The demon king reincarnates in an enemy clan—plotting domination from birth

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5:10Experience the Queen of Neo Soul, Erica Badu, September 28. Catch Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Wu Tang Clan October 1st, and don't miss multi-grabmy award-winning Nelly October 15th. Tickets on sale now at Yamava Theater.com, only at Yamava, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. You in? Must be 21 to enter. Ice, this is our protagonist. Leon von Marbars, at the mere age of 14, he had ascended to the position of head of the Marbars family. A once mighty lineage of dreaded necromancers whose name alone instilled fear across the continent. However, the glory of his house was crumbling until he awakened an ancient entity hidden deep within the tomb of the dead. A grum war left behind by the first head of the family. That was the single most defining moment of his life. The story begins amidst a blood-soaked battlefield. Cowellus warriors, humans and other races alike, stood united. Their collective

6:12goal singular and unshaken. To destroy the demon, a man once known as Nox von Reinhanfer. Their desperate battle was not merely one of survival but a last. Feaver'd attempt to restore balance to a world teetering on the brink of ruin. From afar, a massive offensive was launched. The alliance had assembled an overwhelming force, men, monsters, even dragons, all converging toward a single swordsman. A white haired warrior, standing amidst the carnage, gripping his black blade, cut down that monster, a night bellowed from the rear. His voice echoing across the battlefield. Fuelled by raw determination, the warriors roared in unison, charging forward with all their might. And yet, Leon, our protagonist, remained eerily composed. His gaze was locked onto Nox von Reinhanfer, a flicker of nostalgia surfacing in his cold. Calculating eyes, those very words had once been spoken by his closest friend, a comrade in arms who had fought beside him through countless battles.

7:16Leon could still recall that moment vividly, though he had never fully understood the depth of its meaning. But there was one thing he was certain of. When those words were spoken, he had seen tears of anguish streaming down the fading eyes of his friend. Back on the battlefield, the power of Nox von Reinhanfer was overwhelming. Even when faced with a relentless wave of monsters and warriors, he did not falter. His expression remained unchanged, cold, resolute, and utterly unshaken. Every swing of his blade was a death sentence. A single slash, swift as lightning, cleaved through dozens of enemies at once. It didn't matter whether they were human or beast, none who dared to challenge him survived. He was a calamity incarnate. In mere moments, the battlefield had become a graveyard. Corpse's lay scattered across the blood soaked land, a grim testament to the absolute devastation wrought by the swordsman standing amidst the carnage. Nox von Reinhanfer tightened his grip on his sword. His movements slow but deliberate as he

8:18stepped forward. His destination was clear. Leon von Marbars, who stood resolutely at the opposite end of the field. Leon, maintaining his composure, finally spoke, his voice calm yet laden with emotions. My friend, at the very least, can you tell me why? Why did you turn your back on me? Even as he said it, Leon himself couldn't fully comprehend how things had come to this. What had driven Nox to make a pact with the demons? Why had he betrayed them? Had everything they'd fought for meant nothing? Nox von Reinhanfer laughed. A dried chuckle, laced with something inscrutable, something Leon couldn't quite place. The way he spoke, the tone, the mannerisms, reminded Leon of someone else. A distant memory, a shadow of the past. I want to explain, Nox murmured. His voice carrying the ghost of an old familiarity. But, at this point, does it even matter? The cryptic response only deepened Leon's curiosity. He refused to back down. It may not

9:20mean anything to you now. Leon said, his voice steady but urgent. But it means everything to me. His golden eyes locked onto Nox's, filled with unwavering conviction. Why did you abandon us? Why did you betray everything we fought for? For the first time, the smirk faded from Nox's lips. His features hardened. His gaze turning cold as steel. If you truly want answers, Nox declared his voice carrying a deadly finality. And if you want to end this suffering, then kill me. That is your only option. The weight of his words pressed down like an executioner's blade. And within Nox's eyes, a killing intent began to rise. At that moment, Leon knew there was no turning back. Words were meaningless now. If this was what Nox desired, then he had no choice but to comply. Leon inhaled deeply. His expression unreadable. If that's what you want, then I'll do it. As the final word left his lips, the grimoire in his hands flipped open on its own. An ominous purple aura erupted from

10:23his body, spreading outward like a flood, coiling around the fallen nights littering the battlefield. The dead began to rise. They're empty. This has never happened before. Five players, 26 cases each. One million dollars on the line for every player. On September 25th, Yamavarizor and Casino at Sandman Well makes history with deal or no deal live, hosted by me, Howie Mandel. Plain September for your chance to take the stage at Yamavar Theater and answer the ultimate question. Deal or no deal? Details at Yamavar.com must be 21. Please gamble responsibly. All his eyes flickered to life within. This has never happened before. Five players, 26 cases each. One million dollars on the line for every player. On September 25th, Yamavarizor and Casino at Sandman Well makes history with deal or no deal live, hosted by me, Howie Mandel. Plain September for your chance to take the stage at

11:24Yamavar Theater and answer the ultimate question. Deal or no deal? Details at Yamavar.com must be 21. Please gamble responsibly. Ereglo, their movements slow at first before growing unnaturally fluid. And then, without Leon even uttering a command, the undead army surged forward, drawn by the scent of fresh blood lingering on Knox von Reinhannfer. But these weak, rotting husks, what could they possibly do against a legend? A mere second? That was all it took. Knox's blade flashed before anyone could even register the movement. A storm of slashes carved through the battlefield. The air howled with the sound of shrieking steel, sending it chilled down the spine of anyone who heard it. In that instant, Leon realized this was not the friend he once knew. This was something far beyond human. The bodies of the undead in front were covered in countless slashes. However, moments later, those wounds began to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye.

