Decision made, Leon slipped through the gate itself. A group of merchants was passing through with a loaded wagon which has no horse in front, and he used their movement as cover, timing his passage perfectly to coincide with their noise and distraction.

No one noticed. No alarm sounded. He was inside.

The city opened before him like a new world. Lights blazed from windows and street lamps—magical illumination that never needed fuel or maintenance. People moved through streets even at this late hour, conducting business, heading to night markets, living lives that didn't stop when darkness fell. The energy was palpable, vibrant, alive in ways the lower domain had never managed.

But Leon ignored the spectacle. Tourist appreciation could wait. He had objectives to complete.

His eyes scanned buildings systematically until he found what he needed. A four-story structure with large glass windows displaying clothing on mannequins. A sign above the door identified it in script he could surprisingly read: "Wayward Traveler Outfitters."

Perfect.

Leon waited patiently outside until a customer approached the door. The moment they pulled it open, he slipped through behind them, moving like a ghost. The door closed, and no one inside had any idea they had an invisible visitor.

The shop was well-lit and organized, with racks of clothing arranged by type and size. Leon navigated through it carefully, his movements precise to avoid bumping into displays or other customers.

His hands moved quickly, selecting items with practiced efficiency. Dark pants that would blend into crowds. Simple tunics in neutral colors. A practical jacket. He grabbed several outfits—one for himself, something in Seraphine's size, and even appropriate clothing for Loriel.

Each item vanished into his inventory the instant his fingers touched it. No hesitation, no second-guessing. Within three minutes, he had everything needed.

Leon exited the same way he'd entered, following another customer out and slipping through before the door could close.

Outside, he searched for privacy. His eyes found an empty alleyway between two buildings—narrow, dark, perfect. Leon moved into it quickly, positioning himself deep enough that no casual passerby would notice anything odd.

Then he created an illusion barrier. A sphere roughly two meters in radius, centered on himself. To anyone outside that bubble, everything would appear completely normal—just an empty alleyway with nothing interesting happening.

Inside the bubble, Leon worked quickly. He pulled out the new clothing from his inventory and changed with practiced speed. The aristocratic outfit Seraphine had picked went into storage, replaced by the practical, forgettable attire that would let him blend into middle domain crowds.

Sixty seconds. That's all it took.

Leon dispelled the illusion barrier and opened the dimensional portal once more. Silver-white energy swirled into existence, stable and waiting.

Seraphine stepped through first, her movements confident. Loriel followed immediately after, looking around the unfamiliar alleyway with wide, curious eyes.

"What took you so long?" Loriel asked.

Loriel stood frozen in the alleyway, her mind racing as she processed what had just happened.

How long was I inside that place?

She couldn't tell exactly, but it felt like at least a full day had passed. Time moved strangely in that strange place, and the sensation of it lingered uncomfortably in her memory.

But what truly shocked her was the mana inside that space. The density, the purity, the sheer abundance of it—nothing in the middle domain compares. Even the Church of Life's most sacred sanctuaries didn't have mana that concentrated.

Just what kind of strange abilities does he possess?

She kept her mouth shut, not wanting to pry into secrets that clearly weren't meant for her. But the realization settled heavily in her chest—Leon was far more mysterious than she had imagined.

Leon caught Loriel's questioning gaze and immediately realized his mistake. She was unaware of the time dilation that occurred within his dimensional space.

"I wasn't able to find a chance to sneak inside yesterday," he said smoothly, his tone casual. "Security was tighter than expected, so I had to wait. That's why it took so long."

Loriel's eyes narrowed slightly. The explanation felt thin, incomplete. But she nodded anyway, deciding not to press further.

He's hiding something. Multiple things, probably. But I don't want to be nosy.

Leon quickly pulled out the clothes he'd collected from the store, handing a set to each of them.

"Change into these," he instructed. "You'll stand out too much in what you're wearing now."

Loriel took the clothing with trembling hands, looking around the narrow alleyway nervously. "B-But... people will see—"

"No one can see us," Leon interrupted. "I'm using illusions to hide this entire area."

Loriel's mouth fell open slightly. Illusions too? How many affinities does this man have?

She already knew he had multiple elements—she'd seen him use ice, wind, lightning, and life. But illusions on top of that? It was getting absurd.

Still, that wasn't even her main concern right now. Even if strangers couldn't see them... Leon was standing right there. Just a few feet away.

Leon noticed her anxious expression and immediately understood what was going on. He turned around, facing the alley wall.

"I won't look while you change," he said simply.

Loriel's face burned with embarrassment, but she nodded gratefully. Her hands fumbled with the new clothes, her heart pounding as she hurried to change.

Then she heard fabric rustling behind her—casual, unbothered sounds.

Wait... is Seraphine already changing?!

Loriel glanced over her shoulder and nearly choked. Seraphine was indeed changing, completely calm and composed, as if the fact that Leon was standing just a few feet away didn't bother her at all.

How can she be so casual about this?!

Loriel's hands shook as she forced herself to continue changing, trying desperately to match Seraphine's composure even though she was absolutely freaking out inside.

