Looking at Leon's confident eyes, Naaza's eyes flickered slightly, and her expression became conflicted. She didn't respond immediately. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Leon didn't push her. He simply stood there, quietly, patiently, as if time meant nothing, waiting for her decision.
Moments passed. Seconds turned into minutes. Then finally, Naaza's face gradually relaxed, her hesitation replaced by firm resolve. She slowly raised her head and met Leon's gaze, eyes unwavering.
"Leon, please help me. No matter what you ask in return." Naaza said with unwavering conviction.
Her voice was steady, her tone resolute, her eyes shining with determination. Her words carried a finality that showed she had truly made up her mind.
Leon responded with a gentle smile and nodded. "The contract is concluded. Let's go. It's still early. We can head into the dungeon now."
He turned toward the Tower of Babel without hesitation.
Naaza blinked, caught off guard by how quickly Leon acted. She instinctively opened her mouth, ready to speak but then froze.
'Wait... I'm not scared?'
Her eyes widened slightly.
'In the past, just hearing the word dungeon made me tremble... but now? Now I'm not even flinching?'
'Actually... I think I'm looking forward to it. Do I want to go in and fight?'
'Leon... did you do something? A magic? Some kind of ability?'
She stared at his back, walking ahead steadily. The questions spun in her mind. Then she took a deep breath and stepped forward to follow.
After catching up to him, she asked, "Leon, how did you do that?"
Leon offered a calm smile. "Just think of it as my magic. You shouldn't fear monsters now. But let's test it, just to be sure."
Naaza let out a quiet breath. "It really is magic then. Thank you, Leon. Even if I can't fully overcome it, you've already helped me so much."
"It's just a small thing. You don't need to thank me." Leon said, his voice warm.
Helping Naaza overcome her fear was just a minor act in his eyes, one he hadn't even considered before. If not for the Ikelos Familia incident and their unexpected conversation, it wouldn't have crossed his mind at all.
Soon, they arrived at the Tower of Babel. Without pause, they entered the spiral stairway and descended into the dungeon. They reached the first floor.
As soon as they stepped in, Naaza's body trembled involuntarily.
Leon frowned slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.
But he was wrong to worry.
The trembling wasn't from fear. It was from the intense emotions flooding Naaza—a deep hatred she had long buried.
She had lost her arm to a monster. That pain had never left her. And now, without fear clouding her, that pain had turned into resolve.
She held a sword—a longsword, one Leon had given her—even though her main role was usually as an archer.
Just then, the ground ahead shifted. A goblin emerged.
Leon began to speak, but Naaza moved before he could say anything.
With her Lv. 2 physique, she was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, she closed the distance and cut the goblin clean in half. No hesitation, no wasted movement. The magic stone inside the monster was obliterated.
Something had awakened in her.
A quiet fury burned behind her gentle face.
Before the other three goblins could react, she cut them down one after another. One per second. Her movements were precise, cold, and deadly.
Leon, who had been about to ask if she was alright, simply closed his mouth and watched her with a faint smile.
"Looks like you're doing just fine." He said quietly.
Naaza returned to him, bloodied sword in hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Leon, I don't know how to thank you. If there's anything you need, anything at all—just say the word."
Leon nodded lightly. "Alright. I won't hold back when I do."
The two remained in the dungeon for only half an hour.
Naaza was relentless. It was as if years of frustration and regret had found a release. Monster after monster fell before her blade.
Eventually, it was Naaza who suggested they return.
Leon agreed easily. After all, it had been a spontaneous trip. He had no pressing matters, but Naaza still needed to return. She was, after all, the only member of the Miach Familia now, and her absence might worry Miach.
When they returned to the surface, they parted ways at a junction. Naaza headed for the Blue Pharmacy, and Leon made his way back to the library.
There, Hestia was already waiting.
Belle and the others had returned as well. But what surprised Leon was seeing two unexpected faces.
"Leon, you're back! How did it go?"
"Leon-sama!"
"Your Excellency!"
Hestia beamed brightly as she greeted him. Belle and the others joined in, full of energy.
Leon gave them a reassuring smile. "It went well. In a few more days, we'll be ready to explore the artificial maze."
"That's great to hear!" Hestia clapped her hands, then gestured toward the two girls beside her. "Oh, and these are Daphne and Cassandra. They're part of our Familia now."
Leon turned to the two girls and smiled. "Looks like you both took my advice."
Daphne chuckled lightly. "After the Apollo Familia disbanded, we had to find a new place. The Hestia Familia was the obvious choice."
She glanced around the room meaningfully. Belle, Lily, Haruhime—so much potential gathered here. And then there was Leon.
"Please take care of us from now on, Leon-sama." She said earnestly.
"Please guide us." Cassandra echoed softly, her expression calm but respectful.
"Of course. Welcome to the Familia, Daphne, Cassandra." Leon replied with a gentle nod.