12:28Within just two seconds, they had completely disappeared, leaving no scars behind. This was because Leon was supplying them with Mana from behind, with bodies that were immortal and knew no fear of death. The undead once again charged forward to attack. Without hesitation or a moment's doubt, the leading zombie swung its sword, aiming straight for the swordsman Knox von Reinhannfer. A metallic clang echoed through the air. From Knox's perspective, he remained calm, effortlessly parrying each of the attacks from the creatures before him. Then, in a single swift movement, he took a step forward, swung his sword at lightning speed, and instantly cleaved the lead undead in half, severing it so completely that there was no chance of recovery. Before long, under Knox's overwhelming strength, the rest of the monsters quickly met their end. The black sword and Knox's hand then became enveloped in a dark purple aura. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he let out a loud laugh. You got in much stronger. With those words,

13:31Knox braced himself, pushing off with his legs and lunging forward with incredible speed. Meanwhile, the book in Leon's hand automatically flipped through a few more pages. Whatever spell he had just cast, a massive six-pointed magic circle suddenly appeared behind him. A dark, swirling portal materialized, and from within, two massive crimson hands wielding great swords reached out. Then, a towering undead warrior clad in heavy armor emerged from the portal. Standing on the opposite side, Knox, instead of feeling fear, was utterly exhilarated. Behind him, ghostly images of several eerie eyes flickered into existence, radiating a sinister aura that sent chills down the spine. Without exchanging another word, both sides launched straight into battle. A massive explosion erupted upon impact. Sending clouds of dust belowing across the battlefield, the sheer force of the clash caused Leon to stumble, momentarily losing his footing,

14:31and before he could regain his balance. Knox's figure had already appeared right in front of him, with a sword reed and mana. Knox swung directly at Leon with a strike so fast it tore through the air like a razor sharp gale. However, Leon was no pushover. At that moment, he commanded the massive undead warrior behind him to move, raising its enormous sword to block Knox's incoming strike. For a brief moment, both of them came to a temporary standstill. Leon stared directly into Knox's eyes. His voice cold and unwavering. If I have to kill you now just to hear an explanation from a revived corpse. Then so be it. Why did Knox von Reinhandt for turn his back on us? These wounds you've left behind. They will never fade from my memory. Why is it that so many people I once knew so well have chosen to disappear from this world and embrace solitude instead? This battle was nearing its end. As Knox himself had said, nothing would be resolved until one of them fell on this battlefield. Leon silently acknowledged this in his heart. Seen transition, the setting shifted to a

15:37razor sharp guillotine. Still reeking of fresh blood. Beneath the execution blade, a man awaited his punishment. Just ten feet away from his neck. The cold, menacing steel loomed overhead. Its presence casting a dark shadow over his jet black hair. The deepest fear imaginable weighed down upon his soul, like a terrifying nightmare given form. Leon stood there, gazing at the condemned man with lifeless eyes. In his hand, he still held a short sword. Meanwhile, the man beneath the guillotine bore the same hollow gaze. His face eerily resembling the protagonist. The townspeople surrounding the execution platform watched the scene in silence. Then, a woman spoke up, her face contorted with grief. How did it come to this? What did our Lord do to deserve such humiliation? Beside her, a man immediately reached out, motioning for her to keep quiet. Watch your mouth. If you don't, you'll be the next one up there. With that, the man turned his gaze toward the execution platform.

16:40There, a nobleman dressed in fine garments observed the guillotine with twisted delight. His voice laced with amusement as he reminded her. Remember my words? Haven't you seen enough to understand how merciless they are? I know, but the woman hesitated, struggling to find her words. Before she could finish, the man shook his head. The only thing we can do is keep our mouths shut and stay far away from them. War had engulfed the continent. For lowly people like us, staying silent, like dead rats, was the only way to survive. To describe this situation, this is an era of war and chaos. As the ashes of slaughter engulfed the eastern continent, the flames of death continued to rage, refusing to be extinguished, in the wake of this inferno. The noble house of marbars has now become the latest victim of this hellish war. And so, fate delivers its merciless burden, the strong do as they please. While the weaker left with nothing but theft and desperation to

17:41survive. Unlike the strong, the weak must gamble with their lives every single day. Unlike the strong, one way or another, the weaker always forced to dance with death, the gates of hell, where the powerless can do nothing but await the sweet release of death. This is the nightmarish reality into which the continent has been plunged. Elsewhere, the head of the Sylvester family, the rival of House Marbars, count to Alan Sylvester, stood watching the manned bound beneath the guillotine. A smirk played on his lips as he spoke with amusement. Let the show begin. Around him, the murmurs of the crowd grew louder. Yet, amidst all the noise, Leon remained completely still, unmoving like a statue. Seeing this, Alan frowns slightly and reminded him, what is this? Did you not hear my order to proceed? Hearing those words, Leon's body finally stirred, he slowly extended his hands, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, and stepped toward the rope holding the execution blade in place. At that moment, he hesitated, his body momentarily frozen,

18:46unable to act, up above, Alan, overwhelmed with anticipation, could no longer contain himself. He immediately urged the protagonist, his voice sharp and impatient. What are you waiting for? Cut the rope, boy, back to Leon, his body moved like a lifeless puppet, devoid of will or consciousness. His arms lifted slowly, and under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the sword in his hands came down, slicing clean through the rope. With that, the guillotine was released, its blade descending straight down, executing the unknown man in an instant. The brutal reality of it all was clear. The sound of death was no different from the sickening chop of a cleaver striking a slab of meat. Crimson droplets painted a gruesome portrait across the pale face of the young boy, accentuating the heavy air with the metallic scent of blood and iron. No one could escape from the brutal reality before them, as if fate had orchestrated the cruelest of ironies. This was the unbearable burden the boy was forced to carry, to erase rune von Marbars

19:51from existence. No, it was to sever all ties between my father and the mortal realm. That's right, I am Leon von Marbars, son of Rune von Marbars, and the executioner of royal blood. The one who executed his own father, the head of the household, the head of a noble house was not merely a member of the aristocracy but the very pillar upon which the kingdom rested. However, as a certain playwright once wrote, with great power comes great responsibility. And such a burden should only be placed upon those capable of bearing it. With Rune's death, the new head of House Marbars had risen. That person was none other than Leon von Marbars. Seen transition, House Marbars' council chamber. Leon sat at the head of the table. His expression unreadable as he silently observed the heated arguments unfolding before him. A man with slicked back brown hair slammed his fist onto the table. His voice echoing through the chamber. House Sylvester continues to expand their influence. At this rate, they may soon invade

20:55Marbars' territory outright. At his words, murmurs of agreement spread throughout the room. One by one, the council members turned to Leon. Their voices laced with urgency. My Lord, I implore you to fortify our defenses immediately. Lord Leon, we beg you, make a decision now from another corner of the room, an older man with a thick beard knotted solemnly. Indeed, the time has come for you to bestow upon us your wise judgment. My Lord, faced with the mounting pressure, Leon simply responded with a calm, detached tone. Enough, I ask that you be patient a little longer. This has never happened before. Five players, 26 cases each, one million dollars on the line for every player. On September 25th, Yamavarizor and Casino at Sandman Well makes history with deal or no deal live, hosted by me, Howie Mandel. Plain September for your chance to take the stage at Yamavar Theatre and answer the ultimate question. Deal or no deal? Details at Yamavar.com must be

