Leo
“Senior, this is the reward for the commission.”
Kim Sung-tae took the heavy pouch from Leo and peered inside, his eyes lighting up. It was stuffed with a hefty pile of gold coins, topped off with precious gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies—ones he recognized from Earth—along with unfamiliar jewels unique to this world.
“The emperor commissioned it, huh? No wonder the payout's so generous.”
But money had never been a big deal for him. He snapped the pouch shut and tucked it into his belt. Still, considering it came straight from the emperor—and involved a potentially deadly dragon—the reward felt a bit stingy.
Well, it was just a recon job to confirm if a dragon was there or not.
He'd slain the Dragon King, but that wasn't part of the request. The client only wanted verification. Killing the dragon hadn't been on the list.
“Clever move.”
Sung-tae patted the pouch, thinking of the emperor he'd never met. Dragons were vicious, dangerous beasts. Sending adventurers to scout them out? He could guess the reasoning. If no dragon, great—mission accomplished. If there was one, escaping a powerhouse like that would be tough. The adventurers would have no choice but to fight, and if they died, it proved the dragon's existence while saving the payout. If they won? Problem solved, and they only paid the original amount. No obligation to add extra for slaying the dragon, since it wasn't specified.
“That's politics for you.”
If Sung-tae were greedy about money, he'd curse the emperor. But he didn't need to worry about cash, so he actually felt a spark of respect for the shrewd ruler—whether it was the emperor himself or one of his advisors who came up with it.
“Alright, time to head out.”
“My lord, are you planning to go to the Ramian Mountains?”
G arba, standing nearby, had seen him pick up the Elf's Token left at the spot where Roman died. It was a prize only for Special-rank adventurers, so she figured that was the next stop.
But she was wrong.
“Nah, not the Ramian Mountains. Change of plans.”
“Then where to?”
“Well...”
Sung-tae paused, mulling it over. Then:
“We're going to find the dwarves.”
“Pardon?”
The sudden shift caught him off guard after this ordeal. He'd gained some key insights.
“First things first, I need to fix this armor issue. I've been ignoring it, but maybe the dwarves can help.”
So far, he'd consulted two experts: Gepelt and White Tower Lord Aurelie. Then it hit him—They're both mages, aren't they? Armor’s made of metal. Why only ask wizards? Shouldn't I give a blacksmith a shot? And who better than dwarves!
“I'm sick of worrying every fight if it'll shatter. Somehow make it transform so I can carry it around, or transfer the curse directly to my body—something.”
He clenched his fist. With the magic circle gone and only the curse left, even a slight flex cracked the gauntlet with a sharp crack. He'd been holding back on the way here, and still was. How many times had he fought on eggshells to protect it? No more. He refused to baby it forever.
I've still got the rest of the Seven Deadly Sins to face. Can't keep going like this.
Lesser foes? No sweat. But after clashing with Wrath's shard, he knew that sin would be a beast. Armor problem solved, or bust. Fail, and it'd shatter mid-fight against the others. Irreplaceable gear wrecked? His life would grind to a halt.
“Where do dwarves even live?”
He vaguely recalled dwarf info from the elf research book, but he'd skimmed it, too fixated on elves. Cursing his past self, Garba filled him in.
“If you wish to meet the dwarves, the Yuglas Mountains are the place.”
“Yuglas Mountains?”
“Yes. As I mentioned before, when Ignis hounded his subordinates for gear suited to him, they tracked down dwarves there. Some went to the Yuglas Mountains after learning that's their home.”
“Oh? Any of those guys still around?”
“No. The dwarves refused utterly—not just denying the gear, but fighting back. All perished.”
“...”
Tougher than expected. And strong enough to beat Demon King minions? No pushovers.
“Back to the Demon King Castle first. Gepelt can warp us straight to the Yuglas Mountains.”
Sung-tae pulled out a scroll and turned to Leo for goodbyes.
“Leo, you grew a ton out there. It was fun teaming up. Stay healthy, yeah?”
“Senior...”
As he held the scroll and said farewell, Leo's mind flashed to before—they'd beaten the Demon King, reached the village, and he'd vanished without warning.
Leaving again...?
This time they'd spent longer together, but he was still ditching her. She'd changed so much, yet he had no plans to take her along. But not anymore. No more letting him go without a fight. Adventuring taught her: no action, no results.
“Senior, I have something to say.”
Meeting his piercing gaze, she steadied her pounding heart.
Be honest. Follow him.
“Senior, I...”
I want to be with you. Adventure together, live together. I've worked for this—I can pull my weight now. I want to get closer, learn everything about you. And...
“...”
Say it. Why are my eyes blurring?
Her eyes reddened, tears brimming.
“L-Leo?”
Ignoring Sung-tae, she focused on the blurry figure ahead: the woman called Garba. Without her, Leo might've quit. She'd sensed it from the start—watching them together sparked 'no way,' leading to that direct question when separated. She'd forced joy at his obliviousness, but reality was cruel. Him rushing to Garba first, chatting happily. Jealousy flickered: If I were her... no pain, no doubt. Too pure to fight for it, their bond too deep—even they didn't see it.
