Chapter 42:

A hush fell over the onlookers, their gazes flicking between Leon and Erwan. The tension was palpable.

Amelia's eyes widened in alarm. "Euwen, this is unnecessary. Leon hasn't done anything to Elara!"

Euwin's gaze shifted to Amelia, his expression darkening. "Stay out of this, Amelia. This is between men."

Leon chuckled softly. "Alright, Euwen. If you want a duel, you've got one."

The diners whispered amongst themselves, the excitement growing.

"I can't believe he's actually going to fight Euwen."

"This will be a massacre. Leon doesn't stand a chance."

"Euwen is going to teach him a lesson he won't forget."

Euwen smirked and said coldly, "We fight at the first light of dawn tomorrow."

Leon's eyes twitched, his voice cold and his eyes emotionless. "Okay."

Euwen, who was just about to say more, stopped. With quick steps, he walked away from the place, waving his hand dismissively at a stunned Leon and Amelia.

Leon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll find out soon enough. But right now, I need to prepare for this duel. Euwen is no ordinary opponent."

Amelia nodded, worry evident in her eyes. "Be careful, Leon. Euwen is known for his strength and ferocity. He has an earth affinity and is at the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. He's not someone to be underestimated."

Leon gave her a small, confident smile. "I'll be fine, Amelia. Trust me."

"Let's go meet your father first. I need to talk to him about something," Leon said.

They made their way back to the Viscount's estate, the tension from the encounter lingering in the air. The grandeur of the estate stood in stark contrast to the turmoil in their minds. As they approached the main hall, servants bowed and opened the doors, allowing them entry.

The Viscount was seated at his desk, a pile of documents before him. He looked up as they entered, his stern expression softening slightly at the sight of his daughter and her companion.

"Father," Amelia began, "Leon needs to speak with you."

The Viscount nodded, gesturing for Leon to sit. "What is it, Leon?"

Leon took a deep breath. "I've been challenged to a duel by Euwen. It will take place at dawn tomorrow."

The Viscount's eyes narrowed. "Euwen is a formidable opponent. This duel will not be easy."

"I understand that," Leon replied. "That's why I need to visit a dungeon." Sёarᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"A dungeon?!" Both the Viscount and Amelia were shocked.

"Yes," Leon nodded. Ever since the system told him about Valor points, he had been itching to fight.

As for Euwen, Leon didn't put much stock in him despite the fact that Euwen was a major realm and two minor realms higher. With the boost in physical strength the Valor points would give him, dealing with Euwen should be easy. Of course, he didn't foolishly put all his hopes in physical strength alone; he had many other tricks up his sleeves.

In the end, the Viscount complied. "The butler will visit and give you the location of the dungeon later on. It's just on the outskirts of the estate. Don't push yourself too hard. I want someone to follow you, but I have a feeling you'll refuse."

Leon nodded. He didn't need anyone to accompany him into the dungeon; he wasn't a child that needed babysitting. He liked to do things solo when he could.

The Viscount sighed. "A place has been prepared for you two. It will still take a few hours for the house to be rebuilt. Until then, you can stay there."

"What about Lady Seraphina? I need to talk to her," Leon asked.

"I don't know where she went to, but before she left, she was certain that Amelia's physique won't rage until 36 hours from now," the Viscount said.

Amelia was surprised. She thought she would be leaving immediately. This was good news; it meant she got to spend more time with Leon before leaving. As for Leon, he wasn't too surprised; he was, after all, the one who extended it that much. It wouldn't make sense for him not to know. And also after he fucks her this night again, the limit will be extended further.

"Okay," Leon said, standing up from where he sat. Amelia stood up too, ready to leave with him.

"Do you need a weapon?" the Viscount asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Don't worry, I already have one," Leon replied calmly, his voice steady as he moved toward the door with Amelia.

The Viscount didn't know yet, but now, whenever he spoke with Leon, he felt a growing sense of respect. Unlike their first meeting, where Leon had called him 'sir,' their conversations now were more informal, Leon didn't call him sir once, yet the Viscount didn't seem to mind.

The reason for this change? He had overheard Seraphina mumbling about the difficulty of suppressing Amelia's yin. She mentioned that even someone at the highest known realm of cultivation could only manage to suppress it for twenty-four hours, but Leon's yang could keep everything suppressed for thirty-six hours. This implied that Leon's abilities were far beyond their current understanding.

As for Euwen, the shocking fact was that it was the butler who had coaxed him into challenging Leon. The Viscount's eyes narrowed as he thought about this. Leon's figure, after knowing what he was capable of, was shrouded in mystery. The Viscount wanted to, if not completely dispel, then at least lighten the fog that surrounded Leon.

"Leon," the Viscount called out just before Leon and Amelia left. "Why this sudden interest in a dungeon?"

Leon turned, his eyes meeting the Viscount's with a hint of a smile. "Preparation. A dungeon offers both danger and opportunity. I need to be at my peak for the duel."

The Viscount nodded slowly. "Just be careful. Dungeons are unpredictable."

Leon inclined his head. "I will"

As they walked away, Amelia clung slightly closer to Leon, her worry evident. "I don't like this, Leon. You've just faced so much, and now this duel…"

Leon squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I know, Amelia. But I need to prove myself. Not just to Euwen, but to everyone here. And to myself. I need to know how strong I am, the dungeon is the only way."

She sighed but nodded, understanding his resolve. "Just promise me you'll come back safe."

"I promise," Leon said firmly. "I'll come back stronger."

They continued walking in silence, the weight of the upcoming duel heavy on their minds. The temporary quarters were a modest but comfortable space, giving them a momentary reprieve from the tension outside.

As they settled in, Leon couldn't help but reflect on the Viscount's attitude. The respect he now felt was a far cry from their initial meeting. This realization only strengthened Leon's determination. He had come to this world with nothing, but he was determined to make a place for himself, to carve out a path that would earn him the respect and trust of those around him.

"Do you think your father suspects anything?" Leon asked Amelia, breaking the silence.

Amelia looked thoughtful. "He might. Father is perceptive. He probably knows there's more to you than meets the eye."

Leon nodded, appreciating her honesty. "That's why I need to keep pushing, don't worry, I'll defeat Euwen tomorrow, that domineering victory will be one of my present to you before you leave ."

She blushed softly. "And you will. I believe in you, Leon."

****

A/N

I once said the Viscount coaxed Euwen to challenging Leon to a duel,

"How it happened?

****

Moments ago...

Euwen was coincidentally in a bar with a good view when he noticed his wife, Elara, coming from one direction with her sister, Felicia. The smile on Elara's face as she fixed her eyes on another direction made the smile on his face freeze. This smile wasn't for a fellow woman; it was for a man. Was she cheating on him?

From his blind spot, Leon and Amelia walked into view, crossing paths with Felicia and Elara.

Upon noticing something, veins bulged on his head, and he gritted his teeth, cursing inwardly in anger, 'Fuck you, Leon!'

What did he notice? Not only was his wife Elara looking at Leon like that, smiling at him like he was an idol, but her sister was also doing the same. The strange glint in their eyes was unmistakable.

While they were clearly speaking to Amelia, their eyes were all over Leon.

It took all the self-control he could muster not to smash the table in front of him. Cursing inwardly, he placed a Spirit stone on the table. There should be change, but the bar could keep it for all he cared. His over-possessive nature had taken control, and he was angered beyond compare. But upon stepping out of the bar, he noticed the two groups had gone their separate ways.

He didn't want to scold his wife; he wanted to show her that Leon was not worth worshipping.

"You want to fight Leon?"