21:5921. Please gamble responsibly. I require more time to contemplate. With that, he stood up, signaling his intent to leave the council chamber. The abrupt action left the room in stunned silence before protests erupted. But, my Lord, do you not understand the urgency of this matter? If this continues, it will spell disaster for the once glorious House Marbars. Ignoring their protests, Leon swiftly exited the room as he walked down the silent corridor. Deep in thought, he reflected, with my Father's passing, Roon Van Marbars, the head of House Marbars. I Leon Van Marbars have taken his place at the mere age of 14. The Marbars family was once a formidable lineage of necromancers, wielding power that instilled fear in all who knew their name. However, that legacy had long since faded, swallowed by the relentless tide of history. With this thought lingering in his mind, Leon cast his gaze toward two paintings hanging in the hallway, one of a man. The other of a woman,

23:04he halted his steps. Slowly, he approached the portraits, studying them in silence before standing motionless in contemplation. Father, mother, what do you wish for me to do in your stead? After a moment, he turned away and resumed his pace. I know this plea will go unanswered, for the dead cannot speak, and my parents cannot impart wisdom from the realm of eternity. And yet, I still long for guidance. How can I restore this family's lost glory and prosperity? Lost in thought, Leon soon found himself standing before a grand door. Above it hung yet another portrait, this one depicting a man with jet black hair. A sliver of light cut across the painting, obscuring his features. This was well in Van Marbars, the progenitor of my bloodline, and the only true necromancer of his time. Legends tell of how our family first rose to power when the first head of house Marbars carved his name into the annals of history through his exploits on the battlefield. Yet, since the golden era of our great founder, our lineage has struggled to produce another true

24:09necromancer. And so, as the years passed, our family steadily declined, until, in the end, I was forced to take my father's life with my own hands. The weight of this realization settled over Leon, and he let out a slow. Heavy breath, he reached for the door handle, pushing it open. Inside the Lord's study, this was the chamber reserved for the head of the household. Atop the desk lay two bugs. One of them, however, stood out, a pitch black tome emblazoned with the symbol of an eye on its cover. Leon's gaze lingered upon it, and a thought crossed his mind. The chronicle of our family's history. Our founder, Wellen von Marbars, was a figure shrouded in near-mythical legend. With a mere wave of his hand, he could decimate his enemies like a tempest of death, summoning endless legions of the undead to march in an unceasing tide of destruction. When the eastern lands finally fell beneath his iron heel, it took only two months. It is said

25:09that Wellen von Marbars forged a pact with the demon king Marbars to unlock one of the continent's greatest mysteries. The forbidden tone that granted him the power to rule is an emperor of the dead. The Necromancer's Codex, and this, this is the Necromancer's Codex, a priceless relic passed down from our very founder. It is also the forbidden tone that once elevated house Marbars to its peak. Making is the sole Necromancer lineage on this entire continent. With that thought in mind, Leon reached out and flipped through the pages, scanning them carefully, then suddenly, a voice echoed within his mind. Listen to me, young heir, the unexpected presence startled Leon. His body stiffened as his gaze darted around the room in suspicion. He muttered under his breath, who just spoke, a transmitted message inside the Lord's study. Even though this place is shielded against magic, Leon furrowed his brows in deep thought. But after two brief seconds,

26:10he quickly regained his composure. Fixing his gaze forward, he spoke aloud, his voice calm and measured. Man, I know the identity of the one addressing me? In response, the mysterious voice resonated once more. Fear not, my child, I am no threat to you or your bloodline. The words unsettled Leon, a single beat of sweat rolled down his face. And why should I believe you? He asked cautiously. As soon as he spoke, an unseen force began to manifest around him, a highly intricate magic circle formed behind him, pulsating with ancient power. Then, in the blink of an eye, Leon opened his eyes to find himself face to face with a colossal lion. It had curved goat-like horns upon its head and a rich, obbernate main flowing like fire. For any ordinary person, such a sight would be terrifying enough to make them wet themselves. But Leon's expression remained completely impassive. Without a hint of fear, he simply asked, where am I? The massive lion appeared somewhat

27:12surprised. It lifted one of its massive paws, pointing at itself in confusion. Before speaking again, huh, don't tell me your predecessor never spoke to you about my existence? Leon's eyes narrowed slightly. His tone grew colder. Predecessor, are you referring to my father? Roon von Marbars? The lion gave a slight nod in response to Leon's question. As if confirming it, that's right, his name was Roon. I can sense that the magical bond between us has been severed. As it spoke, a flicker of rage flashed across its face. Its powerful jaws clenched, grinding its teeth together with an audible creek. Truly despicable. For so long, I feared that his nature was too merciful to be the head of a dark family. I should have foreseen that he would meet such a pitiful end. But regardless, tell me, my child, who was the one that struck the final blow upon your father? On the other side, Leon gazed at the lion with vacant eyes, making no attempt to hide the truth.

28:14With an indifferent expression, he calmly answered, if you were asking who killed my father, then that would be me, Leon von Marbars. His own son, the lion seemed to freeze. As if it couldn't believe what it had just heard, an overwhelming surge of energy erupted from its massive form, shaking the very air as its voice thundered with fury. I will ask you once more, was it truly you, who murdered the one I was bound to by contract? It roared in rage, its jaws opening wide as though it could devour the boy at any moment. Yet, despite this terrifying display, Leon remained utterly unfazed, his cold, unwavering gaze met the beast's burning eyes as he firmly repeated. Yes, it was I, who killed my own father. Immediately after Leon's admission, the massive lion could no longer contain its fury. Its entire body erupted with a monstrous killing intent, directed straight at the young man before it. In that moment, images of Roon's death, his father's final moments,

29:16flooded Leon's mind. He could still vividly recall the sensation of warm blood splattering onto his skin. That feeling had never left him, but it wasn't just Leon who saw these memories, the enormous lion witnessed them as well. And as it absorbed the emotions Leon had felt when he committed that act. It gradually began to calm, the violent rage that once surged through its being slowly faded. The lion fixed its gaze upon Leon and shook its head. It seems you've lost your way. Boy, you may have carried out the act, but that does not mean you are the one who truly killed your father. Leon slightly lowered his head, his voice steady as he replied. That is not true, and you know it, hearing Leon's response. The lion's expression shifted slightly. As if intrigued, with a small chuckle, it laid down on the ground. Its piercing eyes locked onto Leon as it observed him closely. Setting aside my disappointment, what truly interests me is the abyssal aura I sense

