As they neared the mansion, Justin picked up his pace, his stride purposeful. "Alright, we're almost there," he called over his shoulder to Leo, urging him forward.
Leo's eyes fixed on the grand mansion looming in the distance, its spires reaching high into the sky. A mix of excitement and nervousness filled him. "Yeah, I see it," he replied, swallowing the knot in his throat. "But do you really think all the money we gathered is enough to free me… and my friend?"
Justin gave him a reassuring nod. "It should be. Let's just get inside first—I'm wiped out from everything we went through."
As they approached the towering gates, Justin signaled the guard, who quickly swung them open, revealing the expansive grounds of the mansion. The scenery was breathtaking, but Leo barely noticed as his mind raced with the possibilities that lay ahead.
Once inside, Justin wasted no time calling for the contractor, eager to deliver news of their successful mission. After a quick exchange, he turned to Leo. "I need a shower after that trip. The contractor's waiting for you in the tea garden." With a nod, he headed off, leaving Leo to face the next step alone.
Leo made his way to the tea garden, where the contractor awaited him, seated in a tranquil spot among blooming flowers. The fragrant scent filled the air as Leo took a seat, recounting every perilous moment and hard-won treasure they'd gathered.
The contractor listened closely, nodding with satisfaction. "Well done, Leo. I'm pleased to say that I, Aisen Drego, have accepted your payment. You are now free from slavery."
At his words, Leo felt the mark on his forehead—a constant reminder of his bondage—begin to fade, dissolving into nothing. Relief and disbelief flooded him, the weight of his past lifting to reveal the possibility of a fresh start.
Aisen looked at him with a hint of admiration. "Not only did you meet my expectations, but you also exceeded them. Later, bring your friend to me, and I'll remove his mark as well."
Leo's heart soared. "Really? You'll free him too?"
"Absolutely. And after that, I'll provide each of you with a home and startup money to help you rebuild your lives," Aisen added with a smile. "Meet me tomorrow to claim yours."
Leo's disbelief turned into joy. Freedom, a home, a real future—they were within reach. "Thank you, Aisen. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Aisen replied. "Now go rest—you've earned it."
With newfound hope, Leo left the tea garden, feeling like he was walking on air. When he returned to the familiar quarters of the mine, he sat on his bunk, his surroundings feeling different, infused with the promise of freedom. As he lay down, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off, dreaming of the new life waiting for him and John.
As sleep settled in, a chime echoed in his mind, jolting him awake. It was the system. "Side quest complete," it announced. "You have acquired an invisibility cloak, located in your future home. The property is secluded as you requested. When selecting your house, choose this location."
Leo's heart raced. An invisibility cloak! He focused on the vision of the house in his mind—a serene, hidden spot surrounded by nature. Smiling, he lay back, holding onto the thought of his new life as he drifted off once again.
Moments later, another notification jolted him awake. "All kills from today's quest have been tallied. New stats confirmed: Level 6 achieved."
Leo's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding with excitement. Level 6! The battles he'd faced hadn't just led to his freedom—they'd strengthened him. He recalled each fight, each challenge, every step toward reclaiming his life, now amplified by this newfound power. With thoughts of his strength, the invisibility cloak, and the future awaiting him, he finally sank into deep, satisfied sleep.
The next morning, Leo and John were summoned to the mansion.
As they walked up the path, John's mind raced, his nerves stretched thin. The contractor's unexpected summons had him on edge. He looked at Leo, his tone filled with worry.
"Leo… what did you do? Why's the contractor calling us?" John asked, voice tense. "I didn't do anything wrong—I was just trying to help you when you fainted in the mine!"
Leo chuckled, clearly unfazed. "Relax, John. We're fine. The contractor asked me if I'd take on some odd jobs yesterday—like killing monsters. I accepted, went out, and earned enough to buy your freedom. That's why he's calling us now."
John froze, staring at him in shock. "Wait… *what?* You actually fought monsters? Do you have any idea how dangerous they are? I couldn't even handle a goblin—the weakest one—and you're telling me you fought them?"
Leo grinned. "Not just one, John. Two hundred."
John's jaw dropped, eyes wide. "Two hundred? Are you insane? Even if you'd killed one, it wouldn't be enough to free us! And you're saying you fought *two hundred*?"
Leo laughed, shaking his head. "I wasn't alone. I had help—a guard named Justin. I watched him take down a goblin king with a single hit. Together, we took down all two hundred goblins and earned enough to free both of us."
John looked at him, half in awe, half in disbelief. "Two hundred goblins… I still can't believe it. But if you really did it… I guess that explains why we're here."
Leo nudged him, urging him forward. "Then let's go. If you don't believe me, the contractor will confirm it."
John sighed, picking up the pace. "Alright, but I swear, Leo, one day your crazy plans will be the end of us."
Leo laughed, slapping him on the back. "You doubt me too much, John! I'm your best friend, remember?"
John shook his head, trying not to smile. "And because you're my best friend, I know better than to believe everything you say. *Two hundred goblins?* I'll believe it when I see it."
As they reached the mansion doors, the guard who had escorted them from the mine stepped forward, glancing back at the two of them. He raised his hand, signaling the guards at the entrance. With a low creak, the massive doors swung open, revealing the mansion's vast interior.
Once inside, John's eyes widened in awe at the opulent hall. "This place is so… *freaking* amazing," he whispered. "It's magnificent."
Leo nudged him. "Watch your left."
John turned and saw the guards—muscle-bound, imposing, and focused. He gulped. "Uh… Leo, are you sure we're not here to die? Those guys look dead serious."
Leo chuckled, trying to reassure him. "No, we're fine. I'm actually looking for Justin." Meanwhile, their escort disappeared through a nearby door to fetch the contractor, leaving John and Leo waiting under the watchful eyes of the guards, their freedom closer than ever.