Leo spent some time with Astra before heading out to kill the monsters invading the northern lands, who were causing trouble for the Demon Queen and traders. A loud boom echoed across the land as he left the nearly completed palace and raced through the air.

'Flying is amazing and always feels free,' he mused while swooping through a small group of trees.

Once arrived at the spot, Astra told him that an hour later, he sensed the creatures roaming below fighting against other beasts. A smile crossed his face as he started hunting. He dived down and surprised the strange spider-like monsters.

He didn't bother using his defense as his spells turned to ash thanks to being overpowered. Explosions lit up the sky as his magic turned them into dust. His Demonic Knights rushed around slaughtering any stragglers.

Leo continued forward, his senses honed as he tracked the remaining monsters through the north. His magic flared like a lighthouse in the dark, each spell a burst of mana that reduced the creatures to ash.

The air crackled thanks to his power, and the ground trembled beneath the advance of his knights, who cut down the last of the fleeing beasts. Hours passed in a blur of fighting until, at last, no more beasts remained.

Following that, Leo was perched on the sturdy branch of an ancient oak, offering a clear view of the trade road below. It was proof of his armies' labor, stretched across the landscape, its cobblestones gleaming faintly under the moonlight.

Caravans would soon travel its length, bringing prosperity to the new empire that he created out of the ruins of the old world. For now, he sat in silence, his red eyes scanning the horizon, ensuring no threat remained to challenge the fragile peace he had fought to secure.

Following that, Leo noticed a procession emerging from the morning mist, an unexpected sight that made him lean forward. Demi-Humans with furred ears and clawed hands walked alongside Humans, their worn cloaks fluttering in the breeze.

Behind them, Demons moved and traveled while chatting among themselves, their steps oddly synchronized alongside a small group of Elves, whose elegant forms and pointed ears stood out under the dawn's light.

Leo observed the travelers below, merchants leading carts and wanderers, their faces marked by relief rather than fear. His efforts in purging the lands of monsters had tamed the once-perilous route.

The trade road now buzzed thanks to his campaign. His attention shifted to a Road Stop not far off, where soldiers stood guard, their spears glinting in the morning sun. Curious, Leo leaped from the branch, his form cutting through the air as he flew toward the outpost.

He landed lightly just outside its wooden palisade, his arrival sending a ripple of shock through the people there. Gasps and murmurs erupted as they recognized him as their new ruler, but he wasn't bothered by the attention.

Leo crossed the threshold of the Road Stop, his boots stirring faint clouds of dust as the heavy wooden gates creaked shut behind him. The soldiers at the entrance exchanged hushed whispers, their eyes flickering between reverence and trepidation.

The outpost thrummed. Its central courtyard was a hive of activity that stood in defiant contrast to the war-torn northern lands he had once heard about. The air was alive with the scents of charred meats, warm bread, and the heady tang of exotic spices.

Colorful decorations fluttered over wooden stalls, their vibrant shades catching the late afternoon sun, while the clatter of pots and the rhythmic calls of vendors filled the space with an infectious energy.

Drawn irresistibly by the aromas, Leo weaved through the crowd, his presence parting the sea of people like a ship through calm waters. His sharp senses, still attuned from the hunt, now lingered on the upcoming feast.

At the heart of the courtyard, a grizzled Demi-Human vendor tended a small fire, turning skewers of spiced boar that hissed and popped over the flames. The man's ears twitched as he caught sight of Leo, his weathered face breaking into a toothy grin.

''Finest boar in all the north, my lord!'' he called, his voice full of pride as he extended a sizzling sample.

He accepted it, the tender meat bursting with smoky heat and herbs that stirred a rare hunger. Nodding as he fished a handful of silver coins from his pouch, he exchanged them for a skewer piled high, perfectly charred meat.

His appetite whetted, Leo moved deeper into the market, drawn to a stall where an Elven baker, her silver hair braided intricately, arranged golden-crusted loaves on a woven mat in front of her.

The air around her stall was fragrant thanks to the rosemary, thyme, and a faint sweetness that hinted at wild honey. She met his gaze, her emerald eyes glinting. ''Fresh from the oven,'' she said softly, gesturing to a loaf.

Leo took the offered bread, its warmth seeping through his calloused hands, and tore off a piece. The crust crackled satisfyingly, giving way to a soft, fragrant interior that tasted of the earth and the care of its maker.

He handed over another coin, adding the loaf to his growing collection of provisions. With his purchases cradled in one arm, Leo found a quiet perch on a low stone wall at the edge of the courtyard.

From there, he could watch the flow of the Rest Stop's life, Demi-Humans bartering, Devils haggling over trinkets, and Elves weaving through the crowd. The scene was proof of the fragile peace his battles had carved out.

As he savored the spiced boar and tore into the warm bread, the weight of his earlier fight began to lift, replaced by a fleeting sense of contentment. Yet, even as he ate, his sharp eyes scanned the horizon beyond the outpost.

Following that, Leo finished his bread but was still hungry. He walked around the Rest Stop until he found a stall that looked out over the grassland, and he sat down as an old woman turned to him.

Her eyes widened in shock when she realized who he was and quickly bowed. ''My Emperor,'' she said respectfully. ''What can I do for you?''

''Give me one of everything, please,'' he answered while handing over a few gold coins.

Leo leaned back on the worn wooden stool, his eyes fixed on the old woman as she worked her magic at the bustling stall overlooking the golden grassland, thanks to being on top of a hill.

Steam rose in fragrant clouds from a bubbling pot, and her hands moved, tossing noodles into boiling water. She darted between sizzling woks, her spatula dancing as she stirred vegetables and meats.

One by one, she filled bowls with steaming noodles, ladling rich, aromatic broth over each, her movements quick yet precise. Leo's mouth watered as she sprinkled fresh herbs and a drizzle of chili oil, each bowl a colorful masterpiece.

She glanced up, catching his awestruck gaze, and offered a smile while sliding the first bowl his way, the pile of dishes growing as she worked to fulfill his order. The sizzle of the wok and the clatter of her spatula filled the air.

Moments later, she slid the first steaming bowl of noodles in front of him, its golden broth swirled thanks to the tender greens and glistening slices of meat. One by one, more bowls appeared, each a vibrant masterpiece.

A spicy red broth burst thanks to the chili oil and plump shrimp, followed by a creamy sesame-infused dish of silky noodles, then another featuring tofu and mushrooms in a savory glaze.

Leo's grin spread wide as the counter overflowed thanks to his dishes. The old woman's hands moved in a blur. She stepped back, wiping her brow, her shy smile radiant with pride as he marveled at the feast.

Following that, he started eating while watching the dark landscape as dark clouds appeared above the Road Stop. He glanced up only to notice a storm was about to hit, causing people to flee toward the buildings.

Instinctively, Leo created a shimmering shield around the cozy stall, its faint glow encircling the counter to keep his meal undisturbed. The old woman's eyes sparkled with gratitude, her soft Thank you, Emperor barely audible over the sudden patter of rain.

As others outside scrambled for cover, the downpour drumming against the shield, Leo savored his steaming noodles, the warmth of the moment wrapping around him like the fragrant broth in his bowl.

Just then, he sensed an enemy closing in on the Rest Stop, causing him to vanish; he materialized in front of a massive, enraged troll. The monster swung a massive club at him, but he easily blocked it.

Leo lashed out with a powerful punch that caused a loud boom to ring out as the creature was blown apart. More of them appeared, but he killed them with a single wave of his hand that burned them to nothing.

After that, he returned to the stall like nothing had happened as the soldiers rushed out to gather up any resources that were left.

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