from how he remembered him that awful day. What could''ve changed? Leo wondered.


    ��Three days ago, I was training my guys when I saw you show up. You looked like a ballerina with that dummy, lad! Hahaha!�� Roland was cracking up.


    ��Meh���� Leo��s face kind of scrunched up in a funny way, a mix of embarrassment and self-deprecation.


    "Look, lad, go home and get some rest. I��m gonna train you myself tomorrow!��


    ��Why are you doing this for me, Mr. Roland?��


    ��Everything has its time. Just take it when a senior��s offering you a hand,�� he said, turning around.


    ��Yeah���� Leo said, but he still hadn��t really processed it. It all felt too good to be true.


    Roland waved goodbye to Leo over his shoulder as he walked off. Leo was alone again, lost in thought about the whole thing, when he heard some whispering that snapped back to attention. Two guards were wrapping up their training and gossiping about what just happened.


    ��Have you ever seen Tiger Roland this happy before?��


    ��Never. I even thought he was the devil��s right-hand man!��


    ��Keep it down, you wanna die?��


    Leo thought, ��So he��s not really like that... that��s weird. But still, I better be careful.��


    Leo then grabbed his stuff and headed back home.


    The next day, Leo wanted to get to the training grounds super early. He jumped out of bed, scarfed down a piece of hard bread, and washed it down with a big gulp of water. He grabbed his stuff and took off, feeling pretty pumped.


    When he got to the training grounds, everyone stared at Leo and started whispering and laughing.


    ��Oh! The dummy��s fairy is here.��


    ��Indeed, the little Wendy doesn��t give up����lots of laughter in the background.


    Leo ignored them, his gaze fixed on his destination. He hung his head and kept walking to his dummy when a voice like a huge thunderclap boomed across the whole training grounds.


    ��SILENCE!��


    Roland bellowed, activating his battle aura. A palpable, killing intent emanated from him, and all those who were not Neumonds kneeled before the immense pressure of his power. It was akin to an alpha wolf asserting dominance over his pack.


    ��Everyone, return to training! Not another sound!�� Roland commanded.


    In unison, all the guards present responded to their duty.


    ��YES, SIR!��


    Roland held the rank of captain and, holding such a high rank, logically a Neumond. It was a significant demonstration of strength for someone whose ELEV possesses the trait of physical enhancement.


    Roland approached Leo and was about to greet him with a handshake, but things did not proceed as he had intended.


    The training grounds were used not only by the guard but also by other Neumonds from the Guild House. There was a distinct tension between the army Neumonds and the Equalizers; they were not on good terms. The Equalizers believed that the army Neumonds only earned their titles because they were not strong enough to fight the Leirions alone, necessitating a battalion for support��they were considered weak.


    Several of them disliked Roland��s display and were unimpressed by his battle aura, making a few unpleasant comments.


    ��Who does that old gorilla think he is?�� one of them said.


    ��Don��t these army superiors have any respect for the Equalizers?�� another added.


    ��The weak never know their place,�� another muttered.


    Roland, also known as the Devil''s Arm, felt his blood boiling. The truth was that Roland was far from weak. Roland��s past was shrouded in mystery, and he certainly did not choose to be the army captain; he was simply placed there to control him.


    Roland changed the direction of his hand, which had been reaching out to greet Leo, and instead drew his sword from his back. A sudden aura enveloped him, and with a swift, vertical upward motion, his sword produced a blade of energy that cut across the entire training ground for over 50 meters, leaving a deep but narrow trench in the ground.


    He had not struck anyone physically, but he had psychologically shattered the confidence of the Equalizers present. It was a clear display of power that no one there could equal or even question.


    ��Anything else?�� Roland said calmly, his voice dangerously quiet.


    A chilling silence descended upon the training ground.


    ��Good, very good, back to work!�� he concluded.


    ��Are you good, lad?�� Roland asked.


    Leo stood there watching everything unfold, not even blinking. He had never seen a Neumond demonstrate such battle prowess before, and his world seemed to brighten in that instant. Somehow, Leo knew that Roland wasn''t trying to show himself; he was just protecting him from the ceaseless bullying. He could only nod, speechless, his heart still pounding from the display of power.

 Chapter 5: "Mount Lichtwelt never mess up”

    Leo was sweating buckets, his muscles screaming in protest, as he tried to follow Roland''s instructions. His two short swords flashed through the air, quick and shiny, but his movements lacked the skill and flow of a real swordsman. Roland stuck his greatsword in the ground and leaned on the pommel, watching him closely, as firm and unshakeable as an old oak tree.


    "Again," Roland said.


    Leo had lost count of how many times he''d done these drills over the past week. Roland was a tough teacher, as tough as they come. He was famous for a reason, and now Leo was finding out why. He felt like a clumsy child, his movements awkward and unrefined compared to the effortless grace of his teacher.


    "Focus, lad," Roland said, his voice resonating across the training grounds. "Swordsmanship is not simply brute strength. It needs to be as fluid and powerful as the mountain wind, unstoppable and focused."


    Leo, panting heavily, attempted a strike, but Roland swiftly corrected him. Leo''s blades were fast, but Roland, with his years of experience, could read his movements and consistently anticipate the young apprentice''s mistakes.


    "Your stance," Roland corrected, his voice firm. "You are planted like a fragile shrub, ready to be uprooted by the slightest breeze, let alone an experienced opponent." He pointed his sword at Leo''s feet. "Imagine yourself with strong roots anchoring you to the earth. Maintain focus on your legs; they are your foundation. Strive to be a mighty oak, unyielding and powerful, not a delicate balsam fir."


    With the fluid grace of a predator, Roland moved, his greatsword whistling through the air like the wind, causing the nearby trees'' leaves and branches to dance in response. Even though it was a massive weapon, it seemed to move effortlessly in his hands, an extension of his own body. He moved back and forth, his greatsword a silver flash in the morning sun, the air humming with each swing. Leo tried to mirror him, but his movements were clumsy, his short swords trembling in his grip. He struggled to emulate Roland��s effortless flow, his own motions stiff and uncertain.


    "Better," Roland said, "but you still have a lot to learn. You need to be flexible like water, lad. Adapt. Flow with the movements; don''t fight against them. Water can be calm and still like a lake or raging like a waterfall. Find your rhythm, your own flow, but never stop moving."


    Roland stopped, his gaze dropping to the ground, where Leo''s shadow stretched long and distorted in the morning light. "Look, even your shadow moves with the sun," Roland said, his voice softer now. "Nothing in nature remains static. Swordsmanship is about movement, about embracing the flow of life itself."


    "But how can that be the same?" Leo asked, incredulous. "I use two short swords; you wield a greatsword. They''re completely different."


    ��The fundamentals of swordsmanship are the same,�� Roland explained. ��What differs is what you aspire to achieve through your swordsmanship. Even if your style is based on speed and agility, your stance must be firm, a solid anchor for your movements. Even if your attacks seem light, they must flow together, seeking the opening, the lethal point. The answer, Leo, lies not just in how you move but in the fluidity, the control, and the stability of your movements."


    Leo nodded slowly, trying to absorb each word, his mind struggling to grasp the deeper meaning. He looked down at his short swords, trying to see them not as mere weapons but as extensions of his own body��light as air, fluid as water, ready to move as he willed them.


    He took a deep breath, feeling the sun��s warmth on his skin, the solid earth beneath his feet, and the cool breeze against his face. He would use all of it, he resolved, to his advantage. He would become one with his surroundings, like Roland said.


    Roland placed a hand on Leo��s shoulder, a surprisingly gentle touch for such a hardened warrior. ��You have potential, lad. But potential is like a seed; it needs to be cultivated and nurtured with dedication and patience if it''s to grow into something strong. Continue practicing, keep pushing yourself, and one day you will flourish, I have no doubt.��


    "First you put me through hell, and now you say something so kind?�� Leo smiled��a genuine smile, the first one to truly reach his eyes in what felt like an eternity. In that instant, a spark of hope ignited within him, and he felt a profound connection with Roland, a sense of trust he hadn''t felt for anyone else since Besen.