30:17within this boy. And the darkness lurking beneath that emotionless face of his. What exactly created someone like this? How could a mere child possibly retain such an immense reservoir of magic? The more it pondered, the more curious the lion became. And then, through its perception, it saw something. Beneath Leon's feet, countless corpses were piled high like a mountain, a chilling aura spread through the space. So overwhelming that even this ancient demon felt a shiver run down its spine. For a brief moment, its eyes flickered with astonishment. This makes no sense. He has, surpassed even his ancestors. Lost in thought, the lion seemed to come to some realization. Whatever plan it had devised, it now adjusted its stance, bringing a claw to its mouth as if clearing its throat before speaking. I should introduce myself properly. I am Marbars, one of the 72 demons of the underworld, the one who chose to turn his back on the demon race and

31:17walk alongside humanity. I was a long-time companion of well-invon Marbars. And the original source of necromancy, the power that became the unique legacy of the Marbars bloodline. On the opposite side, Leon listened as the lion introduced itself. But he showed no sign of surprise. As if he had long anticipated this revelation. I have known of you from mythology. When my ancestor founded the Marbars family, you were the one who taught him the forbidden arts of necromancy. weren't you? That's right, I was. Though I am now bound by the tomb of the dead, I was once a terrifying demon. Marbars admitted without hesitation. Leon's gaze grew colder. He stared directly at Marbars. His voice carrying a sharp edge. Marbars, my ancestor once said that the blood of necromancy always flows within us. So why did you abandon us at the final moment? His eyes glowed slightly, and even his usually emotionless face betrayed a flicker of anger as he spoke these

32:17words. But Marbars, upon hearing this, merely shrugged and let out a chuckle of amusement. Abandon you? What proof do you have to make such a claim? Leon's expression darkened slightly as memory surfaced. Slowly, he recounted, since the time of our ancestor. Well in von Marbars, our family has been unable to produce a necromancer on par with his talent. So what does that mean? Isn't that proof that you turned your back on us? Marbars' perspective, hearing this, Marbars' expression also darkened. Then, without hesitation, he declared, let me make one thing clear. The reason you and your kin have been unable to produce a true necromancer. Is because you are too weak to be a suitable vessel. That is why not a single one of you has been able to inherit even a fraction of well in von Marbars' power. This is a sign of your bloodlines decline. Leon took in these words, his mind processing the implications. But thinking about it, he realized Marbars had no reason to lie. Accepting the truth, he nodded, I will believe what you say.

33:22Marbars raised an eyebrow, amused, surprising, you seem rather quick to accept reality. To this, Leon only responded with indifference. In war, the weak must always suffer defeat. That is an undeniable law of the universe. Marbars studied him for a moment before asking. Is that the reason you accepted your father's death so easily? Leon remained expressionless. His voice was devoid of emotion as he coldly replied, what difference does it make? To be honest, his death was nothing special, except for one thing. The moment he completely turned his back on our family. At this point, Leon's voice paused for a brief moment. He locked eyes with Marbars and made a proposal. Lord Marbars, I have a request to ask of you. On the opposite side, Marbars' expression shifted slightly. His voice carried a mocking tone. A request? I don't think so. A request comes from goodwill. But in such an arrangement, the one making the request is always at a disadvantage. Isn't that right? When dealing with a demon, it is more akin to a contract,

34:27or rather, a transaction. Without hesitation, Leon responded decisively. Fine, a contract for the power of necromancy. Can you grant me that power? Upon hearing this, the lion-like demon Marbars turned his head slightly to the side. His expression radiating arrogance. H-M-P-H, a brat like you has no right to ask me such a thing. Besides, I have yet to see anything from you that would warrant me bestowing such power upon you. Wouldn't you agree? Do you truly believe that your abilities are worthy of this power? Without missing a beat, Leon answered with unwavering conviction. I do, if I were incompetent, I wouldn't even be capable of standing before you and having this conversation in the first place. Legends say that an ordinary person merely speaking to a demon would be enough for them to be drained of mana. Subjected to hallucinations, and ultimately perish in agony once the demon was done with them. Considering the fact that I am still standing here, it means I must have

35:28at least some potential. As he spoke, Leon carefully observed Marbars' expression, analyzing every reaction, and before he knew it, even Marbars himself was forced to internally acknowledge. This boy, he is certainly not without talent. In fact, he harbors a considerable amount of potential. Thinking it over, Marbars finally spoke again, reminding Leon once more, as I told you before, every request made to a demon comes at a price. However, before Marbars could even finish his sentence, Leon cut him off without hesitation. I know, everything is considered a contract. I remember that very clearly, and as for me, I don't believe I'm foolish enough to think that I can't repay you even more than what I ask for. As he spoke, Leon pointed to himself with unwavering confidence. His sheer self-assurance caused Marbars to freeze for a few moments. Cut off guard, then, suddenly, the demon burst into laughter, a booming thunderous laugh echoed across the space. Ha ha ha, excellent. In that case, let us form a

36:35contract, young heir of the Necromancer's bloodline. From Leon's perspective, he was not so naive as to sign a contract without understanding the terms. Instead, he asked directly, then, what is it that you want from me? Lord Marbars? Before him, Marbars faced twisted, contorting into the true visage of a demon, with a voice dripping with hunger and desire. He declared his price, I want everything, every single aspect of your existence. In response, Leon's lips curled into a devilish grin that matched the demon's own. What a relief to hear that? Because I will gladly sacrifice every part of this insignificant existence of mine. Seen transition. Marbars' family conference room, while Leon was still negotiating with the massive lion. The members of the Marbars' family remained in the conference room, growing increasingly frustrated with his sudden departure. An old man with white hair coughed a few times before speaking. His voice calm yet deliberate. I believe we are

37:36all well aware of the current situation. Gentlemen, our current family head, of course. I am referring to Lord Leon von Marbars. Seems to have exercised his authority to make a crucial decision that will impact the entire family. Have we all come to terms with this? As his uncle and the closest kin to our current head, I have decided to assume control over all matters concerning the family for the foreseeable future. Now, I will allow you all to voice your opinions regarding my appointment as the family steward. His face remained expressionless as he spoke, a stark contrast to the murmurs of unease that spread through the room. The moment he finished speaking, a man with slicked back brown hair raised his hand and spoke up. We have no grounds to object. Think about the alternative. Leon is just a child. Barely of age, we cannot entrust the fate of our family to an unreliable brat. I firmly believe that no one is more suited than Lord Kirchell to take control of our family's affairs from this point forward. In response, another man, an older gentleman with

