As Lleyn lay in his dimly lit room, his mind was consumed by the weight of his actions. The events of the past few days had left an indelible mark on his psyche, and he found himself grappling with a relentless inner turmoil. The memory of what he had done to Tasha, or rather, Stella, haunted him like a persistent specter.

He had made a choice that he believed was necessary, although it was far from righteous and it had come at a tremendous cost. Lleyn's decision to end Tasha's life had not been taken lightly. He had reasoned that Stella, the name she had gone by in their past life, was a malevolent force that had betrayed humanity and turned to the side of evil. In the harsh world of Eldoria, such actions were often met with harsh consequences.

Lleyn had no illusions of being a hero, not anymore. His journey in Eldoria had stripped away the naivety that had once defined him. He had been thrust into a world where survival often required making morally ambiguous decisions. Stella's actions in their past life had been nothing short of diabolical.

He recalled a conversation he had with Stella during one of their harrowing battles in Eldoria. It had been a confrontation between former allies, a clash of ideals and loyalties.

"So you are Lleyn, huh? Pleasure to meet you, mankind’s dog~," Stella had sneered, her eyes devoid of remorse. "You cling to your notions of heroism and righteousness. But this world doesn't care about heroes; it only respects power."

Lleyn had gritted his teeth, refusing to yield to her twisted logic. "Stella, I’m sure there's still good in you. You are still one of us. You can choose a different path."

Her laughter had been chilling, a cacophony of malevolence. "Good? There's no such thing. I've seen the darkness that lies at the heart of humanity, and I've embraced it. Power is the only truth, Lleyn."

The memory of that conversation echoed in Lleyn's mind as he lay in his room, the weight of his recent actions pressing down on him. He had believed that by eliminating Stella, he had severed a malignant root that had tainted the Awakened world in Eldoria. But he couldn't escape the nagging doubt that lingered.

"Was it truly the right choice?" Lleyn wondered, his thoughts a labyrinth of uncertainty. "Did I have the right to make that decision, to play the role of judge and executioner?"

He couldn't deny the unease that gnawed at him. The path he had chosen was a treacherous one, and he was acutely aware of the moral gray areas he now navigated. He had taken a life, and while he believed it was for the greater good, he couldn't escape the darkness that had seeped into his own soul.

But Lleyn also recognized that he had never been a hero to begin with. He had embarked on this journey not out of a sense of altruism but to become stronger, to acquire the power needed to confront the horrors of Eldoria and to fix the rotten roots of the Awakened organizations that plagued that world.

In his quest for strength, he had encountered allies and adversaries alike, each with their own motivations and shades of morality. Stella had been a stark reminder that not all who possessed power wielded it for the betterment of others.

Lleyn had grappled with the manipulation and deception that had been a hallmark of Stella's actions. She had twisted the minds of their allies, turning them against each other in a web of deceit. It had been a wake-up call, a brutal lesson in the dark side of power.

As he lay in the quiet of his room, Lleyn couldn't help but acknowledge the complexity of the world he inhabited. It was a realm where heroes and villains often blurred into indistinct shades of gray. And he, too, had been drawn into that murky terrain.

He knew that the challenges ahead were formidable, both in the real world and the virtual one of Eldoria. The cryptic messages he had received hinted at a grander cosmic design, one in which his actions held significance beyond what he could fathom.

Lleyn's resolve remained unshaken, but his understanding of the path he walked had deepened. He wasn't a hero, nor did he seek to be one. He was a survivor, a seeker of strength, and a harbinger of change.

As he closed his eyes, the memory of Stella's chilling laughter echoed in his mind. He knew that the shadows within him were a reflection of the shadows that lurked in the world of Eldoria. And to confront them, he would have to tread the path of shadows, even if it meant embracing the darkness within himself.

The night was heavy with the weight of secrets and uncertainties as Lleyn finally rose from his contemplative state. He knew that his actions would continue to haunt him, but he also understood that he had made a choice he believed was necessary for the greater good. Now, he had to complete the final parts of his plan as he prepared for the start of the Tutorial that was only 7 weeks away now.

With a determined resolve, Lleyn left the confines of his room and made his way to the heart of his family's home. He found his parents, Leo and Ada, seated in the cozy living room, their faces etched with a blend of curiosity and concern. Sera, his younger sister, was, as usual, engrossed in her schoolwork at the nearby dining table.

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"Mom, Dad," Lleyn began, drawing their attention. "I have something important to discuss with you."

