"Alright, if you say it'll be fine, I will trust you." Leo nodded.
"When are we going to do this?" Lia then asked.
"I still need the Headmistress' approval before I can leave the city, but I will let you know."
"Okay."
Sometime later, Leo asked, "By the way, before I leave, I have one question… Did your family talk to you after the tournament? About our relationship, specifically."
"Yes, my father asked about my relationship with you." She nodded.
"And what did you tell him?"
"I told him that it was none of his business," she calmly said.
"Seriously…? He wasn't angry?"
"No."
"I see… Anyways, I will contact you once I receive permission to leave the city."
"Okay."
They left the hotel room shortly after and checked out of the hotel.
'Looks like they had their fun.' The receptionist chuckled inward after seeing them check out so soon.
Sometime later, Leo returned to the academy.
However, when he reached outside of Eve's residence, Leo was halted by Helia, who had been waiting for him.
"Here is your payment." Helia handed him an S-Grade mana core.
"Are you sure? This thing is worth at least a few hundred thousand, right?"
"More like a few million, but yes, it is fine." She nodded.
"..."
Leo felt that he was being paid too much money just for spending a day with her, so he asked her, "Want to train with me again today? I won't ask for additional payments."
"Sure." She nodded.
They went to the training room and started training with each other until Eve came back to start her training.
"Thank you for the training again today, Headmistress." Helia bowed to her before leaving.
Once they were alone, Leo said, "I have found my partner."
"Already? That was quick. You must really want to leave the city." Eve said.
"I am on a timer." He shrugged.
"Alright then. Let me hear it. Who is your partner? And if it's some stranger you picked up in the street just so you have a partner, I won't approve of it. Your partner must qualify to protect you, after all."
"Lia Scarlet. She's going to be my partner."
Eve's eyes widened with shock after hearing his words. "Lia Scarlet? Are you insane? The Scarlet Family would never allow her to enter the Wilderness with you."
"I'm serious. I have already spoken with her today, even going as far as telling her about my true identity— that I am an Otherworder."
"That's so reckless! Why would you tell the future leader of the Scarlet Family something like that?! If she tells her family, that will be the end of you!"
After a moment of silence, she spoke, "Since you already told her about your secret, there's no choice but to allow her to be your partner, but how will you take her to the Wilderness with you?"
"She told me that she will sneak out and come with me in a disguise, just like me."
"What? The whole Scarlet Family will be looking for her if she suddenly disappears!"
"I know, and that's what I said to her too. However, she told me that she does this often and that it'll be fine."
"Let's hope that's really the case." Eve shook her head. "Anyways, when do you plan on leaving the city?"
"Tomorrow if that's possible."
"Alright. Camille will show up tomorrow morning. You can leave after speaking with her."
"I was planning on speaking with her before I left, anyway." He nodded.
Later that night, Leo laid on the bed and called Lia to tell her the news.
"Yes, the Headmistress has approved of you to be my partner. I will be moving out as soon as tomorrow. If you need more time, let me know."
"I am prepared to leave tomorrow."
"Great, then I will meet you in front of the Adventurers' Guild at the same time."
He then studied the ancient magic circle for a few hours before going to sleep like usual when suddenly—
<You have learned the Magic Spell: Devourer of Gods>
[Devourer of Gods]
[Affinity: Dark/Unknown]
[Tier: Ancient]
[Mana: 50% of total mana]
[Mastery Rank: F]
"I-I learned it! I finally learned the Ancient Magic!" Leo exclaimed after seeing the notification.
"Really?! Congratulations! It only took around two months, but you have finally managed to do it!" Lilith congratulated him.
And she continued, "You know, it took me nearly 7 years to learn this magic spell even with my talents, and I was considered one of the most talented vampires in my generation."
"It has such an ominous name, though. Devourer of Gods? What kind of magic spell is this?"
"You will find out once you use it in the Wilderness." Lilith chuckled.
Leo couldn't wait to return to the Wilderness and quickly went to sleep the next moment.
The following morning, Leo woke up and did his morning routine before waiting for Camille to show up.
When she showed up, she handed him a spatial ring and said, "I have heard about your plans to return to the Wilderness. There are many necessities in this ring that will help you out there."
"Thank you, Miss Camille!" Leo accepted the ring with a bright smile on his face.
"Also, this is for you." Camille handed him another ring and said, "If you are before an enemy that you cannot defeat or run away from, activate this ring with your mana immediately. It will take you back to the academy. However, remember that this magic artifact will not work in the Labyrinth."
[Ring of Transportation]
[Grade: A]
[Description: Teleports you and another individual to a set location. 72 hours cooldown.]
"One more important thing— don't die." Eve said with a smile on her face.
"I understand." Leo nodded with a serious expression on his face.
After talking for a little longer and saying his goodbyes to Camille and Eve, Leo changed into Leon and made his way to the Adventurers' Guild to meet up with Lia for their new adventure.