As Leo finally made it out of Chanter Forest, he passed through the mine where he had been working since arriving in this world. It had only been a month since he left, but to him, it felt like much longer. The sight of the mine brought a rush of memories—frustration, hardship, and the bitter taste of his past life as a slave. He had spent so long there, cursing why he had been trapped in such a fate, wondering how he ended up in this world as someone forced to labor.
But now, as he walked away from the mine, Leo couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come. The past month had changed him in ways he hadn't fully realized. The strength he had gained, the powers he had unlocked, and the choices he had made all pointed toward a future that was completely different from the one he had imagined.
He eventually reached Aizen's mansion, its gates standing open as he approached. Despite its grandeur, there was something familiar about it now—he had come here several times before, and each visit made him feel more at ease. The mansion wasn't just a place of power or luxury; it had become a symbol of change for him, of the future he was beginning to carve out.
Leo knocked on the gates, and the guard, recognizing him immediately, opened them without hesitation. As he stepped inside, the familiar surroundings calmed his mind. The mansion was still imposing, but now it felt more like a second home—a place where he could take refuge and discuss matters of importance.
"Is Mister Aizen around?" Leo asked the guard, his tone calm and certain.
"Yes, he is. Would you like me to fetch him?" the guard replied.
"Yes, please," Leo nodded. "I'll wait for him in the tea garden."
With a respectful nod, the guard went inside to inform Aizen of Leo's arrival. Leo turned and made his way toward the tea garden, the path to it now familiar under his feet. The peaceful garden had become one of his favorite places to unwind, a place where the hustle and bustle of the mansion seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of calm.
He passed by the stone steps leading down to the serene pond and the small fountain where he'd spent hours before, lost in thought. He made his way to one of the chairs near the table he'd sat at on previous visits, settling into it with a sigh. The gentle rustling of leaves and the delicate fragrance of the flowers felt like an old friend, welcoming him back.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the garden wash over him. The soft clink of the wind chimes, the faint scent of jasmine, and the quiet trickling of water from the fountain—everything about the place felt so familiar now. Leo felt a strange comfort in knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, this garden would always be here for him. It was a place of peace and reflection, a momentary escape from the weight of the world outside.
Mister Aizen stepped out of the mansion and greeted Leo with a warm smile. "What brings you here today? Are you here for some odd jobs?" he asked, his tone casual but knowing. "I thought Justin told you about the adventure guild."
Leo nodded. "Yes, Justin did mention it. But how did you know it was for odd jobs?" he asked, intrigued.
Aizen chuckled. "I can tell based on your expression. It's something I've learned over the years," he said with a knowing smile.
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 for a moment, considering his next words carefully. "I don't really feel good about joining the adventure guild, that's why I'm here."
Aizen's expression shifted to one of understanding, and he leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice as if about to share a secret. "Let me tell you something," he said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Leo leaned in, curious to hear more.
"I'm actually on the director board of the adventure guild," Aizen revealed. "I recommended you join so that you can spread your name even further, increase your influence, and build your reputation."
Leo blinked, surprised by the revelation. "Wait, you're part of the board? And you wanted me to join to help me grow my influence?"
Aizen nodded. "Exactly. You've already shown a lot of promise, and joining the guild would give you the visibility you need. You're already strong, but making connections and gaining recognition will take you further."
Still processing the information, Leo thought for a moment. "Okay, I'll join... but I won't be going on missions all the time. I prefer to do things on my own schedule."
Aizen laughed softly. "You don't have to worry about that. Adventurers take on quests when they feel like it. It's not like a regular job where you have to show up every day, working overtime. It's more about the freedom to choose your own path."
Leo looked a bit confused. "So it's not like the work I had back on Earth, where I was practically subjugated to a strict schedule, constantly working with no real choice?"
Aizen shook his head. "No, not at all. The guild gives you the freedom to choose your quests, when you take them, and how much you want to work. It's much more flexible than that."
Leo nodded slowly, still wrapping his mind around the idea. The freedom to choose his own missions, without the pressure of being constantly overworked, felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. Perhaps this wasn't such a bad path after all. "Alright," Leo said, a small smile forming on his face. "I'll give it a try."
Aizen smiled back, pleased with Leo's decision. "Good. I knew you'd come around. Just remember, you have the freedom to make your own choices here. Now, whenever you're ready, we'll get you settled in."
Leo considered Aizen's words 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, as if remembering something, added, "There's one more thing I wanted to talk to you about. Have you ever considered attending a school?"
Leo blinked, confused by the sudden suggestion. "School? Why would I do that?"
Aizen leaned back slightly, his tone growing thoughtful. "One of the other board directors is a close friend of mine and also the principal of a prestigious school. He's been looking for someone exceptional to join as a student—not just anyone, but someone who can challenge the norms. You see, most of the students there are nobles. He wants someone capable, 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 of the idea. "A school full of nobles? That doesn't sound like my kind of place. And what's in it for me?"
Aizen chuckled. "I'll provide you with resources to help you grow stronger, more than what you've been able to gather so far. Besides, 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, the system chimed 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 process the new information. The mention of Crimson Academy and vampires piqued his interest, but the reward of a title made it even more tempting.
"Crimson Academy?" Leo asked Aizen, 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 highly skilled individuals. If you can rise to the top there, it'll 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 pompous nobles didn't sit well with him. "Alright," he finally said. "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, get everything you need in order. This will be a challenge like none you've faced before."
Leo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Challenge, huh? Fine. Let's see what this Crimson Academy has to offer."