    "HAHAHAHA!�� Roland roared with laughter, sheathing his greatsword with a decisive clang. Before turning away, he clapped Leo on the back, a gesture of camaraderie that conveyed a powerful message. He stopped a short distance away and locked his gaze on Leo, his eyes piercing, searching.


    Leo, emboldened by Roland''s words and by the strange, exhilarating feeling that had bloomed within him during their spar, met his instructor��s intense gaze. His own eyes shone with newfound determination, a silent promise passing between them.


    He felt the weight of the analogy, the profound wisdom in Roland��s words, and a surge of resolve filled him. He was ready��ready to embrace the arduous journey ahead. One day, no matter how distant it seemed, he would become a warrior worthy of Roland''s faith in him. He would honor his teachings; he would seize the opportunities given to him, and he would avenge those he had lost.


    A sudden understanding dawned on Leo. Swordsmanship wasn''t just fighting; it was like a dance, a fluid conversation between two bodies, two wills. And he was starting to get it, starting to feel the rhythm. He felt like he should stop overthinking and just let the movements flow; let the countless hours of practice take over, trusting his instincts.


    Roland, sensing a change in Leo, raised his greatsword, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Now this is the real deal," Roland said, his voice low and serious. "Don''t hold back. Attack me, and remember everything I taught you. Be like the wind, be like water, be like a tree, rooted and unyielding."


    ��Be the dance itself,�� Leo whispered, more to himself than to Roland.


    A flicker of a smile crossed Roland''s lips, impressed. He could see a change in Leo, a new understanding in his eyes. ��A dance, huh... Interesting. Has the kid finally found his path?�� He thought to himself.


    Roland settled into his fighting stance, his greatsword held ready. ��Come!�� he commanded, his voice ringing with challenge.


    Taking a deep breath, Leo drew his short swords. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the blades in his hands, the cool air on his skin, the solid ground beneath his feet. Then, opening his eyes, he took his first step, not as a clumsy novice but as a dancer stepping onto the stage.


    Following his epiphany, he moved with a newfound focus, his entire being committed fully to the action. It was as if a switch had been flipped within him. A tunnel of focus narrowed his vision; to Leo, everything slowed, each movement, each breath, occurring with remarkable clarity and precision. He sprinted toward Roland, and as he drew near, he felt a surge of energy, a power he hadn''t known he possessed, coursing through his legs. He propelled himself forward, his short swords crossing in an X-shaped cut, aimed at Roland��s neck, targeting the jugular and aorta��a purely instinctive action, born from a desperate need to prove himself.


    At the last possible moment, Roland, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly, raised his greatsword, deflecting the attack with a practiced ease. A metallic clang echoed loudly, drawing the attention of everyone present.


    Leo was thrown aside and rolled across the ground from the force of the impact. He was left breathless and bewildered. "Why did Roland wait until the last moment to block my attack?" He wondered, his mind racing.


    Roland just stood there for a bit, trying to figure out what just happened. He had seen something in that attack, something beyond mere skill or technique. It was as if the boy had momentarily transcended his limitations. He remembered Leo showing him his stats card��he��d never seen such weak stats in his life. So, what the heck just happened? He looked at Leo, his gaze intense, searching. His eyes were like burning red.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ��Sorry, Mr. Roland, I got a little too into it,�� Leo said, trying to get up, but his legs wouldn��t work. He felt drained and exhausted, as if he had run a marathon.


    ��What the heck was that?�� Roland muttered, more to himself than to Leo.


    Leo just couldn��t understand it. To him, it felt like what he always did, just a little more focused this time. However, Roland was completely unaware of Leo''s ability to cover such a vast expanse and launch an attack in such a short amount of time.


    ��What��s the secret behind that, lad?�� Roland asked him, his voice low and serious.


    ��I didn��t do anything more than what you already taught me, Mr. Roland,�� Leo said, rubbing his legs, trying to get the feeling back into them.


    ��You got nothing else to tell me? You sure?�� Roland was super serious.


    Leo thought about whether he should trust Roland and tell him about his growth potential. Roland had been like a Guardian Angel to him so far, so he figured it was okay to tell him. Leo then took a small crumpled piece of Guild House magic paper, printed by a magical device, out of his pocket and gave it to Roland.


    Roland took the paper and saw it was from the Guild House. Roland opened the paper and read ��Growth Potential: ?." It got quiet between them, just the sound of other people training in the background. Roland gave the paper back to Leo, stuck his sword in the ground, and squatted down next to Leo.


    ��Does anyone else know about this?�� Roland frowned, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ��Nope����


    ��Don��t tell anyone else about it; burn that paper,�� he said quietly.


    "A pentagram potential? Was all that stuff he��d heard way back when true?" Roland was struggling to comprehend the situation. He then looked at Leo��s chest, and there was his mom��s pendant. A memory stirred within him��a face he hadn''t thought of in years.


    ��Lad, we��re done for today; you can��t even get up," Roland said, checking on Leo. He had clearly overexerted himself, pushing his body beyond its limits.


    Some people were watching and talking about Leo��s performance. How had the guy gotten so much better in just ten days? Leo was still tiny compared to the Neumonds, who woke up when they were supposed to, but what just happened was totally out of the blue, even if they didn��t know about Leo��s stats.


    Roland overheard several people commenting that small sparks had been observed emanating from Leo��s feet as he launched his attack. He questioned whether it was merely an optical illusion or the result of excessive friction, as any other explanation seemed impossible.


    ��Beginning tomorrow, we will train in the Vulture Forest outside of Gothia. With your GHMC (Guild House Membership Card), we can leave the city; it will be much safer to train away from prying eyes. I will protect you there,�� Roland stated, formulating plans while considering the situation. He knew that Leo''s secret wouldn''t stay hidden for long.


    ��Very well,�� Leo agreed, trusting Roland completely.


    Barely able to stand, he bid farewell to Roland and walked slowly toward his home. During his walk, he reflected that he was finally controlling his life, yet everything felt somewhat perilous. The prevailing atmosphere he sensed today was one of distinct hostility��not from Roland but from the world around him. He felt like a deer, surrounded by enemies he couldn''t even see.


    Leo took a nice bath, chilled for a bit, and decided to go for a walk. Now that he had his GHMC, he could go to some places he couldn��t before. He put on his best clothes, even though they weren��t great, and left. He headed to the third district of Gothia, which was like the fancy part of town.


    Leah had been buried on Mount Lichtwelt like Roland promised Leo. It was a place where people who did great stuff got their final rest. Not everyone could go there, except for special events or if they had special permission.


    Leo went through the gates of the third district after the guards checked his ID. They told him to stay away from the main castle, but Leo said he was going to Mount Lichtwelt. When he got there, he was blown away by how beautiful it was. It was a huge garden of roses and flowers behind the main castle. There were tons of decorations and marble tombs, but it didn��t feel creepy at all��it really felt like a resting place in heaven.


    Leo got lost in that little maze, walking between tombs of heroes, kings, queens, and other important people. He read some names and what was written on the graves and kept walking. After a while, he found Leah��s grave. There was just a small marble plaque on the ground, and it said: ��Leah Winter��Mother, Heroine, may Lyra welcome you among the Seven Gods. �� She bravely passed away protecting Besen Village.��


    ��Winter? Who is Winter? My mom is Winston. Why did I lose my memories at that time?�� He sighed, a thousand unanswered questions swirling in his mind.


    Leo thought that couldn��t be any more generic. He wished he could��ve given his mom a better tribute, but he was happy she was buried with so many nobles and heroes. Gothia had given her proper respect for protecting the last survivor of Besen, Leo.


    After saying a quick prayer for his mom, Leo looked around and noticed that all the other tombs and headstones were less taken care of than Leah��s. He thought it was really weird. Who in Gothia would take care of the grave of a woman who died in a small village miles away?


