A New Beginning

"Okay, we're almost at the mansion," Justin said, quickening his pace ahead of Leo. 

"Yeah, you're right. I can see it," Leo replied, glancing at the grand structure looming in the distance. A wave of anxiety washed over him. "But do you really think this money and everything we've gathered will be enough to free me? And my friend?"

Justin nodded firmly. "It should be. But let's get inside first—I'm exhausted after everything we've been through." 

As they approached the imposing gates, Justin signaled to the guard, who promptly swung the gates open, revealing the expansive grounds of the mansion. 

Once inside, Justin immediately called for the contractor, eager to report their successful mission. After a brief exchange, he dashed off to take a much-needed shower, leaving Leo to handle the next steps.

Leo made his way to the tea garden, where the contractor awaited him. The fragrant aroma of blooming flowers filled the air as he settled down to explain their adventure—every perilous moment, every hard-won treasure.

The contractor listened intently, nodding along. "Great job, Leo. I'm pleased to inform you that I, Aisen Diego, have accepted your payment. You and your friend are now free from slavery." 

As he spoke, a mark on Leo's forehead—an emblem of his bondage—began to fade, dissolving into nothingness. Leo felt an overwhelming sense of relief and disbelief wash over him as the weight of his past lifted, replaced by the promise of a new beginning.

"Not only did you meet my expectations, Leo, you exceeded them," the contractor said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Later, make sure to bring your friend to me. I'll remove his mark as well."

Leo's heart raced at the thought. "Really? You'll free him too?"

"Absolutely. And once that's done, I'll give you both your houses and some startup money to help you get back on your feet," Aisen Drego continued. "Meet me tomorrow to collect yours."

Leo couldn't believe what he was hearing. Freedom, a home, a chance to start anew—his future was finally within reach. "Thank you, Aisen. I won't let you down."

The contractor smiled. "I know you won't. Now go rest; you've earned it." With a renewed sense of hope, Leo left the tea garden, ready to share the good news with John when he get back to the Mine.

After their meeting, Leo was sent back to the mine to rest. The familiar surroundings felt different now, charged with the promise of freedom. He sat on the edge of his bunk, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead—his friend's release, the houses, and the startup money. 

As he closed his eyes, exhaustion washed over him, a mixture of relief and anticipation. Tomorrow would be the start of a new chapter, one that he had fought so hard to reach. With that thought in mind, he finally drifted off, dreaming of brighter days ahead.

Just as Leo was on the verge of falling asleep, a chime echoed in his mind, jolting him awake. It was the system. "Completion of side quest," it announced. "You have acquired an invisibility cloak, which will be in your house. Your house is located in this area, in an isolated place just as you wanted. During the house selection period, choose this exact house."

Leo's heart raced with excitement. An invisibility cloak! He focused on the details flashing in his mind—the image of the house that would be his. It was beautiful, with a sprawling garden, perfectly situated in a serene, secluded spot.

He couldn't help but smile, knowing that he was one step closer to freedom and a fresh start. With renewed energy, he lay back down, clutching the thought of his new life tightly as he finally drifted off to sleep, dreams filled with possibilities swirling around him. 

Just as Leo settled into sleep, the system chimed in again, beeping with urgency. "All kills made during today's adventure have been accounted for. New stats have been confirmed, and an upgrade to level 6 has been applied."

Leo's eyes snapped open, his mind racing with the implications. Level 6! He could hardly contain his excitement. The challenges he faced today had not only led to his freedom but had also strengthened him in ways he never anticipated.

He quickly recalled the battles he had fought, each one a step toward reclaiming his life. With this new level, he felt more powerful, more capable than ever before. Clutching the thought of his newfound strength and the invisibility cloak awaiting him, Leo finally drifted off to sleep, ready to embrace whatever came next.

The next day in the morning him and John were summoned to the contractors mansion,

As they walked toward the mansion, John's mind spun, his nerves unraveling with each step. The contractor had summoned them after a strange meeting with Leo the previous day, and John's worry was impossible to contain. He glanced over at Leo, desperation edging his voice.

"Leo… what did you do? Why is the contractor calling us?" John asked, his words tense. "I didn't do anything wrong—I was just trying to help you that day you fainted in the mine!"

Leo chuckled softly, clearly unfazed by John's anxiety. "Relax, John. There's nothing to worry about. I didn't do anything wrong either. Yesterday, the contractor and I talked, and he asked if I'd be interested in taking on some odd jobs—like killing monsters." Leo smirked. "I accepted. I went out, fought monsters, and earned enough to buy your freedom. That's why he's calling us in now."

John stopped in his tracks, staring at Leo in utter disbelief. "Wait… *what?* How did you even get the money to buy us out of slavery? You actually went out there and fought monsters? Do you have any idea how dangerous they are? I couldn't even beat a goblin—the weakest monster in the ranks—and you're saying you fought them?"

Leo nodded, a sly smile on his face. "Not just a few, John. I fought two hundred."

John's jaw dropped, eyes widening in shock. "Two hundred? Are you out of your mind? Even if you'd managed to kill just one, that wouldn't be nearly enough to buy our freedom! You're seriously telling me you fought *two hundred* monsters?"

Leo laughed, shaking his head. "I wasn't alone, John. I had help—a guard named Justin. The guy's unbelievable. I watched him take down a goblin king with a single strike. With him by my side, I was able to fight, and together we took down all two hundred goblins. We earned enough to buy both of us out."

John looked at him, torn between disbelief and amazement. "Two hundred goblins… I still can't believe it. It sounds impossible. But if you actually did it… I guess that explains why the contractor would call us in."

Leo nudged him with a grin, urging him to keep moving. "Then come on, John. If you don't believe me, the contractor will back me up."

With a sigh, John picked up the pace. "Fine, but I'm here to make sure you don't get us into even bigger trouble. I swear, Leo, one day your insane ideas will be the end of us."

Leo laughed, slapping him on the back. "You doubt me too much, John! I'm your best friend, remember?"

John shook his head, trying not to smile. "And because you're my best friend, I know better than to believe every word you say. *Two hundred goblins?* I'll believe it when I see it."

As they reached the towering doors of the mansion, the guard who had been escorting them from the mine stepped forward. He glanced back at John and Leo, then gave a signal to the guards at the entrance. With a nod, they moved to open the massive doors, which creaked slowly, revealing the dimly lit interior beyond.

As they stepped inside, John's eyes went wide, taking in the grand, opulent hall stretching before them. "This place is so… *freaking* awesome," he whispered, his tone a mix of awe and disbelief. "It's magnificent."

Leo nudged him. "Watch your left."

John turned, only to spot a group of guards nearby—each one towering and muscle-bound, looking intensely focused and absolutely unyielding. He gulped, his confidence faltering. "Uh… Leo, are you sure we're not here to die? Those guys look dead serious."

Leo chuckled, trying to reassure him. "No, we're not here to die, John. Relax." But as he spoke, his own eyes darted around the room, scanning the crowd to see if he could spot Justin, the guard who'd helped him.

Meanwhile, the guard who had escorted them from the mine approached a nearby door and disappeared to fetch the contractor, leaving John and Leo waiting under the watchful eyes of the intimidating guards.