Chapter 07: History{Edited}

The last book from the stockpile of books Leo stacked up, slid shut, and he held his chin and went into deep thought.

Just hours ago, the futuristic elevator in the library had seemed like the peak of innovation to his ignorant mind, a marvel, since all he had since this few days were more or less Medieval age-like.

But now…

Against the vast tapestry of this fantastical realm, it felt like a child's toy.

From the books he read he understood that there were sprawling cityscape of Fortune dwarfed his domain, humming with the energy of a society transformed by the fusion of science and magic.

Once sleepy duchies had blossomed into mega-cities, their economies soaring on the wings of this technological renaissance.

But the prosperity, as one would expect, wasn't equally distributed.

The affluent, who had swiftly cornered the market, amassed glittering fortunes while the commoners struggled to survive.

But…

What else was life about.

That aside, he also came to understand that Kingdoms outside the imperial reach, unwilling to bend there knees, remained stagnant, their technological progress stunted like wilted crops.

And that wasn't even the most shocking revelation.

The world, he learned, was divided.

Humans and elves, once bitter rivals, now stood, united against vampires and demons, locked in an age-old conflict fueled by forgotten animosity.

To protect themselves, several kingdoms formed the Empire, which then offered safety in exchange for loyalty to kingdoms, outside this union.

Yet, some kingdoms remained independent, forfeiting the Empire's protection and its intoxicating perks.

"Haah," Leo yawned, stretching his stiff muscles.

As he stood there, transfixed by the view outside the window, he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer beauty of the cityscape before him.

The hustle and bustle of the duchy was like a symphony of movement, with each person going about their day lost in their own little world.

The sky was ablaze with a fiery orange hue, as the sun lazily dipped below the horizon.

The warm glow of the mana bulbs that illuminated some of the buildings added to the vibrancy of the scene, while the soft light of the street-lamps created a calming ambiance.

It was like a dream come true, a magical world that seemed to exist only in fairy tales.

The architectural marvels that dotted the landscape were like a work of art, each one unique and awe-inspiring.

The city was alive with energy, and the sounds of the bustling streets below drifted up to him like a distant melody.

However, his reverie was suddenly broken by a slumped figure in the library's far corner.

Uren, his nose buried in a book, had his head propped on his arms in a semblance of sleep.

Strolling towards where he was, Leo roused him with a playful flick to the back of his head,

"Sleepyhead! Think anyone buys that act?" Leo chuckled.

Uren startled, his composure crumbling like a sandcastle under a wave.

"Wh-what do you mean? Of course I'm reading," he stammered, hoping to deceive his friend.

But Leo wasn't convinced.

"Sure you are," he smirked, "it's written all over your face."

Uren yawned, both arms stretched to the limit.

"Honestly," he said, " I'm so exh--" He stopped. as he suddenly realized the underlining meaning of Leo's words, shamefully wiping away the telltale drool on his face before scurrying off to find a restroom.

The day passed uneventfully, and Leo eventually bid farewell to his friend, returning to his duchy.

He longed for the sight of Anna, the warmth of her smile, as he had unfortunately gotten fond of her unknowingly.

He dismounted from the carriage, a strange feeling bubbling in his chest.

But…

As he approached his room, he saw Anna, tears glinting in her eyes, clutching a letter.

Alarm bells clanged in his head at this unexpected sight.

What could be wrong?

He arrived before her and she handed him the letter.

But as he read it, his smile faded, replaced by a bitter scowl. "Please, young master," Anna pleaded, her voice shaky, "you can't go through with this."

Leo offered a small, reassuring smile and patted her head. "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine," he said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

He walked towards his room, his steps slower, more deliberate.

Reaching the door, he opened it gently and slipped inside, shutting it behind him with a soft click.

Leo was exhausted, physically and emotionally drained. He sought refuge in the quiet of his room, leaning against the cool wood of the door, sliding down to the floor.

His fingers were tangled in his hair, pulling at the strands in frustration. His eyes were tightly closed, his breaths deep and measured, as he tried to calm the storm brewing within.

The room was silent, save for the faint creak of the floorboards as he shifted his weight. The air was heavy with the weight of his thoughts, each one weighing heavily on his mind like a boulder.

The silence was deafening, and he could hear the thudding of his own heartbeat in his ears. The darkness of the room enveloped him like a cocoon, providing a sense of safety and security amidst the chaos of his thoughts. 

[What will you do? You don't really plan on taking that mission, do you?] Mel's voice echoed in his mind.

Leo's eyes snapped open.

"I don't know…. But this, this actually confirms my suspicions," he replied, " Firstly, my memories are all messed up, practically worthless. Secondly, there's my unexplainable reappearance after a month disappearance. And what's more, no one in the mansion even bothers to ask! And now, a mission? A goddamn mission to the middle of nowhere!" frustration laced his voice.

[You're right, something is wrong,] Mel admitted.

"And I can't just run away too. I've no money, and no access to any." Leo sighed, slumping further down the wall.

[So your taking the mission?] asked Mel, again.

"Well, I have no other choice, do I?" He stood up, holding a letter from Duke Constel, his father, who had issued a mission to him, of solving the mystery of the corrupted forest that bordered the Masel duchy.

Mana beasts of all sorts had recently disappeared from the forest, and it's atmospheric mana had also been contaminated. 

Leo was given the task of solving the mystery of there disappearance, and he was forbidden from leaving the forest till success was attain.

The mission was set to begin on the next day, he would be forcefully taken to forest to begin the mission.

[But how would you do it? You're literally the weakest being in existence.] asked the voice.

"Well, I think it's time we get that manacore,"