The man noticed Leon’s cautious expression and slowly bowed his head.

“I apologize for being so stubborn during the auction. It’s my fault for not being properly prepared when there might be someone else who knows the abilities of the wooden sword.”

The man with the sharp eyes continued to explain at length, but Leon wasn’t listening closely. His attention was focused on the wooden sword the man was holding.

‘She said that with two fragments, the seal would be completely broken...’

One of those fragments was right in front of him. It felt like stumbling upon a fortune on the street. Naturally, greed began to stir within him. And Leon had no particular fondness for this man.

However, this was the first time Leon had found himself in a situation where he had to kill someone not because they were a direct threat to his life, but because he needed something from them. It was a significant psychological hurdle.

‘I wouldn’t be any different from the magicians I despise.’

After a moment of hesitation, Leon finally spoke up. He decided to engage the man in conversation.

“What do you want?”

“If you know the abilities of this sword, it means you already possess another one, correct?”

“There’s no reason for me to tell you that.”

“I’m asking because I want to know. I’m well aware that I’m not a match for you, and yet here I am, alone.”

In the ruthless world of magicians, this kind of behavior would be considered foolish. Yet Leon wasn’t sure if this man was truly willing to take such a risk or if he was up to something else.

“Do you know much about this wooden sword?” the man asked abruptly.

When Leon shook his head, the man slowly levitated the sword in the air.

“Do you know of the war between gods and demons?”

“The one that took place at the dawn of time?”

“Yes. This sword was the Demon King's first blade. It even absorbed his core when he died.”

Leon’s eyes narrowed.

“And how do you know that?”

“I found this sword in the ruins of an ancient magician. That magician had studied the sword extensively and even left behind a research journal. Of course, there’s always the chance he was mistaken.”

The man continued speaking without pausing.

“The journal mentioned four wooden swords, but only one of them is genuine. I want to confirm which one is real.”

This information was slightly different from what Leon had heard from the cursed sword. The other wooden swords weren’t fake; they were fragments of the cursed sword.

However, Leon feigned ignorance and asked, “Is there a way to distinguish between the real one and the fake?”

“The fake sword disappears when it encounters the real one.”

“…”

Leon wasn’t silent because the man’s request was unreasonable. It was the confidence with which the man made such a demand that left him speechless.

Did he not realize the danger he was in?

“What will you do if the sword I have is real?”

“If you already have two swords, then you’ve likely already confirmed the truth. If nothing happens when the swords are placed side by side, then it’s a fake. If yours is real, then it simply wasn’t meant to be. But if mine is real, I’ll offer you a fair reward.”

“…”

Despite the clarity in the man’s eyes, it didn’t change the fact that Leon’s sword was real. In truth, there wasn’t even a distinction between “real” and “fake.” The swords were all parts of the original.

And even if the man’s sword had been real, Leon’s superior abilities rendered any promises irrelevant.

As Leon silently pondered, the man rolled up his sleeve and showed his hand to Leon. On his index finger was a blue ring.

“I am Roman, a magician of the Tela faction. I’m currently a student at the Imperial Academy.”

“A student...?”

Leon, who had assumed the man was much older, responded instinctively.

“I often hear that I look mature for my age.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. What I want to say is that I didn’t come to you without giving it some thought.”

Was Roman showing his background to prevent Leon from making any rash decisions?

“Of course, this isn’t just a threat. I’m showing this to prove that I can offer a fair reward.”

Roman’s words made Leon sigh. There was no reason for Leon to refuse the man’s proposal. After all, Leon already knew that his sword was the real one. It was just a somewhat awkward situation.

Without further hesitation, Leon pulled the wooden sword from his dimensional pouch. Its surface was cracked, and a crimson light seeped through the gaps.

Roman’s expression hardened as soon as he saw it. He instantly realized that the sword Leon held was the real one.

The wooden sword in Roman’s hand began to tremble violently before it was swiftly absorbed into Leon’s sword.

The moment the two swords merged, the cracks on Leon’s sword deepened. The aura it emitted grew even darker and more ominous.

“…”

“…”

Leon watched Roman closely, waiting to see how he would react.