    Putting that aside, he felt bad that he couldn��t even bring her a flower. Leo was totally broke and saving every penny just to eat; he��d been training this whole time without working at all.


    ��Sorry, Mom, I promise I��ll bring you some nice flowers next time,�� he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.


    A soft breeze smelling like the flowers there blew across Mount Lichtwelt, carrying colorful petals that spun as they fell. The sun going down made the sky all orange. In the middle of all that color, a sweet voice broke the silence:


    ��Someone special to you?��


    Leo turned around, startled. He didn��t even notice anyone else was there.


    Standing before him was a girl, radiant in the fading sunlight. He sees a girl in her light battle outfit, made of black leather that fits her perfectly, showing off her slim and athletic build. Tribal designs, in a bright crimson red like dried blood, were on the leather, telling stories of old traditions. The girl looked about eighteen or nineteen; her black hair was partly up in a fancy bun, but some loose hairs framed her face. The rest of her hair went down her back in a ponytail like a dark silk waterfall. Her face was small, and her nose was thin and cute, with a little upturn that made her look charming. Her mouth was small and full, with perfectly shaped red lips. Her light brown eyes were big and almond-shaped, like women from the East, with thin arched eyebrows that finished the picture.


    She gave a small smile when their eyes met, and a dimple popped out on her cheek.


    "Dimple��?�� Leo said, confused, a sudden, inexplicable sense of recognition washing over him.


    ��Hey?�� She giggled, her voice like the tinkling of bells.


    ��Oh, sorry�� I was just here. Leo totally blanked, his mind struggling to reconcile the beautiful stranger with the strange feeling of familiarity.


    ��Yeah, you were there, so?�� She teased him.


    Leo had never seen anyone so beautiful in his life. He was totally hypnotized; he thought she was like an angel of death since a beautiful garden in the middle of a graveyard had to mean something. Leo had high standards for beauty, but this girl was unreal.


    ��Oh, well, just visiting my mom... but why were you back there?�� Leo got himself together.


    ��I��m here to visit my dad, that one right there.�� She pointed to a marble tomb a few meters away.


    ��I get it. Sorry for your loss,�� Leo said sadly.


    ��It��s okay; it��s been a while,�� she said, thinking. ��By the way, I was the one taking care of your mom��s grave,�� she said.


    ��But��why?�� Leo asked, looking at her dad��s grave, which was also clean and nice.


    ��See here? It says, ��May Lyra welcome you.'' Only really special people get to have the names of the three Primordials on their gravestones. I thought your mom deserved it.��


    ��Thanks for that, but I don��t think she was that big of a deal to other people." Leo said, kind of sad.


    ��Mount Lichtwelt never mess up... think about it,�� the girl said as she turned to go.


    ��Wait, you didn''t tell me your name, please..." Leo asked cautiously.


    She turned back to him again, walking backward toward the exit, and said playfully.


    ��My name��s Evelyn... Don��t forget it," she smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    ��I won��t���� Leo said, confused. ��Mine��s����


    She cut him off.


    ��Leonard���� Evelyn finished as she walked faster and disappeared, leaving Leo alone in the twilight with more questions than answers.


    ��What? How did she��?�� Leo stood there dumbfounded, unable to comprehend anything.


    That day, Evelyn appeared as a gentle little kitten, charming her owner without leaving a trace, but she left after causing significant damage.

 Chapter 6: Vultures Forest Training

    Chapter 6: Vulture''s Forest Training


    Leo headed towards Gothia''s southern gate, his mind preoccupied with a multitude of concerns. He urgently needed money; he was eager to improve his swordsmanship, and he couldn''t stop thinking about the girl who knew his name. How could someone like him, lacking in strength, possibly survive in such a harsh world? At the moment, Leo''s mind was a chaotic jumble.


    "Halt there, citizen! State your purpose for leaving," one of the gate guards called out, bringing him back to the present.


    "Equalizer, Iron Rank," Leo presented his GHMC.


    "Ah, my apologies, Mr. Neumond. You may proceed," the soldier''s demeanor instantly changed upon seeing his Equalizer identification.


    Citizens were generally not allowed to leave Gothia without official permission, travel with a caravan, or sign a waiver acknowledging the risks involved. The world outside the city walls was simply too dangerous.


    Leo nodded to the guards and inquired, "Could you tell me the direction to Vulture Forest?"


    One guard exchanged a look with the other, both hesitant to respond. Finally, one of them spoke up.


    "Vulture Forest lies north along this road. It''s about an hour''s walk."


    "Thank y��"


    "However, sir," the guard interjected, "I wouldn''t go there if I were you. I mean, no disrespect, but we noticed you''re Iron Rank."


    "Yes, so?"


    "Sir, it''s called Vulture Forest for a reason. It''s close to Gothia, and many inexperienced Equalizers go there... and don''t return. Perhaps they''re too lazy to find a safer location, or perhaps they''re simply uninformed," the soldier concluded, a note of pity in his voice.


    "Vultures, is it?" Leo mused.


    "It''s a silver-rank zone, sir. Please exercise extreme caution," the guard concluded.


    "Thank you; I will," Leo replied.


    Leo had faith in Roland, so he wasn''t overly concerned about the danger. However, the prospect of walking alone to their meeting point for over an hour did make him uneasy. Bandits and the occasional Leirion were known to prey on lone travelers, and Leo was still quite weak.


    After a considerable walk, Leo reached a fork in the road with a small sign that read, "Beware! </> Lothar Village." Choosing the path that led away from the village, he soon noticed a dense wall of trees in the distance, marking the forest''s edge. It was a point of no return; once inside, there was no guarantee he would find his way back out.


    Leo took a deep breath and stepped into the forest. After walking about 15 meters, a hushed voice called out to him.


    "And where do you think you''re going? That confident, are we?" Roland said, stepping out from behind a tree.


    "I thought you wanted me to enter...".


    "Alone? That''s a good way to get yourself killed." Roland shrugged. "You didn''t even realize I was standing right here. You need to be more alert." Roland frowned.


    Leo lowered his head, chastised. They both proceeded into the forest. It was an incredibly dense woodland, with the sounds of animals and Leirions constantly echoing in the background. Roland instructed him to make as little noise as possible to avoid being ambushed. Vulture Forest was unforgiving; one mistake in this labyrinth of trees could be fatal. They needed to find a clearing where they could train in peace.


    "How do you know the way back, Mr. Roland?" Leo inquired, his tone barely above a whisper.


    "I have a magic compass. It always points towards Gothia."


    Magic compasses were exceptionally valuable items due to their complexity and the rarity of the materials required to create them. Only a select few possessed such a device. While ordinary compasses existed, having one that always pointed to a specific location, rather than simply north, was an incredibly useful and rare tool.


    After traversing the thick undergrowth for some time, they encountered a large pile of rocks with a flawless, enormous amethyst crystal embedded at its peak. Leo was amazed by the sight and briefly considered how much money he could make from it. He glanced at Roland, a question forming on his lips, but their eyes met, and Roland gave a subtle shake of his head, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He then placed a finger to his lips, silencing any further questions, and gestured for Leo to crouch down. He then followed suit.


    The two remained silent and hidden amongst the undergrowth, approximately 40 meters away from the mesmerizing crystal. Thirty seconds passed, and Leo was growing restless and confused. Just as he was about to ask Roland what was happening, a tremor shook the ground. Leo''s eyes widened in surprise, and he nearly gasped. Then, they witnessed the crystal slowly rise from the ground, gaining height until it towered 12 meters above them. A monstrous creature made of stone, branches, and moss slowly emerged, still sleepy from its slumber. It had a gorilla-like physique, radiating strength and power.


    It was a Rock Fractus, a unique species of troll that used its alluring crystal to attract unsuspecting humans for its next meal. It wasn''t inherently hostile, but it was territorial and easily provoked. As long as they kept their distance, they would be safe.


