Dimensional Descent

Leonel lost track of the days, causing the ladies within the carriage to almost become worried.

This wasn't because they were worried for Leonel and it wasn't because they were worried about their own safety having to sleep in the same region as a man either. After all, with Mistress Heira here, even if Leonel had evil thoughts, whether or not he'd be able to keep his life for more than a few seconds was the real question in such a situation.

What they were really worried about was cleanliness. They were very much worried that Leonel would ruin things with his presence. And, as though this wasn't bad enough, he hadn't moved in almost a week already.

But, as time passed, they began to realize something extraordinary. Despite not making any attempts to clean himself, Leonel actually didn't smell. In fact, he looked the exact same as he had when he began to meditate without a care in the world.

Not only that, but he didn't even try to strike up a conversation with any one of them. It made sense for him to maintain distance from Heira. After all, considering how much Syl's elder brother doted on his wife, he might very well kill Leonel just for being in her presence like this. But what about Rie and Syl?

The two women began to feel that there was either something wrong with them, or something wrong with Leonel.

"Hm?"

Leonel's eyes suddenly shot open. A piercing gaze seemed to tear through the air before him as the faint light of a spear shot into the void.

Mistress Heira didn't miss this subtle change. But, before she needed to act, Leonel snuffed out the aura himself.

Leonel sent his gaze out of the carriage window, finding an ever looming city quickly approaching. But, this city made the one he had landed in seem like a children's toy.

Its walls were hundreds of meters tall, projecting an air of not only strength but also artistry.

never thought that he'd be thinking such

valiant warriors and magical beasts were etched across its surface,

at the images made Leonel feel as though the clanging of weapons and the roaring of beasts were reverberating in his mind.

flickering on and off with

he had the first time he faced an

while

Heira's gaze trembled. She too

become so immersed during a second or third attempt. In addition, most would miss the opportunity and look away

keep looking, but he had even awoken from his meditation as though he had sensed it calling out

This has no business on a Fourth

words were only meant for himself, but Heira's eyes

she did, with her demeanor, it was no more than the slightest curl

this time, you haven't asked what it is you'll be participating

looked toward the future Matriarch of the Keafir family. This was the first time she had

when it was time." Leonel finally

Then, without responding directly to the

you know what that

said

she smiled lightly. This time, her smile seemed

She said noncommittedly. "My answer, though, is even simpler than that.

a moment. A flood of unknowable emotions surged through him, causing his