Leo Approaches the Duke
Leo approached the Duke's hall, David walking steadily beside him.
As they reached the massive doors, David pushed them open.
"Father," Leo said respectfully, stepping inside
The Duke looked up from his chair and gave a simple nod, acknowledging him. No words—only that subtle, measured gesture.
"So," the Duke said finally, his voice calm yet sharp, "you were hiding your powers."
"I did not hide anything," Leo replied evenly. "No one ever took me seriously—not even you."
The Duke studied him for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "Then tell me," he said, "what is it you wish to ask in private?"
Leo hesitated briefly before speaking. "I want permission to enter the Ancestor Trial Hall."
The Duke's eyes narrowed, a knowing expression crossing his face. "You understand what you are asking, don't you?"
"Yes, Father," Leo answered firmly. "I know exactly what I'm asking."
His thoughts turned inward to the Ancestor Trial Hall—built by the first king of this kingdom, the man who had reached the pinnacle of power. Thanks to the memories of the original owner of his body, Leo knew everything about the place.
"You should also know," the Duke said gravely, "that this place is not open to just anyone. It belongs to the royal family of the kingdom."
Leo met his gaze steadily. "I understand. But my older siblings went there, didn't they? You can grant me permission as well."
The Duke's expression darkened. "They didn't go because of me.
They received approval directly from the Elder Emperor. Do you truly believe he would grant entry to someone like you—a worm compared to them?"
"I know that entering requires the Elder Emperor's approval," Leo said calmly.
He leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with the Duke. "But you have the authority to let me enter, don't you?"
The Duke's lips curled faintly, intrigued by Leo's audacity. "Why should I go to such lengths for a single wish?" he asked.
"Tell me, what can you offer me in return?"
Leo's confidence did not waver. "If you refuse me, you risk being on the wrong side of history."
A sly smile spread across the Duke's lips. "Bold words. Are you claiming you will change history?
"I won't change history," Leo said firmly. "I'll make a new one."
"Interesting," the Duke replied thoughtfully.
After a pause, he spoke again. "You may enter the Ancestor Trial Hall tomorrow. I will inform the Elder Emperor. But remember… history punishes those who overreach."
"Punishment is meaningless," Leo said. "If my actions change everything, I won't step back."
The Duke waved a hand. "You may go."
Leo bowed slightly and left without looking back.
The Duke turned to his butler. "David."
"Yes, Master," David replied immediately.
"Arrange a carriage for Leo. He will depart for the Ancestor Trial Hall tomorrow," the Duke instructed.
David bowed. "Yes, Master."
As Leo's footsteps faded, David glanced at the Duke—and paused.
His master's face radiated a sharp, curious expression, as though he had just spotted something worth watching after many years.
As Leo walked away, his thoughts were fixed on the Ancestor Trial Hall. With those memories, he would finally strengthen his body.
Cursed Forest — Night
The night air hung heavy with smoke and the stench of blood. The army clashed fiercely against a horde of Berserker Orcs, their roars echoing through the forest as swords collided and screams pierced the darkness.
"Kill them all!" the captain roared.
Suddenly, a massive Berserker Orc stepped forward, silencing the battlefield. Soldiers froze.
"The leader!" someone shouted. "Attack!"
The soldiers charged, but one man tripped and fell directly in front of the giant creature. The Berserker Orc raised its enormous axe, ready to crush him.
The soldier shut his eyes.
Slash.
A heavy thud echoed. When he dared to open his eyes, he saw her—Alisha—standing atop the corpse, calm and deadly.
"Are you injured?" she asked coldly.
"I-I'm fine, Lady Alisha," the soldier
stammered.
"Good. Get up."
She turned to the captain. "Finish them."
She moved through the battlefield like a shadow. Berserker Orcs fell one by one, powerless against her blade.
Moments later, Eiden arrived on horseback with his comrades.
"You're still alive?" he laughed, scanning the scene.
Alisha wiped blood from her cheek. "Why are you here?
"Father sent me. You were struggling," Eiden replied.
In a swift motion, Alisha placed her sword at his neck.
"Oh? Still as cold as ever," Eiden said with a grin.
She withdrew her blade, issuing orders to the soldiers and ignoring him.
"Where is Arthur?" Eiden asked.
Before she could respond, a piercing scream echoed from deep within the forest.
Both froze.
"That scream…" Eiden muttered.
Without hesitation, they sprinted toward its source. Broken branches and scorched earth marked their path. Distorted mana pressed heavily against them.
They reached a clearing.
A demonic sorcerer stood there. Its tall, twisted body was wrapped in torn black robes soaked in blood.
Arcane symbols flickered violently across its ash-gray skin. One arm was missing, severed cleanly at the shoulder. Black blood dripped from the wound, sizzling as it touched the ground.
The demon swayed, barely able to remain standing. Its aura was terrifying, even in its injured state.
"A fourth-tier sorcerer…" Alisha whispered coldly, raising her sword.
Before she could act, a blur moved faster than the eye could follow.
Two sharp arcs of light cut through the air.
The demon screamed as both of its legs were severed. Its body collapsed violently, blood spraying across the clearing.
"…Arthur," Alisha murmured.
Her older brother stood between them and the fallen sorcerer, calm and unreadable.
"What is a demon sorcerer doing here?" she demanded.
The demon laughed through the pain. "Do you think I'd tell you—"
"Did I ask?" Arthur's voice cut through the air like ice.
His blade moved again, and the demon's head fell to the ground.
Silence enveloped the clearing.
The moon slipped from behind the clouds, casting silver light over Arthur's face.
Alisha and Eiden stared at him.
His expression was calm, yet the glow in his eyes made him seem almost unreal.
He turned toward Eiden. "Why are you here?"
"Why did you kill it?" Alisha asked sharply.
"We could've learned why it was here."
"Father sent me," Eiden replied, studying him closely.
"That was my prey," Arthur said. "You have no right to question my actions."
Their gazes locked, cold and unwavering.
The captain approached cautiously. "All Berserker Orcs have been eliminated, sir."
Arthur nodded. "We camp here tonight. We move at dawn."
By then, five days had passed since they entered the Cursed Forest.
Arthur's eyes narrowed as he scanned the clearing. "Any news from the house?" he asked.
Eiden smiled. "Our little brother's fiancée came home and broke off the engagement. She said she found someone new at the academy."
Alisha's eyes narrowed. "How is Leo?"
"That's the interesting part," Eiden said. "He's not the old Leo. He fought Marco—a knight—and killed him in front of Father."
Arthur's lips curved slightly. "Oh… our little brother has finally grown up…"