For twenty years, Leon fought, struggled, and rose to the peak of Devia, the world’s most immersive MMORPG. He endured betrayals, wars, and countless hardships—only to meet his end in the final battle. But instead of fading into oblivion, he wakes up one year before Devia’s official launch… inside the game itself.

Now an NPC Beast Tamer in a world untouched by players, Leon holds the knowledge of the future—hidden legacies, powerful artifacts, and the true potential of the Beast Tamer class, a profession dismissed as weak in the early game but destined to reign supreme.

With a full year before players arrive and Devia merges with reality fifteen years later, Leon must carve out his place in this world, navigating its politics, uncovering its secrets, and growing strong enough to survive the chaos to come.

This time, he won’t just play the game.

He’ll control it.

The lord's estate was a stark contrast to the rest of Korrin Town. While the town itself was weighed down by fear, the estate remained well-guarded, its stone walls standing firm against the encroaching unease.


Leon and Jarek approached the iron gate, where two guards immediately stepped forward.


Leon pulled out the noble's request scroll and handed it over. "Lord Elric is expecting me."


The guards exchanged a glance before nodding. "Follow us."


The gates swung open, and they were led inside.


Lord Elric's study was richly furnished, a testament to his noble status. Thick velvet curtains blocked out the fading light, while bookshelves lined the walls. A large mahogany desk sat at the center, behind which the noble himself sat—a man in his late forties, with graying hair and sharp eyes.


He looked up as they entered, his gaze lingering on Leon.


Elric studied him for a moment before gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. "Sit."


Jarek, however, grinned and flopped down into one of the chairs. "Nice place."


Elric ignored him, focusing on Leon. "I assume you've already begun investigating?"


Leon placed the scroll back on the desk. "The situation is worse than you described. It's not just vanishing livestock—something is disturbing the entire region."


Elric's expression darkened. "Explain."


Leon gave a concise summary—the fear gripping the town, the survivor's account of the shadow in the sky, the strange markings near Black Hollow Hills.


By the time he finished, Elric's fingers were steepled in thought.


"A shadow that swallows the stars… I have never heard of such a thing."


Elric exhaled. "And you plan to go into the Hills?"


A moment of silence. Then Elric leaned forward. "Then I will offer you more than just a noble's gratitude."


Elric's voice remained calm. "If you can resolve this, I will reward you properly. Gold, connections—name your price."


But Leon wasn't here for money or titles.


He met Elric's gaze. "I want information."


Leon chose his words carefully. "On ancient sites. Forgotten ruins. Places of power."


Elric's expression barely changed, but Leon caught the flicker of interest in his eyes.


Elric studied him before nodding slowly. "Very well. If you succeed, I will grant you access to my archives. They contain records that even scholars have long forgotten."


Leon nodded. That was exactly what he wanted.


Jarek chuckled. "Look at you. Barely been here a day and already making powerful friends."


Leon didn't answer. His mind was already focused on the next step.


Tomorrow, they would enter Black Hollow Hills.


Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: A Bargain with the Lord