The sand below was swept up, forming a sizable sandstorm.

Visibility within a forty-meter radius was completely obscured, leaving Merzen's fate unknown after being struck by Leon.

A few minutes later, the storm gradually cleared, and Merzen's massive figure slowly came into view.

But this time, it looked utterly wretched. Its enormous body had been cleaved in two, with blue blood seeping from deep gashes across its form.

Leon exhaled lightly and released his grip on the Holy Sword of Zenith.

In an instant, the sword dissolved into light and shot into his forehead.

"That monster was really weak," he muttered, shaking his head.

Although he knew Merzen was merely a low-level monster that had gained wisdom by chance, he had hoped it could withstand his usual attack.

Unfortunately, his expectations had proven too high.

"Leon!"

Just then, Jasmine's anxious voice called out from behind.

He turned to see her rushing toward him, with Elaruk following closely.

"Hah… Hah…" Jasmine panted as she came to a stop beside him, her eyes full of concern. "Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

Without hesitation, she reached out and began examining Leon from head to toe, running her hands over his body in search of injuries.

Her sudden action left both Leon and Elaruk momentarily stunned.

"Ahem!" Leon coughed, taking a step back. "I appreciate your concern, Jasmine. But there's no need to worry—Merzen didn't hurt me at all."

Jasmine immediately realized how inappropriate her actions had been, and her face turned as red as an apple.

Fortunately, Leon didn't mention it further, which helped ease her embarrassment.

"Thank goodness," Jasmine murmured with a gentle smile.

That smile was so beautiful and captivating that Leon found himself briefly dazed before snapping back to focus.

"Leon," Elaruk called, his eyes fixed on Merzen's lifeless body lying twenty meters ahead. "Did you kill it?"

He turned toward her, his expression hesitant and uncertain. She already suspected the truth, but hearing it directly was sometimes the only way to erase doubt.

And Leon understood that. With a small nod, he said, "Yes. Merzen died by my hand."

Elaruk took a deep breath, trying to calm her pounding heart.

Jasmine was just as stunned. She had come to accept that Leon was no ordinary man, but witnessing his strength firsthand made her feel small in comparison.

"Chief, I leave Merzen's body in your care," Leon said suddenly, breaking the two out of their thoughts.

Elaruk looked at him in surprise. "Are you sure, Leon? You're the one who killed it. The flesh and shell should be yours. Even if the shell is split in half, it's still a reward you deserve."

In their tribal tradition, hunting a powerful beast or monster wasn't just about meat or materials—it was a matter of pride, especially for men. Lоvе this stоry? Shоw suppоrt аt МV2LЕМРYR.

What one hunted stood as proof of their strength and ability.

Merzen was considered a legendary creature in their stories. To defeat it was an undeniable achievement.

Had Leon been a member of the tribe, he could have easily been named the next chief after such a feat.

After all, to be chieftain meant to be strong—someone capable of providing for the tribe and protecting them from threats.

But Leon had no interest in that. Shaking his head gently, he declined, "I appreciate your offer, but I don't need it. Merzen was just a weak monster—one that could be killed at any time."

If those words had come from anyone else, Elaruk would've scoffed and dismissed them as nonsense.

But it was Leon who said them—and naturally, Elaruk believed him.

Leon's strength was undeniable, and Merzen's swift defeat was all the proof anyone needed.

"Hah..." Elaruk sighed, then smiled wryly. "If that's your decision, I won't insist. Incidentally, Merzen's meat is delicious. We tasted it once—about two years ago—when I killed another Merzen. So, would you join us for the feast?"

"Of course." Leon smiled faintly and gave a slow nod. "I look forward to it."

Elaruk felt relieved, and his smile returned. His gesture of friendliness wasn't an attempt to curry favor with Leon—it came from genuine sincerity.

No matter the reason, Leon had helped him and his tribe in a way they might never be able to repay.

Soon after, Elaruk summoned a group of men—ranging from the young to the middle-aged—to carry Merzen's massive body.

At first, they were shocked to see Merzen lying dead. Many assumed it had been Elaruk's doing.

But after hearing his explanation, their astonishment turned into admiration for Leon.

Their earlier impression of him as a distant outsider began to shift—replaced by a sense of familiarity and even respect.

Leon noticed the change, but he didn't pay it much mind. He simply nodded with a faint smile.

"Leon," Jasmine called from in front of him.

He turned toward her and asked, "What is it, Jasmine? Do you need something?"

She looked at him with a trace of concern in her eyes. Her lips parted slightly, as if to speak, but then she stopped herself.

"It's nothing..." she said softly.

***

Nighttime...

Unlike usual, when night was a time for the tribe to rest, this evening was lively—filled with laughter from both men and women.

A two-meter-high bonfire blazed at the center, and people danced around it hand in hand.

The festive atmosphere created a warm and intimate scene among the tribe members.

About five meters from the fire, Leon sat on a rock, sipping the tribe's signature wine.

It was sweet, bitter, and slightly sour—an odd combination, yet somehow harmonious. The flavor was difficult to put into words.

One thing was certain: it was naturally delicious and refreshingly smooth. It was surprising that a remote tribe could make such fine wine.

"Leon," came a voice from his left.

He turned and saw Jasmine standing there. With a warm smile, he shifted slightly to the side, as if to make room.

Jasmine smiled back and slowly sat beside him. The rock wasn't large, so their bodies naturally touched.

Leon could feel her soft, smooth skin and the gentle, refreshing scent of her body.

"By the way," Jasmine said, handing him a bowl with her right hand, "this is soup made from Merzen meat. It tastes really good. Try it."

Leon accepted it without hesitation. Under Jasmine's expectant gaze, he lifted the spoon and took a sip.

The sour, savory, and slightly sweet flavors danced on his tongue. Without thinking, he picked up a piece of meat and took a bite.

His eyes widened. "It's delicious!"