The next day, as dawn's first light crept softly through the window, Leon led Elys to the small makeshift training area he had set up in the corner of the abandoned building.
It wasn't much—just a few old targets, some practice dummies, and a couple of basic pieces of equipment. But it would serve its purpose.
"Are you ready, Elys?" Leon asked, his voice steady, but there was a hint of seriousness in his tone.
Elys nodded, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She had learned so much in such a short time, but this felt different. Today was about something more.
Leon studied her for a moment, sensing her hesitation. "I'll be away for some time," he said.
"While I'm gone, you need to know how to defend yourself. No one else can protect you like you can protect yourself."
He reached out, handing her the rifle. She froze for a moment, staring at the weapon. It was the same one Leon had used to fight off knights.
Elys's fingers brushed the cold metal as she took it from him, the weight of it making her swallow hard.
"You've seen how it works," Leon continued, his voice calm and encouraging. "Now, it's your turn. The basics first. Hold it like this…" He showed her how to properly grip the weapon, positioning her hands and adjusting her stance.
"It may feel awkward at first, but that's normal. Focus on the weight. On your breathing."
Elys nodded, taking a deep breath as she adjusted her grip. The weapon was heavier than she expected, but she steadied herself, focusing on his instructions.
Leon stepped back, observing her carefully. "Take your time. We'll start with aiming and then move to firing. You need to be precise. Don't rush."
Leon watched her closely, noting the hesitation in her eyes and the tremble in her hands. The sudden shift in her expression told him all he needed to know—something was bothering her.
Leon noticed the concern in Elys's eyes, the uncertainty that seemed to hang in the air. He let out a soft sigh, then gave her a teasing smile, his usual lightheartedness slipping into his words.
"Is something bothering you, Elys?" he asked gentle.
She turned to him, her face soft but clearly troubled. "Why are you leaving all of a sudden? Did I do something wrong?" Her voice trembled slightly, and her gaze dropped to the ground, unsure of how to read his intentions.
Leon took a small step closer. His expression shifted from teasing to one of understanding. He studied her for a moment, realizing the uncertainty creeping into her mind.
"Why do you think so?" he asked softly.
Elys hesitated, then looked up at him, her brow furrowing. "It just feels like… everything was going well, and now you're leaving. And I don't know if I did something to make you want to go."
Leon felt a twinge of guilt, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "Come on, Elys. You really think I'd leave a beautiful woman like you alone for too long?" He gave her a wink, his voice filled with playful confidence. "I'd be a fool to leave you waiting that long. Who else would keep me company, huh?"
Her lips parted in surprise, but then she managed a small laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. Leon's grin softened, though, and he placed a hand gently on her arm.
"But," he continued more seriously, "I do have to go for a bit. There are things I need to handle. Resources to gather, things like the protein bars you've been eating before… and a whole lot of other tasty things that would please my noble lady. You know, important stuff."
Elys raised an eyebrow, still uncertain but trying to process his words. "So, you're leaving to get... food?"
Leon chuckled softly, brushing a hand through his hair. "Not just food, Elys. It's not only about that. But yes, I need to make sure we have everything we need."
He stepped closer, his voice softening again. "But don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. And when I do, I'll make sure you have everything you want and more."
Elys still looked unsure, but her eyes softened as she met his gaze. "I'll be here waiting, Leon," she said quietly, though the hesitation in her voice still lingered. "But just… promise me you'll come back."
Leon smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I promise," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I'll be back soon, Elys."
Elys nodded slowly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Okay," she whispered, though the doubt in her eyes hadn't fully faded. "I trust you."
Leon leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his hand lingering there for a moment longer than necessary. "Stay strong," he murmured. "I'll be back before you even miss me."
After that, he continued her training, teaching her how to use the gun. Elys picked it up quickly, knowing she'd be able to defend herself with it now.
...
Elys stared at the document in her hands, still trying to process what Leon had just said. He had entrusted her with the power of the city.
"You're in charge while I'm gone," he said simply, his voice steady. "I trust you."
Her heart raced as doubt crept into her mind. "But… I don't know if I can—"
"You can," he interrupted gently. "I believe in you."
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. After a moment, she nodded slowly, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on her shoulders.
Leon gave her a soft smile and stepped closer, his gaze steady and encouraging.
Then, without another word, he turned
Elys hesitated as Leon turned to leave. She clutched the document tightly in her hands, her gaze fixed on his back. Before she could stop herself, she called out softly, "Leon, wait."
He turned, his expression calm but curious. "What is it, Elys?"
Without answering, she closed the distance between them, her steps quick but unsure. She stopped in front of him, her eyes cast down for a moment before she looked up, meeting his gaze. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she leaned forward, resting her head against his shoulder. Her fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt lightly as if afraid he might disappear if she let go.
Leon stiffened for a brief moment, surprised, but then relaxed, bringing a hand up to rest gently on her back. "Elys…" he murmured softly, his tone both comforting and questioning.
She closed her eyes, taking in his warmth and the faint scent of him—something familiar, grounding. "I just… needed a moment," she whispered. "Before you go."
He let out a quiet sigh, his hand moving in slow, reassuring circles on her back. "I'll be back, Elys. I promised, didn't I?"
"I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just… you've done so much for me. I'm scared of what it'll be like without you here."
Leon tilted his head slightly, resting his cheek against her hair. "You're stronger than you think," he said quietly. "And I'm not leaving forever. Just long enough to bring back what we need."
For a moment, she stayed there, drawing comfort from his presence. Then, reluctantly, she stepped back, her cheeks slightly flushed but her resolve firmer. "You better come back soon," she said softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I'll be waiting."
Leon smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I will."
With that, he turned and made his way to the secluded area. Taking a deep breath, he spoke to the system.
"Transport me back to the original world."