The Last Incubus with The Vice and Valor System

The Academy wasn't just a place of learning; it was a battlefield of its own, where only the strongest would rise to the top.

Leon's eyes narrowed as he thought about the trials ahead. He wasn't afraid—he had come too far to be daunted by what lay in wait. But he was cautious. There was no room for arrogance in this world, and he knew that underestimating his enemies would lead to his downfall.

The innkeeper brought him his meal, and Leon ate in silence, his mind already planning his next move. Silverveil was a temporary stop, a momentary pause in his journey. Soon, he would be on the road again, heading for the capital, where his true test awaited.

As the sun began to set, casting the village in a warm, golden glow, Leon leaned back in his and closed his eyes. He could feel the weight of the day's journey easing from his shoulders, but his resolve remained firm.

Silverveil was just the beginning. The capital, the Academy, the future—they were all waiting for him.

The setting sun casted a warm orange glow over the village, Leon leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He could hear the distant sounds of the merchants packing up their stalls, and the laughter of children playing nearby. For the first time in days, he felt a sense of calm. But he knew it wouldn't last.

The capital was waiting for him, and with it, new challenges and dangers that he could only imagine. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to Come.

And he would be ready.

He heard the merchants planned to leave in two days, he'll join them when he leaves, for now he needs to find an inn to rest...

Leon pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders as he stepped through the narrow streets of the town. The day's journey had been long and arduous, his boots coated in a layer of dust from the dry, cracked road that stretched for miles behind him. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving only the faintest glimmers of twilight, and the cool night air now nipped at his skin.

He approached an inn, its wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze. Faded gold lettering spelled out The Gilded Rest though time had worn the words almost unreadable. Warm light spilled from the windows, a beacon of comfort in the cold night. The sound of laughter and clinking mugs drifted from within, promising respite from his travels.

Leon pushed open the heavy oak door, which creaked under his touch, and stepped inside. The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine filled the air, mingling with the familiar, earthy smell of well-worn wood. The inn's common room was alive with activity—merchants, travelers, and a few locals gathered around tables, sharing stories and drinks.

Despite the bustle, the atmosphere was inviting, the kind of place that made even the most hardened of wanderers feel at ease.

He approached the counter where the innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard and kind eyes, polished a mug absentmindedly. The man's gaze flicked up to Leon, taking in his travel-worn appearance.

"Looking for a place to rest, are you?" the innkeeper asked, his voice gruff but not unfriendly.

Leon nodded, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a small pouch. The soft clink of gold coins inside was the only response needed. The innkeeper's eyes briefly flickered with interest as Leon untied the pouch and poured a few coins onto the counter. They gleamed in the dim light, catching the attention of a few patrons nearby, but Leon paid them no mind.

Experience more content on mvl

"How long will you be staying, lad?" the innkeeper asked, eyeing the gold appreciatively.

"For two nights," Leon replied. "A bed and a meal, if you have it."

The innkeeper grunted in agreement, understanding the weary look in Leon's eyes. "You planned to leave with the merchants don't you"

"Smart lad. Many push too hard, thinking they can outrun their fatigue. They don't always make it to the next town, or wherever you're destination is, one can only be safer by travelling with the merchants" He eyed the pouch of coins again. "Ten gold coins and the room is yours for another night."

Leon slid the coins across the counter without hesitation. The innkeeper's fingers closed around them, and he nodded with satisfaction. "I'll make sure the room stays prepared for you," he said. "And if you need anything else, just let me know."

With the arrangements made, Leon felt a little more at ease. Two nights here would give him the time to rest, to think, and to plan. There were supplies to be gathered, and information to be discreetly acquired before continuing on his journey.

The innkeeper nodded and swept the coins into his hand with practiced ease. "You've come to the right place. We've got the best rooms in town, and the kitchen's still open. I'll have a plate sent up to your room."

Leon nodded in thanks. The innkeeper motioned to a young serving girl nearby, who had been waiting with a tray balanced expertly on her hip. She smiled at Leon before turning and leading him through the common room, up a narrow staircase at the back. Her footsteps were light and quick, and Leon followed silently, his mind wandering to the days ahead.

The room she led him to was modest but clean. A simple wooden bed with fresh linens, a small table by the window, and a basin of water for washing. The hearth was unlit, but the evening was cool enough that Leon didn't mind. After days on the road, it was more than enough.

"The meal will be up shortly," the serving girl said with a smile, before turning to leave.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Leon let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He crossed the room to the small window and pushed it open, letting the cool night breeze wash over him. Below, the town was quieting, the last remnants of daylight fading into darkness. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the faint melody of a flute, the sound carrying through the still air.

He turned back to the room and slowly began to remove his traveling gear, the weight of the day finally lifting from his shoulders. His thoughts drifted to the journey ahead—Shang City was still a long way off, and the path was filled with uncertainties. But for tonight, at least, he could rest.

The knock at the door came just as he finished removing his boots. The serving girl entered with a tray laden with food: a thick slice of bread, a bowl of stew still steaming, and a tankard of ale. She placed it on the table with a practiced grace, offering Leon another smile before slipping out of the room as quietly as she had come.

Leon sat down at the table, the warmth of the meal filling the small room. As he ate, his thoughts once again turned to the road ahead. There was much to be done, many challenges to face. But for now, in the quiet of the inn, with a meal in his belly and a bed waiting for him, he allowed himself the rare luxury of peace.

Tomorrow, he would explore the town and see what it had to offer—perhaps even pick up a few rumors that could prove useful. He still need to do something about the dungeon which would give him chance to acquire the treasure he needed...

He hoped to find and raid a dungeon of that kind soon...

Also the capital city and the academy exams awaited, but for now, he allowed himself to focus on the present. He would be ready when the time came to move on.

For now, he would rest.

The early morning rising sun cast a warm glow over the central part of Silverveil Village. The streets bustled with the daily activity of villagers, merchants, and travelers. Leon walked through the crowded streets, his silver hair catching the light, standing out in the sea of people. After his long journey, the weariness was finally beginning to catch up with him.

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A/N

Sorry for the dno chapters, I am slowly working on filling all of them...

What do you think of the story so far...