38:40a thick brown beard, immediately voiced his opposition. Regardless, Lord Leon is the sole direct heir of the previous head. Never before in our history has there been a case of violating the direct lineage succession in the appointment of the family head. However, before he could even finish his sentence, the slick haired man's eyes flared with fury. His bloodshot gaze locked onto the speaker. Vains bulging on his forehead as he ground his teeth and spat out his next words. What good is precedent when our entire bloodline is on the verge of being wiped out? The Sylvester family's army is marching toward us as we speak. I won't blame you for worrying about inheritance rights, but I know full well that you're just trying to curry favor with that naive little head of ours. I, on the other hand, am looking for a way to survive. His words dripped with treachery, carrying the undertone of someone ready to betray the family to ensure his own survival. Hearing this, the bearded man could no longer contain his rage. He slammed his

39:41fist on the table, shot to his feet, and roared. You've crossed the line. Every single one of you was granted a position here thanks to the late family head's benevolence. Your duty is to fight for this family until your last breath. Not to sit around bickering like a pack of fools. His words were filled with righteous fury. Yet deep down, a sense of unease nod at him. He knew the truth. Leon had risen to the position of family head too suddenly. He was too young, too inexperienced to command true respect. Still, the bearded man remains steadfast in his resolve to support Leon, even though the young family head had yet to establish a power base of his own. I won't stand by and let that vulture-curchill steal the rightful inheritance. Guide me, Lord Rune, how could you have allowed us to be pitted against this shameless opportunist? As he thought this, he clenched his fists tightly. Opposite him, curtul, the old man with silver hair. Comly rose from his seat. He slowly extended a

40:42hand toward the grand chair of the family head. Running his fingers along its frame as if savoring the essence of power it embodied. Then, with a condescending smirk, he finally spoke, a bold opinion, but amusing. Yes, Leon von Marbars, our current family head, carries royal blood, but before he could finish, the bearded man, pulling, immediately cut him off. Spit it out, what are you really trying to say? At that, curtul dropped his pretence of politeness. His cold, piercing gaze locked onto pullens as he issued a warning. No matter how loyal you may be, you lack the insight to see beyond the surface. Your kind only realizes the truth when it's already too late. Pullen, my old friend, take my wisdom with good will. Do you truly believe I gathered everyone here today because I needed your input? As he spoke, curtul tightened his grip on pullen's shoulder. A faint but sinister pulse of mana radiated from his palm. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was enough to make beads of

41:44sweat form on pullen's forehead. By now, even a fool could sense the shift in the atmosphere. Damn it, so this was your plan all along? Pullen gritted his teeth and glared a curtul, seething with fury. However, curtul did not outright admit to his schemes. Instead, he smirked coldly and began using pullen's family as leverage. Watch your words carefully. For your family's sake, we're all gathered here for one singular purpose, to make a difficult decision. But one that is the least disastrous for the family. There's no need for you to stand in the way of our survival. My friend, all I ask is that we act with wisdom. With that, he extinguished the mana in his palm. Pullen, now left with no choice after having his family threatened, could only swallow his rage and accept the situation. So I was in his grasp from the very beginning. Forgive me, Lord Rune. Forgive this disgraceful subordinate who failed to protect your legacy. Seem transition, Leon's location. After observing Leon for a while, the lion, Marbars,

42:48finally gave his assessment. Him, everything seems fine. Except for one thing, due to the shift in the contract's purpose, my true range of power has been significantly diminished. As he spoke, Marbars pondered to himself, soft, naive, just like your father. Rune, he possessed far more mana than you do now. Unaware of Marbars' internal thoughts. Leon suddenly recalled something and spoke up. Now that I think about it, it seems that any demon who forms a contract with a human must absorb mana from their contractor to sustain themselves. What do you want me to do about that? Marbars responded indifferently. There is only one thing you can do. But for now, we must conserve your mana. With that, Marbars snapped his fingers. Instantly, his massive form was engulfed in a swirling vortex of red and black energy. The crimson lit space around them seemed to collapse inward, drawn into the abyss, and when everything settled, a smaller, cheeky-like version of Marbars appeared.

43:50His once-fear-some presence had transformed into a tiny, adorable figure. The little lion stuck out its tongue, licking its paw nonchalantly before speaking. In this form, I'm much easier to maintain. Hearing this, Leon tilted his head slightly and admitted, I guess that makes sense. You're cute enough to be considered a pet. Before Leon could finish his sentence, he suddenly fell silent, a chilling aura locked onto him. Beside him, Marbars furbristled with fury as it growled in warning. You bastard, say I'm cute one more time. Contractor, I swear, I'll leave bite and claw marks all over your face. Do you understand? Seeing this, Leon not wanting any scars to ruin his handsome face. Simply shrugged and conceded. Well, fine then. Up ahead, Marbars still seemed slightly annoyed. But it quickly moved on to issuing its first command. Good, now that we've reached an understanding, let's get moving. Moving? Where are we going? Leon asked,

44:51intrigued. Marbars turned back, a sly grin spreading across its face. You wish to gain the power to rival your ancestor. Don't you? If you want to climb to the same heights as him, what better way than to follow in his footsteps? That actually makes sense. Leon stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then it settled. Marbars declared, we're heading to your ancestors hidden temple. The dangers of this journey could very well claim your life. Will you still choose to walk this path with me? Marbars grin widened. Leon momentarily stunned. Felt a metaphorical question mark pop up over his head. Why do you keep testing my resolve? Marbars immediately saw through Leon's reaction. This kid really doesn't have a shred of hesitation. The lion chuckled and began walking ahead. Follow me if you think you can keep up. That is, young contractor. Seen transition. The enchanted forest. Time passed in the blink of an eye. Under Marbars led, Leon had arrived in an unfamiliar forest. Taking in the eerie

45:52scenery, he muttered to himself. So this is the enchanted forest of house Marbars. Hearing this, Marbars, walking ahead, nodded, more or less. This forest is a labyrinth to anyone who does not belong to your bloodline. Leon, deep in thought, then posed a question. My father once said that only the true air of our lineage could step foot into the hidden temple. But what I find strange is, if this place bestows the power of a necromancer to our ancestors. Then why, before Leon could finish, Marbars, having already anticipated his thoughts, answered immediately, because not everyone can successfully overcome the trials. I assume they eventually realized the flaw in setting only the most basic requirements. Only those who possess the poorest darkness, the element of the underworld, can complete the trial and reach the temple. So far, no one has ever met the first condition necessary to pass through this fog. Understand now? That explanation is sufficient. Leon responded