If Roman had any tricks up his sleeve, Leon needed to be ready. Leon subtly gathered his mana, but instead of confronting him, Roman took a step back.

“So it was meant to be absorbed…”

Roman gave a bitter smile.

“You knew all along. I don’t blame you. Like I said, it seems this wasn’t meant for me.”

“I don’t have anything else to say.”

“…Are you a wandering magician?”

Roman suddenly asked an unrelated question. Leon tilted his head, unsure of where the conversation was going, but Roman simply shook his head.

“I’m asking because I’d like to invite you to join our faction if you are.”

“You want me to join your faction?”

“Yes. And not just because you hold the real sword. I was planning to make this offer regardless. You don’t seem like you’ve reached adulthood yet, am I right?”

“…”

Taking Leon’s silence as confirmation, Roman continued.

“It would be a waste to let someone with your talent slip by.”

“I have no interest in joining your faction.”

“…Is there a reason?”

“I’m already heading to a different faction.”

“I suppose it really isn’t meant to be, then.”

With that, Roman gave up, pulling his hood back over his head.

“If you ever find yourself at the Imperial Academy, don’t hesitate to seek me out if you need any help.”

The Imperial Academy?

Leon had never considered going there, so he wasn’t sure how to respond.

Without waiting for Leon’s reply, Roman quietly stepped back, leaving a final remark.

“If we’re meant to meet again, we will.”

After parting ways with Roman, Leon continued his journey. A week later, just as the sun was setting, he arrived at the gates of the city where Astellia was located.

Even from outside the gates, Leon could see the tall spires rising into the sky and the magicians guarding the entrance, a sight that made him feel the presence of a true magical city.

The city wasn’t far from the Empire’s capital, but it wasn’t in a prime location either. Rather, it was surrounded by lush forests and mountains, giving it a quiet and mystical atmosphere.

Two magicians stood guard at the gate, their robes deep blue with silver star emblems embroidered on them.

One of them approached cautiously when he saw Leon descend from the sky. His level: 5th-grade apprentice.

Compared to Wydia, where 1st-grade apprentices or locals usually handled the gatekeeping, the security here seemed far more rigorous.

“Excuse me, what brings you here?”

Realizing they couldn’t gauge Leon’s level, the magician spoke politely. Leon, having no reason to be arrogant, responded in a soft tone.

“I’m here to meet Lady Arpina.”

“Lady Arpina…?”

The guard raised his eyebrows slightly.

“May I ask your name?”

“Just tell her Leon is here to see her.”

“Leon... That’s all I should say?”

“That’s right.”

The magician nodded and approached his fellow guard. After a brief conversation, the other guard flew into the city.

“Please wait a moment. Lady Arpina is a very busy person, so it may take some time.”

Leon thanked him and waited patiently. Shortly after, the guard returned, accompanied by another magician.

This woman had long golden hair that cascaded down to her waist. At first glance, she had a cold and serious demeanor, but there was something youthful about her appearance. She looked only two or three years older than Leon.

“I am Leicia, Lady Arpina’s personal apprentice. She’s currently immersed in her research, so I’ve come in her place. I’ve heard a lot about you, Leon.”

Leon wasn’t sure what kind of stories Arpina had told her, but Leicia treated him with a great deal of respect. However, Leon raised an eyebrow at the mention of a personal apprentice.

“Is Ria here?”

“Ria is currently in training as well. As for me, I’ve only recently become her apprentice.”

“I see.”

“Please, follow me inside.”

Following Leicia’s lead, Leon entered the city through the gate.

As they made their way toward the tower where Arpina resided, Leicia discreetly studied Leon.

She seemed to think Leon wouldn’t notice, but her scrutiny was quite obvious to him. Still, Leon pretended not to see it and followed her quietly.

Soon, they arrived at the tower, and Leicia led Leon up several flights of stairs until they stopped in front of a door.

She knocked carefully.

“What is it?”

The voice from within was one Leon knew all too well.

“Leon has come to see you.”

“What?”

Before Leicia could finish her sentence, there was a flurry of movement inside the room.

The door swung open, and silvery hair billowed in the wind beyond it.

“You’re here.”

Arpina greeted Leon with a warm smile.