Leon made every one of them sit, then asked for an introduction. Marie and Cassie reintroduced themselves, followed by the other three.

The last girl, a black American with short dark brown hair and dark yellow eyes, was Feline Auburn. She had a shy personality, making Leon wonder if she was actually the one who raised her hand or she was forced.

The other two guys were engineering students; Miguel and Richard.

Leon sat before them all, expression calm. His legs were crossed, and his back was relaxed into the chair he said on.

"Fel, Miguel, and Richard, I’ll be going out to hunt tomorrow. You three will get your chances to level up too."

Their eyes lit up, and Leon couldn’t help but be drawn to Fel’s eyes. The way they glowed was different. Not like Thyra’s seductive eyes, but with something more innocent and vulnerable.

He only paid it a little attention though.

He calmly continued. "If you know you want to grow strong enough, you have to be at risk always. Every battle might be your last. Which is why you don’t hold back at all."

He uncrossed his legs, leaned forward, and stared at them intensely.

The five humans felt a pressure of something dark and predatory.

"Now, I will tell you... when you reach Level 5, I will stop supporting or helping you. You’re free to fend for yourselves and grow stronger."

Cassie’s eyes widened, Fel trembled softly, while Marie’s brows furrowed. The other two guys frowned faintly, wondering why.

Seeing their reactions, Leon nodded inwardly and continued.

"Unless, you’re willing to remain loyal to me and follow me. I will not ask you to kill yourself, and I will not let you suffer. However, every word I say is a command. And every act of defiance comes with a consequence. If you know you can’t bear that, you can leave once you’re Level 5."

Ending it there, Leon prepared to dismiss them.

That was when Cassie dropped to her knee like a knight, causing him to be surprised.

"I still want to stay. Even after growing beyond Level 5, I won’t desert the one who gave me the confidence to step forward."

The others looked at her in shock. None of them spoke, but they felt conflicted upon hearing her words.

Even Leon hadn’t expected it to be so immediate. He had expected it to be a long-term process in making them grow used to him and trust him. He didn’t think anyone would submit willingly this fast.

To confirm, he asked her carefully. "Are you sure? That would mean you’d have to follow me around. Even if I’m going to a place where we could all die."

Cassie’s eyes hardened, and a dry laugh escaped her throat.

"Where is there no danger again? The possibility of death is already high in this world. I’ll rather strive to survive it than just hide."

"This girl’s got guts. I love her already."

Resting a hand on Leon’s shoulder, the Shadow Demon chuckled, looking at the kneeling girl.

"Alright stand up. I’ve heard you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Cassie nodded, but she didn’t stand immediately.

"Um... I actually have a request."

Leon paused. He let the silence stretch unnaturally as he leaned against the chair.

His eyes, calm but heavy, rested on her without any expectations.

"I’m listening."

The girl released a breath she had been holding. "I... hope to find my family. I hope you can let me do that."

Her words struck a chord in Leon’s heart, as his own main goal was also getting to his sister.

"Understood. There would be no problem with that."

She sighed in relief and stood up, returning to her seat.

Leon closed his eyes as of he were shutting a door, then said without rush.

"You all should leave. Now."

The five stood up, then filed out of the room. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Thyra walked around, eventually leaning against the closed door.

Leon opened his eyes and gave her an awkward smile.

"Did I do it well?"

Thyra nodded with a hum. "You really surprised me. As I thought, you really have the bearing of an Overlord."

A flush rose on his cheeks, and he turned away with a snort.

"Your flattery won’t work on me."

The woman chuckled, her modest bosom quivering at the motion.

"Tell me Leon, who should be flattering who?"

She took calm, cat-like steps forward, the movement smooth and graceful. Every step tugged at her clothes, highlighting the perfect curve of her hips. Those hips were perfect, with a slim waist ready to be grasped by manly hands, and enough flesh to cushion any lustful slam while making a lewd clap.

Leon felt something rush from the inside into his nose.

’Ugh.’

Just as he thought he was really going to have a nosebleed, there was a knock on the door. The charged atmosphere shattered like a joke, and Leon sucked in several breaths to calm his ragged breathing.

’I still can’t...’

"Leon?"

Gwen’s voice came from outside, then the door opened. She stood there, peeping inside with innocent eyes.

She found Leon seated in a chair, breathing ragged and blood slowly coming from his nose.

"Eh? Are you alright?"

She immediately rushed to his side, placing a palm on his head to check his temperature.

It was a bit high, but nothing abnormal.

"Stay still."

She placed a hand on his shoulder, then used her ability. A pale green flame ignited on her palm, and Leon felt his body relax. His soul was soothed, and he could finally think straight.

"Thank you."

He said to her as he stood up and wiped the blood coming from his nose.

Gwen nodded, though she wasn’t smiling. "You were injured?"

Unable to tell her the true reason why the blood had appeared, he nodded.

"It’s nothing serious, though."

Gwen sighed, then shook her head. "Alright, I’ll say you said so."

She paused, then continued.

"Selene and the others want to discuss with you about your discoveries from the black zombie."

Leon already expected that, so he just nodded.

As they left the room and returned to the basketball court, Thyla trailed behind with a smile.

"Oh, Leon. You’re already trusting people. That’s good. But you should still be wary of others."

Her voice was soft and low, so the only person who could hear her didn’t. Her warning was left in the wind.