46:55calmly. His eyes fixated on the thick mist of deep violet and black swirling before him. Curiosity sparked within him, but before he could ponder further. Marbars raised a small paw, with a simple gesture, the dense fog instantly dispersed. Turning back, the small beast urged, we have no time to waste. I suggest we begin the trial immediately. Not wanting to waste any more time. Leon and Marbars quickly stepped into the temple. As they walked, Marbars issued a warning. You may proceed, but tread carefully. Contractor, from this point on, you will receive no assistance from me. Hearing this, Leon did not complain. In fact, a glimmer of excitement crossed his face. Good, this will be a true test of my courage. Behind him, the small lion Marbars added. However, I have one piece of advice for you. Always follow the guidance of the Necromancers Grimoire. It will lead you to your reward, the power of a Necromancer. After saying this, Marbars

47:57grinned mischievously. Under the Grimoire's guidance, Leon ventured down a silent corridor, as he walked in the eerie stileness. Strange noises suddenly caught his attention, unable to suppress his curiosity. He moved closer to the source of the sounds, and stumbled upon an unusual sight. The week, pitiful cries were coming from a group of goblins. Leon swept his gaze around the dimly lit chamber, quickly realizing that the creatures had captured a beautiful young woman. The goblins stood hunched and alert. Their glowing red eyes locked onto the young man, drooled dripped from their fanged mouths, making them look like a pack of rabbit beasts eyeing their next meal. At that moment, the Necromancers Grimoire suddenly floated back into Leon's hands. Its pages flipping on their own. A passage on the open page began to glow with an eerie. Mysterious light, thus, to fully harness the divine potential of the sacred Necromancers Grimoire, I shall disregard the standard rules of guidance. Your first step toward mastering Necromancy,

49:01reviving the dead, Leon skimmed through the text. His sharp eyes narrowing in confusion. The book demanded that he begin by taking the life of a living being. After issuing this command, the Grimoire snapped shut and hovered in midair. Leon remained silent for a moment before reaching for his short blade. Dronged it from its sheath with a slow, deliberate motion, his gaze was icy as he surveyed the scene before him. His eyes first landed on the terrified girl, her face streaked with fresh tears, trembling in fear. Then, he turned his attention to the goblins, who were now watching him wearily. The creature's instinctively spread out, encircling Leon in a loose but threatening formation. Without a command, without discussion, a large goblin from the group suddenly lunged at Leon. With a burst of strength, it propelled itself off the ground, launching toward him at lightning speed. No hesitation, no wasted movement. The instant it closed the distance, the goblin swung its massive.

50:03Razor sharp claws straight at Leon's throat, but Leon was no amateur. With a slight tilt of his body, he smoothly sidestepped the lethal strike. At the same time, his right hand tied in around the dagger, then, in a swift, calculated motion, he slashed. The blade sliced clean through the goblin's throat. A fountain of blood sprayed into the air as the creature collapsed onto the ground and a lifeless heap. Leon spared only a single glance at the fallen goblin before shifting his gaze toward the rest. The remaining goblins flenched, their bodies stiffened, and instinctively, they took a step back, wearing his filling their glowing eyes. Leon exhaled, his voice a whisper, cold and ominous, like death itself, one down, whose next scene transition, Leon's past. A distant moment in time, Leon and his father, Rune von Marbars, stood silently before an ancient tomb, the cold wind howled, carrying the somber breath of time itself. Then, without warning,

51:07Rune turned to his son, locking eyes with him as he spoke slowly, deliberately, listen carefully, Leon, in the grand Marbars family. What do you think we value the most? The answer was simple, we revere death, because we are a family of necromancers, masters of the dead. We must respect death more than anything else. Leon hesitated for a brief moment, his young mind struggling to grasp the full meaning of his father's words. He raised a hand to his lips, deep in thought, before finally voicing his confusion. But what does that really mean? Father, how can we revere death? I thought that necromancers, whether they wanted to or not, had to take lives. If gaining power as a dark sorcerer demands sacrifice, isn't that just the way things are? Rune was momentarily taken aback by his son's response. He turned to fully face Leon. His gaze heavy with thought before he answered. It seems you've studied our family's history well. Yes, we are dark sorcerers, feared across the continent,

52:09but that doesn't mean we have to become heartless villains. Rune paused, inhaling deeply before placing a firm yet gentle hand on his son's shoulder. His voice softened, but his words carried a weight that could not be ignored. That is why, you must promise me something, no matter who you face on the battlefield one day, as long as you hold the power to take life in your hands. Swear to me that you will grant them a death as merciful as possible. Hearing his father's request, a thought suddenly surfaced in young Leon's mind. You want me to uphold this vow, even from my enemies? Back to the present, the battle raged on. Leon, now fully grown, faced off against the goblins. His father's words still echoing in his mind. After witnessing their comrades swift demise, the remaining goblins had become wary. Their grips tightened around their weapons. Their red eyes glowed with a newfound caution. They spread out, moving methodically to encircle Leon, trapping him in the center. Yet, there was no fear in Leon's expression. On the contrary,

53:14the deeper he found himself in danger, the colder and sharper his mind became. He analyzed the situation with a chilling level of focus. I need to strike directly at the cervical spine, with absolute precision. It's the quickest way to send them off, without unnecessary suffering. Thinking through his next move, Leon tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes scanning the surroundings with heightened vigilance. From the sidelines, Marbars watched the scene unfold, bringing a paw to his mouth as he chuckled with amusement. It seems this child has never trained in swordsmanship before. If he has, it's barely worth mentioning, and yet, he managed to pierce through the cervical spine with absolute precision. Was that just dumb luck? Or is this some kind of innate talent? It won't be long before I get my answer. With that thought, Marbars sharpened his focus, ensuring he wouldn't miss a single moment. Back to Leon's perspective, Leon reminded himself, dropping my guard just because I took down

54:14one goblin would be beyond foolish. That kill was more luck than skill. Goblins are naturally cunning and deceptive. The darkness makes it harder to gauge their exact height. On top of that, my vision could blur at any moment. I remember the moment I struck down the first goblin, the nearby torch flickered out. It's best that I get used to the darkness while I still can. And rather than slashing wildly, I should focus on precise thrusts, ending lives as efficiently as possible. The second fatal strike, Leon moved, with a swift, decisive motion. In the blink of an eye, he slipped behind the goblin wearing an iron helmet. His blade gleamed in the dim light as it drove straight toward its exposed neck. No hesitation, no emotion, the strike landed with deadly precision, the tip of his sword puncturing cleanly through the vertebrae. The goblin let out a shriek of agony before collapsing into a growing pool of blood. But at that exact moment,

