Heavy winds howled through the forest, carrying thick sheets of snow that fell from the sky in a relentless downpour. Yet Leon moved effortlessly through the blizzard, his body adapting to the environment with the help of his skill, Adaptive Body.
*Swish–Swish–Swish*
A cigar hung from the corner of his lips, the glowing ember pulsing faintly as he took slow, deliberate puffs. The smoke curled around his face, only to be stolen by the roaring wind.
*Puff*
*Phsssss*
*Clip-Clop–Clip-Clop*
The sudden sound of hooves echoed through the snowy silence, cutting through the howling winds. Leon turned his head sharply, his eyes narrowing as a massive carriage rolled through the storm behind him. It was unlike anything a commoner would ever see—large and majestic, with ornate golden lamps hanging from every corner and a proud lion-head sigil embossed on its sides.
Surrounding it were royal cavalry on horses, their armor gleaming even in the dim, storm-covered night. Swords hung at their sides, and their white horses trudged powerfully through the snowdrifts.
That carriage wasn’t noble but a Royal carriage.
Leon raised an eyebrow. “Fucking hell… why is a Royal carriage heading into the forest during a storm like this?”
He immediately veered off his path, trying to distance himself and avoid being noticed. But—
*Clip-Clop–Clip-Clop*
One of the knights broke off from the group, steering his massive white horse directly toward Leon.
“Shit… Fuck. How the hell are they spotting me in a night storm? Am I glowing or something?” Leon muttered, his pace increasing.
“Commoner! Wait,” the Royal Knight shouted, his voice loud and commanding.
Leon turned, feigning surprise. “Hmm…? Oh, a Royal Knight,” he said smoothly, bowing respectfully.
“What are you doing out here this late ?” the knight asked, his tone formal but suspicious.
“I’m on my way home, sir,” Leon replied with a disarming smile.
“Where is your home?” the knight asked, peering at Leon from under his helmet.
“Vernon Village, sir.” Leon replied with a smile.
The knight glanced him up and down. “You’re not even wearing a coat. Prince Charles has ordered this to be given to you. If you’d like, you may walk with us. We can escort you to your village.”
The knight tossed a thick leather blanket toward Leon.
*Catch*
Leon caught it and wrapped it around himself, even though his skill made him immune to the cold. Declining a royal gift would’ve been nothing but an insult.
“I’m grateful for the hospitality, sir. But I can’t impose upon the Prince for someone like me. My village is close—just a couple minutes away. Still, thank you for the blanket.” Leon spoke as he tried to get rid of them as soon as possible.
The knight nodded. “Very well, then.” He turned his horse back towards the carriage.
Leon watched for a moment, then spoke. “It must be really important, huh?”
The knight paused. “What?”
“I mean, the Prince himself is out in a weather like this. Must be something urgent,” Leon said with a faint smile.
“A commoner should only know what he can comprehend. Go home, kid,” the knight replied curtly before riding away.
*Clip-Clop–Clip-Clop*
Leon chuckled under his breath.
’So the Prince is out of the castle… in this kind of weather? That means something big is happening. I’ve never seen the Royal family step outside their castle since I arrived in this world. But, Where are they going ?
That way… It leads to the Southern Border, if I am not wrong. I will just ask Justin about what happened, since they do the information exchange from the borders.’ He thought in his mind as he continued to walk towards the dungeon.
…
After walking for nearly forty-five minutes through snow-laden paths, Leon finally reached the entrance to the Vinceral Forest.
“Fucking hell… I look like a goddamn snowman,” he muttered as he brushed the snow off his shoulders and hair.
As he stepped into the forest and made his way to the dungeon, he found the entrance completely buried in snow. He bent down and thrust his hand into the thick layer, fingers brushing against the familiar stone steps beneath.
“Take me to the last floor,” Leon said with a smile.
*Swish*
In an instant, his body vanished.
…
Seventh Floor – Vinceral Dungeon
*Swish*
“Fucking hell, this place is warm,” Leon muttered with relief as he reappeared inside the dungeon. He pulled off the blanket and deactivated his skill immediately.
“I greet my Master,” Elis said, bowing respectfully as she appeared in front of him.
Leon walked toward the throne and dropped into it with a relaxed sigh. “Did you change the dungeon’s temperature, Elis?”
“Yes, Master. Olga and Reina were shivering from the cold while sleeping, so I raised the ambient temperature. Should I return it to normal ?”
Leon shook his head. “No, leave it. More people are coming soon. They will need it.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out the folded page and handed it to her.
“Here. Draw this circle on the ground—make it as large as possible.” Leon ordered.
Elis took the page and examined the diagram for a brief moment. “As you command, Master.”
She placed her hand on the ground. Instantly, the stone tiles began shifting, sliding into place with precision. Within seconds, a massive circle was carved into the floor, intricate patterns covering nearly half the chamber.
“It is complete, Master,” Elis said, handing the page back to him.
“Nicely done,” Leon replied, standing up and admiring the work.
“Now you’ll need to supply it with burst mana—a large amount, all at once—to activate it.”
“As you wish, Master.” Elis replied, lowering her hand toward the center of the circle.
“Wait,” Leon said quickly, raising a hand. “Don’t do it yet. I’ll give the command. Once I do, you must act instantly. We’ve got a very small time window. Understand?”
“Yes, Master. I await your command.” Elis spoke as she looked at Leon.
Leon exhaled, his breath warm in the dungeon’s comfortable atmosphere. He raised his fingers.
*Snap*
“Now,” he ordered.
