Leo's eyelids fluttered open, and he found himself on a stretcher, being carried away from the ruins of Besen by two soldiers.

“Hmm? Where…?" Trying to sit up, he felt nauseous as his head throbbed. He felt the world spin as he regained his memories of the terrible days before, causing his mind to fail. "Ahhh..." he grunted.

He didn't recognize the faces around him. Everything was a blur. Then he saw him. A sturdy man, his hand resting reassuringly on Leo's arm, a uniquely designed helmet glinting in the dawn light. Their gazes locked, and Leo's heart pounded in his chest, a spark of recognition, a flicker of hope in the man's eyes.

Roland remained at Leo’s side, desperate to ask him what happened, but he could see the boy was in no condition to talk.

“Easy there, lad. We're the good guys. We pulled you out of that pit. You’re safe now. You can trust us. Rest.” Roland said softly, his voice rough with exhaustion but tinged with a strange mix of relief and sorrow.

Leo closed his eyes, the knot of tension in his stomach loosening slightly. Safe. For now, at least. But the images, the screams, still echoed in his mind. He remained lost in thought, the weight of what he’d been through slowly receding, granting him a sliver of much-needed respite. Fear and death had been his constant companions for days.

However, a question persistently gnawed at him, forcing its way to the forefront. He had to know. A deep longing rose within him: he needed to know if his mother’s body had been found; he yearned to honor her memory, to say a final, heartbreaking farewell. But his voice was hoarse, his body ravaged by hunger and fatigue, yet he desperately tried to convey his need to know about his mother.

With trembling hands, Leo unclasped the golden necklace and offered it to Roland. Intrigued, Roland accepted the pendant and scrutinized it. He carefully opened a tiny locket attached to the chain, revealing a miniature portrait of a young Leah in a beautiful gown. Her radiant smile, captured in the portrait, sent a fresh wave of grief through Leo.

Roland's face drained of color as he recognized the woman in the portrait. After a moment, he regained his composure, but his gaze, when it snapped to Leo, was filled with a complex mix of emotions: pity, guilt, and a flicker of something akin to fear.

“Where did you get this pendant, lad?” Roland demanded, his voice strained, his eyes searching Leo's for answers.

Leo strained to speak, his voice barely a whisper: "My mother... she gave it to me before... before it all happened.”

“Halt!” Captain Roland roared, his voice cutting through the somber air. The two stretcher-bearers halted abruptly.

Roland quickly instructed two guards, who were stationed a short distance away, to wrap Leah’s body in a shroud or any available cloth, stipulating that under no circumstances should the body be exposed. He watched them for a moment, his jaw clenched, then turned back to Leo, his expression unreadable.

“The decomposition is significant. She and this boy deserve some dignity,” he explained quietly to the departing guards, more to himself than to them.

Roland returned to those carrying Leo, kneeling beside the stretcher. He lowered his voice, almost to a whisper. He leaned in, his gaze intense. “What you’ve heard here stays here. I presume you value your lives and the well-being of your families. Forget everything.” His words, though soft, carried the weight of a mountain, a silent threat that hung heavy in the air.

Turning his attention back to Leo, he continued, “Listen carefully, lad. We need your testimony. In recognition of your miraculous survival, we will ensure your mother receives a burial near the tranquil gardens of Mount Lichtwelt—the most peaceful resting place she could have. It's a place reserved for heroes, and your mother... she was a hero.”

Leo, his throat tight with unshed tears, could only manage a small nod.

Once he was settled in the wagon and they were ready to depart, the weight of his recent experiences pressed down on him like an unbearable burden, threatening to crush his spirit. A persistent wave of dizziness threatened to overwhelm him, yet even as he lay there, drifting in and out of consciousness, he watched the passing scenery blur by, and soon he spotted the graves of the villagers lining the edge of the lake ravine, some fifteen meters from the road.

The soldiers had created simple memorials of stacked stones, marking each grave with a small six-pointed wooden star. To further identify the deceased, they had placed personal belongings found with each victim beside their respective stars.

A single, fragile thought flickered in Leo's mind: "I did it, Mother..." But it was quickly extinguished by a fresh wave of agony. He saw his father’s grave, and on it, Noah’s familiar straw hat impaled on the wooden marker. Two graves away, the soldiers instinctively surrounded a small, distinct grave with stones. Beside the wooden star lay a battered plushie, and the only thought that crossed Leo’s mind was...

“Lenny”...!

A numbing cold spread through Leo's chest, the world fading away, reality dissolving into a dreamlike haze. One question echoed in his mind. “Why?”

Standing beside Leo, Roland suddenly noticed a faint, rhythmic pulse of light emanating from the nape of Leo's neck.

“A late awakening?" Roland thought, his heart pounding with sudden, inexplicable apprehension.

***

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Leo regained consciousness. He was sitting on his blanket in front of the window in a small, dimly lit room. The air smelled of stale sweat and dust. He realized he had fallen into a deep trance, and fragments of his past flickered within his shattered memory. It was already dawn; his head was still throbbing, but an uncontrollable fury boiled from the pit of his stomach, fueling a new, burning resolve. He was shaking uncontrollably.

