Chapter 225: Competition Preparations - 2

After experiencing the 500% mana density within the 300-meter range of the Fluxsoil Heart—and the staggering 800% to 1500% density at its closest proximity—it felt almost addictive to Leo.

Even after completely emptying his mana reserves, he could refill them within 40 to 50 minutes. And he suspected that with proper breathing techniques, the time could be reduced even further. Leon, after all, seemed to know one—explaining why he was always training.

Such density didn’t just allow continuous training without exhaustion; it also relaxed the mind and body, letting one recover fully with only a short period of rest.

A mana-dense region was beneficial for beasts as well. One of their advancement requirements was storing an adequate amount of mana within their bodies—something they normally fulfilled by consuming mana crystals in the wild. Here, however, no such supplements were necessary. The ambient mana alone was enough.

For spirits and half-spirits, such a place was practically heaven. That was precisely why Niri was always in a playful mood, her vines swaying endlessly with excess energy. Even magic plants flourished under such dense mana, growing faster and healthier than usual.

All in all, a mana-dense region was nothing short of a shortcut to strength.

"What makes you think I won’t tax you the same way your previous leader did?" Leo asked.

Brok gave him a sheepish grin.

"Boss, at least I’d be living in a mana-dense region. Our leader charges extra credits on a per-hour basis just to stay in the dense zone—and I doubt it’s even 5%. But here? I can feel it. It’s at least more than 20% denser than the natural environment." He paused, then added carefully,

"And don’t lie to me, boss. I can tell you have another treasure on that plateau. That region is even denser."

Leo raised a brow, genuinely surprised.

"Oh? How did you figure that out?"

"It’s obvious," Brok replied, subtly gesturing toward the plateau.

"No one would plant their beacon in such a grounding area when there’s clearly a better option available."

Leo nodded thoughtfully. He would need to keep that in mind and terraform the area again—make it convincing enough that people believed the Blueleaf was the main beacon.

"And have you shared this with anyone else?" Leo asked calmly.

"Not even in my dreams!" Brok said quickly.

"The first time I came here, I already wanted to ask, but you had an injured comrade, so I backed off. I figured now was the right time." He scratched the back of his head.

"And only a fool would reveal information about something he wants to be part of. Not to mention, you’d never accept me if I did that. I know a bit about your personality—especially after you made me sign that non-disclosure mana contract about the locations you visit."

That time, Miho had indeed been severely injured. Leo glanced back and saw that both girls had already left to prepare dinner.

He made up his mind.

"Alright," Leo said.

"I’ll approve it if you come. But don’t expect to live on the plateau. At best... I can arrange your housing near the base. It’s much denser than here." His gaze shifted to the large eagle.

"And I’ll include a landing platform—only if—" Leo paused.

"Of course, boss!" Brok interrupted eagerly. "For a territory like this, I can agree to any conditions!"

Leo nodded.

"You will not speak about us to anyone—our strengths, weaknesses, territory layout, power structure, beasts, or anything else. Are you prepared to sign a Moderate-level Mana Contract?"

Brok nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, boss! Anytime!"

Satisfied, Leo continued,

"The territory is still new, so there won’t be heavy rules or regulations anytime soon. And I promise—I won’t be unreasonable in my demands."

Brok shook his head happily.

"I’ll gather AC credits as fast as I can and leave my current territory to join here."

With that, Brok took off into the sky.

A Moderate Mana Contract, while not permanent, carried severe backlash upon breach—mana backflow for a certain duration, excruciating pain, unconsciousness, location exposure, and more. It was more than punishing enough to deter betrayal, reassuring Leo that Brok wouldn’t act as a spy.

Leo turned back toward the bonfire area—but halted, both brows lifting in surprise. Even Lily was watching with visible amusement.

Miho was scolding Leon.

And Leon was quietly taking it all with a dumb, resigned expression.

"Brother Leon! You’re injured!" Miho scolded, pointing at his bandaged arm. "Why do you keep doing heavy training and exercises?"

She leaned closer, eyes widening.

"See! It’s bleeding again! How are your wounds supposed to heal like that?"

Her gaze drifted over his scarred body.

"Gasp! No wonder you have so many scars! Are you a masochist?!"

Leon scratched his head awkwardly.

"Uh... they don’t heal quickly. And my training schedule is important." He took the masochist comment rather lightly—it was clear he’d heard it manytimes before.

"Then at least reduce the intensity!" Miho snapped. "What were we even doing, lifting that huge tree trunk?"

Miho already knew Leon’s soul was damaged—Lily had explained it earlier—and understood why his healing was slow. But that only made things worse. Someone in his condition should reduce physical exertion, not increase it.

She was about to continue when Leon raised his hand to stop her.

"Alright. I’ll be more careful from now on," he said. Then he reached into his pocket. "Here. Your reward for today’s good performance."

He handed her a Spatial Ring, briefly explaining how to use it.

"I-it’s for me...?" Miho whispered, brushing the ring’s surface with her soft finger. Her cheeks grew redder by the second.

Ah, there she is. I thought we lost her to some evil spirits...

Both Lily and Leo shared the same thought.

Leon, meanwhile, couldn’t help but marvel at Leo’s expertise in dealing with girls. Looks like I still have a lot to learn, he thought.

Leo took the opportunity to hand a ring to Lily as well, after which Lily promised him "a good time" later.

After a hearty dinner, they began heading toward their respective sheds.

But Miho froze.

"M-master Leo..." she said softly, pointing ahead. "Why is my shed there?"

Her shed was positioned directly in front of Leon’s.

Leo squinted in that direction with sleepy eyes.

"Oh, that? I figured you’d be scared being alone after today’s incident, so I gave you some company."

"B-but big sister will come to me if I’m scared..." Miho protested weakly. When they had first built the sheds, she had been so frightened that Lily had come to her at midnight just to help her sleep.

Leo gave her a sly look.

"Nahhh. Not happening. She won’t be leaving her shed until morning—or rather, she can’t. Right, Lily?"

"Leo! You—stop talking nonsense!" Lily said in annoyance, then turned to Miho.

"It’s nothing special. He’s just asking for a massage. You should stay there tonight. Tomorrow I’ll ask him to move the shed again, okay?"

Miho nodded quietly and walked toward her shed with light steps, her ears burning red.