Just as Leo turned to leave, Lili called out behind him.
"Hey… don't you think you should rest? You're still injured. You can do all this tomorrow."
Leo paused mid-step and glanced over his shoulder, a teasing grin on his face. "Oh? Is someone worried about me?"
Lili's cheeks instantly flushed red. "W-What?! No! I'm just saying it's reckless, that's all!"
He laughed gently, then turned around fully. "It's fine. I'm using both mana manipulation and aura control to constantly strengthen myself every second."
Lili crossed her arms, still frowning. "Doesn't that make you weaker? You're draining your own power nonstop."
Leo shook his head. "Not the way I'm doing it. I'm not just pouring energy into strength. I'm using both to reinforce my body—enhancing its capability to handle power. My durability, stamina, strength, speed, and magic resistance… everything's growing in sync. Slowly, but surely. I'm training every cell in my body to keep up."
Lili looked at him for a moment, then sighed in defeat. "Just… be careful, okay?"
He walked past her, gently patting her head as he passed. "I will."
Her eyes widened, her face turning bright red again. "H-Hey! Don't treat me like a kid!"
Leo just smiled, and with a single step, his body shimmered—vanishing into the sky like a wisp of light.
Lili stared into the stars where he disappeared, hand on her head, heart racing.
"…Idiot."
As Leo weaved through the dense forest, his boots gently brushed aside fallen leaves and roots. He looked up, sighing as a soft orange hue began to stretch across the sky.
"Ugh… I forgot to ask how I'll even know if I'm at the center or not," he muttered. "And now… sunrise. I don't have much time left."
He pushed deeper into the woods, his pace quickening—until something made him stop.
Just ahead, beyond a thick patch of bushes, he spotted movement. Crouching low, he peeked through the foliage. A crude village stood nestled among the trees. The homes were small, made of woven branches, moss, and rough wood. A few goblins armed with spears patrolled lazily, guarding the perimeter.
Leo narrowed his eyes.
"…Goblins, huh."
He watched silently for a moment. They didn't seem hostile—just wary, protecting their own. Unlike the chaotic raiders from stories, these goblins had structure, even a kind of rhythm in their way of life.
Leo smirked slightly.
"Hm. Looks like I'll have to talk to them."
He placed a hand over his chest, feeling the faint thrum of dark energy lingering beneath his skin.
"Good thing I have Demon Manipulation. With this, I can speak their tongue—and thanks to Lili and that Demon Lord's essence, they'll feel it too. They'll know who I am…"
The wind shifted, carrying faint chatter in the goblin language.
Leo stepped forward, no longer hiding, his eyes calm but commanding.
Leo and Chief Gruk sat on a crooked old log near the village's center fire. The flames crackled softly, casting flickering light on the goblins gathering nearby.
Gruk leaned forward, squinting. "Alright, kid. You said you wanted to talk. If you want us to trust you, spill everything."
Leo nodded, taking a breath. "It all started because of a battle between me and a man named Kael… the so-called hero. That fight destroyed lands, homes—innocent people got caught in the middle. I'm trying to fix that now."
Gruk raised an eyebrow.
Leo continued, "I can understand and speak your language because I have a skill called Demon Manipulation. When I was a child, a kind Demon Lord gave me his essence—his power. I don't intend to use it for evil. I want to change things."
Gruk scratched his chin. "Wait, wait, hold up. You're asking us to not only not hurt humans, but also help them? In return, they'll help us?" He snorted. "And this is all based on some fuzzy memory of a 'good' demon lord giving you a power?"
Leo gave a quiet nod.
Gruk leaned back and laughed, more from disbelief than mockery. "Kid, that sounds nice, but goblins and humans? Enemies since the gods rolled their dice. And demons? Ha! We're the shadows in their bedtime stories. You're dreaming."
Leo looked into the fire for a moment. Then he said, softly but firmly:
"Enemies are just strangers we've never listened to. And friends? They're enemies we dared to understand."
Gruk blinked. The words lingered in the air, carried by the quiet crackle of the flames.
"…Huh." Gruk chuckled, then gave a toothy grin. "Well damn, that's a good one. Alright then, Leo. You've got guts and a mouth full of strange wisdom. We'll help you."
Leo nodded with a smile. "Thank you. My name is Leo Vallis. But you can just call me Leo."
"Leo, huh?" Gruk stood and raised his arms. "Everyone listen up!"
Goblins gathered around, whispering nervously.
"This human—Leo—wants to make peace. Not just peace. He wants us to help humans, and them to help us. I know it sounds mad, but I've decided. We'll be the first goblins to try living as friends with them!"
A wave of confused murmurs spread through the crowd.
One goblin shouted, "But Chief! Humans hate us! They'll attack us the moment they see us!"
Another hissed, "We've been hunted for food and sport! Why should we trust them?"
Leo stepped forward, hands open. "They won't hurt you… not if I stand with you."
One goblin glared. "Why should we trust a human like you?!"
Leo looked down for a second… then met their eyes. "Then I swear—on my mom and dad, who are dead—that I will protect you."
Silence fell.
Even the wind seemed to stop for a moment.
Gruk's expression hardened—not with doubt, but with understanding. The other goblins slowly looked at one another, the weight of Leo's vow sinking in.
One goblin whispered, "He swore… on the dead?"
Another said, "That must mean… it's everything to him."
Gruk gave a slow nod. "Alright. We'll trust you, Leo. But…"
He pointed a gnarled finger. "You'd better keep that promise."
Leo nodded. "I will."
Leo smiled and stretched his arms. "Alright, first thing—destroy those tents. And the fence too."
Gruk blinked in disbelief. "Huh?! Why are we destroying our homes?"
Leo smirked. "So we can build better ones. You want to live like this forever? First, we clear the space."
