The cheerful noise of chatter and laughter filled the air outside. Goblins clumsily tossed fruit to one another, children darted between tents, and even a few of the adventurers had begun to relax. But Leo felt a strange shift—an energy he couldn't ignore.
He turned to Lili.
"Hey… where's Balzock? I haven't seen him since I woke up."
Lili's usual smug grin faded. "He's at the half-built house. Come on, I'll take you."
The two made their way toward the structure Leo had started building days ago, the one he'd left unfinished when the Holy Empire's forces appeared. From the outside, the log walls were high enough to block the view of anyone passing, though the roof and main entrance remained incomplete.
As they reached the door, Leo stepped forward. Inside, two unfamiliar knights clad in dark armor sat across from Balzock. Their helmets rested at their sides, revealing one with sharp black hair and obsidian eyes, the other calm-faced with blue eyes and dark, tied-back hair.
As Leo entered, both knights immediately stood. One of them narrowed his eyes and asked, "Now who are you?"
Leo didn't flinch. He stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "I should be the one asking that."
Before the tension could grow, Balzock raised a hand. "Easy, easy. Let's all sit down. There's no need for young blood to spill over words."
Everyone slowly took their seats again. The calm knight leaned back and gave a small nod. "Since we waited here, and you're the one we were expecting... I assume you're him?"
Leo nodded. "Yes. I fell unconscious recently, due to an incident. But if it's alright with you, I'd like to ask a few questions first."
The knights exchanged glances, then nodded. "Go ahead."
Leo's gaze sharpened. "First—who are you? Second—why are you here? Third—who told you about this place? Fourth—what do you want with it? And fifth…" his tone dropped cold, "...are you our enemies?"
The calm one leaned forward. "I'll answer the last question first," he said. "But first... Joseph, let's remove these cloaks."
Both men removed their dark coats, revealing light armor underneath. The one who had questioned Leo first—Joseph—scowled, but remained quiet.
The calm man placed a hand on his chest. "My name is Arvaris. And this," he gestured at the other, "is my comrade, Joseph. We are knights from the Empire of Rustalia."
Leo's eyes narrowed, listening carefully.
Arvaris continued, "A few weeks ago, injured refugees came to our kingdom. They spoke of a ruined kingdom destroyed in a fight between a corrupted Hero and a silver-haired warrior who defeated him. At first, we dismissed it. That kingdom was rotting anyway—our king thought its fall inevitable. But the rumor… caught attention."
Joseph crossed his arms. "So we were sent to confirm if someone really defeated a Hero."
Arvaris nodded. "We traveled, tracked the energy trail of the one who crossed mountains. That mana was… powerful. Dangerous. We followed it—and ended up here."
He gestured at Lili.
"Your 'witch' stopped us. We didn't fight… but then a demi-human and a young girl attacked. We defended ourselves, nothing more."
Leo sighed inwardly. Zack, Sara, and Lili… figures.
He stood. "My apologies for their behavior. They must've thought you were a threat."
Lili scoffed. "Hey! Who made you the leader?"
Leo shot her a glare. "Shut up."
Turning back, he asked again, "And the rest of the answers?"
Arvaris leaned forward, gaze steady. "We're not your enemies. Our leader wishes to meet the one who defeated a Hero. That's it."
Joseph suddenly stood, frustrated. "But why are you letting goblins live among humans? Aren't they monsters? We don't know when they'll turn!"
Leo met his gaze, smiling softly. "Because I made peace with them. Trust can exist—even between what we call 'monsters.'"
Joseph growled. "But how do you even understand them?!"
Before Leo could answer, Arvaris gently placed a hand on Joseph's shoulder and sat him back down.
He turned to Leo. "It's a combination, isn't it? Domain Creation and Demon Manipulation magic?"
Leo froze. His thoughts spun. Wait… when did I tell him my name? And how does he know those two spells? They're forbidden… rare even among ancient records.
Arvaris chuckled. "You didn't tell me. But I've seen your energy before. And even if you're different now, you can't hide it. You were the one who fought the Hero."
Arvaris continued, "I am pretty sure you are the one who defeated that hero. But according to some people who rushed back to our kingdom, you looked different—perhaps your form has changed. Still… you can't hide your energy. Not from me. That same echo of magic, that distortion… it's yours. You were the one who did it."
He narrowed his eyes, voice calm but cutting. "You're still weak, Mr. Leo. Defeating a hero doesn't mean you're strong—because it's no big deal."
Leo Froze.
Lili paled.
How? she thought. I'm sure Balzock only told them Leo's name when he was asleep—not about the Hero!
Arvaris stood. "You fooled others, but not us. Our king knows. He wants to meet you."
He turned toward the exit. Joseph followed. Arvaris glanced back once.
"Oh, and... we'll be reporting this place to him. He might like what he finds here."
With that, both knights exited.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Balzock remained stoic, though his fingers gripped his cane just a little tighter.
Leo turned to Lili, voice low. "Are there really people strong enough to defeat a Hero? Not by luck—but with actual combat strength and magic?"
Lili nodded slowly. Her face was pale.
"Yes," she whispered. "But… they're bound. When a Hero is summoned, a Universal law spreads through the multiverse. Any 'fate' that could cause the Hero's death is suppressed. Even powerful beings—demons, demon lord, witches, warlords and those who are in the great three tier but still in low layers of survivors tier—have their power sealed. Until the Hero dies, they can't rise."
Leo's heart pounded. "Then how did I—"
He stopped. The thought struck him like lightning.
Maybe… it's because I'm reincarnated. From another multiverse. Maybe that's why the law didn't apply to me.
Lili's eyes flicked to him sharply, and she said nothing. But in her thoughts, she murmured:
Yes. That's exactly why. But I won't say it here. Not with Balzock listening.
Leo caught her gaze. He gave a subtle nod.
The secret between them remained unspoken—but deeply understood.