Leo, a steadfast man with a deep sense of pride, regarded his son with a raised eyebrow. "Again? What is it, Lleyn? You seem quite serious."

Lleyn took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I've been thinking about our living situation," he began. "With everything that's been happening recently, and the money I now have, I would like the four of us to move into a new home."

Ada, Lleyn's mother, exchanged a puzzled glance with her husband. "Move? But we've lived here for so long. Why would we want to leave?"

Sera, always eager for adventure, chimed in. "Yeah, big brother, where are we going? Can we get a house with a pool?"

Lleyn smiled at his sister's enthusiasm but returned to the matter at hand. "I've been fortunate, and I've acquired the means to provide a better and safer environment for all of us. I believe it's my filial duty to ensure your comfort and safety."

Leo, though proud and independent, recognized the wisdom in his son's words. He knew that their safety was paramount, and Lleyn's newfound wealth had brought with it a responsibility to protect their family.

"Lleyn," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance, "we've always tried to be self-reliant. It's not easy to depend on you like this."

Lleyn nodded, understanding his father's sentiments. "I know, Dad, but circumstances have changed. There are people out there who may see the three of you as a way to reach me. I can't let anything happen to any of you. Please let me do this for you."

Sera, with her boundless energy, leaned forward in anticipation. "So, we're getting a new house with a pool, right?"

Lleyn chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Yes, Sera, we're getting a new house, and if it's possible, we'll have a pool too."

The joy that lit up Sera's face was infectious, and Leo couldn't help but crack a smile. He realized that his son was right. "Alright, Lleyn," he conceded, "if you believe this is the best course of action, then we trust your judgment."

Lleyn's heart swelled with gratitude as he embraced his parents. He knew that this decision marked a significant change in their lives, but it was a necessary one. Their journey was far from over, and the shadows that loomed on the horizon would require a safe haven where they could weather any storm.

As the night wore on, the family discussed their plans for the new home, envisioning a future that held both security and the promise of a fresh start. Sera's excitement knew no bounds, and Lleyn couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.

With his family's safety assured and a new home on the horizon, Lleyn was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. The shadows within him may linger, but he was determined to be their shield and protector, both in the real world and the virtual realm of Eldoria.

The following day dawned with a sense of purpose and determination in Lleyn's heart. The decision to move his family to a safer place had been made, and he was resolved to see it through. With Lana and Chris by his side, he headed to the store that would soon bear a new name: "Leo's Sporting Junction."

As they entered the store, they were greeted by the familiar faces of their employees, who had been diligently working to prepare for the day's business. Lleyn couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he looked around the store. It had come a long way from empty floor it had once been. Now, it was a thriving business, thanks to the combined efforts of their team.

Lana, with her keen eye for detail, inspected the store's inventory and layout. "Everything looks great," she remarked, her voice tinged with satisfaction. "I can see the potential for expansion in the future."

Chris nodded in agreement. "Our investments and winnings have really paid off. This place is a testament to what we can achieve together."

Lleyn couldn't help but smile as he surveyed the store. It was a symbol of their collective determination and hard work. He wished that his parents and Sera could be here to witness this moment, but they had their own responsibilities as they prepared for the impending move to a new home.

After spending an hour ensuring that everything was in order, Lleyn walked over to the post of James, who had proven to be a valuable ally in recent times.

"James," Lleyn began as their call connected, "I need your help with something."

James's voice held a note of curiosity. "Of course, Sir. What do you need?"

Lleyn got straight to the point. "I need you to find me a secured house to buy as soon as possible. And, if possible, it should have a pool."

There was a pause, followed by James's understanding tone. "I see. You're looking for a safe and comfortable place for your family."

Lleyn nodded, though James couldn't see him. "Yes, exactly. With everything that's been happening, I want to make sure they're protected."

James assured him, "I understand the urgency. I have some contacts who specialize in finding secure properties. I'll reach out to them immediately and see what options are available. We'll prioritize your family's safety."

Gratitude welled up in Lleyn's heart as he thanked James. "I appreciate your help with this, James. I want to ensure that my family is safe, no matter what."

James's voice held a reassuring tone. "You can trust me, Lleyn. I'll get to work on this right away, and I'll keep you updated on any developments."

With that, Lleyn left the building, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew that, with James's assistance, he could provide his family with the security they deserved. The shadows within him may linger, but he was determined to be the light that guided his loved ones to safety and a brighter future.