    The monster glanced at some branches near its awakening spot, plunged its hand into the ground, and excavated everything it could grasp. It then opened its massive maw and shoveled the debris inside. Two common hares could be seen amidst the mud, branches, and leaves, swallowed whole by the Fractus as a mere appetizer.


    This was the first time Leo had witnessed a Leirion in its natural habitat in such close proximity. Previously, he had only encountered deceased Leirions and the infamous Lycanthropes that had assaulted Besen village. He felt a surge of adrenaline and, for the first time, truly grasped what it meant to be a Neumond. Instead of fear, he felt a profound sense of distress; instead of terror, he felt an urge to press onward.


    They remained silent, observing the monster as it lumbered away, deeper into the forest. Each step the Fractus took caused the ground to tremble. Its colossal arms aided its gorilla-like gait, but it toppled trees and obliterated everything in its path. It was so gargantuan that within seconds, it had traversed a significant distance. Once it was far enough away, Roland rose to his feet.


    "Damn, lad, that was a Fractus. Be careful with those; one slap and you''ll be nothing but a memory," Roland quipped.


    "It was huge..." Leo was still frightened, his heart pounding in his chest.


    "That beautiful crystal you saw is worth a small fortune. The problem is getting your hands on it. It''s clearly a lure," Roland raised an eyebrow.


    Roland explained that it typically required a team of three or four Silver-rank Equalizers to hunt one down. Fractus were not to be trifled with. They were incredibly lucky to have seen one and escaped unharmed.


    Leo felt a surge of excitement. It was as if he was born for this life. He yearned to grow stronger, to fight every Leirion he encountered. He had found his purpose.


    After walking for another 15 minutes, they came across a clearing where they could finally train undisturbed. Equalizers sometimes appeared in clearings, drawn by the open space, making it easier to set up camp and defend against threats.


    Leo stretched a bit in preparation. Roland simply stood in the center of the clearing, bent down, picked up a handful of earth, smelled it, and seemed lost in thought.


    "Come on, lad, let''s have a conversation with swords," Roland said, grabbing a long wooden training sword and tossing two shorter ones to Leo.


    "Yes, sir," Leo replied, catching the swords, their familiar weight grounding him.


    They sparred for hours, but the outcome was always the same. Within four to six moves, Roland would disarm him. Leo''s body ached, but Roland didn''t hesitate, his blows striking with genuine force. "No pain, no gain" was his motto and his excuse.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Leo collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. Roland leaned on his wooden sword, regarding Leo with a look of disappointment.


    "Enough... I can''t... I just can''t." Leo said, his voice thick with exhaustion.


    "This is your limit? Is this all you''ve got?" Roland taunted.


    "No matter how hard I try to focus, I can''t..." Leo trailed off, frustration evident in his voice.


    "Of course you can''t. You''re overthinking. You''re thinking about the monsters in this forest, about tripping over a loose stone, my armor, and how much force to put into each swing. You''re simply overthinking."


    Leo hung his head, trying to make sense of Roland''s words.


    "Listen, lad, stop thinking. We''ve practiced the basic moves a thousand times. Empty your mind. Embrace the silence of your inner self; be one with your sword. Don''t think!"


    "It is hard not to think when your life is at stake." Leo retorted.


    Roland walked over and sat down on a nearby log.


    "Boy, why do you fight? For me? For your mother? For someone special? What''s the purpose of your swordsmanship? Have you ever thought about that?"


    Leo remained silent but listened intently.


    "It doesn''t matter if you''ve suffered, if you''ve fallen, if you''ve loved or been abandoned. It doesn''t matter what others think of you or what you think of them. You know what matters, lad? It''s what you carry inside you, what you take home at the end of the day. Conviction."


    Roland continued, "You have to believe you''ve given your best, not for anyone else, but for yourself. Be proud to be alive and to do your best every single day, and have the conviction that even if you failed, you did your best."


    "Conviction, huh..." Leo murmured, the word echoing in his mind.


    "You know, lad, I believe you are your own worst enemy. Every time you pick up your sword to fight, you''re fighting against yourself. And by doing that, you''re constantly pushing yourself to be better. I believe that''s true in swordsmanship and life." Roland clapped Leo on the shoulder, a rare gesture of encouragement.


    "Once you get that, you''ll be ready to take on any sword, claw, or fang without even thinking. Alright, enough with the pep talk. Time to get back to work, lad." Roland said with a grin.


    Leo grasped the profound meaning behind Roland''s words. He understood the importance of self-worth, of living a meaningful life, and of loving himself. Roland had touched his heart, and with each passing day, Leo felt closer to him, like family.


    "Let''s use real swords," Leo suggested, a new determination hardening his voice.


    "Oh ho, someone''s getting serious," Roland remarked with a playful tone.


    "If we''re going to do this, let''s do it for real," Leo explained.


    Leo felt the weight of his sword in his hand��the hilt, the pommel, the guard. He gazed at the blade and saw the reflection of his own blue-gray eyes. "Conviction... okay," he thought to himself, a newfound resolve settling within him.


    Leo hadn''t given much thought to self-love, pride, or finding his own purpose in life. Until now, he had merely survived. He survived because his mother had asked him to. But now it was time to live, to live with pride, to live for his swordsmanship, to find his own purpose.


    He took his stance, chest open, swords held ready at his sides. He was determined to become a better person. As he charged towards Roland, the air filled with the sharp clang of steel, and that sound echoed through the clearing for the rest of the day.


    The subsequent days were filled with training and marked by steady improvement. Leo had the chance to see some Leirions from a distance and occasionally see Roland in action when confronted by particularly hostile creatures.


    Leo''s money was all gone, and he was now relying on the food Roland provided. He felt a growing sense of urgency to get his own money, uncomfortable with his dependence on Roland. Ninety days had passed since his first training session with Roland. They had honed his swordsmanship, strength, agility, and concentration. When not sparring, he ran for kilometers and picked up heavy stones to build his endurance.


    Leo was now confident enough to go on missions independently. While his training with Roland hadn''t transformed him into a master swordsman, he was no longer the clumsy and awkward guy he once was.


    They were nearing Gothia''s gate when Leo decided to broach the subject.


    "Mr. Roland, I believe today was our last day," Leo stated.


    "Funny you should say that, lad. I have a journey to embark on in two days. I''m escorting the Duke of Gothia to the Royal Palace in the capital," Roland said with a sigh.


    "You don''t seem particularly thrilled about it," Leo remarked.


    "It''s complicated. The nobility can be quite difficult sometimes." Roland''s expression was weary and heavy-hearted.


    "Thank you for everything, Mr. Roland. I will never forget all you''ve done for me," Leo said with gratitude, his voice thick with emotion.


    Roland gave him a thumbs up. "Your mother would be proud of you."


    "You say that as if you knew her," Leo said playfully.


    Roland turned to leave, replying with a soft, almost inaudible, "Who knows?"... a faint smile gracing his lips.


    Leo didn''t hear Roland and just went to the Guild House.


    When Leo arrived, he decided to update his stat card and took a new test.


    "Hello, S��lica." Leo greeted, a hint of familiarity in his tone.


    "Hello, Mr. Leonard. What can I do for you today?"


    "I''d like to update my stat card, but I need this handled discreetly."


    "I remember your unique situation. We''ll keep it confidential, as per the owner''s request. Even I won''t have access to the information. Please come with me. I must remind you that you''re allowed one update every three months.��


    ��And Mr. Leonard, did you decide your battle class?��


    ��Not yet; I''m just a swordsman.�� Leo replied, a touch of self-deprecating humor in his voice.


    Stat-reading devices were costly and consumed a mana crystal with each use, necessitating recharging after each use, a complex and time-consuming process for the Magic Tower.


