Leon leaned against a stone wall, his eyes locked onto Dante Nightfall as the young warrior examined a row of iron swords at the weapon shop.
In his past life, Dante had started as a nobody, but within a year, he had become a legendary War God, wielding a blade that could cut through mountains.
But this time, Leon had the chance to interfere early.
The question was—should he?
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Observing the Future Powerhouses
Leon wasn't the only one keeping track of potential threats and allies.
Across the city, he spotted other key figures from his past life:
Evelyn Starcaster – A young mage, currently struggling to cast even basic spells.
Kai Silverwind – A cloaked figure already sneaking into a side alley, likely heading toward the Assassins' Guild.
Alec Drayden – A future strategist, currently arguing with an NPC about a map.
Leon smirked.
> "They look so weak right now… but I know what they'll become."
If he let history repeat itself, these players would grow into powerhouses that would shape the world.
But if he intervened now—he could reshape the future entirely.
---
Approaching Dante
Leon finally made his decision.
He pushed off the wall and casually walked into the weapon shop, stepping beside Dante as the young warrior picked up a basic steel longsword.
"It's too heavy for you," Leon said calmly.
Dante blinked and turned, frowning. "What?"
Leon picked up a lighter, well-balanced saber from the rack. "Your fighting style doesn't suit heavy blades. If you want to survive out there, go for something that lets you move freely."
Dante hesitated, then glanced back at the longsword in his hands.
He seemed skeptical, but Leon could already tell—the seed of doubt had been planted.
> [Dante Nightfall's Favorability: +5]
Leon smirked. Step one, complete.
---
Building Connections
Over the next few hours, Leon subtly interacted with various future powerhouses without drawing too much attention.
He gave Evelyn a small tip on mana circulation, helping her cast her first real fireball.
He whispered a hint to Kai, leading the assassin toward a hidden skill trainer that only advanced players found.
He passed by Alec, "accidentally" dropping a marked map that led to the first major dungeon.
None of them realized it yet, but Leon was shaping their early paths—adjusting them just enough to ensure that their future growth would benefit him.
> [Evelyn Starcaster's Favorability: +3]
[Kai Silverwind's Favorability: +4]
[Alec Drayden's Favorability: +2]
Leon wasn't looking to befriend them.
He was positioning himself.
If they became strong, he would be at the center of their growth.
And if any of them ever became a threat—he would deal with them before they got the chance.
---
Behind the Scenes
As the sun began to set, the city of Valtor was already changing.
New players were forming parties, venturing out to hunt their first monsters.
Guild recruiters were roaming the streets, seeking promising talent.
And in the shadows, Leon moved unseen, his influence spreading like an invisible web.
He was no longer just a spectator.
This time, he was the one setting the pieces in motion.
---
One Step Closer
Leon exited the city gates, stepping into the dark wilderness beyond.
Now that the game had officially begun, it was time for him to make his next big move.
His goal was simple:
1. Continue leveling up and securing rare beasts before players got to them.
2. Control key future powerhouses and ensure their loyalty—or eliminate them.
3. Prepare for the major world events that would begin unfolding soon.
Leon took a deep breath, his eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
> "It's time to start shaping the world of Devia… into my own kingdom."
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