“I'm... sorry...”
She wiped tears, apologizing. Pointless thoughts. Fold it away. But not total surrender.
“Sorry, senior.”
Anyone with a shred of awareness would've caught on. No dating experience, but Sung-tae sensed her heart. Arms open for the charging girl.
Oh. She likes me.
Why the tears and giving up? No clue, but he'd offer his embrace.
But...
“Huh?”
She hugged Garba, not him.
“Just... let me stay like this a bit.”
Sung-tae froze, arms awkwardly outstretched. She loves Garba!? That's why the tears—impossible love!
“...”
He turned slowly, watching Leo cling to Garba. Wanted to confirm, but no guts.
“L-Leo... ma'am?”
G arba flustered too. Leo pulled closer, whispering in her ear. What? Garba's face flushed crimson, nodding faintly.
What the hell did she say!?
Too panicked to eavesdrop, it ended fast. He watched Leo approach post-hug.
“Wanted to do it to you too, senior, but... later, when you take off the armor.”
“Uh, sure.”
“I won't say goodbye.”
Her face, freed of sorrow, bloomed brighter than ever. Fresh tears suited the relieved glow.
“Saying goodbye feels final. We'll meet again. I'll pray it's soon.”
“...Yeah.”
With that, Leo bolted. From afar, she turned, waving.
“This time, I'm leaving first! No more letting you go ahead!”
“...Take care! Got it?”
“Yes, senior!”
She ran again, away from her beloved senior.
I'll get stronger! Next time, stronger than now. A tree others lean on, not leaning. A pillar like him. Her wish to suit him became: become like him.
“We'll meet again. Senior.”
“Garba, got a question.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Staring at Leo's fading figure, scroll in hand, Sung-tae asked. Burning curiosity: what'd she whisper?
“...Never mind. Let's go.”
“...Yes.”
Her still-flushed face killed his nerve. Personal stuff—don't pry.
He tore the scroll.
-I'll give up.
Enveloped in light, warping to the Demon King Castle, Garba touched her hot cheek, recalling the departed girl's words. Cooling flush reignited.
-But you don't. Others see it, even if you don't. You shouldn't feel that way. Is it because she egged me on? Now I'm aware.
Recalling her unwitting nod, Garba returned with Sung-tae.
-Call me when the time comes. I want to attend as a guest. Congratulations.
Back at the Demon King Castle after parting with Leo, en route to the Yuglas Mountains and dwarves. But upon arrival, a weird vibe hung around them.
“D-Demon King!? Back already?”
“Yeah. What's with everyone?”
Sung-tae and Garba emerged in the front courtyard to Gepelt and monsters frozen in awkward stances. Some sweated like they'd been working hard, but no tools in hand.
“Didn't you say you were becoming a Special-rank adventurer?”
“Yeah, but I lucked into it.”
He flashed the Elf's Token. Gepelt's eyes widened briefly, then he coughed. Monsters behind vanished quick.
“Ahem. Got it awfully fast. Didn't make Special-rank?”
“Adventurers? Lamer than I thought. Got the token anyway—no need.”
“B-But your rank's below Garba's now, isn't it bothersome?”
“Who cares? Not living as one.”
Hiding something?
Distant monsters blocked his view desperately. The vanished ones? Stuffing items behind. At least be subtle—clanking echoed.
They were working hard. Why hide when I show? Surprise party? Loyalty fits.
Play dumb. Wonder what they've got.
“Anyway, Gepelt—know the Yuglas Mountains well?”
“Yuglas Mountains. Quite. Famous for dwarves. Heading there?”
“Yeah, wanna meet some.”
“Hm...”
Bad idea? Expected instant 'magic circle prepped,' but Gepelt groaned, hesitant.
“Dwarves are extremely insular. Not elf-level, but they shun ordinary humans.”
“Like elves, need a friend's token?”
“No. Dwarves have no such thing. They accept outsiders one way: those bringing what they love.”
What they love? Gepelt answered Sung-tae's curiosity.
“Ore.”
“Ore? Ah, got it.”
Click—he recalled: dwarves mine and smith. Value rare ore over gold or luxuries. Bring ore to befriend.
“But that's the issue. Spot good ore, they're greedier than dragons. Partly their smith blood boiling.”
“Why's that a problem?”
“Behold your armor, Demon King. Black Oriharcon, right? Not rare, but deemed unforgeable till now—yet you're wearing it forged. How do you think they'll look at you?”
“Hmm. Don't see the issue. If they love it, great! They'll study it intensely, solve my problem fast.”
Gepelt sighed at oblivious Sung-tae. Demon King doesn't grasp dwarf greed. Humans spread it wide; dwarves pour it all into ore. Terrifyingly so.
Wait—perfect! Might even stall for time.
“Indeed. My thinking was short-sighted. Shall I send you?”
“No, first...”
Sung-tae pointed to his armor.
“Re-engrave the magic circle.”