    <hr>


    Profile Stats / Guild House Membership Card


    Name: Leonard


    Surname: Winston


    Rank: Iron


    Strength: 4+4 (8)


    Agility: 6+7 (13)


    Cognition: 5+6 (11)


    Constitution: 5+4 (9)


    Mentality: 6+6 (12)


    Characteristic: Divergent.


    -Unable to track battle traces-


    -Affinity synthesis error detected-


    <hr>


    Leo was pissed. "What the heck is this? I busted my ass training for 90 days, and this is all I get? This is crap! What good is this pentagram potential anyway?" He slammed the card on the counter, his frustration evident.


    Silica looked at Leo''s new results, and her heart skipped a beat. Her fingers trembled; she''d caught a glimpse of something surreal.


    Leonard asked her what the problem was, but Silica was too stunned to explain. She simply shook her head, as if to say it was nothing, but deep down she was thinking:


    "He managed to raise his stats by 6 or 7 points in 90 days? What kind of monster is this guy? Normally it takes a year to get 1 stat point when they''re really low. If he keeps up at this rate..." She shook her head strongly and told Leonard, "Be careful, Mr. Leonard..." Her eyes were clouded with worried thoughts.


    As Leonard walked away, she stared at his back with her mouth open in total disbelief.


    He marched over to the mission counter, still feeling annoyed, he thought Silica was incredulous about his poor stats again, but it was the opposite.


    He looked at some of the beginner missions and picked one.


    <hr>


    Iron Rank Mission


    Collect medicinal flowers on the Golden Green Plains:


    225g of Uhenda Malakesia


    Reward 3 gold coins.


    <hr>


    "This should be enough to pay my rent and keep me going for a bit. Doesn''t seem like a tough mission." He checked to make sure the Golden Green Plains were safe enough for someone with his low stats and put away the directions and the picture of the flower he was supposed to find.


    Leo thanked the lady at the counter and turned to leave without looking where he was going. He almost ran right into a girl.


    "Am I invisible or something?" she said, raising an eyebrow.


    "I''m so sor... Evelyn?" He said, his eyes getting wide.


    "Le-o-nard," she said slowly, smiling and poking him in the chest with her finger. A playful glint in her eyes.

 Chapter 7: "Golden Green Plains”

    Evelyn''s smile was killer. Leo wasn''t used to being around someone so confident and good-looking, and he felt a little awkward, fidgeting under her gaze. He''d bumped into her again totally by chance, or at least that''s what he thought. A nagging feeling told him otherwise, but he pushed it aside.


    "So�� eh�� What are you doing here, Miss Evelyn?" Leo asked.


    "I don''t think I have to answer that." She said, crossing her arms, a playful smirk on her face.


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t have asked... uhmm�� it''s not my business." Leo said, feeling a little bummed.


    She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "You got me all wrong, Leonard.��


    "Just Leo is fine.�� He offered, a bit shyly.


    "Look, Leo. What else would I be doing here?"


    "Are you, like, err, a Neumond?" Leo asked, looking around, confused.


    "Jeeeez, I thought the son of the great Leah would be a little smarter." She sighed, a hint of teasing in her voice.


    "Wait�� I don''t know if you''re making fun of my mom or me, but please stop." Leo frowned, his voice hardening slightly.


    "Oh, my bad if I was rude, but come on, you see a young girl like me here in the Guild House wearing battle gear; I''m obviously not here to clean the floors," she said, gesturing to her outfit with a wry grin.


    "Okay..." Leo gave up. He felt kind of dumb and didn''t want to argue with her.


    They walked together through the Guild House hall looking for a place to sit. It was kind of awkward. Leo could feel Evelyn''s eyes on him, appraising him, and he shifted uncomfortably. Despite his attempts to remain calm, he couldn''t resist stealing a few glances at her. She really was captivating.


    Finally, they found an empty table in a quiet corner and took a seat. It was a relief to get away from the bustle of the main hall.


    "Girls your age tend to be cute and charming," Leo commented, then immediately regretted his words, realizing how they might sound. "But you sound like a war machine." He shrugged, trying to play it off as a joke.


    "Well, it''s part of the job," Evelyn replied, retrieving her Stats ID and presenting it to Leo.


    <hr>


    Profile Stats/Guild House Membership Card


    Name: Evelyn


    Surname: Clark


    Rank: Gold


    Strength: 38


    Agility: 44


    Cognition: 32


    Constitution: 24


    Mentality: 11


    Characteristic: psychological Neumond.


    Battle Traces: Agility Type


    -Affinity: Battle Aura, Subterfuge, -ERROR-


    Class: Shadow Rogue


    <hr>


    "Shadow Rogue?" Leo asked; his interest piqued.


    "Did you expect me to be a cheerleader?" she asked, that playful smile turning into a full-blown grin, a dimple flashing in her cheek.


    "My goodness, you don''t let anything slide, do you?" Leo chuckled, shaking his head.


    "Life''s tough... innit?" She said, her voice taking on a slightly darker tone, a hint of mischief still in her eyes.


    Leo sighed, then surprised himself by admitting, "I actually thought you were pretty.��


    ��Oh? And now you don''t?�� She asked, feigning confusion, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "Depends. Do you act like a cheerleader?" Leo shot back, feeling a surge of confidence he hadn''t expected. He even managed a small, teasing smile of his own.


    "Hands up, you got me!�� Evelyn dropped a cringe joke, raising her hands in mock surrender, her laughter bright and infectious.


    They laughed; the sound was surprisingly light and carefree. It felt good to share a moment of genuine connection, even amidst the weight of everything he carried.


    "By the way," Leo inquired, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, "I was thinking, how did you know my name before?��


    "Oh, come on, use that big brain of yours. Try to figure it out.�� She smiled, tapping her temple playfully.


    Leo shrugged, defeated. "How can I know? There''s no way you could know my name! Nor who my mother was.��


    "Which Neumond in Gothia hasn''t heard of the lovely Leonard the Dummy Fairy?" she asked, unable to completely suppress a giggle.


    "Ah, so that''s how..." Leo said, a blush creeping up his neck.


    "Don''t worry about it," she reassured him, her eyes softening with a hint of understanding.


    "So, were you about to go on a mission?�� She nodded towards the contract peeking out of Leo''s pocket, deftly changing the subject.


    "Yes,�� Leo replied sarcastically, "but the mighty fairy here will just go to collect some flowers.��


    "Don''t be silly,�� Evelyn said, her voice laced with amusement. "Your posture has significantly improved since the last time I watched your training. I can see you''ve made progress.��


    "I have a terrible stat card, but..." He hesitated, then admitted, "I wish I could spar with you,�� Leo replied, ignoring her compliment. "But it is really bad, so let us leave it for another time,�� he added quickly, feeling a sudden pang of self-doubt.


    "Okay, fair enough,�� Evelyn agreed. "But I did show you mine, and that''s not something I do every day.�� She winked playfully, a hint of challenge in her eyes.


    "Ahem..." Leo coughed, feeling his cheeks heat up again. He wasn''t used to this kind of playful banter.


    A brief silence followed.


    ��And what about that "error" written there?�� Leo asked, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground.


    "Well, I need to go," she said, her smile fading slightly. "Maybe we can talk about it next time.�� She gave him a playful wink. ��I liked chatting with you, Leo. Good luck on your mission.��


    Evelyn stood up, and as she passed by him, she playfully ruffled his hair. "Stay out of trouble," she said, her voice softer now. And with a laugh, she departed.


    "Another weirdo one..." Leo muttered, absently smoothing down his hair, a ghost of a smile on his lips.


    The encounter with Evelyn, her easy smile, her playful teasing��it all stirred something within Leo, a faint echo of a feeling he thought he''d buried long ago. It reminded him of Mia. Their childhoods were linked, and he harbored a secret crush on her.


    Thinking about the last days, he remembered the letter, tucked away somewhere safe, a letter he had poured his heart into, a confession he had never been brave enough to voice. He had intended to give it to Mia, but fate had intervened in its cruelty. A sharp pang of regret pierced him, a familiar ache. So many unspoken words, so many unfulfilled dreams, all buried beneath the weight of what had happened.