55:15another goblin lunged at Leon from the side. Its charge was relentless, full of wild aggression, Leon reacted instantly, leaping backward, keeping distance, dodging the attack by mere inches. The weapons of the two goblins clashed with a deafening clang, sending sparks flying through the darkness. Leon saw his opportunity, before they could recover. He spun, and with one fluid motion, his blade sliced cleanly through the throat of the nearest goblin. A fresh spray of crimson filled the air. The creature crumpled lifelessly to the ground, following its brethren into the afterlife. The moment the goblin collapsed. The torch in the room flickered out. Darkness, already thick, grew even deeper. Leon's perspective, Leon had been fighting at an intense pace. Fatigue was beginning to set in. He wiped the sweat from his brow, taking a deep breath as he thought. My eyes, they're adjusting to the dark. I should be able to see well enough now. But the

56:15real problem is, after all that combat, my dagger is nearly ruined. He glanced down at the weapon in his hand. The once sharp blade was now chipped and cracked. How many more strikes can it endure before it shatters completely? An unexpected attack, before Leon could consider his options. A sharp, high-pitched screech tore through the air. His instincts flared, he spun around, and immediately spotted a purple-haired goblin rushing toward him. Its blade was already raised high, poised for a lethal strike. Leon clenched his teeth too fast. With zero hesitation, he threw his weapon. The dagger spun through the air, barely grazing the goblin's face, leaving a small scratch on its cheek. The creature flenched, momentarily stunned by the unexpected move. Mar bars, watching from the sidelines, gasped in shock, he threw away his weapon. His eyes widened in disbelief, but he quickly resumed observing. A counterattack, the goblin recovered fast. It snarled,

57:18tightening its grip on its weapon. Then swung down with full force. Leon, however, had already dodged, twisting his body. He narrowly slipped out of range. He didn't waste a second. His eyes locked onto a fallen sword on the ground. The weapon of one of the goblins he had previously slain. Leon lunged. His fingers wrapped around the hilt. He spun around, only to see the purple-haired goblin already closing in. But Leon was faster. With a powerful push from his right leg, he thrust his sword forward. The blade pierced clean through the goblin's chest. Blood sprayed across the floor. But Leon didn't stop there. Twisting the hilt, he ripped the sword upward, tearing through flesh and bone. The goblin let out a final, strangled gasp before collapsing lifelessly onto the ground. After the battle, with the goblin's lying dead around him, Leon turned his attention to the last matter at hand. The captive girl, his footsteps echoed through the now eerily silent room as

58:21he slowly approached her. The girl, having just witnessed the slaughter of her captors, seemed to relax slightly, her terrified eyes softening with relief. Leon reached out. His fingers definitely untying the rope gag that had silenced her. Tears streamed down her delicate face as she gasped in relief. Her voice trembling with gratitude. Thank you, thank you for saving me. I owe you my life. I will. She never finished her sentence. Because, at that very moment, Leon drove his sword straight through her chest. His face, cold and emotionless, sent a shiver down the spine of anyone who would have witnessed the scene. A terrifying revelation, blood spilled onto the cold ground as Leon calmly withdrew his sword. The girl's wide, disbelieving eyes stared at him, her lips trembling as if trying to form words. But Leon only stood above her. His expression indifferent as he spoke in a voice as frigid as death itself. I suddenly remembered another piece

59:22of wisdom my father once shared with me. He spoke of creatures capable of imitating human form. Once he had encountered during his journeys across the continent. As he spoke, Leon swung his sword again. The blade tore through the air. And this time, the girl screamed. But her cry of pain wasn't what caught Leon's attention. It was her body. The illusion began to break. Her once soft features contorted into something inhuman. Her eyes glowed with a feral hunger. Her fangs elongated, her entire being twisted and morphed. A grotesque transformation revealing her true monstrous nature. Leon smirked. As I thought, his sword dripped with blood as he continued speaking. His voice eerily calm. There was one more lesson my father taught me. Never forget those who deceive and pray on the trust of others. Do not deserve a peaceful death. They must taste fear and despair, just as their victims once did. And to ensure that Leon leaned in, his lips curling into a dangerous,

1:00:24almost sadistic smile. I think you need a lesson in pain, don't you? The final moments of blood curdling scream pierced through the darkness. Followed by another and another and tell the last torch in the room flickered out. A chilling silence followed and with it, the end of the imposter's miserable existence. The retribution that Leon von Marbar's deemed fitting. The passing of time, scene transition, a lavish tavern, a grand and extravagant tavern, bathed in a golden glow. The warm flicker of lanterns reflected off polished wood. Casting an intimate, indulgent atmosphere. On the grand stage, beautiful women in sultry attire swayed their bodies to the rhythm of seductive melodies. Their movements mesmerizing, heightening the already intoxicating air, and amidst it all, seated in the most luxurious corner of the room. Curchle, the cunning old man, reveled in his newfound glory. Two alluring women clung to his arms, one draped in a crimson dress.

1:01:27The other in a deep sapphire gown, in his grip, a glass of the finest vintage wine, and on his lips, allowed, triumphant laugh. Ha ha, finally, my time has come. It won't be long now before this cursed family falls entirely into my hands. Hearing this, the woman in red giggled seductively, leaning closer to his ear. Her voice as sweet as honey. Of course, my Lord Tilda, she purred. Who wouldn't want a refined gentleman like yourself to take over instead of serving some milk-drinking little boy? At her words, the woman in blue covered her mouth, letting out a delicate chuckle before adding. So true, so true, Tilda, Lord Curchle, I never imagined you'd actually be able to manipulate the silvestres to achieve your ambitions. Can you say it again? Aligning with the enemy to rise to power. Only a real man would make such a bold move, Tilda. The woman in red leaned and even closer, practically pressing against Curchle, both flattering and seducing him at the same time. With alcohol and victory clouding his mind,

1:02:33the old man laughed heartily, lifting his wine glass in celebration. Ha ha, you do know how to flatter a man. Don't you, my beauty Tilda, but I suppose we'll still have to bow our heads to those silvestre dogs for a while longer. He took a long sip from his glass before speaking again, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. Even so, it's far better than letting that brat drag the entire family to ruin. Leon? Ha, in the end, it's only logical that I should take control. After all, who can deny that I've won this game perfectly? The mere thought of fully seizing power over the Marbar's family filled Curchle with such euphoria that he couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Across the table, a man with slicked back brown hair, currently occupied with a stunning woman on his lap, watched Curchle's unrestrained amusement, a shiver ran down his spine. Something about that laughter, something about the sheer arrogance in Curchle's expression. It unsettled him, still, curiosity got the better of him. Taking another sip of his drink, he casually asked,