“Bastards…!” he whispered, clenching his fist tightly.

In that instant, Leo resolved to go to the Guild House and become an Equalizer. Equalizers were the warriors who ventured to hunt and subdue the forces of the Leirions, but to be an Equalizer, one necessarily needed to be a Neumond. Leo had never wanted to take risks and live a life of adventure; he had always been a very peaceful person, but he simply could no longer contain his hatred for the Leirions.

He needed to move, to act, to do something. As he emerged from his room, a modest, cramped space in a boarding house within the poorest district of Gothia, his eyes were drawn to the imposing ramparts of Gothia, rising in the distance.

Gothia was a sprawling city within the realm of Dunkel, a sanctuary compared to the precarious existence of the villages strewn across the landscape. These hamlets could never grow too large, for they would inevitably draw the attention of the Leirions and fall victim to their brutal, unpredictable attacks. The great cities, on the other hand, paid a high price for their relative safety; massive stone walls were their only defense against the monstrous creatures drawn to their teeming populations, forcing their citizens to live in close quarters.

Gothia itself was a city of three concentric circles, carved into the terrain surrounding a venerable hill. The lowest ring was home to the city’s poorest inhabitants, a chaotic mix of ramshackle slums and meager fields of rice, wheat, and potato. It was clear that this was the poorest part of the city, both socially and geographically. Simple huts of wood and straw huddled together along narrow, winding lanes, the residents toiling as farmers or seeking their fortunes in the trades of the wealthier districts.

The middle ring, home to the more affluent citizens, showcased buildings of clay, cement, and gleaming marble. This was also reflected in their social status. Here resided prosperous farmers, influential merchants, and the city guard, alongside rows of cramped tenements for unmarried laborers. Northward, within this middle ring, lay the vibrant heart of Gothia’s commerce, anchored by the magnificent Guild House—a towering structure adorned with gold leaf and graced by a private garden, where the city's elite often gathered.

The highest and smallest of the three districts was reserved for the elite: nobles, rulers, and high-ranking military officers. The opulent residences, uniformly white, boasted intricate sculptures and lush gardens, standing in stark contrast to the lack of greenery in the lower districts. The spaciousness between the houses clearly reflected the elevated status of their occupants, as well as the social division within Gothia.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

After arriving in Gothia, Leo had received a stipend of three silver coins each month. He didn’t know the source of this income, but it allowed him to pursue his studies independently and purchase a few books. Although he never aspired to become an Equalizer, possessed a keen curiosity about ELEVs and a considerable understanding of the Neumonds. Leo believed that one day he might find a way to utilize his ELEV skills professionally rather than as an Equalizer.

After achieving his majority, Leo no longer received financial assistance and was left to support himself. The amount was far from being something large; he could at most pay the rent and buy dry bread. So from early on, Leo tried his livelihood on the streets of Gothia.

Because he chose to work informally and have a life of almost extreme poverty, Leo was not well regarded by people of higher status in society; they judged him whenever they could. No one knew that Leo was a Neumond, and he had no idea of who his parents were, only that he had the lineage. The incident in the village of Besen was never discussed after his testimony. Captain Roland sent him the silver coins but never had any contact with Leo. The only information Leo obtained was that he had Neumond lineage, not that they could hide it from him anyway.

Leo made his way towards the Guild House, situated in Gothia's central district, marked by a spacious plaza with a central fountain ringed by numerous vendor stalls selling wares of all kinds. At the far end of the square stood a massive structure of stone, accented with gold, resembling a grand cathedral; this was the Gothia Guild House headquarters.

Leo carried a pouch heavy with coins he’d saved over the past few years, hoping this would secure him the necessary support within. His studies had taught him that every major city boasted a Guild House, each controlled by the local government and dedicated to assisting the Neumonds in their fight against the Leirions, including purchasing soul stones and other spoils of their hunts.

Stepping into the central hall, Leo was struck by its immense interior. White and red banners hung from the rafters, while stained-glass windows depicted scenes of knights locked in combat with fearsome beasts. The furniture was rustic yet refined, crafted from polished wood, and massive marble pillars supported the vaulted ceiling. A mural on the ceiling portrayed the three Primordials: Lyra, wielding a shadow dagger; Lauv, grasping a halberd of black silver; and Libby, summoning a bolt of lightning amidst the chaos of battle. The polished marble floor mirrored the entire scene. Circular tables draped with white cloths provided space for discussions between counselors and Neumonds. At the far end, a service counter with ornate cast-iron grilles separated clients from attendants, and a small chest provided for transactions. Here, exceptionally rare items were traded, items too valuable and potentially destabilizing to be sold on the open market.

While the place wasn't particularly bustling, it wasn't empty either. Leo quickly counted about fourteen attendants in matching, upscale uniforms and roughly twenty patrons, judging by their weaponry and combat attire.

A woman in her mid-20s approached, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun to highlight the straight lines on her face; she was giving him a disapproving look.

“Are you... lost? May I help you?" She asked, a subtle emphasis on the "lost" word.

“I’m not lost,” Leo replied, his voice even and steady. “I’m here for the Guild House entrance exam.”