    He found himself imagining a return to Besen, a pilgrimage to a ghost town. Maybe he would even find that letter, a tangible relic of a past that now seemed impossibly distant, a lifetime ago.


    "Don''t wait," he murmured to himself, a new resolve hardening within him. "Don''t wait for tomorrow."


    After a brief period of reflection, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose, Leo stood up and headed home to freshen up and prepare for his journey.


    Back at the boarding house, the landlady, a stern woman with a permanent frown etched on her face, demanded the overdue rent for ninety days and threatened to evict him.


    He showed her his mission contract and revealed his Neumond status, watching with a hint of satisfaction as her expression shifted from stern to something resembling respect.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    She suddenly burst into a smile, wishing him luck and calling upon the Gods of Humbra to protect him on his journey.


    Neumonds were regarded as heroes, the protectors of Humbra, but he knew that some became corrupted by power, turning into dangerous outlaws, a dark side to the power they wielded.


    "A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step," Leo murmured to himself, a quote from one of his books echoing in his mind.


    He''d missed the last caravan by two days.


    Leo had a lot to do. Since that day, he trained with the dummies at night, his body slowly, painfully, adapting to the movements, and did odd jobs around Gothia during the day. After ninety days of training with Roland, no one dared call him "Dummy Fairy" because he was so much better with a sword. His movements, while still lacking the finesse of a master, were now purposeful and driven. His behavior changed when he used a sword.


    Leaving Gothia just after lunch, Leo planned to catch the 3 p.m. caravan, which would get him to the Golden Green Plains by the following morning.


    At Gothia''s north gate, he encountered a large crowd watching a procession of fifteen horses and a luxurious carriage slowly exiting the city. Among the knights was Roland, part of the escort for Gothia''s nobles and officials. Leo pushed through the crowd to the front and saw him.


    "Well, lad, off you go on that mission?" Roland said from atop his horse, his gaze meeting Leo''s.


    Leo answered, "Yes, sir."


    "Keep your wits about you." Roland advised. With a wave, Roland left, saying, "Humbra is a dangerous place."


    Good luck on your trip, too." Leo spoke, but his words were drowned out by the crowd saying goodbye to the procession.


    When things calmed down, Leo looked over the map and all the important details while he waited for the caravan.


    He realized that the Uhenda Malakesia flower needed to be harvested during its bloom, which lasted only an hour before sunrise. When exposed to sunlight, its chemical properties change, rendering it useless until it is renewed overnight.


    The caravan to Fairplat arrived a few minutes later and left at 3 p.m., as scheduled by the Guild House.


    Leo did not have to pay any fees as a Neumond; instead, they gained an extra person for protection.


    The Golden Green Plains were halfway between Fairplat and Gothia.


    Leo spoke with the leader, a polite gentleman who thanked him for escorting them as far as he could.


    They were on the road for a while, and Leo was nervous because it was his first time traveling so far from the city. It was a one-day trip by carriage, but it would take three days on foot.


    The trip was fairly relaxing. Leo saw a lot of interesting new stuff. When they arrived at the Golden Green Plains, he jumped out of the carriage and thanked the kind old man who led the caravan.


    Leo looked up at the sky, realizing that it would be morning soon. He had to hurry if he wanted to finish his mission quickly because he''d have to walk all the way back, which would take a few days.


    He understood the urgency of time. Who knew what kind of monsters were hiding around? Leo had neglected to consider that aspect of the mission, and as a result, he was experiencing a degree of anxiety.


    He had asked the caravan leader about the flower he was supposed to find, and the guy gave him some tips.


    He looked around, and the moonlight lit up the whole plain. A huge field of tall grasses swaying softly in the night wind stretched out before him.


    The plains were a great green space with clusters of old trees, clear streams, and vibrant wildflowers. Despite the beauty, an air of mystery and danger persisted under the pale moonlight.


    Leo knew that the Uhenda Malakesia flower could be found in the plains'' small groves, so he went to the first one he saw.


    The map pinpointed the exact location, but the dense vegetation made it difficult to find the plant.


    The grove surrounded Leonard like a dark embrace. Ancient trees with thick, twisted trunks extended their branches like skeletal claws, blocking the light of the setting moon. Because of the dense vegetation, the air was thick and humid, smelling of wet earth and decaying leaves.


    Leo moved cautiously, his senses heightened by his lack of experience. He knew that the Uhenda Malakesia flower could be nearby, but Humbra was always unforgiving to the unwary.


    A shrill roar echoed through the trees, causing Leonard''s heart to race. He spun around, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword. A boar the size of a bull, with dagger-like tusks and bloodshot eyes, emerged from the vegetation and charged at Leonard with ferocity.


    It was a Leirion, not a regular boar. The creature, a mass of muscle and fur, exuded primal ferocity. Its sharp tusks gleamed in the dim light passing through the leaves, and its panting breaths created clouds of vapor in the cold morning air.


    Leonard barely had time to react. He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the boar''s tusks, which sank into a tree trunk with a terrifying crash, reminding him of the beast''s raw power.


    Leonard drew his sword without hesitation, the steel blade shining against the grove''s darkness. He took a fighting stance, his muscles tensed, and his gaze fixed on the boar. He tried to recall Roland''s lessons, to find his center, to be like the wind, like the water.


    He finally understood what it meant to embrace inner silence, clear his mind, and allow his body to act.


    The beast lunged again, its powerful hooves kicking up clumps of dirt and leaves. Leonard evaded the attack with an agile leap, using his focused concentration to enhance his speed and stay out of reach of the boar''s tusks.


    The fight intensified, a deadly dance between man and Leirion. Leonard''s heart pounded like a runaway train. He delivered swift and precise strikes with his swords, aiming for the boar''s weak points. The creature responded with brutal attacks, attempting to trample Leonard with its massive body.


    In his haste and inexperience, Leo made a mistake. He misjudged the boar''s movement, and its tusk caught him, tearing into his left leg. Because Leonard was inexperienced and careless, the boar''s tusks struck him, tearing into his left leg and leaving a deep wound. Excruciating pain shot through his body, but Leonard refused to be defeated. It was him or the monster.


    The near-death experience cleared his mind, and he felt a surge of power, a strange calmness he had never known before. It was as if the world slowed down, every detail becoming sharp and clear. He channeled his energy into his ELEV, sending an electric shock through his body. The boar''s charge was meant to be the final blow, but with an aerial butterfly twist, he managed to dodge. His blade lit up with a bluish aura from the moonlight, and with a powerful mid-air strike, he hit the boar squarely under its front leg, straight through the heart.


    The beast let out a roar of pain, its body convulsing in spasms. Seizing the opportunity, Leonard delivered a fatal blow, plunging his sword into the boar''s neck and severing its spine.


    The Leirion collapsed, its lifeless body forming a dark mass amidst the vegetation. Leonard withdrew his sword, the boar''s blood staining the steel blade.


    Leonard took a deep breath and leaned against a nearby tree. The pain in his leg was agonizing��a burning throb that radiated through his entire body. The pain in his leg got worse as the adrenaline left his body. He had won his first battle, but he knew the journey was just beginning.


    There was not much time left; the sun was dipping below the horizon, and morning twilight was beginning to show.


    Leonard searched the whole grove, slashing ferns and vines with his sword as his heart raced and his breath got short. The golden light of dawn shone through gaps in the trees and made the forest floor dance with light and shadow.


    Suddenly, a silvery shimmer caught Leonard''s attention. Hidden beneath the shade of an ancient oak, small buds emitted a soft, pulsating light. Their delicate petals, with silvery edges, stretched towards the light as if to absorb every particle of energy from the rising twilight.


    It was the Uhenda Malakesia!


    With caution, Leonard moved forward on one leg, still in awe of the plant''s beauty. He felt a revitalizing energy emanating from it��an aura of healing and vitality.


