"Wait... If such a thing exists, why haven't you claimed the Lower World Core for yourself?" Sunny asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. The question was logical, yet the answer was elusive.

​Leonardo lowered his gaze to his tea, a flicker of something old and regretful crossing his face. "It's… complicated. There are oaths and restrictions that bind even the First Elder, Sunny. Limits you don't yet understand, placed there by powers far above us."

​He looked up, meeting Sunny's gaze with a heavy finality. "That is the only path I can offer. If you are prepared, I can transport you to the location."

​"What exactly should I expect in this 'location'?" Sunny asked, caution hardening his voice.

​"Everything," Leonardo answered simply.

​The single word was more stunning than any detailed warning, but Sunny nodded and asked: "Okay. What is the name of this place?"

​"The Mythic Realm," Leonardo stated, setting his teacup down with a light clink.

"Every world possesses one. They are singularities—places where the world's raw power is concentrated. In this realm, you will find more than just the Core. Expect impossibly powerful monsters, God-Rank treasures, and challenges that will test the very limits of your strength... This place is both hell and heaven to all."

​Sunny exhaled, processing the immense risk. "Even if I wanted to go, I can't. I don't have the time to be away from Eldoria right now."

​"You are in luck, truly." Leonardo snapped his fingers. Two polished gemstones appeared on the table with a soft thud: one a deep black ruby, the other a vibrant red ruby, both glowing with unknown energies.

​"The Black Gemstone will transport you directly into the Mythic Realm. It is a hidden, unknown place, and for the Lower World's safety, it must remain that way," he said. He gestured to the red one.

"The Red Gemstone is your egress. Crush it, and you'll return to this exact spot." Leonardo instructed like a teacher.

​Sunny nodded, then asked, "So, where does the luck come in?"

​"Time dilation," Leonardo explained:

"One hour here is equivalent to a day in the Mythic Realm. You have ten hours, at most. That grants you ten full days in the realm. In that time, you must locate the Core and successfully merge with it... If you fail, not only Eldoria but the whole lower world will fall."

​"Ten days for ten hours... That is perfect... And... I am doing this for my people, not to save the lower world." Sunny snatched the gemstones, and activated the System, initiating a call to Josephine.

'By protecting Eldoria, you are indirectly protecting the lower world.' Leonardo thought with a small smile on his face.

​A holographic screen shimmered above the table, and Josephine's face, lined with worry, appeared.

​"Love! Where are you?" she asked immediately, the title slipping out naturally now.

​Sunny glanced at Leonardo, who discreetly picked up his teacup, pretending to be absorbed in his drink.

​"I'm with the First Elder. I've found a way to become significantly stronger, but I'll need to be away for a few hours—ten hours at most."

​"A way? Is it dangerous?" she pressed, her emerald eyes searching his.

​"Ah, the right question," Leonardo whispered with an infuriating smirk, causing Sunny to shoot him a sharp glare.

​"It's certainly dangerous, Jo, but nothing I can't handle. It's only ten hours, remember?" Sunny tried to keep his tone light, then quickly changed the subject. "What about Ellen? How is she doing?"

​Josephine let out a soft sigh, her worry momentarily receding. "She's asleep. Be safe, Sunny. We will all be waiting. I'll see you tomorrow."

​Sunny smiled, feeling a genuine warmth at her concern. "Thanks, Jo. Can you stay close to Ellen?"

​"What kind of question is that?" Josephine frowned, then adjusted the screen to show their daughter, sleeping soundly beside her.

"After what I just experienced, I won't leave my baby girl alone. I'll be right here. You'll have to sleep alone, and you'll also learn how to put a lock on your cock."

​PIFFFF!!

​Leonardo, who had been trying to suppress his curiosity, promptly spat out his tea in a sudden, dramatic spray.

​"...."

Sunny stared, speechless.

​"Wait… Is someone there with you?" Josephine asked, suddenly confused by the noise.

​"Well... Leonardo is here," Sunny managed to say.

​"Oh no... He heard?" Josephine flushed red in embarrassment.

"Take care, love. We'll be waiting. Stay safe." She swiftly disconnected the call.

​"You embarrassed my wife," Sunny said, turning a cold gaze on Leonardo, who was frantically mopping his lips with a napkin.

​"I embarrassed your wife? Did you listen to what she said?" Leonardo scoffed, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face. "She embarrassed herself! And me!"

​Ignoring the elder's sputtered defense, Sunny stood up, the black gem cool in his hand.

​"After I return and this crisis is resolved, I have another question for you," Sunny stated, his tone brooking no argument.

​"I will be waiting," Leonardo said, pouring himself another calming cup of tea.

​"Tell me, what is the rank of the monsters in this Mythic Realm?"

​"God-Rank, spanning all stages. But the Core itself is... different," Leonardo replied, suddenly serious again.

​"What do you mean, different?" Sunny frowned, his hand tightening around the gem.

​"I mean the Core is a First Order powerhouse," Leonardo stated casually, as if discussing the weather.

"And you won't fight it, not if you can convince it to merge with you."

​"Wait! The Core is alive?" Sunny was stunned speechless, the stakes rocketing past anything he had anticipated.

​"Oh, yes. It's very much alive. And it is, without a doubt, the strongest entity in the Lower World's Mythic Realm. Good luck, Sunny. You have no time to waste."

​Sunny took a final, deep breath. He had his Bloodlines, his System, and his sheer will. He could win. With a resolute gaze that accepted the impossible challenge, he crushed the Black Gemstone in his hand.

​In a flash of void energy, God Wolf vanished, leaving Leonardo alone to contemplate his spilled tea and the Queen's astonishing final words.

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