Gruk scratched his head. "I don't really get it… but if it means something better—HEY! Everyone, tear it all down! Destroy the tents and fences!"
The goblins froze, wide-eyed, but after a moment of hesitation, they slowly began dismantling their worn tents and brittle wooden barricades. Leo glanced at the sky, the soft glow of sunrise warming his face. "Maybe… a new day really is coming."
Meanwhile, in the nearby forest—
Lili led the group, her steps calm and focused. The sun had risen, heat pressing down gently on them as they trudged forward.
Lia tugged Lili's sleeve. "Hey, Lili-sis, where are we going? And where's Onii-chan?"
Lili smiled softly. "He's out doing something reckless again… and I think I know exactly where he is."
They pushed through thick brush and over tangled roots. A few stumbled, others helped each other up. After long hours, they finally emerged from the dense forest to face a wide, dry range of deserted mountains.
Lili wiped her forehead. "Here we are."
A tired villager groaned, "Huh? Mountains? Why are we here?"
A small boy whined, "Mom, I'm thirsty…"
His mother sighed, "Just wait a little longer. Sir Leo and his friends will definitely do something."
Niya moved beside Lili, whispering, "Hey… where is Leo, really?"
Lili gave a dry laugh. "I was just thinking the same thing."
Sara blinked. "What do you mean by that?!"
Lyra crossed her arms. "Lili, don't act all mysterious!"
Suddenly, a breeze rushed by, and a voice echoed from above.
"Yo! Were you guys waiting for me?"
Everyone looked up as Leo descended from the sky, calm and confident.
Lili narrowed her eyes with mock annoyance. "Took you long enough."
Leo grinned. "Yeah, yeah. I'm here now."
He landed in front of them and turned serious.
"Listen carefully—once we get to the place I'm taking you, do not panic. Don't move around. Don't act without my command. Just follow my orders, understood?"
Everyone gave a firm nod.
"Good. Now, I need all of you to hold hands—yes, seriously. If you don't, some of you will be left behind. Don't blame me later."
People hesitated briefly, then began linking hands.
Voices rose around him.
"We're ready!"
"All done here!"
"Leo, we're good!"
Leo nodded. "Alright then…"
He raised his hand, his eyes glowing faintly with mana.
And in the next moment—he teleported everyone to the goblin village.
As they arrived at the edge of the goblin village, what greeted them wasn't a wild, monstrous camp—but a flat, clean, open plain. The remains of old tents and fences were gone. The land looked fresh, almost like it was waiting to be rebuilt.
The people murmured in confusion and curiosity. Some smiled, relieved.
Zack leaned in and whispered to Leo, "This place is good… but there are way too many people. It's not enough space."
Leo smiled. "I know. That's why I asked them if they could help."
Zack raised an eyebrow. "Them? Who's them?"
Lyra tilted her head. "What's he talking about?"
Lili narrowed her eyes, her tone cautious. "Leo… are you sure? Do you even know who you're working with?"
Leo gave her a cheeky grin. "Hey, hey, lower your guard. No need to panic. They're my friends."
Lyra looked to Lili. "What is it?"
Lili crossed her arms. "Let's just… wait."
Lia skipped over to Zack, tugging his sleeve. "Onii-chan, what are you gonna do now?"
Leo turned, grinning mischievously. "Come out, guys!"
And from the bushes, dozens of goblins emerged.
A wave of panic rushed through the people.
"G-GOBLINS?!"
"They'll eat us!!"
"Leo, what the hell are you doing?!"
Zack's tail bristled, and he unsheathed his claws. "Leo! Move! I'll kill the first one who steps—"
Grab!
Leo yanked Zack by the tail. "Hey! You angry kitten, calm down!"
"Who are you calling—HEY!"
THWACK!
Leo hurled Zack straight into Sheron, knocking the wind out of both of them as they tumbled into the grass.
"Ow—hey! I landed on his tail!"
"You landed on my back!"
Everyone stared in stunned silence.
Leo brushed his hands and turned serious. "Okay, everyone. Don't panic. They're not going to hurt anyone."
One goblin stepped forward and barked something in his guttural tongue. "Awkk raa haraka!"
Leo blinked, then facepalmed. "Right… you guys can't understand them."
He closed his eyes and activated his ability—Demon Manipulation. A domain spread outward like a shimmering ripple. Its color briefly flashed red before fading into invisibility. Now, within this massive area, everyone—humans and monsters alike—could understand each other.
The same goblin repeated, now in a clear voice, "Don't panic! We're not here to eat anyone!"
Another goblin added, "Yeah! But that goddamn demi-human's tail looks tasty!"
Zack, still rubbing his back, stood up with his fur puffed and eyes twitching. "WHO are you calling goddamn, you green garden gnomes?!"
The goblins snickered. "He talks funny!"
"He mad mad!"
Leo sighed, stepping between them. "Alright, alright, it's okay now."
He turned to the humans. "Listen up. I used my demon manipulation skill to talk with them and convinced them to help us. They agreed."
Lili raised an eyebrow. "So let me get this straight… You convinced goblins to help humans? You do realize what goblins eat, right? Literal humans."
Gruk, the goblin leader, walked up scratching his belly. "Hey now! We also eat fish. And other creatures. And fruits!"
Leo gave Lili a thumbs-up. "See? Balanced diet."
Everyone went silent. Even Lili's expression cracked slightly, unsure whether to sigh or laugh.
Leo looked around, noticing the hesitation still lingering in everyone's eyes. The humans stood tense, unsure. The goblins, though calmer, still carried old instincts. The air was thick with uncertainty.
He stepped forward, voice calm—but eyes sharp.
"…Seems like I don't have any other choice left."