Seeing that Leon had actually exposed his Falna in front of her—a gesture that went far beyond the usual boundaries between different Familia, Ais was momentarily stunned.
A soft wave of warmth, unfamiliar and uninvited, welled up inside her chest. She understood exactly what this meant.
The information contained in a Falna wasn't just private—it was sacred. It was the essence of an adventurer's power, progress, and potential. It was everything that made them who they were.
To reveal it so openly was akin to standing bare before someone, stripped of armor, of secrecy, of defense.
And Leon had just done that… for her.
Ais couldn't read the sacred text, but Leon wasn't certain whether she could interpret it or not. But he still chose to trust her unconditionally.
She hadn't asked to see his Falna. She merely wanted an answer—a glimpse into the path he had taken to reach such astonishing strength so quickly.
But instead of deflecting or offering vague reassurances, Leon had chosen trust. A trust so deep that it shook something inside her.
She stood silently, overwhelmed, as Leon continued, "Ais, my Falna was just updated a few days ago—when I leveled up to Level 4."
He said, voice calm as he knelt to allow the candlelight to illuminate his back more clearly. "After fighting Argana and Bache last night, I returned to report the battle to my god. This is the result."
"You may not be able to read the sacred text, but the values themselves should be clear enough."
"I didn't lie to you, Ais. The reason I've been growing so fast—it's simply because of my potential. That's all."
His words were steady and honest, without even a trace of hesitation. With his back turned, the muscles of his shoulder blades flexed subtly as he remained still, allowing her all the time she needed to look.
Ais's eyes, as if drawn by an invisible force, slowly roamed over the glowing hieroglyphs engraved upon his back—the numbers, the values, the marks of divine blessing. Her expression subtly changed, the golden light of the flame reflecting in her amber eyes.
"...It's just one battle." She whispered, stunned. "And it increased so much already?"
"Your talent... it's terrifying."
"No wonder… no wonder you could grow so fast."
She reached out unconsciously, her slender fingers gently grazing the skin of Leon's back. There was no romantic intent in her touch—only awe, and a silent understanding. The Falna didn't lie. It couldn't.
She had seen adventurers who clawed and bled for single-digit increases after life-or-death battles. But Leon… Leon soared.
"Ah… so that's why you asked." Leon murmured as he turned back to face her. He dressed quickly and gave a rueful smile.
"You wanted some kind of shortcut to becoming stronger. But I'm afraid… I don't have one to give."
"I'm sorry."
Ais lowered her head, her bangs covering her eyes, and her voice softened to a whisper. "Please forgive my willfulness."
Her shoulders trembled ever so slightly. She had dared to ask him something bold, something selfish and yet instead of anger, he'd met her with vulnerability. His trust, his honesty, it all weighed heavily on her heart now, mixing with guilt and disappointment.
She had wanted to believe that Leon had some secret method. Some trick or blessing that she could learn or copy. But now… now she knew the truth.
He had shown her something he would never have shown to anyone else.
"Don't worry about it." Leon said gently, stepping forward.
He placed his hand softly atop her head, ruffling her golden hair as if she were a younger sibling. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Ais didn't answer right away. She only nodded, slowly. Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides. The warmth from Leon's hand didn't disappear, even after he pulled away.
But Leon wasn't blind. He could see the shadow in her expression—the lingering disappointment.
He didn't blame her. He understood better than anyone the feeling of helplessness that came when you wanted power but couldn't reach it.
And in that moment, something surfaced in his thoughts—the Angel Reincarnation Pool.
Leon's eyes narrowed faintly.
The system had just given him something miraculous. The ability to transform individuals into angels through reincarnation, enhancing their potential, their growth, and their strength… beyond mortal limits.
Even a two-winged angel, the lowest form, could rival Level 4 or 5 adventurers. And Ais had more potential than most.
But there was a catch. Anyone who underwent angelic reincarnation would become his subordinate.
Leon hesitated. He didn't want to see that as he felt it would ruin the friendship between him and Ais.
Would offering this to Ais betray the very trust she had just begun to accept?
Then—
"...What's wrong?" Ais raised her head. Her golden eyes peered into his face, confused. "You're… hesitating again."
Leon blinked. Then, after a moment of deliberation, he made up his mind.
He wouldn't decide for her.
"Ais, I… I might have a way to help you become stronger. Quickly. But… it comes with a price."
Ais's eyes widened. She stepped forward quickly, urgency returning to her voice. "What method? What price? Can I pay it?!"
Leon looked at her for a long moment. Then he answered honestly, "I can awaken your potential. Give you strength. Power that you've never imagined before. But in return, you would become my subordinate."
Ais blinked. "Subordinate…? As in… I would belong to you?"
"In a way, yes."
Ais's breath caught.
The answer stunned her—not because she feared servitude, but because… it would change everything.
She remembered how hesitant Leon had been earlier, how he had fought with himself before offering this. Not because he didn't trust her, but because he did. And because he feared what this would do to their bond.
If she became his subordinate… could they still be friends?
She softly asked, "Leon, if I become your subordinate… can we still be friends?"
Leon was stunned by the question. He hadn't expected it. But as he looked into her sincere, vulnerable expression, clarity bloomed in his mind.
Friendship wasn't defined by status, nor by roles. It was the bond they held, the trust between them, the warmth they shared.
Even if she became his angel… she would still be Ais.
"…Yes. We'll always be friends." He said at last, his voice filled with quiet certainty. "That will never change."
Ais's golden eyes widened slightly, then softened.
"…Then… please," she said, "Give me that strength."
She hesitated for a heartbeat. Then, slowly, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him.
Leon's eyes widened as he felt the warmth of her slender frame press against him.
"Thank you, Leon." She whispered, burying her face against his chest.