When Leon walked out of the shop, three envelopes rested in his hand.
Thirty gold coins—no small sum. Spending that much made his heart ache. Worse still, he hadn't even had thirty in liquid funds.
So he pawned his Lion's Ring, a trinket said to lift the spirit just by wearing it. Sadly, it had proven utterly useless against the Fear status.
It was technically a family keepsake, but with his shifting mindset, Leon decided he no longer needed it.
Rip—
The mont he left the shop, he couldn't wait. He tore open the envelopes and devoured their contents.
[Information on Bonfires]
Deep within the stinking Blighttown, the unlit ash longs for fla. Ignite it, for the ti to feast is at hand.
[Information on Ringed Knight Straight Sword and "Cancel"]
In the depths of the deserted town, in the forest alive with a hundred spirits, seek the sealed prison where the demon statue dwells. Defeat the knight from the ancient city, and claim his weapon. With the longsword in hand, the secret of "Cancel" shall be revealed.
[Information on the Guardian Ape]
The great ape that drank foul water—though its head be severed, it rises like an insect. Its secret lies at the broken neck. If there is a weapon that can rip it free…
"All riddles…" Leon muttered with frustration.
But not quite riddles. They were cryptic, yet with just enough clarity to feel solvable. The hint about the bonfire practically pointed to the location—only the last line was puzzling.
But still… just a bonfire? How was that supposed to help him get stronger?
The Ringed Knight Straight Sword—the na alone felt strange. And that bizarre "Cancel" stank of danger. His gut told him once it was used, the consequences would be irreversible.
As for the Guardian Ape… Leon didn't know why the shopkeeper would offer such information, but it was exactly what he wanted.
Ever since recovering from the Fear state, aside from a hunger for strength, his greatest wish was revenge.
If not for the ambush, he was certain he could have taken down that beast. And because the Fear state had humiliated him in front of everyone, the Guardian Ape now sat at the very top of his kill list.
As his mind gradually steadied, Leon realized Wade's words hadn't been entirely correct—yet buried within them was a subtle truth.
"I'll rest for two days… then head back into the dungeon."
On his way ho, he deliberately took a detour to avoid the Adventurers' Guild. His humiliating defeat was still the hottest topic in town, and he had no intention of parading himself around like so circus monkey for the crowd's amusent.
Even after Wade's so-called guidance, he still didn't know how to face those who once admired him. What was he supposed to do—beat them all up?
Only a lunatic would think violence alone could earn respect.
He would never believe that.
But when Leon returned to the mansion he rented, soone was already waiting at the gate.
Adventurers!? His face paled, but as he drew closer, he recognized the man.
"Zanka. What are you doing here?" Leon asked darkly.
Zanka—his family's servant, his childhood playmate, and his sister's personal attendant.
After Leon had fallen out with his sister, Zanka had carried out her orders, harassing him with petty tricks and public humiliations. Never truly harmful, but always cutting deep.
Leon's father knew, of course. But the man hadn't cared about him in years. Would a servant dare to run wild without his master's tacit approval? Hardly.
For Leon, Zanka was a shadow of childhood tornt. Yet since he belonged to his sister's faction, Leon's hatred had always landed on her instead.
"Young Master Leon, long ti no see." Zanka deliberately stressed young master, his handso, fair face hiding a mocking smirk.
"Spit it out," Leon said coldly. The fact he didn't imdiately throw the man out was proof of his improved temper.
"Don't be so impatient, young master. Rember the fun we had as kids? I even took you to catch piglets once…"
And then you fild being chased across the fields by the piglets' parents—and played it during my birthday party.
Leon stayed silent, just staring at him.
His golden hair, ssy from neglect, flared outward like a lion's mane. His golden eyes, simring with fury, truly did resemble a lion's glare.
Zanka grew uncomfortable, shrugged, and pulled out a gilded envelope, holding it out with one hand.
"Next month is the young lady's birthday. There'll be a grand banquet. You haven't returned in years. The young lady hopes you'll co ho."
Leon's fist clenched. A re servant dared hand him sothing so casually—with one hand!?
Zanka dragged out his words mockingly:
"It's been so long since you've been back. Don't you want to? Everyone says you've made a na for yourself now. Maybe, if you return this ti, the lord will even see you again."
His smile carried no sincerity—only scorn.
Hit him.
Wade's words thundered in Leon's mind.
No… I can't. I can't.
Reason scread: violence was wrong. Violence couldn't solve problems.
But Zanka, seeing no reaction, pressed harder. He practically shoved the invitation into Leon's face. Feeling slighted, he grew bolder:
"If you apologize properly at the banquet, perhaps everyone will accept you again. You do want to co back, don't you? I know, I know—you only left to spite the lord. You gathered a bunch of worthless nobodies, and sohow even made a na for yourself—"
His rage ter overflowed.
Zanka never finished. A fist smashed across his face!
"You dare insult them!?" Leon roared.
Hit him. Hit him. Hit him!!!
"You hit !?" Zanka toppled, clutching his swelling cheek. "The young lady will never—"
His words cut off with another punch.
Leon didn't speak. His fists did. Heavy, relentless, fueled by fury.
To hell with violence can't solve problems.
That's only true if you're not violent enough!
I believe in violence now!
Zanka's body twitched once, then went still.
Leon wiped his bloody fist on the servant's clothes, glanced at the gilded envelope, and stomped it into the dirt.
Next month was his sister's birthday banquet?
Fine. He would definitely attend.
Leon cast one last glance at the mansion gate, then turned away.
No more waiting. He was heading back into Sein Dungeon today.
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