All MILFs are Mine Chapter 289: I can’t remember

Blink–Blink...

Leon’s eyelids fluttered open. As his sight cleared, the first thing he noticed was the carcass of the Radal resting just inches away. A metal bolt had been driven through its cranium, protruding from the opposite side.

"What the fuck—!?" Leon hissed, jerking his body into an upright position.

Perched upside-down from various branches above were three adult Snow Elves. Each one gripped a metallic bow that pulsed with luminous purple runes.

With effortless grace, one of the elves descended from the canopy, landing soundlessly in front of Leon.

"Identify yourself. What is your purpose here?" the elf interrogated, his face clouded with confusion.

"I am—"

*Touch*

The words died in Leon's throat.

He felt a sharp, localized pressure against his back. Tilting his head slightly, he spotted another Snow Elf positioned behind him, the point of a spear biting into his spine.

"Where have you taken my child? I can smell his scent on your skin. Speak, where is he?" the elf snarled, shoving the spear-tip harder against Leon’s vertebrae.

"Well... if I remember correctly, he’s currently hiding behind that tree," Leon answered, gesturing toward a distant trunk.

"Ju-ilo?" the elf shouted, his voice thick with anxiety.

"...Dad?" Recognizing his father's call, Ju-ilo peeked out from behind the bark.

"Ju-ilo!" The weight of the spear vanished instantly as the elf bolted toward his son. An immediate conversation broke out, with Ju-ilo gesticulating wildly toward Leon as he spoke at a frantic pace.

*Slap*

Without warning, Ju-ilo’s father struck him across the face, followed by a second blow.

*Slap*

'Wow... that's one intense family discussion,' Leon noted, his expression remaining flat.

One of the archers walked toward Leon, narrowing his gaze. "What kind of entity are you? Your species is unknown to us. Are you... some variety of fairy?"

"...Did you just call me a fairy? Like the ones with the tiny wings that flutter around?" Leon asked, his face a mask of genuine shock.

"Yes. Are you a fai—"

"Lower your weapons, all of you," Ju-ilo’s father commanded, his sharp tone cutting through the air.

"What? He's an unknown threat. We should drag him to the village for a full interrogation."

"He saved my son. If you keep that bow drawn, I will put an arrow in your chest and my spear through your throat. Do we have an understanding?" The father's resolve was unshakable.

The archer scowled in frustration but eventually lowered his weapon, casting a bitter glare at Leon.

Leon simply offered a smile in return.

Crouching beside the Radal's remains, Leon extracted the nyxter from the creature's shredded neck. He wiped the gore from the steel before sliding it back into its sheath.

Ju-ilo and his father approached him.

"You have done a service for my bloodline," the father stated. "I grant you this Radal. Consume it to sustain your family, and our debt shall be considered settled." He spoke with a stoic face while looking at Leon.

While his companions appeared annoyed, they kept their complaints to themselves.

"Umm... I have no use for it," Leon replied, mirroring the elf's neutral tone. "Just point me toward the exit of this forest and I'll be on my way."

"An exit?" The elf's eyebrow shot up. "Very well. Head south from this spot. Do not let your gaze wander to the left or right; if you do, the forest will trap you forever. Keep your eyes forward and walk. You will find the way out."

"Ah... thanks." Leon turned on his heel and began his trek immediately.

"Wait." Ju-ilo’s father moved to intercept him.

Leon halted.

"If the Radal’s meat does not interest you, then take this. I refuse to be burdened by a debt to you."

Using his spear, he ripped open the Radal’s gut and retrieved a shimmering, hexagonal blue crystal, tossing it toward Leon.

*Catch.*

Leon snatched it out of the air, gave it a cursory glance, and shoved it into his pocket.

"Well... alright then." He started walking north again.

"Wait!" Ju-ilo cried out.

Leon turned back once more. "Hmm...?"

Ju-ilo sprinted over and pressed a black prism into Leon's palms.

"Ah... my hard-earned prize. Thanks, kid." A grin spread across Leon's face as he inspected the object.

The prism gave way slightly under pressure. It was soft, having a texture like jelly.

'Huh... so this thing really is food.'

"Thank you," Ju-ilo muttered before scurrying back to his father. The hunting party began the task of hauling the Radal's body away.

"Oh well, time to—"

Absolute darkness suddenly consumed Leon’s field of vision.

'What is happennnnnnnnn...'

...

Inside the Dungeon, Twelfth Floor...

Leon’s eyes snapped open for the second time. The swirling black mist surrounding him retreated and dissolved, leaving him standing in silence with the nyxter in his hand.

*GAAASPPPPP*

"What the fuck!?" Leon wheezed, drawing in a desperate lungful of air. Seated at a table directly in front of him was Gerald, wearing a massive, toothy grin.

"Hahaha! I had a feeling you weren't just some mediocre brat. I take it you cleared the trial... and claimed those prizes." Gerald gestured toward the ground by Leon’s feet.

Leon looked down instantly.

Resting near his boot were the Radal’s core and the black prism locket.

Without wasting a second, he activated his skill.

<Inspect>

[Name: Radal’s Core]

[Rank: D]

[Description: A magic core harvested from a Radal beast. It can be utilized to imbue a weapon’s vacant slot with one of the creature's random skills. Snow Elves commonly consume these; they are best paired with the eyes of the beast.]

[Name: Gillian Hound’s Core]

[Rank: B]

[Description: A magic core harvested from a Gillian Hound. Consumption grants permanent and massive increases to Strength, Stamina, Endurance, Dexterity, Vigor, Charisma, and Bloodlust.

Gillian Hounds are nearly extinct within the Dark Realm. Only a mere 2% of the surviving population carries this core.

Warning: Upon consumption, the user must stay in a confined area or deep wilderness for 24–48 hours to manage the surge in Bloodlust.

Note: May result in permanent personality shifts after use.]

A slow, satisfied smirk spread across Leon’s lips.

"It seems I’ve managed to snag something truly valuable."

He slid the Gillian Hound’s core into his pocket.

Gerald leaned in closer. "That core... I can use its power to—"

"I'm aware. You can use it to anchor skills to the nyxter." Leon tossed the blade and the Radal’s core toward the man. "Here. Get to work."

Gerald caught the items with practiced ease. "Return in two hours. Your sword will be finished by then."

"Good. I’ll be going now." Leon turned to head for the exit.

"Hey, kid," Gerald called out after him. "If you don't mind satisfying my curiosity... what exactly was the trial?"

Leon froze in his tracks.

A look of sheer bewilderment crossed his features.

"...Wait. I can’t actually remember."