Grand Return System

Morning Beneath the Ancient Canopy

Leon shook his head.

"It’s already getting dark."

"We could reach the city if we rushed..."

"But why rush?"

He looked at both of them with a gentle smile.

"We’ve spent days fighting."

"We’ve barely had a chance to breathe."

"So tonight..."

"Let’s simply enjoy a peaceful evening."

Selena lowered her eyes for a moment before smiling softly.

"...I’d like that."

Rias nodded enthusiastically.

"So would I."

Soon, the three prepared a simple campsite.

With a wave of Leon’s sleeve, dry branches gathered themselves into a neat pile.

Another flick of his finger lit the campfire.

Golden flames danced quietly beneath the evening sky.

The gentle crackling blended with flowing water and distant birdsong.

For the first time in many days...

Everything felt peaceful.

The three sat around the fire in comfortable silence.

Eventually Leon smiled.

"So..."

"What treasures did you two find?"

Selena reached into her storage ring.

"I found this."

A crimson sword appeared before them.

The moment it emerged, powerful sword intent filled the campsite.

Leon recognized it instantly.

"The Red Abyss Sword."

Selena nodded.

"I found it within the Soul Abyss."

"I had to defeat countless soul manifestations before it finally acknowledged me."

She carefully handed it to Leon.

He examined the ancient blade.

"It chose well."

Returning it to her, he smiled.

"It suits you perfectly."

Selena happily accepted it.

"I’ll treasure it."

She then revealed several other rewards—rare sword crystals, an ancient sword jade slip, and a fragment of an old inheritance map.

Leon examined each one carefully before explaining their uses, helping her understand their true value.

Watching him patiently explain everything brought another smile to Selena’s face.

Not wanting to lose, Rias quickly opened her own storage pouch.

"My turn!"

She proudly displayed several rare herbs, an ancient cultivation scripture, a spiritual jade pendant that strengthened mental focus, and a crystal containing traces of ancient Mana.

Leon nodded approvingly.

"Very good."

"These herbs are extremely valuable."

"The scripture still has room for improvement, but its foundation is excellent."

"And this crystal..."

He smiled.

"...may prove to be your greatest reward."

Rias’s eyes sparkled.

"Really?"

Leon nodded.

"You both exceeded my expectations."

Those simple words filled both women with quiet pride.

The peaceful conversation continued late into the evening as they shared stories of the dangers they had overcome, laughed about unexpected moments during their journey, and discussed how they would grow even stronger together.

The night felt warmer than the campfire itself.

----------------------

The campfire gradually burned low.

Golden embers glowed softly beneath the quiet night as the vast forest settled into peaceful silence.

The cool breeze rustled through the towering trees.

Above them, countless stars stretched across the endless sky like scattered diamonds.

Rias let out another sleepy yawn.

"I didn’t realize I was this tired..."

Selena smiled faintly.

"Neither did I."

The excitement of obtaining treasures, surviving fierce battles, and finally finding a peaceful place to rest had completely drained their remaining energy.

Leon looked at the two women and chuckled.

"You’ve both earned a good night’s sleep."

"Get some rest."

"We’ll head for Ashford City after sunrise."

Both nodded.

"Good night, Teacher."

"Good night, Teacher."

They settled beside the large ancient tree, using their cloaks as simple blankets.

Leon smiled as he watched them.

Within only a few minutes...

Their breathing became slow and steady.

"They really are exhausted..."

Shaking his head with an amused smile, Leon gently added another branch to the campfire.

With a subtle movement of his fingers, dozens of tiny streams of Mana spread silently through the surrounding forest.

A transparent protective barrier slowly enveloped the campsite.

It wasn’t powerful enough to be noticed from afar, yet any magical beast approaching would instinctively avoid the area.

Satisfied, Leon leaned back against the same tree.

The quiet breathing of his two companions mixed with the gentle crackling of the fire.

For the first time in many days...

There was nothing to fight.

Nothing to plan.

Nothing to protect.

Only peace.

Before long...

Even Leon closed his eyes.

...

Morning arrived quietly.

Golden rays of sunlight slipped through the leaves, painting shifting patterns across the soft grass. The gentle murmur of the nearby stream blended with cheerful birdsong, filling the peaceful valley with the calm of a new day.

Selena was the first to awaken.

Still drowsy, she lazily stretched before slowly opening her eyes.

...Warm.

She blinked in confusion.

Why did she feel so warm?

Lowering her gaze, her eyes widened.

Somehow, during the night, she had unconsciously leaned against Leon’s shoulder. One of her hands lightly rested on his sleeve, while her head was comfortably nestled against him.

Across from her, Rias had done exactly the same, sleeping peacefully against Leon’s other shoulder.

Selena’s beautiful face instantly turned scarlet.

"H-How...?"

She couldn’t remember moving at all.

Before she could carefully pull away, Rias stirred.

Her eyelashes fluttered before her crimson eyes slowly opened.

She looked ahead blankly for a moment.

Then...

She noticed Leon.

Then Selena.

Finally, she realized her own position.

"..."

"...Ah."

A deep blush spread across her cheeks.

The two women exchanged embarrassed glances.

Neither dared move.

Neither wanted to wake Leon.

The silence lingered for several long moments.

Just as they were wondering what to do...

Leon slowly opened his eyes.

He looked at Selena.

Then at Rias.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"So..."

"I guess everyone slept well."

The two women immediately straightened, their movements almost perfectly synchronized.

"W-We didn’t mean to..."

"It just..."

"We must have moved while we were asleep..."

Seeing how flustered they were, Leon couldn’t help but chuckle.

"I know."

"You both looked comfortable."

Rias covered her burning face.

"You’re teasing us..."

"Maybe a little."

Selena looked at him suspiciously.

"...Wait."

Her blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"You... opened your eyes awfully quickly."

Rias blinked before turning toward Leon.

"...Don’t tell me..."

"Were you already awake?"

Leon rubbed the back of his head with a helpless smile.

"I never really fell asleep."

Both women froze.

"...What?"