Leo finally emerged from Chanter Forest, his journey taking him past the mine where he'd spent much of his time since arriving in this world. It had only been a month, but it felt like much longer to him. The sight of the mine stirred a wave of memories—frustration, hardship, and the bitter taste of his past life as a slave. He had been trapped there for so long, cursed by the fate that had brought him to this world as someone forced to work.
Now, walking away from the mine, Leo reflected on how much he had changed. In the short time since he left, he had gained strength, unlocked new powers, and made choices that led him toward a completely different future than the one he had imagined.
As he approached Aizen's mansion, the gates stood open, a sign of familiarity. He had been here several times before, and with each visit, it felt more like a place he belonged. The mansion was no longer just a symbol of power or wealth; it had become a reminder of the changes he was undergoing, a marker of the future he was creating.
Leo knocked on the gates, and the guard recognized him immediately. Without hesitation, he opened them. Stepping inside, Leo felt a sense of calm. The mansion still felt imposing, but it had become a second home to him—a place of refuge where he could meet with Aizen and discuss matters of importance.
"Is Mister Aizen around?" Leo asked, his voice calm.
The guard nodded. "Yes, he is. Would you like me to fetch him?"
"Please. I'll wait for him in the tea garden."
The guard acknowledged him and went inside to inform Aizen. Leo turned toward the familiar path leading to the tea garden. The peaceful place had become one of his favorite spots to unwind. As he walked, the sounds of the mansion faded away, replaced by the calm atmosphere of the garden.
He passed the stone steps leading to the serene pond and the small fountain where he had spent hours before, lost in thought. Finding a chair near the table, he sat down with a contented sigh. The rustling of leaves and the fragrance of flowers felt comforting, as if the garden was an old friend welcoming him back.
For a moment, Leo closed his eyes, letting the soothing sounds of the garden wash over him—the soft clink of wind chimes, the scent of jasmine, and the quiet trickle of water from the fountain. It was a peaceful retreat, a place where he could escape from the weight of the world and reflect on his thoughts.
Moments later, Mister Aizen appeared, smiling warmly as he approached Leo. "What brings you here today? Are you here for some odd jobs?" he asked casually, his tone knowing. "I thought Justin mentioned the adventure guild to you."
Leo nodded. "He did, but how did you know it was for odd jobs?"
Aizen chuckled. "I can tell by your expression. It's something I've picked up over the years."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"
Aizen grinned. "Well, I wouldn't be as strong as I am if I didn't have a keen eye."
Leo paused, considering his words carefully. "I'm not sure I'm ready to join the adventure guild. That's why I'm here."
Aizen's expression softened, his voice lowering slightly as he leaned in. "Let me tell you something." He paused for a moment, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I'm actually on the director's board of the adventure guild."
Leo blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're on the board? And you wanted me to join to help me grow my influence?"
Aizen nodded. "Exactly. You've shown promise, and joining the guild will give you the visibility you need. You're already strong, but it's the connections and recognition that will take you further."
Leo thought for a moment, processing the information. "Alright, I'll join. But I won't be going on missions all the time. I like to do things on my own terms."
Aizen laughed softly. "Don't worry. Adventurers take on quests whenever they want. It's not like a regular job where you have to work overtime. You get to choose your own path."
Leo looked a bit confused. "So it's not like the work I had on Earth, where I was stuck on a strict schedule, constantly working with no choice?"
Aizen shook his head. "Not at all. The guild gives you the freedom to choose your quests and when you take them. It's more flexible."
Leo nodded slowly, still trying to grasp the concept. The idea of having control over his own schedule, without the burden of constant work, was a welcome thought. "Alright," he said, a small smile forming. "I'll give it a try."
Aizen smiled back, clearly pleased with Leo's decision. "Good. I knew you'd come around. Just remember, you have the freedom to make your own choices here. When you're ready, we'll get you settled in."
Leo thought for a moment before replying, "Okay, I'm ready to join the guild. Let's get this over with."
Aizen nodded with a smile, then added, as if remembering something, "There's one more thing I wanted to talk to you about. Have you ever considered attending a school?"
Leo blinked in surprise. "School? Why would I want to do that?"
Aizen leaned back slightly, his tone thoughtful. "One of the other board members is a close friend of mine. He's also the principal of a prestigious school, and he's been looking for someone exceptional to join as a student—not just anyone, but someone who can challenge the norms. Most of the students there are nobles, but he's looking for someone who can show them that even a former slave can surpass their so-called noble blood. I thought of you the moment he mentioned it."
Leo frowned, skeptical. "A school full of nobles? That doesn't sound like my kind of place. What's in it for me?"
Aizen chuckled. "I'll provide you with resources to help you grow even stronger, beyond what you've gathered so far. Plus, it's a great opportunity to expand your influence and learn new things. You might find it more rewarding than you think."
Before Leo could dismiss the idea, a voice echoed in his mind.
**Hidden Quest Unlocked: Attend Crimson Academy.**
*Crimson Academy is a prestigious school for vampire royals and elites. Your mission is to rise to the top and become the strongest student.*
**Reward:** Title – *Dominator.*
The system's voice faded, leaving Leo to absorb the new information. The mention of Crimson Academy and vampires piqued his curiosity, but the reward of a title made the offer even more tempting.
"Crimson Academy?" Leo asked, narrowing his eyes. "Is that the school you're talking about?"
Aizen nodded, clearly impressed. "You've heard of it? Yes, that's the one. It's a school for vampires—royals, elites, and other skilled individuals. If you can rise to the top there, it will solidify your reputation as someone extraordinary."
Leo crossed his arms, weighing his options. The system rarely unlocked hidden quests, and the rewards were always worth it. Still, the thought of dealing with arrogant nobles didn't sit well with him. "Alright," he said after a moment. "I'll go. But don't expect me to get along with everyone there."
Aizen smirked. "I wouldn't expect anything less. I'll make the arrangements. You'll start next week. In the meantime, prepare yourself. This will be a challenge like none you've faced before."
Leo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "A challenge, huh? Fine. Let's see what this Crimson Academy has to offer."