1:03:39so what do you plan to do about that kid? Lord Curchle, all the household staff, they're still fiercely loyal to his father. That means he might be more troublesome than you think. The dead tell no tales. Curchle scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer as he waved dismissively. I see no reason to overcomplicate things when it comes to that brat. His death will be conveniently explained away soon enough. You know how it is. The dead don't talk, and his father's son won't be an exception. A deranged, glint flickered across Curchle's eyes as he reached for the wine bottle and poured a generous amount into the glass of the slick-haired man across from him. The brown-haired man smirked lonely, raising his glass in mock reverence. Brilliant, Lord Curchle, as far as I know, the last time anyone ever heard a word from the dead, was centuries ago when the founding patriarch of the Marbar's family still wielded the full might of necromancy. A toast to our rightful next patriarch, Lord Curchle, hearing this, Curchle laughed heartily, clinking his glass with force before

1:04:45tilting his head back and chugging the remainder of his bottle. The roaring laughter and merriment continued to echo through the lavish tavern. A celebration of what they all believed to be a foregone conclusion, the complete takeover of the Marbar's family. Seen transition, a luxurious chamber. At the same time, in another part of the city, inside an opulent, dimly lit room, a man reclined lazily in a high-back chair. This was Alan, the cunning patriarch of the Sylvester family. His sharp, calculating gaze flickered toward the black-haired subordinate standing at his side. His tone was low, deliberate, and heavy with expectation, the plan to subjugate the Marbar's family. It's preceding smoothly, I'd trust, the dark-haired man gave a firm nod. Of course, my Lord, Curchle von Marbar's is nothing more than a pawn in our game now. All that remains is an official sanction from the royal family, and everything will be set in stone. Alan smirked, his lips curling into a cruel, mocking

1:05:49smile as he let out a scoff. Those pathetic fools, how blind must they be to actually believe I would delay a second war? When the first one barely ended, as he spoke, Alan casually flicked over a piece on the chessboard before him, toppling it over, the dark-haired subordinate seized the opportunity to lavish praise upon his master. Nothing would be possible without your unparalleled strategic foresight. My Lord, Alan, however, paid no heed to empty flattery. His gaze shifted toward a sealed letter resting beside him. Alongside it, a portrait of Curchle, the fate of the Marbar's family was no longer in their own hands. He let out a scoff. His voice dripping with mockery. Ha, this bastard, Curchle, was it? Who would have thought that centuries of Marbar's history would come to this? Reduced to ruins by a cheap traitor like him. Oh, my, what an amusing night indeed. As the thought of soon seizing control over the Marbar's family settled in. Alan could hardly

1:06:51contain his excitement. He waved a hand, signaling his subordinates nearby, speed up the preparations immediately. You understand me, don't you? Yes, Lord Alan, his men responded in unison, bowing their heads. Alan smirked, a glint of wicked delight flashing in his eyes. First, the father, now, the son, I can't wait to hear that sweet sound of him crying out in despair. Back to the protagonist, after Leon finished off the imposter creature, the torches inside the chamber suddenly extinguished all at once. Darkness engulfed the room, not a single glimmer of light remained. Forced to navigate blindly, Leon ran his fingers along the hill of his sword, cautiously feeling his way forward. The torches are all out. Now it's pitch black and here. I guess this is it. Huh? He muttered under his breath. His voice barely a whisper in the eerie silence. Then, without warning, all the torches reignited at once. But this time, the flames no longer

1:07:53carried that eerie green hue. Instead, they burned with a warm, golden glow, calm and natural. Light spread throughout the chamber, illuminating every inch of the space. Seeing this, Leon exhaled a quiet breath of relief. Though his expression had remained cold and composed during the battle, it would be a lie to say he hadn't felt even the slightest bit uneasy. Before he could gather his thoughts, a blur of movement shot toward him. Bam, the tiny lion, Marbars, crashed straight into Leon's face, overflowing with excitement. That was incredible. I've never seen a contract holder as insane as you in my entire life. The impact was so strong that Leon lost his footing, tumbling straight into the pool of blood on the floor, yet Marbars showed no remorse. In fact, the little creature was so thrilled that steam practically puffed out from his nostrils. I'm certain now you've got enough guts to survive in a land crawling with orcs. As long as you can keep your cool, that is, as he spoke, Marbars

1:08:57lifted his tiny paws and mischievously started rubbing Leon's face. Ha, ha, ha, even though that thing was a shapeshifter, its disguise was nearly flawless. And yet, you still stabbed it through the chest the moment you laid eyes on it. Down below, Leon frowned in irritation, clearly not enjoying Marbars rubbing his face like that. Without hesitation, he pushed himself upright, gently placing the small lion-like creature onto the ground before calmly stating. Well, I'd actually like to encounter the orcs at some point. If possible, I've heard that they despise humans more than any other race. Before Leon could finish, Marbars swiftly interrupted. Forget about that, what I want to know is, how did you figure out that last monster was an ally of the goblins? Leon paused for a moment. Deep in thought, then, in a steady voice. He replied, that was simple, when all the torches went out. But one remained lit. Something was clearly off. I noticed that the torches here

1:09:58burned a different color than the ones I had seen before. They were blue. I realized they weren't just torches. They were the lingering shadows of the dead. And sure enough, every time I killed one of the goblins, a torch would go out, one by one. Yet, after I had eliminated all the goblins, there was still one torch left burning. That's when I knew for sure, there was still one more monster hiding among us. And I wouldn't be able to move forward until it was completely destroyed. Leon's voice remained calm, as if all of this had been nothing more than a simple strategic game. His detached, almost chilling nonchalance sent a shiver down Marbars spine. This kid really is terrifyingly cold-blooded. Who would have thought a mere 14-year-old could process all of that? Especially in a life or death situation like that. Most people would barely have the capacity to understand their predicament. Let alone take immediate action without hesitation. And yet, Leon did it effortlessly. Not only that, he single-handedly wiped out every last enemy with nothing

1:11:02but his own judgment. Perhaps, this boy's potential goes beyond just possessing an enormous mana reserve. Maybe he's hiding something truly extraordinary. This is getting interesting, amused by his own thoughts. Marbars let out a small, mischievous chuckle, then, shifting his gaze toward the tomb of Necromancy, which continued to float in midair. He turned back to Leon and instructed. Now then, let's move on to the next trial of Wellen von Marbars. The moment the voice echoed through the air. The tom suddenly flipped open to a specific page, then floated directly in front of Leon. Inside, the text was written clearly. First, you must take the life of a living being. Second, you must awaken those who have fallen. As his eyes scanned the words, Leon's eyebrows furrowed slightly. The undead, he murmured under his breath, then shifted his gaze toward the lifeless goblin corpses sprawled across the floor. A moment of silence passed. Then, Leon's lips

1:12:04curled into a smile. A smile so cold, so unsettling, one that could make anyone shiver to their core.