Ex-Rank Awakening: My Attacks Make Me Stronger - Chapter 318

Chapter 318: EX 318. Heading To Dragon Mountain.
Normally, Eden wouldn’t need help tracking Leon.

Blessing could act as a radar for that. But her ability only worked when Leon was close by, and the only reason she’d been able to guide him this far was because of the lingering presence Leon left when he became a void spawn. The echo of that transformation still stained the land of Pandora.

As the wind brushed against his face, James frowned slightly, his thoughts drifting. ‘We didn’t end up hunting anything…’ He shook his head, dismissing it as the vessel soared toward the city of Shantel.

****

As Eden and Blessing set out across Pandora to find Leon, the man they sought was far from idle.

Leon didn’t need to attend the tournament, he was Leon, after all but that didn’t mean he planned to sit still. The peace before they tackled the hallow had brought him time , and he intended to use it. His goal was simple: grow stronger. And the place he’d chosen to do it wasn’t what anyone had expected, it was the Dragon Mountains.

Every ruler had pledged their support to him. Whatever he needed, resources, artifacts, soldiers, they would provide it. So when Leon announced that he’d be training in the Dragon Mountains, Alexander had been shocked. He had assumed Leon would remain within the human domain, where they could guard him and send supplies freely.

Emperor Alexander spoke, with his brow furrowed. “Why there? Whatever you need, that Liza—” he caught himself, correcting quickly, “I mean, Eragon, can send it over. There’s no need for you to go there yourself. Especially not alone.” His tone carried both authority and concern. “If you suspect the Dragon Lord of anything, trust me, we’ll find another way.”

Leon smiled faintly. “I’m not going there for him,” he said. “I’m going there to clear clusters, nothing more. The Dragon Mountains have more of them popping up than the human domain. It would be more efficient.”

Alexander gave him a long look, one that clearly said I don’t buy that for a second. ‘If efficiency was the goal,’ the emperor thought, ‘you’d be heading for the Beast Islands, not the dragons’ nest.’

The emperor exhaled, rubbing his temple. “At least take someone with you. It’s reckless to go alone.”

Leon shook his head. “It’s fine, Your Grace. Anyone who comes with me would be more liability than support.” His eyes hardened slightly. “I have my own means of escaping danger.”

He didn’t need to elaborate. The emperor didn’t know the details, but Leon’s confidence spoke volumes. Infinite regeneration made him nearly unkillable; even if Eragon did try something, the other rulers would notice his absence before long, and that would be all the excuse they’d need to take the dragon down.

“Don’t worry, Emperor,” Leon said with that easy confidence that always made people either trust him or worry more. “I don’t intend for anything to happen to me.”

Alexander studied him for a moment, then sighed. “Nobody ever does,” he muttered, leaning back in his throne. “Fine. But be careful.”

Leon gave a brief nod, turned, and started toward the grand doors of the throne room. The marble echoed under his boots, the faint hum of the palace mana veins resonating through the air. His next destination was already clear, the Dragon Mountains.

As he passed through the golden archway and and sunlight touched his face, a deep, ancient voice rumbled in his mind.

Originus.

‘Are you sure about this, boy? Heading there alone won’t be safe.’

Leon’s thoughts replied, sharp and calm. ‘Heading there with backup would make the lizard cautious and careful. But if I go alone… that caution will fade, drowned by pride. And when pride takes the reins, mistakes follow and Slip-ups tend to happen.”

Originus fell silent, mulling over his logic. Leon’s boots clicked against the stone path leading out of the Imperial Palace. The gates loomed ahead, the wind brushing his hair back.

He was almost free of the palace grounds when a voice called out behind him.

“Leon, wait!”

****

As Leon turned, he found Rachel sprinting toward him, her silver hair glinting under the sunlight, emerald eyes fixed on him. She reached him in a rush, slightly breathless, and for a brief moment, her usual composure cracked.

“Please don’t go alone,” she said between breaths. “Take someone with you.”

Leon tilted his head, one brow arching. “What are you talking about?”

Rachel straightened, her expression soft but determined. “You’re heading to the Dragon Mountains Alone, aren’t you?. I think it’s best if you take someone to help you.”

Leon’s gaze narrowed slightly. ‘How did she find out?’ The decision had been between him and Alexander. So he had a good idea who had leaked it, but he needed to hear it confirmed.

“How did you know I was heading there?” he asked.

Rachel hesitated only for a second before answering honestly. “The emperor told me.”

Far away, in the royal chamber, Emperor Alexander watched the scene unfold through a hovering crystal orb. His voice rumbled with satisfaction. “This should work. The boy seems to have a fancy for the elf girl. And since she’s a bloodborn, it’s likely they’ve… bonded before. If anyone can convince him, it’s her.”

If only he knew how wrong he was. First off it wasn’t Leon who harbored feelings, it was Rachel. Her admiration for him ran deep, but not for the reasons Alexander imagined. And as for her supposed experience, she was still untouched, her affection more idealized than intimate.

Leon sighed softly, breaking the emperor’s assumptions before they could breathe further. “Alright,” he said suddenly, his tone casual. “Go and get the lieutenant over. I was planning to use a vessel, but that would take too long to reach my destination. The lieutenant’s flying ability will be faster.”

In the royal chamber, Alexander’s brows lifted in surprise. “I didn’t expect it to be that easy,” he muttered.

Rachel’s face brightened with relief. “Okay! I’ll go get him now!” She turned and sprinted back toward the imperial palace, her steps light with excitement.

Leon watched her go, a faint smile tugging at his lips before his expression cooled. ‘That old man thinks he’s covered all his angles,’ he thought. ‘But I’ll show him otherwise.’

Back in the throne room, Alexander’s eyes widened as the orb shimmered faintly. He could see Leon’s grin, the kind that promised trouble.

The emperor leaned back slowly, lips pressing into a thin line. “what is he planning now…”

*****

A/N: Top 50 in the Golden Ticket rankings, and we get a mass release! Come on, guys, the month is almost over, let’s make this happen!