    But as he reached for the flowers, a sticky, nearly invisible web caught him. Looking up, Leonard saw a giant spider, the size of a tower shield, with shiny black fur and menacing red eyes. The creature moved with surprising speed, descending towards Leonard on its web strands.


    The spider opened its fangs, ready to attack. Leonard prepared to defend himself when he felt something wrong with his body. He had lost a lot of blood. His vision blurred for a moment, the edges of the world turning hazy. He felt the blood loss weakening him, but a strange calmness came over him; the side effect made the world around him seem to move in slow motion, every detail becoming sharp and clear.


    He observed the spider with superhuman precision, his eyes capturing every movement, every muscle contraction, and every twitch of its fangs. Everything seemed to slow down, giving him a clear view of what was going on.


    Leonard moved with surprising agility, dodging the spider''s claws with an ease he didn''t expect. His reflexes were heightened, his movements precise and fluid.


    With an instinctive movement, he parried the spider''s attack, crossing its fangs with one of his swords and impaling the spider through the throat with the other.


    He watched, almost detached, as the spider twitched, its legs thrashing wildly. He felt a strange mix of triumph and revulsion. Leo collapsed, drained of all energy, and watched the spider twitching spasmodically but lifeless. He retrieved his swords and wiped them clean on his clothes.


    The creature struggled for a few moments, its legs flailing in the air, before finally becoming still. Leonard, exhausted and wounded, fell to the ground, observing the dead spider at his feet.


    The battle had caused significant damage. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his leg throbbed with deep, searing pain. He took a deep breath. The adrenaline that had sustained him during the fight dissipated, replaced by profound exhaustion followed by his leg throbbing with pain, and the blood loss caused him to become increasingly dizzy.


    He had survived.


    With effort, Leonard pulled himself up, using his swords for support. He knew he had to leave the grove as quickly as possible. The forest was a dangerous place, and he was injured and vulnerable.


    Looking at all those Uhenda Malakesia, he kneeled and carefully picked the flowers, storing them in a leather pouch he carried. Seconds later, sunlight flooded the area, withering all the unharvested flowers.


    Leonard took a bandage from his starter kit and wrapped it tightly around his leg to stop the bleeding. He poured an acceleration healing potion over the wound and thought, "Silica would probably laugh at me now, seeing me use the starter kit after all." A faint, humorless chuckle escaped his lips.


    With the mission complete, Leonard left the grove, limping towards the light of the rising sun.


    The journey back would be long and difficult, but he was determined to survive, as always. He had a mission to complete, a promise to keep, and a burning desire for revenge fueling his every step.

 Chapter 8: "A whisper of doubt"

    The wound on his leg, though still tender, had begun to heal after a full day of dragging himself along the roadside. The regenerative potion he had taken did accelerate the natural healing process, but for severe or life-threatening injuries, the effect was minimal, as it needed time to act.


    Leo sat down on a fallen log by the roadside to rest and change his bandage. The rough bark snagged on his worn trousers.


    The wound was still open but noticeably closing; perhaps on another day he would be fine. He replaced his bandages, wincing as the fabric pulled at the edges of the wound, and applied more of the potion. After changing the dressings, he took out a small, well-worn calendar to check his return plan.


    It was the fifth day of summer, 189 NE (New Era).


    The Humbra calendar had become peculiar over the ages. It was decided that one year would be divided into four parts according to the seasons, with each season lasting 100 days.


    He took a bruised apple from his backpack. Looking at it, he noticed that he had nothing to drink, not even water. His throat felt like sandpaper. He took a bite, the juice a welcome relief, and thought,


    "It''s been over a hundred days since I started this whole thing. Don''t I deserve a toast?" He smiled wryly.


    "I''ll definitely have a toast to celebrate my first mission," he said to himself, picturing a frothy mug of ale.


    Leo finished his apple and got up to continue his journey when he heard the sound of an ox cart. The rhythmic creak of the wheels and the soft plod of hooves grew closer.


    The ox cart stopped, and a farmer looked at Leo and asked, "You lost, kid?" He had a strong country accent.


    Leo didn''t want to look weak, so he pretended he was fine. He straightened up, ignoring the throbbing protest in his leg, and walked over to the cart.


    "Not lost, sir, just tired and need some help," he said.


    "What kind of help ya need, kid?" The farmer asked, his eyes weathered and kind, crinkling at the corners.


    "I need to get back to Gothia, that''s all," Leo said.


    "Hop in then, kid. Gothia''s where I''m headed," the farmer said, jerking his head towards the back of the cart.


    Leo climbed into the cart and sat down, relieved. "Thanks, mister, I''ll pay you back when I can." He settled onto a pile of sacks, the rough fabric scratching against his skin.


    "First off, what''s your name, sonny? You look like you''ve wrestled a bear and lost."


    "It''s Leonard, sir."


    "Leonard, huh? No need to fake it; I can see your leg''s messed up.��


    Leo was surprised; his muscles tensed, his body going into a state of alertness. His hand instinctively moved towards his swords.


    "Whoa there, sonny! Don''t you worry," the farmer said with a hearty laugh. "I ain''t gonna hurt ya. Just got an eye for these things."


    "How did you know my conditions?" Leo was confused, his voice laced with suspicion.


    "Well, I''ll be," the man chuckled. "I''m a Neumond myself. You thought only city folk could be gifted? I just protect my crops with my bare hands." He seemed quite proud of himself, patting his chest with a calloused hand.


    "But sir, how?" Leo thought the man had some special ability.


    "I''m old enough to be your grandfather, boy. Years of experience, that''s all. Maybe if I took the test, I''d get a gold or platinum rank, who knows?" He winked.


    "By the way, what''s your name, sir?"


    "Call me Clyde," the old man said as he started chewing on a grass stalk.


    Clyde''s accent was very strong, suggesting he had lived his whole life in the countryside without much education. Leo had to concentrate to catch every word, the unfamiliar drawl thick as honey. It was a bit difficult for Leo to fully understand what he was saying, and he even wondered if the man was from a different continent.


    Everyone on the continent of Fros spoke the same language, Nordilic, but there were different accents and dialects across the four continents. They also had an ancestral language they could use to communicate, but it was only taught in schools.


    They conversed as best they could along the way, and Clyde explained that Leo should be careful of all kinds of people in Fros, especially outside the walls. It wasn''t just the monsters; even seemingly normal people could be awakened.


    Night was falling, and Leo was fighting off sleep, his eyelids heavy, when he finally saw the long walls of Gothia rising on the horizon with its large spotlights. The big cities used a mix of technology and magic. Machines developed before the awakening had been remade with magic runes to use mana as fuel, increasing efficiency and performance.


    The return trip was relatively uneventful despite Leo''s injuries. He protected his collection at all times, though he slightly regretted not having time to remove the ivory tusks from the boar Leirion, which could have been sold for a good price. The weight of the pouch with the flowers felt reassuring against his hip.


    Approaching the gate, the guards stopped them to check their identities and the cart''s cargo. They were allowed to enter. Leo jumped off the cart, his leg protesting with a sharp stab of pain. He needed to go to the Guild House. He said goodbye to the farmer, thanking him again for the ride, who waved back as he headed towards the market.


    "What can I do for you today, Leo?" Silica asked, her brow furrowed with concern as she noticed his limp. She was actually using his name, a far cry from the formal "Mr. Leonard" she had used before.


    "I''ve come to deliver the items from this mission," Leo said, a touch of pride in his voice. He handed Silica the closed bag and the contract he had signed. "Please don''t open the bag in sunlight. The flower becomes useless if you do."


    "Certainly, Mr. Leonard," she replied. Silica was amazed by Leo''s determination; he was very weak to complete such missions. "He really did it," she thought, impressed.


    After the verification and payment for the completed contract, he just wanted to fall into his bed and pass out from exhaustion. Arriving at his boarding house, he paid all his debts, the two gold coins feeling lighter than expected in his hand. His sore muscles felt better after a bath in warm water, and he did not care that he was not comfortable when he fell asleep.


