As she worked, Roselia whispered to Leon, "This many eyes on us... it''s not just curiosity. Some of them are planning something."

    Leon smirked, his tone light but carrying an edge. "Let them try. They''ll regret it."

    Moments later, the receptionist handed them a slip. "The rewards have been processed. Thank you for your patience."

    Without another word, Leon and Roselia turned to leave, but as they stepped outside, they found themselves surrounded. A group of adventurers blocked their path, their leader stepping forward.

    He was a burly man with a scar across his cheek, his armor gleaming with enchantments. "Hand over the loot from the Archmage''s dungeon," he demanded, his voice low and threatening.

    Leon glanced at Roselia, who gave a faint nod. Then he turned his gaze back to the man, his eyes cold. "You''ve got one chance to walk away. Take it."

    The leader sneered. "You don''t scare me, kid. That SSS-rank reward belongs to us now!"

    Leon sighed, drawing his staff with a casual motion. "You should''ve listened."

    The air crackled with magic as Roselia unsheathed her blade, her expression calm but deadly. The onlookers in the city square began to scatter, sensing the battle about to erupt.

    The leader of the group sneered at Leon, laughing mockingly. "A kid like you with barely two of you against us? You really think you stand a chance? Hand over the loot quietly, and we''ll let you walk away without dragging the city guards into this."

    Leon tilted his head slightly, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "You know," he began, his voice calm but dripping with authority, "I''ve killed over a thousand before. A hundred? That''s not even worth breaking a sweat."

    The leader''s confidence faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Big words for someone who—"

    Leon cut him off, his voice cold as ice. "Besides... it''s not just the two of us."

    Within minutes, the adventurers lay defeated, their leader barely alive. The Dark Pope approached him, raising a hand glowing with dark energy.

    Leon raised his voice. "That''s enough."

    The Dark Pope halted immediately, bowing his head. "As you wish, my master."

    Leon stepped forward, leaning down to the trembling leader. "Tell your organization this: Stay out of my way. The next time we meet, you won''t even have the luxury of begging for mercy."

    With that, Leon turned, dismissing his summons. The Dark Pope and Templar Knights dissolved into shadows, vanishing into the void.

    Roselia whistled, calling their beasts to their side. Without another word, the two mounted their rides and left the city, leaving chaos and fear in their wake.

    Leon and Roselia arrived at the teleportation formation, its ancient runes glowing faintly in the dim light. The magic circle pulsed with energy, ready to transport them back to the Town of Beginning—a place they had been since the start of their adventure. And from where their SSS-Rank Quest had originated.

    Roselia glanced at the formation and sighed. "At least this part is simple. Let''s hope no one bothers us before we leave."

    Leon chuckled. "Unlikely, but let''s move quickly just in case."

    With a shared nod, they activated the teleportation formation. In a flash of light, they were transported back to the familiar cobblestone streets of the Town of Beginning. The bustling marketplace and rows of quaint houses were a stark contrast to the chaos they had just left behind.

    After checking in briefly at the Adventurer''s Association to complete the formalities of their quest submission, they prepared for their next destination: the Southwest Mountains.

    These mountains were infamous, teeming with danger. The lower slopes were home to wolves, trolls, and goblins, all of which posed a threat to ordinary adventurers. However, for Leon and Roselia, such creatures were minor obstacles.

    Their real target lay at the heart of the mountain range—the Death Tyrant King.