Lucas gripped the steering wheel of his off-road vehicle, eyes fixed on the road as he headed north alone.
In a world teeming with opportunities to amass power—especially those connected to Leon—he was determined not to miss a single one.
His current destination: Blackbell Forest.
After more than thirty minutes of driving, Lucas arrived at a small settlement—Ironridge Village, nestled at the edge of the forest. It was the closest stop along his predetermined route.
Stepping out, his gaze swept across the quiet village. A group of individuals in uniform caught his eye—unmistakably members of an Order.
Unlike his former world, where Orders were often tied to religious institutions, here they operated more like organized sects: systematic, structured, and powerful. Each had its own disciples, masters, and grand leaders. Most developed and passed down unique techniques and magic, making them highly coveted by power-seekers.
The Englandia Empire was home to many renowned Orders. Among the most prominent were the Dark Moon Order, Eclipse Legion, Vermillion, Creed Mountain, and others with storied legacies across the continent.
Lucas recalled one crucial detail: the Drakebane family had longstanding ties to the Golden Sun Order.
The individuals before him, judging by the insignias on their cloaks, were clearly from the Creed Mountain Order.
He approached one—a long-haired man instructing a group of younger disciples.
"Excuse me," he greeted calmly.
The man turned, evaluating Lucas with a brief glance.
"Can I help you?"
"This place seems rather active tonight. Is something happening?" Lucas asked.
The man looked around before giving a slight nod.
"We have internal business in the forest. Who are you?"
Lucas offered a faint smile.
"No one important. Just a traveler looking to camp. But seeing the activity here, I figured I should ask before heading in."
The man's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"A wise move. If you entered unannounced, our disciples might mistake you for a threat. That wouldn't end well."
Lucas nodded.
"Thanks for the warning. Hope your night goes smoothly."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
Of course, he had no intention of following the advice.
He only needed confirmation that the plot was progressing as expected.
Slipping behind a house in the farthest corner of the village, he turned his gaze toward the vast forest.
Then, without hesitation, Lucas jumped—soaring into the air with an aerial technique, swiftly vanishing into the night sky.
Beneath him, the settlement disappeared, replaced by a sea of trees swaying in silence.
Upon spotting a small clearing, he descended smoothly into the forest, surrounded by towering woods and eerie quiet.
Lucas paused, scanning the area. No movement. No light. Just wind and distant sounds of nocturnal creatures.
He didn't have a map. Only faint clues from the original plot.
"It's time," he whispered.
Step by step, he ventured deeper into Blackbell Forest.
Before long, he reached a massive stone slab engraved with the forest's name.
He hadn't truly entered yet. But from this point on, everything would change.
Lucas stood still, fingertips brushing the stone's surface, eyes unreadable.
"Once I step in... I'll be challenging the protagonist directly."
But before he could move, a voice interrupted.
An older man stood near the stone—sturdy, bearded, and sharp-eyed.
"You shouldn't go in, young man," he said flatly.
Lucas narrowed his eyes. He hadn't expected company so soon.
"This forest isn't somewhere you can just wander into. There's somethi—" The man paused, studying Lucas's face.
"Wait... I feel like I've seen you before. What's your name?"
"Lucas Drakebane."
The man's eyes widened.
"Drakebane? Son of Arthur Drakebane?"
Lucas gave a subtle nod. "That's me."
Silence. Then—
"Ah! If Young Master Lucas wants to enter, then by all means! Forget what I said earlier!" the man said with a laugh.
Lucas offered a polite smile.
"Someone mentioned this forest was reserved for the Creed Mountain Order. But I've got personal business here I can't delay."
The old man nodded.
"I won't lie. I'm with the Creed Mountain Order, tasked with guarding the forest's edge. But for you, Young Master... I have no objections."
Lucas's smile sharpened.
"Then accompany me."
The man blinked. "Me?"
Lucas didn't repeat himself.
The man hesitated—his duty was clear: guard the border.
But in this moment, an opportunity stood before him—a chance to earn the favor of a Drakebane.
And deep down, he already knew his choice.
"Very well. I'll accompany you."
---
They entered the forest. No paths. No signs.
Just raw, wild nature.
Shrubs devoured old trails. Yet here and there, faint cloth markers dangled from trees—traces left by past adventurers.
Lucas's gaze remained sharp.
"What's your name?"
"Bennet Quinn. Elder of Creed Mountain Order."
Lucas stopped.
"Elder?"
Bennet nodded with a smile.
Lucas kept walking in silence, though his mind raced.
There was no way Bennet was the same Elder Leon had met in this forest. That Elder had been wise—sharp, measured, almost noble in the way he spoke.
But the man walking beside him now? He reeked of flattery and spinelessness.
---
The sky darkened. Shadows swayed overhead.
Bennet summoned a soft, floating light to guide them, keeping the leaves untouched.
They halted at a towering cliff—tens of meters high, cutting across the forest like a wall.
"A dead end?" Lucas muttered. "There should be a lake nearby..."
He looked around.
In the original story, Leon found a lake by a cliff. The scene was vague—but this had to be it.
Lucas pressed his hand to the rock.
Strange. It felt hollow—like something was behind it.
He turned to Bennet.
"Hit this spot. As hard as you can."
Bennet hesitated. "Now?"
Lucas nodded.
Bennet sighed, focused his energy, and delivered a mighty punch.
BOOM!
Cracks spread across the stone. Dust flew. The forest echoed.
But the cliff remained intact.
Bennet frowned, confused. "With my Spirit Realm strength, that should've shattered a mountain..."
Lucas scanned the cliff again—then saw it.
Behind roots and shrubbery, off to the right: a narrow crack. Just wide enough for someone to pass.
A smile crept across his face.
"I found it," he whispered.