“Sir,” she said, her tone dripping with condescension, “are you quite sure? You understand that one requires both wealth and Neumond blood to even be considered?”

She paused, her eyes raking him from head to toe.

“A lack of either simply makes your presence here... inappropriate,” she finished pointedly.

"Don't you really know how to be cordial?" Leo hated being prejudged. "The A-DMIS-SION E-XAM, please?" He emphasized the syllables strongly.

"Follow me, please." She shrugged. "My name is Silica, spelled like the sand. I will be your hostess today, sir. Could you show me the money? It's 30 silver coins for admission." She said as she walked through the hall.

Silica was a pretty formal woman. Her height was average; she had black eyes, black hair, a slender body, and a common face. She wore a light green silk dress that was tight enough to show her curves, had a sexy walk, and a strong personality.

“Here.” Leo thrust the money at her, his expression a clear indication of his displeasure.

“Thank you, Mr....?” she asked, a subtle lift of her eyebrow.

“Leonard. Leo will do.”

“Mr. Leonard,” she said smoothly, “the Guild Houses are entrusted with the care of the Neumonds—a burgeoning branch of humanity—and thus, we safeguard the future of all mankind. Any questions you’d like to ask?”

“I’m good,” Leo mumbled with a shrug.

“As you wish.” Silica turned and began to ascend a grand staircase.

“The testing chambers are up on the second floor,” she announced over her shoulder, proceeding to explain the testing procedures as she walked.

“The test consists of three stages: capacity, energy, and potential. Upon completion, we'll analyze your results and inform you of your status.”

Leo simply nodded.

“Let’s hope your test isn’t a complete failure,” Silica said with a tight smile.

“A failure? I am a Neumond,” Leo retorted.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean much. Some barely manage to achieve the senior officer rank; they lack the strength to hunt monsters on their own.”

A heavy silence hung between them until they reached the testing room on the second floor.

“Mr. Leo, before we proceed with the test, I need you to verify your ELEV,” she stated mechanically.

“Like this?” Leo tilted his head, revealing his nape and focusing briefly, causing his ELEV to glow faintly.

“Alright, you may enter.” She swiped a Guild access card to open the door.

“Your ELEV seems to be pulsing. Do you know why that is?” She inquired, probing for information.

“Something about a late awakening..." Leo tried a guess.

“A late awakening? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Perhaps you’re simply defective.” She concluded.

“Is everyone here as charming as you are?” He replied sarcastically.

It's common knowledge that Neumonds awaken during childhood, usually between the ages of four and six, when their cognitive abilities begin to solidify alongside the development of their personality and emotional traits.

“You’re over twenty?” she inquired.

“Yes…”

“Then your lowest stats should be above twelve, and your highest around twenty. Don’t worry, even if they’re all around twelve, you can still land a decent position as a sergeant or battalion captain.”

“I will become an Equalizer, no matter the cost,” Leo stated firmly.

“Alright, Mr. Future Equalizer,” she said with a hint of irony. "Please take a seat in that chair. I’ll retrieve the assessment device.”

Silica retrieved a magical box and unlocked it with a specialized key. From within, she produced a magical device with a small mana-infused crystal display. Using a mana brush, she inscribed Leo’s name onto the device’s base; the inscription promptly vanished as the device activated.

"Relax; it won’t hurt, but you need to focus,” Silica instructed.

She then placed the device against the back of Leo’s neck, triggering his ELEV. Leo felt a slight tingling sensation, a warmth spreading from the base of his neck. The air around him seemed to shimmer faintly. Several arcane symbols materialized on the crystal screen, but after only a few seconds, the screen abruptly cracked, and the device ceased to function.

“Did something go wrong?” Silica wondered aloud, considering possible causes.

“Could the device have run out of mana?” An ELEV reading typically took thirty to forty seconds.

“I’ll fetch a newer model, one designed by the Magic Tower. It’s far more sensitive. Please wait here, Mr. Leo.” Silica disappeared through a door marked “Special Storage.”

Three minutes elapsed.

“Let’s try this again, Mr. Leo.”

“Okay…” Leo replied calmly as always.

She reactivated the device, and this time, an intense, alternating yellow and white light revealed his ELEV. Leo felt a surge of energy, a feeling of suppressed power yearning to be unleashed. His nape became numb, and for a few seconds, his mind went blank.

Thirty seconds later, it emitted a sharp beep, signaling the completion of the reading.

"Wow…!” Leonard shook his head, feeling light-headed.

“I’ll retrieve your profile; one moment, Mr. Leo,” she said, ignoring him.

Leo found himself filled with a newfound curiosity about his own capabilities. He hadn’t experienced such a rush of joy in ages; the rhythm of his once dull existence had become all too familiar. Now, everything seemed poised to change, even if it was in a way he’d never imagined. His ordinary existence was about to come to an end.

Silica returned and handed him his status and Guild House membership card.

Doubt clouded Leo's eyes as he searched for answers within, but his mind offered nothing. He met Silica's gaze and found her just as incredulous. A wave of anxiety washed over Leo; he felt isolated, possibly unique in the world, but the question died on his lips; he wasn't brave enough to ask. Silica remained frozen.