Several months later.
Leo stood before a tall mirror, quietly studying the changes in his body. His frame, once youthful, was now layered with firm muscles, every line of him sharpened by relentless training. He was about to turn seventeen in two days, and though he still had a year left for natural growth, he already towered at about 180 centimeters.
Forced to adapt under the brutal demands of his training, his body had accelerated in strength and endurance. Now, he could bear the constant weight of the two 80-pound bracelets — something that had once seemed nearly impossible.
In the first month alone, even simple walking had been a struggle. Every step felt like dragging chains. But now, he could move, fight, and train with them as though they were simply a part of him.
In few months, he had mastered Silence, Dream, and Phantom, and was now nearing completion with Real Illusion — a technique that had tested the very limits of his mind. Alongside magic training, he had consumed hundreds of books, studying countless fields. Among them, he was particularly fascinated by the mechanics behind the Illusion Room, reading everything he could find about its construction and magical structure.
He hadn't stopped there. Leo had also learned several new spells and enchantments that could become essential tools. For instance, he could now enchant objects with weight — allowing him to create his own weighted bracelets. Another spell allowed him to enchant the very air itself, creating temporary platforms. With that, he could move and stand midair as though walking on solid ground.
His soul, having stabilized even further, granted him deeper access to his Domain. His mana had grown stronger, more refined. The Domain itself had grown too — Leo expanded it by crafting a vast, roofless hall extending from the lower level, just outside his throne room.
He also unlocked more of Mirror of the Truth's secrets. Not only could it reveal vision of people he knew, but by focusing on his needs, it could show him individuals he had never even met. If he needed a blacksmith, the Mirror would reveal one — a glimpse of the best possible choice.
But the Mirror came with serious risks. The visions it showed were just that: visions. He had no idea where the people or objects actually were. Worse, if he ever imagined something reckless — like a god — he could end up spying on a divine being... and possibly lose his life in an instant.
He had a few plans in mind for the Mirror, but that was something he would deal with later. There were still too many unknowns, and Leo wasn't the type to rush into danger without preparation anymore.
For now, he kept his use of the Mirror restrained. He avoided spying on his friends and family too often, knowing that the less he stirred the waters, the safer he would be. He couldn't shake the feeling that something — or someone — might be watching him in return. It wasn't a risk he was willing to take lightly.
From the glimpses he allowed himself, he knew that over the past few months, some changes had happened. Liamond had advanced to B minus, and Albert had reached C plus. Aside from them, however, no one else in the Paladin Association had ranked up.
At home, Eliza and her mother had already moved out, renting a place close to them. Their old house stood quieter now. Rosie, meanwhile, continued her studies at school, but there was a new sharpness in her. She was more focused, more determined — as if she had made a silent vow to push herself further.
As much as he wanted to, he didn't watch Elna much anymore. The presence of that mysterious man—the one who had almost caught him last time—made it far too dangerous.
As for the secret meetings, nothing major had shifted. Most of the trouble was happening far from land, out at sea, where Mr. Light had encountered several more ghost ships. but he hadn't clashed again with Osara, the monstrous god of the sea anymore.
The Shadow Lands remained quiet as well. No new movements from the group that had attacked Flesa — the very ones Leo was most desperate to track down. Especially Oryu — the man responsible for endangering his city, his friends, and his family. Leo hadn't forgotten. He never would.
One thing, however, did catch his attention. Ms. Eye had started asking far more questions than usual during the meetings. She pressed for details about every city in the kingdom and even those scattered across the Shadow Lands. It was subtle, but to Leo, it was clear: she was searching for something. Something important.
Leo entered his domain with just a thought, his body phasing into the familiar vast white space. His steps carried him straight to the Mirror of Truth. He could now slip into his domain much faster than before, his connection to it growing stronger every day.
He stood before the mirror, but before any image could form, a white fog wrapped tightly around it—a protective measure he had discovered and developed over the last month.
In his mind, Leo focused on Arthur, the Pope's son. The Pope had once asked him to find Arthur, and now, almost a year after leaving Flesa, it was nearing time for Leo to honor that promise.
As he concentrated, the swirling mist over the mirror shifted. Slowly, a scene materialized. A young man stood on what looked like a wooden floor, gazing into the distance. He had short blond hair, sharp, beautiful features, and striking blue eyes that gave him an almost elven appearance. From the subtle rocking beneath him and the occasional splash of water hitting his face, Leo could tell—
'Is he on a boat? Or a ship?'
The thought immediately brought Mr. Light to mind, the pirate captain from the secret meetings.
'That can't be, can it?'
Leo frowned. Mr. Light was a powerful figure on the seas, and if Arthur was him, things could be far more complicated than he'd hoped.
'I need to get more information on the pirates.'
Satisfied for now, Leo withdrew his focus. The image dissolved into mist again, and he exited his domain with a single step.
Back in the real world, Leo made his way to the door of his room. No maids were stationed outside. Although the mansion was always changing, the core layout remained the same, at least on the lower floors. He didn't need anyone's guidance to find Alexia now.
In the past few months, Alexia had arranged for a private tutor to teach him proper noble etiquette—at least enough to pass as a gentleman.