Don't think about it. Don't think about how he's right there. Just change quickly and—

"Done," Seraphine announced calmly.

Loriel scrambled to finish, nearly tripping over her own feet as she pulled on the last piece of clothing.

Leon turned around once both women had finished their conversation. His eyes immediately went to Seraphine, and a genuine smile crossed his face.

"You look beautiful," he said warmly. "Different from your usual style, but it suits you perfectly."

Seraphine's expression softened, a pleased smile curving her lips. "Thank you, my love."

Loriel stood awkwardly to the side, fidgeting with the hem of her new tunic as the two of them exchanged loving words without any care for her presence.

I feel like such a third wheel...

Leon noticed her discomfort and turned toward her with a kind expression.

"You look good, too, Loriel," he said genuinely. "The style suits you."

And it wasn't a lie. She did look beautiful—different from Seraphine, who exuded mature confidence and sensuality. Loriel's green hair and hazel eyes, combined with her smaller stature, gave her a pure, innocent charm that was striking in its own way.

Loriel's face turned bright red, and she stammered something incomprehensible before looking away quickly.

After that, they began strolling through the city. Leon used the telepathic ability he'd learned from the Kirin, speaking directly into their minds.

Good news. They use the same currency here—bronze, silver, and gold coins. I have plenty of those.

Both women nodded, relief washing over them. At least they wouldn't have to worry about money.

Loriel couldn't even feel shocked now by the fact that he spoke directly into their minds, could, as she was growing numb to Leon's extraordinary abilities.

As they walked, the differences between this city and anything in the lower domain became starkly apparent. The architecture was more refined, buildings constructed with precision and artistry that spoke of advanced construction techniques. Carriages moved through the streets without horses pulling them—self-propelled through some kind of enchantment or mechanical system. Grand structures rose in the distance, their purposes unclear but their impressiveness undeniable.

Their target was finding a library, but after half an hour of wandering through unfamiliar streets, they hadn't spotted anything resembling one.

This city is massive, Leon thought. We won't find what we need tonight.

He stopped walking and turned to the others. "Let's find a place to stay for the night. We'll search properly tomorrow when we're rested."

They continued for another ten minutes until they came across a 7-story hotel. People were constantly entering and exiting, and the building had a well-maintained appearance that suggested it was a popular destination.

This should work.

They entered together, and Leon was pleased to note that no one gave them suspicious looks. Their new clothing had done its job—they blended in perfectly with the city's residents.

At the reception desk stood a woman with short blonde hair, sharp features, a small nose, and a slightly oval face. She was attractive in a professional way, maintaining a pleasant smile as she attended to guests.

"Excuse me," Leon said politely. "Do you have any rooms available?"

The receptionist's eyes widened slightly as she looked up at him. Two things registered immediately in her mind.

I've never seen him before. And he's... incredibly handsome.

If someone like him lived in this city, she would have definitely heard about it. And then there was the subtle accent in his speech—barely noticeable, but present. He wasn't from here.

A traveler. A very handsome traveler.

Normally, she would have told him they only had a few reserved rooms in name. But for someone like this? She could make an exception. Those regulars who showed up late could find somewhere else for once.

It wasn't an actual reservation, so it's no problem for me...

"Yes, we have rooms available," she said with her most charming smile.

"We'll need two rooms," Leon replied.

The receptionist's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second as she glanced behind him at the two women accompanying him. She'd barely noticed them before, too focused on Leon himself.

Two rooms. Interesting.

Her mind immediately made assumptions about the situation, though she kept her expression professionally neutral.

"That will be twenty silver coins," she said smoothly.

Leon reached for the pouch attached to his waist and counted out the exact amount, placing the coins on the counter.

The receptionist took the money and then did something unusual—she personally led them to their rooms rather than having a staff member do it.

I want to see who goes into which room, she admitted to herself, curiosity burning.

Leon found it slightly odd that the receptionist herself was showing them the way, but he said nothing.

They reached the second floor, and the receptionist gestured to two adjacent doors. Leon and Seraphine entered one room together. Loriel entered the other alone.

The receptionist's eyebrows rose slightly at the arrangement. Still, she maintained her professional demeanor as she bid them goodnight and departed.

Inside their room, Leon and Seraphine found the space well-appointed and comfortable. The bed was large, the furnishings clean, and a small window offered a view of the city streets below.

"Let's wash up," Seraphine suggested with a meaningful smile.

They showered together, hands exploring familiar territory as warm water cascaded over their skin. Afterward, they made their way to the bed, bodies still damp and hearts racing.

They made love slowly, savoring each touch and whispered word. Seraphine's soft moans filled the room as Leon's hands mapped every curve of her body, and when they finally collapsed into each other's arms, completely spent, neither wanted to move.

They fell asleep tangled together, her head resting on his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her.

Morning light filtered through the window, waking them gently. They dressed in comfortable silence, exchanging small smiles and casual touches.

Leon opened the door to step into the hallway—and immediately found Loriel standing there, dark circles prominent under her eyes.

She looked exhausted, miserable, and absolutely mortified all at once.

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