Leon stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror before slipping into a set of casual yet practical clothes. The fabric was soft, but durable, perfect for a trip into the forest.
In his hand, he held the treasure map, its worn edges trembling slightly with the hope in his grip.
A rare weapon?
A strength-enhancing potion?
Every possibility felt closer than ever.
Without further delay, he stepped outside.
Dry leaves crunched beneath his feet as he made his way toward Blackbell Forest, the night air cool against his skin.
---
Meanwhile, Lucas drove smoothly through the darkened streets, the low hum of the engine rising and falling like a quiet lullaby as he cruised back toward his villa.
Tonight…
He was more than satisfied.
The lingering taste of victory still rested on his tongue.
That meteor shard held an immense amount of mana. If he absorbed it directly, breaking into the Spirit Realm would be effortless.
But Lucas wasn't foolish enough to waste a treasure like that.
He knew a method to fully refine its power.
Unfortunately, it required special materials, components he had yet to acquire.
"Ah…" he murmured with a faint smile. "What a pleasant evening."
His fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel.
With a gentle press on the gas pedal, the car surged forward.
---
Less than thirty minutes later, Lucas arrived at his villa.
The automatic gates opened smoothly as the guards recognized his vehicle. The sound of shifting metal echoed softly as he drove inside and parked in the garage.
Stepping out, he entered the villa.
The aroma of freshly cooked food greeted him the moment he crossed into the living room.
When he reached the dining hall, a table filled with steaming dishes awaited him. Wisps of heat curled into the air, proof the meal had just been served.
Lucas plucked a fried shrimp from one of the plates and took a bite.
Crispy. Savory. Perfect.
A satisfied smile tugged at his lips.
In the original story, Sofia had been known for her cooking skills.
That was exactly why he had chosen her to be the maid.
"Sofia?" Lucas called out, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Where are you?"
No answer came.
His brows furrowed.
He walked into the next room.
There was no way she could've escaped, the villa was surrounded by dozens of guards.
"Oh, Young Master," one of the large guards nearby said, bowing respectfully.
"Do you know where Sofia is?" Lucas asked.
"She's in one of the upstairs rooms, sir. We're not sure why. A few of us tried to check, but she locked herself inside," the guard replied.
Lucas exhaled slowly, irritation flickering across his face.
Sulking? Or something else?
Either way, it wasn't ideal.
"Alright," he said. "I'll speak to her myself."
He took a step toward the stairs—
Then stopped.
His left hand rose to his temple.
'Meet me in the backyard, Young Master…'
A whisper echoed clearly inside his mind.
Lucas stiffened.
That voice…
Garran.
Telepathy?
He hadn't expected Garran to possess such an ability.
Without hesitation, Lucas turned and headed straight for the backyard.
---
A cloaked figure stood alone beneath the night sky, surrounded by shadows.
"Uncle Garran," Lucas said as he approached. "Did you call me?"
The figure turned, pulling back his hood.
Silver hair. Crimson eyes. A neatly groomed beard that only added to his imposing presence.
Though he looked to be in his early forties, his aura felt far older.
"There's something we need to discuss, Young Master," Garran said calmly, a faint smile on his lips.
Lucas stepped beside him and nodded.
"Lately, you've been fixated on Sofia," Garran continued. "You even went so far as to kidnap her. Tell me, do you truly want her?"
Lucas blinked.
"Sofia? No," he replied casually.
Garran studied his face for several seconds, then gave a slow nod.
"Your eyes don't lie. Then why make her your servant?"
"I have my own plans, Uncle," Lucas answered. "Nothing to worry about."
"Very well," Garran said. "But I'll say this—there's something unusual about that girl. Something… intriguing."
Lucas didn't respond.
He already knew.
He had read the original story from beginning to end. Of course he knew who Sofia truly was.
"If you'd like, I can look into it," Garran offered.
"No need," Lucas replied. "I already have her under control."
Garran nodded, then reached into his storage ring.
A large vial appeared in his hand.
Ancient runes were etched across its surface. Inside swirled a thick, glowing crimson liquid. The air around it shimmered faintly, and a low, otherworldly hum resonated from within.
Lucas's eyes widened.
"Uncle Garran… is that…?"
"Yes," Garran confirmed. "Refined dragon's blood. Extracted from an ancient dragon. It can fortify your soul. It may even elevate the Miracle Spirit you're destined to awaken."
Lucas accepted the vial with both hands, awe flashing across his face.
In the original story, this priceless treasure had fallen into Leon's hands.
And later…
It had become one of the key reasons Leon rose high enough to crush the Darkbane family.
But now—
The future had shifted.
A grin crept onto Lucas's face.
"Honestly," he said, "I was still upset that you didn't show up at the hotel last night when my life was on the line. But now… I've let it go. Thanks, Unc. Truly."
Garran's brows furrowed.
"Your life was threatened? How? If someone dared harm you in your human state, just say the word. I'll handle it."
Lucas hesitated.
Yes, he could send Garran after Leon.
But a protagonist wrapped in fate and plot armor…
Killing him wouldn't be easy.
Worse, it might trigger another twist, one that made Leon even stronger.
In the end, Lucas shook his head.
"Forget it. I've already taken care of it. But tell me, where were you yesterday?"
Garran paused.
"…Strange," he muttered. "I don't remember anything about yesterday."
Lucas sighed inwardly.
Of course.
Another damn plot twist.
"Never mind," Lucas said. "What matters is that I'm still here. Alive."
Garran nodded.
"And remember, the dragon's blood isn't just a gift. The elders are hoping you'll awaken a Miracle Spirit of the ancient dragon. One that surpasses even your father's… or your grandfather's."
"I won't disappoint them," Lucas said firmly.
The Drakebane bloodline was one of the few still considered pure.
Their signature Miracle Spirit was the dragon itself.
Not a single member of the family had ever awakened a spirit below A-rank.
"Then I'll take my leave, Young Master," Garran said.
Lucas nodded.
In the blink of an eye, Garran vanished into the darkness.
Lucas remained standing in the backyard, the vial still in his hand.
But his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
To Garran's true identity.
His unfamiliar surname.
His ancient clothing.
His overwhelming power.
Even in the original story, Garran had barely been mentioned. He appeared briefly… then vanished after Leon annihilated the Drakebane family.
A wild thought formed in Lucas's mind.
And the more he considered it—
The more it made sense.
Garran might not belong to this world at all.
Far later in the original story, it was revealed that realms beyond this one existed.
Zeus. Odin. Anubis.
Those Miracle Spirits weren't symbols.
They were real.
And they didn't originate here.
---
Elsewhere…
"Hah… hah…"
Leon lay sprawled on the ground, chest heaving.
Sweat drenched his body, every muscle screaming from exhaustion.
He had finally reached Blackbell Forest.
Instead of taking a vehicle, he had run the entire way, turning the journey into training.
Nearly an hour of relentless movement.
Sitting up, he wiped the sweat from his brow.
Then he looked down at the map in his hand.
And up at the dark, looming forest ahead.
A grin spread across his face.
"Heh…"
"The treasure is right in front of me."