"You could have kept the elixir, you know."
Damian's sword halted mid-strike. He turned slowly, sweat glistening in the orange light of dusk. The city sprawled beneath them, its windows glowing like scattered stars against the darkening sky.
"Leon." He lowered his blade, his breathing steady despite the intense training. "How's your mother?"
"Alive. Healthy. Thanks to you."
Damian sheathed his sword with practiced ease. "The Association would have recovered it eventually. At least this way, someone actually benefited."
They stood facing each other across the rooftop gravel, the weight of their old friendship hanging between them like an invisible tether. Leon studied Damian's face, searching for remnants of the boy who once shared childhood dreams.
"You risked everything," Leon said. "Your career, your reputation, your standing with the Association."
"Maybe." Damian walked to the roof's edge, gazing over the sprawling districts. "But I couldn't let her die, Leon. Not when it mattered."
Damian's admission carried more weight than Leon had anticipated. He joined Damian at the ledge, watching the city transition day to night.
"The tournament officials are still searching for who took the elixir," Damian continued. "Association investigators are pressuring everyone involved."
"Will they find anything?"
"Not if we're careful." Damian reached into his pocket and produced a silver coin. "Here. For luck."
Leon accepted the coin, feeling its warm weight. One side displayed a hunter's crest, while the other bore words in ancient script.
"Next time, maybe you'll win fair and square," Damian said, a hint of his old smile returning.
"Next time?"
"There's always a next time with you."
They talked for another hour as stars began to twinkle overhead. Nothing profound, just a conversation between two people rebuilding trust, one word at a time. When Leon finally left, they parted with handshakes instead of hostility.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
The walk home took Leon through the evening market district. Vendors called out prices for fresh vegetables and grilled meat while families gathered around food stalls, sharing meals and laughter.
"Look who decided to show his face."
Leon turned to see Elise standing beside a dumpling cart, steam rising around her like pale smoke. She wore simple clothes instead of her usual combat gear, making her appear younger.
"Elise. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Everyone has to eat." She gestured to the vendor. "These are the best dumplings in the district. Want to try?"
They ordered portions and found seats at a small table overlooking the river. The water reflected streetlights in broken patterns, and the evening breeze carried the scents of cooking food and distant rain.
"You look better," Elise observed, studying his face. "Less like someone expecting assassination attempts."
"I've been sleeping more."
"Good. You were wound tighter than clockwork during qualification." She bit into a dumpling, sauce dripping onto her plate. "How's your mother?"
Leon hesitated. He had never mentioned his mother's condition to Elise during their time in the dungeon.
"She's recovering well."
"From what?"
"An illness. Nothing serious now."
Elise nodded, respecting his boundaries without pressing for details. They ate in comfortable silence, watching boats drift along the dark water.
"I've been thinking about forming a team," Elise said eventually. "Nothing official. Just hunters who work well together."
"Anyone specific in mind?"
"Someone who doesn't abandon partners when things get dangerous." She smiled. "Know anyone like that?"
Leon returned her smile. "I might."
They finished their meal as the market began to close around them. Vendors packed up their equipment while late customers hurried through their final purchases.
"Don't be a stranger, okay?" Elise squeezed Leon's hand briefly before they parted ways.
"I won't."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Leon walked home through the quieter streets. His apartment building loomed before him like a familiar fortress. A warm light glowed in his mother's window, promising safety and peace.
Inside, his mother was reading by lamplight. She looked up when he entered, her face bright with renewed health.
"How was your friend?"
"Better than expected."
"Good. Old friendships are worth preserving when possible."
Leon kissed her forehead and retreated to his small room. The space felt larger somehow, less cramped by desperation. His few possessions, weapons, equipment, and the silver coin from Damian were arranged neatly.
He opened his system interface carefully, keeping the blue glow dim.
[Leon Graves - Level 7][Available Stat Points: 3][Strength: 16 → 18][Agility: 20 → 21]
Warmth flowed through Leon's muscles as the points took effect, providing a subtle improvement that would serve him well when peaceful days ended.
He placed Damian's coin beside his gear. The metal caught the lamplight, reflecting tiny promises of luck and renewed friendship.
Leon checked his mana gun's condition, testing the sight alignment and trigger response. The weapon felt solid in his grip, ready for the challenges ahead.
Outside his window, the city hummed with nighttime energy. Somewhere in those streets, forces were moving that would eventually find him: the Association, the underground, old enemies, and debts yet to be settled.
But tonight offered respite. His mother was safe, and old friends had become allies once more. The future held possibilities beyond mere survival.
Leon tightened the strap on his mana gun holster, stood, and said to himself with quiet resolve, "Let's see what tomorrow brings."