He now wore a tailored black robe trimmed with gold embroidery, giving his figure a quiet, noble authority. A wide leather belt, fastened with a circular metal buckle, secured the tunic at his waist, with another strap crossing his chest diagonally. The sleeves were adorned with matching gold accents, and his forearms were wrapped in brown leather bracers, the patterns subtle but sharp.
Loose, tan-colored trousers provided ease of movement, tucked neatly into well-fitted, reinforced knee-high leather boots. The tunic itself flared slightly past his knees, giving the outfit a practical yet distinguished design.
It was based on the same style as the clothes he had once bought himself—only now, it was custom-tailored for his new size.
Leo walked with his hand resting lightly on the handle of his sword, a serious expression carved into his face. At a glance, he didn't look like a seventeen-year-old boy, but rather like a seasoned knight in his early twenties.
When Leo reached the room where Alexia was waiting, he knocked twice, then pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was filled with a soft, golden light from the enchanted lamps floating overhead. Alexia sat calmly in a high-backed chair, a stack of ancient books beside her.
Leo walked to the center of the room, lowered his head respectfully, and gave a slight bow.
"Master, you wanted to see me?"
Although Alexia could have easily used Telepathy to summon him or issue instructions, she believed that overusing such magic led to dependency and laziness—bad habits for any mage.
"Yes," Alexia said smoothly. "Victor, I need you to go to the Black Market and pick up a few items for me."
As she spoke, a folded piece of paper drifted from her hand, guided by invisible magic. It floated through the air and landed in front of Leo.
Leo caught the paper and glanced over the list. His brow furrowed slightly. "Doesn't Mr. Klaus usually take care of this?"
"He's currently at the Covenant Citadel," Alexia replied, her voice calm but firm. "Which reminds me—you may have to undertake a quest after this, as my student."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, as your student? They're giving me a quest just because of that?"
Alexia gave a small, knowing smile. "As an S-Rank, I have certain obligations to the kingdom. And as my student, those obligations extend to you."
Leo exhaled quietly through his nose, not particularly interested in the politics of it all. Without another word, he nodded, folded the paper carefully, and left the room.
He made his way to the teleportation chamber, a large stone hall etched with shimmering runes. Stepping onto the glowing platform, he activated the mechanism and felt the familiar tug as the magic pulled him away.
Moments later, he was in the bustling streets of the city below. The air smelled of dust, smoke, and the faint scent of baked bread from nearby vendors. Without hesitation, Leo made his way toward the hidden entrance of the Black Market.
The way there was a secret, known only to a few. Klaus had shown him once, and Leo had memorized every twist and turn. After weaving through a maze of narrow alleys—avoiding curious eyes and the occasional drunkard—he stopped in front of an old, worn-down house with peeling paint and creaky steps. From inside, he could hear the low murmur of conversation, like the hum of bees in a hive.
Before entering, Leo pulled a dark robe from his pack and threw it over his shoulders, tugging the hood low over his face. Better not to draw attention to himself.
He stepped inside. The place looked exactly like a shabby, run-down inn. Few would guess its true purpose. A few rough-looking patrons nursed mugs of ale at the tables, but Leo ignored them. He walked calmly to the counter where the innkeeper stood, a stout man with sharp eyes.
Leo gave a small nod, and the innkeeper responded with a grunt, stepping aside to reveal a heavy wooden door behind him.
Beyond the door lay a small, empty chamber. The only feature was a large magic circle carved deeply into the stone floor, filled with intricate runes.
Without hesitation, Leo placed his hand over the center of the circle and infused it with his mana. The runes flared to life, glowing blue. After a few tense seconds, a portal shimmered into existence, swirling like a vertical pool of water.
Leo stepped through. Immediately, the world around him changed. He emerged into darkness, the air cool and damp. Above him stretched a stone ceiling, supported by massive pillars. Homes and shops were built directly into the walls, their windows glowing faintly like fireflies.
The underground Black Market was alive with activity. People from all walks of life bustled through the narrow stone streets—merchants peddling exotic wares, mercenaries haggling over weapons, cloaked figures whispering in corners.
Leo kept his head down as he moved through the crowd, the scent of oil, smoke, and unfamiliar spices filling his nostrils. Stalls lined the sides of the road, overflowing with rare ingredients, forbidden artifacts, cursed weapons, and potions that shimmered with unnatural colors.
He had entered the heart of the hidden world, where anything could be bought—for the right price.
Leo glanced down at the list in his hand once more.
'A black crystal, an Indrik heart, and a Dragon's Fire Orb.'
He tucked the list away and started walking through the crowded streets. The underground market was a sprawling maze, but Leo knew a few places that specialized in rare and dangerous items.
Vendors shouted out their deals, trying to lure customers with strange glowing artifacts, enchanted weapons, or forbidden tomes stacked high on makeshift shelves. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and something metallic.
As Leo weaved through the crowd, something caught his eye. The door to a dimly lit shop stood open, allowing a glimpse inside. In the corner, half hidden behind other clutter, stood a table—a table that looked strangely familiar. His steps slowed.
Curious, he turned and made his way into the shop. The interior was cramped and dusty, filled with old furniture, broken relics, and forgotten trinkets.
Leo walked straight toward the table, his eyes scanning its surface carefully. Scratches along the edges and a small chip near the corner—it was unmistakable. It was his table. The very one he had used in his basement.
How had it ended up here, of all places? Leo narrowed his eyes, his mind racing with possibilities.