    When Leo woke up in the morning, he thought about what had happened and shuddered. The boar''s tusk and the spider''s fangs were still fresh in his mind. He now realized how close he had come to dying. He touched his leg and felt that his wound had already healed. He set aside money for meals for a while, and the rest would go towards buying armor, even if it was the most basic kind.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Leo browsed the market, assessing various types of ready-made armor, but he wasn''t confident about the cost-benefit ratio. Everything was very expensive and seemed like fragile cloth and sensitive metals. Leo wasn''t wrong; ready-made armor was expensive because it was readily available. If you wanted something good and cheap, it would take days to gather the materials and go to a blacksmith or tanner to prepare your own armor.


    He only had one gold and three silver coins; there was no way to buy anything of good quality with that amount. Leonard was about to leave when an old man waved to him. It was the elderly man whose life he had saved by holding the cart loaded with leather when it broke down.


    "Come here, boy!" shouted the hoarse old man.


    "Good morning, sir," Leo greeted him as he approached. "How can I help you today?"


    "No, no, no! I will help you today. I saw you looking at all kinds of armor all over the market, and I owe you from the past. Come, come!" The gentleman seemed euphoric.


    "Sir, I have little money; I cannot buy anything of your quality."


    "Don''t be so humble; I will give you such a boon. Take your money and find a blacksmith to have suitable attire made, you, my little savior!" Ironically, Leo was almost twice the size of the gentleman.


    Leo thought about the offer; a cold sensation passed through his leg, a phantom pain from the recent wound. He then decided to accept, swallowing his pride. He just wanted to stay alive.


    He looked among the hides the gentleman had and could give him, then chose the Leirion boar hide. He remembered how hard it was to cut through the skin of that muscle-bound monster that almost took his life, so he decided on that one.


    "Great choice! Come here, boy." The old man took a charcoal stick wrapped in thin paper and wrote on a small piece of paper. "Here is the address of a great armorer. Tell him Old Man Campbell sent you." The old man rubbed his hands together, satisfied with his gesture. "He owes me a favor or two." He felt regret for not being able to pay his debt in the past


    Leo took the paper from the gentleman''s hand and thanked him profusely.


    He took the boar hides and, after a few minutes of walking through the market, got lost among some alleys. He thought about going back and asking the old man for directions when he spotted a small sign in a place almost bordering the slums and the market.


    "Hello, is anyone in charge here?" Leo entered the shop and asked, not seeing anyone.


    In the shop, there was a man sitting with his back to the counter on an old wooden stool. He was shirtless, wearing ordinary pants and a black leather apron. His shoulder-length hair was wet with sweat, and his shimmering white beard gave the shop a mysterious air. The way he worked exuded a dense and rustic aura, like a true master craftsman. He was currently working on a piece of leather, his large hands moving with a surprising dexterity.


    The man remained silent.


    Leo approached and was about to say something while the man continued his work with the leather in his hands.


    "Mr. Camb..."


    The man sniffed the air like a hunting dog and interrupted Leo.


    "One gold coin for your boar leather," he said in an extremely serious voice, not even looking at Leo.


    "Okay..." Leo placed the leather on the counter with a gold coin and turned to leave the shop without another word. He understood the armorer''s message: don''t interrupt me.


    Then the armorer simply said, "Come back tomorrow."


    Leo let out a "uh-huh" and left the shop after reading the atmosphere that he should follow with this armorer.


    The day was hot that summer morning, but Leo didn''t mind the weather much. He decided to go to the Guild House to ask for some information. Arriving at the Guild House, Leo looked for Silica, but she wasn''t there; it was her day off. So he went to the regular counter and talked to a cashier.


    "I''d like some information, please," Leo said, presenting his GHMC.


    "Certainly, Mr. Leonard," she responded after checking his ID. "How may I help you?"


    "Are there any caravans going towards the ruins of Besen Village?"


    "There''s one leaving tomorrow afternoon, sir," she replied. "The journey is 200 kilometers, so it will take two days, and you''ll probably arrive at sunset."


    "How can I get a horse instead of relying on caravans?" Leo asked curiously.


    "You can buy our daily rental tokens or buy a horse directly from the stable," the girl answered mechanically.


    "Just out of curiosity, what''s the price?��


    "Mr. Leonard, renting a horse costs 50 silver coins per day. Buying a horse, however, varies according to its quality and can cost from 4 platinum coins to 500."


    "What the heck?" Leo was startled by the price; it was a fortune. He could live for a whole year on 5 platinum coins.


    "Excuse me, Mr. Leonard, what did you say?" She still sounded like a robot, her expression unchanging.


    "Uh... thank you for the information," Leo mumbled, turning to leave, feeling a wave of despair wash over him.


    Leo realized that his mood had shifted in recent days. He didn''t feel as demotivated, just a lingering sadness in his heart that he didn''t know if he could cure.


    Leo sighed deeply and thought that he should return to Besen village and would do so as soon as possible. He owed it to himself and to Mia to confront the ghosts of his past.


    Motivated to master his dual-wielding abilities, Leo decided to seek information at Gothia''s magical library. He believed that finding a specific fighting style could be the key to increasing his powers and becoming a stronger swordsman.


    The bustling activity of Gothia''s central square enveloped him as he strolled. The soft melody of a mandolin accompanied the voice of a bard narrating a fable, creating a magical medieval atmosphere. Benches hosted lively conversations, while the crowd flowed in constant movement. It was the beating heart of the duchy, a verdant oasis with flower gardens that danced before the eyes of those who passed by.


    Leo felt a strange presence watching him. He turned behind a couple of times, but there was no one suspicious. He kept feeling uneasy, like someone was following him, with a prickle in the back of his neck. His hand instinctively went to the hilts of his swords.


    He quickened his pace to the library.


    The library stood before him, an imposing building with a mystical aura. Magical symbols adorned the stone walls, and a subtle glow emanated from the arched windows. The ceiling was tall and vaulted, with long rows of shelves greeting those who entered. Leo was surrounded by a profound silence, broken only by the rustling of pages and the murmur of distant voices. The aroma of old scrolls, mana dust, and incense filled the air.


    He approached the counter, where a librarian with a long white beard greeted him with a knowing look. Leo timidly explained that he needed to find information about dual-wielding fighting styles. With a mysterious smile, the librarian led him through the maze-like hallways lined with tall bookcases that were full of old books and forgotten stories. Finally, they reached a restricted section. He asked to see Leonard''s GHMC, and after a brief inspection, he retrieved a relatively small book compared to the others. The gentleman left him after handing him the book.


    Leonard looked for a nearby table, but not finding one, he sat on the floor and immersed himself in reading. It was a book about extinct swordsmen, a style not seen for a long time. Upon opening and reading it, he discovered a variety of dual-wielding fighting styles:


    Blade Dancer: prioritizes agility and speed with fluid and unpredictable movements.


    Spectral Duelist: combines swift attacks with illusions and misdirection techniques.


    Storms Master: channels their strength into torrential attacks through the swords.


    Mirror Warrior: uses two swords to create a whirlwind of steel, deflecting attacks like a shield.


    Shadow Hunter: a master of fighting in the dark.


    While looking at the pictures and reading the words in the book, Leonard had that creepy feeling that someone was watching him. He felt his heart racing and started to sweat as he looked around, but he did not see anyone that seemed fishy. The library was quiet, and everyone was busy reading. Was it all in his head? Or was someone spying on him? Leo started to get nervous and wanted to leave.


    He ran to the door and pushed it open. The sound of his boots broke the sudden silence. For an instant, he was blinded by the intense sunlight that struck him like a punch.


    He left the library with a lot of new information, but he also felt uneasy. He needed to get ready for his trip to Besen, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Who would be interested in him? And why? Should he even go to Besen now? A whisper of doubt, cold and insidious, slithered into his mind.