A Deal for Freedom

Thirty minutes had passed since Leonard had been left alone in the dimly lit holding area. The guard hadn't returned, and the other slaves had already departed for the mine, their weary figures disappearing into the shadows of the cavernous entrance. Leonard sat on the cold, damp ground, his heart racing with a blend of anxiety and anticipation. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus on the upcoming meeting with the contractor.

As he waited, he began rehearsing what he would say. Each imagined conversation played out in his mind, the words tumbling over one another in a chaotic dance. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of person this contractor would be, having never seen his face before. Would he be stern and unyielding, or kind and understanding? Leonard tried to picture him—was he tall and imposing, or short and shrewd? He conjured images of a man clad in fine clothes, a figure of authority, perhaps even intimidating.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the chamber, snapping Leonard from his thoughts. The sound of boots clattering against the stone floor announced the arrival of a guard. However, this guard was different from the one he had encountered earlier—he had a lightness in his step and a cheerful demeanor that caught Leonard off guard.

"It's time to see the contractor," the guard announced with a grin. As they stepped out of the mine, Leonard noticed the stark contrast between the oppressive darkness of the tunnels and the vibrant world outside. The guard informed him that their destination was a bit far, and they would be walking. Leonard, accustomed to long treks, welcomed the opportunity. After all, a bit of exercise wouldn't hurt, and it might even lighten the heavy burden of his thoughts.

As they walked, the guard slipped his hands behind his head, whistling a jaunty tune. Leonard, still awestruck by the outside world, couldn't help but stare at the lush landscape that unfolded before him. The trees were vibrant green, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight, and colorful flowers dotted the ground, swaying gently in the breeze. He spotted birds flitting between branches, their songs filling the air with a melody he had never appreciated until now.

But as he soaked in the beauty, Leonard noticed a lack of human presence. Curiosity bubbled to the surface, and he scratched his head playfully. "It's been a while, but I haven't seen anyone or any buildings. Where is everyone?"

The guard chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, that's because no one comes to this area due to the mine. It's just not worth the trouble; there's not much here except the mines."

Leonard's eyes sparkled with excitement. "But it's beautiful out here! It seems so peaceful; I'd love to spend more time in a place like this. It's almost like a dream."

"I know, right?" the guard replied, a nostalgic smile on his face. "The breeze is nice, too." 

As a comfortable silence settled between them, Leonard felt compelled to break it. He didn't want the moment to become stale. "Don't be angry, but could you tell me what kind of person the contractor is? I just want to mentally prepare myself for our meeting."

The guard paused, considering Leonard's question with a furrowed brow. "Well, he's definitely a businessman. Some say he can be tough, but I've heard he rewards those who work hard. Just be honest with him; that's what matters most."

Feeling a bit more reassured, Leonard asked, "Do you know where goblins live?"

The guard raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you want to use goblins for?"

Leonard hesitated, realizing he wasn't ready to share his intentions. Instead, he shrugged and replied, "Just curious. I've heard stories."

The guard nodded knowingly. "You can find goblins in the northern part of the mine. But since we're heading south, you'll be going the opposite way."

"Thank you for the help. I really appreciate it," Leonard said, his tone genuine.

As they continued their journey, the system within Leonard's mind pinged with a notification: he had completed the mission of walking a 250-kilometer distance. Only one mission remained to complete his daily quest. The thought filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

Soon, they approached a building that loomed ahead, more impressive than anything Leonard had ever seen. It resembled a mansion, with grand architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

"Okay, we're here," the guard said, gesturing toward the entrance.

"Where is here?" Leonard asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

The guard made a playful face. "Silly! We're at the contractor's mansion."

Leonard's jaw dropped. "Is this where the contractor lives, or is it for a king? It's too huge and amazing!"

"I know, right?" the guard replied, pride evident in his voice. "It's also where some of us guards live."

With a wave of his hand, the guard signaled for the doors to open, revealing an interior that was nothing short of breathtaking. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and polished wood. The mansion was immaculate, each room a testament to wealth and taste. A stunning swimming pool glimmered in the sunlight, and a tranquil pond nestled among the gardens provided a picturesque view.

Leonard couldn't help but admire the scene. In one corner, he noticed guards he had never seen before, training intensely. Their physiques were impressive, muscles rippling under the sun, and Leonard felt a pang of insecurity at the sight. They exuded a powerful aura, making him acutely aware of his own limitations, though he quickly reminded himself that everyone had their strengths.

They moved to the backyard, where a serene tea garden awaited. The air was filled with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. A maid approached, serving Leonard a delicate cup of tea. "Please wait; the contractor will be here shortly," she said with a warm smile.

As Leonard sipped the fragrant tea, his mind wandered back to thoughts of goblins and the possibilities that lay ahead. He envisioned encounters filled with danger and excitement but struggled to formulate a plan. Just then, a figure emerged from the mansion, capturing his full attention.

The contractor approached with a commanding presence, his white hair shining in the sunlight. A vertical scar ran down his left eye, giving him an air of authority and intrigue. Everything about him radiated confidence and strength, making Leonard feel as if he were in the presence of a character from a storybook.

"Are you the slave who broke the cell doors and survived those traps in the mine?" the contractor asked, sitting across from Leonard with an intense gaze.

"Yes," Leonard replied, a mix of pride and uncertainty flooding through him.

The contractor leaned forward, his interest piqued. "That means you have strength, right? I admire the strong. You might be confused by what I'm saying, but just answer me truthfully."

Leonard nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "Yes."

"Good," the contractor said, nodding approvingly. "There was a boulder in one of those traps. When my guard went to investigate, he found it missing and a pile of rubble left behind. So, from my calculations, you were chased by the boulder, reached a dead end, and managed to destroy it. Am I right?"

"You're right," Leonard confirmed, intrigued by the contractor's keen observations. "But how did you know I punched it?"

The contractor grinned. "The punch was so powerful that it left a mark on the wall. Everything about this situation points back to you, and I like that."

"Do you want to do some odd jobs instead of working in the mine?" the contractor offered, his tone shifting to one of business. "These jobs will pay more, allowing you to buy your freedom faster."

"Aren't you mad that I broke your cell gate and caused trouble? Won't you ask how I suddenly became strong?" Leonard questioned, still processing the offer.

The contractor laughed heartily, a sound that echoed through the garden. "What did I tell you? I admire the strong. As long as you didn't gain your strength through evil means, I won't ask about it. I just want you to work off the damages, not to have a guard beat you up. I'm pretty laid-back and flexible; not everything matters to me. So, what do you say?"

A wave of relief washed over Leonard. "Okay, but I need to know what I'm capable of."

The contractor's smile widened. "Sure! Let's get into the details. There are a variety of jobs available, and we can find something that suits your skills."

As they discussed the tasks ahead, Leonard felt a surge of hope. For the first time, he saw a glimpse of freedom on the horizon, a chance to carve out his own destiny. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of a much larger adventure, one that would challenge him in ways he had never imagined.

"Stay tuned for the next part," 

And with that, the stage was set for Leonard's transformation, paving the way for the trials and triumphs that awaited him.